5K Run vs Zero to 5K
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
5K Run
This app guides beginners from inactivity to running a 5K with a flexible, adaptive training plan. It offers audio cues during runs and integrates with HealthKit to track progress and Apple Watch activity.
- Adaptive 5K training plan
- Voice trainer for run/walk intervals
- Flexible workout scheduling
- HealthKit integration
- Motivation and progress tracking
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5K RUN is the easiest way to get you from couch potato to 5k. Our training plan will help you keep motivated and give your best in every workout. Don't give up, you can do it! 5K PLAN The training plan is design to help you keep motivated. It will let you know when you need to take a break and when it's time for another run. Run whenever you want, you don't need to set up a schedule of specific days for running, we all have busy days, or it's raining outside, or we're just tired. That's why our training plan adapts to you, giving you a time window to complete your workouts. Take your training to the next level! VOICE TRAINER During the runs, listen to your music and the voice trainier will tell you when it's time for you to run or walk. Set your goal and work to get there in a healthy way. HEALTHKIT INTEGRATION Run 5K integrates nicely with HealthKit, meaning that all your workout data will be available for you inside Run 5K and the Apple Health App. On top of that, all the races you save using Run 5K will contribute to filling the Activity rings on your Apple Watch. Isn't that cool?
Zero to 5K
This program guides beginners through a 9-week plan to run a 5K. It alternates running and walking intervals, gradually increasing running time. The app provides audio cues and allows users to repeat stages if needed. An optional heart rate training feature helps optimize effort.
- 9-week progressive running plan
- Alternating run/walk intervals
- Audio cues for guidance
- Adjustable difficulty
- Heart rate training option
- Background operation with notifications
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Zero to 5k is a running program designed for beginners. The plan consists of 3 activities per week, for a total of 9 weeks, where you will be alternating between running and walking. As you progress through the program, the amount of running will increase, while the amount of walking will reduce. At the end of the program, you will be able to run an entire 5km! The app will guide you through each stage, letting you know when and for how long to run or walk. While using the app in the background (i.e. your phone is closed while running outside), you will receive notifications with sound telling you how long to run or walk. If the stage you are at is too difficult, there is no problem with going back a few stages. Heart rate training is an alternative running program in Zero to 5k app that allows you to run within an optimal heart rate. Use your heart rate readings (bpm) during a workout to run within an optimal effort range. Receive notifications on your device when you reach your min and max heart rate to start running or walking. Calculating your effort range is made easy in Zero to 5K. Your age is a good estimator to calculate your optimal effort level. Your max heart rate = 220 - your age Optimal effort range is 75% - 90% of max heart rate. You can also manual adjust the min and max desired heart rate.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Zero to 5K at 69% against 5K Run's 24%. Zero to 5K also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). 5K Run's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (2.2K vs 60). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. 5K Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Zero to 5K sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
5K Run holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 5K Run has 2.2K ratings behind it against 60, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 24% of 5K Run's written reviews are positive against 69% of Zero to 5K's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
5K Run ships an update every 10 days, Zero to 5K every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on August 23, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | 5K Run | Zero to 5K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (2.2K ratings) — better | 4.4 (60 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 24.3% of reviews | 69.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 2.2K — better | 60 |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 25 MB | 20 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Carlos Fernandez Mayor | Sebastien Gamache |
Customer experience
5K Run
Zero to 5K
Bugs and requests
5K Run
Reported bugs
3 issues- App crashes and loses user progress
- Inconsistent tracking of distance and pace
- Issues with treadmill workouts
Requested features
4 requests- Ability to manually adjust training program
- More detailed workout information
- Integration with other fitness apps
- Audio cues for run/walk transitions
Zero to 5K
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
5K Run
- Plan de entrenamiento 5K$4.99
Zero to 5K
- Unlock Full Access$1.99
