# 5K Run vs Zero to 5K

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | 5K Run | Zero to 5K |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505/reviews)** | [4.4 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zero-to-5k/id1531984184/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.2K** | 60 |
| Positive reviews | 24.3% of reviews | **69.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 25 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Carlos Fernandez Mayor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1544231737) | [Sebastien Gamache](https://appshunter.io/developer/1520645415) |

## What reviewers say

### 5K Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505)

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.

**Highlights:** Adaptive 5K training plan, Voice trainer for run/walk intervals, Flexible workout scheduling, HealthKit integration, Motivation and progress tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plan de entrenamiento 5K | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Motivating for beginners
- 💡 Gradual training program

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable sync with Apple Watch
- 🔒 Lack of customer support
- 💰 Hidden in-app purchases
- 🔄 Inability to repeat or restart stages

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and loses user progress
- Inconsistent tracking of distance and pace
- Issues with treadmill workouts

**Requested features**

- Ability to manually adjust training program
- More detailed workout information
- Integration with other fitness apps
- Audio cues for run/walk transitions


### Zero to 5K

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zero-to-5k/id1531984184)

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.

**Highlights:** 9-week progressive running plan, Alternating run/walk intervals, Audio cues for guidance, Adjustable difficulty, Heart rate training option, Background operation with notifications

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Full Access | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 5K Run free?

5K Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Zero to 5K free?

Zero to 5K is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, 5K Run or Zero to 5K?

5K Run is rated higher. 5K Run averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while Zero to 5K averages 4.4 from 60 ratings.

### Do 5K Run or Zero to 5K have ads?

Neither 5K Run nor Zero to 5K shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 5K Run or Zero to 5K?

5K Run ships an update every 10 days, and Zero to 5K every 3 months. Most recently, 5K Run was updated on August 23, 2026 and Zero to 5K on September 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*