# 5K Run vs Run Joy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Run Joy at 85% against 5K Run's 24%. 5K Run's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (2.2K vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 5K Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Run Joy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

5K Run holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 5K Run has 2.2K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 24% of 5K Run's written reviews are positive against 85% of Run Joy'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, Run Joy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 5K Run | Run Joy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505/reviews)** | [1.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-joy-running-tracker/id6738649450/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.2K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 24.3% of reviews | **85.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 25 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Carlos Fernandez Mayor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1544231737) | [Alexander Senin](https://appshunter.io/developer/697788524) |

## 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


### Run Joy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-joy-running-tracker/id6738649450)

This app helps you plan and track your running workouts to achieve your fitness goals. It offers personalized training plans, interval training support, and detailed analysis of your pace, distance, and calories burned. Ideal for both beginners and experienced runners preparing for races or maintaining fitness.

**Highlights:** GPS running tracker, Interval training support, Personalized training plans, Pace, distance, and calorie analysis, Half-Marathon preparation tools, Intuitive analytics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Run PRO for a Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Run PRO for a Year | $29.99 | per year |
| Tip developer | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 5K Run free?

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

### Is Run Joy free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 5K Run or Run Joy?

5K Run is rated higher. 5K Run averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while Run Joy averages 1.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do 5K Run or Run Joy have ads?

Neither 5K Run nor Run Joy shows ads.

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

5K Run ships an update every 10 days, and Run Joy every 3 weeks. Most recently, 5K Run was updated on October 15, 2026 and Run Joy on October 16, 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.*