5K Run vs Couch25K
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?
Couch25K
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Ready to go from couch to 5k? This is your ultimate, completely free running companion built for iOS 17 and beyond. Start your fitness journey with zero barriers—no subscriptions, no hidden costs, and absolutely unlimited use. Some data is needed if you link to Apple Watch or Apple Health, this is purley for your heart rate. I do not keep/store any of your data for any other use. It is not linked to you at all. You can enter this manually and not allow health. Your location is, again, purley so the app can give you a map. You can choose not to allow this.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Couch25K at none against 5K Run's 1. 5K Run's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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. Couch25K asks for nothing beyond the download.
5K Run ships an update every 10 days, Couch25K every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | 5K Run | Couch25K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (2.2K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 24.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2.2K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 25 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Carlos Fernandez Mayor | Eric Brooks |
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
Couch25K
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
5K Run
- Plan de entrenamiento 5K$4.99
Couch25K
No in-app purchases
