# 5K Run vs Couch25K

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | 5K Run | Couch25K |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2.2K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 24.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 25 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Carlos Fernandez Mayor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1544231737) | [Eric Brooks](https://appshunter.io/developer/6787730837) |

## 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


### Couch25K

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/couch25k/id6791901000)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 5K Run free?

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

### Is Couch25K free?

Couch25K is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do 5K Run or Couch25K have ads?

Couch25K shows ads; 5K Run does not.

### Which is updated more often, 5K Run or Couch25K?

5K Run ships an update every 10 days, and Couch25K every 3 weeks. Most recently, 5K Run was updated on October 18, 2026 and Couch25K on October 5, 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.*