EtchRock vs Ascend
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
EtchRock
Find local endurance events, follow organizers for new event alerts, and connect with friends to see their event participation. Access tickets and event details, and integrate with fitness apps for training.
- Discover local endurance events
- Follow event organizers for notifications
- Connect with friends and see their events
- Access digital event tickets
- Integrate with fitness apps (Strava, Fitbit, Runkeeper)
- Customize user profile
- Post training updates and photos
Read full descriptionHide full description
Discover local endurance events, follow event organizers to get a notification when they launch a new event and follow friends to get notified when they join an event. Access your EtchRock tickets and event information from within the app. Connect a fitness app and start training for the events you are taking part in. Profile Customise your profile with a photo, description and banner image Post training updates and tag the events you are taking part in Upload photos and tag them to the events you are taking part in Discover Discover local endurance events Connect with friends Find people with the same interests Events View event information Share events with friends Connect with other participants Get your tickets on your phone Notifications Event launch notifications from the event organisers you are following Event update notifications from the event you are taking part in Friends starts following you A friend joins an event Fitness App integration Strava Fitbit Runkeeper By downloading the app, you also agree to the EtchRock terms and conditions which are located at https://etchrock.com/terms-and-conditions
Ascend
This app offers intelligent, adaptive training plans for trail runners. It focuses on running impact and provides a comprehensive toolkit including cross-training, strength routines, and strategy sessions. Get personalized guidance to become a faster, stronger trail runner.
- Adaptive training plans
- Running Impact metric
- Trail-specific metrics
- Cross-training options
- Strength routines
- Fueling guidance
- Personalized coaching
Read full descriptionHide full description
AlbonApp is now Ascend. The app designed for trail runners and shaped by the trails. Become a faster, stronger trail runner with intelligent training that adapts to you. Whether you're preparing for a vertical kilometer, a rugged mountain ultra, or your next weekend adventure, Ascend creates a plan tailored to your current fitness level and future goals. Train smart and run strong with trail-specific coaching, metrics, and tools. Sign up risk-free for 14 days! Developed by elite trail runners, Ascend was born from a real need: training that truly works for the trails. Our groundbreaking Running Impact tool eliminates the guesswork from load management by measuring how each run mechanically affects your body – not just how far you went. Beyond just a running plan, you'll get cross-training options, strength routines, strategy sessions, prehab protocols, fueling guidance, and more. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program – it’s a complete toolkit for trail runners who want to train with purpose and arrive at the start line ready. Why trail runners choose Ascend Built Around Running Impact, Not Just Distance Trail running isn’t flat or predictable, and neither is your training load. That’s why our unique Running Impact metric tracks the mechanical stress of each run, helping you train smarter, lower your injury risk, and measure real progress based on what truly matters. Adaptive Training That Evolves With You Forget one-size-fits-all. Ascend delivers personalised training plans that adapt in real time to your evolving fitness level and goals. By analysing your workout history and integrating insights from Running Impact, Speed, and Cardio, our multidimensional model creates a truly tailored plan. Build Cardio Without Compromising Your Running Cross-training matters, but it shouldn’t skew your running goals. Ascend plans and tracks cardio training separately from running, ensuring your run progress stays visible, focused, and realistic. Trail-Smart Metrics & Insights Train with purpose using trail-specific analytics. Monitor your vert ratio, grade-adjusted pace, effort zones, and training progression over time. No fluff – just clear, actionable insights built specifically for trail runners. Fully Adaptable. Fully Yours. Plans should flex with your life. Move workouts, adjust your weekly training load, or add bonus sessions. Ascend comes with expert-backed recommendations, but you stay in control. Every Piece of the Trail Puzzle From strength training and prehab to fueling guidance and session tips, Ascend goes beyond a running plan. It’s a complete trail training toolkit designed to support you every step of the way. The Human Touch Questions? We’ve got answers – from real trail runners and world-class athletes, not bots. Whether it’s a training tweak or a race-day strategy, get guidance from people who’ve been there before. Because real advice beats algorithms. COMPATIBLE DEVICES Ascend syncs seamlessly with Strava (no premium account required), so your workouts and metrics are logged automatically – no extra steps needed. GET STARTED WITH YOUR 14-DAY FREE TRIAL Download Ascend and train with a plan that adapts to every climb and descent. Start your 14-day free trial today!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Ascend at 88% against EtchRock's 40%. EtchRock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (10.3 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Ascend sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per month. EtchRock asks for nothing beyond the download.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | EtchRock | Ascend |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | 87.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 10.3 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 21 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Etch Rock Limited | Albon App AS |
Customer experience
EtchRock
Ascend
In-app purchases
EtchRock
No in-app purchases
Ascend
- One month subscription14 Days trial$24.991 Month
- Yearly subscription14 Days trial$209.001 Year









