# EtchRock vs Ascend

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | EtchRock | Ascend |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-shaped-by-the-trails/id1577830481/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| Positive reviews | 40.0% of reviews | **87.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 43 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.3** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Etch Rock Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1284701586) | [Albon App AS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1577830483) |

## What reviewers say

### EtchRock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/etchrock/id1284701587)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Ascend

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascend-shaped-by-the-trails/id1577830481)

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.

**Highlights:** Adaptive training plans, Running Impact metric, Trail-specific metrics, Cross-training options, Strength routines, Fueling guidance, Personalized coaching

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| One month subscription | $24.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $209.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is EtchRock free?

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

### Is Ascend free?

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

### Do EtchRock or Ascend have ads?

Neither EtchRock nor Ascend shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, EtchRock or Ascend?

EtchRock ships an update every 2 weeks, and Ascend every 2 weeks. Most recently, EtchRock was updated on November 3, 2026 and Ascend on November 7, 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.*