RunBetter vs Start Running
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RunBetter
This app helps runners prepare for race day by simulating course inclines on any treadmill. It offers a library of over 50 race courses and allows users to track progress and customize training. Expert coaching plans are also available for purchase.
- Simulates race course inclines
- Library of 50+ race courses
- Progress tracking for runs
- Customizable training programs
- Works with any incline treadmill
- No Bluetooth required
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WHY USE RUNBETTER Hassle Free, Easy to Use All you need is an Apple device and a treadmill with an incline function. As you run, the RunBetter app lets you know when to adjust your incline to mimic actual race course terrain. No special treadmill or Bluetooth connection required. Course-Specific Training Train for the elevation changes of popular race courses. Run the entire race course or a specific segment depending on your needs. Eliminate surprise hills and ascend strong and confident no matter how steep the terrain. Arrive on race day knowing you’ve already run the course virtually. Track Your Progress Run History allows you to record completed runs by date, segments run, average pace, distance, and time. Identify segments most challenging for you and adjust your training as needed to prepare for race day. Achieve Race Goals Don’t let unexpected hills along the course impact your goal race pace or finish time. Train to hit your goal time despite challenging inclines along the race course. Let RunBetter supplement your training so you know what’s coming on race day and train smart to achieve your goal. You can conquer those hills! Expert Customized Training Programs Available Further elevate your training with customized, course-specific training programs designed by two-time marathon Olympic Trials qualifier, Chris Wehrman. Each program incorporates treadmill and outdoor running that is race-specific and designed to prepare you for the actual terrain of your event. Arrive excited and ready to run your best race yet! HOW to RUNBETTER at YOUR RACE Download the RunBetter app to your Apple device. Select your race from our 50+ course library and incorporate segments into your training regimen. Record your runs within the app to track your progress and identify challenging segments. Revisit as needed to prepare for race day. Toe the line confident on race day knowing that you prepared virtually to conquer race course challenges. RACE COURSE LIBRARY Find your race among more than 50 road races and triathlons of all distances. Train for all the World Marathon Majors. Conquer the run portions of popular 140.6 and 70.3 tris, including Kona, Wisconsin, and Oceanside. New race courses added regularly. Don’t see your race? Contact us! RUN ON ANY TREADMILL, ANYWHERE Use the RunBetter app on any treadmill with an incline function. No other special equipment or Bluetooth connection needed. Just lace up your running shoes, choose your course, pick your speed and go! Never let inclement weather or living in flat terrain prevent you from maximizing your training to achieve your running and triathlon goals. You can run smarter, stronger, faster and better. EXPERT COACHING PLANS Expert course specific training programs developed by two-time marathon Olympic Trials qualifier Chris Wehrman are available for purchase within the app. Each program is unique and course-specific to prepare you for the elevation changes of the race you plan to run. JOIN the RUNBETTER COMMUNITY Follow the RunBetter community for running tips, product recommendations, race updates, give-aways, inspiration, motivation and encouragement! PAYMENTS and RENEWAL Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. Your iTunes account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription period and will identify the renewal fee. You can manage auto-renew preferences in your Account settings at any time after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when a subscription is purchased, where applicable. Terms of use: https://runbetterapp.com/terms-conditions/ Privacy policy: https://runbetterapp.com/privacy-policy/
Start Running
Beginner-friendly running plans to improve fitness, strength, and calorie burn. Offers guided workouts for various goals, from introductory runs to 5K training, with progress tracking and health app integration.
- Multi-week training plans
- Beginner to advanced levels
- Step-by-step workout guidance
- Audio coach
- Workout logging and progress tracking
- Apple Health integration
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Start Running without any previous experience required. Get fitter, stronger and burn more calories. Our running app’s workout routines will train you for the next stage in your running journey. Never ran before? Start with our Intro To Running plan. In 4 weeks you’ll be comfortable running without needing to stop. Looking to train for a 5k race? Give the 5K Race Builder plan a go. It’ll have you running 5k in a competitive time. Start Running will give you step by step instructions to guide you through your workout. You’ll know when to walk, jog or run and when to rest so you can steadily improve with minimal risk of injury. Each plan is designed to gradually become more challenging so your body can adapt and grow, without you burning out. Spend under an hour a day, a few times a week. You’ll be fitter, healthier and a much stronger runner! Features - Choose a multi week training plan to suit your fitness level. - Challenger workouts to work your whole body. - Audio coach to guide you through your running workouts. - Log your workouts and keep track of your overall progress. - APPLE HEALTH INTEGRATION: Connect your workouts to Health App to track your daily activity. Legal Disclaimer This app and any information given by it are for educational purposes only. They are not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program. If you upgrade to a premium Start Running subscription, payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. There is no increase in cost when renewing. Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal turned off in Account Settings in iTunes after purchase. Once purchased, the current period cannot be cancelled. Any unused portion of a free trial period is forfeited if you choose to purchase a premium subscription. Find the full terms and conditions at https://www.startfitness.life/start-running-terms.html, and our privacy policy at https://www.startfitness.life/start-running-privacy.html.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: RunBetter at 88% against Start Running's 0%. RunBetter also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4). Start Running's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. RunBetter sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Start Running sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
RunBetter holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 23 and 24 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of RunBetter's written reviews are positive against 0% of Start Running's.
RunBetter ships an update every 5 weeks, Start Running every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RunBetter | Start Running |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (23 ratings) — better | 4.4 (24 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 88.2% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 23 | 24 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 52 MB | 50 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | RunBetter LLC | Vigour Group Ltd |
Customer experience
RunBetter
Start Running
In-app purchases
RunBetter
- Course Builder - Monthly1 Month trial$9.991 Month
- Course Builder - Yearly1 Month trial$49.991 Year
- Big Sur Course$19.99
- Tokyo Course$19.99
- Mad Marathon Course$19.99
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- Cincinnati Course$19.99
- Big Sur - Coaching$119.99
- Boston - Coaching$119.99
- Chicago - Coaching$119.99
- New York - Coaching$119.99
Start Running
- Start Running Weekly$3.997 Days
- Premium Monthly$9.991 Month
- Premium Yearly7 Days trial$39.991 Year
Questions
Is RunBetter free?
Is Start Running free?
Which has better reviews, RunBetter or Start Running?
Do RunBetter or Start Running have ads?
Which is updated more often, RunBetter or Start Running?
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