# RunBetter vs Start Running

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | RunBetter | Start Running |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runbetter-treadmill-training/id1300336297/reviews)** | [4.4 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-treadmill/id1517198000/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **24** |
| Positive reviews | **88.2% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 52 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RunBetter LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1298747821) | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) |

## What reviewers say

### RunBetter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runbetter-treadmill-training/id1300336297)

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.

**Highlights:** Simulates race course inclines, Library of 50+ race courses, Progress tracking for runs, Customizable training programs, Works with any incline treadmill, No Bluetooth required

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Course Builder - Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Course Builder - Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Big Sur Course | $19.99 | one-time |
| Tokyo Course | $19.99 | one-time |
| Mad Marathon Course | $19.99 | one-time |
| Cincinnati Course | $19.99 | one-time |
| Big Sur - Coaching | $119.99 | one-time |
| Boston - Coaching | $119.99 | one-time |
| Chicago - Coaching | $119.99 | one-time |
| New York - Coaching | $119.99 | one-time |


### Start Running

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-treadmill/id1517198000)

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.

**Highlights:** Multi-week training plans, Beginner to advanced levels, Step-by-step workout guidance, Audio coach, Workout logging and progress tracking, Apple Health integration

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start Running Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RunBetter free?

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

### Is Start Running free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RunBetter or Start Running?

RunBetter is rated higher. RunBetter averages 4.7 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while Start Running averages 4.4 from 24 ratings.

### Do RunBetter or Start Running have ads?

Neither RunBetter nor Start Running shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RunBetter or Start Running?

RunBetter ships an update every 5 weeks, and Start Running every 3 weeks. Most recently, RunBetter was updated on November 4, 2026 and Start Running 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.*