# RunBuddy vs RunSmart

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RunSmart at 98% against RunBuddy's 57%. RunSmart also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 weeks). RunBuddy's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RunBuddy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and RunSmart sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $15.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RunSmart holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RunSmart has 117 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of RunBuddy's written reviews are positive against 98% of RunSmart's.

RunBuddy ships an update every 5 weeks, RunSmart every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RunBuddy | RunSmart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runbuddy-safe-running/id1461485077/reviews) | **[4.8 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runsmart/id1507476659/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **117** |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | **97.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 54 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Strategic Risk Transfers, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1461485076) | [RUNSMART ONLINE, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1507476658) |

## What reviewers say

### RunBuddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runbuddy-safe-running/id1461485077)

This app acts as a safety companion for outdoor activities like running or cycling. It allows trusted contacts to track your location in real-time and sends alerts if you encounter trouble. A subscription unlocks advanced safety features and activity tracking.

**Highlights:** Real-time location tracking for buddies, Automated and manual alert system, Panic button alerts (subscription), Stationary and overspeed alerts (subscription), Activity history log (subscription), Invite friends and family to track

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $9.99 | per year |


### RunSmart

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runsmart/id1507476659)

This app provides personalized running plans adapted by AI and physical therapists to meet your unique goals and schedule. It offers expert-designed strength training, yoga, and stretching routines to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Track your progress with detailed analytics and integrate with popular fitness devices.

**Highlights:** Personalized training plans, Expert-designed workouts, Flexible scheduling, Progress tracking, Strength training, Yoga and stretching routines, Device integrations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Renew - $15 | $15.00 | per month |
| Free Trial + Monthly | $15.00 | per month |
| RunSmart Pro - Monthly | $15.00 | per month |
| Annual Membership - $99/year | $99.00 | per year |
| Annual Renew - $119 | $119.00 | per year |
| Free Trial + Annual Membership | $119.00 | per year |
| RunSmart Pro - Yearly | $119.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RunBuddy free?

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

### Is RunSmart free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RunBuddy or RunSmart?

RunSmart is rated higher. RunBuddy averages 4.3 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while RunSmart averages 4.8 from 117 ratings.

### Do RunBuddy or RunSmart have ads?

RunSmart shows ads; RunBuddy does not.

### Which is updated more often, RunBuddy or RunSmart?

RunBuddy ships an update every 5 weeks, and RunSmart every 2 days. Most recently, RunBuddy was updated on September 19, 2026 and RunSmart on September 24, 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.*