# RunBuddy vs SafeBeacon

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SafeBeacon at 95% against RunBuddy's 57%. SafeBeacon also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 18). RunBuddy's advantage is monetization model (freemium vs subscription). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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 SafeBeacon sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SafeBeacon holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SafeBeacon has 1.4K 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 95% of SafeBeacon's.

RunBuddy ships an update every 5 weeks, SafeBeacon every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | RunBuddy | SafeBeacon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runbuddy-safe-running/id1461485077/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/safebeacon-safety-tracker/id1588616662/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | **94.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 54 MB | 152 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Strategic Risk Transfers, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1461485076) | [SafeSignal](https://appshunter.io/developer/1859724885) |

## 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 |


### SafeBeacon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/safebeacon-safety-tracker/id1588616662)

This app provides real-time GPS tracking for solo outdoor activities like running and hiking. It allows designated contacts to follow your route live and receive automatic alerts if you stop moving unexpectedly or experience a crash. It offers peace of mind for loved ones without constant surveillance.

**Highlights:** Live GPS route tracking, Guardian access via browser link, Automatic stationary alerts, One-tap SOS with 911 integration, Automatic crash detection, Activity-based tracking

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| SafeBeacon Annual | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Reliable and trustworthy
- 🔒 Provides peace of mind and safety
- 🚀 Easy to use and intuitive
- 📈 Helpful for tracking activities and sharing location
- 👥 Appreciated by family and friends

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription model is frustrating for some users
- 🐛 Occasional app crashes and glitches
- 🔋 Battery drain concerns
- 🔀 Compatibility issues with other apps/devices

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent tracking and notification issues
- Difficulty importing/syncing activity history

**Requested features**

- Ability to pause/resume tracking
- Customizable alert settings
- Integration with other fitness/tracking apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RunBuddy free?

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

### Is SafeBeacon free?

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

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

SafeBeacon is rated higher. RunBuddy averages 4.3 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while SafeBeacon averages 4.8 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do RunBuddy or SafeBeacon have ads?

Neither RunBuddy nor SafeBeacon shows ads.

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

RunBuddy ships an update every 5 weeks, and SafeBeacon every 9 days. Most recently, RunBuddy was updated on November 3, 2026 and SafeBeacon on November 3, 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.*