Comparison

Ultra vs Trail Running Lab

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Ultra

Features
Read full description

This application has been designed for ultra-runners who want to use their AppleWatch during their ultra-trail workout. The application includes a specialized cartography and a simple interface which allows you to concentrate on your run. IMPORTANT: To support very long runs, the workout is recorded by the iPhone. The AppleWatch is used for displaying the metrics, the cartography and to record heart rates but is not mandatory and can be charged during the run without interrupting the recording. Thus it is not possible to use the AppleWatch without the iPhone. Features include: - Customizable iPhone and AppleWatch screens - Many metrics available: - Time and Distance - Positive and negative elevation - Pace and speed (actual, mean, ...) - Specialized cartography - GPX track display, including elevation graph if available in the GPX: - More than one GPX track can be loaded and displayed. - Each GPX track loaded can have a different color. - GPX track based metrics always aligned with the race profile: - travelled distance, positive and negative elevation - Remaining distance, positive and negative elevation - Elevation graph display on the iPhone and AppleWatch: - Elevation graph can be customized with user defined colors and slope ranges. - Roadbook on the iPhone and AppleWatch: - Add aid stations, passage points and life bases along your track. - Track food and drink-mix nutrition for each waypoint, with a per-life-base summary. - Set cut-off and planned times, with global or per-section adjustments. - Section information (distance, elevation) shown between waypoints. - Race planning and time estimation: - Plan your start time and per-waypoint stop durations on the Times screen. - Live estimated arrival times at each waypoint and at the finish. - Estimated trail duration in the trail list and trail detail screen. - Personal runner profile with VMA, automatically calibrated from Apple Health VO2Max. - Estimates factor in terrain difficulty and day/night, and can be calibrated from your past runs. - Weather along your trail (requires a subscription): - On-demand weather forecasts on the trail detail screen. - Coloured weather strips on the elevation graph: temperature, precipitation and forecast confidence. - Waypoint strips on the elevation graph: distance from start, planned time, cut-off time and name. - Trail run recording with Apple HealthKit support (up to 4 days long). - Heart rate colored zones - Phone and Watch battery status display on the AppleWatch. - AppleWatch Ultra Action button support for workout start and lap. - Stop button is protected by a random code to avoid any unexpected recording stop. - Recovery procedure to continue a recording in case you forgot to charge your iPhone during a multi-day race. - Low power consumption allows to record a 44 hour race with only a 5000mAh external battery connected to a fully charged iPhone Pro 14 in battery economy mode. The free version supports trails up to 40 km. A subscription unlocks unlimited trail distance and weather information. Users who previously bought the application keep full access. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy policy: https://ultra-trails.galette.net/#privacy

About

Trail Running Lab

This app provides personalized training plans and race day strategies for trail runners. It offers dynamic scheduling, pacing tools, and nutrition planning to help users achieve their goals. Connect with a community of runners and track your progress seamlessly.

Highlights
  • Personalized training plans
  • Race pacing and nutrition strategy
  • Strava and Suunto synchronization
  • Dynamic calendar and replanning
  • Community and club features
  • All levels welcome
Features
Read full description

Here is the English translation: Trail Running Lab - trail coaching designed by athletes from the UTMB circuit. The app guides you through building and executing your season. Personalized training plans Your complete, tailor-made plan: goal, level, schedule, and available time. Each session comes with a clear coaching intent. Pacing & nutrition Dedicated planning tool: target paces, segment breakdowns, and carb / hydration / electrolyte strategies. Designed for your race days (UTMB, CCC, MaxiRace, Diagonale), your FKTs, your GR crossings, and your long training runs. Strava and Suunto synchronization Your activities sync automatically. The app compares what was planned vs. what was completed and generates your debrief. 360° calendar view Yearly, monthly, and weekly views. Dynamic rescheduling based on your current form and unexpected events. We adapt to your life, just like a coach does. Community & clubs Sessions, RSVPs, and discussions among dedicated trail runners. Hosted by TRL athletes. Who is it for? For all levels. For all trail runners who want to structure their season and plan their goals: UTMB World Series races, FKTs, GR trails, and long-distance objectives. Crête Subscription Unlimited generation, personalized coaching, advanced analytics, and a dedicated race planning tool. 14-day free trial upon sign-up. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Ultra4 screens
Trail Running Lab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Trail Running Lab at every 5 days against Ultra's every 2 months. Trail Running Lab also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.4). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Ultra sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month and Trail Running Lab sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ultra ships an update every 2 months, Trail Running Lab every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
Ultra versus Trail Running Lab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterUltraTrail Running Lab
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.415.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size183 MB173 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperFrederic BagesTrail Running Lab

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Ultra

Subscriptions4
  • Basic (Monthly)$0.491 Month
  • Premium (Monthly)$0.991 Month
  • Basic (Annual)$3.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Premium (Annual)$8.991 Year
4 purchases

Trail Running Lab

Subscriptions4
  • TRL Crête Monthly$12.991 Month
  • Crete 3 month$29.993 Months
  • Crête Premium - 6 Months$59.996 Months
Show 1 more
  • Crête Premium - Annual$99.991 Year

Questions

Is Ultra free?
Ultra is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Trail Running Lab free?
Trail Running Lab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Ultra or Trail Running Lab have ads?
Neither Ultra nor Trail Running Lab shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ultra or Trail Running Lab?
Ultra ships an update every 2 months, and Trail Running Lab every 5 days. Most recently, Ultra was updated on October 18, 2026 and Trail Running Lab on October 6, 2026.

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