# Runner's Shadow vs Running Mate

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Runner's Shadow at none against Running Mate's 3. Runner's Shadow also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 29 months). Running Mate's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Running Mate sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Runner's Shadow asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Runner's Shadow against 5.0 for Running Mate. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Runner's Shadow ships an update every 6 weeks, Running Mate every 29 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Runner's Shadow | Running Mate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runners-shadow/id1579410078/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/running-mate-gps-run-tracker/id6448740551/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 29 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 26 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alumra Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/764172195) | [AppMaven, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/654059155) |

## What reviewers say

### Runner's Shadow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runners-shadow/id1579410078)

This app acts as a comprehensive companion for outdoor runners, consolidating run history from various sources. It helps track personal records, analyze courses, manage laps, and journal run experiences. Additionally, it offers shoe mileage tracking and photo integration for a complete running log.

**Highlights:** Consolidated run history from any supported app, Course tracking and personal bests, Interval lap management, Journaling for run reflections, Shoe mileage and lifespan tracking, Integration with Apple Health/Activity, Apple Watch app for on-the-go tracking

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


### Running Mate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/running-mate-gps-run-tracker/id6448740551)

This app tracks your runs, helping you discover new routes and celebrate achievements with virtual badges and exclusive rewards. It focuses on individual progress and personal bests, allowing you to set your own pace and soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Run tracking, Route discovery, Milestone badges, Exclusive rewards, Personal best focus, Customizable soundtrack choice

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 7 Days Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Runner's Shadow free?

Runner's Shadow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Running Mate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Runner's Shadow or Running Mate?

Runner's Shadow and Running Mate are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Runner's Shadow or Running Mate have ads?

Running Mate shows ads; Runner's Shadow does not.

### Which is updated more often, Runner's Shadow or Running Mate?

Runner's Shadow ships an update every 6 weeks, and Running Mate every 29 months. Most recently, Runner's Shadow was updated on November 3, 2026 and Running Mate 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.*