# Run 5k vs Couch to 5K®

The clearest difference is rating: Couch to 5K® at 4.6 against Run 5k's 3.9. Couch to 5K® also leads on ratings volume (4.7K vs 67) and chart position (#5 vs unranked). Run 5k's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 66%) and price ($2.99 vs $4.99). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Run 5k costs $2.99 and Couch to 5K® $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Couch to 5K® holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Couch to 5K® has 4.7K ratings behind it against 67, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 79% of Run 5k's written reviews are positive against 66% of Couch to 5K®'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Run 5k ships an update every 2 months, Couch to 5K® every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run 5k | Couch to 5K® |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$2.99** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [3.9 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-5k-couch-to-5k-program/id313494823/reviews) | **[4.6 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/couch-to-5k-run-training/id448474423/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 67 | **4.7K** |
| Positive reviews | **78.9% of reviews** | 66.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#5** |
| Size | 74 MB | 141 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Felt Tip Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/306118159) | [Active Network, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/885139029) |

## What reviewers say

### Run 5k

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-5k-couch-to-5k-program/id313494823)

This app guides beginners from zero running experience to completing a 5k race over an 8-week program. It features interval training, animated stretching, and voice cues for pace and distance, even with a locked screen. It integrates with health tracking and offers an Apple Watch companion app.

**Highlights:** 8-week beginner training plan, Animated warmup and cooldown stretches, Voice cues for running and walking intervals, GPS tracking for pace and distance, Apple Watch app integration, Bluetooth heart rate monitor support, Health app integration

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and effective
- 🚀 Gradually builds endurance
- 💡 Helpful audio cues
- 👍 Motivating and enjoyable
- 👍 Versatile with music playback

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent audio cues
- 🐛 Tracking issues with Apple Watch
- 🐛 Bugs with screen locking
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 👎 Lacks advanced features

**Reported bugs**

- Duplicate workout recordings
- Workout timer resets unexpectedly
- Audio cues not working when screen is locked

**Requested features**

- GPS tracking and mapping
- Customizable interval timers
- Integration with other fitness apps
- Post-workout data and progress tracking


### Couch to 5K®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/couch-to-5k-run-training/id448474423)

**Currently charting:** #5 Top Paid · Health & Fitness, #90 Top Paid (US App Store)

This app guides new runners from a sedentary lifestyle to completing a 5K race. It offers a structured nine-week training plan with virtual coaches and audio cues. Track your progress, map routes, and log workouts to achieve your running goals.

**Highlights:** Structured 9-week training plan, Choice of 4 virtual coaches, Audio cues for workouts, GPS route mapping and distance tracking, Workout logging and progress sharing, Treadmill support with manual entry

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great for beginners
- 👍 Gradual progression
- 🚀 Effective training program
- 🚀 Helps build endurance
- 👍 Motivating coaches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitches and crashes
- 🔋 Drains battery
- 🔇 Audio issues with music volume
- 🤖 Annoying coach voices
- 🧭 Inaccurate GPS tracking

**Reported bugs**

- Timer freezing during runs
- Workout data not saving properly
- Inability to adjust completed workouts

**Requested features**

- Ability to preview upcoming workouts
- Option to customize intervals
- Integration with Apple Health/Fitness
- Standalone Apple Watch app
- Shuffle option for music playlists


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Run 5k free?

Run 5k costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Couch to 5K® free?

Couch to 5K® costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Run 5k or Couch to 5K®?

Couch to 5K® is rated higher. Run 5k averages 3.9 out of 5 from 67 ratings, while Couch to 5K® averages 4.6 from 4.7K ratings.

### Do Run 5k or Couch to 5K® have ads?

Neither Run 5k nor Couch to 5K® shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Run 5k or Couch to 5K®?

Run 5k ships an update every 2 months, and Couch to 5K® every 4 months. Most recently, Run 5k was updated on October 27, 2026 and Couch to 5K® on October 29, 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.*