Comparison

Run Trainer vs The Run Experience

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

Head to head
About

Run Trainer

This app serves as a personal running coach and GPS tracker, offering guided training plans for various distances from Couch to 5K to half marathons. It provides audio coaching, detailed performance statistics, and seamless integration with Apple devices.

Highlights
  • Personalized training plans (Couch to 5K, 10K, Half Marathon)
  • Customizable training schedules (MyPlan)
  • Audio coaching with voice cues
  • Integrated music control
  • Free Run mode for untracked runs
  • Accurate GPS tracking with Apple Maps
  • Detailed performance statistics (SpeedMap, pace overview)
  • Apple Watch app for hands-free training
Features
Read full description

Get ready to hit your running goals, maybe even smash them, with Run Trainer, your personal running coach and GPS run tracker. Whether you’re a beginner dreaming of your first 5K with Start to Run (Couch to 5K) or an experienced runner training for a faster 10K or half marathon, our iOS app with Apple Watch support is built to guide you every step of the way. Improve your health, lose weight or simply stay in top shape with our built-in training plans, or build your own in minutes. Why runners choose Run Trainer Personalized training plans for every level - From Couch to 5K for absolute beginners to advanced plans for 10K, 15K and even a half marathon. - With MyPlan, you can easily create custom training schedules, perfect for recovery blocks or specific goals. - Our plans use a clear, effective 3-step approach: Walk, Jog, Run. Smart training with audio coaching - Get clear voice cues during every workout to guide your pace and structure so you stay on rhythm and motivated. - Enjoy your own music from Apple Music, Spotify, Podcasts or other apps. Run Trainer automatically lowers the volume for instructions so you stay focused. - Prefer running freely with tracking? Free Run lets you head out without a plan while still tracking your performance. Accurate GPS tracking & detailed stats - Record your route with live GPS using Apple Maps. - See distance, time, pace and calories at a glance. During and after your run. - Dig into performance details with the unique SpeedMap, showing exactly where you sped up or slowed down and where you can optimize your pace for better results. - Review a clear pace overview (min/km) across all your workouts to monitor progress and set targets. Seamless with your Apple devices - Leave your iPhone in your pocket or in the holder. The Apple Watch app shows live running data on your wrist so you can train hands-free. - Sync your training data effortlessly with our free cloud service and Apple Health for a complete view of your fitness and health metrics. Your progress, always within reach - Your stats sync automatically with your free account. - Never worry about losing progress. Log in and pick up where you left off, even on a new phone or after reinstalling the app. Run Trainer: by runners, for runners We believe in simplicity and effectiveness. Run Trainer is built by runners for runners, delivering an intuitive, motivating coaching experience. See why so many runners have appreciated its clarity and functionality for over 10 years. Try Run Trainer risk-free today. Enjoy a generous free period with access to all features, without automatic subscription renewal. Explore everything first, then decide if you want to become a member. Start your running journey now, improve your fitness and discover your full potential! Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

About

The Run Experience

This app offers daily audio runs, training videos, and structured programs for various running goals. It includes injury prevention routines, strength training, and a community forum to connect with coaches and other runners. Track your progress and stay motivated on your running journey.

Highlights
  • Daily audio runs
  • Training challenges
  • Weekly training videos
  • Injured runner program
  • Interactive running programs
  • GPS run tracker
  • Community forum
Read full description

Build a new healthy running habit, improve your body, conquer your next challenge, and even train for your next race with The Daily Run by The Run Experience! As featured in Runner’s World, Competitor Magazine, Triathlete Magazine, Strava, Men’s Health, 60 Minute Sports, Outside Magazine, Ragnar Relay Series, and Active. APP FEATURES & BENEFITS: - NEW Daily Run workouts featuring a 10 min audio run and a video warmup and cool down to build strength and range of motion. - MONTHLY training challenges on strength, form, nutrition, and speed. Earn prizes & badges! - WEEKLY Training Videos with full workouts, racing tips, and training advice. - Stay healthy & get back to running faster with the Injured Runner Program. - Easily search workouts based on time, fitness goal, and equipment needed. - Interactive programs for Beginner, 5k, Half Marathon, and Marathon. - Indoor workouts and exercises to build your fitness at home. - GPS tracker for all your runs. - Talk directly to coaches and connect with runners in our community. - Integrates with Apple Health to keep track of your progress. NEW DAILY AUDIO RUNS New daily audio runs alternate between form, breathing, speed, mystery, and motivation. Each day is new and different, keeping it fun while making you a better, fitter runner. Or choose the alternate strength and yoga workouts for the days you don’t want to or cannot run. TRAIN FOR ANY RACE OR GOAL If you have a goal or race in mind, we have structured progressive programs for you to follow. All programs include specific run workouts and directions, strength exercises and warmups, and access to coaching to keep you on track! Or join one of our live training challenges in The Daily Run, earn prizes, and become part of our community! STAY HEALTHY WITH STRENGTH & INJURY PREVENTION TRAINING 90% of overuse injuries that runners experience are preventable and self-treatable by building a stronger body with improved range of motion and mechanics. The Injured Runner Program walks you through the exact self-care routine you should follow for your injury or pain point. At The Run Experience, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best training available, and we have helped hundreds of thousands of runners all over the world. Now you can finally get all that training in your pocket. A premium subscription or a free trial is required in order to access the content of this app. —————— Learn more about our terms of service at https://api.ongo.app/tos or privacy policy at https://api.ongo.app/privacy

Screenshots

Run Trainer4 screens
The Run Experience4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Run Experience at 83% against Run Trainer's 53%. The Run Experience also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads 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. Run Trainer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and The Run Experience sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

The Run Experience holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 199 and 538 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Run Trainer's written reviews are positive against 83% of The Run Experience's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, The Run Experience every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Run Trainer versus The Run Experience: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRun TrainerThe Run Experience
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (199 ratings)4.8 (538 ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.9% of reviews82.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings199538 — better
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB119 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperRun Trainer B.V.The Run Experience

Customer experience

Run Trainer

All ratings198 ratings
Positive86.9%
Neutral3.0%
Negative10.1%
Written reviews121 reviews
Positive52.9%
Neutral9.1%
Negative38.0%

The Run Experience

All ratings538 ratings
Positive94.2%
Neutral1.5%
Negative4.3%
Written reviews152 reviews
Positive82.9%
Neutral3.3%
Negative13.8%

User reviews

Run Trainer

From 199 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Excellent for beginner runners
  • 🎯 Effective interval training structure
  • 🎵 Works with music in background
  • 📊 Good progress tracking and statistics
  • ⚡ Simple and easy to use interface

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent app crashes and glitches
  • 🔐 Difficult to cancel subscriptions
  • 💰 Misleading free trial/freemium model
  • 📱 Login issues and authentication problems
  • 🌐 WiFi-only connectivity requirement

The Run Experience

From 538 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Helpful training programs
  • 🚀 Comprehensive resources
  • 💡 Knowledgeable coaches
  • 👍 Supportive community
  • 👍 Effective for improving running

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy app performance
  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🔒 Privacy concerns
  • 👎 Poor customer service
  • 👎 Difficult to navigate

Bugs and requests

Run Trainer

Reported bugs

14 issues
  • App crashes mid-run and loses recording
  • Pausing workout causes progress restart
  • Login freezes and authentication failures
  • Sign-up form stuck on DOB slider
  • App won't open or keeps crashing
Show 9 more
  • Cellular connectivity not working
  • GPS not recording distance accurately
  • Voice command timing off by seconds
  • Text overlapping and display corruption
  • Music playlist won't save between runs
  • App logs out unexpectedly
  • Marathon pack programs inaccessible
  • Interface buttons showing incorrect text
  • Non-English content in settings

Requested features

10 requests
  • Apple Watch standalone functionality without phone
  • Integration with Fitbit and MyFitnessPal
  • Integration with native Fitness app
  • Weight loss tracking integration
  • Treadmill mode improvements
Show 5 more
  • More detailed feature documentation
  • Voice-only coaching option
  • Continued distance tracking after workout completion
  • Better music playlist management
  • Indoor running options

The Run Experience

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes during workouts
  • Inability to pause/resume workouts
  • Inconsistent tracking of runs

Requested features

4 requests
  • Integrate with fitness trackers
  • Offer more free content
  • Improve app stability and usability
  • Provide senior/military discounts

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Run Trainer

Subscriptions3
  • All features per month1 Month trial$5.991 Month
  • All features per 3 months3 Months trial$15.493 Months
  • All features per month year1 Year trial$43.991 Year
2 purchases

The Run Experience

Subscriptions2
  • TRE Training Club (Monthly)7 Days trial$19.991 Month
  • Running Training Club (Annual)7 Days trial$119.991 Year

Questions

Is Run Trainer free?
Run Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is The Run Experience free?
The Run Experience is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or The Run Experience?
The Run Experience is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 199 ratings, while The Run Experience averages 4.8 from 538 ratings.
Do Run Trainer or The Run Experience have ads?
Neither Run Trainer nor The Run Experience shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or The Run Experience?
Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and The Run Experience every 6 weeks. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on October 21, 2026 and The Run Experience on October 16, 2026.

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