# Run Trainer vs Start Running For Beginners

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Start Running For Beginners at 97% against Run Trainer's 53%. Start Running For Beginners also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 198). Run Trainer's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Run Trainer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Start Running For Beginners sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Start Running For Beginners holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Running For Beginners has 2.1K ratings behind it against 198, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Run Trainer's written reviews are positive against 97% of Start Running For Beginners's.

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, Start Running For Beginners every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run Trainer | Start Running For Beginners |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861/reviews) | **[4.7 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-for-beginners/id1254954672/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 198 | **2.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | **96.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 125 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Run Trainer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546716145) | [Axiom Mobile LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1111094628) |

## What reviewers say

### Run Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861)

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:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All features per month | $5.99 | per month |
| All features per 3 months | $15.49 | per 3 months |
| All features per month year | $43.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- Apple Watch standalone functionality without phone
- Integration with Fitbit and MyFitnessPal
- Integration with native Fitness app
- Weight loss tracking integration
- Treadmill mode improvements


### Start Running For Beginners

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-for-beginners/id1254954672)

This app guides beginners into running with a structured plan designed to increase jogging time gradually. It offers personalized coaching, detailed tracking, and voice feedback to help users achieve their fitness goals, including weight loss.

**Highlights:** Personal running coach, Couch to 5K training plan, Distance, speed, and pace tracker, GPS route tracking, Calorie counter, Voice feedback

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $1.99 | per month |
| Full Version | $4.99 | per 6 months |
| Full Version | $1.99 | one-time |
| Full version | $4.99 | one-time |
| Full version | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Gradual progression
- 💪 Helps build endurance
- 🎧 Allows listening to music
- 📈 Tracks progress

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Audio prompts can be difficult to hear
- 🔒 Requires payment to unlock full features
- 🧭 No treadmill mode
- 🔄 Inability to repeat previous workouts

**Reported bugs**

- Sync issues when changing devices
- App crashes or freezes occasionally

**Requested features**

- Add more customization options
- Provide more detailed workout statistics
- Integrate with fitness trackers
- Offer more advanced training plans


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Run Trainer free?

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

### Is Start Running For Beginners free?

Start Running For Beginners is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Start Running For Beginners?

Start Running For Beginners is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while Start Running For Beginners averages 4.7 from 2.1K ratings.

### Do Run Trainer or Start Running For Beginners have ads?

Neither Run Trainer nor Start Running For Beginners shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Start Running For Beginners?

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Start Running For Beginners every 3 months. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on September 14, 2026 and Start Running For Beginners on September 24, 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.*