Comparison

Run Trainer vs Run With Hal

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

Run With Hal

This app provides personalized, adaptive training plans for various running distances, from 5K to 50K. It's guided by legendary coach Hal Higdon and adjusts to your progress, schedule, and goals. Features include GPS tracking, daily tips, and progress summaries to help you achieve your running ambitions.

Highlights
  • Adaptive training plans
  • Plans for 5K to 50K races
  • Daily motivation from Hal Higdon
  • GPS tracking
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Progress tracking and summaries
Features
Read full description

Train smarter, not harder, with Run With Hal. Powered by legendary coach Hal Higdon, the app delivers personalized, adaptive training plans that evolve with your goals, schedule, and performance. Whether you’re running your first 5K, training for a marathon, or tackling a 50K, Hal guides every step. **Features** - Adaptive plans that adjust automatically as you train - Plans for 5K, 8K, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon, Marathon, and 50K - Daily tips from Hal to keep you motivated - GPS tracking for pace, distance, and effort - Flexible scheduling with long-run customization and blackout dates - Progress tracking with charts, stats, and weekly summaries - Train for multiple races with blended adaptive plans Start your plan today and reach your marathon, half marathon, or race goals with Hal Higdon’s proven methods.

Screenshots

Run Trainer4 screens
Run With Hal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Run With Hal at 4.7 against Run Trainer's 4.4. Run With Hal also leads on ratings volume (2.8K vs 198) and review sentiment (65% vs 53%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 Run With Hal sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Run With Hal holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Run With Hal has 2.8K 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 65% of Run With Hal's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Run Trainer versus Run With Hal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRun TrainerRun With Hal
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (198 ratings)4.7 (2.8K ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.9% of reviews65.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings1982.8K — better
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRun Trainer B.V.Peaksware, LLC

Customer experience

Run Trainer

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

Run With Hal

All ratings2,847 ratings
Positive91.7%
Neutral3.0%
Negative5.3%
Written reviews302 reviews
Positive65.2%
Neutral10.9%
Negative23.8%

User reviews

Run Trainer

From 198 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

Run With Hal

From 2.8K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to follow plan
  • 🚀 Adaptive training
  • 💪 Helps achieve goals
  • 🎉 Great for beginners
  • 🤖 Structured and detailed

Room to improve

  • 🔀 Lacks flexibility to adjust schedule
  • 🤔 Questionable pacing recommendations
  • 🔌 No Apple Watch integration
  • 📊 Limited data tracking and feedback
  • 🐛 Technical issues and bugs

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

Run With Hal

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes during runs
  • Syncing issues with fitness trackers
  • Inconsistent pacing calculations
  • Inability to delete or modify existing training plans

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add ability to adjust schedule and swap workout days
  • Integrate with more fitness tracking platforms (Apple Health, Strava, etc.)
  • Provide more detailed performance feedback and analytics
  • Add audio/voice cues during runs
  • Improve cross-training logging and support

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
3 purchases

Run With Hal

Subscriptions3
  • Run With Hal+ 1 Month$6.991 Month
  • Run With Hal+ 6 Month14 Days trial$35.996 Months
  • Run With Hal+ 1 Year14 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is Run Trainer free?
Run Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Run With Hal free?
Run With Hal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Run With Hal?
Run With Hal is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while Run With Hal averages 4.7 from 2.8K ratings.
Do Run Trainer or Run With Hal have ads?
Neither Run Trainer nor Run With Hal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Run With Hal?
Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Run With Hal monthly. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Run With Hal on September 18, 2026.

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