# Run Trainer vs Run With Hal

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.

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.

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.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run Trainer | Run With Hal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861/reviews) | **[4.7 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-with-hal/id1437166081/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 198 | **2.8K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | **65.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 125 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Run Trainer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546716145) | [Peaksware, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/408047718) |

## 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


### Run With Hal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-with-hal/id1437166081)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Run With Hal+ 1 Month | $6.99 | per month |
| Run With Hal+ 6 Month | $35.99 | per 6 months |
| Run With Hal+ 1 Year | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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 25, 2026 and Run With Hal on September 18, 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.*