# Run Trainer vs Run Roster

The clearest difference is price: Run Trainer at Free against Run Roster's $1.99. Run Trainer also leads on ratings volume (198 vs 1) and iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). Run Roster's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.4). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Run Trainer is free to download; Run Roster costs $1.99 up front. Run Trainer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Run Roster sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Run Roster holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Run Trainer has 198 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 53% of Run Trainer's written reviews are positive against 50% of Run Roster's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, Run Roster every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run Trainer | Run Roster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.4 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-roster/id1496557315/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **198** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **52.9% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 125 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Run Trainer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546716145) | [Dan O'Leary](https://appshunter.io/developer/1177083778) |

## 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 Roster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-roster/id1496557315)

This app helps you achieve your running goals by providing training plans for various race distances. Track your progress, record finish times, and store race day photos. It also offers Apple Watch integration and syncs with Apple Health for comprehensive fitness tracking.

**Highlights:** Customizable training plans, Race event recording, Finish time tracking, Finish line photo storage, Home and lock screen widgets, Apple Watch integration, Apple Health data sync

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $5.99 | per year |
| Run Roster Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Run Trainer free?

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

### Is Run Roster free?

Run Roster costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Run Roster?

Run Roster is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while Run Roster averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Run Trainer or Run Roster have ads?

Neither Run Trainer nor Run Roster shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Run Roster?

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Run Roster every 6 weeks. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on September 25, 2026 and Run Roster on August 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.*