Comparison

Run Trainer vs Zero to 5K

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

Zero to 5K

This program guides beginners through a 9-week plan to run a 5K. It alternates running and walking intervals, gradually increasing running time. The app provides audio cues and allows users to repeat stages if needed. An optional heart rate training feature helps optimize effort.

Highlights
  • 9-week progressive running plan
  • Alternating run/walk intervals
  • Audio cues for guidance
  • Adjustable difficulty
  • Heart rate training option
  • Background operation with notifications
Read full description

Zero to 5k is a running program designed for beginners. The plan consists of 3 activities per week, for a total of 9 weeks, where you will be alternating between running and walking. As you progress through the program, the amount of running will increase, while the amount of walking will reduce. At the end of the program, you will be able to run an entire 5km! The app will guide you through each stage, letting you know when and for how long to run or walk. While using the app in the background (i.e. your phone is closed while running outside), you will receive notifications with sound telling you how long to run or walk. If the stage you are at is too difficult, there is no problem with going back a few stages. Heart rate training is an alternative running program in Zero to 5k app that allows you to run within an optimal heart rate. Use your heart rate readings (bpm) during a workout to run within an optimal effort range. Receive notifications on your device when you reach your min and max heart rate to start running or walking. Calculating your effort range is made easy in Zero to 5K. Your age is a good estimator to calculate your optimal effort level. Your max heart rate = 220 - your age Optimal effort range is 75% - 90% of max heart rate. You can also manual adjust the min and max desired heart rate.

Screenshots

Run Trainer4 screens
Zero to 5K4 screens

Verdict

The call

Run Trainer and Zero to 5K both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 69% of Zero to 5K's written reviews are positive against 53% of Run Trainer's. Zero to 5K also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.6). Run Trainer's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (198 vs 60). On price, rating, 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 Zero to 5K sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Run Trainer against 4.4 for Zero to 5K. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 198 and 60 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 53% of Run Trainer's written reviews are positive against 69% of Zero to 5K's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, Zero to 5K every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Run Trainer versus Zero to 5K: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRun TrainerZero to 5K
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (198 ratings) — better4.4 (60 ratings)
Positive reviews52.9% of reviews69.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings198 — better60
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, Apple WatchiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB20 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRun Trainer B.V.Sebastien Gamache

Customer experience

Run Trainer

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

Zero to 5K

All ratings60 ratings
Positive81.7%
Neutral10.0%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews13 reviews
Positive69.2%
Neutral30.8%
Negative0.0%

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

Zero to 5K

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
1 purchases

Zero to 5K

One-time1
  • Unlock Full Access$1.99

Questions

Is Run Trainer free?
Run Trainer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Zero to 5K free?
Zero to 5K is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Zero to 5K?
Run Trainer is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while Zero to 5K averages 4.4 from 60 ratings.
Do Run Trainer or Zero to 5K have ads?
Neither Run Trainer nor Zero to 5K shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Zero to 5K?
Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Zero to 5K every 3 months. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on September 25, 2026 and Zero to 5K on September 13, 2026.

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