# Run Trainer vs Zero to 5K

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run Trainer | Zero to 5K |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861/reviews)** | [4.4 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zero-to-5k/id1531984184/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **198** | 60 |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | **69.2% 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 | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Run Trainer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546716145) | [Sebastien Gamache](https://appshunter.io/developer/1520645415) |

## 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


### Zero to 5K

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zero-to-5k/id1531984184)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Full Access | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*