# Run Trainer vs Half Marathon Trainer

The clearest difference is rating: Half Marathon Trainer at 4.8 against Run Trainer's 4.4. Half Marathon Trainer also leads on ratings volume (1.7K vs 199) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.6). Run Trainer's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). On price, review sentiment, 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 Half Marathon Trainer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 6 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Half Marathon Trainer holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Half Marathon Trainer has 1.7K ratings behind it against 199, 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 58% of Half Marathon Trainer's.

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, Half Marathon Trainer every 5 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run Trainer | Half Marathon Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (199 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861/reviews) | **[4.8 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/half-marathon-trainer-21k-run/id521810715/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 199 | **1.7K** |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | **57.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 125 MB | 101 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Run Trainer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546716145) | [FITNESS22 LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/383171664) |

## 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


### Half Marathon Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/half-marathon-trainer-21k-run/id521810715)

This app provides a structured 12-week training program designed to help users progress from a 10K fitness level to completing a half marathon (21K). It features an audio coach for guidance, motivational elements, and progress tracking with achievements.

**Highlights:** 12-week running program from 10K to 21K, Audio coach for walk/run intervals, Music integration with audio coach blending, GPS and distance tracking, Apple Health integration, Wins and badge achievements, Beginner guidance and FAQs

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Subscription | $7.99 | per 6 months |
| Lifetime Premium | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to follow training plan
- 👍 Effective for building up to half marathon
- 👍 Variety of workouts (running, intervals, strength)
- 👍 Motivating and keeps user on track
- 👍 Works well with music playback

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent audio prompts and notifications
- 🐛 Frequent issues with saving/tracking runs
- 🐛 Glitches and crashes
- 🔒 Lack of Apple Watch integration
- 👎 Less features and guidance compared to 5K/10K apps

**Reported bugs**

- Runs not consistently saving
- App freezing and crashing
- Inaccurate distance/time tracking

**Requested features**

- Add more audio/visual cues and encouragement during runs
- Improve run tracking and data logging
- Integrate with Apple Watch
- Provide more training guidance (pace, distance, etc.)
- Allow manual entry of treadmill runs


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Run Trainer free?

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

### Is Half Marathon Trainer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Half Marathon Trainer?

Half Marathon Trainer is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 199 ratings, while Half Marathon Trainer averages 4.8 from 1.7K ratings.

### Do Run Trainer or Half Marathon Trainer have ads?

Neither Run Trainer nor Half Marathon Trainer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Half Marathon Trainer?

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Half Marathon Trainer every 5 months. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on November 6, 2026 and Half Marathon Trainer on November 6, 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.*