# Run Trainer vs Bearvelo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bearvelo at none against Run Trainer's 3. Bearvelo also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). Run Trainer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (198 vs 2). On price, rating, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Run Trainer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Bearvelo asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Run Trainer against 4.5 for Bearvelo. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Run Trainer has 198 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, Bearvelo fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run Trainer | Bearvelo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861/reviews) | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bearvelo/id6449392466/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **198** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 125 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Run Trainer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546716145) | [Joshua Sherwood](https://appshunter.io/developer/1477615017) |

## 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


### Bearvelo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bearvelo/id6449392466)

Plan and track various physical activities like walking, running, and cycling. Connect your activity data with your health information for a comprehensive overview. Monitor activities with children or pets, and record indoor workouts with Bluetooth sensors.

**Highlights:** Activity planning and tracking, Health information integration, Record activities with children/pets, Indoor activity recording via Bluetooth, Apple Health and Weather integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Run Trainer free?

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

### Is Bearvelo free?

Bearvelo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Bearvelo is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while Bearvelo averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do Run Trainer or Bearvelo have ads?

Bearvelo shows ads; Run Trainer does not.

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

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Bearvelo fortnightly. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on September 25, 2026 and Bearvelo on September 8, 2026.

---

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