Run Trainer vs Start 2 Run
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
Start 2 Run
Achieve your running goals with personalized training plans and virtual coaching. Track your progress with heart rate monitoring and detailed analysis reports. Enjoy an intuitive interface and Apple Watch integration.
- Customized training plans
- Personalized coaching
- Heart rate monitoring
- Analysis reports
- Apple Watch support
- Multiple voice options
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READY FOR YOUR RUNNING ADVENTURE? Get ready to achieve your running goals with the Start 2 Run app. Whether you're just starting out or you're already experienced, our app is your ultimate partner on your road to success. All you need to do is lace up your shoes. Follow the instructions from your coach, and before you know it, you'll reach your running goal. Why Start 2 Run? • Customized training plans: Whether you're aiming for your first 5 km or challenging yourself to a marathon, our app offers over 25 training plans created by experienced coaches at Golazo Energy. Each plan is designed to help you reach your goals gradually and responsibly, minimizing the risk of injury. • Personal coaching: Your coach guides you through every step of your training. From personalized encouragements to tips on running posture and nutritional advice, she's always there to motivate and support you. • Heart rate monitoring: Train more efficiently with our heart rate functionality. Connect your heart rate monitor or sports watch, log your minimum and maximum heart rate, and let the app help you determine your heart rate zones. • Analysis report: Track your progress and improve your performance with our post-training report. • User-friendliness: Our app is intuitively designed with a beautiful layout and easy navigation, allowing you to focus on your training without distraction. • Apple Watch support: Sync your workouts with Apple's Health app and track your progress directly from your wrist with our Apple Watch version. Join the Start 2 Run family Start your free one-week trial today and discover why nearly 1 million runners worldwide rely on Start 2 Run to reach their running goals. Choice of different voices • Evy Gruyaert (NL) • Emma (EN) • Julie (FR) • Sofia (IT) Ready to join us? Start 2 Run website: www.start2run.app Start 2 Run terms and conditions: https://www.start2run.app/disclaimer
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Start 2 Run at 5.0 against Run Trainer's 4.4. Start 2 Run also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). Run Trainer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (198 vs 31). On price, review sentiment, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. Run Trainer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Start 2 Run sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Start 2 Run 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 31, 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 55% of Start 2 Run's.
Run Trainer ships an update monthly, Start 2 Run every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Run Trainer | Start 2 Run |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (198 ratings) | 5.0 (31 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | 54.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 198 — better | 31 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 125 MB | 60 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Run Trainer B.V. | Energy Lab |
Customer experience
Run Trainer
Start 2 Run
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 moreShow fewer
- 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 moreShow fewer
- More detailed feature documentation
- Voice-only coaching option
- Continued distance tracking after workout completion
- Better music playlist management
- Indoor running options
Start 2 Run
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Run Trainer
- 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
Start 2 Run
- Evy monthly (NL)7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- Sylwina monthly (DE-CH)7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- Premium monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
Show 7 moreShow fewer
- Start 2 Run Smart - Month7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Start 2 Run monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Evy yearly (NL)7 Days trial$8.991 Year
- Premium yearly7 Days trial$9.491 Year
- Sylwina yearly (DE-CH)7 Days trial$9.991 Year
- Start 2 Run yearly7 Days trial$11.991 Year
- Start 2 Run Smart - Year7 Days trial$25.491 Year
Questions
Is Run Trainer free?
Is Start 2 Run free?
Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Start 2 Run?
Do Run Trainer or Start 2 Run have ads?
Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Start 2 Run?
Other comparisons
