# Run Trainer vs Start 2 Run

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Run Trainer | Start 2 Run |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (198 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/run-trainer-running-tracker/id403963861/reviews) | **[5.0 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-2-run/id698638896/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **198** | 31 |
| Positive reviews | 52.9% of reviews | **54.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 125 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Run Trainer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546716145) | [Energy Lab](https://appshunter.io/developer/698638899) |

## 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


### Start 2 Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-2-run/id698638896)

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.

**Highlights:** Customized training plans, Personalized coaching, Heart rate monitoring, Analysis reports, Apple Watch support, Multiple voice options

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Evy monthly (NL) | $1.99 | per month |
| Sylwina monthly (DE-CH) | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Start 2 Run Smart - Month | $2.99 | per month |
| Start 2 Run monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Evy yearly (NL) | $8.99 | per year |
| Premium yearly | $9.49 | per year |
| Sylwina yearly (DE-CH) | $9.99 | per year |
| Start 2 Run yearly | $11.99 | per year |
| Start 2 Run Smart - Year | $25.49 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Run Trainer free?

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

### Is Start 2 Run free?

Start 2 Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Run Trainer or Start 2 Run?

Start 2 Run is rated higher. Run Trainer averages 4.4 out of 5 from 198 ratings, while Start 2 Run averages 5.0 from 31 ratings.

### Do Run Trainer or Start 2 Run have ads?

Start 2 Run shows ads; Run Trainer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Run Trainer or Start 2 Run?

Run Trainer ships an update monthly, and Start 2 Run every 6 weeks. Most recently, Run Trainer was updated on September 14, 2026 and Start 2 Run on September 24, 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.*