Comparison

Couch to 5K® vs Lyse

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Couch to 5K®

This app guides new runners from a sedentary lifestyle to completing a 5K race. It offers a structured nine-week training plan with virtual coaches and audio cues. Track your progress, map routes, and log workouts to achieve your running goals.

Highlights
  • Structured 9-week training plan
  • Choice of 4 virtual coaches
  • Audio cues for workouts
  • GPS route mapping and distance tracking
  • Workout logging and progress sharing
  • Treadmill support with manual entry
Features
Read full description

Get off the couch and get running with the OFFICIAL Couch to 5K® training app! This oft-imitated program has helped thousands of new runners move from the couch to the finish line. Spend just 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, for nine weeks, and you’ll be ready to finish your first 5K (3.1-mile) race! Get more information about the Couch to 5K app here: http://www.active.com/mobile/couch-to-5k-app Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. The Couch to 5K coach you select talks to you during your workouts. To save your battery, Couch to 5K sends audio notifications when your screen is locked or another app is in use. To be sure you hear the coach during your workout, please do the following: • Turn on Notifications permissions • Turn on the hardware ring/silent switch (no red showing) • Turn your ringer volume up • Turn off Do Not Disturb (swipe up for Control Panel and the moon button should not be white) • Within the app, in Settings > Workout Options, be sure the Trainer Volume is up Without granting notification permissions, during a workout you can click the lock icon at the top left to keep the app active and still hear the coach. For support please contact us at: MobileSupport@activenetwork.com We would love to hear from you. WINNER of the 2012 Appy Award for best Healthcare & Fitness App! Features • Training plan designed by Active.com trainers • Choose from 4 different motivating virtual coaches—Johnny Dead, Constance, Billie or Sergeant Block • Hear human audio cues to guide you through each workout • Listen to your favorite playlists with in-app music player • Calculate your distance & pace and map your routes with FREE GPS support* • Log your workouts and share your progress on Facebook • Get support from the largest running community on Active.com Trainer • Repeat workouts and track your best performance • Treadmill support allows manual entry of workouts • Track your progress with total distance and average pace • Graphs for workouts to compare distance and pace Finished the Couch to 5K program and ready to take your running program to the next level? Check out our 5K to 10K app to prep for your first 10K race here. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/5k-to-10k/id526458735! Praise "The popular Couch to 5K app helps new runners avoid injury from doing too much, too soon." —Runners World, June 2012 "It's ridiculously easy to use (it's hard not to, as you just do what you're told) and it's fantastic that you have an encouraging voice talking you through things." —Engadget, June 2012 "Active.com’s Couch to 5K is one of my favorite… apps. With its customizable features, interactivity, and well-rounded interface, I may actually stay off the couch this time." —148Apps, October 2011 "I knew as soon as I decided to start the Couch to 5K program that I would need something to keep me accountable—not just to showing up for my training, but to actually doing it properly. Of course there’s an app for that." —CalorieLab, April 2012 "If you have been struggling to get your buns off the couch and somewhat in shape before the summer hits, training for a 5K is not a bad way to start. If you are looking for a program to help get you there, then the “Couch to 5K” running plan by CoolRunning is probably your best bet if you haven’t done an ounce of athletic activity for a number of years." —Droid Life, April 2012 FAQ • Once you purchase the app, it is yours to keep. It does not expire after 9 weeks.

About

Lyse

Features
Read full description

Lyse is a simple and effective app for tracking and managing your intermittent fasting journey, whether you're a beginner or a experienced faster. Features: - Built-in fasting timer presets: 16, 18, 20, 24, or 36 hours - Fasting history with editable records - Dark mode for a sleek and eye-friendly interface - No account needed — start using the app instantly - Works offline, so you can stay on track anytime, anywhere Simple, intuitive, and distraction-free, Lyse helps you stay consistent with your intermittent fasting practice. With no unnecessary clutter or ads, this app ensures a stress-free fasting journey. Start your fasting journey today with Lyse — your reliable fasting companion!

Screenshots

Couch to 5K®4 screens
Lyse4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Lyse at $0.99 against Couch to 5K®'s $4.99. Couch to 5K®'s advantage is chart position (#7 vs unranked) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 9 months). On ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Couch to 5K® costs $4.99 and Lyse $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Couch to 5K® ships an update every 4 months, Lyse every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Couch to 5K® versus Lyse: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCouch to 5K®Lyse
Price$4.99$0.99 — better
Rating4.6 (4.7K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings4.7K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 months — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#7 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size141 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperActive Network, LLCAleksei Torshin

Bugs and requests

Couch to 5K®

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Timer freezing during runs
  • Workout data not saving properly
  • Inability to adjust completed workouts

Requested features

6 requests
  • Ability to preview upcoming workouts
  • Option to customize intervals
  • Integration with Apple Health/Fitness
  • Standalone Apple Watch app
  • Shuffle option for music playlists
Show 1 more
  • More detailed workout data and analytics

Lyse

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Couch to 5K®

No in-app purchases

None

Lyse

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Couch to 5K® free?
Couch to 5K® costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Lyse free?
Lyse costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Couch to 5K® or Lyse have ads?
Neither Couch to 5K® nor Lyse shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Couch to 5K® or Lyse?
Couch to 5K® ships an update every 4 months, and Lyse every 9 months. Most recently, Couch to 5K® was updated on November 6, 2026 and Lyse on October 30, 2026.

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