# PulseTread vs Start Running

PulseTread and Start Running both sit at 4.2 stars, but that hides the real split: 68% of PulseTread's written reviews are positive against 0% of Start Running's. PulseTread also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). Start Running's advantage is monetization model (freemium vs subscription). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PulseTread sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Start Running sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Start Running holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 30 and 24 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of PulseTread's written reviews are positive against 0% of Start Running's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

PulseTread ships an update every 2 weeks, Start Running every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PulseTread | Start Running |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsetread-treadmill-trainer/id451384439/reviews) | **[4.4 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-treadmill/id1517198000/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **30** | 24 |
| Positive reviews | **67.7% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Freemium** |
| Size | 75 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pulse Tread Fitness Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/451384442) | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) |

## What reviewers say

### PulseTread

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsetread-treadmill-trainer/id451384439)

Get daily, 30-minute cardio workouts led by a celebrity trainer directly on your mobile device. Enjoy new routines every day, customize your music, and adapt workouts for various cardio equipment. Suitable for all fitness levels.

**Highlights:** Daily 30-minute cardio workouts, Celebrity trainer audio guidance, Customizable music integration, New routines daily, Adaptable for various cardio machines, Suitable for all fitness levels

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PulseTread Fitness | $4.99 | per month |
| PulseTread Fitness | $39.99 | per year |
| December 27, 2013 | $0.99 | one-time |
| January 12, 2015 | $0.99 | one-time |
| February 26, 2015 | $0.99 | one-time |
| March 03, 2015 | $0.99 | one-time |
| February 20, 2015 | $0.99 | one-time |
| March 25th, 2016 | $0.99 | one-time |
| April 7th, 2016 | $0.99 | one-time |
| PulseTread Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💪 Effective workouts
- 🏃 Improves running performance
- ⏱️ Efficient 30-minute workouts
- 🤩 Motivating trainer
- 🏠 Great for home workouts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎶 Music integration issues
- 🗑️ Cannot delete workouts
- 📱 Consumes storage space
- 🐛 Glitches and crashes
- 🔊 Poor sound quality/volume control

**Reported bugs**

- App not working/showing anything on screen
- Issue with music player volume/song changes
- Music not working/playing
- App crashes
- Workouts not downloading

**Requested features**

- Allow deletion of workouts
- Integrate with Spotify and other music/audio apps (Audible, Libby)
- Redesign visuals to be less distracting
- Add landscape visuals
- Allow music to sync with trainer's pace


### Start Running

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-running-treadmill/id1517198000)

Beginner-friendly running plans to improve fitness, strength, and calorie burn. Offers guided workouts for various goals, from introductory runs to 5K training, with progress tracking and health app integration.

**Highlights:** Multi-week training plans, Beginner to advanced levels, Step-by-step workout guidance, Audio coach, Workout logging and progress tracking, Apple Health integration

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start Running Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PulseTread free?

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

### Is Start Running free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PulseTread or Start Running?

Start Running is rated higher. PulseTread averages 4.2 out of 5 from 30 ratings, while Start Running averages 4.4 from 24 ratings.

### Do PulseTread or Start Running have ads?

Neither PulseTread nor Start Running shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PulseTread or Start Running?

PulseTread ships an update every 2 weeks, and Start Running every 3 weeks. Most recently, PulseTread was updated on October 22, 2026 and Start Running on October 24, 2026.

---

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