# ChiRunning vs V.O2

The clearest difference is price: V.O2 at Free against ChiRunning's $9.99. V.O2 also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.2) and update cadence (weekly vs every 13 months). ChiRunning's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 17) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

V.O2 is free to download; ChiRunning costs $9.99 up front. V.O2 sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. ChiRunning asks for nothing beyond the download.

V.O2 holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: V.O2 has 6.3K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of ChiRunning's written reviews are positive against 71% of V.O2's.

ChiRunning ships an update every 13 months, V.O2 weekly. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ChiRunning | V.O2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chirunning/id633529576/reviews) | **[4.9 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vo2-running-coach/id977666802/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **6.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 68.5% of reviews | **71.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 149 MB | 142 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ChiLiving, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/633529579) | [The Run SMART Project, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/973571013) |

## What reviewers say

### ChiRunning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chirunning/id633529576)

Learn to run faster, easier, and injury-free with this comprehensive running coach. It offers video lessons, audio guidance, and guided runs to improve your technique and achieve your running goals.

**Highlights:** Video lessons on key running focuses, Audio coaching and guided runs, Built-in metronome, GPS route mapping, Workout logging and history, Pre-run looseners and post-run stretches

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Excellent lessons and coaching
- 🎶 Effective metronome feature
- 🎥 Helpful short videos
- 🏃 Improves running pace and reduces pain
- 🧘‍♀️ Promotes mindful running

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Overpriced for content
- 🤔 Repetitive and monotonous content
- 📱 Lacks Apple Watch support
- 📉 Limited tracking features
- 🔌 Poor integration with other apps/devices

**Reported bugs**

- Miles not changing during run
- Occasionally locks up/crashes
- Freezes when sharing with Map my Run
- Pandora audio volume reduced
- Won't install on iPad

**Requested features**

- Indoor run metrics
- Interval walk/run programs
- Apple Watch support
- Set intervals
- Export run data


### V.O2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vo2-running-coach/id977666802)

This app provides adaptive training plans and personalized coaching for runners of all levels. It assesses your fitness, offers custom paces, and syncs with popular devices. Train intelligently to achieve measurable improvements and become your best runner.

**Highlights:** Adaptive training plans, VDOT fitness assessment, Personalized training paces, Sync with Apple Health, Coros, Garmin, Strava, Real-time guidance on Apple Watch, Coros, Garmin, Training adaptation based on improvement, Coach communication and training adjustments

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

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adaptive Training Subscription | $12.99 | per month |
| Adaptive Training - Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Base/Fitness - 8 weeks | $44.99 | one-time |
| Half Marathon - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| 10 Km - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| 5 Km - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| 1500m - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| 3 Km - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| Marathon - 15 weeks | $69.99 | one-time |
| Half Marathon - 15 weeks | $69.99 | one-time |
| Marathon - 18 weeks | $79.99 | one-time |
| Half Marathon - 18 weeks | $79.99 | one-time |
| Jack's Elite Marathon - 18wks | $79.99 | one-time |
| Jack's First Marathon - 18wks | $79.99 | one-time |
| Jack's Boston Marathon - 18wks | $94.99 | one-time |
| Marathon - 24 weeks | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Great integration with Garmin watches
- 💡 Excellent for coaching and athlete communication
- 👍 Fantastic adaptive programming and training plans
- 👍 Seamless sync with Garmin and other platforms

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Issues with syncing to Garmin and other platforms
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance and bugs
- 🐛 Difficulty editing or moving workouts
- 🐛 Inaccurate elevation and GPS tracking
- 🔍 Limited customization and preset workout options

**Reported bugs**

- Apple Watch app issues and lack of functionality
- Problems with syncing Garmin runs to the correct workouts
- Inconsistent elevation and GPS data
- Bugs and crashes when using the app

**Requested features**

- Ability to duplicate and edit workouts
- Improved Apple Watch and Health app integration
- More advanced adaptive training and automation
- Expanded cross-training and workout modalities
- Better user interface and workflow for coaches


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ChiRunning free?

ChiRunning costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is V.O2 free?

V.O2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ChiRunning or V.O2?

V.O2 is rated higher. ChiRunning averages 4.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while V.O2 averages 4.9 from 6.3K ratings.

### Do ChiRunning or V.O2 have ads?

Neither ChiRunning nor V.O2 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ChiRunning or V.O2?

ChiRunning ships an update every 13 months, and V.O2 weekly. Most recently, ChiRunning was updated on October 26, 2026 and V.O2 on October 26, 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.*