Comparison

Run vs Understudy

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

Head to head
About

Run

This app helps actors memorize lines with customizable playback and visualization options. It offers unique features like 'call for line' and detailed performance analysis, with CarPlay integration for on-the-go practice.

Highlights
  • Customizable line display options
  • Flexible playback modes
  • 'Call for line' feature
  • Performance analysis
  • CarPlay script playback
  • Dark mode support
Features
Read full description

Run-Through helps actors learn their lines. It includes many options to allow you to learn your lines in a manner that suits you. Whether you are a visual learner, auditory learner, or a combination, Run-Through can help. In general, once you record the lines, there are options to visualize the lines and play back the lines. For example, display your full line, the first letter of each word, or hide your lines completely. On playback, the app can play your lines, mute your lines, wait for you to say your lines, etc. * This is the first app of its kind that can allow you to 'call for line' during a run-through. While the app is waiting for you to say your line, just say "Line" (or a word of your choosing), and Run-Through will play your line and then wait for you to repeat it, before moving on. Perfect for hands-free use (e.g. while driving). * This is also the first app that can provide analysis of a run-through. This shows the time it took to deliver your lines and whether you were word-perfect. While some productions may be more forgiving, if you're being encouraged to "honor the writer's words," Run-Through can tell you how close you are to being word-perfect. So, now you'll be ready for that Mamet or Sorkin production. * Another first for line-learning apps: Run-Through is the first to offer dedicated support for selecting and controlling script playback on CarPlay. So now, you can run through your lines while driving to class, to your audition, or to set; or just running errands. Note that In CarPlay, line listening is disabled so as not to interfere with navigation apps and Siri in the car. Run-Through is an iOS-native app, so it looks and feels like it belongs on your device. FEATURES: - Transcribe line recordings. - Options to display your lines: - highlight your lines - full line - 1-letter per word - completely hidden - Select playback by lines, scenes, or full script. - select one or more lines, one or more scenes, or the entire script - Select an iOS voice for each character or play recordings - Options for playback: - play your lines - mute your lines - wait for cue before moving on to the next line - call for line - repeat playback - Run-Through Analysis provides: - number of lines run - time taken to run your lines - your word accuracy (100% = word perfect) - number of line calls - CarPlay support for playback - Dark mode support. Record and run through up to eight lines for free - great for most commercial and co-star roles. For unlimited lines, please subscribe. Initial subscription comes with a one-week free trial. Terms Of Service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Understudy

This app assists actors with memorizing lines, rehearsing scenes, and collaborating with others. It's designed to be a personal scene partner, helping users prepare for auditions and hone their acting skills. Available on multiple devices, it supports actors in their professional development.

Highlights
  • Line memorization
  • Scene rehearsal
  • Collaboration with performers
  • Booking work assistance
  • Audition preparation
  • Craft honing
Features
Read full description

Designed for actors from the ground up, Understudy is the essential tool to help you memorize lines, rehearse scenes, collaborate with fellow performers, and book work. Whether you're preparing for an audition, getting off book, or just honing your craft, Understudy is your personal scene partner, available anytime and anywhere. For Support: https://understudy.app/support Privacy Policy: https://understudy.app/privacy Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Run4 screens
Understudy4 screens

Verdict

The call

Run and Understudy both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 90% of Understudy's written reviews are positive against 0% of Run's. Understudy also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

Both are free to download. Run sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Understudy sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Run against 4.4 for Understudy. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 12 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 0% of Run's written reviews are positive against 90% of Understudy's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Run ships an update every 3 weeks, Understudy every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Run versus Understudy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRunUnderstudy
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5 ratings)4.4 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews90.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings512 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB116 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAppLauded, LLCUNDERSTUDY TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Customer experience

Run

All ratings5 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Understudy

All ratings12 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Run

Subscriptions2
  • Pro-Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Pro-Yearly7 Days trial$29.991 Year
3 purchases

Understudy

Subscriptions3
  • Understudy Pro$1.997 Days
  • Understudy Pro$3.991 Month
  • Understudy Pro$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Run free?
Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Understudy free?
Understudy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Run or Understudy?
Run and Understudy are both rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, from 5 and 12 ratings respectively.
Do Run or Understudy have ads?
Neither Run nor Understudy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Run or Understudy?
Run ships an update every 3 weeks, and Understudy every 9 days. Most recently, Run was updated on September 18, 2026 and Understudy on August 27, 2026.

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