# Runbuds vs Steps

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Runbuds at none against Steps's 12. Runbuds also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 10 days) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Steps sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Runbuds asks for nothing beyond the download.

Runbuds holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 64 and 47 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 96% of Runbuds's written reviews are positive against 81% of Steps's.

Runbuds ships an update every 2 days, Steps every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on July 4, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Runbuds | Steps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runbuds/id6744413545/reviews)** | [4.6 (47 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-workout-and-pedometer/id6746096378/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **64** | 47 |
| Positive reviews | **96.3% of reviews** | 81.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 56 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Light Nudge](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731016560) | [Hieu Dinh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1240418732) |

## What reviewers say

### Runbuds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runbuds/id6744413545)

This app allows you to run with friends in real-time, seeing each other's avatars on a virtual track. It includes a run tracker with lock screen support, group relay challenges, and detailed performance statistics with shareable visualizations.

**Highlights:** Real-time avatar tracking, Live lock screen activities, Group relay challenges, Detailed run statistics, Shareable run visualizations

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun interface
- 👍 Seamless performance
- 👍 Actively updated with new features
- 👍 Motivating community
- 👍 Social and engaging


### Steps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-workout-and-pedometer/id6746096378)

This app helps you track your daily steps and workouts with precise counting and goal setting. It offers features to block distracting apps, compete globally, and visualize your progress with detailed charts and insights. Personalize your experience with custom themes and widgets.

**Highlights:** Precise step counting via HealthKit, Customizable daily step goals, App blocking for focus, Global step leaderboard, 23+ workout types with live tracking, Interactive charts and visualizations, Yearly insights and personal records

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly (1 Month) | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly (1 Month) | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly - Family (1 Month) | $3.99 | per month |
| Pro Monthly - Family (1 Month) | $5.99 | per month |
| 1-Year Subscription (1 Year) | $19.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Subscription (1 Year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly - Family (1 Year) | $19.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly - Family (1 Year) | $39.99 | per year |
| Steps Pro Lifetime | $39.99 | one-time |
| Steps Pro Family - Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Runbuds free?

Runbuds is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Steps free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Runbuds or Steps?

Runbuds is rated higher. Runbuds averages 4.9 out of 5 from 64 ratings, while Steps averages 4.6 from 47 ratings.

### Do Runbuds or Steps have ads?

Neither Runbuds nor Steps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Runbuds or Steps?

Runbuds ships an update every 2 days, and Steps every 10 days. Most recently, Runbuds was updated on July 4, 2026 and Steps on September 22, 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.*