# Forerunner vs NICU Navigator

The clearest difference is update cadence: Forerunner at every 3 days against NICU Navigator's every 2 weeks. Forerunner also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). NICU Navigator's advantage is iOS requirement (18.4 vs 26.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Forerunner sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and NICU Navigator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Forerunner holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 5 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Forerunner ships an update every 3 days, NICU Navigator every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Forerunner | NICU Navigator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forerunner-running-tracker/id6745802851/reviews)** | [4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nicu-navigator/id6746944152/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **5** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 55 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Forerunner](https://appshunter.io/developer/1813997430) | [Little Warrior Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1819068621) |

## What reviewers say

### Forerunner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forerunner-running-tracker/id6745802851)

This app helps runners improve performance with VDOT analysis and condition management. Track progress, adjust training, and monitor fatigue to prevent injuries and run smarter. It offers customizable data analysis and home screen widgets for easy access to your running records.

**Highlights:** VDOT-based precision analysis, Customizable periodic analysis, Fatigue & condition monitoring, Home screen widgets, Full VoiceOver support

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime | $99.99 | one-time |


### NICU Navigator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nicu-navigator/id6746944152)

This app supports parents navigating the NICU journey with tools for tracking baby's care, managing feeding and pumping, and providing daily encouragement. It offers a customizable experience with PDF export options to keep families organized and informed.

**Highlights:** NICU Daily Logs, Lactation Tracker, Pumping/Feeding Trends, NICU Affirmations, Multi-Baby Support, Customizable Experience, PDF Export

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Affirmations | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Forerunner free?

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

### Is NICU Navigator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Forerunner or NICU Navigator?

Forerunner is rated higher. Forerunner averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while NICU Navigator averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

### Do Forerunner or NICU Navigator have ads?

Neither Forerunner nor NICU Navigator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Forerunner or NICU Navigator?

Forerunner ships an update every 3 days, and NICU Navigator every 2 weeks. Most recently, Forerunner was updated on September 30, 2026 and NICU Navigator on September 23, 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.*