# Forerunner vs StrideMap

The clearest difference is monetization model: StrideMap at free against Forerunner's free with in-app purchases. StrideMap also leads on iOS requirement (18.5 vs 26.0). Forerunner's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence 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 StrideMap sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Forerunner against 5.0 for StrideMap. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

Forerunner ships an update every 3 days, StrideMap every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on July 26, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Forerunner | StrideMap |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forerunner-running-tracker/id6745802851/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stridemap-step-and-mile-tracker/id6748224869/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 4 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 55 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.5** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Forerunner](https://appshunter.io/developer/1813997430) | [Takumi Kanzaki](https://appshunter.io/developer/1820952468) |

## 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 |


### StrideMap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stridemap-step-and-mile-tracker/id6748224869)

This app transforms your daily step count into tangible distances, visualizing your progress through relatable real-world achievements. Explore milestones like traversing continents or completing famous marathons, all based on your walking data.

**Highlights:** Converts steps to real-world distances, Visualizes progress with inspiring milestones, 78 milestones across 10 categories, View data by time period (daily, monthly, yearly), Customizable stride length, Privacy-focused on-device processing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StrideMap Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Forerunner free?

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

### Is StrideMap free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Forerunner or StrideMap?

Forerunner and StrideMap are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Forerunner or StrideMap have ads?

Neither Forerunner nor StrideMap shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Forerunner or StrideMap?

Forerunner ships an update every 3 days, and StrideMap every 4 days. Most recently, Forerunner was updated on July 26, 2026 and StrideMap on September 21, 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.*