Dumbell 88 vs Smart Runner
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Dumbell 88
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Dumbell 88 is a fitness app that helps users follow structured workout routines based on their fitness goals. The app supports workouts for gym use through a simple and beginner-friendly interface. Users can upload body images to allow App analysis and receive personalized workout recommendations. Note: Some advanced features, including personalized workout plans, require a paid subscription via In-App Purchase. Key Features App generated personalized workout plans (subscription required) Goal-based routines for fat loss, strength, and muscle gain Body shape-based exercise recommendations Easy-to-follow daily workouts Subscriptions Privacy Policy: https://dumbell88.com/privacy-policy.html Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Optional auto-renewable subscriptions provide access to premium features. Purchases are managed through Apple ID and can be restored using the Restore Purchases option in the app.
Smart Runner
This app offers science-backed marathon and half-marathon training plans based on VDOT calculations. It provides adaptive, personalized workouts and detailed performance metrics, with a focus on user privacy and a one-time purchase model.
- Adaptive 2-week training plans
- VDOT-based pacing zones
- ATL/CTL/TSB training load tracking
- HealthKit integration
- Apple Watch live workout guidance
- Strava sync
- Post-run analysis
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Training plans that adapt after every run, from your first 5K to the marathon. Pay once and own it, or try a year with 7 days free. Both plans unlock every feature. Smart Runner is a science-backed running coach for runners who want real results, without paying every month for the privilege. YOUR DATA STAYS YOURS No account. No email. No password. No cloud sync. Your workouts live in Apple Health and on your device. We only collect anonymous usage data to improve the app, never linked to you. ADAPTIVE TRAINING THAT ACTUALLY WORKS Smart Runner uses VDOT, the system from Jack Daniels' Running Formula, to measure your fitness from a recent race result and build a rolling plan around it. - Adaptive 2-week plan that rebuilds after every run - VDOT pace zones: easy, tempo, interval and race pace - Beginner-friendly starting paces, so easy runs feel easy from week one - ATL / CTL / TSB load tracking, the metrics elite coaches use - Post-run analysis: see what each session actually built - Apple Watch: structured workouts with haptic cues on your wrist - HealthKit: every run imported automatically - Garmin supported - Strava sync: pull in runs you've already logged - Daily reminder at the time you choose BUILT FOR - First-timers building toward a 5K or 10K - Half and full marathoners chasing a time goal - Runners coming back from a break who need a structured rebuild - Anyone who wants coaching-grade metrics without coaching prices PRICING Start free. Then choose: - Lifetime: pay once, train for life - Annual: 7 days free, then billed yearly Annual renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple Account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Dumbell 88 at none against Smart Runner's 3. Dumbell 88 also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Smart Runner's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 10 days). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Smart Runner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $24.99 per year. Dumbell 88 asks for nothing beyond the download.
Dumbell 88 ships an update every 10 days, Smart Runner every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Dumbell 88 | Smart Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (7 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 7 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Vikram Chopra | Dor Tal |
In-app purchases
Dumbell 88
No in-app purchases
Smart Runner
- Runner Annual Plan7 Days trial$24.991 Year
- Runner Unlock$14.99
- Lifetime Access$39.99









