Comparison

Dumbell 88 vs Smart Runner

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

Head to head
About

Dumbell 88

Features
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Dumbell 884 screens
Smart Runner4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Dumbell 88 versus Smart Runner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDumbell 88Smart Runner
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (7 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—7 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB25 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperVikram ChopraDor Tal

In-app purchases

None

Dumbell 88

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Smart Runner

Subscriptions1
  • Runner Annual Plan7 Days trial$24.991 Year
One-time2
  • Runner Unlock$14.99
  • Lifetime Access$39.99

Questions

Is Dumbell 88 free?
Dumbell 88 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Smart Runner free?
Smart Runner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Dumbell 88 or Smart Runner have ads?
Neither Dumbell 88 nor Smart Runner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Dumbell 88 or Smart Runner?
Dumbell 88 ships an update every 10 days, and Smart Runner every 3 days. Most recently, Dumbell 88 was updated on October 30, 2026 and Smart Runner on November 7, 2026.

Other comparisons