Comparison

Soft Step vs Running Beat

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

Head to head
About

Soft Step

Features
Read full description

Soft Step — Slow Jogging Timer & Metronome Designed specifically for slow jogging, Soft Step combines a timer and metronome to help you maintain steady cadence and complete every workout with ease. Whether you're new to exercise or an experienced runner pursuing a healthier lifestyle, Soft Step keeps you focused on every step's rhythm. 【Why Slow Jogging?】 Slow jogging originated in Japan as a low-intensity, high-benefit aerobic exercise: • Burns 2-3x more calories than brisk walking • Low joint impact, suitable for all ages • 180 SPM cadence improves exercise efficiency • Perfect for beginners, seniors, and recovery 【Core Features】 Flexible Timer • Duration: 1-120 minutes, fully customizable • Quick presets: 10/20/30 minutes one-tap access • Pause/resume anytime Professional Metronome • Cadence range: 60-180 BPM, fully customizable • 3 sound options: Classic tick/Soft beep/Drum • Background playback for steady rhythm Apple Watch Integration • View on your wrist: Progress, time remaining, current cadence • Heart rate monitoring: Real-time heart rate display Health Data Tracking • Auto-sync with Apple Health • Records steps, calories, heart rate, distance • Complete workout history • Consecutive day streak tracking for motivation Daily Workout Reminder • Customizable reminder time • One-tap on/off control 【Perfect For】 • Beginners worried about exercise injuries • Seniors needing low-intensity aerobic exercise • Those wanting weight loss without intense workouts • Health-conscious individuals building exercise habits • Apple Watch users seeking complete health data integration 【Why Choose Soft Step?】 • Focused on slow jogging, no unnecessary features • Clean interface, intuitive operation • Deep Apple Watch integration • Supports iPhone & iPad • 5 languages: Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean Download Soft Step now and start your healthy jogging journey with the right rhythm. Change starts today with just 10 minutes a day!

About

Running Beat

Features
Read full description

Have you ever tried running to a rhythm instead of speed? The name Hermes’ Cadence reflects our hope that every runner will feel lighter on their feet, like Hermes from Greek and Roman mythology in his winged sandals. [Introduction] A running app designed to help you match your target cadence by following sound and color rhythms. Run to a steady rhythm, find the cadence that works for you, and check your cadence results after each run. [Recommended For] 1) Runners who want to maintain a steady rhythm through the final stretch of their run • As you get tired, focus on the beeps and color rhythms to maintain your own flow. 2) Runners who enjoy running at night • Run with color rhythms that stand out even more clearly in the dark. 3) Runners who enjoy running with a crew • Match your Team Color to create a unique identity for your crew. • Use the color rhythm as a beacon at the front or back of your crew. • It acts as a visual signal that makes your crew recognizable even from a distance. [Key Features] 1) Custom Sounds for Different Training Goals • Standard - The go-to sound for your daily runs. • Focus - For days when you want to focus on your running rhythm. • Power - An energizing sound for picking up the pace. • Footstep - A refreshing sound for days when you want to feel light on your feet. 2) Visual Cadence Guide • The screen flashes in sync with your selected cadence, adding a fun visual rhythm to your run. • Choose between two color modes: - SOLO: Choose a single color - CREW: Choose a registered crew theme ※ Crew registration for Visual Feedback is currently being offered in select regions. 3) Flexible Settings • Turn Sound and Visual effects ON or OFF independently. • Change the following settings in real time while running: - Cadence - Sound - Visual Effect Color - Sound and Visual Effects ON/OFF • While running, tap the Stop button to choose Run to continue or End to finish your run. 4) Running History • Swipe left to view your running history. • Your run is automatically saved when you end it. • View your cadence accuracy, running time, total steps, target cadence, and average cadence. • View or delete your saved runs by date. • Share your running results as an image. Find your perfect rhythm, anytime and anywhere. Hermes’ Cadence adds rhythm to your every step.

Screenshots

Soft Step4 screens
Running Beat4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Soft Step at every 5 days against Running Beat's every 2 weeks. Running Beat's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Soft Step ships an update every 5 days, Running Beat every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Soft Step versus Running Beat: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSoft StepRunning Beat
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB48 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHong Yan WengDOHYEONG KIM

In-app purchases

None

Soft Step

No in-app purchases

None

Running Beat

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Soft Step free?
Soft Step is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Running Beat free?
Running Beat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Soft Step or Running Beat have ads?
Both Soft Step and Running Beat show ads.
Which is updated more often, Soft Step or Running Beat?
Soft Step ships an update every 5 days, and Running Beat every 2 weeks. Most recently, Soft Step was updated on October 28, 2026 and Running Beat on October 28, 2026.

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