# SleepBuddy App vs First Gear

The clearest difference is ads: SleepBuddy App at none against First Gear's shown. SleepBuddy App also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 days) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SleepBuddy App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and First Gear sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SleepBuddy App ships an update every 2 days, First Gear every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SleepBuddy App | First Gear |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-gear-beginner-run-coach/id6804822424/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 153 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Arla Services](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793706092) | [Rubber Bands LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731554796) |

## What reviewers say

### SleepBuddy App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleepbuddy-app/id6760682926)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SleepBuddy Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| SleepBuddy Pro Annual | $29.99 | per year |


### First Gear

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-gear-beginner-run-coach/id6804822424)

This app guides beginner runners through walk-run intervals using live heart rate data. It adapts to your recovery needs and offers voice cues directly on your Apple Watch, allowing your phone to stay home. Focus on consistent progress without pressure or guilt.

**Highlights:** Heart rate-guided walk/jog intervals, Apple Watch voice cues, Adaptive recovery adjustments, Outdoor route maps by effort, Session history and trends, Integration with Apple Health

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| First Gear Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| First Gear Annual | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SleepBuddy App free?

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

### Is First Gear free?

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

### Do SleepBuddy App or First Gear have ads?

First Gear shows ads; SleepBuddy App does not.

### Which is updated more often, SleepBuddy App or First Gear?

SleepBuddy App ships an update every 2 days, and First Gear every 5 days. Most recently, SleepBuddy App was updated on September 24, 2026 and First Gear on October 31, 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.*