# Start 2 Run vs 5K Run

The clearest difference is ads: 5K Run at none against Start 2 Run's shown. 5K Run also leads on ratings volume (2.2K vs 31) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 6 weeks). Start 2 Run's advantage is review sentiment (55% vs 24%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Start 2 Run sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and 5K Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Start 2 Run holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 5K Run has 2.2K ratings behind it against 31, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Start 2 Run's written reviews are positive against 24% of 5K Run's.

Start 2 Run ships an update every 6 weeks, 5K Run every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start 2 Run | 5K Run |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-2-run/id698638896/reviews)** | [4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 31 | **2.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **54.5% of reviews** | 24.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 60 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Energy Lab](https://appshunter.io/developer/698638899) | [Carlos Fernandez Mayor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1544231737) |

## What reviewers say

### Start 2 Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-2-run/id698638896)

Achieve your running goals with personalized training plans and virtual coaching. Track your progress with heart rate monitoring and detailed analysis reports. Enjoy an intuitive interface and Apple Watch integration.

**Highlights:** Customized training plans, Personalized coaching, Heart rate monitoring, Analysis reports, Apple Watch support, Multiple voice options

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Evy monthly (NL) | $1.99 | per month |
| Sylwina monthly (DE-CH) | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Start 2 Run Smart - Month | $2.99 | per month |
| Start 2 Run monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Evy yearly (NL) | $8.99 | per year |
| Premium yearly | $9.49 | per year |
| Sylwina yearly (DE-CH) | $9.99 | per year |
| Start 2 Run yearly | $11.99 | per year |
| Start 2 Run Smart - Year | $25.49 | per year |


### 5K Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/5k-run-beginner-training-plan/id1271409505)

This app guides beginners from inactivity to running a 5K with a flexible, adaptive training plan. It offers audio cues during runs and integrates with HealthKit to track progress and Apple Watch activity.

**Highlights:** Adaptive 5K training plan, Voice trainer for run/walk intervals, Flexible workout scheduling, HealthKit integration, Motivation and progress tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plan de entrenamiento 5K | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Motivating for beginners
- 💡 Gradual training program

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable sync with Apple Watch
- 🔒 Lack of customer support
- 💰 Hidden in-app purchases
- 🔄 Inability to repeat or restart stages

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and loses user progress
- Inconsistent tracking of distance and pace
- Issues with treadmill workouts

**Requested features**

- Ability to manually adjust training program
- More detailed workout information
- Integration with other fitness apps
- Audio cues for run/walk transitions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start 2 Run free?

Start 2 Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is 5K Run free?

5K Run is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Start 2 Run or 5K Run?

Start 2 Run is rated higher. Start 2 Run averages 5.0 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while 5K Run averages 4.6 from 2.2K ratings.

### Do Start 2 Run or 5K Run have ads?

Start 2 Run shows ads; 5K Run does not.

### Which is updated more often, Start 2 Run or 5K Run?

Start 2 Run ships an update every 6 weeks, and 5K Run every 10 days. Most recently, Start 2 Run was updated on October 16, 2026 and 5K Run on October 18, 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.*