# Stepwise Pedometer vs Marathon Buddy

The clearest difference is ads: Marathon Buddy at none against Stepwise Pedometer's shown. Marathon Buddy also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stepwise Pedometer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.49 per year and Marathon Buddy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stepwise Pedometer ships an update every 2 months, Marathon Buddy every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stepwise Pedometer | Marathon Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (3.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepwise-pedometer/id788761724/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3.7K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 20 MB | 97 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Progress Concepts Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/788761727) | [群 谢](https://appshunter.io/developer/1473924121) |

## What reviewers say

### Stepwise Pedometer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepwise-pedometer/id788761724)

This app is a modern pedometer that tracks your daily activity, including steps, calories, distance, and active time. It helps you set and achieve fitness goals with progress visualization and optional motivational messages. Integrates with Apple Watch and HealthKit for enhanced accuracy.

**Highlights:** Set fitness goals, Track steps, calories, distance, active time, Visualize progress, Start and track trips, Share activity with friends, Apple Watch and HealthKit integration, Today Widget

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $5.49 | per year |
| Nice Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Great Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Awesome Tip | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Accurate step tracking
- 🚀 Runs in the background without draining battery
- 💡 Motivates users to reach daily goals
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 👍 Integrates well with Apple Health

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional issues with syncing and data recording
- 🔧 Some users report inaccurate step/distance tracking
- 🔧 Complaints about recent app updates and changes

**Reported bugs**

- Steps not recording properly on some days
- App crashes or freezes for some users

**Requested features**

- Add GPS functionality to track routes and elevation
- Improve graphs and data visualization
- Allow manual entry of steps for days when phone is not carried


### Marathon Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marathon-buddy-run-and-train/id6757374248)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Annual Plan | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stepwise Pedometer free?

Stepwise Pedometer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Marathon Buddy free?

Marathon Buddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Stepwise Pedometer or Marathon Buddy have ads?

Stepwise Pedometer shows ads; Marathon Buddy does not.

### Which is updated more often, Stepwise Pedometer or Marathon Buddy?

Stepwise Pedometer ships an update every 2 months, and Marathon Buddy every 3 days. Most recently, Stepwise Pedometer was updated on October 20, 2026 and Marathon Buddy on October 4, 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.*