# Interval Timer vs RunMate

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RunMate at 71% against Interval Timer's 21%. RunMate also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 26.0). Interval Timer's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Interval Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and RunMate sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RunMate holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 534 and 241 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of Interval Timer's written reviews are positive against 71% of RunMate's.

Interval Timer ships an update every 3 months, RunMate every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Interval Timer | RunMate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (534 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-run-walk-hiit/id956283665/reviews) | **[4.7 (241 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runmate-trainer-and-tracker/id1485559769/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **534** | 241 |
| Positive reviews | 21.1% of reviews | **70.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 384 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Roma Sosnovsky](https://appshunter.io/developer/956283664) | [Zen Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/485971738) |

## What reviewers say

### Interval Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-run-walk-hiit/id956283665)

Organize your running and high-intensity interval training sessions with ease. Quickly set up custom time intervals for running, walking, warm-ups, and cool-downs. Receive voice and vibration notifications for interval changes, and enjoy background music playback.

**Highlights:** Intuitive design, Customizable time intervals, Warm-up and cool-down timers, Voice and vibration notifications, Background music support, Foreground/background operation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Interval Run Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Interval Run Pro Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Full Version | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Customizable intervals
- 🚀 Straightforward app
- 👍 Works as advertised
- 👍 Great for getting back into running

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔇 No audio prompts when screen is locked
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Limited free version
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 🔇 Voice prompts not loud enough

**Reported bugs**

- Timer resets or freezes during workout
- Prompts not working when phone is locked or in pocket
- Unexpected interval changes or duration changes
- Compatibility issues with music playback

**Requested features**

- Option to pause/resume timer
- Larger time remaining display
- Apple Watch app
- Ability to play audio prompts even with screen off
- More interval options (run/walk/jog)


### RunMate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runmate-trainer-and-tracker/id1485559769)

This app combines running training plans with guided meditation to improve physical and mental health. It offers GPS tracking for routes, distance, and calories, along with programs for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon races. Users can unlock rewards and access curated music to stay motivated.

**Highlights:** Accurate GPS run tracking, Training plans for 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, Guided meditation for stress relief, Mindful running programs, Audio guides for motivation, Unlockable rewards, Calorie and distance tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zen Unlimited Pass Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Zen Power Playlist 3 Months | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Zen Unlimited Pass Annual | $74.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ❤️ Great concept and motivation
- 🏃‍♀️ Helps beginners start running
- 🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness and meditation integration
- 👍 Encouraging for all fitness levels
- 💯 Makes running enjoyable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Music volume issue
- 🎶 RunMate volume too loud
- 📏 Inaccurate distance tracking
- 🚫 Cannot change Miles to Kilometres
- ⚠️ Crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- Music volume lowers significantly when RunMate speaks
- App crashes when trying to play in-app music
- Progress lost upon signing out

**Requested features**

- Control music/audiobook volume independently
- Option to change units from Kilometres to Miles
- Apple Health integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Interval Timer free?

Interval Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is RunMate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Interval Timer or RunMate?

RunMate is rated higher. Interval Timer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 534 ratings, while RunMate averages 4.7 from 241 ratings.

### Do Interval Timer or RunMate have ads?

RunMate shows ads; Interval Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Interval Timer or RunMate?

Interval Timer ships an update every 3 months, and RunMate every 2 months. Most recently, Interval Timer was updated on October 14, 2026 and RunMate on October 15, 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.*