Comparison

VDOT Running Calculator vs PaceMaster

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

Head to head
About

VDOT Running Calculator

This app helps runners and coaches calculate training paces, equate race performances, and adjust for environmental factors. Based on decades of scientific research, it provides a VDOT score to measure running ability and compare performances across different distances.

Highlights
  • Calculate time, distance, and race paces
  • Determine current training paces
  • Equate race performances across distances
  • Adjust paces for heat and altitude
  • Measure running ability with VDOT score
Features
Read full description

The official VDOT Running Calculator, designed by Dr. Jack Daniels - named World's Best Running Coach by Runner's World Magazine - and the team at VDOT O2. Thanks to over 50 years of scientific research conducted by legendary coach Dr. Jack Daniels, runners and coaches can quickly determine appropriate training paces, equate race performances and adjust for heat and altitude. Features: • Calculate time, distance and race paces • Calculate your current training paces • Calculate and compare the equivalent performances of a race result at other distances • Calculate the effect of temperature or altitude on training and race paces What's Your VDOT? VDOT is a measure of your current running ability. It assigns a score to all running performances, let's you determine your current training paces, and equates a race time in one distance to another. For instance, you can compare your VDOT score from a recent 5k result to a friend's score who just ran a half marathon. Who won? What VDOT Level Have You Reached? Input a race result or estimated performance and learn what score it reaches on the VDOT scale. Enter all your past performances to see which race result scores the highest. There are 10 levels starting at Beginner - White (Female: 34.3, Male: 36.8) all the way up to Professional - Gold (Female: 71, Male: 80).

About

PaceMaster

This app is a comprehensive marathon training and pacing tool. It offers personalized training plans, pace calculators, and race day strategy adjustments based on environmental factors and personal performance. It also includes professional running tools to enhance efficiency.

Highlights
  • Dual-mode marathon pace calculator
  • Personalized training plans
  • Professional training algorithms
  • Smart race day strategy
  • Performance predictions
  • Built-in metronome
Features
Read full description

Pace Master — Professional Marathon Training & Pacing Strategy [All-in-One Marathon Pace Calculator & Intelligent Training System] Whether you are a first-time marathoner or an elite runner chasing a sub-3, Pace Master is your most reliable digital coach. We provide more than just pace calculations; our advanced algorithms build a complete execution plan from training to race day. Core Highlights: 1. Dual-Mode Marathon Pace Calculator - Pace to Result: Input your target pace to get instant split times for 5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathons. - Result to Pace: Input your goal finish time, and the system automatically calculates the precise pace required for every mile/kilometer. 2. Personalized Training Plans - Smart Generation: Customize 12, 16, 18, 20, or 24-week training cycles. - Intensity Levels: Choose from "Easy Start," "Steady Build," or "All-Out Sprint" to match your current fitness level. - Watch Export: Export your plan as a standard .fit file to sync with your sports watch. 3. Professional Training Algorithms - Six Intensity Zones: Precisely define E/M/T/I/R pace and heart rate zones to ensure scientific, injury-free training. - Volume Guidance: Dynamically calculate weekly mileage and high-intensity workout ratios based on your target goal. 4. Smart Race Day Strategy & Fueling - Dynamic Environmental Correction: Adjust your target pace per mile based on race day temperature, humidity, and course elevation/slope. - Scientific Fueling Plan: Get precise hydration and fueling (gels/salt tabs) schedules based on your sweat rate and metabolism. 5. Performance Predictions - Analyze your recent 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon performance to dynamically predict your full marathon potential. 6. Professional Running Tools - Built-in professional metronome to help stabilize your cadence and improve running efficiency. Why Choose Pace Master? - Data-Driven Design: Native tech rendering provides a pure, hardcore tool experience focused on your data. - Global Perspective: Supports 9 languages and seamless switching between Metric (km/Celsius) and Imperial (miles/Fahrenheit) units. Subscription Info & Terms: Pace Master Pro Auto-Renewal: - Subscription Periods: 1 Month (Pro Monthly), 12 Months (Pro Yearly). - Price: As displayed in-app. - Payment: Charged to your iTunes account upon confirmation. - Auto-Renewal: Renews automatically within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. - Cancellation: Manage or disable auto-renewal in your iOS Account Settings at least 24 hours before the period ends. Agreements: - Terms of Service: https://psds.app/terms - Privacy Policy: https://psds.app/privacy - Support: support@psds.app Download Pace Master today and start your journey to a new PB!

Screenshots

VDOT Running Calculator4 screens
PaceMaster4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: VDOT Running Calculator at 1.6K against PaceMaster's 1. On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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. VDOT Running Calculator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and PaceMaster sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for VDOT Running Calculator against 5.0 for PaceMaster. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VDOT Running Calculator has 1.6K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VDOT Running Calculator ships an update every 4 months, PaceMaster every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
VDOT Running Calculator versus PaceMaster: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVDOT Running CalculatorPaceMaster
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.6K ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews73.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.6K — better1
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size38 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Run SMART Project, LLC知昶 臧

Customer experience

VDOT Running Calculator

All ratings1,581 ratings
Positive97.6%
Neutral0.9%
Negative1.5%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive73.8%
Neutral7.7%
Negative18.5%

PaceMaster

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

VDOT Running Calculator

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes when upgrading to premium
  • Can't scroll beyond 200/400m results
  • Custom distance doesn't support metric

Requested features

4 requests
  • Expand time field to support ultras
  • Add 6k and 8k distances
  • Allow inputting VDOT score directly
  • Allow typing in times instead of scrolling

PaceMaster

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

VDOT Running Calculator

One-time1
  • VDOT Calculator Premium2 variants$8.99
2 purchases

PaceMaster

Subscriptions2
  • PaceMaster Pro7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • PaceMaster Pro7 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is VDOT Running Calculator free?
VDOT Running Calculator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PaceMaster free?
PaceMaster is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, VDOT Running Calculator or PaceMaster?
PaceMaster is rated higher. VDOT Running Calculator averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while PaceMaster averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do VDOT Running Calculator or PaceMaster have ads?
Neither VDOT Running Calculator nor PaceMaster shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VDOT Running Calculator or PaceMaster?
VDOT Running Calculator ships an update every 4 months, and PaceMaster every 3 months. Most recently, VDOT Running Calculator was updated on November 1, 2026 and PaceMaster on November 3, 2026.

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