# V.O2 vs Big River Connect

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Big River Connect at none against V.O2's 10. Big River Connect also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). V.O2's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. V.O2 sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Big River Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

V.O2 ships an update weekly, Big River Connect every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | V.O2 | Big River Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vo2-running-coach/id977666802/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 71.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 142 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Run SMART Project, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/973571013) | [Big River Running Company LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879905480) |

## What reviewers say

### V.O2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vo2-running-coach/id977666802)

This app provides personalized adaptive training plans for runners of all levels. It assesses your fitness, syncs with popular GPS devices and wearables, and allows communication with coaches for real-time adjustments. Achieve measurable improvement with intelligent, scientifically-validated training.

**Highlights:** Adaptive training plans, VDOT fitness assessment, Personalized training paces, Sync with Apple Health, Garmin, Strava, Real-time guidance on wearables, Coach communication and adjustments

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adaptive Training Subscription | $12.99 | per month |
| Adaptive Training - Annual | $99.99 | per year |
| Base/Fitness - 8 weeks | $44.99 | one-time |
| Half Marathon - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| 10 Km - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| 5 Km - 12 weeks | $54.99 | one-time |
| Marathon - 15 weeks | $69.99 | one-time |
| Half Marathon - 15 weeks | $69.99 | one-time |
| Marathon - 18 weeks | $79.99 | one-time |
| Marathon - 24 weeks | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Great integration with Garmin watches
- 💡 Excellent for coaching and athlete communication
- 👍 Fantastic adaptive programming and training plans
- 👍 Seamless sync with Garmin and other platforms

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Issues with syncing to Garmin and other platforms
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance and bugs
- 🐛 Difficulty editing or moving workouts
- 🐛 Inaccurate elevation and GPS tracking
- 🔍 Limited customization and preset workout options

**Reported bugs**

- Apple Watch app issues and lack of functionality
- Problems with syncing Garmin runs to the correct workouts
- Inconsistent elevation and GPS data
- Bugs and crashes when using the app

**Requested features**

- Ability to duplicate and edit workouts
- Improved Apple Watch and Health app integration
- More advanced adaptive training and automation
- Expanded cross-training and workout modalities
- Better user interface and workflow for coaches


### Big River Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-river-connect/id6759628007)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is V.O2 free?

V.O2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Big River Connect free?

Big River Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do V.O2 or Big River Connect have ads?

Neither V.O2 nor Big River Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, V.O2 or Big River Connect?

V.O2 ships an update weekly, and Big River Connect every 6 weeks. Most recently, V.O2 was updated on November 1, 2026 and Big River Connect 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.*