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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Running Trainer vs 5K Runner

Running Trainer 4.9★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 60
Winner 5K Runner
5K Runner 4.9★ · Free + IAP 75

For a more reliable and feature-rich experience, 5K Runner is the better choice, despite its upfront cost, while Running Trainer struggles with GPS accuracy and deceptive pricing.

Full reviews: Running Trainer · 5K Runner

Running Trainer offers a free tier but is plagued by GPS inaccuracies and deceptive free trial practices, leading to unexpected charges. 5K Runner, while requiring payment, provides a more reliable and motivating training experience with good customer support, though some users dislike the paywall.

Head to head

Features & Training Programs edge: 5K RunnerR1R5R14R18
Running Trainer Running Trainer offers basic tracking of distance, time, and pace, provides badges for goals, and allows manual entry of runs R5R14. However, users desire more control over interval settings and automatic stopping at specific distances R1R18. Some find the training programs basic and not adaptive R49.
5K Runner 5K Runner provides adaptive training plans that adjust based on user feedback, encouraging progress and building endurance . It includes audio cues for walk/run intervals and integrates with Apple Music . Some users wish for better integration with other music platforms like Spotify and more pre/post-run instructions .
Ease of Use tieR2R15R29R35
Running Trainer Many users find Running Trainer easy to use, simple, and straightforward, allowing them to start runs quickly R2R29. However, some report issues with the app not loading or opening consistently R15R35.
5K Runner 5K Runner is generally considered easy to use with an intuitive interface and clear prompts . Users appreciate the simple start and adaptable training .
Reliability & Accuracy edge: 5K RunnerR3R6R19R22
Running Trainer Running Trainer has significant issues with GPS accuracy, often stopping tracking mid-run, being off by considerable distances, or failing to load R3R6R22R30. Some users also report losing all their progress after updates or not receiving achievements R19.
5K Runner 5K Runner is generally reliable, with many users successfully completing their training programs . However, some users report the app failing mid-workout, erasing runs, or recording inaccurate start/stop times in the Fitness app . One user also noted it made their distance look further than it was .
Price & Value tieR5R10R12R13
Running Trainer Running Trainer is advertised as Free + IAP, and some users appreciate the free version for basic tracking R5. However, many users report deceptive practices with the "free trial," being immediately charged for a full year subscription (e.g., $89.99 or $98) despite canceling or expecting a trial R10R13R16R37. Critical features like mile splits are also paywalled . Users find the subscription cost unjustifiable for the features offered R12.
5K Runner 5K Runner is Free + IAP, but many users find it to be a pay-to-play app, requiring a subscription (often $40-$50) to access any content after initial prompts R61R64R67R70. Some users who paid years ago are now being asked to repay . Those who do pay generally find it worth the one-time charge for the results and support R101.
Apple Watch Integration tieR9R21R25R54
Running Trainer Running Trainer has significant issues with Apple Watch integration. Users report it doesn't work with Apple Watch for distance, calorie burn, or heart rate data, and often requires running with the phone R9R21R25R54.
5K Runner 5K Runner also has integration issues with Apple Watch. Users report that it doesn't sync well, won't stream runs to the watch, or that post-5K training weeks don't support Apple Watch use . However, some users mention music integration with Apple Music .
Support edge: 5K RunnerR49R101
Running Trainer Running Trainer reviews do not frequently mention customer support, but one user reported no customer service and no way to get money back R49.
5K Runner 5K Runner has positive feedback for its customer support, with one user specifically praising a quick, effective response from 'Harry' R101.
Pick Running Trainer if

you are looking for a basic, free running tracker and are willing to tolerate potential GPS inaccuracies and a less polished experience R5.

Pick 5K Runner if

you are serious about a structured 5K training program, value adaptive coaching, and are willing to pay an upfront fee for a generally reliable and motivating experience with good customer support .

Evidence note: Both apps have similar lifetime ratings, but recent reviews for Running Trainer show a strong negative skew due to recurring issues with GPS accuracy and deceptive pricing practices. 5K Runner's negative reviews are predominantly about its paywall, which is a one-time issue, while those who pay are largely satisfied. The free-vs-paid asymmetry is significant here; Running Trainer's 'free' tier often leads to frustration and unexpected charges, while 5K Runner's paid model, while disliked by some, delivers a consistent experience for paying users.

Frequently asked

Is Running Trainer truly free?
Running Trainer offers a free version with basic tracking features, but many users report deceptive practices where signing up for a "free trial" immediately charges them for a full year subscription, often around $89.99 or $98 R10R13R16R37.
Does 5K Runner require payment?
Yes, 5K Runner is free to download but requires a subscription, typically around $40-$50, to access any content or use the training programs after initial setup R61R64R67R70.
Which app works better with Apple Watch?
Both apps have reported issues with Apple Watch integration; Running Trainer users state it doesn't work for distance, calorie burn, or heart rate data and often requires the phone R9R21R25R54, while 5K Runner users also report poor syncing and lack of watch support for certain training phases .
Are the GPS tracking features accurate?
Running Trainer has frequent complaints about inaccurate GPS tracking, with runs stopping mid-way, distances being off, and poor mapping R3R22R30R31. 5K Runner is generally more reliable, though some users have reported occasional mid-run failures or inaccurate distance readings .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] Running Trainer 1/5 · US You did not even inquire what interval i want. I hate you: Disgusting
  2. [R5] Running Trainer 5/5 · US Love it: This app is amazing. It tracks my distance and my time. The app also gives you badges when you accomplish a goal or a new streak. The app also allows you to add runs that you may have not done using the app. When I run on the treadmill I’m able to add those to the app or when I do long walks I’ll add my distance. I’ve been using the app and the free version of the app for years and it’s
  3. [R14] Running Trainer 5/5 · US Great: This game gave me how my pace was and how I was improving so if I was u I would go check it out now !!!!!!!!!
  4. [R18] Running Trainer 3/5 · US Timer: I just wish I could make the timer stop automatically at whatever interval I want. I’m trying to get my mile run time down but every time I try to stop when it reaches one mile, it’ll track me for 0.2-0.3 miles extra so I don’t know exactly what time my mile was.
  5. [R2] Running Trainer 5/5 · US In use: Constantly
  6. [R15] Running Trainer 3/5 · US Great app butttt: I have used this app for many years but lately it will not load on my Apple X. Maybe my phone is dated but I can’t even get my running logs from the past. Would be nice if it loaded up right away but sadly, I have had to move to another run app.
  7. [R29] Running Trainer 5/5 · US Very good and gets to the point: I love this app. It’s very easy to use and very efficient. I recommend it for beginners even advanced runners I go into the app give me 10 second warm-up and I’m off. I love this app a lot no time wasting just click on one button and you’re good five stars.!!
  8. [R35] Running Trainer 4/5 · US Amazing App, but inconsistently opens: Perfect run tracking app, no subscriptions needed, very straightforward. Unfortunately it’s been struggling to open for a while now (1400+ miles ran) and as I understand there’s no way to save its data! Reinstalling deletes all the data and I can’t lose all my history. Please help, it’s the only app I have that doesn’t load! I was able to launch the app f
  9. [R3] Running Trainer 3/5 · US Stops tracking during run: I have not been using this app for a very long time, U currently have around 20 miles on it. While this app worked perfect for me during my long runs without me stopping, it has been stoping mid run and not tracking. I’ll be running and within the first 10 ish minutes it will stop tracking. I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong or something happening but this has bee
  10. [R6] Running Trainer 3/5 · US X: Shuts down
  11. [R19] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Missing achievements: ive hit 50km for the last 3 months but have been only given one 50km badge. seriously, what gives?
  12. [R22] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Worst app ever: GPS is almost always off. My last 4 mile run was off over a quarter mile. This was on the track, so I know that it was absolutely wrong. Usually it’s around .07 mile off. There are some days it does not even load. I have had to manually go in and enter my distance and time, so that I can keep up with my mileage. I really like what the app does when it actually does what it’s suppos
  13. [R10] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Watch Out, They’ll Charge You: I clicked the 7 day free trial to look inside the app. They charged me $98! Trying to get the charge removed from my card…be careful.
  14. [R12] Running Trainer 3/5 · US Cost: Good app, provides a decent plan and the functionality of the timer is good but nothing special so the cost isnt justifiable. Nothing new is added, i would say for a monthly rate, $7 is what its worth.
  15. [R13] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Scam: Says free trial but I was immediately charged for 1 year
  16. [R9] Running Trainer 3/5 · US Could be great: Needs to work with Apple Watch. Only reason I won’t use this app. Otherwise the UI is great. Lots of great information
  17. [R21] Running Trainer 3/5 · US Seems ok: Does not seem to sync well with Apple Watch for distance and cal burn
  18. [R25] Running Trainer 2/5 · US Amazing app (BUT): The fact that I have to run with my phone is annoying and unpleasant. I’m not sure why I can’t just connect it to my Apple Watch and go on my run then come back and look at the results is beyond me. “Plz incorporate”
  19. [R54] Running Trainer 1/5 · GB Broken Scam app: Aggressively uses the sign up for free trial scamming technique. So i paid my subscription only to find out after hundreds of hours fiddling with settings and paying for tech support, that IT DOES NOT connect to apple watch for heart data and cannot post to facebook because it is fundamentally broken.
  20. [R49] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Basic Algorithm Not a real program.: The programs are extremely basic and are the same programs for everyone. The programs purposefully hinder your progress so you take longer and spend more money. I honestly wish I had spent the money elsewhere. There is no customer service and no way to get my money back
  21. [R101] 5K Runner 5/5 · US This is literally the best app.: I’ve had this app for many years and I keep finding myself back at it, I know at first glance $50 might seem like a lot but trust you will NEVER regret it. I had a situation where I needed to contact support and I wish I could meet Harry and buy him a beer, that guy was awesome to work with! Fast response time and first time solutions, not many apps like that ou
  22. [R16] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Beware of “Free Trial” offer: This app offers a 7 day free trial to be able to use the pro service and then decide if you want to do the full subscription. However when you sign up for the trial, they charge you the full $89.99 right then and there rather than the free trial period. I have reported this to Apple but if nothing gets done just wanted to give a heads up in case anyone tries to sign u
  23. [R37] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Tricked by FREE TRIAL: I signed up for the free trial because the app seemed great, and it was! I only used it for one day and canceled the same day, but I was still charged for a full year subscription. I contacted Apple for a refund, but they refused. It’s frustrating that they didn’t honor their free trial promise. The whole thing felt like a money grab. Be careful if you’re thinking about usin
  24. [R61] 5K Runner 2/5 · US No: It won’t let me go inside the actual app. It is just urging me for a subscription. Please change
  25. [R64] 5K Runner 1/5 · US Deceptive and not free: You have to do a bunch of prompts only for them to try to charge $50. Not worth it
  26. [R67] 5K Runner 1/5 · US BS $50 pay to play: As title states
  27. [R70] 5K Runner 1/5 · US Hidden Fee: Would have been nice to know about the $50 fee. Deleted the app because of the intentional deception.
  28. [R30] Running Trainer 3/5 · GB Completes my run before being finished: Needs to be a better system in place for when you finish a run. Has prematurely finished mine on a number of occasions.
  29. [R31] Running Trainer 1/5 · US GPS tracker not accurate!: I’ve been using this app for a while and I loved it at first, but when I moved to college, it says the “gps” is weak no matter where I run and it does not track my runs accurately. I will be deleting this app and using a different one or my watch.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store