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

Map My Run GPS Running Tracker vs Running Trainer

Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Map My Run GPS Running Tracker
Running Trainer 4.9★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 60

Map My Run GPS Running Tracker is the better choice for most users due to its more reliable tracking, better Apple Watch integration, and less aggressive monetization of its free tier, despite both apps having issues with GPS accuracy.

Full reviews: Map My Run GPS Running Tracker · Running Trainer

Map My Run (App A) and Running Trainer (App B) are both popular running trackers with free tiers and in-app purchases. While both apps offer core tracking features, Map My Run generally provides a more consistent and less frustrating user experience, especially concerning GPS accuracy and monetization practices.

Head to head

Features edge: Map My Run GPS Running TrackerR5R23R38R44
Map My Run GPS Running Tracker Map My Run offers core tracking of distance, time, location, and progress, with users appreciating its simplicity and ability to connect with friends and create challenges R5R23R44. Some users desire additional features like gear tracking, route planning based on desired distance, and more customizable feedback intervals R38.
Running Trainer Running Trainer tracks distance, time, pace, and offers badges for goals and streaks . It also allows manual entry of runs . However, some users report that critical features like mile splits are paywalled and the app lacks the ability to preset a run with a specific distance or time .
Ease of Use edge: Map My Run GPS Running TrackerR6R21R26R37
Map My Run GPS Running Tracker Map My Run is generally considered simple and easy to use, with a straightforward interface R26R44. However, some users find controls counterintuitive, especially the pause button placement R6R21, and navigating menus can be frustrating due to ads R37.
Running Trainer Running Trainer is praised for being easy to use and efficient, allowing users to start a workout quickly . However, some users find the app's programs too basic and lacking user control , and there are complaints about the app constantly asking for reviews .
Reliability (GPS, Tracking, Stability) tieR1R9R10R13
Map My Run GPS Running Tracker Map My Run has mixed reviews on reliability. Many users find it reliable for tracking distance, time, and location R26. However, a significant number report issues with inaccurate GPS tracking, miscalculated distances, and the app pausing or stopping mid-run R1R10R13R15. Some also note freezing issues R9 and workouts being deleted .
Running Trainer Running Trainer also faces significant reliability challenges, particularly with GPS accuracy. Users report the GPS being off by considerable distances, especially on tracks or in areas with weak signals . The app is also reported to stop tracking or shut down mid-run , and some users have lost all their progress after updates .
Price/Value & Monetization edge: Map My Run GPS Running TrackerR4R14R25R32
Map My Run GPS Running Tracker Map My Run offers a robust free version that many users appreciate for tracking runs, routes, and progress without payment R14R32R35R47. However, the free experience is often marred by frequent ads and constant prompts to upgrade to a premium subscription R4R14R25R37.
Running Trainer Running Trainer's free trial is a major point of contention, with multiple users reporting being charged immediately for a full year subscription (around $89.99 or £89.99) despite signing up for a free trial R70R73R76R97. Some users also feel the paid features, like mile splits, are essential and should not be behind a paywall . Others find the subscription cost too high for the features offered .
Support & Development edge: Map My Run GPS Running TrackerR3R7R36R39
Map My Run GPS Running Tracker Users express frustration with a lack of autocorrect R3, difficulty changing location R7, and issues with Apple Watch UI after updates R36R39R57. Some feel there are too many updates without noticeable improvements . There's also a serious concern about data privacy, with one user reporting bitcoin phishing emails after using a unique email for the app .
Running Trainer Running Trainer users report issues with Apple Watch integration, stating it doesn't work or sync well for distance, calorie burn, or heart data R69. There are also complaints about a lack of customer service and the app not loading on older phones . One user noted a discriminatory response from support regarding skin tone options .
Pick Map My Run GPS Running Tracker if

you want a free running tracker with a long history of use, a generally reliable experience for basic tracking, and better Apple Watch integration R14R26R39.

Pick Running Trainer if

you prioritize a simple, quick-start interface and are willing to pay for premium features, or if you primarily use the app for manual run logging .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of negative reviews regarding GPS accuracy and tracking issues, making it difficult to declare a clear winner in that specific dimension. The free vs. paid asymmetry is notable for Running Trainer, where many negative reviews stem from aggressive monetization tactics and perceived scamming around free trials.

Frequently asked

Is Map My Run GPS Running Tracker truly free?
Yes, Map My Run offers a free version that allows users to track runs, routes, times, and progress, though it includes ads and prompts for premium upgrades R14R32R35R47.
Does Running Trainer have a legitimate free trial?
Multiple users report that Running Trainer's 7-day free trial often results in immediate charges for a full year subscription (around $89.99 or £89.99), leading to accusations of scamming R70R73R76R97.
How accurate are the GPS tracking features for these apps?
Both Map My Run and Running Trainer have significant user complaints about inaccurate GPS tracking, with reports of miscalculated distances, zigzagging routes, and being off by considerable amounts (R1, R13, R15, R27, , for Map My Run; , , , for Running Trainer).
Do these apps work well with Apple Watch?
Map My Run has some complaints about its Apple Watch UI being difficult to read or navigate after updates, but it generally works R36R39R57. Running Trainer, however, has more severe issues, with users reporting it does not work with Apple Watch for distance, calorie burn, or heart data R69.

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. [R5] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US Tracking progress: This app is great for tracking distance, time, location, and progress. I would tell anyone who is just starting to workout to use this app. It will help keep your focus on the end goal.
  2. [R23] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US BESTTT RUNNING TRACKER EVER!!: This app was so efficient and allows me to have motivation to keep in shape it tracks,holds pictures shows how many calories you burned! Nothing gets better it’s simple but so AMAZING…
  3. [R38] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 4/5 · US Good but could be improved: It’s good for tracking most basic run metrics but would be greatly improved if it provided a place to add gear and track their usage (mileage). It would also be nice if you could use the map to create a route based on a starting , finishing point and desired distance.
  4. [R44] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US Best running app: Clean. Simple. Smooth. Exactly what you need for a running app. And you can connect with friends and make challenges. Dosnt get much better than this
  5. [R6] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · US It’s okay: It's okay. It would work better if the creator moved the “pause” button so that, as I’m swiping up, it doesn't inadvertently select pause, and I find out later that the last bit of my workout wasn't recorded.
  6. [R21] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · US Could be better: Counterintuitive controls, inaccurate distance measurement. Meh.
  7. [R26] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US Thank You MMR: Love this simple, reliable tracker. It’s a great motivator and it is fun to look back over time and see my movement patterns and watch my miles stack up.
  8. [R37] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 1/5 · US Annoying to use: It’s easier to close and reopen the app to start a new workout than navigating the unintuitive menu and seeing ten thousand ads for their premium subscription
  9. [R1] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 1/5 · US Miscalculated distance: This stupid app showed me zigzagging through a wooded area when I was on the side the whole time. Ended up adding 0.5 miles to my run. Worthless and deleted
  10. [R9] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · US Sometimes freezes and you gotta quit the app: Sometimes you gotta close out and go back in so I wouldn’t be super strict on trying the get an exact time. Give or take 20 seconds
  11. [R10] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 1/5 · US Stopped working: My app no longer tracks the length of my runs or the pace.
  12. [R13] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 2/5 · US Not consistently accurate: Constantly loses time and distance and then starts reforesting at the end which causes you to lose your pace. “I0 min run fast 1 min slow “ just repeated until it catches up. I can count using my watch without the app and not be distracted by those catch up messages. Which also interrupt my music when it’s happening.
  13. [R4] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 2/5 · US Must You?: I love Map My Run EXCEPT at the end of a long, timed run, or at the end of a race when right after pause/hold to finish AN AD POPS UP AND BLOCKS MY TIME. Please stop that.
  14. [R14] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US Perfect FREE running app for beginners: 1st I want to say this app IS free to use, ofc there are memberships and promotions to higher status and upgraded tools.. BUT it does track your runs, routes, times, and progress through out your time using the platform. You do have to exit out of a million ads to use it at first (there’s at most two) but that’s to be expected from a free app! 2.) this app
  15. [R25] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 1/5 · US Kill ads on the free version: Love your app I’ve been using it for years, but you seriously need to kill the ads and the prompts to upgrade on the free version. Anyone using your free app has already allowed you to track all of their metrication data runs walks speed pace, weather frequency That’s enough stop prompting me to upgrade every time I use the app and ads when I try to start a run
  16. [R32] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US 😊: Very good you dont have to pay to use it!!
  17. [R3] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · US Needs major upgrades: There is no autocorrect in this app! Makes it difficult to document your exercise.
  18. [R7] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 1/5 · US Location: It never let me change my location
  19. [R36] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · GB Good app, recent update rubbish: Recent update renders the app unusable on my Series 3 Apple Watch - seems a little unnecessary as it worked perfectly well until the update!
  20. [R39] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · GB Apple Watch.: Please update the UI on Apple Watch. It used to be much easier to read / use. (Way before this current view) But the Card view is too small to read and to navigate and doesn’t use the full size of the watch screen. It also flips between the screens too easily. Look at what other apps do for Apple Watch. Runna, Strava, RunKeeper etc the screens are much clearer. I would give this 5
  21. [R35] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US I love this app for tracking runs!: I love this app for running it just bothers me when it reads my mile time and my pace but lots of people like that feature. i recommend and it's free!
  22. [R47] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 5/5 · US TRACKING: Love the app! I have the free version and I can still enjoy most of the features!
  23. [R70] 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.
  24. [R73] Running Trainer 1/5 · US Scam: Says free trial but I was immediately charged for 1 year
  25. [R76] 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
  26. [R97] 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
  27. [R15] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · US Distance tracking issue: Does not accurately track distances on an indoor running track.
  28. [R27] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · GB It’s ok for seeing where you’ve ran: I’ve gave this 3 stars, because even though this is good for where you’ve ran, how long etc. I noticed it was not tracking my runs correctly. So for example, I run 5k nearly every day. On this App it says I’m doing 5k in roughly 30 minutes… even when I’m putting in more effort, I may get it just under 30 mins (29mins). So I decided to buy an IWatch and my first
  29. [R57] Map My Run GPS Running Tracker 3/5 · GB Great app but….: This is a great app for running. It does everything you need it to do, however when using it on my Apple Watch my minutes per mile are always in kilometres per minute despite changing it to miles on the app. This seems to be the only issue I have found but very frustrating
  30. [R69] 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

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