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

ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker vs C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map

ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 4.8★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker
C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map 4.8★ · Free to download 60

ASICS Runkeeper is the better choice for most runners due to its comprehensive free features and long-term reliability, while C25K is a good option for absolute beginners but is hampered by its aggressive paywall.

Full reviews: ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker · C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map

ASICS Runkeeper offers robust tracking, guided workouts, and a loyal user base, though recent updates have introduced bugs and syncing issues. C25K is highly effective for beginners but has faced significant backlash for putting its core program behind a paywall after a very short free trial.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: ASICS Runkeeper, Run TrackerR55R17R53R41
ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker ASICS Runkeeper is praised for its ability to track miles, elevation, pace, and personal records, with many users appreciating the guided workouts available in the free version R55R17. It also offers features like shoe mileage tracking R53 and manual input for workouts from other apps R41. However, some users report a loss of features like weekly distance comparisons and detailed data analysis in recent updates R19.
C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map C25K is highly effective for its core purpose of guiding users from 'couch to 5K' with incremental intensity and voiceover instructions . Users appreciate its motivational aspect and how it makes running achievable . However, many advanced features and even the majority of the training program itself are locked behind a paywall R61R64R70.
Ease of Use and Interface edge: ASICS Runkeeper, Run TrackerR8R20R44R55
ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker Many users find ASICS Runkeeper intuitive and easy to use, appreciating its clear interface R8R20R44R55. However, recent updates have led to complaints about poor design, difficulty navigating, and visually unattractive elements R10. Some users also find the process to save a jog cumbersome, requiring multiple presses .
C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map C25K is generally considered easy to get started with and beginner-friendly, with clear instructions . However, some users find the app experience confusing, especially regarding watch integration and the choice between phone or watch for tracking . There are also complaints about buttons being too close together, leading to accidental selections .
Reliability and Performance tieR2R11R23R1
ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker ASICS Runkeeper has a long history of being reliable for many users, with some having used it for over a decade R2R11R23. However, recent reviews frequently mention significant bugs, glitches, and issues with GPS tracking, app crashes, and syncing with watches or other devices R1R7. Some users also reported losing years of data after ASICS took over .
C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map C25K is generally reliable for its core program, with users reporting successful progression from not running to completing 5Ks . However, there are reports of GPS signal issues , the app freezing , and incorrect workout timings . Watch integration is a particular pain point, with issues in recording distance/steps indoors and sending notifications to headphones .
Price and Value edge: ASICS Runkeeper, Run TrackerR5R55R59R17
ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker ASICS Runkeeper offers a substantial free version that many users find perfectly useful and sufficient for tracking runs and walks R5R55R59. The paid premium version adds structured training plans and advanced insights, which some users find worth the cost for specific goals R17. However, some users feel that too much functionality is paywalled or that the value of the paid version has decreased due to recent feature removals .
C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map C25K is heavily criticized for its pricing model. While it is free to download, the core 5K training program is largely behind a paywall after only the first week or two R61R64R70. Users express disappointment, feeling it's deceptive and overpriced, especially compared to its past free offerings or other free alternatives .
Support and Updates tieR2R11R7R10
ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker While some long-term users praise ASICS Runkeeper's longevity and continuous development R2R11, recent updates have been a major source of frustration, introducing bugs, removing popular features, and changing the interface for the worse R7R10R19. There are also reports of difficulty contacting support for account issues and problems with age verification .
C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map C25K's developers have been responsive to some user issues, such as explaining how to delete a workout . However, the most significant update-related complaints revolve around the introduction of the paywall, which has alienated many long-time users R61R64. There are also reports of issues with restoring past purchases and a lack of updates to the 'What's New' description .
Pick ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker if

you want a feature-rich running tracker with a robust free tier for general tracking, guided workouts, and long-term progress monitoring R5R17R55.

Pick C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map if

you are an absolute beginner looking for a structured 'couch to 5K' program and are willing to pay for the full experience after a short trial .

Evidence note: Reviews for C25K are heavily skewed by negative feedback regarding its paywall, which impacts perceptions of its overall value and features. ASICS Runkeeper's recent negative reviews often focus on specific bugs and feature changes rather than the core functionality.

Frequently asked

Is C25K free to use?
No, C25K is not entirely free; while it is free to download and offers a short trial, the full 5K training program is locked behind a subscription paywall after typically the first week or two R61R64R70R72.
Does ASICS Runkeeper offer guided workouts?
Yes, ASICS Runkeeper offers guided workouts, with many users appreciating the guided workouts available even in the free version R17R52.
Do these apps sync with smartwatches?
ASICS Runkeeper has experienced recent issues with syncing to Apple Watch and Garmin devices, with users reporting that it no longer syncs reliably or pauses on its own R3R19R22R24. C25K also has reported issues with Apple Watch integration, particularly with indoor treadmill tracking, sharing data, and audio notifications .

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. [R55] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Must have app for running: I love this app. It tracks your miles, elevation, pace, and PR. Best thing about it is that it’s free. Very easy interface and pleasing. Love it.I use this for jogging, running, sprints, biking, and hiking. It’s great and maps your route you took too.
  2. [R17] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 4/5 · US Love it: LOVE the guided workouts on free version. I bought the pro version when I was training for a half marathon and the plan it gave me was awesome and totally worth it for someone who enjoys structure !!
  3. [R53] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Great app: I especially love that it tracks my shoe miles
  4. [R41] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Awesome App: Good app I’ve been using it for some time for different cardio and other workouts. I really enjoy the interface and gentle reminders to workout or keep up a streak. Pocket tracking and manual input for workouts completed on others apps (Apple Fitness for me ) is a big plus as well.
  5. [R8] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Great app!!!: I have been using this app in basic mode since 2023. It’s reliable, intuitive, and informative. I recommend using this app to everyone!
  6. [R20] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Satisfied Runkeeper User!: Hello! I am very satisfied with the Runkeeper app. It has helped me stay on track with my goals and track my progress. I appreciate how easy it is to use and how it keeps me motivated.
  7. [R44] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Great App: Fantastic app and very user friendly
  8. [R2] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Loyal running PaTNa!: I have this app since 2011. Used to train for the NYC half. It’s gotten through 1k miles and counting. The cousin from boston running voice is hilarious!
  9. [R11] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Still awesome...: I think I've had this app 11, maybe going on 12 years and it's still awesome. It is perfectly useful. I'm already back to jogging/walking 8 miles a day after a long hiatus. Four in the morning and four in the evening. When I pushed it even harder than that (11.6), it was very clear to see from the following day's distances and times that I pushed it too hard and probably nearly i
  10. [R23] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Don’t stop moving forward!: I have been a loyal customer since I started running approximately 8 years ago. In this time period I ran 4 marathons, 6 half marathons and countless 5k races. Starting from zero to where I am at currently is due to the training programs.
  11. [R1] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 1/5 · US Poor design: Started a run, checked back at the app. Says location unavailable. This app should have offline tracking as a back up. This is a fisher price app. Not worth it.
  12. [R5] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Great app: It’s a great app, it’s free and I just personally haven’t had any problems with it
  13. [R59] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 5/5 · US Ability to set audio cues to custom mileage is what I wanted: Ability to set audio cues without premium payment is what I was looking for and is a great incentive and sets the app apart from all other apps.
  14. [R7] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 1/5 · US Downhill fast: After 5 years with Runkeeper, it’s lost it’s legs. Glitchy app was too much - farewell.
  15. [R10] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 1/5 · US App update sucks: What happened to manualworkout log? Also I have an iPhone SE and the start screen for the app does not fit the display screen for my phone.
  16. [R61] C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map 2/5 · US Lame that you have to pay: I used this app years ago when the whole program was free. I'm getting back into running after a lengthy illness and I'm annoyed to see that you have to pay to finish the program last W2D1. I found another app and uninstalled this one.
  17. [R64] C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map 1/5 · US Pay Wall smh: Of course just going along with the state of this greedy world. This app used to offer all weeks for free and really helped my running. Recommended it to a friend to find out that it only goes to week 2 then have to pay beyond that. There’s noone left who does things to genuinely help people. Everything is for a profit. Extremely disappointed and will NOT be recommending this app.
  18. [R70] C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map 1/5 · US Deceptive: They hide the subscription requirement well. I thought this was a free app, but it’s a one week trial. I thought the pro version was just to unlock additional features. Nope - you can only use it for one week, then you have to pay. I’ll be starting over with something else.
  19. [R72] C25K® 5K Running Coach & Map 3/5 · US Still Have to Pay For It: I’m happy with the app and how far I’ve come with my running, but it’s still not free, the free part ends with the second week of the program.
  20. [R52] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 1/5 · US Took much coaching: I like the coaching option but there’s a fine line between extensive talking and training assistance. I wish the app had the option to have. Guided workouts where I don’t have to have talking about outfits and mantras and whatever else. I just want them to give me timing and pacing.
  21. [R3] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 3/5 · US Ok…..: I have a very difficult time keeping it synched to my watch. Frustrating!
  22. [R19] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 1/5 · US Once upon a time it was good: For many years it was a good app. for tracking mileage and measuring progress. Over the last few years it has gone down hill and keeps getting worse. It doesn’t pull data tracked on my Apple Watch, it doesn’t show my runs, only what was recorded on pocket tracker. It only shows a max of 3 days where you previously could see a week and also a weekly comparison. The g
  23. [R22] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 2/5 · US The synchronization with the watch is really bad: I bought a paid subscription in this app for creating a running training schedule. I know this app is great from back when there was a separate my ASICS app. And now I can't figure out whether it's me having trouble syncing the app or the watch, or if the synchronization itself is just very clunky. First of all, there's no convenient feature like i
  24. [R24] ASICS Runkeeper, Run Tracker 3/5 · GB App vs watch.: Absolutely fantastic phone app. The Apple Watch app is hot garbage. Fact.

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