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

AllTrails vs Running Trainer

AllTrails 4.9★ · Free + IAP 65
Winner AllTrails
Running Trainer 4.9★ · Free + IAP · ⚠ stale 55

AllTrails is the better choice for hikers seeking diverse trail information and community features, while Running Trainer is suitable for basic run tracking, though both apps face significant criticism regarding their paid subscriptions and technical issues.

Full reviews: AllTrails · Running Trainer

AllTrails offers a comprehensive platform for discovering and navigating hiking trails, praised for its extensive maps and community contributions. Running Trainer focuses on run tracking and training plans, but users report issues with GPS accuracy and Apple Watch integration. Both apps are heavily criticized for aggressive monetization tactics and subscription models.

Head to head

Features & Content edge: AllTrailsR2R3R5R9
AllTrails AllTrails excels at providing a wide array of trail maps, user reviews, and photos, making it a valuable resource for finding and researching hikes R2R5. Users appreciate the ability to track hikes and monitor pace R29. However, some features, like creating and modifying routes, are locked behind a high-priced 'Peak' tier R9. There are also complaints about AI-generated descriptions and bloat . Offline map functionality is a key paid feature, but some users report it doesn't work reliably offline R28. The app lacks dedicated iPad support and robust Apple Watch features R3.
Running Trainer Running Trainer is praised for its ability to track distance, time, and pace, and offers badges for accomplishments . It includes training plans, such as Couch to 5k . Users can manually add runs . However, many critical features, like mile splits, are behind a paywall . The app is criticized for not allowing users to preset run distances or times, and for a lack of detailed average pace per kilometer . There's also a significant demand for Apple Watch integration for tracking and heart rate data, which is currently missing or broken R69R81R85R114.
Ease of Use tieR6R7R8R13
AllTrails AllTrails is generally considered user-friendly and easy to navigate for finding trails R8R43. However, some users find the UI clunky, with issues like maps not working, constant refreshing of search results, and difficulty stopping activity logging R6R7R13. There are also complaints about intrusive pop-ups and difficulty closing subscription prompts .
Running Trainer Running Trainer is often described as simple, straightforward, and easy to use, especially for starting a run . However, users report issues with the app stopping tracking mid-run, prematurely finishing runs, and general loading problems . The GPS is frequently cited as inaccurate, leading to incorrect distance and pace data R82R91R106R111.
Reliability & Performance edge: AllTrailsR16R22R28R29
AllTrails AllTrails is generally seen as reliable for keeping users on track and providing accurate information R29. However, recent reviews indicate a decline in performance, with reports of freezing, crashing, and maps not working R16. Some users also experienced issues with offline maps not being available when truly offline R28. Incorrect routes and privacy changes have also been noted R22.
Running Trainer Running Trainer's reliability is a major concern, with numerous reports of the app stopping tracking mid-run, GPS inaccuracies, and failure to load or save data R82. Users have lost months of progress due to updates or loading issues . The lack of Apple Watch integration also hinders its reliability for many runners R69R85.
Price & Value tieR1R9R10R17
AllTrails AllTrails offers a free version that is appreciated for basic guidance R17R43. However, the paid subscriptions (Plus and Peak) are a major point of contention. Users feel the pricing is too high ($35-$80 yearly) and that essential features are locked behind multiple paywalls, making it feel like a 'money grab' R1R9R10R19. Many find the free trial misleading, as it often leads to immediate charges or limited access .
Running Trainer Running Trainer also has a free version that users appreciate . However, its paid subscription is widely criticized for being expensive ($7 monthly, $89.99-$98 yearly) and for locking basic features like mile splits behind a paywall R70R73R76. Many users report being immediately charged after signing up for a 'free trial,' leading to accusations of scamming R70R73R76R97.
Customer Support & Policies tieR1R7R21R22
AllTrails AllTrails users have reported issues with subscription auto-renewal and difficulty getting refunds, sometimes requiring multiple messages to support R1R21. There are also complaints about a lack of an easy feedback option within the app R7. A significant concern is the unannounced change in privacy settings, making previously private waypoints public R22.
Running Trainer Running Trainer users complain about a lack of customer service and no clear way to get money back after being charged for a 'free trial' R70R73R76R97. There are also reports of discriminatory practices regarding free vs. paid cosmetic features . The app is criticized for being overly aggressive in asking for reviews .
Pick AllTrails if

you are primarily a hiker looking for a vast database of trails, user reviews, and navigation assistance, and are willing to navigate its subscription tiers R2R5.

Pick Running Trainer if

you need a simple, free app for basic run tracking and are not reliant on advanced features, perfect GPS accuracy, or Apple Watch integration .

Evidence note: Both apps have a high lifetime rating but recent reviews for both show significant dissatisfaction, particularly concerning their paid subscription models and technical glitches. The evidence for customer support is largely negative for both, focusing on billing issues and lack of responsiveness.

Frequently asked

Does AllTrails offer a free version?
Yes, AllTrails offers a free version that provides guidance for finding trails, which is appreciated by users who don't hike often R17R43.
What are the main complaints about AllTrails' paid subscription?
Users frequently complain that AllTrails' paid subscriptions are too expensive, ranging from $35 to $80 yearly, and that many essential features are locked behind multiple paywalls, making it feel like a 'money grab' R1R9R10R19.
Is Running Trainer compatible with Apple Watch?
Based on user reviews, Running Trainer does not seem to sync well with Apple Watch for distance and calorie burn, and many users express frustration that it lacks proper Apple Watch integration for tracking runs and heart rate data R69R81R85R114.
Do users experience issues with 'free trials' for Running Trainer?
Yes, multiple users report being immediately charged the full subscription price (around $89.99-$98) after signing up for a '7-day free trial,' leading to accusations of scamming and difficulty obtaining refunds R70R73R76R97.
How accurate is Running Trainer's GPS?
Many users report that Running Trainer's GPS is frequently inaccurate, leading to incorrect distance and pace data, with some experiencing significant discrepancies even on known tracks R82R91R106R111.

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. [R2] AllTrails 5/5 · US Love it: Use it for all my hiking needs
  2. [R3] AllTrails 3/5 · US Expensive and lakes iPad Support: Make a version of the app that works on an iPad. Would allow easier planning for hikes instead of the small scaled down version.
  3. [R5] AllTrails 5/5 · US Use it everywhere I go: This is my go to app anywhere I go that I want to travel by foot and see beautiful places! It’s a must have.
  4. [R9] AllTrails 3/5 · US Great App but it’s a money grab: 80 dollars is ridiculous for the peak subscription. I feel like it’s a money grab, I also hate how they show features that you don’t have access to and you don’t realize you don’t have that feature until you click on it. The peak features should be part of the plus subscription.
  5. [R6] AllTrails 3/5 · US No easy way to stop logging: Both on the Apple Watch and in the App I found no button to click to tell the app I finished the hike. After remaining motionless at my vehicle, a pop up appeared asking me if I was done with the hike and to tap for “yes”, which I did, but it still continued to track my motion all the way home. I paid for the App - I would expect it to give me a convenient way to end t
  6. [R7] AllTrails 1/5 · US No Option for Feedback: There’s a new feature when you are trying to zoom in to look at a map in more detail and it pops up this menu that takes over the screen and makes it impossible to pan around if you have man hands.
  7. [R8] AllTrails 5/5 · US User friendly: I think the title says it but if you aren’t inclined with an app this one is easy to use.
  8. [R13] AllTrails 1/5 · US I CANT PRESS THE RUNNING ACTIVITY BUTTON: 5 stars except the fact I CANT PRESS THE RUNNING ACTIVITY BUTTON IVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR MY LIFE TRYING TO PRESS THIS BUTTON BUT I CANT I CAN PRESS ANY OTHER ACTIVITY BUT I CANT DO THE RUNNING ONE I JUST WANT TO LOOK AT TRAILS I CAN RUN ON PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
  9. [R16] AllTrails 1/5 · US Tons of issues with maps: I’ve used this app for years, no issues. Suddenly the maps aren’t working. I deleted the app and reinstalled, I signed out and signed in. No progress. Problem just got worse and I also lost all my saved hikes and data. Maps still not working.
  10. [R22] AllTrails 2/5 · US Privacy Changed are Sleazy and Alarming: I’ve been a longtime user of AllTrails, for years and years. I always set my own routes to “private” because I want that data for myself but don’t feel safe publicly sharing my favorite hiking routes with the entire world. I learned today that without any warning, AllTrails decided to make public every single waypoint any user has ever saved, regardless of
  11. [R28] AllTrails 2/5 · US Offline maps doesn’t work offline: Have Plus membership. Downloaded a map to use offline. Went to a trail away from any coverage. Tried to use the downloaded map: “Not available. What you’re looking for isn’t available to view.” I have a Plus membership, which I thought gave me access to downloaded maps while offline. Later in the hike I got one bar of coverage, and it let me start the trail halfw
  12. [R29] AllTrails 5/5 · US 10/10 recommend: I hike 2-3x a week anywhere from 4 to 8 miles and I use All Trails religiously to track my hikes. Not only does it to an amazing job at keeping me on the trail but it also helps me monitor my pace and overall activity. I recommend this to all of my friends and as someone who doesn’t usually do app memberships this is one I will invest in time and time again.
  13. [R1] AllTrails 1/5 · US Thief’s App: I get a notification of auto renewal at 10:53pm and two hours later they hit my account leaving me not option but to pay for something I didn’t want. Theirs do their work an night, and so do these people. Decent app, worth $15 yearly: sure. However, it’s not worth $35 or the money they’ll have to pay me to remove the 12 reviews I’ve posted announcing their nefariousness.
  14. [R10] AllTrails 2/5 · US Hate this two-tier system: So annoyed by the greed of having this two-level system, and denying stuff for people who are already paying customers. It sucks.
  15. [R17] AllTrails 5/5 · US Thank you for the free version: I don’t hike very often. I us is for a guidance
  16. [R21] AllTrails 3/5 · GB Cancelled subscription but still charged: I cancelled my subscription the day before it ended but was still charged £35.99. After several messages with their support team support team I was refunded the full amount but without apology or explanation. I won’t be using this app again.
  17. [R43] AllTrails 5/5 · US Extremely good for beginners: I really like this app because it helped me get started hiking. I really appreciate how easy it is and as you go to more advanced trails, you learned to appreciate this app a lot more. You do not need to purchase the subscription, but it would be better. I would recommend this to anyone starting to hike.
  18. [R19] AllTrails 1/5 · US Just a giant ad: Everything is locked down in this app. Everything you click on is a trick to advertise the paid premium app. It’s not worth it anymore
  19. [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
  20. [R81] Running Trainer 3/5 · US Seems ok: Does not seem to sync well with Apple Watch for distance and cal burn
  21. [R85] 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”
  22. [R114] 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.
  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. [R82] 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
  28. [R91] 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.
  29. [R106] Running Trainer 2/5 · US Run data is inaccurate.: Current pace data is not correct. After 1.5 miles, at a pace of 17 minutes per mile, the current pace states that the pace is 59:59 minutes per mile. The App needs to be updated.
  30. [R111] Running Trainer 3/5 · GB Free with no registration but poor GPS: Great as no need to register/create an account unlike most famous big apps/brands! However GPS does not work very well and you end up with an incomplete representation of your trip (lower distance than completed, wrong mapping of the run and wrong pace obviously). Please fix this and it will be 5 stars for me!

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