5K Runner vs Runna
Choose 5K Runner for better value and user experience.
5K Runner offers a more user-friendly experience with a one-time payment option, while Runna's subscription model can be costly and has faced criticism for bugs. Users of both apps report issues with Apple Watch compatibility, but 5K Runner generally has higher satisfaction ratings.
Head to head
you want a reliable, user-friendly app with a one-time payment option.
you prefer a subscription model and are looking for a more comprehensive training program, provided you can tolerate potential bugs.
Evidence note: While both apps have their strengths, 5K Runner's reviews are more consistently positive, particularly regarding value and user experience.
Frequently asked
Is 5K Runner really free?
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.
- [R2] 5K Runner Great but wish for more: I have used other apps that did the same thing in the past. This one is definitely one of the best. The lifetime pass is a good deal as well. But I will cancel now that I reached the end of my trial. The good stuff: - I like the questionnaire that dropped me in the middle of the program. Other apps force you to start at the start. - The app also asks you how the run went
- [R6] 5K Runner App is good when it works: If this app was free I wouldn’t complain but this app will often fail mid workout and stop tracking completely defeating the purpose of the app and ruining your workout.
- [R63] Runna Disappointed: I used runna to improve my 5k pacing, I was excited because I’ve heard great things. Not only did I run a slower 5k than my usual/previous 5ks but I also had to stop so many times because the plan made me so unprepared. Very disappointed.
- [R68] Runna Game changer: I used to train with groups. This marathon training, I decided to go solo. This app is like having your own running coach. It provides strength, flexibility and running programming and schedules everything into a workable routine.
- [R3] 5K Runner It’s okay: I wanted to like it but it seems pretty lacking in features. The main problem for me is that it doesn’t sync well with the Apple Watch and iPhone, I can start on my iPhone but it will not stream the run to my watch.
- [R66] Runna Amazing, when it works.: Many times, the app does not properly communicate with my Apple Watch so I cannot actually start the Runna workout on my watch-face. (It starts to load, but then never actually starts the workout on my watch, and I end up having to use the default Apple Watch tracking feature while also using the Runna app on the phone screen, which probably isn’t as accurate and doesn’t g
- [R70] Runna Apple Watch Compatibility Issues: Good training program however very frustrating compatibility issues with Apple Watch Ultra 2. Every time a run was completed on the watch the run would have to be manually synced to the runna app in order for it to be shown as completed. Sometimes would have to attempt a sync several times before the workout successfully migrated to the iOS app. I talked to seve
- [R96] Runna Great, but…: This is a really good app in principal; however it’s recently started to drop the connection to my I-watch. I add it back before every run, but it’s usually dropped out again by the end of the run and doesn’t record that I’ve done anything, which is really frustrating. If this was fixed, it would get 5 stars!
- [R109] Runna Glitchy: It’s obvious this app is updated without QA testing. Every update includes a tech glitch. The latest version has a bug that broke voice notifications. The dev team should do better.
- [R97] Runna Want to like it!: I love the concept and found this app very motivating. At $20/month, it’s too pricey to have so many bugs. The Apple Watch integration does not work and resulted in a workout not getting recorded on my watch nor Runna, which was frustrating! And I had to toggle the sync button and manually import most workouts, which takes a minute and is frustrating. If Runna can fix these two b
- [R4] 5K Runner It used to be worth it…: I used this app back in 2019 to get ready for my first 5k. It was only $12 for 12 weeks which was great. It also offered a couple different options for different prices. Just redownloaded it and not only did they get rid of the options but now it’s $50! Definitely not worth that much. On to a different app…
- [R14] 5K Runner Bought Once in 2017- Use Every Spring to Ease Back Into Running: I bought this app years ago, and I always come back to it in the spring. I do a terrible job of keeping up my cardio in the winter, and this app helps me ease back into my running workouts without going overboard. This app pre plans running workouts for me, making it harder for me to cut my runs short if I were to be in charge. Defin
- [R64] Runna $20/month after week 2: Simply trying to go from couch to 5k. Nobody in their right mind with no running experience is going to pay $20/month after week 2. Misleading. Sad.
- [R73] Runna Only if you pay: The app is essentially featureless unless you pay for it. Free features are almost non existent.
- [R45] 5K Runner Great support: I’ve used this app on and off for years and definitely appreciate the one time payment. I was having issues with pairing my Apple Watch and emailed over the weekend. First thing Monday morning I got a response that fixed my issue. I do wish there were more robust workout details and the Apple fitness pairing captured more information but I’ve tried many of the 5k apps and keep comin
- [R67] Runna IMPOSSIBLE TO CANCEL: DO NOT GET THIS APP! The training plans are fine, but it is virtually impossible to cancel, you have to jump through 3rd party hoops and depending on how you sign up you can’t change your email. It is a logistical nightmare, better off with something else.
- [R100] Runna Terrible refund and cancellation process: Links don’t work, customer service is a bot that sends you in loops of entering codes, links, etc. Free trial more of hassle don’t waste your time and money.
- [R112] Runna Impossible to cancel subscription with anonymous email: They make it so hard to cancel. Shady and should not be allowed
- [R1] 5K Runner Misleading: Waiste of time . Pur all your information in and then hit a paywall
- [R10] 5K Runner Not free: It’s not free at all
- [R19] 5K Runner Not free: After you give all your personal data it forces you to pay $50. May have been a good app before but scummy now
Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store