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

5K Runner vs adidas Running

5K Runner 4.9★ · Free + IAP 70
Winner Tie
adidas Running 4.8★ · Free to download 65

Choose 5K Runner if you want a structured, adaptive training program for a 5K, but be aware of its upfront cost; opt for adidas Running if you prefer a free, general run tracker with community features and brand perks, despite its recent technical issues.

Full reviews: 5K Runner · adidas Running

5K Runner excels as a dedicated, adaptive 5K training program, though many users are frustrated by its high upfront cost and paywall. adidas Running offers free run tracking, community challenges, and brand rewards, but has faced numerous complaints about technical glitches and declining features.

Head to head

Features & Training Programs edge: 5K RunnerR2R5R9R17
5K Runner 5K Runner is highly praised for its structured and adaptive 5K training program, which progresses users effectively and helps them avoid injury R5R17. Users appreciate the questionnaire that customizes the starting point and the app's ability to adjust future runs based on performance R2. However, some users note a lack of advanced features like Spotify integration, pace display during runs, and robust workout details R9R39.
adidas Running adidas Running offers general run tracking, challenges, and integration with Adidas merchandise . It provides points towards Adidas membership for activities, which motivates many users . However, users report missing features such as the ability to see instantaneous pace and elevation during a run , support for AirPods Pro 3 HR monitor, and a dark theme . Some also mention a lack of personalized plans despite initial promises .
Ease of Use & User Experience tieR3R18R31R33
5K Runner Users find 5K Runner user-friendly and appreciate its straightforward guidance . The app's ability to let users advance at their own pace or repeat weeks is a positive R33. However, significant frustration stems from issues with Apple Watch syncing, where runs started on the iPhone don't stream to the watch, or watch support is absent for later program weeks R3R18R39. Some users also complain about the inability to adjust the voice prompt volume R31 and the app auto-playing music .
adidas Running adidas Running is generally considered easy to use with a nice and sleek interface . However, many users report issues with the app's functionality, including runs not automatically pausing , accidental pausing or closing on iPhone , and a new 'start' button that makes starting activities less convenient . There are also complaints about the app being confusing and not showing current progress in challenges R67.
Reliability & Performance edge: 5K RunnerR6R30R34R63
5K Runner When 5K Runner works, users find it effective R6. However, there are frequent complaints about the app failing mid-workout, stopping tracking completely R6, or incorrectly logging run times R30. Some users also experience issues with the app not allowing them to continue if they deviate from the planned workout R34.
adidas Running adidas Running has significant reliability issues, with users reporting that the app consistently becomes unreliable in measuring distance after a certain point R64, stops counting calories R63R73, and frequently glitches or crashes . Many runs do not register for community events or challenges R67. Apple Watch integration is particularly buggy, leading to freezing, battery drain, and failure to track metrics .
Price & Value edge: adidas RunningR1R2R4R7
5K Runner 5K Runner is heavily criticized for its pricing model. Many users downloaded it expecting a free app, only to encounter a paywall after entering personal information or a short trial R1R7R10R13. The current price of $50 is seen as too high, especially compared to a previous price of $12 R4. Some long-term users who paid once are now being asked to pay again for subscriptions, leading to accusations of a scam R32. However, users who have purchased a lifetime pass or used it for years find it worth the money for its effectiveness R2R39.
adidas Running adidas Running is free to download and offers many features without a subscription, which users appreciate . The ability to earn points towards Adidas membership is seen as a significant value add . However, some advanced data like max and average heart rate are locked behind a premium tier . A few users mention that the app used to be better in its free version before they tried the paid version .
Support & Updates edge: 5K RunnerR4R7R32R39
5K Runner 5K Runner has received positive feedback for its customer support, with one user reporting a quick and effective response to an Apple Watch pairing issue R39. However, the app's pricing changes and removal of previous free access have led to many negative reviews, suggesting a lack of user-friendly updates in terms of monetization R4R7R32.
adidas Running adidas Running users report a significant decline in support and features. There is no longer an ability to report issues within the app R67, and some users have experienced technical issues for months without resolution from support . Updates often lead to login problems and loss of progress . Users also lament the removal of useful features in recent updates and the removal of certain languages .
Pick 5K Runner if

you are looking for a highly structured and adaptive 5K training program that can ease you back into running or help you avoid injury R5R17R33. You are willing to pay an upfront fee for a program that users find genuinely effective and motivating . You prioritize a dedicated training plan over a free, general tracking app R2.

Pick adidas Running if

you want a free app for general run tracking, challenges, and motivation through brand rewards . You are already part of the Adidas ecosystem and value the integration and points . You don't mind occasional technical glitches or missing advanced features, as long as the core tracking is available .

Evidence note: The evidence for 5K Runner is heavily skewed towards recent negative reviews regarding its pricing model, which contrasts with its high lifetime rating. Many positive reviews are older or from users who paid for the app years ago when it was cheaper. adidas Running has a more balanced set of recent reviews, with many positive comments about its core functionality and brand integration, but also significant complaints about declining reliability and support.

Frequently asked

Is 5K Runner truly free?
No, 5K Runner is not truly free; while it may appear free to download, users consistently report encountering a paywall of $50 or a subscription requirement after a very short trial or after providing personal information, with no free functionality R1R7R10R13.
Does adidas Running have technical issues?
Yes, adidas Running has been frequently reported to have technical issues, including problems with distance measurement, calorie counting, app crashes, runs not registering for challenges, and glitches with Apple Watch integration leading to freezing and battery drain R63R64R67R73.
Can 5K Runner sync with Apple Watch?
5K Runner has inconsistent Apple Watch syncing, with some users reporting that runs started on an iPhone do not stream to the watch, or that watch support is unavailable for later weeks of the training program R3R18.

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] 5K Runner 4/5 · US 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
  2. [R5] 5K Runner 5/5 · US You’ll love it!: This program is great at progressing you in a way that makes you succeed. I’m technically done with the program but I still run with it every single time.
  3. [R9] 5K Runner 3/5 · US Great for 5k training, but lacking: Overall I like the app, but no ability to use other music platforms (Spotify) and no way to see pace is a bit of a miss.
  4. [R17] 5K Runner 4/5 · US Amazing app!: I’m in my 30s and used to run long distance in high school. Life has definitely thrown me off of the running streak I had in my 20s. But this app has helped me start at a reasonable place when I’ve fallen off. I know how easy it is to get injured by doing too much. But I really appreciate how it slows me down into a more reasonable goal. I’ve loved it and fully believe it will help m
  5. [R3] 5K Runner 3/5 · US 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.
  6. [R18] 5K Runner 3/5 · GB Great for the first 8 weeks: Thai app was great for the first 8 weeks but then once completing the 5k challenge I decided to continue with the apps workout programme. For what ever reason these weeks do not support use on an Apple Watch so back to having to table my phone with me on my runs. Very annoying!
  7. [R31] 5K Runner 5/5 · US VOLUME: What in the actual hell? How is the app not designed to be able to lower the volume of the voice?! Love the app outside of that, but this just reminded me why I stopped using the app about a year ago. Clearly people are listening to music from (SoundCloud, Spotify etc etc.) there should be an option to adjust the volume of the app. The ring every time I finish walking/running is so pierc
  8. [R33] 5K Runner 5/5 · US Ease needed for knees and size: To be honest, I always come back to this app. I'm a bigger girl, and I've had knee surgery and this has been the easiest app for me to follow. It seems like every time I use it for an extended period of time. I do much better at hitting my weight loss goals. I also like the fact that I can advance at my own pace. If I don't feel, I'm ready to advance I can keep repe
  9. [R6] 5K Runner 3/5 · US 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.
  10. [R30] 5K Runner 2/5 · US W7D2: I was supposed to have a 20 minute run and after 5 minutes it said I had completed my 20 minute run. I restarted the run and it did the same thing again. Very frustrating
  11. [R34] 5K Runner 1/5 · US It works mostly: It will train you for a 5k, but the app doesn't allow for it if you end up doing something else, then tap on it, and boom, you’re in a random spot in training. I do not recommend.
  12. [R63] adidas Running 3/5 · US Not counting calories: The app stopped counting my calories on workouts. What happened?
  13. [R1] 5K Runner 1/5 · US Misleading: Waiste of time . Pur all your information in and then hit a paywall
  14. [R4] 5K Runner 1/5 · US 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…
  15. [R7] 5K Runner 1/5 · US Not the same.: Used to use this app all the time. It was free to use the first 2 interval programs unlimited. Now you can use it free for 2 days then take your wallet out.
  16. [R32] 5K Runner 1/5 · US Paywalls and Paywalls: I paid for the pro version of this a few years ago and now I have to pay all over again with subscriptions. Scam and paywalls.
  17. [R39] 5K Runner 5/5 · US 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
  18. [R10] 5K Runner 1/5 · US Not free: It’s not free at all
  19. [R13] 5K Runner 1/5 · US Unable to use: Unable to get passed free trial/ $50 subscription
  20. [R64] adidas Running 2/5 · US Not too happy: The app is loaded on my iPhone 17. It consistently becomes unreliable in measuring distance after I pass the 7 mile mark. Why? Very frustrating.
  21. [R67] adidas Running 1/5 · US Poorly designed: The app it not showing my progress in challenges but shows it outside. There is nowhere to report this glitch.
  22. [R73] adidas Running 2/5 · US Used to be good: It is currently having an issue logging calories. And it keeps having a pop up to confirm your email address

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