Head-to-head · Running Apps for Apple Watch
Apple Workout vs Run Plan
Apple Workout leads on 0 checks, Run Plan on 2, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreApple Workout · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresRun Plan · 5 of 5
Apple Workout scores higher on our rubric for running apps for apple watch: 9.1 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
Run Plan offers guided workouts; Apple Workout doesn't. Run Plan offers training plans; Apple Workout doesn't.
Apple Workout is the better fit for apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics. Run Plan is the better fit for runners training for common race distances on Apple Watch.
- Apple Workout fits best
Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics
- Run Plan fits best
Runners training for common race distances on Apple Watch
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Side by side
| Feature | Apple Workout 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Run Plan 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #2 in Running Apps for Apple Watch | #8 in Running Apps for Apple Watch |
| Best for | Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics | Runners training for common race distances on Apple Watch |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS | iOS |
| Support | Docs | |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features Apple Workout 3/5 · Run Plan 5/5 | ||
| GPS run tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guided workouts | — | ✓ (best) |
| Training plans | — | ✓ (best) |
| Offline run support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phone-free tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Other platforms | iPhone (Fitness app companion) | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Apple Workout is the built-in Apple Watch app for recording indoor and outdoor runs. It is aimed at runners who want to track sessions from their watch and review detailed workout metrics, including heart rate, average pace, running power,… Read the review → |
Run Plan is an iPhone and Apple Watch app for runners preparing for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon, as well as people focused on maintenance or speed development. It builds plans around a runner’s schedule and fitness, then guides… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Apple Workout — where it wins
- Shows heart rate, pace, running power, distance, and other metrics
- Supports custom intervals, warmups, cooldowns, and workout views
- Includes track features, lap alerts, and race-route comparisons
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide training plans
- Does not include guided workouts
- Workout review is split between Apple Watch Activity and iPhone Fitness
Run Plan — where it wins
- Plans cover 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon goals
- Apple Watch can record GPS runs without an iPhone
- Live interval guidance, timed recoveries, and haptic cues
Where it doesn't
- The listed platform is iOS, limiting use outside Apple's ecosystem
- Email is the only listed support channel
- No AI features are included
- Apple Workout9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Apple Watch running app with detailed metrics and customizable workouts.
Visit AppleFull verdict → - Run Plan7.6/10 · Free plan
A free Apple Watch running app for structured race training and phone-free GPS runs.
Visit Run PlanFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Strava vs Apple Workout
- Strava vs Run Plan
- Apple Workout vs Nike Run Club
- Apple Workout vs ASICS Runkeeper
- Apple Workout vs MapMyRun
- Apple Workout vs Runmeter
- Apple Workout vs RunGo
- Nike Run Club vs Run Plan
All running apps for apple watch comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update