Head-to-head · Running Apps for Apple Watch
Apple Workout vs RunGo
Apple Workout leads on 0 checks, RunGo on 1, and 5 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 featuresRunGo · 4 of 5
Apple Workout scores higher on our rubric for running apps for apple watch: 9.1 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
RunGo offers guided workouts; Apple Workout doesn't.
Apple Workout is the better fit for apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics. RunGo is the better fit for runners prioritizing phone-free route navigation.
- Apple Workout fits best
Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics
- RunGo fits best
Runners prioritizing phone-free route navigation
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Side by side
| Feature | Apple Workout 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | RunGo 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in Running Apps for Apple Watch | #7 in Running Apps for Apple Watch |
| Best for | Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics | Runners prioritizing phone-free route navigation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | $5.99/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | iOS | Web, iOS, Android, macOS |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Apple Workout 3/5 · RunGo 4/5 | ||
| GPS run tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guided workouts | — | ✓ (best) |
| Training plans | — | Not published |
| Offline run support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phone-free tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Other platforms | iPhone (Fitness app companion) | iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, web |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
RunGo centers on finding, creating, and following running routes, with Apple Watch GPS recording and turn-by-turn directions delivered through voice and haptic cues. Runners can record without carrying an iPhone and download routes for… 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
RunGo — where it wins
- Apple Watch records GPS runs with pace, distance, time, and heart-rate stats
- Voice and haptic turn cues support phone-free navigation
- Downloaded routes can be followed offline
Where it doesn't
- Premium is needed for live tracking and interval training on iOS
- Route creation is limited to unlimited access on Premium
- Creator plan features target route publishers more than everyday runners
- Apple Workout9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Apple Watch running app with detailed metrics and customizable workouts.
Visit AppleFull verdict → - RunGo7.7/10 · Free plan · paid from $5.99/mo
A route-focused running app with phone-free Apple Watch navigation and a free tier.
Visit RunGoFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Strava vs Apple Workout
- Strava vs RunGo
- Apple Workout vs Nike Run Club
- Apple Workout vs ASICS Runkeeper
- Apple Workout vs MapMyRun
- Apple Workout vs Runmeter
- Apple Workout vs Run Plan
- Nike Run Club vs RunGo
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