Head-to-head · Running Apps for Apple Watch
Apple Workout vs Runmeter
Apple Workout leads on 0 checks, Runmeter 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 featuresRunmeter · 5 of 5
Apple Workout scores higher on our rubric for running apps for apple watch: 9.1 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Runmeter offers guided workouts; Apple Workout doesn't. Runmeter offers training plans; Apple Workout doesn't.
Apple Workout is the better fit for apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics. Runmeter is the better fit for apple Watch users who want standalone tracking.
- Apple Workout fits best
Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics
- Runmeter fits best
Apple Watch users who want standalone tracking
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Side by side
| Feature | Apple Workout 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Runmeter 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Running Apps for Apple Watch | #6 in Running Apps for Apple Watch |
| Best for | Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics | Apple Watch users who want standalone tracking |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS | iOS |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features Apple Workout 3/5 · Runmeter 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, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
Runmeter is a running and workout-tracking app for iPhone and Apple Watch, aimed at runners who want detailed activity records and training tools, including people who prefer to leave their phone behind. Its watch app supports standalone… 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
Runmeter — where it wins
- Records GPS workouts directly on Apple Watch without an iPhone
- Combines configurable intervals, training plans, navigation, and spoken cues
- Shares workouts and supports GPX, TCX, FIT, and KML import and export
Where it doesn't
- The free recording experience includes advertising
- Advanced features require a paid Elite subscription
- Support channels are limited to documentation
- Apple Workout9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Apple Watch running app with detailed metrics and customizable workouts.
Visit AppleFull verdict → - Runmeter7.8/10 · Free plan
A watch-focused running app with phone-free recording, training tools, and export options.
Visit RunmeterFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Strava vs Apple Workout
- Strava vs Runmeter
- Apple Workout vs Nike Run Club
- Apple Workout vs ASICS Runkeeper
- Apple Workout vs MapMyRun
- Apple Workout vs RunGo
- Apple Workout vs Run Plan
- Nike Run Club vs Runmeter
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