Head-to-head · Running Apps for Apple Watch
Runmeter vs Run Plan
Runmeter leads on 0 checks, Run Plan on 0, and 6 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 scoreRunmeter · 7.8/10
- Free planboth
Runmeter scores higher on our rubric for running apps for apple watch: 7.8 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
Runmeter is the better fit for apple Watch users who want standalone tracking. Run Plan is the better fit for runners training for common race distances on Apple Watch.
- Runmeter fits best
Apple Watch users who want standalone tracking
- Run Plan fits best
Runners training for common race distances on Apple Watch
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Side by side
| Feature | Runmeter 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | Run Plan 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #6 in Running Apps for Apple Watch | #8 in Running Apps for Apple Watch |
| Best for | Apple Watch users who want standalone tracking | Runners training for common race distances on Apple Watch |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS | iOS |
| Support | Docs | |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Solo | Solo |
| Features Runmeter 5/5 · Run Plan 5/5 | ||
| GPS run tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guided workouts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Training plans | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline run support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phone-free tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Other platforms | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
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
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
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
- Runmeter7.8/10 · Free plan
A watch-focused running app with phone-free recording, training tools, and export options.
Visit RunmeterFull 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 Runmeter
- Strava vs Run Plan
- Apple Workout vs Runmeter
- Apple Workout vs Run Plan
- Nike Run Club vs Runmeter
- Nike Run Club vs Run Plan
- ASICS Runkeeper vs Runmeter
- ASICS Runkeeper 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