Couch to 5K® - Run training

• Price: $4.99

Last verified 31 Jul 2026

4.6 4707 ratings · App Store

1. 5/5Best Couch to 5K training app out there

   This app has the basics, which is all you really need to get started running. I started from very little activity and not much experience being athletic when I was younger. Run-walk was the only way I was able to build up the stamina to actually complete a full 5K. Because of this app, I’ve even worked up to running a full 10K, something I never thought I’d be able to accomplish. You’re able to listen to your music, pick the narrator you prefer to give you the audio cues, it records how much you run (and your pace during the walking and running portions separately). It’s also completely free. You could try the program for as long as you want to decide if you like it or if you want to pay and try something else. Unfortunately I don’t like the 5K to 10K program by this company as much, but once you’re at a 5K level there are much better programs and capabilities out there. It doesn’t sync with your Apple Watch and it doesn’t really update anymore but for the basics it gets the job done better than any other app which requires payment nowadays. It’s totally worth the download and try!

   nicoleta506 · 31 Jul 2026

2. 5/5Please update!!

   I’ve had this app as long as it’s been out. I’m in my 40s and have had 2 kids and several moves and then of course COVID hit the world. So I’ve started and stopped running many, many times. Each time I want to restart running I try a new app to help me pace myself so it doesn’t feel too hard and I give up. But I already go back to this app. It just works for me - easy at the beginning and it gets harder slowly so you always feel like you can do it and you’re making progress. HOWEVER - I beg that you update the app so that it syncs with your Apple Watch. I run mainly on a treadmill now - easier on the knees and the rest of the joints. And I can never blame weather for skipping. But since it only tracks your phone, which sits stable on the shelf, there is no tracking. It doesn’t track my distance or improvement or HeartRate… and it could, so easily. So please please please upgrade!

   OaklandHills · 31 Jul 2026

3. 1/5Used to be great...

   I was using this running program through the Active website before it became an app. I absolutely loved the program and app (up until about a year and a half ago) and over the years have told so many people to purchase it because it’s one of the best ones I’ve found in terms of building a base without injuries and for not being intimidating, even for new runners. That said, the last year or so I’ve been thoroughly disappointed with the app. It’s buggy, shuts down randomly and doesn’t save the run (other apps I’ve tried that are free, you can just reopen the app if it crashes and the run is still going so you don’t lose everything), and most importantly does not work with the Apple Watch like it claims to (I have a cellular plan and the app, phone and watch are fully up to date). You have to bring your phone with you if you want to see any of the stats (time, distance, pace, interval) and that defeats the purpose. Also, sometimes it’ll queue me to run or walk with a buzz notification on my watch (when I’ve left my phone at home) but most the time doesn't. There’s no telling when it will or won’t work. The convenience this app used to provide isn’t there any more because it’s not keeping up to date with modern technology. Until these issues are fixed I would discourage anyone paying for the app.

   alynn333 · 31 Jul 2026

4. 3/5App rating not the C-5k program

   Overall: This app will help you get through an interval running program in order to be able to run a 5k or at least 20-30mins of consistent jog. I’ve had this app for years (like pre Fitbit) and it really hasn’t adapted to new wearable technologies. Pros: Variety of trainers/motivators, alerts audible over music, alerts push to watch most of the time, breaks out weeks and allows repeats and keeps all the data. Cons: No way to have an indoor/treadmill run so it vastly underestimates pace. Not sure what the watch version does as it just tells me to open the app on the phone. No way to see timer on watch or lock screen without opening app. Can only “share” results with Facebook or the app community- can’t send in text or use one of the 50 social media programs out there. Race data is significantly lacking - only one run shows in my area under all search parameters and it’s not even the largest race in town. There’s definitely ways this program can improve but I’m not sure the developers are still interested in doing so, also not sure there’s a market since you can just modify basic workout apps to do the same thing.

   Fishgirl27 · 31 Jul 2026

5. 2/5Not as good as it used to be

   I downloaded the app a few years ago and LOVED it. This latest version though is left wanting. First off, I had to purchase it again because it didn’t remember that I had already bought the app. Then it has been pretty glitchy. This morning it skipped a full walking section and went from run to run. The other day it froze on the warm up and wouldn’t go into a run. Also, the audio cues are difficult to hear with my music playing so I have to listen really closely to know what I need to do. I turned on the vibrate to see if that would help and it barely made a difference. I used to be able to look at what the intervals were so I could mentally prepare myself for the run and now I can’t. I have to keep hitting “skip” then redo the exercise just to see what is expected of me that day. I am not impressed with the app and it has been sooooo frustrating to us. I go jogging for my mental health and it doesn’t help that this app gets me all wound up because it’s not operating as it should. Finally, skipping tracks when the exercise starts and shutting of my music after cool down is super annoying. I get my music ready before I go and like to listen to my music after I stretch and it shuts my music off or skips tracks.

   NotoriousSGB · 31 Jul 2026

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