Runna vs Run-R

A paid coaching app against a free plan builder. Here is what the subscription buys, and what you get without one.

Cost

Runna

Subscription, monthly or yearly, after a 7-day free trial

Run-R

Free

Account

Runna

Yes

Run-R

None. Your plan is saved on your device

Format

Runna

Mobile app

Run-R

Web page that works on any phone or computer

Built from

Runna

Your level, a recent 5K time, race date and training days

Run-R

Any recent race time, your race date and running days

Paces

Runna

Set in the app and sent to your watch

Run-R

Exact paces for every run, from your own time

When life changes

Runna

Adjust the plan in the app

Run-R

Update the plan and it re-plans from today

Watch

Runna

Syncs with Apple Watch, Garmin, Coros and more

Run-R

No direct sync. Copy a session for your watch or follow it on your phone

Where your plan lives

Runna

In the app

Run-R

Plan link, your own calendar and a PDF

Runna details checked on runna.com in October 2026. Apps change, so check their site for the latest.

When Runna is worth paying for

You want daily coaching in an app, with sessions sent straight to your watch. You like extras such as guidance on form.

You will open it most training days, and a monthly fee does not bother you. If so, Runna is a good product.

When Run-R is the better choice

You do not want a subscription or another app. You want your own paces, in your own calendar, and a plan you can update.

Run-R builds it from one race time, using Jack Daniels' published VDOT formulas. Base, build, peak and taper are timed back from your race date, for free.

It is also a good way to try a structured plan before you pay for anything.

Frequently asked questions

Is Runna worth the money?

Runna is a polished app with plans built around your level and a recent time, and it sends sessions to most popular watches. If you want daily coaching in an app and will open it most days, it can be worth it. In October 2026 it cost £15.99 a month or £99.99 a year in the UK, after a 7-day free trial (check runna.com for current prices). If you mainly want a plan with your own paces that you follow yourself, Run-R does that for free.

What is a free alternative to Runna?

Run-R. It builds a full training plan from a recent race time, your race date and the days you can run, with your easy, tempo, interval and race paces worked out using Jack Daniels' VDOT formulas. There is no app to install, no account and no subscription.

Does Runna have a free version?

Runna has a free trial and a limited free option, but its full training plans need a paid subscription. Run-R is free with no trial and no account.