Runmeter Running & Walking GPS Reviews

by Weeezzzzy24

I had high hopes for RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS as I have used a version of it various times through the years. That being said I got RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS and upgraded to the elite. I thought it was going to be great until I went on my first run and was dumbfounded as to why my stats would not appear on my watch. I then quickly realized that like before in the past you had to find some way to lug your phone around with you to make RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS work. Needless to say I was very disappointed. What is the point of making RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS for the Apple Watch if it can't work independently??? Can the developers please get on untethering RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS because it has some super legit features I just don't want to carry my phone.

by Duecel

I still love RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS on the iPhone for the customizations but hate that it’s still not stand alone on the watch. It also, for whatever reason, has a problem with consistency on connectivity with the iPhone. I have my iPhone in my arm band on my left side and the watch on my right wrist and I get the no connectivity symbol often when running. Sometimes it just stops working completely with RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS . Got to get with the program on stand alone with the watch. Until then I’m switching to Runkeeper who actually has a stand alone app for the watch.

Also, the notifications on the Apple Watch don’t work. It doesn’t even announce start or stop but the have them there available. Stupid. Cancelled my subscription.

by OliverPrime

This used to be a 5 star review from me. My go to running app. These guys just don't get it anymore. Apple Watch support but you still have to bring the phone?!? Talk about a disconnect with your user base. Not only that, these guys have about zero customer support. I'm so sad I've moved on from this once great app. Just take a look at more recent reviews than the overall rating. Much more disappointment than in the earlier years.

Update: Upped it to two stars ⭐️⭐️ The developer mentioned importing my info from the Apple Watch. Indeed you can, but you can only access that feature through a paywall, where other running apps just include this from your initial download. I did in fact pay to see if it works well and it does. I just wish I can use RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS on my watch without my phone. If the developers can at least give us an update on RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS and if they plan on working on a standalone app for the watch or even if it’s not in the cards.

by Scott

I've been a runmeter user since 2013 or earlier. I upgraded to Elite in 2014 when it was a reasonable $ 4.99. Then, in 2017 I STILL upgraded to Elite when the priced doubled to $9.99. It's actually a great app, but without the Elite upgrade, it's pretty useless (to me, anyway). Here's why. I went for my first outside run in 2018 and didn't notice my Elite upgrade expired last week. I spent about 20 minutes trying to figure out what was wrong with my heart rate chest strap. It turns out you need ELITE to measure your heart rate. You're kidding right..? Nope. How about just measure your steps..? Still need Elite. I didn't take the time to detail everything you lose without ELITE but for me, if a running app can't track my heart rate or at least steps, I'll just switch back to my fitness band or use a HR watch with my chest strap.

by Mpschmitt

I don’t know why no one else has mentioned this yet, but the pace measurements are all over the map (literally and figuratively) in RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS. I’ve been using this for a while and I’ve observed the following behaviors on a number of occasions:

1. It often stalls out and stops registering any change in time or distance
2. When it is working it often reports inaccurate information. For example, on a slight downgrade of a hill it reported that I was running a 5:30 pace, then on an equally slight upgrade it reported I was running a 10:00 pace. My pace was actually about the same on both hills. I’m not that fast, and I’m not that slow. At one point during my run it reported that my pace was 0:00 for about a quarter of a mile, at which point I turned it off and uninstalled it.

by InfinityFlex

First, they get 5 stars for support. I couldn’t get my Polar heart rate strap to work and I emailed them. Got a reply in less than 30 minutes, on a weekend, with a fix that worked. Pair it to the phone, not the watch.

Unfortunately the heart rate does not update very often on the watch app. It seems to only work when the phone is unlocked. Beyond that, RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS has tons of potential. Great stats for running and walking. However, the interface really needs some help. All the right info is there, but it’s not pleasant to look at or use. On the watch screens you have to scroll to see all the info. I also enjoyed the running plans, the interval training features, and the emailing of runs to let others know where I am.

If the heart rate screen worked better on the watch I maybe would have paid the yearly fee. If it had that plus a better interface, it would be easy to pay for it. I’ll check back later to see how it develops.

by Randallstone

Runmeter is the most advanced running app. But if you do anything with your phone or watch other than Runmeter you’ll have some problems. If you like music on your runs, fahgetaboutit. It just doesn’t work as intended nor ever consistently.

Simply put, I’ve been working with Runmeter for 6 years now. Two years ago I gave up exclusive use and stopped depending on my running mates to forward me their workouts for correction. It just never really worked.

Since growing up and getting a Garmin device, I can at least use that and still use Runmeter to compare. I like that Elite will log weather data. But when your running app doesn’t do anything but the tertiary Wx logs, it isn’t really a “run meter” at all.

I’d say 4 years of hard work to make this thing work is enough.

If you just run and just use your phone to run Runmeter, *maybe* your mileage will vary. Good luck. You’ve been warned.

by I Love Interval Data

It is difficult to rate RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS. I bought it due to the shameful lack of run apps that have a lap feature. In my excitement to purchase I neglected to see in the reviews - not in the description- that to use the Apple Watch you need to carry your phone. I bought the Apple Watch so I could run without a phone. So, if you are like me, this will be massively frustrating. (I’ve only used RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS once because of this.)

Lots of cool screens - if you can read them. The one time I was able to use RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS I found it difficult to read all but one of the screens while in motion. No doubt they are slick to look at when you are sitting on your couch. Good luck trying to see data at a glance.

This review does not cover any of the other notable features (e.g., plans) because I truly only wanted a GPS app with a lap feature I could use on my Apple Watch - again, without carrying my phone. I’ll keep looking for it.

by Irrate Buyer

I’ve used RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS for years, and while I really enjoy it, it seems to have a persistent issue with the iphone music app. The Runmeter will usually stop working correctly if one starts fiddling around with the music app during a run. I have, in the past, notified the developer of the issue. They did respond quickly and request data from my phone to help them identify the issue. The did acknowledge an issue after reviewing that data. However, they requested further data/access from my phone that I was not comfortable sharing, nor did I have the incentive to get into a project with them. So the problem persists. Having said that, everything else about Runmeter is pretty good

by Hemirrtc

I live in an area of limited cell service. Literally none in my driveway. Unlike others this running app does not require me to have cell signal to at least start and finish my run. Yes I do pay the optional small annual subscription $9.99 currently so I don’t have to wait for it to load advertisements, which it can’t do without a signal. The subscription also provides extra features such as automatically detecting a pause when I am waiting to cross a busy street or such. Unfortunately the indoor step detection is never even reasonably accurate despite advice on how to make it more so. But I only run indoors in a blizzard or squall so not that big of a deal.

by 1StarRunner

Please adapt RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS to be able to function in airplane mode (AM)! Winter is coming and our phone battery energy gets zapped within a few short minutes because of the cold. Also, for the fact that people forget or don't have time to charge their phone before or after they go out to run, allowing the gps to effectively work on AM would be a huge convenience. I love RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS BUT since the Nike running app uses this feature, I'll be using that app until RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS gets up to date. :)

by Brettinto

As a data junkie, Runmeter let’s me analyze individual runs as well as trends over time.

It’s nice that the Watch app has been untethered from the iPhone but since I don’t have a Apple Watch with a cell connection, I always take my phone with me anyways so my wife can track where I am.

Well worth the upgrade cost to the pro version.

by Mom32013

For an iPhone user there is nothing better (can't speak to Watch usage). The UI is very intuitive but also highly customizable. Lots of data if you want it, and easy to analyze your race visually or share with friends via online explorer. Distance measurement appears to be dead-on whether I compare to Google Maps or an officially-measured road race course. Uploads to Strava are seamless. Love that you can track the mileage on your shoes!

by Mike Bradshaw (bmike)

The combination of superb engineering and refined software is incredible for RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS. Well worth every penny and more. The power features are kindly enabled with a subscription so the initial cost can be kept low.

The level of customization and flexibility to customize RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS is far greater than i could ever use as a hiker, runner and cyclist. It complements Apple’s native apps and works incredible well with the watch.

The developer and user support is also exceptionally good.

by Fullyinflated

Starts fast and has a simple interface, but lots of functions. Runmeter is an excellent companion on runs, walks, cycling - everything. You can make your own categories (eg., dog walking - name it after my dog!). The display is clear and informative- also customizable. Elite add-on is worth it. It adds more ways to sort & display the data plus stuff like the weather data added to your log.

by Del-guy

I have run with RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS for 7 year. It is easy to use, maps are extremely accurate, and it has great features. I have been extremely impressed multiple time when I ran on new roads being built and even then the mapping was extremely accurate.

I look at each new app that comes out and never see anything worth changing for. I’m a recreational runner. I do not run marathons. I run mainly for my health and stress reduction.

by Stoddardvander

RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS works well for casual runners or hikers. But it is loaded with lots of detailed statistics which are well presented on your phone. You can link it to your calendar so it keeps a record on your calendar of all your runs. It takes a little getting used to to access the advance statistics but once you get the hang of it, You’ll have all the data you need about your runs. Each run is available on the web as well

by Librarianm0m

I’ve been using RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS for probably 10 years now and I can’t say enough good things about it. I love that I can set up workouts and RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS will cue activities for me. I love that it can show me the history of particular routes so that I can challenge myself for better times. I like that I can share my routes with selected people. The pro version is a very reasonable price and I have paid for it sometimes when I wanted to use some of the more advanced features but honestly the free version has been more than enough for what I try to accomplish.

by Clcr19

Great for the data driven. Pairs with my Wahoo heart rate strap. The premium service is a bargain and we’ll worth the price. Most importantly, I can make custom work outs. I love to run intervals and I can set up interval runs of various time or length segments. I can choose what announcements I get and when. My only complaint is that it would be nice to be able to set up multiple repeats. I can set up a run 1 min/walk 30 sec x10 workout easily, but if I wanted to follow that by a 30/30 x10, I would have to set the whole thing up manually (doable, but tedious).
I’ve been using RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS for years. I love it. I find it amazing that I’m the only one who ever mentions it in my running groups. Highly recommended.

by Dry Bones70

I’ve been a Garmin guy for the past 15+ years but decided to see if I could switch to my Apple watch and be as happy. I tried a bunch of apps but didn’t find one that I liked better than my Garmin until this one. It does EVERYTHING and then some. My favorite feature is one that surprisingly few apps offer, the ability to compete against your previous times on a rout (ghost runner feature). This is something Garmin has always had and I’m glad to see in incorporated into RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS. The only thing lacking is the ability to use it as a stand alone. Currently you have to take your phone along for the ride. I don’t have a problem with this, it fits nicely into my running belt, but I know others do.

by Assfghjttu

You will have to have some paitence to make it work with iwatch. There are sequence of operation issues. I had to uninstall three times before I got it to work and not crash my watch

I have been using elite for over a year now. I have had my Iwatch replaced three times for various issues such as failed touch screen. If you want an accurate heart rate monitor look somewhere else. If you want something that every once in awhile tells you An accurate heart rate after pushing a bunch of buttons and resetting things for the first couple of miles , then this is your device!

by ReneeRoxie

Update: I have tried twice to contact support and the emails have bounced back. Very frustrating.

It has a ton of features that it’s impossible to know them all and a bit complicated to figure out. One of the biggest features that I liked no longer works. It used to post to Facebook when I was on a run and then read me all the likes and comments during the run. This helped get me through half marathon training and my first race in 2017. Now, I’m 2019, I’m training again and it no longer works. Might have to go find some other app.

by 2THDRB

I love RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS on my iPhone. I just wish I could use it on my Apple Watch 3 without carryover no my phone along. I would love an app that allows me to set up a workout on my phone, upload the planned workout to my watch, then run the workout with just the watch, leaving the phone at home and sync the data back to the phone when I’m done. When you can give me that I’ll have 5 stars waiting😁.

by CharChar F

I started jogging and running again after recovering from a previous running injury. LOVE RunmeterRunningWalkingGPS overall, just wish it had stand alone functionality for Apple Watch. I like to leave my phone behind when I run, but I’ve been taking it because it gives great statistics. The pacing feature has helped me improve my 5k times and currently using to train for half marathons.

by Soho Brad

I’ve written several Runmeter reviews over the past six years saying that Runmeter threatened my marriage. Its comprehensive information, intuitive interface, accurate reading and slick presentation practically forced me out of the house every day just to fill my RM running log. It lifted me through five Marathons. Finally, my wife had it. She thinks I live to feed RM - and she might be right. This week she tossed me. Anyone with an empty couch in NYC, please write. This is serious.