Couch to 5K (C25K) vs Hevy
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Couch to 5K (C25K) is a structured nine‑week training program that guides absolute beginners from no‑run to completing a 5‑kilometre run. Each workout combines walking and jogging intervals with audio cues, making it easy to follow without looking at a screen. The program is available as a free mobile app and web version, offering weekly progress tracking, customizable reminders, and community support to keep users motivated throughout their fitness journey.
Hevy is a workout tracking app for logging strength training sessions, building custom routines, and monitoring progress over time through charts, personal records, and estimated one-rep max calculations. It also includes social features so users can follow other athletes and share workouts within the app's community.
- Completely free with no hidden fees
- Audio cues let you run without checking the screen
- Simple progression suitable for absolute beginners
- Available on both mobile and web platforms
- Free core logging with a highly rated experience (4.9/5 on both app stores)
- Detailed progress tracking including personal records and 1RM estimates
- Smartwatch support for logging without a phone
- Large existing user base of over 15 million athletes
- Limited customization beyond the preset schedule
- No advanced analytics or heart‑rate integration
- Community features are basic compared to dedicated fitness apps
- Full feature set likely gated behind a premium tier not detailed on the homepage
- Primarily built for strength training, less suited to cardio-focused tracking
- Community/social features may not appeal to users who want a private log
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataCouch to 5K is a free, beginner‑focused running coach with a fixed 9‑week plan, while Hevy is a freemium strength‑training logger with deep set tracking and smartwatch support.
Key differences
- •Target activity: running (C25K) vs strength training (Hevy)
- •Pricing model: completely free (C25K) vs freemium with premium tier (Hevy)
- •Feature depth: simple schedule and audio cues (C25K) vs detailed set logging, 1RM estimates, rest timers (Hevy)
- •Device integration: basic phone health data (C25K) vs Apple Watch/ WearOS apps (Hevy)
- •Community focus: leaderboard (C25K) vs social feed with comments (Hevy)
Pricing & value
C25K is fully free with no hidden fees; Hevy offers free core features but premium tier not detailed.
Ease of use / learning curve
C25K provides a preset 9‑week plan and audio prompts, requiring minimal setup; Hevy’s custom routine builder adds complexity.
Features & depth
Hevy tracks sets, drop sets, 1RM estimates, and has rest timers; C25K only tracks workouts and basic stats.
Integrations & ecosystem
Hevy includes Apple Watch and WearOS apps; C25K only integrates with phone health data.
Collaboration
Hevy’s community feed lets users follow and comment; C25K’s leaderboard is limited.
Support
C25K lists email support; Hevy provides no specific support channel in the facts.
Choose Couch to 5K (C25K) if…
Beginners who want a free, guided running plan with minimal setup.
Choose Hevy if…
Gym‑goers needing detailed strength‑training logs and smartwatch logging.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either app?
C25K is completely free; Hevy is freemium and may require payment for advanced features.
Can I track heart rate or advanced metrics?
C25K does not integrate heart‑rate data; Hevy’s specs do not mention heart‑rate integration either.
Which app supports smartwatch logging?
Hevy offers Apple Watch and WearOS apps for direct logging; C25K only logs phone health data.