C25K by Zen Labs review

C25K by Zen Labs does one thing: it gets non-runners to 5K. The program takes 30 minutes a day, three days a week, for eight weeks, starting with short bursts of running between walking and building up until you can cover the distance. An audio coach tells you when to switch, the app maps your route at the end, and it ties into Apple Health. The first week is free. The Zen Unlimited Pass, listed at $4.99 a month or $74.99 a year on the US App Store, unlocks calories, distance, Apple Watch support and curated music, and works across all Zen Labs apps, including its 10K and half marathon trainers. That makes the path beyond 5K cheap. The app is narrow by design, so runners past the beginner stage get more from Nike Run Club, Runkeeper or Runna.

Who it is for

complete beginners going from the couch to their first 5K

Price

Free download with the first week free; Zen Unlimited Pass $4.99 a month or $74.99 a year on the US App Store.

Zen Unlimited Pass Monthly $4.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• 8-week program of 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week
• Run-walk intervals that build up to 5K
• Audio coach and alerts
• Maps your run at the end of the workout
• Zen Unlimited Pass unlocks pro features in all Zen Labs apps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The simplest plan on this list for first-time runners
• Strength: Zen Unlimited Pass at $4.99 a month covers every Zen Labs app
• Strength: Follow-on 10K and half marathon trainers from the same developer
• Weakness: Only the first week is free
• Weakness: Calories, distance and Apple Watch support need the paid pass
• Weakness: Little use once you can run 5K without this app's follow-ons

Key facts

• Program: 8 weeks, 3 days a week
• Free: First week
• Paid: $4.99/mo or $74.99/yr Zen Unlimited Pass
• Developer: Zen Labs LLC

Where it ranks

C25K by Zen Labs is No. 7 in our Best Running Apps verdict.