Run Lap Tap vs Webscorer vs Student Lap Tracker: Which Timing App Is Right for You?
Three Apps, Three Approaches
If you've searched for a way to time runners digitally, you've probably come across three names: Run Lap Tap, Webscorer, and Student Lap Tracker. All three replace clipboards and stopwatches with phone-based timing. But they're designed for different audiences and use cases.
Here's an honest, feature-by-feature comparison to help you choose the right one.
Quick Overview
Run Lap Tap
Built for: Coaches, PE teachers, and running club coordinators who need to time multiple runners in real time. Platform: iPhone and iPad (iOS 17+) Pricing: Free (up to 30 runners per event). Pro ($49.99/year) unlocks unlimited runners and rosters. Race Pass ($4.99 one-off) unlocks a single event. Website: runlaptap.app
Webscorer
Built for: Race organisers running competitive events with large participant numbers. Platform: iOS, Android, and web Pricing: $50/year (1 device), $100/year (5 devices), $250/year (Pro/automated timing) Website: webscorer.com
Student Lap Tracker
Built for: Schools running lap-based running programs (running clubs, mileage programs). Platform: iOS, Android, and web portal Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at ~$100/year for a school. Website: studentlaptracker.com
Feature Comparison
Runner Identification
| Method | Run Lap Tap | Webscorer | Student Lap Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap to record | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Bib number entry | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| QR code scan | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (barcode/QR) |
| NFC tap | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Run Lap Tap offers the most identification methods — four ways to record a runner, which means it adapts to whatever setup you have. Webscorer relies primarily on bib numbers (typed or via chip timing hardware). Student Lap Tracker uses barcode/QR scanning, which works well for its lap-counting focus.
Event Types
| Type | Run Lap Tap | Webscorer | Student Lap Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Race (mass start) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lap timing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (core focus) |
| Time trial (staggered) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Running club sessions | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (core focus) |
Webscorer is strongest for organised competitive races. Student Lap Tracker is purpose-built for ongoing lap-based programs. Run Lap Tap covers all three scenarios — races, multi-lap events, and time trials — in a single app.
Data and Analytics
| Feature | Run Lap Tap | Webscorer | Student Lap Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal bests | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Progress over time | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Achievements/badges | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (certificates) |
| Lap splits | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pace/speed | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| CSV export | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PDF reports | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live online results | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ (portal) |
Webscorer excels at live results publishing — ideal for competitive races where spectators want real-time splits. Student Lap Tracker tracks long-term student progress beautifully with its web portal. Run Lap Tap sits in between: strong per-event analytics with personal bests and progress tracking, plus clean PDF/CSV export.
Setup and Ease of Use
| Factor | Run Lap Tap | Webscorer | Student Lap Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Time to first event | < 1 minute | 5–10 minutes | 15–30 minutes |
| Learning curve | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Roster import | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iCloud sync | ✅ | N/A (web-based) | N/A (web-based) |
Run Lap Tap wins on simplicity — no account, no login, create an event and go. Webscorer and Student Lap Tracker require account setup and some configuration before first use, which is expected given their web-based portals.
Pricing Breakdown
| Scenario | Run Lap Tap | Webscorer | Student Lap Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small class (≤30 runners) | Free | $50/year | Free tier available |
| Single carnival (100+ runners) | Race Pass ($4.99) | $50–100/year | Not ideal |
| Ongoing running club | Pro ($49.99/year) | $50/year | $100+/year |
| Large competitive race | Pro ($49.99/year) | $100–250/year | Not designed for this |
Run Lap Tap's pricing is the most flexible — the Race Pass ($4.99 one-off) is perfect for schools that only need unlimited runners once or twice a year, while Pro ($49.99/year) is cost-effective for schools that use it regularly. Webscorer's annual subscription makes sense for frequent race organisers. Student Lap Tracker's per-school pricing works for dedicated running club programs.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Run Lap Tap if:
- You're a PE teacher timing fitness tests, class runs, or carnivals
- You're a coach running training sessions or time trials
- You want one app that handles races, laps, and time trials
- You want multiple identification methods (tap, bib, QR, NFC)
- You want flexible pricing — free for small groups, one-off Race Pass for carnivals, or affordable Pro annual
- You want to start immediately with no account setup
Choose Webscorer if:
- You organise competitive community races (5km, 10km, etc.)
- You need live online results for spectators
- You use or plan to use professional chip timing hardware
- You're comfortable with annual subscription pricing
- You need cross-platform support (iOS + Android)
Choose Student Lap Tracker if:
- Your primary use case is a school running club or mileage program
- You want a web portal for long-term student tracking across the school year
- You need parent/teacher access to student progress
- QR/barcode scanning is your preferred identification method
- You want certificate and award systems built in
The Bottom Line
There's no single "best" app — only the best app for your specific situation. Webscorer is a race-day powerhouse. Student Lap Tracker is a running program management system. Run Lap Tap is the versatile all-rounder that covers timing, tracking, and events in one place.
If you're not sure, start with the free tier of each and run a small test event. The right tool will be obvious after one use.
Try Run Lap Tap free → Visit Webscorer → Visit Student Lap Tracker →