- Are you looking to start running and find an easy-running app?
- Do you need to switch from your current tracker to something different?
Or you may be looking for a more advanced marathon training platform that considers various factors and allows you to work with your coach in one place.
We’ve gathered the top running apps for everyone, including those with ready-made routes, virtual runs, audio guides, supportive communities, social and competitive elements, and customized running plans.
They also deliver valuable data through charts and graphs to track your progress and make adjustments.
Top 7 picks
- Price: $11.99 to $39.99
- Free Trial: Yes
- iPhone or Android: Both
Overview
Runkeeper is a popular app for runners. It uses your phone’s GPS to track your running, cycling, hiking, and other activities.
The app keeps tracking your pace, speed and covered miles, also how many calories you’ve burned. You can choose to do your activities or follow well-known running routes.
The app helps you see how you’re improving over time, shows your workout history, and lets you connect with other apps. It also works with smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Wear OS devices.
Pros
- Straightforward and user-friendly "on the run" screen.
- Highly customizable according to individual preferences.
- Effective in boosting motivation and achieving goals.
- Suitable for runners at all levels of experience.
Cons
- Advanced metrics and training plans are exclusive to the paid version.
- The live tracking feature is also limited to the paid version.
Overview
Made by Under Armour, Map My Run uses your phone’s GPS and sensors to track and map your running route, time, speed, and total distance.
The app shows real-time stats and your overall results at the end of your run. It supports various fitness trackers, heart rate sensors, and Wear OS.
You can track your nutrition, and with a premium subscription, you get voice coaching, location sharing, and no ads.
The cool thing is that if you have newer Under Armour running shoes, they can connect to Map My Run via Bluetooth. This means your shoes can sync your running data to the app when you return home.
If you enjoy activities other than running, Under Armour has separate cycling, walking, and general fitness apps in Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Pros
- Convenient and user-friendly for on-the-go use.
- Outstanding route planning functionality.
- Presents data in a clear and compelling manner.
- Offers a diverse selection of training plans.
Cons
- A premium subscription is required for many features, such as training plans and audio coaching.
Overview
If you enjoy running indoors on a treadmill, finding a fun app for it can be tricky. The good news is that the Peloton app is not just for Peloton’s Tread; you can use it on any treadmill.
It offers a variety of on-demand and live classes, making your treadmill sessions more enjoyable. One of the best things about the Peloton app is its trainers, like Becs Gentry and Susie Chan.
They lead themed runs, such as the Disney run, and you can customize your runs based on time or your goal. The sessions are motivating and easy to follow, even if you prop up your iPhone on the treadmill screen. In a recent update, Peloton added outdoor running classes to the app.
So, if you prefer running outside, you can follow an audio session from your favorite trainers. It includes the same motivational chat and music without needing the Tread.
Pros
- A wide variety of class options are available.
- Automatic tracking for Apple Watch users.
- Different membership levels to choose from.
Cons
- Some classes may require additional equipment.
Overview
If you enjoy the social and competitive side of running, Strava is the perfect app for you. It lets you compare your running times with other Strava members or your group of friends, making it a fun and motivating experience.
Strava’s Beacon feature is a safety measure that allows you to share your real-time location with up to three people while you’re running, and they don’t even need to have the app or be Strava members.
Strava also enables you to create group challenges, like setting records for the fastest 5K or covering the most miles within a specific timeframe, keeping your friends and community engaged. You can access Strava on any iOS or Android device and on the Apple Watch.
Pros
- Supports tracking for various sports.
- Creates a real sense of community.
- Allows others to track your location.
Cons
- In-depth performance analysis is available primarily in the paid version of the app.
Overview
Charity Miles adds a meaningful touch to your miles by donating money to a charity. This free app allows you to pick from over 40 charities and earn sponsorships for each mile you run, bike, or walk.
While it’s not focused on detailed fitness tracking, it connects with other popular apps like Strava. You can team up with running friends to amplify fundraising efforts, and Charity Miles keeps you motivated with reminders to run and continue raising money.
The app is available on any iOS or Android device.
Pros
- The company donates money to charities based on your activities.
- Tracks various activities like walking, running, dancing, and biking.
- Allows runners to select from a variety of 40+ charity options.
Cons
- Not designed for in-depth fitness tracking.
- Limited features compared to other apps.
- Price: $19.99 to $79.99
- Free Trial: Yes
- iPhone or Android: Both
Overview
If you aim to enhance your physical health through running, the MyFitnessPal app is a valuable tool to help you reach your goals.
It lets you monitor your runs and food/calorie intake in one place, adjusting your calorie balance based on your specific health objectives as you log your meals throughout the day.
In addition to tracking fitness and health progress, the app facilitates connections with friends within the community. This way, you and your friends can support each other, staying accountable and motivated.
MyFitnessPal is accessible on iOS and Android and seamlessly syncs with other apps and devices, such as Fitbit, Strava, Runkeeper, and Runtastic.
Pros
- Tracks run and other fitness activities.
- Members have access to an active online community.
- Option to customize goals and monitor progress.
Cons
- May underestimate food intake and calorie requirements.
- Requires a premium subscription to access some nutrition features.
Overview
The Nike Run Club is a free running app that lets you track your runs, join coached runs, and connect with local runners.
It provides a wide range of free content, which is generous, especially compared to some apps that now require payment for similar features.
While the narration can sometimes be a bit cheesy, the positive run coaches offer solid encouragement. Suitable for both beginners and experienced runners, the app serves as a comprehensive run tracker, music player, and social networking tool for runners.
It measures various metrics like your pace, distance, and mile splits and offers coaching plans that adapt to your fitness goals and progress.
After your run, you can share your details, including photos, stats, and stickers, and compare your progress with other runners. The app also features a built-in music player and lets you listen to audio cheers from friends and encouragement from Nike’s pro athletes.
Pros
- Completely free to use.
- Compatible with a variety of wearables.
- Abundance of guided runs available.
Cons
- Social features are relatively basic.
- Occasional glitches in functionality.
Wrapping up
Reviewed the best 7 running apps and their assistance for you.
Most running apps connect to your watch or fitness tracker for accurate workout data. They can work independently, although you will have to take your phone with you for a run.
They also give advice, motivate, and make your daily run a little more fun. Take these running apps along with you to track health and performance metrics such as pace, distance, mileage, heart rate, and calories burned.
All information about your training and nutrition will be securely stored. They are also programmed to record your training runs and track your running routes using GPS.
