Best Running Apps | Find Your Perfect Tracker

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.

Best Running Apps Picks

Runkeeper

Best for Training Plans – Runkeeper

Price: $11.99 to $39.99
Free Trial: Yes
iPhone or Android: Both

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

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 track of your pace, speed, and covered miles, as well as how many calories you’ve burned. You can choose to do your activities or follow well-known running routes. 

The app helps you track your progress over time, displays your workout history, and allows you to connect with other apps. It also works with smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Wear OS devices.

MapMyRun

Best Route Finding – MapMyRun

Price: $5.99 to $29.99
Free Trial: No
iPhone or Android: Both

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

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.

Peloton

Best for the Treadmill – Peloton

Price: $12.99/month
Free Trial: Yes
iPhone or Android: Both

Pros

A wide variety of class options are available
Automatic tracking for Apple Watch users
Different membership levels to choose from

Cons

Not all classes may require additional equipment for the foot arch

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

Best Community App Strava

Best Community App – Strava

Price: $11.99 to $79.99
Free Trial: Yes
iPhone or Android: Both

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

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 the Apple Watch.

charity miles

Best for Motivation – Charity Miles

Price: Free
Free Trial: N/A
iPhone or Android: Both

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

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

MyFitnessPal

Best for Health Goals -MyFitnessPal

Price: $19.99 to $79.99
Free Trial: Yes
iPhone or Android: Both

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

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.

Nike + Run Club

Best Value: Nike + Run Club

Price: Free
Free Trial: N/A
iPhone or Android: Both

Pros

Completely free to use
Compatible with a variety of wearables
Abundance of guided runs available

Cons

Social features are relatively basic

Takeaways

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.

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