Running is an easy way to get fit, and a running app can make it better. But there are tons of apps, each with different offerings. No worries, though! We’ve compiled a list of the best running apps for Android and iOS devices to help you make the right choice.
From freebie trackers to feature-packed powerhouses, each app brings its flavor to the running party. But hold on, we don’t believe in blind recommendations. We’ve put these apps through their paces before placing them on this pedestal.
Each app listed has earned its spot, so you can invest your confidence and maybe a few bucks knowing you’re getting the real deal. What’s more impressive is that many of these apps seamlessly integrate with your Fitbit or Apple Watch and also let you track your heart rate while running. So, let’s start!
1. Map My Run – Get Personalized Training Plans
Map My Run stands out as the best mobile app for running, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. We appreciate the app’s clean and organized interface, which focuses on showing you vital real-time data like your pace, distance, and time without overwhelming visuals. Plus, the colorful map tracks your route, making it easy to follow and discover new paths.
One feature we loved during our testing is the audio coaching, which gives you instant feedback and motivation. The personalized training plans are great, too, adjusting to your fitness level and goals.
You can also spice things up by participating in virtual races, joining a supportive community of fellow runners, and even connecting your Under Armour shoes for advanced metrics such as cadence and stride length.
If you’re on a budget, the free version of Map My Run covers the basics, allowing you to track your runs, set goals, and engage with the community. But if you’re serious about taking your running to the next level, consider the premium memberships.
This unlocks advanced features like heart rate analysis, custom interval workouts, live tracking, and guided meditations for post-run recovery. In our opinion, the premium version is more suitable for those dedicated to tracking events or prioritizing their health.
However, if you’re looking for simple fitness tracking, the free version has you covered.
Pros
- Real-time air quality tracking is available
- Allows you to plan new routes
- Offers a unique shoe-tracking feature to monitor mileage
- Supportive community
Cons
- Battery drain
Price: Free; Subscription: $5.99/month onwards
2. Nike Run Club – Audio Coaching From Nike Experts
Lace up for a personalized running experience with Nike Run Club. Forget generic plans, as this app tailors workouts based on your goals, pace, and preferences. Whether you’re an experienced marathon runner or a beginner, this free running app offers guided runs with famous coaches, encouraging cheers from virtual pacers, and personalized playlists that match your running pace.
Moreover, if you’re feeling uninspired, you can challenge your friends to distance duels or join global running groups for friendly competition and community. The running app for training has a sleek interface, like your favorite pair of Nikes. It’s clean, intuitive, and designed to keep you focused on the run.
This app serves as a comprehensive tool for runners as it caters to those new to running and experienced enthusiasts. It goes beyond tracking your runs, functioning as a music player, and a social networking platform specifically tailored for runners.
The app monitors various metrics like your pace, distance covered, and mile splits. Additionally, it provides adaptable coaching plans that align with your fitness objectives and advancements.
What’s particularly motivating are the inspiring quotes that appear precisely when you could use a mental lift during your run! But that’s not all – the running app seamlessly syncs with your smartwatch or Apple Watch, allowing you to monitor your heart rate effortlessly.
Pros
- Structured training plans
- Audio-coached runs with Nike coaches
- Detailed run tracking
- Challenges and rewards
Cons
- Some users have reported occasional bugs
Price: Free.
3. Strava – Highly Customizable Running App
Forget just tracking your runs. Strava is like a lively party for fitness fans. It uses GPS to map and share your runs with a supportive community, like a virtual high-five after every mile. The interface is super clear, showing you things like pace, distance, and how high you climbed.
One of the coolest things in this guided running app is the segments, where you can compete virtually for titles like King of the Mountain on certain routes. It’s like adding a friendly race to your daily run. Moreover, the app also suggests new trails based on what other runners love, so you can keep your adventures fresh.
You can choose what you see in your feed, whether friends, challenges, or specific routes, keeping you motivated. The map view is like a fancy running trail: colorful, clear, and begging you to explore.
The free version is a great running buddy, tracking your runs, giving you basic stats, and letting you join some challenges. But for serious runners, there’s Strava Summit. It’s like a personal coach, with detailed training analysis, custom workout plans, and fancy tools to plan your routes. You even get heatmaps to avoid crowds and a safety feature that lets friends see where you are on solo runs.
Pros
- Segment Hunting and Competition
- Can explore new trails, roads, and paths
- Highly customizable
- Show your heart rate
Cons
- The competitive nature of the app can be a double-edged sword
Price: Free; Subscription: $11.99/month onwards
Also Read: Are fitness trackers a necessity for staying healthy
4. Runkeeper – Find New and Interesting Running Routes
Tired of feeling like a lone wolf on your fitness journey? Runkeeper is one of the best running apps available and is your pack leader. It’s a virtual coach in your pocket who pushes you to your limits and cheers you on the way. So, ditch the bulky workout binders and boring routines and make getting fit fun and social.
Whether a newbie learning to jog or a seasoned runner chasing personal bests, the app tailors workouts to your pace. Plus, the monthly challenges keep things fresh and competitive. Thanks to the app, ASICS tech allows you to track your progress and check how your favorite shoes are holding up.
You can not only track your runs but also celebrate your achievements with a friendly community of runners. Think of them as your cheering squad, reminding you that getting fit is a journey we take together!
The app itself is as smooth and easy to use as your perfect stride. Finding what you need, from starting a run to checking your pace, is a breeze. The bright colors boost energy, and you can customize the dashboard to show the stats that matter most to you.
The basic version of this excellent running app is powerful and lets you track your runs, set goals, and connect with others. But if you’re a dedicated runner, the premium version offers advanced features like race training plans, detailed analytics, and real-time audio coaching to enhance your training. We recommend purchasing the premium version because it’s value for money.
Pros
- The free version offers many valuable features
- Integration with other apps and devices
- Fosters a supportive community
- Can set up audio cues for pace or distance intervals
Cons
- Social features might not appeal to everyone
Price: Free; Subscription: $9.99/month onwards
5. Runna – Interactive Running App
Runna is one of the best running apps for iOS and Android devices because of its extensive collection of unique features to improve your running experience. One of the app’s best features is real-time coaching, offering tailored advice depending on your fitness level and goals.
The app customizes its tutoring to meet your unique needs and offers information about your pace, distance traveled, and calories burnt with integrated GPS monitoring and AI algorithms. You can also interact with other runners using the social sharing tool, which promotes motivation and a sense of community.
Thanks to the app’s elegant design, which guarantees a smooth user experience, you can readily access crucial functionality with a few touches. In addition, the uncluttered design offers a summary of your running numbers, making it simple to assess your progress quickly.
The running app for training also strikes the ideal mix between use and simplicity, making it suitable for inexperienced and expert runners. Every run becomes an interesting and visually fascinating exercise, thanks to the dynamic maps and eye-catching visuals, which also improve the experience.
Despite lacking some premium features, the free version is suitable for recreational runners and an excellent option for anybody wishing to get started on a fitness path.
However, with the premium, you can enjoy several fitness challenges, in-depth performance metrics, and unique access to customized training programs. Additionally, thanks to the VIP version’s ad-free environment, you can focus on your runs without interruption.
Pros
- Provides personalized training plans
- Motivates you to stay on track
- Connects you with a community of runners
- Offers challenges and rewards
Cons
- Occasional glitches
Price: Free; Subscription: $17.99/month onwards
6. Zwift – Combines Virtual World With Gamification
Zwift understands that every runner is unique, and we appreciate how the app caters to individual fitness goals. The guided running app provides various training plans and adaptable routines to meet individual demands. Whether your goal is to gain more endurance, accelerate your progress, or navigate difficult terrain, the app offers the resources and framework to support you in reaching your goals.
In-depth performance metrics and individualized training regimens enable you to monitor your development and maintain motivation as you work toward your running goals. We adore how the app connects you with runners worldwide by smoothly fusing the real and virtual worlds.Â
While the program offers excellent functionality and is generally decent, we found the user interface perplexing. The app undoubtedly has several options to explore, but you’ll need to learn how it works, where the features are hidden, and how to utilize them.
Furthermore, if you’re starting and want to tone up your body, the free edition of the program is more than sufficient. One feature that distinguishes the free version of this software is the virtual world it creates on the device screen. Since we weren’t as pleased with the premium edition and given the high price, we don’t recommend getting it.
Pros
- Gamification and virtual world
- Structured and interactive workouts
- Track your power, heart rate, cadence, and more
- Constantly adds new features and workouts
Cons
- The subscription fee is high
Price: Free; Subscription: $14.99
Also Read: Simple eye exercises for computer users
7. Garmin Connect – The Most Versatile Running App
Reaching your running objectives requires precision, and Garmin Connect is one of the best running apps that precisely provides that. With advanced GPS tracking and insightful data analytics, we’ve found this running app to be an indispensable companion for your runs.
It gives you detailed performance insights and precisely logs your running route and speed, enabling you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and achieve new heights. It also easily incorporates your running statistics with an all-encompassing summary of your general fitness.
One of our favorite features of the active community on the running app is that it promotes communication with runners worldwide. We like taking on challenges, celebrating successes, and getting ideas from other people. Through the app, we may have a solo and a communal jogging experience, encouraging healthy competition and companionship.
The running app’s premium membership adds levels of intricacy, even if the free edition offers plenty of functions. You may take advantage of basic run tracking, community involvement, and challenges as a free user.
But premium is essential if you’re an enthusiast who wants the best possible training. It offers personalized training regimens, cutting-edge statistics, and unique content for individuals dedicated to hitting new running records.
Pros
- Offers customizable dashboards
- Tracks a wide range of fitness metrics
- Works seamlessly with a variety of devices
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
Price: Free.
Lead a Happy Life
We hope you found the app that seamlessly integrates into your training routine from this list of the best running apps for Android and iOS devices. Have you given any of these a try? Feel free to leave a comment if we overlooked your preferred app, and we’ll ensure to test it and add it to the list if it’s worthy!
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Last updated on 03 January, 2024
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