Popular Running Apps for Runners

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out on your fitness journey, utilizing a running app can enhance your training experience. These apps offer features ranging from tracking your progress, providing personalized training plans, to mapping out routes that suit your preference. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best running apps available for both Android and iOS devices. We’ll also discuss their unique features to help you choose the app that best complements your running goals and lifestyle.

The best running apps for Android and iOS

Best running app for training plans

1. Runna

Runna stands out as a top contender for runners seeking personalized training plans. The app offers dynamic plans that adapt based on your progress, ensuring that your workouts challenge you appropriately at every stage. Runna’s strength lies in its AI-driven coaching that tailors training suggestions to your performance metrics such as speed, cadence, and heart rate.

Best running app for tracking your training

2. Strava

Strava is a favorite among runners for its community-driven approach to training. The app not only tracks your runs with precision but also offers unique features such as segment tracking and a competitive leaderboard. These elements foster a sense of community and competition, encouraging users to push beyond their limits.

Known for its social networking capabilities, Strava allows runners to share their progress, comment on each other’s workouts, and join challenges. This makes it an ideal option for those who seek motivation from a like-minded community.

Best running app for beginners

3. Coopah

Coopah is designed with beginners in mind, providing easy-to-follow training plans that gradually increase in intensity. The app simplifies the process of building endurance and strength, making it ideal for those who are new to running and looking to develop a consistent habit without feeling overwhelmed.

Offering detailed in-app guidance and tips, Coopah ensures that new runners receive the foundational knowledge necessary to avoid common beginner pitfalls such as injuries and improper pacing.

Best value running app

4. Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club offers one of the best value propositions for runners who want a comprehensive app without incurring high costs. With features such as guided runs, tailored coaching, and community challenges, it provides a rich experience at no cost.

The app’s guided runs are a standout feature, including options narrated by professional athletes and trainers that can inspire and educate users through their sessions. Moreover, Nike Run Club’s integration with Spotify and Apple Music helps runners stay in rhythm with motivating playlists.

Best running app for map building

5. Footpath Route Planner

Footpath Route Planner excels in map building, providing runners with a tool for designing their custom routes. Users can plot routes by drawing directly on a map, and the app calculates distances and elevation changes, making it ideal for planning runs or exploring new areas.

The app’s intuitive interface enhances user experience, allowing runners to save and share their routes with friends. This fosters a sense of adventure, encouraging users to explore and discover new running paths.

Best running app for finding routes

6. Runkeeper

Runkeeper is an excellent choice for runners who are looking for new routes. Its vast database of user-generated routes provides endless options, allowing runners to explore different paths and keep their running sessions engaging and varied.

The app also provides detailed statistics and analytics, helping runners monitor their progress and adjust their training plans accordingly. With features like goal setting and audio cues, Runkeeper is a versatile tool for all running levels.

Best running app for treadmill runners

7. Peloton

Peloton is renowned for its treadmill workouts, offering a robust library of classes led by expert instructors. Tailored to treadmill enthusiasts, Peloton provides a range of sessions varying in length and intensity, ensuring something for every fitness level.

Though it flourished as a biking app, Peloton’s expansion into running has been well-received, enriching the runner’s treadmill experience with motivating visual content and an engaging community.

Best new running app

8. Stride

Stride is a fresh entrant in the running app market, making waves with its innovative approach to real-time coaching. The app’s focus on real-time feedback helps runners correct their form and technique on the go, which is essential for injury prevention.

Offering personalized coaching based on data from accelerometers and gyroscopes, Stride provides a groundbreaking way to refine running mechanics, making it a valuable tool for runners focused on performance improvement.

Best running app for Apple Watch wearers

9. Apple Fitness Plus

Apple Fitness Plus is a top pick for Apple Watch users, seamlessly integrating with the device to offer an immersive workout experience. The app provides a range of video-guided workout sessions, including options for running.

In addition to its sophisticated tracking capabilities, Apple Fitness Plus offers curated workout playlists and metrics display that syncs with your Apple Watch, providing a cohesive and engaging fitness journey.

Best virtual running app

10. Zwift

Zwift has gained popularity as a virtual running platform, offering a gamified experience with virtual worlds to run in. Ideal for treadmill runners seeking variety, Zwift transforms mundane treadmill runs into engaging workouts by integrating with smart treadmills and foot pods.

Its ability to pair with devices and offer customized training plans makes Zwift valuable for runners who enjoy immersing themselves in an interactive running environment.

Best running app for Garmin users

11. Garmin Connect

Garmin Connect is an indispensable app for Garmin device owners, offering seamless integration and extensive features to enhance the training experience. Its accurate data tracking, combined with a supportive community, enables users to monitor and analyze their performance with precision.

The app excels in personal insight, helping runners set goals, track progress, and understand their performance, making it an essential tool for data-driven athletes.

How to choose the best running apps

When choosing the best running app, consider factors such as your personal goals, the type of running you’ll be doing, and the features you deem most necessary. Apps like Nike Run Club and Strava are excellent if you’re looking for community engagement, whereas Garmin Connect or Runna might be preferred for data-driven insights and personalized plans.

How we test the best running apps

Testing running apps involves evaluating their interface, ease of use, accuracy of tracking features, and the quality of their user-guided experiences. Consideration of user feedback and the consistency of updates also plays a crucial role in determining an app’s overall performance.

What is the most accurate running app?

Accuracy is critical, and several apps stand out in this domain. Garmin Connect and Strava are often highlighted for their precision in data tracking, making them reliable choices for those who prioritize accuracy in analyzing their running activities.

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App	Best For
Runna	Training Plans
Strava	Tracking Training
Coopah	Beginners
Nike Run Club	Value
Footpath Route Planner	Map Building
Runkeeper	Finding Routes
Peloton	Treadmill Runners
Stride	Apple Watch Wearers
Apple Fitness Plus	Virtual Running
Zwift	Garmin Users
Garmin Connect	Integration with Garmin Devices