7 Best Running Apps for 2024: Top Picks and Reviews
If you’re aiming to take your running to the next level this year, you need the right tools to track your progress and stay motivated. We’ve researched and tested the top 9 running apps of 2024, each offering unique features to enhance your running experience. Discover which app suits your needs and how it can help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
What is a Running App?
A running app is a mobile application designed to help runners track their workouts, monitor progress, and improve their performance. These apps use GPS to record your routes, distance, pace, and sometimes even your heart rate. Many running apps also offer features like personalized training plans, real-time audio coaching, and the ability to set goals. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just looking to stay fit, a running app can be an invaluable tool in guiding and motivating you along the way. They make it easy to keep a log of your runs, analyze your performance, and stay on track with your fitness goals.
Why You Need a Running App
Incorporating cross training into your running routine is essential for building strength, improving flexibility, and preventing injuries. A running app designed for cross training can simplify this process by providing personalized workout plans, tracking your progress, and ensuring you’re working the right muscles at the right time. With features like guided exercises, customizable sessions, and progress tracking, these apps take the guesswork out of cross training, allowing you to focus on becoming a stronger, more well-rounded runner. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your training to the next level, the right app can make all the difference.
You may also be interested in our Top 5 Somatic Yoga Apps review for better balance!
Guideline for Installing A Running Tracker App on iOS/ Android
App | Rating | Our Review |
Running App - GPS Run Tracker | 4.7/5 | |
Running Trainer: Tracker & Coach | 4.4/5 | |
Nike Run Club | 4.8/5 | |
Peleton | 4.4/5 | |
Strava | 4.8/5 | |
NHS Couch to 5K | 4.8/5 | |
MapMyRun | 4.8/5 |
Best Picks for GPS Running Tracker
Running App – GPS Run Tracker
Explore our review of the GPS Run Tracker, a top running app for Android. Track your distance and runs with this best running tracker.
- Accurate Route Mapping: Detailed GPS tracking for accurate route mapping.
- Stat Analysis: Real-time monitoring and easy-to-understand graphs.
- Audio Feedback: Voice coach provides real-time updates on key metrics.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface, easy to use for all levels.
- Versatile Fitness Support: Supports various fitness goals, from weight loss to marathon training.
- Data Syncing: Seamless integration with Apple Health.
- Signal Dependence: Performance drops in areas with poor GPS signal.
- Battery Drain: Continuous GPS use can drain the battery quickly.
- Limited Offline Use: Heavily relies on GPS, limiting offline functionality.
Why It’s a Top Choice:
This app stands out for its comprehensive training plans and real-time GPS tracking, which make it ideal for all fitness levels. Its detailed performance analysis and syncing capabilities ensure that you can track and improve your running progress efficiently. With features like audio feedback and customizable goals, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enhance their running routine and achieve their fitness objectives.
Features:
- Various Training Plans: Includes plans for walking and running for weight loss, pace improvement, and completing your first 5K.
- Sync Data: Seamlessly syncs all running and training data across devices, including routes, distance, time, and calories.
- Running Tracker: Set goals, analyze every run with detailed graphs, and record routes with GPS. Get audio feedback from a voice coach for better control and improvement.
- Powerful Analysis: Compare performance, analyze training patterns, and enjoy clear, stylish graphics.
- For Different Fitness Goals: Suitable for weight loss, fitness maintenance, and both casual runners and marathon trainers.
My Personal Experience: On my first walk with the Running App – Run Tracker, I noticed a slight GPS issue when the screen was off, adding about 0.1 mile to a 1-mile walk. However, with the screen on, the GPS was much more accurate. Despite this, the app is still very useful, especially for tracking distance. The simple, user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate, similar to Google Auto on Android. Overall, I’m satisfied with how it helps me track my runs. Check out our GPS Running Tracker review.
Pricing and Plans:
- Yearly Membership: $9.99 – Best value for regular users, offering full access to premium features for a year.
- Monthly Membership: $3.99 – Flexible option for short-term use or trying out premium features.
Running Trainer: Tracker & Coach
Discover Running Trainer: Tracker & Coach, one of the best running apps for Android. Enjoy advanced tracking, pace monitoring, and customizable features to boost your workouts.
- Accurate Tracking: Reliable distance and time measurement.
- Real-Time Pace Updates: Monitors average and current pace.
- Customizable Voice Feedback: Personalized audio updates.
- Apple Health Integration: Syncs for heart rate and calorie tracking.
- Music Player Integration: Works with your music player.
- No Cool-Down Timer: Lacks a timer for cool-down periods.
- Limited Music Integration: Requires manual music start
Why It’s a Top Choice:
Running Trainer: Tracker & Coach excels with its precise tracking features and elegant interface. It’s ideal for runners who want detailed insights into their performance and improvements over time. With customizable voice feedback and seamless music integration, it enhances your running experience while helping you stay motivated and on track with your fitness goals.
Features:
- Accurate Tracking: Measures distance, pace, and time with high precision.
- Comprehensive Metrics: Tracks calories burned, heart rate, and effort zones.
- GPS and Maps: Provides running routes and GPS tracking.
- Customizable Voice Feedback: Offers personalized guidance during your run.
- Music Integration: Syncs with your music player for a seamless workout experience.
- History Log: Maintains a detailed record of your running activities and improvements.
- Apple Health Integration: Syncs with Apple Health for heart rate and calorie tracking.
My Personal Experience: I enjoy the GPS Run Tracker App for its motivation and accurate tracking. The feedback is timely and helpful. However, the trial offer pop-ups feel a bit pushy and could be more integrated. I use the paid version and appreciate the personalized run plans and Health app integration, though I wish it had a cool-down timer, a pause option for warmups, and an Apple Watch app. Overall, it’s a valuable app despite these minor issues. For more insights, check out our detailed review of the Running Trainer app.
Pricing and Plans:
- Monthly Subscription: $14.99/month
- Yearly Subscription: $89.99/year (best value)
Nike Run Club
Discover why Nike Run Club is considered the best running app. Track your runs, join challenges, and get personalized coaching. Perfect for Android and Apple Watch users.
- Comprehensive run tracking.
- Guided runs for all levels.
- Motivational challenges.
- Free version with all features.
- Shoe mileage tracking.
- Sync issues with Apple Watch.
- Removed rest pause feature.
- Confuses indoor and outdoor runs.
Why It’s a Top Choice: Nike Run Club excels in delivering a rich and immersive running experience. With its combination of personalized training plans, real-time tracking, and an active community, NRC keeps you motivated and on track. The app’s seamless integration with wearable devices and other fitness apps ensures a comprehensive view of your progress. NRC is the ideal companion for runners of all levels seeking to achieve their fitness goals while enjoying a connected and supportive running community.
Features:
- Free Running Tracker: Monitor essential metrics like heart rate, pace, GPS, and elevation. Keep track of your progress with detailed insights.
- Guided Runs & Training Plans: Access structured plans for various goals, from 5K to marathon training. Benefit from expert guidance and motivational audio cues from top Nike athletes.
- Run Challenges: Join global challenges, earn badges, and set new personal records. Create and share your own challenges with friends.
- Mile Counter & Shoe Tag: Track the mileage of your running shoes and get reminders for replacements, ensuring optimal performance.
- Nike Fitness Feed: Stay updated with health tips, Nike running news, and fitness guides tailored to enhance your running journey.
My Personal Experience: I love using the app, but I miss the old rest pause feature that allowed me to track intervals accurately. Now, the pause button stops everything, including the clock, which makes interval training harder. Despite this, the app’s smart features, great UI/UX, and helpful content make it the best running app for me. However, there are some issues with syncing data from my Apple Watch to my iPhone and occasionally, the outdoor run results show up as indoor runs without a route map. Despite these hiccups, it’s still my favorite running companion. To learn more, check out our Nike Run Club review.
Pricing and Plans: Nike Run Club is completely free, offering full access to all features.
Strava
Discover our in-depth review of Strava, one of the best multi-sport apps. Explore its features, benefits, and how it stacks up against other swim tracker apps.
- Many features: Tracks running, swimming, cycling, and hiking.
- Strong community: Connects you with others for support and motivation.
- Works with many devices: Syncs with various fitness trackers and apps.
- Detailed tracking: Shows in-depth data on your workouts.
- Accurate GPS: Provides precise location tracking for outdoor activities.
- Good progress tracking: Helps you see how you're improving over time.
- Fun challenges: Offers challenges to keep you motivated.
- Privacy issues: Some people worry about data security and location sharing.
- High cost: Premium membership can be expensive.
- Limited free features: Many features are only available with a subscription.
- Complex app: The interface can be confusing for new users.
- No workout plans: Lacks built-in workout plans; you need to find these elsewhere.
Why It’s a Top Choice: Strava stands out for its versatility, offering detailed tracking for running, cycling, and swimming. It’s a favorite among athletes due to its strong community features, accurate GPS tracking, and the ability to analyze progress over time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, Strava’s wide range of features makes it a go-to app for improving your fitness journey.
Key Features:
- Performance Tracking: Monitors distance, speed, elevation, and more, giving users a detailed analysis of their workout performance.
- Social Challenges: Allows users to compete with friends and track progress on leaderboards, adding a competitive edge and motivation to improve.
- Multi-Sport Support: Tracks various activities like hiking, CrossFit, and kayaking, making it versatile for different types of athletes.
- Device Compatibility: Works on iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, and WearOS, ensuring seamless integration across multiple devices.
- Custom Workouts: Premium users can create tailored workout plans to meet specific fitness goals, enhancing the personalization of their training routine.
My Personal Experience: I’ve been using Strava for running and cycling, and it’s great for tracking mileage and viewing others’ activities. The app’s review of past workouts is useful, but there are some issues. The app and browser versions differ in design and features, with the app supporting dark mode but not the browser. There are also discrepancies in distance tracking. Merging the best features of both versions could improve the experience. You can learn more about this app by reading our Strava review.
Pricing and Plans:
- Monthly Subscription: $11.99
- Annual Subscription: $79.99
- Family Plan: $139.99 per year
Comparison Chart of the Top 4 GPS Running Apps
Feature | GPS Run Tracker | Running Trainer: Tracker & Coach | Nike Run Club | Strava |
Route Mapping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Real-Time Stat Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Audio Feedback | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Performance Analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sync with Other Health Apps | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
User-Friendly Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Social Features | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Pricing |
|
| No |
|
Our Review |
Best Picks for Cross-Training
PELOTON
Discover the Peloton App for diverse workouts like running and cycling. Enjoy live classes, personalized plans, and easy progress tracking.
- Diverse Workouts: Thousands of classes for all fitness levels, including strength, cardio, and yoga.
- Top Instructors: Motivating and engaging sessions from expert trainers.
- Personalization: Filter workouts and track progress with real-time metrics and Wear OS integration.
- Flexibility: Access live and on-demand classes anytime, anywhere.
- Community: Social features and challenges to keep you motivated.
- Loud Music: Music can be too loud and distracting.
- Limited Social Interaction: Few options for interacting with friends' workout activities.
- Subscription Cost: Requires a paid subscription.
- Sync Issues: Occasionally experiences syncing problems with connected devices.
Why It’s a Top Choice:
The Peloton App stands out for its comprehensive range of workouts and personalized fitness plans. It caters to all fitness levels with a variety of classes, whether you’re looking to build muscle, improve endurance, or simply stay active. With the added benefits of tracking features and integration with Wear OS, Peloton provides a complete and motivating fitness experience that’s convenient and effective.
Features:
- Wide Range of Workouts: Enjoy thousands of classes including strength training, running, cycling, yoga, Pilates, HIIT, meditation, and more. Suitable for all fitness levels, these workouts are designed to be done with or without equipment.
- Personalized Experience: Filter workouts by muscle group, duration, time, and music type to match your fitness goals and preferences. Track your progress with real-time metrics and connect a heart rate monitor or Wear OS watch for enhanced tracking.
- Live and On-Demand Classes: Participate in live classes or explore a vast library of pre-recorded sessions led by world-class instructors. Enjoy guided workouts anytime, anywhere.
- Integration and Motivation: Sync with Wear OS devices for seamless tracking and motivation. The Peloton Watch App helps monitor your progress and keep you engaged.
- Flexible Training Plans: Access a variety of plans including goal-based offerings and challenges that keep you motivated and on track.
My Personal Experience: I’ve been using the Peloton app for four months and love it. The workouts are fun and challenging, especially the boxing sessions, and the treadmill workouts have made indoor running more enjoyable. The app has helped me hit personal bests in my 5k, 10k, and 1-mile times. The user experience is sleek, though I’d appreciate more social features and a workout rating system. Overall, Peloton has kept me consistent, and I’ve already convinced five friends to join. Find out everything about this app in our detailed Peloton review.
Pricing and Plans:
- Monthly Plan: $12.99/month for access to all standard features and workouts.
- Annual Plan: $129/year, offering a discount compared to the monthly rate.
- Premium+ Plan: $24/month or $239.99/year for extra features like exclusive content and advanced tracking.
NHS Couch to 5K
Explore the NHS Couch to 5K app—a top choice for beginners looking to start their running journey. Learn about its features, benefits, and how it stacks up against other running apps.
- Flexible: Complete in 9 weeks or at your own pace.
- User-Friendly: Countdown timer and audio cues.
- Music Integration: Adjusts volume for instructions.
- Motivational Tips: Encouragement and tips provided.
- Progress Tracking: Monitors and rewards achievements.
- Community Support: Connects with online groups.
- Challenging Start: Tough for beginners.
- Limited Customization: Fixed program with little adjustment.
- Music Interruptions: Can disrupt music experience.
- Not for Advanced Runners: May lack challenge for experienced users.
Why It’s a Top Choice:
C25K is highly recommended for its simplicity and effectiveness. Its gradual build-up and clear instructions make it an excellent choice for new runners. The app’s free access and structured approach ensure that you can easily integrate running into your lifestyle, regardless of your initial fitness level.
Features:
- Nine-Week Program: Gradual, step-by-step training plan that progresses from walking to running 5K.
- Guided Runs: Narrated instructions to guide you through each workout, including when to run, walk, or rest.
- Three Runs Per Week: Structured schedule that balances running and walking, making it manageable and effective.
- Customizable Plan: Adapts to your fitness level and provides a flexible approach to fit into your routine.
- Free Access: Offers a comprehensive running plan at no cost.
My Personal Experience: When I first used the NHS Couch to 5K app, I struggled with the initial run, but persistence paid off. Now, I can run comfortably for 30 minutes and feel fitter, more energetic, and happier. The app has transformed not just my fitness but my daily routine and mindset. It’s life-changing, and I highly recommend it. Check out our C25K review to see how this app can support your training.
Pricing and Plans: NHS Couch to 5K is completely free, offering full access to all features without any subscription costs.
MapMyRun
Explore our detailed MapMyRun review to find out why it’s considered one of the best running apps.
- racks Many Activities: Logs running, cycling, yoga, and more.
- Real-Time Updates: Gives voice feedback on your pace and distance.
- Apple Watch Sync: Easily controls music and tracks runs from your watch.
- Social Features: Connects with friends, shares photos, and keeps you motivated.
- Premium Tools: Includes live tracking, custom plans, and heart rate monitoring.
- Notification Issues: Doesn’t alert you if friends respond to your comments.
- Sync Delays: Sometimes slow to update between phone and watch.
- Audio Problems: Issues with Bluetooth headphones for audio feedback.
- Minor Bugs: Occasional glitches and syncing problems.
Why It’s a Top Choice:
MapMyRun stands out for its detailed data and ease of use, making it ideal for runners looking to delve deeper into their training. The premium version offers valuable features like advanced analytics and nutrition tracking, making it a great investment for those who want to enhance their running strategy. While the free version includes ads, the app’s comprehensive data collection makes it worthwhile for runners of all levels
Features:
- GPS Tracking: Maps your running route, tracks overall time and pace.
- Heart Rate Zones: Monitor your heart rate and stay within your target zones.
- Interval Training: Customize and track interval workouts.
- Cadence and Power Analysis: Detailed metrics to help improve your running efficiency.
- Nutrition Tracking: Manage your diet alongside your running metrics.
Why It’s a Top Choice:
MapMyRun stands out for its detailed data and ease of use, making it ideal for runners looking to delve deeper into their training. The premium version offers valuable features like advanced analytics and nutrition tracking, making it a great investment for those who want to enhance their running strategy. While the free version includes ads, the app’s comprehensive data collection makes it worthwhile for runners of all levels.
My Personal Experience: I’ve used MapMyRun on and off for over 10 years, and it’s still my favorite for marathon training. The app works smoothly with my Apple Watch, making it easy to manage tracks while running. The activity feed is user-friendly, letting me quickly see my runs and my friends’, with the option to add pictures for extra motivation. However, I wish the app would notify me when someone replies to my comments, and I’ve noticed some delays with my Apple Watch syncing workouts. Despite these small issues, MapMyRun remains a top choice for runners. Learn how this app works by reading our MapMyRun review.
Pricing and Plans:
- Monthly MVP: $5.99 for premium features.
- Annual MVP: $29.99 for a discounted yearly subscription.
Comparison Chart of the Top 3 Cross-Training Apps
Feature | NHS Couch to 5K | Peloton | MapMyRun |
Route Mapping | No | Yes | Yes |
Real-Time Stat Monitoring | No | Yes | Yes |
Audio Feedback | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Performance Analysis | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
Sync with Other Health Apps | No | Yes | Yes |
User-Friendly Interface | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Social Features | Yes | No | Yes |
Pricing | Free |
|
|
Our Review |
Conclusion
Choosing the right running app can make a significant difference in your fitness journey. Whether you need precise GPS tracking or personalized coaching, the top 5 running apps of 2024 offer a variety of features to meet your needs.
CTA: Take the first step toward better running with the perfect app for you! Download now to start tracking your runs, improving your performance, and staying motivated on your fitness journey. Don’t wait—transform your running experience today!
User Reviews
