The best apps for running use your smartphone’s built-in sensors to track your speed, distance traveled, and calories burned while mapping your route. The data is even more precise and detailed if you combine this type of application with a GPS watch. You can check whether this data is stored, however, if you are concerned about privacy.
Running apps are usually free. But they often work with in-app purchases to access additional options.
Top 5 Running Apps Free
- RunMotion Coach
RunMotion Coach is a mobile coaching application for runners of all levels, on road and trail. The founders, coaches and high-level runners want to make personalized training accessible to everyone thanks to training plans based on science and advice given by a virtual coach in the form of automated messaging (chatbot).
Artificial intelligence, which delivers a tailor-made training plan, was notably designed by Guillaume ADAM, 1st Frenchman in the 2019 New York marathon (2h26) and former researcher at CNRS and MIT. Developed in the Alps, the RunMotion Coach application is connected to Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Coros GPS watches and the adidas Running and Strava applications, to analyze sessions and suggest the most suitable workouts.
- Strava
Strava provides some great features on top of the classic running data. The app records your running speed, distance, time and route. But the interest of Strava is to be a social network for sports lovers. It allows you to be in contact with friends or other athletes and to compare your performances.
This application allows you to record your running sessions and your distance. You can see your routes on a map or find out your pace, speed, elevation gain and calories burned. You can compare your performance and track your progress over time.
With Strava, you have the possibility to define your next challenge and get tailor-made training plans. Training guidelines can be displayed on a sports watch because this application is compatible with more than 300 devices including Apple Watch, Samsung Gear watches, Android Wear but also Garmin, Polar or Suunto watches.
3. Adidas Running
Adidas Running, formerly Runtastic, is an all-in-one running tracking app that maps your sessions and keeps tabs on a variety of running metrics like time, distance, or calories burned.
This app tracks your workouts via GPS while providing personalized voice coaching and encouragement to boost your motivation. A configurable dashboard lets you track only the information important to you.
Community features, challenges, and goals can provide additional racing motivation. Adidas Running is free, but a premium membership also includes workout plans, route planning, interval training and more.
- Under Armor Map My Run
Under Armor Map My Run uses your phone’s GPS and other sensors to track and map your run route, time, speed, and total distance covered. The app displays both your real-time stats and end-of-workout data.
This Under Armor app keeps running newbies motivated. It allows you to discover the best routes, save and share your favorite routes, and find inspiration to achieve new goals thanks to our community of more than 40 million athletes.
However, you must subscribe a subscription to connect a heart rate sensor. The free version of this app does not allow these workouts to be adjusted based on target heart rate zones.
5. RunKeeper
RunKeeper also uses your phone’s GPS to track your running, cycling, hiking, and other sports. The app records your pace, distance, total exercise time, calories burned, and other useful metrics.
It also offers a variety of workout plans. Users can download and follow popular running routes. You can measure your progress and training history and receive detailed reports on your physical activity. The app also works with a variety of smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Android Wear watches.