The Best Running Apps for Every Type of Runner in 2024

Track distance, lose weight, engage with other runners and get faster with these running apps.

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While the right running shoes and gear are important to reaching your goals, so is the technology in your training arsenal. That’s where running apps come in. From pairing an app with your smartwatch to track your progress on the run or syncing up your training with a running coach, using a running app synced with your favorite fitness tracker is a great way to improve as a runner. And unlike any other gear you might have, the app of your choice is easily available in your pocket. 

Plus, studies have found that when a person uses activity tracker feedback, there is a significant increase in step count, both moderate and vigorous physical activity (ranging from brisk walking to running), and overall energy expenditure compared to those who don’t track their activity.

Below you’ll find our picks for the best running apps to choose from. Whether you’re a die-hard distance runner who needs accurate GPS tracking, you’re hoping to get personal fitness coaching from home or you are looking for one that pairs with your personal goals, we break down 10 options and highlight standout features of each one to help you choose the right running app for you in 2024. 

Our Picks for the Best Running Apps of 2024:

• Best Overall Running App: Joggo
• Best Running App for Personal Coaching: Future
• Best Running App for Weight Loss: Joggo 
• Best Run Tracking App: Garmin Connect
• Best App for Outdoor Runs: MapMyRun
• Best Running Training App: Runkeeper
• Best Interval Running App: Runcoach
• Best Running App for Treadmill: Zwift
• Best Running App for Community: Strava
• Best Running App for Beginners: Couch to 5k
• Best Free Running App: Nike+ Run Club 

Best Overall Running App: Joggo

Joggo

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Two months for $66, four months for $92, six months for $132
• Best for: Runners of all skill levels who want to level up their workouts
• Free trial? N/A

While there are plenty of run tracker apps out there to keep track of your distances, Joggo provides everything you need to improve your running while also advancing your fitness level and helping you lose weight. The app monitors your pace, distance and progress and gives you a new customized running plan with guided workouts each week to help you meet your goals, whether you’re a new runner looking to complete a 5K or an advanced runner hoping to conquer an Ironman. In addition to tailored running plans, Joggo gives users an individualized meal plan with recipes for healthy eating made easy.

Pros:

• Offers tailored plans to help users reach their fitness goals
• Includes tips to improve running knowledge
• Nutritional plans and guidance included in app

Cons:

• No free version

Best Running App for Personal Coaching: Future 

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Future

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: iOS
• Price: $149/month
• Best for: Those who want a completely customized training program that lets you essentially take your trainer with you wherever you go
•  Free trial? Sometimes, depending on current promotions and offers.

Future pairs you with the coach of your choice to provide you a workout plan. Once you sign up for the app, you connect with a coach who provides you weekly workouts that fit your goals and schedule. Your coach will create weekly plans that help you train to hit certain goals, like creating workouts that support your running progress. Your virtual personal trainer will be available for you to message within the app and also for check-ins via FaceTime on your iPhone or Android device. Additionally, you can sync your workouts with an Apple Watch so your coach can track your progress. Workouts come with a playlist within the app that supports the workout, or you can use your own music on the app of your choice, whether that’s Spotify or Apple Music. 

Pros:

• You can take your trainer with you anywhere
• You’re able to work with your coach to get workouts in the gym if you have a gym membership, with equipment you have at home, or with body weight.
• You get to choose the coach that’s right for you

Cons:

• Not compatible with all smartwatches (including FitBit)
• The price point may be unaffordable for some

For more information about the Future app, check out our in-depth Future Review.

Best Running App for Weight Loss: Joggo

Joggo

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Two months for $66, four months for $92, six months for $132
• Best for: Beginner to advanced runners
• Free trial? N/A

It’s well-known that a major factor in weight loss is burning more calories than you consume, and some exercises are better than others when it comes to caloric burn. Running is a great form of exercise for weight loss: It uses a lot of muscles in your body and burns a lot of calories (around 100 per mile). Whether you’re looking to start running or want to improve your form or pace, Joggo will be there to guide you towards your goals.

With personalized running plans, progress monitoring and plenty of knowledge and insight into how to run more effectively and to prevent injury, Joggo does it all. The app also creates custom meal plans for users with an emphasis on whole and healthy foods. Exercise is important, but a healthy diet is essential to lose and keep off weight.

Pros:

• Customized running plans for users of all skill levels
• Tailored meal plans, recipes and nutritional advice
• Holds users accountable

Cons:

• Not free to use
• Requires a bit of commitment (meals and workouts)

Best Run Tracking App: Garmin Connect

Garmin

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Free
• Best for: The true Garmin aficionado
• Free trial? N/A; app is free

To use the Garmin Connect app, you must have a Garmin running watch or fitness tracker. This app provides fitness and health tracking along with free adaptive plans to help you reach your goals. Additionally, you can download turn-by-turn guidance so when you lace up, your route is at your fingertips.

You can also track all cross-training activities and compare your output to previous workouts. If you’re motivated by others, you can connect with groups and compete in challenges. 

Pros:

• Free coaching for 5K, 10K or half-marathon training
• Comes with a customizable dashboard, where you can choose what health stats you focus on such as mileage, steps, number of workouts, stress levels and sleep.

Cons:

• Must be used with a Garmin smartwatch or fitness tracker

Best App for Outdoor Runs: MapMyRun

MapMyRun

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Free for basic; $5.99/month for MVP
• Best for: Visual runners who want to see their runs mapped out
• Free trial? N/A; app is free but some features are behind a paywall and can only accessed with a subscription

MapMyRun is your one-stop shop for finding local running routes near you. You can log your workouts, from runs to strength training to yoga, with the app, using your Garmin, Apple Watch or other supported fitness wearable. On the run, you can control your music through the app, check your heart rate and track your splits. When you’re done with your workout, log your data and compare your progress over time. If you have Under Armour smart shoes, the app can also help you track your pace, stride length and cadence. Want to gamify your training? You can earn badges and create challenges for you and your friends. The platform also creates group challenges you can join.

Pros:

• You can use this app to find local running routes near you, taking the planning out of your run and allowing you to easily explore new routes in your city or on your travels

Cons:

• While the app is available for anyone to use, to get the best user experience, you must have Under Armour smart shoes

Best Running Training App: ASICS Runkeeper

Runkeeper

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Free for basic use; $39.99/year for Runkeeper Go
• Best for: Those who prefer a simple display readout when running
• Free trial? N/A; app is free

RunKeeper was created by ASICS to plan and track your runs. The app syncs seamlessly with your fitness tracker, but we especially like the easy-to-read metrics on the Apple Watch, including time, distance, pace and heart rate all on one screen. You can also toggle to see your heart rate zone and easily pause or end your run.

If you pay for the premium version, Runkeeper Go, you can access a personalized training plan. You can also join challenges to keep you motivated. Set your distance and time goals within the app, and the goal-setting tool will help to create a training plan that gets you to your goal. From there, you can monitor your progress using the app’s tracker insights which show off stats such as your average pace over time. If you want to race but there’s nothing local, the app even offers virtual races. See your week’s workouts at a glance, with a built-in weather feature so you know exactly how to dress and hydrate for each run.

Don’t want to run with your phone? You can leave it behind and still track your stats with the Runkeeper app.

Pros:

• Runkeeper offers training plans from 5K to marathon, where other apps only offer plans for 5K and 10K or half-marathon

Cons:

• To unlock all features, including personalized training plans, you’ll need to upgrade to Runkeeper Go. (If you’re just looking for basic tracking, you won’t need the upgraded version.)

Best Interval Running App: Runcoach

Runcoach

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Basic version is free; premium version can be billed as $24.95/month or $199.95/year
• Best for: Those seeking a personalized training experience
• Free trial? Yes—the basic version of Runcoach is free; the paid Gold membership offers a 14-day free trial.

Work with a USA Track and Field-certified coach to set personal goals and get insights on injury prevention. Runcoach uses a “patented algorithm” to adjust training to your progress. For example, if you miss a workout or are having trouble hitting the goals you set, it will suggest scaling back your training. On the other hand, if you’re exceeding your goals, your program will be adjusted accordingly. Users love this tailored training and rave about how the program has helped them hit many PRs. You can sync the app with most existing tech you have such as Apple Health Kit, Strava, Garmin or Runkeeper. As you hit your goals, you can earn rewards from Garmin and more.

Pros:

• USATF-Certified coaches are available to answer your questions and help with your training
• There is a free version with limited features; however, you lose out on the personalize goal setting and insights that come with the paid version.

Cons:

• While a coach assists you, you are the one that sets your training plan rather than having one fully designed for you

Best for Treadmill: Zwift

Zwift

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: $14.99/month
• Best for: Those seeking an immersive and competitive experience that doubles as a fitness app for other types of workouts (like cycling)
• Free trial? Yes, as of publish time, Zwift offers a 14-day free trial

When you think of Zwift, you might think of cycling, but the popular platform also makes an app tailored to your treadmill sessions. Great news, because the treadmill is sometimes called the ‘dreadmill’ for a reason. Zwift allows you to train both solo or in a group and transports you into a virtual run or race. Create an avatar and hop into the virtual community.

Pros:

• Zwift takes the bore out of those treadmill sessions by gamifying the experience

Cons:

• You’ll need a connected device to run Zwift on, meaning to get the most out of your training, you’ll need visible access to a screen during your runs
• You’ll also need a footpod, connected shoe or treadmill sensor. Zwift recommends purchasing its RunPod or Runn Smart Treadmill Sensor.

Best for Community: Strava

Strava

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Free for basic use, $5/month for Strava Premium
• Best for: Those who want to compete with other runners and see their stats on leaderboards
• Free trial? N/A, additional features can be unlocked with a paid subscription

If you have friends who are die-hard runners, you may have heard of them talking about Strava like it’s the holy grail of running apps. Strava allows you to track your training privately, or share your data with select friends or publicly. Your runs are also broken down into “segments” which set tricky parts of the run like a steep climb, apart. If you run the same route as others with a public profile, you can compete for medals and achievements such as King/Queen of the Mountain or a Course Record. Your friends can then share their races, workouts or other achievements, and you can cheer your squad on. You can also find groups to join by interest, making this app a great option if you’re looking to find a like-minded community.

Pros:

• Track your personal activity and progress within the app while building community
• Strava also has a built-in “Beacon” feature which allows you to set emergency contacts and share your real-time location

Cons:

• Some users find the social media sharing features make them feel overly competitive
• While you can use the app simply to track your runs, it’s built to work best for sharing accomplishments, photos and cheering on others

Best Running App for Beginners: Couch to 5K

Couch to 5k

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: $4.99
• Best for: Those who aren't sure how to begin a running regimen
• Free trial? N/A; app is free and also offers additional features/in-app purchases

The Couch to 5K app is designed for true beginners to running. This program promises to turn you from a total beginner to a 5K runner in nine weeks through three 30-minute runs per week. As you ramp up, your runs will be broken up into running and walking sessions, with running time increasing as your fitness improves. You can track your runs and get verbal feedback from your coach.

Related Post: The Best Couch to 5K Apps to Help You Train for Your Next Race

Pros:

• Made for true beginners. This app is designed to help you get “off the couch” and slowly progress you to running a 5K in nine weeks

Cons:

• As you progress as a runner, the app may not be as beneficial.

Best Free Running App: Nike+ Run Club 

Nike Run Club

Key Features

• Compatible platforms: Android, iOS
• Price: Free
• Best for: Runners who want to track basic metrics on their runs without paying for a subscription
• Free trial? N/A; app is free

If you’re interested in the community aspect of other training apps but don’t want the associated fees, the Nike+ Run Club app is the way to go. It’s designed to help you every step of the way—from getting out the door to hitting a new PR (personal record) or running your first marathon. Sync up with a community challenge or set a monthly personal goal to get you motivated. There aren’t any guided runs or audio coaching, but the app is a great way to hold yourself accountable via a community of fellow runners.

Pros:

• The Nike Run Club app is free and provides great access to local and virtual communities

Cons:

• If your main focus is data and not community, this is probably not the best app for you

Why Use a Running App? 

Using a running app can help enhance your training. Which app you choose depends on your goals. If you’re a beginner, you can get training plans, support and even personalized coaching. Using apps to pre-plan your routes can help to ensure you get out the door with a plan—key for a successful workout. As you progress in your training, you can use the app to log your miles and track your pace if you’re working toward a time goal.

There are many reasons to use a running app, but overall the app you use should make your runs easier. If you’re worrying too much about the app and it starts to hinder your progress, try taking a break or switching the app you’re using.

How to Use Running Apps Safely

Most apps are all-encompassing, allowing you to track progress on your runs as well as other workouts key to your running success. Additionally, most apps allow you to track mileage and pace during the run, helping you to complete the most beneficial training runs.

When it comes to safety while using a running app, you should be aware of the privacy features that come with your running app of choice. If you like seeing your runs mapped out in an app, consider toggling your privacy switch so that you're the only person who can view your usual routes. There are also additional apps you can download and activate while using such as bSafe, an app that signals for help by acting as a siren, calling authorities and sending your chosen contacts your real-time GPS location. Similarly, Road ID and ReactMobile also alert your emergency contacts to your whereabouts if you stop moving for more than five minutes and let your chosen contacts track your movements in real time.

How We Chose the Best Running Apps

We chose the apps on our list based off of apps we've previously or currently use in addition to choosing top picks based on other user reviews. We considered the features each app offers, the level of difficulty it takes to maneuver each app and what each app costs (some apps are free while others can be billed via a monthly or annual cycle).

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Running App for You

As we detailed above, there is a multitude of running apps out there. What you look for in a running app depends on your goals and what you want an app to support you with. You can look for features that range from GPS tracking to personalized coaching to finding a community.

Tech needed

You can choose an app that just takes your phone or one that pairs to your smartwatch. 

Privacy

If you’re worried about privacy, you’ll want to check the terms and conditions of the app you download. Additionally, if you’re using an app that tracks your running route, be sure to set yourself to private. If you want to share your progress, only share it with trusted friends and family. 

Cost

Another bonus of the number of running apps out there is you can easily find one that fits your budget. Many apps are free, while some are a low monthly or annual fee.

Running App FAQs

What is the best 5K to 10K app?

This depends on your goals. If you’re new to running, we suggest giving Couch to 5K a try. For the more advanced runner or if you’re looking to make a leap in distance, utilize an app that offers personalized coaching, such as Future or Runcoach.

What happens when you run every day for a month?

If you’re new to running, you should be sure to take it easy. While running is a great way to build your fitness, it’s important to take days where you walk or completely rest to give your body time to recover. The same goes for more advanced runners—between interval training, long run days, and cross-training, your body needs time to rest and recover. Running every day for a month is typically not recommended. To get a training plan that’s right for you, you can work with a coach or use a training plan in the above apps, all of which include rest days.

What app do professional runners use?

While everyone's individual preferences are different when it comes to their running app of choice, Strava is a popular pick. Not only does it offer various sports to choose from, but it shows you how you stack up against athletes at every level—that includes marathon champions and Olympians.

How do I start running with no experience?

If you want to start an intensive running program—or simply want to get started with some light jogging—the Couch to 5K app is a great choice to help you figure out what works best for you.

Final Thoughts

Using a running app can be very beneficial to your training. From helping you get started to helping you crush your second marathon, there’s something for every runner. The ability to track your runs and compare workout data can help you meet and exceed your goals. 

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.