Running apps have come a long way from just a few options to too many to choose from. The sheer volume of these running apps is a testament to the fact that people nowadays have become conscious of their health, which is a great thing. Especially with the current pandemic, it has become even more important for all of us to stay active to improve our immunity.
A good running app will help you get the most out of your regular run around the block. It will use your smartphone’s sensors to measure the distance you traveled, calories you burnt, and the speed you ran at. Some of the more advanced apps can even map your running route. However, this may seem very cool but you need to be aware of the privacy policy and know where the data is stored.
Install a good running app and pair it with a smartwatch and you have your very own data center to track your improvement over time. However, with the overwhelming number of smartphone running apps out there it can become very difficult to decide which one to use.
Therefore, to make things a little easier for you, we have checked out several workout apps and separated those running apps that offered the best features. We have tried to cater to all sorts of users from fitness enthusiasts to the ones who just run for the fun of it.
Choosing Your App
When choosing a running app the choice is heavily dependent on what you want to do with it. Whether you want to track your run/walk/ cycling data or map your route. Are you going to use it for weight loss or just want to get started with running for fun? Are you training for a marathon? Do you want music to run in the background? The best app is what offers features according to your preferences.
Therefore, here are the best running apps for both iOS and Android–powered smartphones. Once you have read the article, turn on your Wi-Fi or Mobil Data, and download the app that suits you the best. If you do not already have a home internet connection or a mobile data plan, you can check out Spectrum deals to subscribe to a plan that works for you.
Both have their pros and cons, it all comes down to your lifestyle, and preferences as to which one you choose to sign up for. Some of these apps may require an internet connection while you are running so you may want to consider mobile data along with a home internet connection.
Strava Running and Cycling App
System: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Strava is a top-notch running tracker that offers some amazing features to add competitive gaming to your running experience. Strava Running and Cycling measure the distance you have traveled, the speed you ran at, the time taken to complete your run, and the course you took.
These metrics are very useful to keep track of your progress.
It spices things up by adding leaderboards, challenges, and achievements and compares them with your fellow runners to keep things going. The app is compatible with Apple Watch, Wear OS devices, and several other running trackers.
Adidas Running
System: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
You may already know this app by its former name Runtastic.Adidas is without a doubt one of the best running apps you can come across. It is an all-in-one tool that keeps a track of your running metrics and maps out your exercise. Adidas Running offers customizable voice coaching and cheering to keep you motivated and keep progressing.
It also tracks your speed, time and distance traveled.
You can configure that dashboard to show only the information that you consider as important. Challenges, community features, and goals provide you with much–needed motivation. All this is offered with the free version, however, if you want to go the extra mile with route planning, training plans, interval training, etc. then you can go for the premium version.
Runkeeper
System: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
One of the favorite apps among running enthusiasts, Runkeeperkeeps a record of the distance traveled, total time spent on exercise, calories burnt, and the pace you kept throughout. Along with these useful metrics the app offers various gamified challenges, training plans, and reminders.
It uses your smartphone’s GPS to track your activities as long as they involve moving around.
You can download popular running routes to run along with others or choose to go your route.
Measure your progress, keep a check on your workout history, and sync with several other services and apps to create reports of your activity. Runkeeper is compatible with various fitness devices and smartwatches including Wear OS devices and Apple Watch.
Pacer
System: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
The all-in-one fitness tracker and pedometer that offers a simple interface running in the background. And uses your smartphone’s sensors to track your running and walking time, steps, and route. And you can view your routes, track your trends and activity history, design custom goals. Becoming a part of motivational groups and challenges.
Pacer allows you to sync your data with other fitness hubs including MyFitnessPal, Apple Health, and Fitbit.
All these amazing features are offered to free users, but if you are hungry for more a premium subscription provides many more features like weight loss plan, guided workouts, etc.
Run with Map My Run
System: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Measure the total distance you traveled, the speed you ran at, the total time spent, and the course you followed by using MapMyFitness’s Run with Map My Run app. The app uses your smartphone’s sensors and GPS to provide real–time statistics as well as totals at the end of the run.
Various heart rate sensors, Wear OS devices, nutrition trackers, and fitness trackers are supported by the app.
You need to keep in mind that the app is supported by ads, however, a premium subscription is available to fix that problem.
On top of that, you also receive location sharing and voice coaching facilities. If you want an app for cycling, workout training, or walking, there are separate ones available by MapMyFitness.
Conclusion
These are the top five running apps that we have found out, based on their usability and features offered. Check these out and choose the one that works best for you.
About The Author
Will Jordan has been a passionate writer for years. He has a keen interest in technology, the internet, customer service trends and gaming.