Best Running Apps of 2024: Expert Reviews and Key Features

best free running app

Looking for the best running apps? Check out our curated list of apps that will enhance your running experience and help you stay on track!

Healthcare

Updated on November 06, 2024

best free running app
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As of January 2024, the best mobile fitness apps recorded almost 14 million downloads worldwide. With the increasing use of mobile apps for health and fitn read more...

List of best running apps for Android and iOS

Start Running for Beginners

1. Start Running for Beginners

Product Rating

4.7

4.7

Top Features

  • Keep a track of your speed, pace, and distance easily
  • In-depth exercise statistics
  • Count how many calories you burnt
  • Custom workouts for everyone

More about product

On this best free running app, you get access to personalized running plans, alternative training programs, and much more. On one of the best apps for tracking running distance, you have personal coaches, distance, speed, and pace trackers, and much more.

C25K

2. C25K

Product Rating

4.3

4.8

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Comes with in-app purchases
  • Trusted by millions
  • Customizable workout plans

More about product

As the name suggests, C25K or Couch to 5K program app has trainers approved by top names like Google Wear OS, SAMSUNG, and FITBIT. The best app to track workouts has also been featured on the AMC Network, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, and more.

Strava Tracker

3. Strava Tracker

Product Rating

4.4

4.8

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Live feedback for better performance
  • Suitable for Swimming, Cycling, and many other workouts
  • Can also track gym workouts

More about product

With this one of the best running apps for Android, you get to map your routes, track your progress, and complete training challenges to gain achievements. With Strava tracker, you ensure that your fitness goals are achieved.

Map My Run

4. Map My Run

Product Rating

4.8

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Supports Under Armour smart shoes
  • A global community of runners
  • Detailed statistics to guide you

More about product

With a community of millions of runners, this one of the best free running apps for beginners is indeed a blessing to accompany you during your cardio. Here you can keep a track of all workouts, cardio, or anything else. Moreover, there are Under Armour shoes as well that can be synced with the app for better performance.

RunKeeper

5. RunKeeper

Product Rating

4.8

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Real-time workout tracker
  • Team up with friends for virtual relays
  • Guided workouts by experts

More about product

On this best fitness tracker app, you can track distance, time invested, and much more to find out your workout progress. The app lets you track runs, cycling, workouts, and more so that you can figure out if you are doing things right.

Runcoach

6. Runcoach

Product Rating

3.3

4.4

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Real coaches
  • Customized plans
  • Includes in-app purchases

More about product

If you are still wondering- what are the best running apps, then this might be a tool that you want to use. One of the best running apps for iPhone and Android users, Runcoach has real coaches to provide you with personalized cardio plans.

Nike Run Club

7. Nike Run Club

Product Rating

4.8

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Personal records and marathon challenges
  • Milestone trophies and badges
  • Guidance from elite athletes

More about product

On this offline running app, you meet with coaches and community members who have been running for years. There are plans in this one of the top fitness apps for women and men that will help you in starting running, enjoy it, and make the best out of it. For all your fitness needs, Nike Run Club is the key.

Aaptiv

8. Aaptiv

Product Rating

4.0

4.7

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Unlimited cardio audio guides
  • 4,000+ video lessons
  • Personalized plans for your fitness

More about product

Well, this one of the top running apps solves one major problem - looking at the screen for guidance while running. On Aaptiv, there are unlimited audio packs to guide you through different workouts. Do cardio exercises, yoga, and more, and let the audio packs become your guide.

PUMATRAC

9. PUMATRAC

Product Rating

4.5

4.8

Top Features

  • 4,000+ audio and video guides
  • Customized training materials
  • Designed by expert trainers
  • Access playlists from apps like Spotify

More about product

On this one of the best free running apps for beginners by Puma, you have access to more than 120 fitness guides for free. There are more than 3,000 minutes of video guidance as well that will help you in achieving your fitness goals.

Zombies, Run!

10. Zombies, Run!

Product Rating

4.7

4.8

Top Features

  • Free to install
  • Audio adventure
  • Running is the only way to finish missions
  • Run from Zombies, and become a hero

More about product

This app is perfectly designed to make running fun. In this one of the top apps to track running, you run to survive zombie apocalypses. The app is already used by more than 5 million users worldwide as a perfect fitness companion.

Comparing the Top 5 Running Apps Available for Android and iOS users

Criteria  Start Running for Beginners C25K Map My Run Nike Run Club PUMATRAC
Designed For Beginners Beginners All levels All levels All levels
Training Programs  Yes Yes No Yes Yes
GPS Tracking No No Yes Yes Yes
Community Features No Limited Yes Yes Yes
Goal Setting Basic Basic Advanced Advanced Advanced
Compatibility  iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android

Also Read: Best Bodybuilding Apps

How Did MobileAppDaily Select the Best Running Apps?

The experts at MobileAppDaily have carefully evaluated the best apps for running to prepare the list of the best ones available. We have evaluated the apps against different criteria. Let’s understand them in detail.

1. Functionality of the offline running apps

This criterion assesses how well each app performs its core functions related to running. The best running apps for beginners are evaluated based on features like GPS tracking accuracy, workout logging capabilities, and the availability of real-time statistics during runs. 

Apps that excel in functionality provide reliable performance metrics and smooth integration with other fitness devices or platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience.

2. The user interface of the apps to track running

An intuitive user interface is crucial for usability and accessibility during workouts. We have evaluated how intuitive and user-friendly interfaces are offered by the offline running apps. Further the running tracker apps are also evaluated based on factors such as ease of navigation, clarity of display while running, and customization options for personal preferences. 

The best walking apps are well-designed. Their UI enhances the overall user experience by minimizing distractions and providing clear access to essential features.

3. Additional features running tracker apps

The best apps to track running are also analyzed based on the additional features they offer. The variety and quality of features offered by the best run tracking app is a significant factor. This includes basic functionalities like distance tracking and pace monitoring. 

Additionally, it also assesses advanced features such as audio coaching, integration with music apps, personalized training plans, and social sharing capabilities. The best running apps for beginners and experts listed here cater to a wide range of user needs and preferences with a robust set of features that enhance the running experience.

4. Community engagement and support

Some popular running apps for iPhones and Android devices boost community engagement. The best apps for running, listed here offer advanced features like virtual challenges, leaderboards, group activities, and the ability to share workouts and achievements on social media. These elements help create a supportive environment for runners, motivating them to stay active and connected within the app's community.

5. Reviews and ratings of the best paid and free running apps

Both paid and free running apps mentioned here are vetted based on positive reviews and ratings. The experts have taken into account user reviews from both app stores and independent sources. Positive reviews indicate user satisfaction with app performance, reliability, customer support, and overall user experience.

Conversely, any recurring issues or negative feedback could weigh against an app's ranking, highlighting areas for improvement or concerns regarding usability and functionality.

Understanding the Different Types of Running Apps Available for Users in 2024

The best paid and free running apps available for users can be categorized into the following categories. 

1. Training Apps

Free running apps that offer structured training programs are categorized under training apps. These programs are directed towards helping users improve their running performance over time. Some popular examples include C25K, Nike Run Club, and more. 

2. Tracking and GPS Apps

The best run tracking apps that use GPS technology to track the distance, route pace, and other metrics are categorised under tracking and GPS apps. These apps are essential for monitoring progress and analysing the runners’ performance. Some of the best running apps for Android and iOS under this category are Strava, Runkeeper, etc. 

3. Community and Social Apps

The best running apps free or paid, that focus on connecting runners with a community of fellow athletes are listed under this category. These running apps may include features like social sharing of workouts, challenges, leaderboards, and the ability to join virtual races or group runs. Some common examples under this category include Garmin Connect, RunSocial, and more

4. Health and Wellness Apps

Running apps for iPhone and Android devices that integrate running and exercise data with broader health metrics are categorized under this category. This app includes metrics like sleep, nutrition, and overall well-being. They provide insights into fitness trends and help users maintain a balanced lifestyle. The top apps under this category include MyFitness Pal, Apple Health, and more. 

5. Device-specific Apps

The best run training apps designed to work with specific fitness devices or brands are categorised under this category. These running tracker apps enhance compatibility and integration with wearable technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers. Some of the best running apps for Apple Watch and other wearable devices, include Watch to 5k, Strava, and more. 

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, when choosing the best running apps, the choices are abundant. There is a huge selection of apps catering to every runner's unique needs and preferences. Whether you're just starting out with programs or aiming to crush personal records, there's an app out there to support your journey. 

So lace up your shoes, download one of these top-rated running apps, and hit the pavement — your next great run awaits! Discover how these running apps can elevate your fitness game and keep you on track towards your running goals.

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By MobileAppDaily Team

MobileAppDaily Desk

MobileAppDaily host a team of experienced technical writers, industry wizards, and app experts who have an exact knack of content that caters to the needs of the mobile app targeted audience. We strive to bring you the best of tech!


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