Technology now plays quite a role in fitness, so it’s no surprise that many people are on the hunt for the best running apps out there. Whether you’re looking for on-demand marathon training guidance, or seeking to plug into music or a podcast, there are tons of options available.
Whether you’re just getting started running or you are a more advanced athlete with a bunch of races under your belt, there’s an app out there for you, Emily Abbate, a United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA)-certified run coach and ACE-certified personal trainer in New York City, tells SELF. These apps can vary greatly depending on what you’re looking for. Some offer an incredible array of stats and analysis, while others are beneficial because they offer up a community that you may not be able to find otherwise.
If you’re interested in trying a running app to boost your running game, here’s what you need to know.
How to choose the best running app for you
Because running apps have different focuses, it can be helpful to ask yourself what you’re looking to add to your workout before you swipe to the app store. This can help you narrow down which features are important to you, so you can choose a running app that melds with what you want to experience with your workouts.
For some people, the main draw of a running app is adding a community.
“Right now, when we’re all so disconnected with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people are looking to feel more in the loop in whatever way we can,” Abbate says. “An app that can provide you a community and make you feel less alone is really valuable.” If this is the case for you, an interactive running app that lets you connect with other runners may be a good choice. Added bonus: Having a community alongside you may help give you the boost you need to get your workout started on days you want to give the effort, but are feeling a little unmotivated to get going.
Other running apps bring the workout (or even the run coach) to you, which can be helpful both to beginners who are looking to get started and more advanced runners who want to get faster or otherwise up the game on their training.
These apps can be great to help provide direction before a run, Abbate says. You can open up an app and decide what you want to get into that day, whether it’s more mindful running with a motivational coach, or a guided interval workout. Plus, guided sessions can provide helpful tips, like running form cues, that can make you a better runner, she says.
Or maybe you want your running app to be a bit more passive—meaning, it provides an awesome way for you to zone out, turn off your mind, and just enjoy your run. In those cases, a running app that uses music or podcasts may be a good choice for you. In fact, research has also shown that music can be performance-enhancing, helping you pick up the pace and push harder than you otherwise would have, Abbate says.
Whatever camp you may be in, here are the best running apps that can help improve your workouts—and help you enjoy them even more, too.
Best beginner running apps
1. Couch to 5K
Want to run a 5K, but don’t know where to start? This app is specifically targeted at newbies starting from zero, but who want to get up to running 3.1 miles. Starting with run-walk sessions, the app will help you build up to a 5K race in nine weeks via three, 30-minute sessions per week. It also tracks your time and distance with GPS, and has a virtual coach providing workout cues and guidance along the way to help you get to that goal. You also have the option to log your data on active.com after each run.
Get it: $3; iOS and Google Play
2. Aaptiv
Although it’s probably most known for its treadmill workouts, Aaptiv actually offers indoor and outdoor running classes (along with other forms of cross-training like strength training or elliptical). Plus, there is a wide range of classes with varying levels, making it a great option for newbies or veteran marathoners, Abbate says. You can make your selection based on various factors, including estimated distance and music style. In the mood for some hip hop? Then its “Rest Around the Bend” treadmill class might be the choice for you. The app adds more than 30 new classes each week, so if you tend to get bored repeating workouts, there’s always something fresh to try.
Get it: $15/month or $100/year; iOS and Google Play
3. Runkeeper
If you’re looking for a free, no-frills app to simply track your mileage and progress with GPS capability, this easy-to-use selection is one of the best running apps you can try. It’s also compatible with other devices, including Apple Watch and Fitbit. Upgrade to the Premium RunkeeperGo for personalized training, which gives you access to advanced fitness reports to help you reach specific running and racing goals. Plus, if you’re looking to make your running a little more “social,” you can create custom challenges and share them with friends—and even use the chat feature to connect with their progress. It’s a great way to stay in touch with your running buddies when you aren’t actually running side by side.
Get it: Free to download; $10/month, $20/quarter or $40/year for premium subscription; iOS and Google Play
Best advanced running apps
4. Strava
These days, Strava has a reputation for being the social network for runners. If you’re looking more for the community aspect—seeing where your friends are running and giving them kudos when they’ve nailed their workouts—rather than an instructional tool, this could be the perfect app for you, Abbate says. The basic version is free, though you can upgrade to a paid premium subscription for guided training and a more detailed analysis of your runs. The paid version will also give you a “relative effort” rating to show the effort of each workout, so you can make sure to balance hard days with recovery routines.
Get it: Free to download; $60/year for premium subscription; iOS and Google Play
5. Run Coach
If you’re in search of training that is truly personalized, RunCoach can provide customized guidance based on the information and goals you input, like recent race times and weekly mileage (if you upgrade to the paid version). And, since life gets in the way of workouts sometimes, the app will even recalculate your plan to adjust to a missed routine or two. The app also provides access to USA Track and Field-certified coaches who can provide expert guidance on nutrition and how to deal with potential running injuries. (Of course, for specific treatment advice, you should always see a doc or physical therapist.)
Get it: Free to download; $20/month or $200/year for upgraded version. iOS and Google Play
6. Nike+ Run Club
Plenty of runners think this is one of the best running apps available. In fact, this app is Abbate’s top choice for a free app, as it’s packed with motivating audio-based workouts from Nike coaches (as well as track run necessities, like pace, location, distance, elevation, heart rate, and mile splits). As an added bonus, you can integrate it with Spotify and have the Nike coaches’ cues lay over your favorite tunes. And on the days you’re feeling mentally scattered, you can choose an easy, guided recovery run with Headspace to make sure you’re taking care of your body and mind.
Get it: Free; iOS and Google Play
Best interactive running apps
7. Peloton
Peloton, which initially gained popularity for its on-demand indoor cycling offerings, is Abbate’s top pick for a paid app: It’s more focused on community and allows you to join others virtually for challenging guided workouts, both in or outdoors, from long endurance runs to HIIT and hill runs on the treadmill. With classes ranging from five to 60 minutes, you can always find one to fit your schedule. Peloton also offers other cross-training options in addition to cycling, such as strength training and yoga, which can be beneficial for runners who are injury-prone and need to diversify their training schedule or add in some recovery classes.
Get it: $13/month iOS and Google Play
8. Zwift
If you’re not a huge fan of the treadmill, but stick to it in less-than-ideal weather conditions, Zwift is the app you need to feel like you’re actually outdoors—it’ll actually “take” you to running routes in locations such as London and New York City. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more fantastical, you can also pound the pavement in Watopia, Zwift’s imaginary island. Simply log in after downloading Zwift to your device, choose your course, and get running with other virtual athletes doing the same thing. You can hook up for fun runs, or even actual races, complete with prizes.
Get it: $15; iOS and Google Play
9. Charge Running
Charge is another option that allows you to run live alongside other runners, with live coaching to boot. Join live classes or virtual races tailored to your ability level and keep track of your progress on the app’s leaderboard to see how you stack up against your virtual competition. Your live remote trainer will track your metrics in real time, helping you stay on top of your effort. There are also over 100 on-demand runs available for when you’re not free for live sessions, which track your stats and allow you to compete with other athletes who have done that class at a different time.
Get it: $15/month and $121/year for on-demand membership; $30/month and $240/year for live class membership; iOS and Google Play
Best podcast running apps
10. Apple Podcasts
Let’s be honest: Sometimes we’re all in the mood to zone out during our workouts rather than stay super dialed in, which is when podcasts come in handy. If you have an iPhone or other device, chances are you default to Apple Podcasts when there’s a show you must listen to. It’s where most huge podcasts tend to go to launch their shows, so you can rest assured you’ll find what you’re looking for there. Apple Podcasts has thousands of options, but if you need a little help deciding, it will also offer you the top selection in your favorite categories. It also easily organizes shows you’ve subscribed to, such as the Rich Roll Podcast or the Ali on the Run Show, for easy access.
Get it: Free; iOS
11. Stitcher
Stitcher is another popular option for free podcasts, but what sets it apart is that it offers a premium version that provides access to exclusive content and ad-free versions of certain shows (if you prefer not to have commercial breaks interrupt your game, which can be a real buzzkill when one comes on just as you’re speeding into your next interval). You can also create a podcast playlist to group your favorite shows based on category. Plus, Stitcher also has over 50 original shows (including comedy and documentary options), so if you’re looking for something new to listen to, chances are pretty good you can find something here.
Get it: Free to download; $5/month and $35/year for premium version; iOS and Google Play
12. Google Podcasts
If you prefer Google platforms to Apple, this podcast player is pretty similar to the iOS version. Google’s option will show when a new episode is ready to download, and the app can also point you toward shows you’re likely to be interested in based on your previous tastes, whether it’s wellness-focused, news-based, or beyond. The app is super customizable: You can even change the playback speed to listen to your podcast faster, which can be especially helpful if your workout starts to pick up in intensity. You can also queue up a few episodes if you have a long run on your docket.
Get it: Free to download; iOS and Google Play
Best music running apps
13. Spotify
From radio stations to endless streaming selections, playlist creation capability, and podcast offerings, Spotify pretty much has it all. If you like having your music and podcasts all in one place, this is one of the best running apps you could incorporate into your routine. Spotify allows you to manually create customized playlists (say, a high-energy one for interval day, or a mellow one for your easy recovery runs), in addition to automatically creating them for you based on your listening habits. You can also follow other people and listen to playlists they’ve created as well, which is especially helpful if you feel like your playlists have become a bit stale.
Get it: Free with ads and limited skip options; $13 monthly for premium version; iOS and Google Play
14. Apple Music
Offering millions of songs available for download, Apple Music allows you to keep your entire music library of up to 100,000 songs (plus streaming capability) in one place. It’ll give you an abundance of choices before setting out for your run, and you can download your favorite tracks to play offline (super important if you’re heading for an outdoor run and don’t have WiFi). With its “listen now” feature, you can discover new songs based on your tried-and-true favorites. Plus, if you’re not in the mood for your regular music, you can switch gears and try their live radio instead.
Get it: $5/month for students, $109/month for individuals, $15/month for families; iOS and Google Play
15. Amazon Music
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, this app provides free access to millions of song options. Running indoors? It can even play your tunes across a whole bunch of devices, including Echo and Fire TV, if you don’t want to pop in your earbuds or listen from your tiny cell phone speakers. Upgrading to Amazon Music Unlimited offers access to even more music with ad-free listening, all tailored to your genre preferences. You can even listen offline, and can skip as much as you’d like. And if you want a music break, you can simply catch up with some podcasts instead.
Get it: Free with Amazon Prime membership; $11 for premium membership upgrade; iOS and Google Play
16. Rock My Run
If you’re in search of a music fitness app specifically targeted to runners, Rock My Run is the app for you. DJs and coaches create the workouts together, and the app allows you to sync with your phone to track your workouts, as well as your distance, heart rate, and more. The app promises something called “body-drive music:” It can match the music to your steps, set the beats per minute to a certain cadence, and if you have an Apple Watch, can even sync music to your heartbeat (and manually adjust the tempo of your music based on your heart rate).
Get it: $5 to $36 based on features and duration; iOS and Google Play
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