Running has been proven to help with weight loss, mental clarity, and overall health. But it’s not always as simple as just putting on your shoes and going out the door! In order to run effectively and efficiently, you need a plan.
Whether your goal is to run a 5K or complete a marathon, these apps can help you get there without the hassle of hiring a personal trainer or buying a pricey gym membership.
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Best Apps For Running Training
Whether you are lacing up for the first time or you’re trying to hit that coveted runner’s high again, you sometimes might need a little extra something to get you through your runs.
Luckily, there’s an app—or more like a hundred—that can help. These days, apps can not only track your run, but also coach you, motivate you with music, keep you safe, and more.
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To keep it simple, we rounded up our favorites from the past few years and narrowed them down to the best running apps across several categories, highlighting what makes each unique. Whether you’re just starting out as a runner or you’re a seasoned pro, this list will help you find the tools you need to get the most out of your miles.
Best Beginner Apps
Human
Human
HUMAN
Best for: Getting motivated to be more active
Human isn’t the most advanced activity tracker on this list, but it wins points as a strong motivator. The app works in the background, tracks the time you spend being active (running, walking, and cycling), and nudges you to hit your “Daily 30,” or 30 minutes of exercise per day. But the real motivation comes from other people. Human compares your data to other nearby users to create a leaderboard of who’s exercising nearby, so you can see how you rank against your neighbors.
Free: iOS | Android
Couch to 5K
Couch to 5K app
COUCH-TO-5K
Best for: Building your confidence by working toward a goal
The popular Couch-to-5K app does exactly what it says: Turns you from sedentary couch potato into a runner. It guides you through three 30-minute workouts per week to get you ready for a 3.1-mile race in only nine weeks. Along the way, it tracks your time and distance via GPS, and a virtual coach gives you verbal cues about your workout. After each run, you can log your data to active.com, and you can share your achievements with friends in the app’s newsfeed.
$2.99: iOS | Android
Pacer
Pacer app
PACER
Best for: Starting a regular running routine
This app is centered on step-counting, but it’s a great launching point into developing a running habit, too. Like Human, Pacer works in the background, logging your steps as you move around during the day to give you a picture of your activity level. Unlike Human, you can also track runs with GPS and join group challenges, and if you opt for Premium ($5 per month), you can access training plans with video workouts.
Free: iOS | Android
Best Advanced Running Apps
Strava
Strava app
STRAVA
Best for: Tracking runs and rides with a strong social element
Wildly popular among cyclists and runners, Strava is a great choice for casual milers and pros alike. It offers in-depth GPS tracking, works with a variety of GPS devices, and tracks all kinds of metrics (especially if you opt for a Summit membership). It’s also known for its popular segments feature, which shows how you stack up against other runners on the same route. Premium users also get access to Beacon, a safety option that allows three designated contacts to monitor your location while you’re out running.
Free: iOS | Android
Runcoach
Running, Recreation, Advertising, Half marathon, Marathon, Exercise, Athlete, Graphic design, Long-distance running, Nike free,
RUNCOACH
Best for: Building an adaptive training plan that fits your needs
Check out Runcoach to create a workout schedule and stick to it. Set a running goal and input information on your schedule, and the algorithm will deliver customized guidance on how to train. Want personalized coaching? (There’s an option to upgrade for $19.95 a month.) Use the app to reach out to USATF-certified coaches for help with injuries, nutrition, and more.
Free: iOS | Android
MapMyRun
MapMyRun
MAPMYRUN
Best for: Finding new routes to run
Not sure where to run? Choose from one of more than 70 million routes on MapMyRun, Under Armour’s comprehensive tracker that records distance, pace, elevation, calories burned, and more. It integrates with a variety of major wearable trackers, as well as the My Fitness Pal app, so you can sync your diet and exercise info together for a clearer picture of your health.
Free: iOS | Android
Nike+ Run Club
Nike+ Run Club
NIKE+ RUN CLUB
Best for: Run tracking, photo sharing, and audio coaching
Engineered specifically for runners, the Nike+ Run Club app goes beyond basic tracking with several motivation and coaching features, such as end-of-run cheers from top athletes, built-in photo sharing that overlays your run stats with a photo from your route, and audio-based workouts from top Nike coaches to help guide you along the way. Plus, the audio-coached runs feature a Spotify integration so you can lay the coach’s cues over your favorite playlist—the best of both worlds.
Free: iOS | Android
iSmoothRun
iSmoothRun app
ISMOOTHRUN
Best for: Training with multiple tracking services
In addition to showing you information about your run—basics such as distance and time, but also steps, weather, and the name of the street you started on—the iSmoothRun app supports run/walk and interval workouts, syncs with a variety of devices, tracks shoe mileage, and can also send workout data to other training logs. We imported a slew of TCX files from Dropbox, then exported them all in one go to MapMyRun in a matter of a few seconds.
$4.99: iOS
Zwift
Exercise machine, Exercise equipment, Arm, Muscle, Physical fitness,
ZWIFT
Best for: Feeling like you are running outside when on the treadmill.
Zwift is an online training ground inhabited up until recently by cyclists. Users log in, sync their avatar to their iPad/computer/devices and then ride or run around courses, surrounded by other virtual athletes from all over the globe doing the same thing. Download Zwift to your supported device—like your phone, iPad, or cast it to your TV—then pair up your Bluetooth enabled footpod or supported treadmill and get going.
Free: iOS | Android
Best Music Apps
Spotify
running apps
SOPA IMAGESGETTY IMAGES
Best for: Making playlists for your run
The popular streaming app gives you the best music from then and now through playlists you or your friends create. You can also explore the world of Spotify to see what else people are running to, jamming to, or working out to. One of the best parts of the app is it pairs with most GPS watches and devices so once you have the app, you can take it with you just about anywhere you can take your devices. Both commercial and commercial-free options are available.
Free or monthly subscription: iOS | Android
Apple Music
running apps
SOPA IMAGESGETTY IMAGES
Best for: Taking your favorite songs along with you on your run
Apple has dominated the portable music scene since the invention of the iPod, so it’s no wonder they have more than 50 million songs offered. Take the seemingly endless library of songs with you on your run to enjoy just about any music you could ever want on any Apple device. What’s even better is Apple offers deals for students, individuals, and families.
Plans start at $4.99/month: iOS
Amazon Music Unlimited & Amazon Prime Music
running apps
SOPA IMAGESGETTY IMAGES
Best for: Prime members and music lovers who want to jam out
There are two options here that both offer millions of song options from playlists and stations tailored to your favorite genres from past and present artists. For Prime members, that includes more than 2 million songs, while you can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited which includes tens of millions of songs for hours of commercial free-listening.
Prime Music free with Prime membership, Music Unlimited plans start at $7.99/month: iOS | Android
WeavRun
WeavRun app
WEAVRUN
Best for: Finding music to match your stride
Although it’s always good to pay attention to the sound of your feet, listening to music is a great way to up your energy level on a run. WeavRun will help with that. It remixes pop songs to match your pace, so you can run to music without worrying about a slow song messing up your stride.
Free: iOS
Aaptiv
Aaptive App
AAPTIVE
Best for: Making treadmill workouts a little easier.
Treadmill workouts are the top class category on Aaptiv and range in skill levels so newbie runners have just as many options as marathoners. Some trainers push technical form, others are popular among those people who are race training, and some just like to have fun. Before you choose a run, you can check out all the details in the app, including estimated distance, peak speed, peak incline, and music style, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Free 7-day trial, $14.99 per month: iOS | Android
Best Podcast & Audiobook Apps
Audible
Audible Celebrates The Release Of Audible Original ‘Kick Ass With Mel Robbins’ At Sixty Soho Hotel
ANDREW TOTHGETTY IMAGES
Best for: Catching up on the latest books.
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Sometimes you don’t want to get lost in the music or have the beat mess up your stride. Sometimes you just want to get lost in a story or show. That’s where Audible can help you out. The audio app offers audiobooks, shows, and podcasts from your favorite writers and personalities with a massive library of content for whatever you’re in the mood for.
Plans start at $14.95/month: iOS | Android
Apple Podcasts
Text, Web page, Technology, Electronic device, Communication Device, Gadget, Smartphone, Font, Screenshot, Portable communications device,
APPLE
Best for: Keeping track of your favorite podcasts
There are literally thousands of podcasts out there for you to discover and listen to, and the one place most of them can be found is on Apple Podcasts. It’s home feed will always keep you updated on the latest show trends, the top selections in your favorite categories, and biggest names to launch their own podcast. Just subscribe to your favorite shows, and they will be waiting for you the next time you plug in for a run. (Looking for some of the best pods out there? Here are our picks for the best podcasts for runners.)
Free: iOS
Google Podcasts
Product, Text, Font, Smartphone, Iphone, Website, Technology, Display advertising, Screenshot, Communication Device,
GOOGLE
Best for: Discovering new podcasts
Similar to Apple Podcasts in that pretty much all of your favorite shows live in the Google ecosystem, but our podcast fanatics on staff love that the app always shows you when a new episode is ready to be downloaded. If you’re bored with your current allotment of shows, the app is also very useful in finding shows that will likely match your tastes.
Free: Android
Stitcher
Best for: Curating all your favorite shows by category.
Yes, Stitcher provides thousands of free podcasts to download and stream, but you can also sign up for Stitcher Premium to get exclusive content, full comedy albums, and ad-free versions of some of your favorite shows. (And a lot of hard to access archived episodes of uber-popular shows are fully available if you are a member.) One of the best features is you can create your own podcasts playlists, meaning you can batch all your comedy/true crime/sports podcasts all in one place so your favorite shows don’t get lost.
Free: iOS | Android
TuneIn Radio
Best for: Listening to live radio
Never miss breaking news or the big game for your run again. TuneIn Radio has all the sports and news radio stations you need. You’d also have access to all your favorite podcasts all in one app.
Free with ads, $10 per month without most ads: iOS | Android
Best Motivation Running Apps
Runtastic
Runtastic apps
RUNTASTIC
Best for: Keeping your mind occupied while running
Runtastic is a full-fledged run tracker, but it also stands out for its unique “Story Running” feature. Download stories ($1 a piece) in the app to listen to podcast-style tracks as you run. Each story is roughly 35 to 40 minutes long—just about the same duration as your typical daily workout.
Free: iOS | Android
Charity Miles
Charity Miles
CHARITY MILES
Best for: Running for a cause
Charity Miles is a great way to add some altruism to your workout. It tracks your distance and donates 25 cents to a preselected participating charity for every mile you cover. Your runner’s high just got even better.
Free: iOS | Android
Zombies, Run!
zombies run app
ZOMBIES, RUN!
Best for: Turning your run into a video game
If lacing up for a run sounds daunting, try adding a little primal fear to your routine with Zombies, Run! This app puts you in the middle of a zombie apocalypse by providing a series audio stories and missions for you to listen to as you run, mixed in with your own music. Follow the audio prompts to collect supplies, fortify your zombie-proof base, and save humanity—what’s better motivation than that?
Free: iOS | Android
Safety
RoadID
RoadID app
ROADID
Best for: Automatically getting help in case of an accident
Road ID is better known for its bracelets that identify you to first responders after an accident (if it unfortunately happens). But the company also has a handy app that lets you share your location with friends and family, and it sends them an SOS message with your location if you stop moving for five minutes and don’t respond to the app’s alert. Better yet, your contacts don’t even need the RoadID app to use it—they get alerts via text or email.
Free: iOS | Android
Citizen
Best for: Keeping an eye on safety in your area
Citizen shows a map of your area that’s updated in real-time by users when something isn’t safe. You’ll get access to real-time 911 alerts, instant help from crisis responders, and safety tracking for friends and families. You can even play a part in helping your local community by reporting anything unsafe that you see.
Free: iOS | Android
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offline running app
Whether you’re getting off the grid, don’t have a local SIM card yet, or just prefer not to be connected all the time, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself traveling without the internet at some point.
The good news is that being disconnected, by choice or otherwise, doesn’t mean being lost. Many navigation apps work entirely offline, and the GPS in most smartphones and tablets also doesn’t need a data connection to work. There’s no need to break out the paper maps quite yet!
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Can I Use GPS Without an Internet Connection?
Yes. On both iOS and Android phones, any mapping app has the ability to track your location without needing an internet connection. Without getting too complicated, the GPS system inside your smartphone works in two different ways.
When you have a data connection, your phone uses Assisted GPS, or A-GPS. This uses the locations of cell phone towers and known Wi-Fi networks to figure out roughly where you are.
When you first load your navigation app, you’ve probably seen your location go from a big blue circle to a smaller, more precise circle.
That big circle comes from the cell tower and crowd-sourced Wi-Fi information, while the smaller, more precise circle comes once the information from GPS satellites gets added to the mix.
A-GPS doesn’t work without data service, but the GPS radio can still get a fix directly from the satellites if it needs to.
Finding the initial location will take longer with this method, and the accuracy will be more dependant on things outside of your control like terrain and surrounding buildings, but it does work.
What About My iPad? Does That Have GPS?
In its infinite wisdom, Apple decided long ago to only put physical GPS chips into its higher-end iPads. Models with cellular data include a GPS chip, but the Wi-Fi-only models don’t.
Those cheaper models rely entirely on Wi-Fi triangulation, meaning they’ll track your location somewhat effectively if you have a Wi-Fi connection, but not at all otherwise. As a result, they’re not much good for navigating offline while traveling.
Does Using Airplane Mode Turn Off GPS?
Most people assume that putting their phone into airplane mode disables all radio services, but that’s not entirely true. While Wi-Fi, cell service, and Bluetooth all stop working in flight mode, there’s at least one important exception: GPS.
Because the GPS radio can only receive, not transmit, it’s not necessary for it to be disabled during flight. As a result, GPS doesn’t automatically turn off when you enable airplane mode on recent versions of either Android or iOS.
That’s a benefit for travelers, especially those without affordable cell data overseas. Keeping your phone in flight mode lets you avoid roaming charges, while still being able to effectively use it for navigation.
If you’re paranoid about being tracked by GPS when you don’t want to be, however, you can still turn the GPS radio off manually.
To disable GPS tracking on iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services. On Android, you’ll find equivalent settings for turning off location tracking under Settings > Security & Lock Screen > Location on older versions or Settings > Location on newer ones.
Which Are the Best Offline Maps Apps?
There are many different offline navigation apps out there, but not all are created equal. We’ve covered seven of the best of them below, and since they all have somewhat different features and specialties, you may find yourself using more than one during your trip.
Note that no matter which app you go for, offline maps for the entire world won’t be automatically available on your device. Make sure you download the necessary map data for the country or region you’re going to ahead of time.
These maps are often quite large (hundreds of megabytes), so they’re best downloaded in advance over Wi-Fi.
MAPS.ME
MAPS.ME screenshot
With well over a hundred million downloads, MAPS.ME has easily proved its offline navigation credentials. The app gives you walking, cycling, or driving directions at any time, with real-time public transport and traffic information available when you’re online.
Maps are taken from OpenStreetMap’s extensive database, and there’s a wide range of points of interest including restaurants, cafes, and much more. The company has also put together custom itineraries for 600+ cities around the world, which are also available offline.
If you do happen to be connected, there’s a useful location-sharing feature that lets you send a link to a travel companion, or anyone else who wants to see where you are in real time.
All features of MAPS.ME are free to use as long as you’re happy to see a few ads. If not, you can pay for a weekly, monthly, or annual subscription to remove them.
Android and iOS, free (with ads)
CityMaps2Go
CityMaps2Go screenshot
Covering 150+ countries both online and offline, CityMaps2Go (iOS/Android) offers detailed city guides as well as the standard navigation features. You can choose to download both, or just the map data.
You can save any number of locations in advance, letting you create a custom itinerary of places to visit and things to do. Usefully, your saves sync across all of your devices.
All of the usual points of interest are included, along with short reviews written by other app users. Public transport information is also available for many cities.
The free version of the app is ad-supported and lets you download a single offline map at a time. Upgrading to the Pro version removes both the ads and the map limit.
iOS and Android, free or from $10.99 for Premium.
GuruMaps
GuruMaps screenshot
If you’re interested in recording your journey while you explore, check out GuruMaps. Formerly called Galileo Offline Maps, the app lets you track where you go, monitor real-time stats like distance covered and average speed, and share the resulting file in the common GPX and KML formats.
You can download maps for an entire country with a single tap, which is much more convenient than selecting individual areas or regions. Bookmarking and offline searching are also included.
Most features of GuruMaps are free, while the others (including GPS tracking) only cost a couple of dollars. It’s a straightforward, inexpensive, and useful offline navigation app.
iOS and Android, free or up to $3.99 for extra features
Here WeGo
HereWeGo screenshot
One of the pioneers of offline navigation, we’ve been using Here WeGo for several years (and reviewed it in the past). It remains an excellent choice, despite a new name and changes of ownership over the years.
Downloading maps for entire US states or 100+ countries can be done with a couple of taps, and includes walking, cycle, and vehicle-based navigation. Driving instructions are particularly strong, including turn-by-turn directions.
When you’re online, you’ll get public transit directions in 1300+ cities, and you can even book a taxi if needed.
Here WeGo is available for Windows and in a desktop browser as well as the mobile apps. Plotting out itineraries and bookmarking points of interest is easier on a big screen, and can be saved as “collections” that sync across devices.
iOS and Android, free (ad-supported)
OsmAnd
OsmAnd screenshot
If you like the idea of open-source, community-driven mapping, OsmAnd will be right up your alley. Using data from OpenStreetMaps and Wikipedia, and with viewing options ranging from roads and hiking trails to public transport and waterways, this is one of the most flexible offline navigation apps we’ve come across.
You’re able to download offline maps by region or country, choosing between the complete (larger) file or just the (smaller) road network information. The free app lets you download seven map files, with no limit in the Plus version.
Unlike (eg) Google Maps, you get full walking, cycling, and driving directions offline, with a specific navigation mode for those on foot or bikes. You’re even able to add a plugin that shows contour lines and hill shading to help avoid (or seek out!) steep climbs.
You’re able to record your trips and save them as standard GPX files, and quickly gauge distances via concentric circles overlaid on the map. If you encounter any changes or errors along the way, an editor is built into the app to provide updates back to Open Street Maps.
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