We've rounded up the best iOS and Android apps for runners of all stripes. Whether it's your first time wearing a pair of shoes or eating your dog on the run, you need outside help for the best results.
Luckily, there are dozens of apps for this, for every taste and color. They know how not only to track the distance traveled, but also to give useful advice, select music to the rhythm of the run, save from overloads and much more.
For your convenience, we have collected together our favorite applications and divided them into categories, not forgetting to talk about the unique features of each of them. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned marathon runner, you are sure to find a useful tool on this list that will take your productivity to new heights.
By the way, for maximum convenience, many of these apps are compatible with fitness bracelets. And if you have not yet had time to acquire one, then especially for you, we have compiled the top of the best running bracelets.
Best Apps for Beginners
Human
Main advantage: Motivates to play sports
Human is not only one of the most advanced trackers on our list, but also the best motivator. The application runs in the background, tracks the time of activity (running, walking, cycling) and in every possible way encourages compliance with the rule of "30 minutes of exercise every day." But the real motivation comes from other users. Human compares your data with other people and generates a rating table, thereby allowing you to compete with your closest neighbors.
Is free:IOS | ANDROID
Couch to 5K
Main advantage: Helps to confidently go towards the goal
The popular Couch to 5K app is 100% true to its name. It transforms a person from a couch vegetable into a real runner. Classes are divided into 7 half-hour blocks per week. The task of the app is to prepare a beginner for a 5 km race in 9 weeks. In the process, it tracks your progress and the distance traveled using GPS, and the virtual trainer provides valuable advice. After each race, you can share the results with your friends via the app's news feed.
$2.99: IOS | ANDROID
Pacer
Main advantage: Helps to start running regularly
The main functionality of the application is to count steps while walking calmly, but it is also suitable for novice runners. Like Human, Pacer works in the background, tracking the distance traveled during the day, and by the evening it compiles an overall picture of your activity. But at the same time, the route traveled is marked on the map and users of the premium version (for only $ 5 per month) get access to group competitions, training plans and video tutorials.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
The best apps for advanced runners
Strava
Main advantages: Route tracking and active social interaction
Popular with cyclists and runners, Strava is a great choice for the hobbyist and professional alike. The functionality includes GPS route tracking on the map and tracking a whole series of metrics (and even more if you purchase a premium account).
But the most popular feature of the application is the ability to create your own routes, and then compare the time it takes to pass the section with other users. In addition, premium opens the Beacon function - that is, the "beacon". It is a safety measure that allows certain users to track the user's current location while running.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
Runcoach
Main advantage: Adaptive workout plan that adapts to your needs
Runcoach is for those who want to create their own workout plan and stick to it. Set a challenge and regularly update your progress, and the algorithm will provide personalized advice to improve your performance. And for $ 20 a month, your plan will be made by a certified trainer. He can also be consulted about injuries, nutrition and more.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
MapMyRun
Main advantage: Finding new routes to run
Nowhere to run? Choose a new route from the 70 million available options in the MapMyRun app. This is a proprietary tracker of the Under Armor brand that can track distance traveled, running speed, altitude, calories burned and much more.
MapMyRun is compatible with many body trackers as well as the My Fitness Pal app. This will allow you to track your diet and exercise at the same time, thus giving you a clearer picture of your health.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
Nike + Run Club
Main advantages: Route tracking, photo sharing, audio consultation
The Nike + Run Club app for runners doesn't stop at just step counting. In addition, the program provides free access to several motivational and training functions.
Including support from the world's best athletes, the ability to share photos of the route and put them in the background of your own results page, as well as audio advice from the best Nike coaches. As a bonus, consultations can be integrated with Spotify to play between your favorite tracks. Perfect.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
ISmoothRun
Main advantage: Allows you to exercise with multiple apps at the same time
In addition to basic information such as distance traveled and race time, iSmoothRun counts the number of steps, shows the weather and the name of the street from which you started.
In addition, the app is compatible with walking and jogging, interval training, syncs with a wide variety of gadgets, tracks shoe wear, and can save training data files. These files are compatible with other applications, making the data from iSmoothRun easy to transfer to, say, some MapMyRun.
$4.99: IOS
Best Music Apps
Spotify
Main advantage: best playlists for running
The popular streaming service is still the app with the best music playlists of all kinds and genres. The playlists are created by the users themselves, so you can listen to what real people are running, studying or working on on Spotify.
Best of all, the app is compatible with most modern gadgets and devices. Having installed it, you can be calm: the music will always be with you. Spotify is available for free, but a subscription unlocks some additional features and removes annoying ads.
Free or monthly subscription: IOS | ANDROID
Apple Music
Main advantage: Enjoy your favorite songs while running
Apple has taken over the mobile music niche since the first iPod. So it's no surprise that today the app's library has over 50 million tracks. This wealth of sounds is available on any Apple device and can be enjoyed while you run. Good news for students and families: Great rates are available for you.
Subscription price starts at $4.99 per month: IOS
Amazon Music Unlimited & Amazon Prime Music
Main advantage: Access with an Amazon Prime subscription that gives you access to tons of other benefits
There are two ways to access millions of songs and tens of thousands of personalized playlists and radio stations. Buy an Amazon Prime subscription, or pay for Amazon Music Unlimited. The latter option opens even more tracks of various genres and styles, and also removes ads completely.
Free with purchased Amazon Prime. Subscription price for Amazon Music Unlimited begin with $7.99: IOS | ANDROID
WeavRun
Main advantage: Helps you find the perfect running music
While it can sometimes be helpful to hear the sound of your feet touching the ground, music is a great way to get a second wind when you run. And the WeavRun app was created specifically for this. It adjusts the speed of popular songs to match your running rhythm. With it, you don't have to worry that a slow or, on the contrary, an overly energetic song will break your pace.
Is free: IOS
Best podcast & audiobook apps
Audible
Main advantage: Allows you to keep abreast of the latest literary novelties
Sometimes music can be too distracting from the run and break the pace. And sometimes we simply don't have enough time to read the new book of our favorite writer. In both cases, Audible is your choice. The app gives you access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and shows from popular writers and celebrities. In the huge library of Audible, everyone is guaranteed to find something to their liking.
Subscription price starts at $14.95 per month: IOS | ANDROID
Apple Podcasts
Main advantage: The best podcasts in one place
Apple Podcasts has thousands of ready-to-listen podcasts on all kinds of topics. The app's news feed will keep you up to date with the latest trends and talk about popular episodes, top playlists within your favorite categories, and star participation in certain podcasts. Just sign up for your favorite shows and they'll be ready to listen on the next run.
Is free: IOS
Google podcasts
Main advantage: Recommendations for new podcasts
Fans love this app for more than just the podcasts in the Google ecosystem. More importantly, Google Podcasts sends you notifications when a new episode of your favorite show is available for download. And if you get bored of the old podcasts, the app includes an advanced recommendation system, thanks to which you will always find podcasts to your liking.
Is free: ANDROID
Stitcher
Main advantage: Distribution of podcasts by playlists and categories
Stitcher lets you listen to and download thousands of podcasts for free. But the premium account unlocks exclusive content, full parody albums, and removes ads.
In addition, after some time, the podcasts in the application are sent to the archive, and the subscription opens access to them. But perhaps the best feature of the app is the ability to create your own podcast playlists. This means you can bring together your favorite comedy, crime or sports podcasts and listen to podcasts without having to constantly switch them manually.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
Best motivational apps
Runtastic
Main advantage: Distracts from fatigue while running
Runtastic is a standard tracker with one unique feature: Running Stories. The stories are downloaded to your phone (for $ 1 each) and can be listened to as podcasts while you run. Each story lasts 35-40 minutes - just enough for one average run.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
Charity Miles
Main advantage: Provides additional motivation to run
Charity Miles is a great way to add a touch of altruism to your workouts. The app tracks the distance traveled and donates 25 cents to the selected fund for every kilometer traveled. The morning run has never been so enjoyable.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
Zombies, Run!
Main advantage: Turns running into a video game
If the running routine weighs you down, try diluting it with a pinch of primal horror with the Zombies app, Run! The app takes the user to the epicenter of a zombie apocalypse with a series of audio stories and listening missions while running.
Hear audio instructions, collect virtual supplies, rebuild a zombie-proof base and save humanity. It's hard to imagine a more compelling motivation for running.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
Personal safety apps
RoadID
Main advantage: Automatically calls for help in case of an accident
Brad Road ID is known for his bracelets, which know how to independently call for help in case of accidents. In addition, the company has released a companion app that allows family and friends to track your current location.
RoadID sends an SOS signal if you stop moving for 5 minutes and the application is unresponsive. Conveniently, your loved ones do not need to install the program on their devices: notifications come in the form of emails and SMS.
Is free: IOS | ANDROID
Safety: Companion
Main advantage: Instant notification of friends and family in case of an accident
Like RoadID, Companion lets you assign your favorite contacts who can track your location while you run (or any other activity). Your location is displayed in real time, both in the application and by mail or SMS (if requested).
The application is able to recognize dangerous situations, such as falling or deviating from the assigned route, and report this to selected contacts. For convenience, you can change the route and run time right on the go, and 911, if necessary, is dialed at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, it does not work in our latitudes, but if you go jogging in the USA or Europe, it will come in handy.
Is free: IOS
