Most running apps connect to your running watch or fitness tracker for accurate workout data. They can work on their own (however, for this you have to take your phone for a run), and they also give advice, motivate and just make the daily run a little more fun.

What can they do
Running apps track health and performance metrics such as pace, distance, mileage, heart rate and calories burned. All information about your training and nutrition will be securely stored. They are also programmed to record your training runs and capture your running routes using GPS.

Many running apps:

- allow you to pre-build training routes;

– allow you to make virtual runs (a trend that has become relevant during the pandemic);

- have on board an audio trainer, a range of social and competitive features, as well as personalized running plans to prepare for different distances;

- provide useful data in the form of charts and graphs so you can see your progress and make the necessary adjustments.

Among the many applications available, there are those that can be downloaded and used completely free of charge. Premium features of other apps require a paid subscription.

Strictly speaking, there is no universal app for running - each has its pros and cons. Here are our top running apps to help you succeed. It remains a little: download the most suitable, lace up your sneakers and go for a run.

What is right for your smartphone?
The best running app depends on the requirements you place on the app. For tracking and analyzing your run data, the best running apps are Strava, Map My Run, and Runkeeper.

Strava has the added benefit of tracking cycling, swimming, and a range of other activities (strength training, skiing, cross-country hiking, etc.), all of which you can store in one place.

If you're completely new to running, the Couch to 5k app is a great way to get started. You will be able to slowly move from a combination of walking and running to a continuous run and competition at a distance of 5 km.

For those who spend more time on the treadmill, Zwift or Apple Fitness Plus has some fun workout options.

Well, if you are still bored and looking for an app for more exciting workouts, there are special options for you. Stride and Zombies, Run! great for entertaining you on the run. Let's talk in detail.

The best running apps for Android and iOS
1. Strava: the best of the best

So, what you need is a constant level of motivation from the running community and your friends. So Strava is the app you've been waiting for and you should download it right now.

The part of the application that is responsible for communication in the running community allows you to keep track of your training friends, nemesis and work colleagues. In addition, there are regularly updated group challenges on Strava, such as the fastest time on a 5k distance or the largest monthly running volume.

Even if you are not a competitive runner, but just a novice runner, do not be afraid of all these challenges. An important part of the Strava app is all sorts of running progress tracking features, from running speed and distance covered to deeper performance analytics, weekly mileage, your fitness and recovery level.

Strava supports a huge number of running trackers and devices (besides Wear OS devices and Apple Watch), and this list is constantly growing.

The application has a lot of convenient features, one of which is now free - it's Strava Beacon (beacon - "beacon"). A sort of "find a friend" feature on the iPhone lets you share your location with up to three people. The latter can continuously track your changing location during your run until you stop exercising.

Along with the free version of the app, Strava has a paid subscription. A Strava subscription gives you access to more features. For example:

– in-depth analysis of races and performance;

- a route planning feature that allows you to easily find suggestions for running routes from your current location (say, while on vacation or on a business trip).

2. Under Armor's Map My Run: Best Map Making App

Map My Run, developed by Under Armor, uses the GPS and other sensors on your phone to track and display your running route, time, speed, and total distance travelled.

Map My Run displays both your real-time statistics and the final results of each workout. Useful additions include support for various

fitness trackers and heart rate sensors, Wear OS support and nutrition tracking. The premium subscription provides voice messages from the virtual coach and the ability to share your location, and removes ads.

Another interesting feature in the application appeared after it was bought and modified by Under Armor. The bottom line is this: the new Under Armor sneakers connect to Map My Run via Bluetooth. This will allow the shoes to sync your running data to the app as soon as you finish your workout.

3. Runkeeper: #1 for workout planning

A longtime favorite among runners, Runkeeper uses the GPS on your phone to track running, cycling, hiking and other short and long distance activities. The app records pace, distance, total workout time, calories burned and other useful metrics, and provides a variety of workout plans with reminders and game challenges.

Users can build their own routes or download popular running tracks. In addition, it is possible to evaluate and analyze your progress and training history, as well as sync with many other applications and services and receive detailed reports on tracked activity.

4. Couch to 5k: for beginners in running

Want to run a 5K but don't know where to start? This app is designed specifically for beginners taking their first steps in running but wanting to run a 5k distance.

Starting with running/walking workouts, the app will help you complete a 5k race in nine weeks with three 30-minute sessions per week. It also tracks your time and distance using GPS and provides a virtual coach to give you workout tips and advice to help you reach your goal. You also have the option to upload your data to active.com after every workout.

5. Stride: the most interesting novelty

A relatively new player in the running app market, Stride lets you track your runs and walks using your phone's GPS and play against other users training nearby. The point of the game is to control the largest area by running. You can play with colleagues or friends for champion status, and there are rewards for decisiveness and speed.

Of course, this application cannot be called the best for those who decide to take up running seriously. There are no training plans or statistics for your competitions, but if you want to make your running more fun, this application will be your best assistant.

When downloading the application, there is a 7-day free trial.

6. Apple Fitness Plus: The Best App for Apple Watch Fans

Another app for runners is Apple Fitness Plus. It not only has a lot of useful things, but also several options for training on a treadmill so that you do not get bored. In addition to running, you might like the energizing hip-hop sessions at Apple Fitness Plus and the fact that when you buy an Apple Watch, you get a free three-month subscription.

Training sessions are divided by time and music used. So if you only have 10 minutes of free time, that's enough to do a good job. Not so long ago, Apple announced the appearance on the platform of group classes.

7. Nike+ Run Club: The all-in-one companion for runners

Even though Nike has ditched the FuelBand, the company still maintains the cute Nike+ Run Club app. It is currently installed on board the Apple Watch Nike+. The Nike+ Run Club app itself has Apple Watch extensions to help you quickly view your stats and keep you motivated, making it ideal if you're a new Apple Watch owner starting with Series 6.

Designed for both beginners and experienced runners, the app is an all-in-one running activity tracker, music player and social networking tool for runners. The app measures various metrics such as pace, distance traveled and miles, and includes various training plans that adapt to your goals and progress.

After you finish your run, you can share your data on social networks with photos, statistics and interesting stickers, as well as compare your progress with the success of other runners. In addition to the built-in music player, you can listen to audio cheers from your friends and motivating quotes from professional Nike athletes.

Value: free

8. Zwift: for runners and bikers
If you work out a lot at home, the Zwift app can help you stay in shape without going outside. It adds an element of gamification to your workouts on the track.

With Zwift, you can run on various virtual tracks while staying on the treadmill you are accustomed to, as well as compete with other people.

To use Zwift, you will need a compatible treadmill and pedometer. Compatible devices can be viewed on the company's website. The important thing is that the running version of Zwift is free to use. 

If you have the right equipment, Zwift provides a unique way to get more out of simple home workouts on the track.

9. Zombies, Run!: The best app for fans of The Walking Dead.

This app will give you the chance to spice up your daily runs in the park with a zombie apocalypse. Feel like a hero of a computer game, trying to collect supplies, save the survivors and the whole world from the zombie invasion. In the app, you have the option to choose between using GPS, step counting, or running on a track (and decide if you want to be chased by zombies while running or not).

If these ideas don't entertain you, you can still link the app to your favorite music player and set the duration of your running session. It might not be the best app on the market for the serious runner, but if you're looking to change up your daily routine and have some fun, then this is definitely the way to go.

10. Charity Miles: The Best Motivation App

Going for a run can do more than just improve your health. It can help you raise money for a good cause. The Charity Miles app hopes to cash in on all your efforts for the charities of your choice - whether you're referring friends, family or colleagues to sponsorships, or donating money from the Charity Miles Corporate Sponsorship Fund.

By launching the app, you can choose the charity of your choice - there are over 50 charities, from Autism Speaks to the Conservation Society. Charity Miles then syncs with either the Apple Health data stored on your iPhone or with the built-in pedometer on your Android device. It also syncs with Strava, which rightfully takes the top spot on this list. Every time you run a mile (1.6 km) during your workout, you earn money for charity.

Most of the running apps on this list are free, although some offer a subscription. It gives you access to more advanced features, more flexible workout management, the ability to share your location with selected people, and use workout plans.

Only you can decide if these additional features are worth the regular expense or if you can get by with the free version of the app. (But be aware that some free apps will "entertain" you with ads.)