The 15 Best Running Apps of 2025: Complete Guide by Category

The average runner uses 2-3 running apps. A tracking app for GPS and stats. Maybe a training app for workouts. Perhaps a music or podcast app for entertainment.

But with hundreds of running apps available, finding the right combination is overwhelming.

This guide breaks down the 15 best running apps by category, with honest pros and cons for each. Whether you're a beginner looking for guidance or an experienced runner optimizing your stack, you'll find what you need here.

How to Build Your Perfect Running App Stack

Before diving into individual apps, understand the categories:

1. GPS Tracking & Social — Record runs, analyze data, connect with runners
2. Training Plans & Coaching — Structured programs, adaptive workouts
3. Cadence & Form — Metronome apps, gait analysis
4. Music & Entertainment — Synced playlists, podcasts
5. Health Integration — Connect everything together

Most runners need one app from categories 1-2, and optionally from 3-4. Category 5 (Apple Health, Google Fit) runs in the background.

GPS Tracking & Social Apps

1. Strava

Best for: Social runners who want community and competition

Price: Free (basic) / $11.99/month (Summit)

Strava is the social network for runners. With 100+ million athletes, it's where the running community lives.

Pros:

• Massive community and social features
• Segments and leaderboards add competition
• Excellent route discovery
• Integrates with almost every device
• Free tier is fully functional for basic tracking

Cons:

• Premium features require subscription
• Can encourage unhealthy competition for some
• Battery drain on longer runs
• Privacy concerns require careful settings

Best for: Runners who want community, motivation, and friendly competition.

2. Nike Run Club (NRC)

Best for: Beginners who want guided runs and motivation

Price: Free

Nike Run Club is completely free with no premium tier. It offers guided runs from coaches and athletes, making it excellent for beginners.

Pros:

• 100% free with full features
• Guided runs with audio coaching
• Treadmill mode
• Apple Watch app
• Achievement badges and streaks

Cons:

• Weaker route mapping than competitors
• Less detailed analytics
• Smaller social community than Strava
• Can't import workouts from other apps

Best for: New runners who want encouragement without paying.

3. Garmin Connect

Best for: Garmin watch users who want deep data

Price: Free (requires Garmin device)

If you own a Garmin watch, Garmin Connect is essential. It syncs automatically and provides the deepest analytics available.

Pros:

• Unmatched data depth
• Training load and recovery metrics
• Syncs with Strava automatically
• Free with Garmin device

Cons:

• Requires Garmin hardware
• Interface can be overwhelming
• Social features limited compared to Strava

Best for: Data-driven runners with Garmin watches.

Training Plans & Coaching Apps

4. TrainAsOne

Best for: Runners who want AI-adaptive training plans

Price: Free (basic) / $9.99/month (premium)

TrainAsOne uses AI to create and adjust training plans based on your performance. If you complete a workout faster than expected, tomorrow's workout adapts.

Pros:

• Truly adaptive training
• Adjusts to missed workouts
• Science-based approach
• Integrates with major GPS apps

Cons:

• Requires trust in the algorithm
• Less "coach feel" than guided apps
• Premium needed for full features

Best for: Experienced runners who want smart, adaptive plans.

5. Runna

Best for: Runners training for specific race goals

Price: Free trial / $15.99/month

Runna creates personalized training plans for specific race goals (5K, half marathon, marathon) based on your current fitness and schedule.

Pros:

• Highly personalized plans
• Clear daily instructions
• Adjusts for life disruptions
• Syncs with Strava/Garmin

Cons:

• Subscription required
• Less flexible than general training apps
• Focused on race training, not casual running

Best for: Runners with specific race goals who want structured plans.

6. Hal Higdon Training

Best for: Marathon runners following proven plans

Price: Free (website) / App $4.99/month

Hal Higdon's training plans have helped millions complete marathons. The app digitizes his classic programs.

Pros:

• Proven, time-tested programs
• Simple and straightforward
• Options for all experience levels
• Affordable

Cons:

• Less adaptive than AI-based apps
• Basic interface
• Limited analytics

Best for: Marathon beginners who want trusted, no-frills guidance.

Cadence & Form Apps

7. Runo

Best for: Runners focused on cadence training and consistent pacing

Price: Free trial / $14.99/year

Runo is a running metronome designed specifically for runners. Unlike musician metronomes, it's built for in-motion use with features runners actually need.

Pros:

• Purpose-built for running (not adapted from music apps)
• Apple Watch app for wrist-free running
• Works alongside music/podcasts
• Haptic feedback option
• Works offline
• Clean, minimal interface

Cons:

• Focused solely on cadence (not GPS tracking)
• Subscription model (though affordable)

Best for: Runners who want to improve cadence, maintain pace consistency, and build good form habits. Pairs perfectly with Strava or other tracking apps.

8. Weav Run

Best for: Runners who want music that adapts to their pace

Price: Free (limited) / $9.99/month

Weav Run adjusts music tempo in real-time to match your running cadence. The same song plays faster or slower based on your pace.

Pros:

• Music adapts to your cadence (not the other way around)
• No beat-matching required
• Interesting technology concept

Cons:

• Limited song library
• Subscription required for full access
• Some runners find tempo shifts distracting

Best for: Runners who want cadence-synced music entertainment.

Music & Entertainment Apps

9. Spotify Running

Best for: Spotify users who want running-optimized playlists

Price: Included with Spotify Premium

Spotify's running features detect your tempo and suggest playlists matched to your cadence.

Pros:

• Huge music library
• Tempo-matched playlists available
• Offline downloads
• You likely already have it

Cons:

• Tempo matching isn't precise
• Running features somewhat hidden
• Requires Premium for offline

Best for: Spotify subscribers who want running playlists.

10. RockMyRun

Best for: Runners who want DJ-mixed music at exact tempos

Price: Free (limited) / $7.99/month

RockMyRun offers DJ-mixed music sets at specific BPM ranges. Choose your cadence, get continuous music matched to that tempo.

Pros:

• Continuous DJ mixes (no gaps between songs)
• Exact BPM matching
• Wide genre variety
• Adaptive tempo option

Cons:

• Monthly subscription
• Smaller library than Spotify
• Some mixes are better than others

Best for: Runners who want seamless, tempo-matched music.

Specialty & Utility Apps

11. Couch to 5K (C25K)

Best for: Complete beginners starting from zero

Price: Free (basic) / $4.99 one-time (premium versions)

The original beginner running program, now in app form. Coaches you from walking to running a 5K in 9 weeks.

Pros:

• Proven program structure
• Audio coaching during runs
• Simple, focused purpose
• Many free versions available

Cons:

• Only for beginners
• Once done, you need a different app
• Many copycat versions of varying quality

Best for: Non-runners who want to become runners.

12. MapMyRun

Best for: Runners who want detailed route planning

Price: Free (basic) / $5.99/month (MVP)

MapMyRun excels at route creation and discovery. Plan runs before you leave, or find popular routes in new cities.

Pros:

• Excellent route planning tools
• Massive route database
• Integrates with Under Armour shoes
• Good free tier

Cons:

• Cluttered interface
• Social features lag behind Strava
• Premium required for best features

Best for: Runners who explore new routes frequently.

13. COROS Training Hub

Best for: COROS watch users wanting advanced training tools

Price: Free (requires COROS device)

Similar to Garmin Connect but for COROS watches. Includes EvoLab training metrics and structured workout creation.

Pros:

• Deep integration with COROS watches
• Training load analysis
• Free with device

Cons:

• Requires COROS hardware
• Smaller community than competitors

Best for: COROS watch users.

14. Intervals Pro

Best for: Runners who design their own interval workouts

Price: $12.99 one-time

Intervals Pro lets you create custom interval workouts with audio/haptic cues. For runners who know exactly what they want.

Pros:

• Complete customization
• One-time purchase (no subscription)
• Apple Watch app
• Clear audio cues

Cons:

• No coaching or plan suggestions
• Requires workout knowledge
• Basic interface

Best for: Experienced runners who design their own workouts.

15. Zombies, Run!

Best for: Runners who want gamified entertainment

Price: Free (limited) / $4.99/month (access all)

Part game, part running app. You're a survivor in a zombie apocalypse, running missions while zombies chase you.

Pros:

• Genuinely entertaining narrative
• Motivates through story, not just stats
• Huge library of missions
• Works with any speed

Cons:

• Not for everyone (requires buy-in to the concept)
• Story can distract from running focus
• Subscription for full access

Best for: Runners who need entertainment-based motivation.

Best App Stack Recommendations

For Complete Beginners

1. Nike Run Club (free coaching and tracking)
2. Runo (build good cadence habits from day one)
3. Spotify (entertainment)

For Casual Runners

1. Strava (tracking and social)
2. Runo (consistent pacing)
3. Your favorite music app

For Serious Runners

1. Garmin Connect or COROS Hub (deep analytics)
2. Strava (social and segments)
3. TrainAsOne or Runna (adaptive training)
4. Runo (cadence work and tempo runs)

For Marathon Trainers

1. Strava or Garmin Connect (tracking)
2. Hal Higdon or Runna (structured plan)
3. Runo (pacing practice for race day)

For Data Minimalists

1. Nike Run Club (simple, free, effective)
2. Runo (one focused purpose)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best free running app?

Nike Run Club is the best completely free option. It includes GPS tracking, guided runs, and achievements with no subscription required.

Do I need multiple running apps?

Most runners use 2-3 apps: one for tracking (Strava, NRC), optionally one for training (Runna, TrainAsOne), and one for entertainment or cadence. Apps serve different purposes.

Is Strava worth paying for?

The free tier works for most runners. Premium (Summit) adds training plans, route planning, and competitive features. Worth it if you use those specific features.

What's the best app for Apple Watch running?

Strava, Nike Run Club, and Runo all have excellent Apple Watch apps. For pure cadence training on the watch, Runo is purpose-built for wrist-free running.

How do cadence apps like Runo work with tracking apps?

They complement each other. Run Runo for the metronome beat while tracking your route with Strava or another GPS app. Runo focuses on rhythm; Strava focuses on data.

Find Your Rhythm with Runo

Most running apps track where you've been. Runo helps you run better while you're doing it.

As a running metronome, Runo provides:

• Real-time cadence guidance
• Consistent pacing for workouts and races
• Form improvement through rhythm training
• Apple Watch app for wrist-free running

Pair it with your favorite tracking app and build a stack that covers all your running needs.

Download Runo and add rhythm to your running stack.