10 Best Running Apps to Use in 2023

If you’re like the rest of us, there is a good chance that you think the best way to get in shape is to simply put on your good old running shoes and head out the door.

And while this old-school technique will definitely get you results, as with everything in this new age world, there is an app that was designed to help you do so more easily.

In this article, we will be giving an honest review of the top 10 running apps on the market. 

With the help of an app to keep you on track, this will definitely be the year that you knock all your fitness goals out of the park.

Comparison table

10 Best Running Apps In 2023

When it comes to apps, each is designed with a different goal in mind. 

Some are created specifically to assist users in losing weight or running more miles. Some simply serve as accountability coaches that prompt users to get off the couch and head outside for some fresh air and hopefully some calories burned.

For this reason, it’s important that you identify what your specific running goals are and then use the information about each app’s unique features to find the best fit for you.

#1 Joggo Running App 

Overall best running app

The selling feature for this app is definitely how personalized the training programs are. 

Your app experience begins with an initial run that—based on how well it goes—is the framework used to create a personalized running program for users. 

This makes it one of the best running apps for beginners or anyone who is currently overweight, as they need to keep in mind physical limitations and the risks that are associated with high-impact activities like running.

Joggo is a running-focused app that includes a plethora of different training styles, including instructions on how to complete the trickier running types, such as fartleks and hill runs.

You can even personalize your running depending on whether you plan to exercise outside or spend the majority of your time running on a treadmill.

It also includes instructional videos for warm-ups, stretching, and cool-down exercises, as well as offers users personalized meal plans – for every kind of eater.

They also have in-house experts who are available to answer any questions that you might have while working out.

The first run is free. Their plans start at $33/3 months, $46/6 months, and $66/year.

#2 Nike Run Club

Best app for Apple Watch and iPhone

This app was created to seamlessly integrate all of your Apple products, including your Apple Watch, iPhone, Apple Health, and Apple Music.

They also have the option for you to use shoe tags which you can use to track the distance you’ve run in that specific pair of shoes, both today and over the course of a year, to see when it’s time for a new pair.

The Nike Run Club app keeps track of your running routes through GPS, including your speed, distance, and even elevation. It also allows you to track your best mile times which can help you get marathon ready.

Last but not least, this app also features audio coaches that give you updates while you run and offer an extra word of encouragement when you need it most.

These additional features make it one of the best free-running apps.

This app can be downloaded for free in the App store.

#3 Verv: Home Fitness Workout

Best app for losing weight 

This app is specifically designed to help users lose weight with minimal effort.

It has three different options available: running, walking, and fitness, all of which are specifically designed to burn the highest amount of calories in order to help users lose weight.

They have meal plans, including options for anyone who follows a keto or vegetarian diet, and also include information on intermittent fasting.

Verv takes a more holistic approach to fitness, including offering users stress-relieving meditations for them to use in order to improve their sleep, which is great because good sleep is an underrated weight loss tool.

For this reason, it seems like a better app for people looking to create an all-around lifestyle change and might not be the best fit for people specifically looking to improve their running abilities.

They have a free 1-week trial. Their plans start at $14.99/month, $29.99/3 months, and $39.99/year.

#4 Adidas Running

Best app for Android

This app was created with the community in mind.

Along with having a GPS tracker, which you can use to follow your running routes and keep track of your mileage, Adidas running has challenges and virtual races that you can enroll in to keep your running journey more fun.

In terms of the free version, it is a simple concept that is designed mostly for you to be able to keep track of things such as calories burned, the duration and distance of your run, and allows users to monitor their heart rate data.

Adidas running app also has the option for you to track your cycling, hiking, and swimming, but tracking these workouts seems to be a big focus. The free version doesn’t appear to have guided workout plans for users to follow.

The selling point of this app is the ability to partake in challenges and races against friends and even strangers all over the world.

With the purchase of a premium plan, you can also gain access to all of the personalized training plans offered through “Adidas Training by Runtastic,” which will be outlined next. 

The addition of cross-training workout programs will help users to get ready for long-distance races with friends.

Their plans start at $9.99/month, and $49.99/year.

#5 Adidas Training by Runtastic – Formerly Runtastic PRO

Best app for cross-training 

Runtastic has decided to discontinue the pro version of their app and has instead prompted users to make the switch to the Adidas Training by the Runtastic App.

This is another app that was created by Adidas, similar to Adidas Running, which focuses less on community and more on individualized workout plans.

This app is not completely focused on running programs and instead has a bigger focus on at-home full-body training plans.

They have the option for you to set a timer that creates an individualized workout depending on the desired length of your workout and target muscle groups that makes use of over 180 unique exercises.

Their free app gives you access to mostly cross-training exercises that can be done in addition to a running program. But the premium version also gives you access to Adidas Running, which is covered in the product review directly above this one.

Their plans start at $9.99/month, $39.99/6 months, and $49.99/year. 

#6 MyFitnessPal

Best app for food tracking

MyFitnessPal isn’t necessarily a running app, but it can be used in addition to a regular running routine in order for you to see the best results.

This app is focused primarily on a diet, with meal ideas and options that help users track not only their calories but things like macros, protein intake, and more.

You can customize both your eating and workout goals and can even keep track of your progress, getting as diligent as to track your water intake on the face of your Apple Watch.

We all know how important diet is in reaching any fitness goals, and if healthy eating is a part of your fitness journey that you struggle with, then purchasing an app like this can make all the difference.

They have a free 30-day trial. Their plans start at $9.99/month and $49.99/year.

#7 Aaptiv

Best app for coaching

This app was created for people who prefer audio coaching, with a major focus on classes led by trainers with motivating music in the background. 

They have a variety of classes for running, elliptical workouts, strength training, yoga, and more, with classes specifically designed for beginners, all the way through to advanced practitioners. 

A great feature of this app is that its classes are downloadable, making it possible for you to work out without a wifi connection.

Their plans start at $14.99/ month and $99.9/year.

#8 MapMyRun

Most accurate running app

This app was created to give users access to the most diverse workout plan available for them to do from home.

MapMyRun boasts about having over 600 activities for users to do from the comfort of their home, ranging from running to cycling to strength training and even including yoga classes.

For running, they offer their users real-time audio coaching that keeps them updated on the distance, pace, and duration of their run.

They also give users the option to connect with a larger community to compete with others for the possibility of  

Another nice feature of this app is that it allows users to sync up with others to share their real-time running location, which is great for giving both users and their loved ones peace of mind while they run.

Their plans start at $5.99/month and $29.99/year.

#9 Strava

Best free running app

The Strava app is designed with a simple concept, basically allowing users to track whatever sport they are doing, be it running, swimming, or cycling, to share their stats with others in the Strava community.

They also keep track of elevation gains and calories burned throughout the duration of users’ workouts, making it a perfect app for anyone who loves outdoor sports like hiking.

It’s also a great tool for keeping you accountable with yourself as it allows you to track your workouts and set personalized fitness goals.

They also offer a free option for in-app purchases.

Their plans start at $5/month or $59.99/year.

#10 Betterme

Best app for overall lifestyle

The Betterme app is one of the best running apps for beginners, as they are more focused on creating an overall lifestyle change for their users.

It allows users to access training plans for both beginners and pros, with options of equipment-free workouts from home or at the gym.

They have a calorie tracker, which can be used to also keep track of macros and provide meal plans for their users to follow, including options for anyone following a keto, vegan or vegetarian diet.

The unique feature of this app is that they include a focus on intermittent fasting, which, when done properly, can be a nice change from diets that are purely focused on what you eat instead of when you eat it.

Their plans start at $4.99/week, $29.99/12 weeks, and $120/year.

How We Tested

We started by tracking down the most popular running apps that are currently on the market. From there, we researched each app based on the following key features.

Quality

When it comes to quality, the most important thing to look for in an app is how dedicated the creators are to creating high-quality code. You want an app that looks beautiful and is bug-free.

Bugs happen, especially in the beginning stages of any app creation. But it’s important that creators are on top of preventing things like unexpected crashes, security leaks, and other things that interfere with user experience.

Effectiveness

Obviously, one of the most important things when deciding which running app you want to choose will be how effective it is in supporting you to reach your fitness goals.

Depending on what your goals are, each app will have different strengths in helping you achieve them. 

Price

When it comes to any purchase, you want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck. 

Buying the lowest-cost product won’t necessarily save you money in the long run. Just like shelling out cash for the highest-priced product doesn’t mean that you’ll be getting the product that is the best fit for you.

It’s all about finding the product that is best tailored to meet your needs for a price that is well within your budget.

Brand reputation

When deciding to purchase a product, it’s important to make sure that you are doing so from a company that you can trust.

Generally, companies improve their brand reputation by providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service and by paying attention to feedback from their customers. 

All of these qualities are important aspects of deciding whether or not to purchase a product.

Bottom Line

Which running app you decide to purchase will ultimately be up to you and will depend on what your personal fitness goals are. 

Some apps offer great social and competitive features which can help keep you accountable and take you from the couch to 5k ready. 

Others are more lifestyle-focused, with a lot of attention put on improving the diet of users. Making an overall lifestyle change will be a better fit for some people, especially those trying to lose weight.

In the end, it’s best not to get too caught up weighing each app against the other. Doing so can cause you to be frozen in indecision and can result in you never actually getting around to pulling the trigger.

Buy a month-long subscription or take advantage of free trials until you find the app that is the best fit for you, and then enjoy making all of your fitness dreams a reality!