The Premium membership (around $9.99/month or $49.99/year) unlocks personalized training plans for various distances, advanced story runs, and detailed statistics. Backed by Under Armour, MapMyRun is a powerful and versatile GPS tracking app that excels at providing structured training for those new to the sport. It offers robust run tracking, logging key metrics like distance, pace, and calories burned, but its real strength for a novice lies in its personalized coaching features and extensive route library. The core GPS tracking, basic stats, and some guided workouts are free. The premium subscription, Runkeeper Go (around $9.99/month or $39.99/year), unlocks customized training plans, live tracking, weather insights, and more detailed progress analytics. The free version covers all the essential tracking and social features a beginner needs.

Adidas Running: Run Tracker – Virtual events and inclusive plans

Runkeeper and adidas Running offer similar guided runs and training programs, ensuring a structured and supportive experience for beginners. Adidas Running is a powerful and polished app that excels at guided training, making it one of the best running apps for beginners who want structure. It offers reliable GPS tracking for runs, walks, and other activities, but its true strength lies in its built-in coaching and community features that help new runners build a consistent habit. The free version provides excellent GPS tracking, basic stats, and access to community challenges. The premium MVP subscription (around $5.99/month or $29.99/year, but check in-app for current offers) unlocks live tracking, advanced training plans, audio coaching, and removes ads.

Register with Apple

But with such a huge variety available, it can be difficult to dig out the best running apps worth the memory space on your phone. Well, you don’t have to – we’ve been downloading and using some of the most popular fitness apps on the market to bring you these tried and tested recommendations. 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. Joggo is a running app for beginners and pros alike – great for both outdoor and treadmill training. With a personalized running program, custom meal plan, and a convenient running tracker, you can reach your fitness and weight loss goals in a way that works for you.

If you own or plan to purchase a Garmin running watch, Garmin Connect is an essential companion and one of the best running apps for beginners who want hardware-integrated training. With personalized coaching plans tailored to your fitness goals, you’ll see progress in no time. The Nike Run Club app also includes a built-in music player and audio cheers from friends, making your running experience even more enjoyable. Nike Run Club stands out as a top choice for new runners with its coach-guided runs and personalized training schedules.

Music & Entertainment Apps

• This year’s runs tracked in that app are up 144 percent over last year’s number.
• However you slice it, the apps provide a lot of bang for your buck.
• These tools measure distance, pace, calories burned, elevation, and even provide audio coaching while you run.
• You are able to link this app with your Facebook or Twitter account, or simply sign into your account using email.
• The future of running is digital, but the fundamental joy of the sport remains in the physical experience, remember these apps are simply tools to enhance and inform that experience.
• If you’re looking to incorporate a bit of cross-training in your workout plan then another app, such as WithU, could be a better option as there’s a larger variety of audio-led workouts available.

It’s compatible with the Apple Watch and other popular apps like Zwift and Garmin Connect. Upgrading to paid membership buys you access to personalised training plans for weight-loss, 5K, 10K half and full marathon. Beyond its personalized workouts and curated playlists, Aaptiv’s motivating audio coaching sets it apart from other fitness apps. Experienced trainers guide you through each workout, providing clear instructions, encouragement, and modifications to ensure you’re exercising safely and effectively. The app’s real-time feedback and motivation help you push your limits and achieve your fitness goals. With its diverse range of workouts, personalized coaching, and engaging playlists, Aaptiv transforms your workouts into enjoyable and effective experiences.

Start your journey to better mobility

Share your run live and keep your friends and family running alongside you. This new community feature allows you to share your run location with any of your contacts so they see your real-time location. Once you’ve finished your run, you can send your loved ones another message to let them know you made it back safely. Audio-guided runs are just one tool that we can leverage during these unprecedented times. By using them on solo runs, you’re doing your part to prevent and slow the spread—and, perhaps, feel a little less alone in the process.

Your 72-Hour Guide to Making the Most of Your Race Weekend in Canberra

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 harna fit reviews 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.

The 7 Best Running Apps of 2025

However, several apps have consistently delivered exceptional accuracy in tracking distance, pace, and other metrics. All the apps on our list have the kind of tracking features that can help you analyze your progress and set goals. But to find the right workouts and the best mix of features, you may want to explore them a bit. The best apps to track running distance pack more features than simple running apps and integrate with more devices and related fitness trackers. Either way, with the best running apps, you can track your progress, improve your training routines, and get more out of every run. Ready to take your beginner’s journey to the next level with expert advice on gear, nutrition, and injury prevention?

Guided Workouts For Your Next Run

Check out these five running apps that can help you keep track of your progress, connect with other runners and find new (and fun!) ways to stay accountable. Get the motivation and excitement of instructor-led classes with Peloton Digital’s monthly membership. It features running-focused classes for any type of workout, from a treadmill in the gym to outdoors on the trails.

What is the best running app for Apple users?

Zwift is an immersive indoor cycling and running app that offers structured training plans, group rides and runs, races, challenges, and a supportive community. It’s a great way to get in shape and challenge yourself, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete. From guided workouts to community support features, modern running apps offer diverse tools to help beginners build confidence and maintain motivation throughout their fitness journey.

MapMyRun (Under Armour)

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. The app pairs with most GPS watches and devices so you can take it with you just about anywhere you can take your devices.