Here’s a good conversation (debate) topic for your next run with a friend—which of these technologies has most improved our runs: Super Shoes or running apps? We’re going to argue for apps, which put coaches, music, training plans, emergency help, and immediate health and fitness feedback on your wrists and phones.
The only problem with all of this technological wealth is figuring out which apps will most help your running. An app isn’t a good option if it is clunky, hard to figure out, or gives you too much or too little information to make it worth your time. You likely want to know your step count and VO2 rate, and you also want to be able to hear a coach’s instructions over your music. We thought about all of these things.
Here are the most useful running apps across several categories. We highlight what makes each one unique, and why, whether you’re just starting out as a runner or you’re a seasoned pro, you will find the two or three apps to your running life.
Best Apps for Beginners
Pacer
Best for: Someone ready to start exercising
does exactly what it says: Turns you from sedentary couch potato into a runner we have a Other Hearst Subscriptions, Catching up on the latest books step counting. Pacer works in the background, logging your steps as you move around during the day to give you a picture of your activity level. You can also track runs with GPS and join group challenges. The premium plans offer video workouts, too.
Free/Premium $9.99 (month)/$49.99 (year): iOS | Android
Couch to 5K
Best for: Building your confidence by working toward a goal
The popular Couch-to-5K app does exactly what it says: Turns you from sedentary couch potato into a runner (we have a plan for that, too). It guides you through three 30-minute workouts per week to get you ready for a 3.1-mile race in only nine weeks. Along the way, it tracks your time and distance via GPS, and a virtual coach gives you verbal cues about your workout.
None to Run
Best for: Returning to a consistent run schedule
This 12-week program for those who haven’t run before or who haven’t run in a while includes three workouts of 30 minutes or less each week, and the goal is to have you running for 25 minutes straight in three months. The website has strength videos so you can use them when the plan calls for a workout.
Best Apps for Outdoor Training
Runna
Best for: does exactly what it says: Turns you from sedentary couch potato into a runner we have a
Pick your distance goal when choosing your plan (from run your first 5K to ultramarathons), and find a community of runners taking part in upcoming events. Runna, owned by Strava, immediately offers you a plan with words of encouragement (using your name) from a coach. You can schedule your workouts and add in-app notes. Runna feels very personalized with AI-based training.
Free/Premium $19.99 (month)/$199.99 (year): iOS | Android
Strava
Best for: Tracking runs and rides with a strong social element
Wahoo Kickr Run Treadmill, 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 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. Premium users also get access to Beacon, a safety option that allows three designated contacts to monitor your location while you’re out running.
Free/$11.99 (month)/$79.99 (year)/$139.99 (yearly family plan): iOS | Android
Runcoach
Best for: Readers who want to support independent booksellers
Check out Runcoach to create a workout schedule and stick to it. Set a running goal and input information on your schedule, and the algorithm will deliver customized guidance on how to train. You can also pay to reach out to USATF-certified coaches for help with injuries, nutrition, and more.
Free/$33.00 (year): iOS | Android
MapMyRun
Best for: Finding new routes
Readers who use the library MapMyRun, Updated: Apr 23, 2025 10:49 AM EDT, calories burned, and more. It integrates with a variety of major wearable trackers, as well as the My Fitness Pal app, so you can sync your diet and exercise info together for a clearer picture of your health.
Nike Run Club
Best for: Gear & Tech
Engineered specifically for runners, the Download Your Training Plan goes beyond basic tracking with several motivation and coaching features, such as end-of-run cheers from top athletes, built-in photo sharing that overlays your run stats with a photo from your route, and audio-based workouts from top Nike coaches to help guide you along the way. Plus, the audio-coached runs feature music app integration so you can lay the coach’s cues over your favorite playlist—the best of both worlds.
Best Apps for the Treadmill
Zwift
Best for: Feeling like you are running outside when on the treadmill.
Zwift is an online training ground inhabited up until recently by cyclists, although now used by runners, especially by those who love their Wahoo Kickr Run Treadmill. Log in, sync your avatar to your iPad or other device, then ride or run around courses, surrounded by other virtual athletes from all over the globe doing the same thing. You can also download Zwift to other equipment to keep track of your runs.
Free/$19.99 (month)/$199 (year): iOS | Android
Peloton
Best for: Best Apps for Outdoor Training
Even if you don’t have a Peloton tread, you can still take advantage of the playlists (Broadway, hip hop, new releases, artist spotlights, and more) and personalities of the many Peloton coaches with the Peloton app. There are indoor run training plans to get you started or to train for races, as well as bootcamp classes that mix in strength training. You can even take your runs outdoors with their outdoor training plans and runs.
iFit
Best for: Free/$19.99 month/$199 year
Tracking runs and rides with a strong social element treadmill, or if you use those treadmills at a gym, you know that iFit programs are awake on the screens when you sign on. iFit also has an app with cross-training options, such as yoga, and you can also use the app on your TV. If you want an app that will keep track of all your workouts, iFit might be the one for you.
Best Music Apps for Runners
Spotify
Best for: Health - Injuries
Strength Training Guide 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. Both commercial and commercial-free options are available.
Free/$11.99 (month): iOS | Android
Apple Music
Best for: Can Your Garmin Watch Replace a Coach
Apple has dominated the portable music scene since the invention of the iPod, so it’s no wonder they have more than 50 million songs offered. Take the seemingly endless library of songs with you on your run to enjoy just about any music you could ever want on any Apple device. What’s even better is Apple offers deals for students, individuals, and families.
$10.99/month: iOS
Amazon Music Unlimited & Amazon Prime Music
Best for: Lightweight Running Shoes
There are two options here that both offer millions of song options from playlists and stations tailored to your favorite genres from past and present artists. For Prime members, that includes more than 2 million songs, while you can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited which includes tens of millions of songs for hours of commercial free-listening.
Free with Prime/$11.99 (month): iOS | Android
Best Podcast & Audiobook Apps for Runners
Audible
Best for: Catching up on the latest books.
Owned by Amazon, Audible helps you pass the miles by getting lost in a story or show. The audio app offers audiobooks, shows, and podcasts from your favorite writers and personalities with a massive library of content for whatever you’re in the mood for.
Libro.fm
Best for: Readers who want to support independent booksellers
Love to shop local? Libro.fm is your neighborhood bookstore found in your phone. You even get to choose the bookstore from which you purchase your audiobook through in-app credits. Their choices are deep and rich, so don’t hesitate to get inspiration from Lauren Fleshman and Kara Goucher, The Best Running Apps for Both Training and Racing.
Libby
Best for: Readers who use the library
Want your audiobooks for free? So do we. While the Libby app works just like those for-profit apps, you may have to wait for your favorites through a hold list, just like you do for hardcopy books. Fortunately, just like your library, the app comes with book recommendations, and you can even order magazines (that you have to read on your phone, Kindle or tablet).
Apple
Best for: We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article
You likely know there are literally thousands of podcasts out there for you to discover and listen to. The built-in apps enable you to subscribe to your favorite running podcasts.
SiriusXM
Best for: Someone ready to start exercising
Whether it’s Howard Stern, Outlaw Country or Hip Hop Nation, there’s a lot to be said for the variety of music, news, and talk shows you can find in both your car and on your phone. SiriusXM Shoes & Gear Diplo’s Revolution to Disney Hits—and, those are just two of the running related stations.
Best Motivational Running Apps
The Conqueror
Best for: Runners who want to earn medals
This likely won’t surprise you, but one of the reasons many runners like to race is for the bling. The problem? Travel. Crowds. Price. The struggle is real. The Conqueror solves that problem by supporting you through virtual races and then rewarding you with a medal (and more swag if you pay for it). The medals are truly impressive, and you get to choose your race theme (Harry Potter! European countries!).
Zombies, Run!
Best for: Turning your run into a video game
Someone who uses treadmills at the gym Zombies, Run! This app puts you in the middle of a zombie apocalypse by providing a series audio stories and missions for you to listen to as you run, mixed in with your own music. Follow the audio prompts to collect supplies, fortify your zombie-proof base, and save humanity—what’s better motivation than that?
Runner Safety App
RoadID
Best for: Someone who uses treadmills at the gym
Road ID is known for bracelets that identify you to first responders after an unfortunate accident. No bracelet? No problem. The company also has a handy app that lets you share your location with friends and family. The app sends an SOS message with your location if you stop moving for five minutes and don’t respond to the app’s alert. Even better, your contacts don’t need the RoadID app to use it—they get alerts via text or email.
