11 Best Free Running Apps That Don’t Demand the Impossible

Strava is a comprehensive fitness platform that caters to every athlete, whether you're a casual runner or even a seasoned cyclist. You can record your activities and connect with a supportive community. If you wish to elevate your training, a subscription unlocks a suite of advanced features and smarter training with AI-powered insights.

This free running tracker app also offers personalized route recommendations based on millions of activities, ensuring you always have a new path to discover. The real-time updated 3D maps help you visualize your journey, spotting steep climbs and other challenges along the way. This app works on a freemium model.

You can use the app for free or opt for the premium version, which starts at $11.99 per month for more advanced features. Along with all this, Strava’s community and competitive features let you compete on segment leaderboards, chasing the fastest times on local routes, or create and join challenges with friends to keep each other motivated. Strava turns every workout into an opportunity for achievement and connection.

Nike Run Club is a completely free app designed to be your perfect running partner. It meticulously tracks your runs, including details like your pace, location, and more. You can also share your real-time location with friends and family, who will be notified when you’ve safely completed your run.

It is one of the best free running training apps, which is packed with features to keep you motivated. You can create and join challenges with friends or the global Nike community, and set personal monthly mileage goals. What truly sets Nike Run Club apart is its extensive library of audio-guided runs and training plans. Led by Nike coaches and elite athletes, these guided runs provide in-the-moment tips and motivation.

Nike Run Club celebrates your achievements every step of the way, from personal records to running streaks, with virtual high-fives and trophies. With seamless integration with the Apple Watch, you can easily access your metrics and notifications on the go.

ASICS Runkeeper is a versatile running app designed to help you reach your full potential. Whether you're aiming for a 5k or a marathon, the app provides flexible training plans and guided workouts.

One of the standout features we discovered during our research is Runkeeper's strong focus on building a community. You can find and join premium race experiences near you, connecting with a vibrant community of fellow runners and coaches. This is one of the best apps to track running that even includes a handy Shoe Finder feature to help you choose the perfect running shoes for your needs.

For those looking for an even more personalized experience, the Runkeeper Go premium, starting at $9.99 monthly, unlocks exclusive features. These features include live tracking, in-depth performance insights, and access to a wider range of training plans. With Runkeeper, you're not just tracking your runs; you're joining a global community dedicated to the joy of running.

Where MapMyRun truly shines, as our team discovered during research, is in its unparalleled mapping capabilities. As the #1 running GPS app, it not only tracks your workouts with precision but also opens up a world of new routes shared by a global community. You can save your favorite paths, discover hidden gems in your area, or create and share your very own running maps from scratch.

Beyond just mapping, the app supports your entire training journey. It offers personalized training plans that adapt to your fitness level and goals, and uniquely, it also suggests complementary gym workouts to build all-around strength. To keep you safe on your adventures, a Live Tracking feature lets friends and family follow your progress in real time.

The app fosters a strong sense of community through custom challenges you can create with friends and monthly milestone goals. For runners seeking the most advanced data and features, the MVP premium subscription, starting at $7.99 for a month, unlocks even more powerful tools to elevate your training.

Garmin Connect is a comprehensive health and fitness platform that syncs seamlessly with your Garmin device to provide an unparalleled level of detail about your body and activities. For athletes, this free running tracker app offers robust performance analytics. You can create custom workouts and training plans, then sync them directly to your device for guided sessions.

After your activity, dive deep into performance stats like VO2 max, training load, and recovery time suggestions. The app also features detailed mapping for outdoor activities, allowing you to plan routes and review your GPS tracks with precision.

You can also connect with friends to participate in challenges, earn badges for your accomplishments, and share your activities. With its detailed health insights, powerful training tools, and vibrant community, Garmin Connect provides a complete and unified view of your well-being.

The NHS Couch to 5K app is a comprehensive program designed to get you running, regardless of your current fitness level. The plan is broken down into manageable weekly podcasts, so you can progress at your own pace.

You’ll have a choice of celebrity trainers to guide and motivate you on your runs, and the app is designed to work with your own music player. It is one of the few free running apps for iPhone and Android that lets you listen to your favorite tracks while you train. This is the best running app for beginners as it provides a supportive and structured introduction to running.

You can connect with a large community of fellow NHS Couch to 5K runners, where you can share your experiences, ask for advice, and celebrate your achievements. This sense of community, combined with the structured plan and motivational trainers, helps you stay on track and reach your goal of running a 5K.

Adidas Running is a versatile app that goes beyond just running, allowing you to track nearly 100 activities like walking, cycling, yoga, and more. It provides detailed statistics on your workouts, including distance, duration, pace, calories burned, and heart rate.

You can also get personalized training plans for various distances, from a 5K to a full marathon, that adapt to your fitness level. The app fosters a strong sense of community by allowing you to join challenges, participate in virtual races, and get real-time cheers from your friends. As an adiClub member, you'll earn points for your activities that can be redeemed for rewards.

While the app is free to download and use, a Premium Membership is available for $6.99 per month. Premium unlocks advanced features like adaptive training plans, interval training with a personal coach, and auto-pause for your activities.

Pacer Pedometer is designed to be your constant companion for health and fitness. For free, the app offers 24/7 step counting, tracking of calories burned, distance covered, and active time. You can use your phone’s GPS to map your outdoor runs, walks, and bike rides.

This is the best running tracker app which also allows you to track your weight and BMI and syncs seamlessly with Apple Health. A key feature is its social component; you can create walking groups with friends and family to stay motivated and participate in fun activity challenges.

Pacer Pedometer operates on a freemium model. While the core features are robust and available for free, you can upgrade to Pacer Premium for more advanced capabilities. The premium subscription, for a year, costs $49.99. This subscription is available with a trial and unlocks scientifically designed guided workouts, a dedicated weight loss coaching program, and advanced data reports and insights to give you a deeper understanding of your progress.

Also Read: Best Pedometer Apps

PUMATRAC is a comprehensive running and training app that offers a wealth of features at no cost. You can track your indoor and outdoor runs, monitor your progress with detailed stats, and even sync your data with Google Fit or Apple Health.

The app’s smart learning engine serves up personalized workout recommendations based on your goals, helping you get stronger and faster. Beyond standard run tracking, PUMATRAC offers guided runs for various training purposes, such as interval and tempo runs. You can warm up with instructional videos and cool down with guided routines, ensuring you're training effectively and safely.

You can use this free running app without a subscription. It also allows you to create a personalized running schedule, access exclusive PUMA events, and connect with a community of fellow runners for added motivation. Plus, with in-app access to your Spotify or Apple Music playlists, you can always run to the beat of your favorite music.

Charity Miles is a versatile app that allows you to support causes you care about simply by moving. The app uses your phone's GPS and motion sensors to track a variety of activities, both indoors and outdoors.

You can choose from a list of impactful charities and start earning for them right away. The money comes from a corporate sponsorship fund, as well as from companies that sponsor their employees through the app's Employee Empowerment Program.

For those who enjoy a social experience, Charity Miles enables you to create and join teams, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition. You can invite friends, family, and colleagues to join you in your fitness and fundraising goals.

This is one of the best free running apps for iPhone and Android which also features company-wide challenges and leaderboards, making it a great tool for employee engagement and team-building. By syncing with health apps like Apple Health, Charity Miles makes it easy to track all your physical activities, from a dance class to a yoga session, and turn them into charitable donations.