Running is one of the few good ways to burn those extra calories, lighten up your mood and strengthen your core muscles. Not so long ago, you had to hook up special peripheral devices to track your pace, distance and heartbeat, but you can now measure all of these and do a lot more at your fingertips, right from your Android smartphone.
From tracking your every move to turning your workout into a fun-filled adventure, these running apps have been designed to turn you into a lean machine, while taking the boredom out of your runs.
There are hundreds of running apps available on the Play Store, but we have compiled, reviewed and ranked the best running apps for your Android smartphone, so that you can kick-off on the right foot and enjoy the best workout experience.
10) Couch Potato to 5K Run Trainer
Do you spend too much time on your couch? Do you want an app that literally pushes you to get in shape and helps you burn those extra kilos that you always wanted to shred?
Meet the app with a “plan”.
Like the name suggests, 5K Run Trainer helps you gradually build up your endurance, so that you can run the coveted 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) distance in just eight weeks.
Unlike other running apps that stay forever on your phone, 5K trainer is an intensive and highly focused program that gets you in perfect shape just by making you run 30 mins, 3 times a week.
To make your workouts even more immersive, the Android app features a built-in, human-voice audio coach that guides you through your runs and keeps you motivated. It’s compatible with most music apps, which means you can listen to your favourite music while running, while still receiving real-time audio feedback.
The app has been optimized for weight loss, and best suits beginners or running enthusiasts, who want to get in perfect shape. That being said, it may not be very appealing to advanced runners, since you can’t skip training and the program maintains a very gentle learning pace.
Pros
Pro-active, adaptive training with built-in audio coach
Motivated program with small wins and badges
Optimized for weight-loss
Cons
Drains battery when used for prolonged duration
Not recommended for advanced runners as you can’t skip training
Recommended if…
You’re a beginner and want an easy-to-follow plan for running 5 kms
You want to gradually build up your stamina
You need motivation to complete your runs
(Free with In-App Purchases)
9) Zombies, Run
For many, running is a boring, unexciting thing.
How many times have we heard people joke that the only time they’ll probably run is when someone chases them with a knife?
What if you could trigger the same survival instinct to get your adrenaline pumping and feet moving? What if you could actually turn your boring walks into an exhilarating, fun-filled adventure?
Originally launched for iOS, Zombies Run is an app that could make running addictive. The ultra-immersive game has an extremely gripping storyline, and comes powered by amazing voice acting and sound-effects.
As the protagonist of the story, you’ll literally run through various missions to save people, get supplies and do a lot of other tasks, all the while being chased by zombies. It works everywhere and at every speed, so you can plug your headphones and start the adventure at your convenience.
Our take?
If you’re struggling to stick to your running schedule and want to spice up your boring runs, it’s time to lace up your shoes and go save the world from Zombies. We promise you won’t regret this ride.
Pros
Ultra-immersive running game and audio adventure
Amazing voice work and sound-effects
200+ action-packed runs (Pro version)
Cons
Can’t listen to audiobooks, podcast or any other commentary
Gets boring once you’ve completed the story
Recommended if…
You don’t like running and want an app that literally pushes you to go the distance
You want to make your runs entertaining and immersive
(Free with In-App Purchases)
8) Runkeeper
Runkeeper has to be one of the best designed apps for professional runners and athletes. Its simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to keep a tab on your workout progress, and get statistics in real-time.
If you’re new to the city or not so good with remembering routes, you can even pre-plan your routes before you start running, so that you cover the exact amount of distance, without getting lost.
To make things even more convenient, the app provides real-time audio guidance, freeing you from the need to constantly check your smartphone. Just plug in your earphones, play your favourite tracks from your iTunes or Spotify library, and Runkeeper would blend in the audio updates with your music to give you an unique workout experience.
Additionally, it also lets you pick advanced training plans designed by some of the best professional fitness coaches to further improve your overall fitness and stamina. You can easily set any fitness goal– be it completing half marathon, losing weight or running certain amount of distance, and RunKeeper allows you to track its progress over time.
The app is compatible with a lot of fitness accessories, including Pebble, Android Wear, Fitbit, Garmin Forerunner, Withings wifi scales and apps like MyFitnessPal, Zombies Run and more.
The app is available for free on Play Store, with the option to upgrade to Runkeeper Go. When you opt for the premium version, you can compare your daily workouts, get deeper insights on your progress, and gain access to personalized training plans that guide you towards your goals.
Pros
Highly accurate pace, distance, steps and calorie tracking
Adjust the pace of the workout to suit your mood and fitness level
Advanced 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon training plans
Maintain detailed workout history and share your progress with friends
Cons
Limited access in free version
Constant reminders to upgrade to Runkeeper Go
Recommended if …
You’re an advanced level athlete looking for personalized training plans
You want an app that’s simple, intuitive and easy-to-use
You wish to sync your runs with smart fitness devices or apps
(Free with In-App Purchases)
7) Endomondo
For people who are into a lot of different fitness activities, including running, Endomondo is the perfect app.
Unlike other apps that are dedicated just to running, Endomondo is a clean, simple and easy-to-use app that lets you accurately track and log over 40+ fitness activities (running, cycling, walking, kayaking, mountain biking, etc.) from a single interface.
Just pick an activity, set a goal and let the Endomondo’s built-in audio coach guide you through it. It maintains a detailed training log of all your activities, and lets you analyze key performance metrics such as average speed and split times for each workout.
It connects with Google Fit to add fitness data to your dashboard and can easily be paired up with wearable devices like Garmin, Gear, Pebble, and Android Wear. It’s also integrated with services like MyFitnessPal, so that you can access your calorie and nutritional information right from the app.
Apart from seamless fitness tracking, social connect is one of the most exciting features offered by Endomondo. It’s a subtle attempt at pushing you forward by allowing you to race against your friend’s personal best, receive audio pep talks in real-time, and share your achievements on Facebook or Twitter.
Want a solid, no-nonsense app for tracking your runs and staying motivated? Get Endomondo on your smartphone now. Your endorphins would thank you later.
Pros
Clutter-free, easy-to-use interface
Accurately logs duration, speed, distance, calories, and more in your workout summary
Personalized training plans
Real-time audio pep talks from friends
Check out other people’s time on the route and take up challenges on-the-go
Cons
Can be inaccurate at times with distance tracking
Recommended if …
You’re a beginner and want a solid, no-nonsense running app
You like to socialize over your runs, and challenge friends in your neighbourhood
(Free with In-App Purchases)
6) adidas Train & Run
adidas Train & Run is an expert running app with real-time audio coaching that turns your Android smartphone into your personal trainer.
From tracking your runs in real-time to setting up training schedules, from teaching exercises that strengthen your core muscles to expert real-time voice coaching and audio feedback, adidas Train and Run helps you achieve all your goals– be it losing weight, getting out of couch, running a marathon, or improving strength and endurance.
The adidas app keeps your routine fresh and exciting by providing access to 100s of free cardio, strength and fitness training plans. It keeps you motivated with expert training tips and inspiration from weekly blog updates.
One of the most innovative features offered by the app is the ability to see how much effort you put in each zone through coloured route maps. Depending on your personal goals, the app would assess your overall progress and provide better insights on how to further improve your runs.
It integrates with other fitness platforms like Myfitnesspal and Strava, and can be synced up with Fit Smart for tracking your everyday activity. The best part, though, is that the app provides unrestricted access to all its content, without any subscription or recurring monthly charges.
Pros
Expert real-time voice coaching and feedback
Daily activity tracking, when paired with fitness devices like Fit Smart
Personalized strength training plans with detailed schedule
Professional training tips, motivation and advice
No monthly charges/fees
Cons
Limited integration with other smart fitness devices
Can lag a little on old Android devices
Recommended if …
You’re a beginner and want to turn your smartphone into a personal trainer
You own a Fit Smart band or any compatible accessory that works with miCoach
(Free Download)
5) RockMyRun
Research has proven that inspiring, lively music can have a powerful impact on your workout performance and can be the difference between giving it your all and losing the drive to push forward.
If you’re fed up of skipping tracks while running, and want music that really keeps up with your pace, it’s time to ditch your music library and say hello to RockMyRun.
With playlists curated by some of the most talented DJ’s like David Guetta, Zedd, Afrojack, Major Lazer, RockMyRun has been designed to give you the best workout experience.
The app provides 1000s of mixes, available in a wide array of genres, including Pop, Rock, Hip-hop/Rap, House, Dubstep, Drum & Bass, Seasonal, Country,R&B, Latin and more.
The mixes are built in BPM (beats per minute), which means that the app automatically adjusts the the rhythm and tempo of the song to match your steps. The end result is an amazingly elevating experience– not just physically, but also emotionally and psychologically.
RockMyRun also works seamlessly with other running apps, like, Nike+, Runkeeper, MapMyFitness, Runtastic and Endomondo, so that you can enjoy a complete workout experience.
Our take?
Give RockMyRun a try. You’ll be amazed to know how good music can not only improve your performance, but can also make your workouts more refreshing and enjoyable.
Pros
Increases motivation and keeps you going
Workout mixes from some of the most talented DJs and musicians
Works seamlessly with other running apps like Nike+, Runkeeper, MapMyFitness, Runtastic and Endomondo
Body Driven Music adjusts music tempo to match your steps
Cons
Limited accessibility in free version
Recommended if …
You’re tired of skipping songs in your playlist while running
You want to spice up your runs with rocking music that literally pushes you to go that extra mile
(Free with in-app purchases)
4) Runtastic
Runtastic is an extraordinarily designed fitness app that’s packed with features that are too good to be true.
Unlike what the name suggests, Runtastic is a fitness app that’s not just designed for runners, but for athletes engaged in any outdoor fitness activity. From running, biking, skiing to kayaking and snowboarding, it allows you to maintain a log of all fitness activities, so that you can analyze your progress in great detail.
Besides tracking vital run metrics, like, distance, average speed, duration, calories burned, it also logs additional details about the weather, surface, overall mood, heart-rate, etc., letting you assess the overall effectiveness of your training not just from an intrinsic perspective, but also from an extrinsic perspective.
You can easily set a calorie, distance or pace goal at the tap of a button, and Runtastic will help you achieve it. In case you’re a beginner, the app comes with a built-in audio coach that provides real-time audio feedback based on your personal preferences.
Perhaps, the most impressive part of the app is is the Runtastic Earth View that allows you to watch your workout in 3D (Yes, you read that right. However, you might need to install the Google Earth app to make this feature work).
Some other amazing features offered by Runtastic, include Auto-Pause (automatically pauses session when you stop moving), Runtastic Wearable Connect (workout insights on Runtastic Orbit & Runtastic Moment), Live Tracking & Cheering (Upload photos, share location and send/receive cheers from your friends in real-time), and Running Leaderboard (Top performers of the week/month).
Download Runtastic if you love to mix up different fitness activities and want a feature-packed app that allows you to track everything you do outdoors.
Pros
Real-time GPS tracking of your favorite fitness activities
Detailed statistics and monthly workout charts
Integrated music player & Powersong for action-packed workout
Live cheering and social sharing
Auto-pause mode for convenient tracking
Cons
Pro version of the app is expensive
Recommended if …
You want a powerful, easy-to-use and effortless solution for tracking all your fitness activities
You wish to maintain a detailed history of your workouts
(Free with In-App purchases)
3) Google Fit
Google Fit is to Android what Apple Health is to iOS.
It’s an easy and convenient way to track any fitness activity, set a fitness goal and measure your overall progress through intuitive charts. The app collects various data points like speed, pace, route, elevation, and uses intuitive charts to provide deeper insights into your workout.
Based on your individual goals and tracking data, Google Fit also provides you personalised recommendations that you can use to further boost your stamina and prolong workout durations.
But apart from its nifty analytical abilities, what we loved the most about Google Fit is its ability to aggregate fitness, nutrition, sleep and weight information from fitness apps like Nike+, Runkeeper, Strava and accessories like Android Wear, Withings and Xiaomi Mi bands.
Google Fit basically saves you from the hassle of using tens of different apps to keep track of everything. It simplifies fitness data aggregation for you, so that you have an unified interface for tracking your health data.
Also, keeping tab of all your activities is simple, with Google Fit providing you the flexibility to check the statistics from your smartphone, the web (fit.google.com), or even your Android Wear watch.
Pros
Tracks multiple fitness activities
Aggregation with popular fitness apps
Interactive charts with deep insights
Does not drain much battery
Cons
Lacks a lot of functionality. Not as advanced as Apple Health.
Recommended if …
You use a plethora of fitness apps and want to integrate the data into an interactive dashboard
You want to passively track your every day activity, without draining much battery
(Free download)
2) Strava
Strava is an unique fitness app designed exclusively for the competitive breed.
Want to know how your timings stack up against some of the best runners around the world? Want to connect with some of the fittest athletes and see how much they workout each day?
Strava is here for you.
Apart from tracking key statistics like pace, speed and calories burnt like other fitness apps, Strava pulls up list of different segments on your route while you’re on the run, and tells you how your timing stacks up against other runners around you.
It’s a great way to assess whether you’re giving your best, and how much potential you have for further improvement.
It also lets you compare your weekly or monthly performance, and gives you an individual ranking that assesses your relative performance against other athletes in the community.
Packed with features like power zone and pace distribution analysis that help you visualize your training in real-time, Strava is one app that helps you train more effectively by providing rigorous competitive analysis.
The bottom-line, though, is that Strava keeps all your fitness data public, which means all your activities are visible to Strava users around the world. So, if you’re overly concerned about your privacy, stick with other running apps on the list.
Strava is strictly for alpha-runners.
Pros
Track your runs and measure your activity in detail
Visualize your training with Power Zone and Pace Distribution analysis
Set personal records and see how you stack up against your friends
Join challenges from across the globe
Share your activities on social media channels
Cons
Less control over what gets shared
Goal tracking feature limited to premium members
Recommended if …
You’re a social butterfly and want an app that lets you connect with runners around you
You want to stay on top the game by taking up challenges and training harder
(Free/Paid Version: $5.99/month)
1) Nike+ Running App
Now, there’s a reason why Nike+ is #1 on our list of best running apps for Android as well as iPhone.
Like its iOS version, Nike+ is extremely well designed and has a “no nonsense” look-and-feel to it. Trust me– when you’re running at five-seven miles an hour, the last thing you’ll want is an app that does not seem predictable and easy to use.
That’s where Nike+ scores all the brownie points.
Nike+ makes it easy for beginners or running enthusiasts to track every minute detail of their run using their phone’s GPS and accelerometer. It gives real-time audio feedback about your progress, eliminating the need to constantly check the phone while running.
In case you’re using the app to achieve a fitness goal, you can easily set it in the app, and based on your performance, Nike+ Coach would give expert training tips and suggest daily workouts to get you race ready.
Nike+ also lets you create a challenge and invite your friends to it. For instance, you can set a Nike+ Challenge to run 10 miles in a week, and you can compete against your friends for the top spot on the leaderboard and see their progress in real-time.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or professional runner, Nike+ is one app that you can use to track your runs and reach your fitness goals. It has one of the largest running communities and has been consistently rated as one of the best running apps on the App Store as well as the Play Store.
Moreover, unlike other apps that offer advanced features as in-app purchases, Nike+ offers unrestricted access to its content for FREE. That’s sweet, considering how well designed and powerful the application is.
Pros
Measure your progress every mile with in-run audio feedback
Compete with your friends for the top spot
Get expert coaching advice and daily workout plans
Access all the features for free
Cons
GPS mapping might be inaccurate at times
No heat maps
Recommended if …
You’re serious about maximizing workouts and need motivation (Ideal for both beginners/professionals)
Don’t want to spend money on workout apps
(Free Download)
Have a personal favourite running app that did not make it to our list of best running apps for Android? Let us know in the comments section below, and we’ll make sure we review them, here, at RunningShoesGuru.com.
