Best Running Apps Recommendations and Guide

Ready to elevate your outdoor adventures? Whether you're planning a scenic hike or mapping out your next run, having the right app can make all the difference. Discover some of the best route planning apps that will help you stay on track and make the most of your journey. Explore our top picks and find the perfect companion for your next outing!

Strava

Pros:

  • Strong Social Component: Connect with friends, share activities, and participate in challenges.
  • Performance Tracking: Detailed stats and analysis for runs and rides.
  • Segments: Compare your performance on popular stretches of road or trail.
  • Third-Party Integration: Compatible with a variety of fitness devices.

Cons:

  • Privacy Concerns: Sharing routes and activities can expose your location.
  • Subscription Cost: Some advanced features require a subscription.

Cost:

  • Free with limited features.
  • Strava Summit (Premium) costs £4.99 per month or £47.99 per year.

Komoot

Pros:

  • Detailed Route Planning: Excellent for planning multi-day hikes or complex routes.
  • Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use.
  • Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Voice navigation for hands-free use.
  • Community Recommendations: Tips and route suggestions from other users.

Cons:

  • Initial Learning Curve: Can be complex for new users.
  • Cost for Full Maps: Requires purchase of maps for different regions.

Cost:

  • Free with limited access.
  • Individual region maps start at £3.99, with a worldwide package costing £29.99.

OS Maps

Pros:

  • Detailed Topographic Maps: Excellent for navigating the UK countryside.
  • Route Planning: Create and save detailed routes.
  • Offline Access: Download maps for offline use.
  • Augmented Reality: Identify peaks and landmarks with your phone’s camera.

Cons:

  • UK-Centric: Primarily focused on UK maps, less useful internationally.
  • Subscription Cost: Full features require a subscription.

Cost:

  • Free with limited features.
  • Premium subscription costs £3.99 per month or £23.99 per year.

MapMyRun

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Tracking: Track runs, walks, and other workouts.
  • Workout Logging: Log various types of workouts, not just running.
  • Nutritional Tracking: Log meals and track calories.
  • Community Features: Connect with friends and join challenges.

Cons:

  • Ads in Free Version: The free version contains ads.
  • Subscription Cost: Advanced features require a subscription.

Cost:

  • Free with ads.
  • MVP (Premium) costs £5.99 per month or £29.99 per year.

ViewRanger

Pros:

  • Detailed Maps: High-quality topographic maps for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Offline Use: Download maps for use without an internet connection.
  • Augmented Reality: Identify landmarks using your phone’s camera.
  • BuddyBeacon: Location sharing with friends for safety.

Cons:

  • Complex Interface: Can be overwhelming for new users.
  • In-App Purchases: Some maps and features require additional purchases.

Cost:

  • Free with limited features.
  • Premium features and maps are available through in-app purchases, varying in price.

AllTrails

Pros:

  • Extensive Database: Thousands of trails with user reviews and photos.
  • Filter Options: Search by difficulty, length, and user ratings.
  • Offline Maps: Download maps for offline navigation.
  • Trail Tracking: Track your hikes in real-time.

Cons:

  • Subscription Cost: Full features require a subscription.
  • Interface Can Be Slow: Occasionally slow loading times.

Cost:

  • Free with basic features.
  • AllTrails Pro costs £2.50 per month or £29.99 per year.

Summary

  • Strava: Great for social features and performance tracking, but has privacy concerns and subscription costs.
  • Komoot: Excellent for detailed route planning and offline navigation, but can be pricey for full maps.
  • OS Maps: Best for UK-specific topographic navigation, but less useful internationally.
  • MapMyRun: Comprehensive tracking and nutritional logging, but free version has ads.
  • ViewRanger: Ideal for detailed hiking maps and offline use, but the interface can be complex.
  • AllTrails: Extensive trail database and filter options, but requires a subscription for full features.

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