5 free applications to run on Android, iPhone and Windows Phone

Like many applications, Strava offers many features behind a paid subscription. It is therefore necessary to get your hands in the pocket to access training programs, detailed analyzes of heart rate or even friends with friends.

The best running applications

Whether to motivate yourself or to improve, a running application on smartphone can be very practical. Here is a little guide to help you choose the application that will suit you.

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Put on your best outfit. To lace one’s shoes. Motivate yourself in front of the mirror. Launch your favorite music. Leaving home. And after ? Running alone can quickly become a puzzle. Where to start ? What a distance, what speed, for how long ? So many questions as any athlete asks himself, whether beginner or seasoned, whether he runs for pleasure or to achieve a goal. For lack of an athletics coach available, many turn to running applications. A choice that can be judicious, provided that what app use. To help you choose well, we present several options, according to your ambitions and the degree of freedom you want.

Before you start, let us say immediately that, whatever the chosen application, you will systematically have access to a lot of basic metrics. Thus, your racing time, GPS trace, speed and pace are collected by the phone and therefore accessible on any application. In the same way, all are available on iOS and Android and will reward the user, distributing you badges and records to stimulate you and motivate you. It is therefore not on these criteria that we will distinguish the different apps. We will focus on what differentiates them: the social aspect of the application, access to training programs, the possibility of synchronizing your connected watch or even consulting progress.

Strava: the most complete app, the community as motivation

Strava is undoubtedly the reference application for running on smartphone. It is positioned as the social network of runners. Everything is thought to kiss this bias. The interface, first of all, presents a home page, at Facebook or Instagram, where you can publish the balance sheet of your sessions, consult those of your friends, comment on them or “give a kudos”, the ‘ equivalent of “likes”. The application goes further and it is the “Strava segments” which allow it to distinguish itself. Behind this deposited name hide portions of paths, parks, roads, trails where runners can compete every week. It is to the one who will go the fastest over this distance. You can also see your best times for distance or on your favorite course. And rest assured, Strava does not count only experienced athletes ready to challenge your records “whatever it costs”, there are also a good number of artists.

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The American application offers a complete panorama of sessions. In addition to the expected metrics, such as the speed or distance traveled, you also have access to the calories spent and even the pace of. If you have a watch, a heart belt or any other accessory, you can synchronize them without problem to complete this assessment.

Like many applications, Strava offers many features behind a paid subscription. It is therefore necessary to get your hands in the pocket to access training programs, detailed analyzes of heart rate or even friends with friends.

Watches compatible with Strava: Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Coros, Fitbit, Amazfit, Sigma, Wahoo, Hammerhead, Apple, Samsung.
*Applications compatible with Strava: Apple Health, Amazfit, Bkool, Bryton, Casio, Cateye, Coros, Fitbit, Garmin Connect, Liverowing, Polar, Suunto, Tacx, Tomtom, Wahoo, Zwift, Runkeeper, *

• Strava segments.
• Many partners.
• Easy synchronization with cardiac watches and monitors.

WEAK POINTS

• Paid training programs.
• Sober interface.

Strava

Strava is a sports tracking application that allows you to record and share your itineraries on bicycle, on foot, skiing, hiking and many other outdoor sports. Take part in the challenges of the moment and share photos with the community.

• Downloads: 145
• Release date: 20/09/2023
• Author: Strava Inc.
• License: Free license
• Categories: Sport – Health
• Operating system: Android, online service, iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch

• Android
• Online service
• iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch

Asics Runkeeper: the balance between performance and show

A real card in the 2010s, Runkeeper, now under Asics pavilion, continues to convince. The application is distinguished by increased personalization. In addition to the classic session monitoring, the user can define objectives in order to program their session according to their desires. Objective of time and distance are obviously available, but they are not alone. Runkeeper allows you to configure complex sessions directly from your phone. We can thus have fun cutting a session into a series of exercises. This possibility is very practical if we want to progress via the fractional, for example. Be careful, however, not to be mistaken in the processing of the session. It will not be possible to ignore a step once on the track.

Like Strava, Runkeeper also offers a social component. You can follow your friends there, observe their performance, and even indicate in the application if you run with one of them. Fun functionality, the application invites you to take photos in full session and then locate them on your journey. An option to keep in mind when outing in the great outdoors. Another harmless but always practical feature, Runkeeper offers to follow the wear of shoes and therefore tells you when replacing them. A little benchmark that can avoid injuries.

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There too, it will be necessary to go to the checkout to unlock the entire features. Training programs, detailed stats and especially the famous live follow -up are therefore hidden behind a paying subscription.

Watches compatible with Asics Runkeeper: Garmin, Fitbit, Apple, TomTom.
Adidas Running synchronizes with: Garmin Connect, Fitbit, Apple Health, Apple Watch, Myfitnesspal.

• Manual programming of complex sessions.
• Easy synchronization with cardiac watches and monitors.
• Spotify integration.

WEAK POINTS

• Many paid features.
• Sober interface.

Runkeeper – GPS Track Run Walk

Runkeeper – GPS Track Run Walk is aimed at joggers, hikers and other cyclists.

• Version: 14.7.1
• Downloads: 17
• Release date: 19/09/2023
• Author: Fitnesskeeper, INC.
• License: Free license
• Categories: leisure
• Operating system: Android, iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch

Nike Run Club: Running for fun

Aimed above all as many people as possible, Nike Run Club puts everything on the fun of running. Assumed without the slightest complex, this bias is accompanied by a very successful interface, mixing videos, photos and illustrations. She seems thought of to deliver the message from Nike Run Club: running is a hobby. So you have to have fun. To repeat this mantra to you, the application multiplies videos, colorful visuals and motivation speeches. She keeps thank you, congratulate you and encourage you. It is even possible to download “run audio”; This is audio recording to motivate you throughout the session. For 20, 30 or 40 minutes, the very nice Lucien coach guides you vocally to do the exercises, without judging you. Despite an exaggerated side – very assumed, it is repeated – it is undeniable that this application does everything to motivate you.

Completely free, Nike Run Club also offers training programs. Just as fun as the rest of the interface, they allow you to embark on running. In a second step, the application proposes to join a group with a common goal, for example running 50 km in the month. Note that Nike Run Club relies on a second application called Nike Training Club, which offers more muscle strengthening exercises. A clever way to complete your training.

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The limits of Nike Run Club are in the depth of the data. Few metrics are available at the end of each session, and it is not possible either to connect a connected watch with the application. To use your watch, you must record your session on the application of the linked manufacturer and then synchronize it with Nike Run Club. Not very practical.

Watches compatible with Nike Run Keeper: None.
Nike Run Club synchronizes with: Garmin, Fitbit, Wahoo.

• Interface above competition.
• Integration of Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.
• The combination with Nike Training Club.

WEAK POINTS

• Less complete race data.
• Impossible to synchronize a watch or a heart rate.
• Only Garmin and Polar as partners.

Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club is an application to follow your jogging training and progress.

• Version: 6.2.1
• Downloads: 59
• Release date: 09/23/2023
• Author: Nike, Inc.
• License: Free license
• Categories: Sport
• Operating system: Android, iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch

Adidas Running (Runtastic): race like a video game

Adidas Running is positioned as a compromise between Strava and Nike Run Club. We find both the social network aspect of the first and the playful aspect of the second. The application is full of challenges to be met. Some to make you progress, others to include your physical activity in an ecological context. It is thus possible to support certain causes carried by the German equipment supplier. The app also multiplies articles to deepen its knowledge of sport, but also work on its state of mind. Where Nike Run Club tells you to run for fun, Adidas Running offers to run “mindfulness”. Different approaches, but which are found in the desire to inscribe the race in his daily life. Also, as on Strava, you find a “wall” where to post your sessions and comment on those of your friends. The playful orientation even goes so far as to give you a level, like a video game. You start level 1 and win 2 points per kilometer traveled. Shoe wear is also available and, like Nike Run Club with Nike Training Club, Adidas offers its own training application for strengthening.

In its free version, Adidas Running is satisfied with the minimum when it comes to summarizing your sessions (no curve to see the evolution of your speed or other parameters). And as often, it is necessary to go to the checkout to unlock the whole of the expertise.

Watches compatible with Adidas Running: None.

Adidas Running synchronizes with: Apple Health, Apple Watch, Coros, Garmin Connect, Huawei Health, Polar Flow, Suunto, Google Fit, MyfitnessPal, Nolio, Outdooractive, Runalyze, Runmotion Coach, Smashrun, Suda, Trainasone, Tédict, Xhale,.com, zwift, kinomap, my virtual mission, the conqueror, virtualrunners, vitality running world cup, rebo.

• Interesting interface.
• Integration of Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer.
• The combination with Adidas Training.

WEAK POINTS

• Paid training programs.
• Minimalist racing data.
• Impossible to synchronize a watch or a heart rate.

Adidas Running by Runtastic

Adidas Runastic or Adidas Running by Runastic is a smartphone application for sportsmen wishing to record their performance.

• Downloads: 48
• Release date: 09/21/2023
• Author: Runtastic
• License: Free license
• Categories: Sport
• Operating system: Android, iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch

5 free applications to run on Android, iPhone and Windows Phone

Take advantage of the beautiful days to start running with the help of five dedicated applications for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

You are a Sunday runner, but the beautiful days are pushing you to get back more seriously to training ? Dedicated mobile applications propose to coach you by recording your performance to help you progress. Thanks to them, you keep a history of all your activities, your journeys, and especially your results to motivate you more. Download.com put on its most beautiful shoes and wet the jersey by testing several of these applications to remember only the best five. All these applications have been tested on an iPhone 5S, in real training and manipulation conditions.

1. Endomondo

Endomondo is an application that has rather good reputation. It is enough to consult the comments posted on the different blinds to realize it. Bought a few months ago for $ 85 million by Under Armor, its interface is not really adapted to manipulation in action. An advertising banner, placed just at the bottom of the activity registration screen gave us a lot of a hard time. The gestures being less precise than when stopped, we have unfortunately opened one of these advertisements by wanting to consult our feat. Another major concern, the application does not include any music player. You must therefore juggle between your usual musical player and the application to run helmet on the ears.

For the rest, Endomondo perfectly done his work and seems to be quite precise in the collection of data during the exercise. During a sports session, the screen displays in real time the distance traveled, the average pace of your min/km race as well as an estimate of the number of calories burned. It is possible to access the map of the course on which the time has been sold since the start of training has been recalled. At the end of the, Endomondo automatically generates a report displaying a card of your route on which each kilometer is mentioned as well as a very complete summary of the session: distance, time, rhythm, speed, calories, hydration, elevation, etc. Sufficient for basic use, Endomondo It remains very limited if you want to go further, no training program being offered excluding subscription to a premium subscription.

The +:
+ Multisport
+ Possibility of creating an online route to follow it from the app
+ Detailed information on the data collected

THE – :
– advertisements displayed on the race screen
– Lack of interface ergonomics
– Low quality of the coach’s voice
– No musical reader

2. Strava

Strava is a tracking application specializing in running and cycling. Offering a refined interface, it is primarily intended for experienced athletes. The application sticks to the bare minimum, namely the recording of your performance during your outings, and that’s almost everything. The few training videos offered are only accessible for premium users, and it is not possible to configure personalized training. Other point that can disturb, Strava There is also no musical reading function there, forcing the user to juggle a third party application. The application, however, excels in monitoring your statistics and offers a simple and clear interface, allowing to have an immediate overview of your performance (time, pace and distance). Your activities are then recorded on your profile and visible from your friends from the news flow. Positive, Strava invites you to create a route to follow during your training from your site. Finally, the application allows you to measure you at sportsmen around the world by offering you to participate in challenges.

The +:
+ Possibility of participating in challenges
+ Possibility to follow a personalized route created on the site

THE – :
– No personalized training program
– paid training videos
– No integrated music player

3. Runtastic

Bought by Adidas for 220 million euros last year, Runtastic claims more than 70 million users around the world. The application, available in a free version with limited functions and financed by advertising, sticks to the minimum, namely monitoring your running sessions. Runtastic also invites you very regularly to buy the pro version to unlock all the options. In its free version, the application offers free basic training to run a given distance or a specific duration. Other functions, however simple, are absent from this free version. This is for example the case of automatic break in the race when you stop or the possibility of configuring a PowerSong. If buying additional content from time to time does not bother you, Runtastic offers interesting and original content such as story running, stories billed € 0.99 each to listen to while running. These Story Running generally put you at the heart of the action by making you the hero of history, ideal for keeping the pace. Be careful however before you are tempted, these stories are only available in English or German ..

The +:
+ Interface
+ Integrated music reading
+ Some free training

THE – :
– Too many limited functions in the free version
– lack of translation for certain paid content

4. Runner

Acquired by Asics last February for the tidy sum of $ 85 million, Runner accounts for more than 30 million users worldwide. The application, like all the others, records your activities and keeps a history to allow you to see the evolution of your performance: distance, rhythm, number of monthly activity, estimate of the number of burnt calories, drop in ash, Total activity time, etc. Before launching the recording of an activity, Runner proposes to choose between a free race or the programming of a race according to a distance, a duration, or a rate to respect. The application goes even further by allowing you to create your personalized training session. We appreciate easy use, even in full race since the dashboard displays your shopping statistics but also control buttons for music. Only shade on the board, this screen is not lockable, and it is imperative to turn off the screen of your smartphone to avoid touching the active buttons during the race. Runner offers the possibility of following several fairly basic training programs for free, more elaborate training being available via an integrated purchase.

The +:
+ Interface, possibility of connecting a Spotify account
+ Possibility of creating fractional sessions
+ Possibility to personalize a session

THE – :

– Navigation not always clear to access free training

5. Nike+ running

Nike+ running is undoubtedly the easiest application to understand if you are starting running. The American firm makes it a point of honor to “socialize” its application using a point system, the Nikefuel, which you generate as you practice. From the opening, Nike+ running displays your situation in the monthly ranking according to the total distance traveled in relation to your friends. To motivate you a little more, the application largely displays the total number of kilometers traveled since you use it, but also the number of outings made, your average look as well as the average quantity of “fuel” that you generate During your races.

The configuration and the launch of a race are childish, the application guiding you at each stage to help you personalize your preferences before departure. Again, it is possible to choose the type of race you want to do. You can run freely but also configure your output according to a distance, a duration or a rate to respect. Before you start galloping, Nike+ running Allows you to select your musical source (iTunes or Spotify), the place of the race, but also the orientation of the display. This last option is very practical if you use, for example, a armband, especially since the session recording screen can remain active while being locked. Nike pushes the social dimension even further by offering the possibility of creating challenges to be carried out with friends. And if however, you want to train to achieve a specific distance goal, you have a virtual coach to train for 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km, and 42.2 km, depending on your level. The application then generates a training program for several weeks that you will have to follow to scrupulously to hope to reach your goal.

The +:
+ Simplicity of the interface
+ Possibility of connecting a Spotify account
+ Free coaching
+ Possibility to lock the screen on the application

THE – :
– sometimes lack of precision in the data collected

Verdict

Nike+ running is the easiest application to use but also the most pleasant to take in hand to resume running. The social dimension is undoubtedly for many and pushes you to run to be at the top of the ranking. Personalized training is simple but relevant and the overall use of the application, even in full run, is not a problem thanks to ergonomics designed for use in action. We particularly appreciate the possibility of using a Spotify account, but being able to keep the active screen locked to monitor statistics.

Freeletics, nike, runtastic: what application to run ?

It is well known, the applications to accompany you during your running flourish on smartphones’ application shops. They all have various and varied features. We find mainly the same options in each of them, in particular the distance traveled, the average time per kilometer, the GPS location with the details of your journey, but also the monitoring and detail of your activity with the app. Through this article, we will take the time to present you after having tested them, in our opinion, the 5 best applications to accompany you during your shopping. And yes to make this panorama, will help you to complete the lessons provided by your sports coach. Running is a great way to burn some additional calories and build your endurance by working your cardio.

The major sports brands see it as a very good marketing lever. In recent years, they have been a real war to bring together as many users as possible.

While you can easily follow your speed and distance when you are on the treadmill, doing it running in the real world is a completely different experience. You do not know how fast you go, to what extent you went, and if you have reached your goals. Fortunately, your iPhone now has all the tools necessary to follow your runs, monitor your overall progress and stay motivated. If you have had trouble finding the right application, here is a list of some of the best applications.

The best available running teachers

1. Nike Plus: the best known running application

Undoubtedly the best known of running applications. The firm of American textiles and sports shoes did not miss the opportunity to position itself on the flourishing market of connected foot races.

“Unlock Your Potential” (Develop your potential) ! This is how the brand welcomes its users on its nike more running app. The application is visually pretty and within the reach of anyone.

Now let’s go into the detail of it. After having downloaded it, you are asked to connect, this is an essential feature for all today’s apps to have remarkable follow -up and detailed information on the evolution of your performance.

Nike Plus Running really plays the personalization card by offering you to enter your gender, your weight, your size, as well as the measurement unit either in English or metric. All this information is collected for a specific purpose, provide you with optimal results, in particular the calories burned during your running outings. In case you do not wish to transmit this information, the application is based on average values ​​save with other users. Once all these elements are entered that is it you are ready to run accompanied by your application ! After your first race, the app will ask you how you felt, on what surface you ran and select one of the Nike pairs you used, a well -established brand ! You will also find in the menu the detail of your activity with very fun graphics and data. The application has conquered its fans, the Nike Plus community continues to grow. In addition to all its superb features, the app offers you the “Nikefuel” points consumed during your shopping.

A pure invention of the brand which has specially created an application (Nike+ Fuel App) and offers you to acquire a connected bracelet to permanently follow your activity. This technology can be used for any sport and daily activity. She will delight people wishing to constantly push their limits. Enter the Nike community and share your performance with your friends !

2. Runkeeper: Running Reference Application

Runkeeper is a hyper playful app and very easily usable. With more than 45 million users, it is the most used application worldwide. After having passed the traditional step of registration, the app invites you either to use with basic mode, or to acquire the Go program. The amount of this program is 11.35 CHF per month or 45.45 CHF per year. A sports coach at this price it does not exist ! Why have a sports coach ? This is another question ! This program takes on the role of sports coach and offers you very detailed statistics. In addition to tracking and basic monitoring that we find in the free version, you will find cases illustrating your progress, the comparison of your performance, advice to improve, the weather detail as well as live follow -up of your race.

What is the strength of this application is very clearly the “my program” menu. Here you have the possibility of defining your goals yourself to run longer or lose weight. You also have the option to request help to define your goals. The success assistant offers you several choices as a challenge, learn to run, train for a race or get back in shape. This app is relatively complete. Everything is done so that you can run your running in good conditions. You can prepare your training sessions yourself, by doing fractional for example, or by activating the pre -recorded sessions of Runkeeper. You have the choice of options such as activating warm-up exercises, rest phases and choosing the frequency of these. Running Runkeeper’s application is really simple to use, it is ideal for beginners as for runners who wish to push their limits. The app is free (without the Go program) and it is an essential advantage !

3. Runtastic: one of the best most complete running application

Runtastic is slightly less aesthetic than the previous two, it is nonetheless super effective ! It exists in two versions, a free “runtastic” and a paid (4.99 CHF) “Runtastic Pro”. It is the best rated application on blinds. In addition to your shopping and bicycle sessions, the application offers you follow -up during your weight training sessions. She also has a sharing service to receive the support of her friends on social networks. The notification system will help you keep your motivation intact and become aware of the efforts made, by sending you a weekly summary of your activities.

Once you are connected, Runtastic measures almost everything, between altitude, racing speed and the usual pace per kilometer you will find a multitude of options. Runtastic is a real nugget of features. The vocal coach is simply great and you have the possibility to modify the voice. Female or masculine you can benefit from the detail of your race in Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, English or even German. With the pro version, you will even have the right to encouragement from your vocal sports coach, but also the activation of “PowerSongs” in the event of soft strokes during your sessions ! The pro version offers you superb options such as measuring heart rate, monitoring if you are in dehydration, set calories to eliminate objectives to eliminate. The big attraction around this application is the connected objects. You have watches with hyper -sophisticated options, bracelets to measure your louse or synchronization tools for your smartwatchs. Runtastic is really the ideal app for running geeks. Special mention for the “Operation Bikini” program.

4. Pumatrac: most ambitious running application

The Running application of the Puma brand is undoubtedly the most remarkable and the one that differs most from the others. It does not have a multitude of features, but offers you a more precise vision of your optimal races conditions. Let me explain, to put it simply this application has a technology called “TICTRAC”. This allows the application to determine the moments when you performed the most or the least. This technology takes into account the weather conditions, the music you listen to, the place and the time you run and even depending on the moon. Amazing ! But true !

The handling is super intuitive. You just have to follow the tutorial and let’s go ! The app offers a possibility of use for many sports such as hiking, cycling, football, hockey. In addition to the basic features of all running applications, Pumatrac will seduce you with its simplicity. And you will undoubtedly discover a runner’s soul in extreme conditions. The interest of the application is really there, to get to know you better and to better manage your efforts according to all the surrounding elements. If you are a fan of Usain Bolt and advanced technologies then do not hesitate, download there !

5. Freeletics Running: the most remarkable fractional running application

In addition to its super cool design, Freeletics Running is a very complete running application. She couple perfectly with the other freeletics application to work on your muscles.

When you arrive on the application, you are offered to personalize your practice thanks to the help they call the personal sports coach. First of all, you should know that this feature is chargeable (decreasing price depending on the length of the subscription). We ask you here the basic information (weight, size, age), your sports level, your race experience and we end up asking you for your goal (then modifiable). The application will adapt and offer you a super suitable program. The value of this application lies in the choice of workouts. These are personalized exercises split to allow you to achieve your goals more quickly. You also have a menu devoted to distances. The advantage is to really help you push your limits. The Freeletics community is comparable to what Nike Plus does. This application for running is a good alternative to it. It is announced soon a twinning with the other freeletics applications. This will allow you to have a global vision of your physical activities and to have unprecedented follow -up. And yes sports coaching is democratized, but running applications follow the walk. You can follow your evolution: number of calories, training program, prepare a marathon or a semi marathon.