Why a running app can (really) change your runs

A running app turns your smartphone (and connected watches like the Apple Watch) into a digital coach:

  • Real-time GPS tracking, heart rate/heart rate (via compatible sensors),
  • Vocal coach,
  • Social network for motivation,
  • Training plans (standard or customized),
  • Analytics and rankings.

Result: you measure your progress, stay motivated and achieve your goals (losing weight, preparing for a 10 km or half-marathon...).

In practice, a good running application helps you to :

  • Structure your sessions (fundamental endurance, split, tempo),
  • Adjust your pace and monitor your recovery,
  • To share your successes with your community to maintainengagement.

Features and offers may change over time, so always check the official data sheet before committing yourself.

best apps for running

The 10 best apps for running in 2025 (by usage)

1) Strava - The social network for runners: multi-sport tracking, maps/segments, clubs & challenges to boostengagement. Training plans available with subscription, wide watch/GPS and Apple Watch compatibility.

  • Who's it for? Those who are motivated by community, segments and rankings.

2) Nike Run Club (NRC) - Voice coach and audio-guided sessions, structured programs (5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon), Apple Watch integration and Apple Health synchronization including heart rate. Free app.

  • Who's it for? Beginners to advanced who like to be coached in real time on headphones.

3) adidas Running (ex-Runtastic) - GPS tracking, voice coach, leaderboard & challenges; training plans (premium offer). Cardio support according to sensors.

  • Who's it for? Lovers of brand challenges, gamification and structured plans.

4) ASICS Runkeeper - Running plans (Runkeeper GO for advanced options), Guided Workouts and Apple Watch compatibility.

  • Who's it for? Prepare a 10km/week time trial with a clear framework.

5) MapMyRun (Under Armour) - Real-time voice coach, GPS tracking, live tracking (premium offers).

  • Who's it for? Runners who want highly customizable audio feedback.

6) Kiprun Pacer (Decathlon) - Focused on the running program: free personalized plans for 10 km, half-marathon, marathon and trail (according to Decathlon communications).

  • Who's it for? Runners who want a personalized training plan without paying.

7) Fréquence Running - French application: adaptive plans according to your level and availability, interval editor, watch/GPS compatibility. Freemium.

  • Who is it for? Structure your 10km/half-marathon preparation in French.

8) RunMotion Coach - Personalized coaching (road, trail, triathlon) + export to Garmin/Suunto/Apple Watch. Free version + Premium (advanced features).

  • Who's it for? Scalable, multi-lens preparation and watch integration.

9) AllTrails - Find routes: database of hundreds of thousands of routes, filters, reviews, photos, activity logging and navigation (Plus options).

  • Who's it for? Varying nature trails and preparing your trail outings or discovery runs.

10) MyFitnessPal (nutrition bonus) - Calorie and macronutrient tracking to help you achieve your weight-loss goals while out and about.

  • Who's it for? Runners who want to optimize the balance between energy expenditure and energy intake.

How to choose your running application (checklist)

Objective:

Losing weight, getting back into running, first 10 km, half-marathon? Nike Run Club, Runkeeper, Kiprun Pacer, Fréquence Running and RunMotion Coach cover the plans (free or premium).

Social motivation: do you progress better with others? Strava (clubs, challenges, segments) and adidas Running (leaderboards/challenges).

Real-time coaching (audio): Nike Run Club (audio-guided), MapMyRun (voice coach), adidas Running (voice coach).

Connected watches and sensors: check for the presence of an Apple Watch app, cardio sensor compatibility and export to your ecosystem (Garmin/Suunto/Apple).

Budget: Kiprun Pacer (100% free plans) & NRC (free). Strava/MapMyRun/adidas/Runkeeper: free version + premium options.

What running program for a 10km half-marathon?

- Start a 10 km (8-10 weeks): Opt for a personalized training plan (free Kiprun Pacer, Fréquence Running or RunMotion Coach). Add 1 - 2 sessions of light strengthening.

- Time trial or half-marathon goals: Runkeeper (maps), Strava (maps via subscription) and Nike Run Club (complete maps with audio coaching) are ideal.

- Trail: Combine AllTrails (choice of routes) + a plan-oriented app (RunMotion/Frequency/Kiprun) to structure your weeks.

best apps for running

Privacy policy

Private life: think about your privacy zones. If you share rides, hide the start/finish (home/work). Strava offers detailed privacy controls (Help Center). Strava Help Center

To conclude

Choosing a running app only makes sense in terms of your goal: getting back into shape, progressing or performing. Choose apps that combine GPS, heart rate tracking, voice coaching and, above all, training plans tailored to you.

Coupled with a connected watch, these programs structure your outings, setting paces, optimizing recovery and making your progress legible. Whether it's a 10 km run, a half-marathon or weight loss, this framework remains the most effective way of achieving your goals without the headache.

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In just a few minutes, you deploy a mobile game that builds on your training plans and boostsengagement until concrete results are achieved.

For companies: gamify running with OuiLive

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FAQ

What's the best free app for getting started? Nike Run Club (audio coaching, complete plans) and Kiprun Pacer (100% free personalized plans) are two simple options for getting started.

Which running program for a 10 km/half marathon? Runkeeper (running plans), Strava (subscription plans) and Fréquence Running/RunMotion/Kiprun (personalized plans) cover 10 km and half-marathon goals.

Which app for Apple Watch? Runkeeper (dedicated app), NRC (Apple Health integration + heart rate monitoring) and Strava (app and sensor compatibility) offer a convincing experience.

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