Which running app should you use? The answer: probably more than one.

Here's how the major apps compare.

The Major Players

Strava

What it does:

• Activity tracking and logging
• Social network for athletes
• Segments (compete on specific sections)
• Routes and exploration
• Training log and analysis

Best for:

• Social running community
• Segment competition
• Kudos and motivation
• Route discovery

Limitations:

• Premium features behind paywall
• Less deep training analysis than specialized apps
• No guided workouts

Cost: Free basic; $80/year for Premium

Garmin Connect

What it does:

• Syncs all Garmin device data
• Detailed physiological metrics
• Training load and recovery tracking
• Garmin Coach training plans
• Connect IQ integrations

Best for:

• Garmin device owners (required companion)
• Deep data analysis
• Structured training features
• Long-term trend tracking

Limitations:

• Requires Garmin device for full value
• Less social than Strava
• UI can be complex

Cost: Free with device

Nike Run Club

What it does:

• GPS tracking
• Guided runs with audio coaching
• Training plans (distance-based)
• Achievement badges
• Social features

Best for:

• Beginners
• Those wanting guided audio runs
• Casual runners
• Simple interface preference

Limitations:

• Less detailed data than others
• Weaker advanced features
• Limited device integrations

Cost: Free

Coros / Polar / Suunto Apps

What they do:

• Companion apps for respective devices
• Device-specific features and data
• Training analysis
• Sync with third parties

Best for:

• Owners of respective devices
• Deep integration with hardware

Note: Most sync to Strava, so users typically use both.

TrainingPeaks

What it does:

• Advanced training analysis
• Coach-athlete platform
• Structured workout library
• Periodization and planning
• TSS/CTL/ATL metrics

Best for:

• Serious athletes with structured plans
• Those working with coaches
• Triathletes and multi-sport athletes
• Data-driven training optimization

Limitations:

• Steeper learning curve
• Subscription costs
• May be overkill for casual runners

Cost: Free basic; $120/year for Premium; $240/year for Premium + ATP

Feature Comparison

Tracking & GPS

Social Features

Training Analysis

Guided Training

Typical Setups

The Casual Runner

Primary: Nike Run Club or Strava free Use case: Track runs, occasional social sharing

The Social Runner

Primary: Strava Secondary: Device companion app (Garmin, etc.) Use case: Community, segments, kudos culture

The Serious Amateur

Primary: Device app + Strava Secondary: TrainingPeaks for planning Use case: Data analysis + social + training structure

The Coached Athlete

Primary: TrainingPeaks Secondary: Device app → Strava Use case: Coach-prescribed workouts, detailed analysis

Integration & Syncing

How It Works

Most apps sync with each other:

• Watch → Manufacturer app (automatic)
• Manufacturer app → Strava (one-time setup)
• Other apps connect via OAuth

Common Sync Chains

Garmin user: Garmin device → Garmin Connect → Strava (automatic)

Apple Watch user: Apple Watch → Apple Health → Strava (or direct NRC)

Coros user: Coros device → Coros app → Strava

Third-Party Tools

Tapiriik, RunGap: Sync data between platforms that don't directly connect.

Recommendations

For Beginners

Start with: Nike Run Club or Strava free

• Simple interface
• Guided runs (NRC)
• Community (Strava)
• Free

For Data Lovers

Use: Garmin Connect (with Garmin device) + Strava

• Deep metrics from Garmin
• Social/segments from Strava
• Best of both worlds

For Competitive Runners

Use: Strava Premium + device app

• Segment competition
• Training load tracking
• Route planning
• Community motivation

For Serious Training

Use: TrainingPeaks + device app + Strava

• Structured training
• Detailed analysis
• Social connection
• Complete ecosystem

The Bottom Line

There's no single best app. Most runners eventually use multiple apps:

• One for device data (Garmin, Coros, Polar)
• One for social (Strava)
• One for training structure (if needed)

Find the combination that matches your priorities and enjoy the running.

Sync your data to your dashboard for personalized training insights.