best running apps for Android
Exercise is vastly important. Running is one of the easiest exercises. It requires little to not equipment and there are sidewalks everywhere. People are running to shed those pounds, stay in shape, and hopefully live a slightly longer, happier life. Your mobile device is perfect for keeping track of your running, distance, frequency, and in some cases, even heart rate. Exercise apps in general have a nasty habit of using the subscription model. It sucks to pay every month for basic stuff, but that’s the way things are. In any case, these are the best running apps for Android!
Couch to 5K (abbreviated as C5K) is one of the better running apps for beginners. It tracks your running, gives you paces to strive for, and more. The idea is to get you from never running to 5K runs in nine weeks. Some of the other programs include Couch to 10k, 5k to 10k, half marathon training, and even a fun run section. Some other features include a time and distance tracking, integration with music, and heart rate monitor support. This one is also especially great for its price. It has no subscriptions, only a pro version for a very reasonable price.
Endomondo is one of the most popular running apps. This one has a metric ton of features. Some of them include fitness tracking, analysis, support for various wearables, challenges, and social features. This one also tracks exercises other than running. That makes it great for those who exercise in multiple ways. It also includes support for MyFitnessPal, Google Fit, Android Wear, and Samsung Gear. You could do worse. This is one of the subscription running apps, though. It's not a bad thing, but something to keep in mind.
Google Fit is among the best free running apps on mobile. It keeps track of a variety of things, including exercise, calories burned, and more. It also supports most wearable exercise trackers. Some of the big names are Android Wear, Nike+, Runkeeper, Strava, MyFitnessPal, Lifesum, and even Sleep As Android for sleep tracking. It has its flaws. However, the app is entirely free. It's kind of hard to criticize it too much. It's definitely great for beginners as well.
Map My Run is another popular option for running apps. It boasts a community of 40 million people. This one helps map running routes, track stats, track goals, and more. The pro version adds better analysis, heart rate support, live tracking, and other tools. Thankfully, the free version works great for beginner and intermediate runners. The app also includes tracking for over 600 other activities. Like Endomondo, it's great for exercise in general. The MVP version of the app goes for $5.99 per month or $29.99 per year. That's a bit expensive, but the app is pretty good anyway.
Runkeeper is easily among the most popular running apps and for good reason. It works really well. The app features a variety of training regimes, tracking tools, goals, progress reports, and more. That includes support for wearables like Android Wear, Garmin watches, and some other Bluetooth devices. The free version gives you tracking and logging as well as basic stats. The pro version has all of the fun stuff. The monthly subscription is absurdly expensive and we don't recommend it. Those who go pro should probably pay by the year. It's vastly cheaper that way.
Running Distance Tracker+ is kind of a diamond in the rough when it comes to running apps. It's a bit more simple than most of its competitors. The app features distance and time tracking, average and current pace stats, calories burnt, voice feedback, and more. That's basically it. There are no unnecessary features or bloat in the background. The free version has all of the features mentioned. There is an option to buy various exercise programs. Each one has a subscription option or a lifetime unlock price. We appreciated the option to pay just once to get extra stuff. The UI is nice also.
Runtastic is one of the most feature-rich running apps out there. It can do basically anything you need it to do. That includes fitness tracking, live tracking, voice coaches, goals, support for various wearables, support for other apps, and a lot more. The premium version is a little weird. However, everything else seems to be right where it should be. The only downside to this app is how they handle the pro version. Some features end up behind the paywall and others come out on a consistent basis. That's really annoying, but it happens.
Strava is a running app as well as a cycling app. Basically, any activity where you travel long distances is covered by this one. The app includes the basics such as fitness tracking, support for many wearables, support for other apps, and personal challenges. It also lets runners and cyclists plan routes, track their previous exercise, and more. It's a solid, middle-of-the-road option. It has enough features to be competitive, but doesn't have so many that you end up not using them. That's a good balance. Its subscription prices are a little on the high side compared to competitors, though.
Zombies, Run! is one of the most unique running apps. It motivates you by telling you a story. The longer you go, the more of the story you unlock. The free version comes with some basic stuff. However, you need the pro version to get all of the stories along with some additional features. That includes over 200 story missions. Zombie Chases is a fun game mode. Basically, you speed up when you hear zombies behind you or drop supplies to distract them. It's difficult to put the experience into words. There is a free version to try out, though!
In some cases, downloading another app isn't necessary. Many wearables, including Android Wear, Samsung Gear, Fitbit, and others include apps with their experience. They are generally pretty good for basic stats like steps taken, heart rate (when applicable), distance traveled, stairs climbed, calories burned, and others. For instance, Fitbit (linked) has an exceptionally good app for basic stat tracking. It won't get you where the others do. However, not everyone wants such an in-depth experience. In that case, these running apps work just fine.
Comments
Post a Comment