What's the best app for tracking runs?

I don't run myself, I mostly fish, but from my friends' experience - Strava or Garmin Connect if you have a watch. It all depends on what matters more to you: a social network for runners or just logging your data.

I also tried different apps when I started running in the mornings. At first it seemed like I needed all the features at once, but then I realized it depends on why you're running. If you're like me - just staying in shape and taking pictures of nice places during your runs - then the built-in apps or simple Strava will do. Someone already made a good point about Health, it's really convenient if you've got an iPhone.

But if you want to get serious about training, here's what I'd suggest. First, figure out your level: are you a beginner or do you already run regularly. For beginners it's enough to track distance, time and average speed - any app can handle that. Second, do you have a smartwatch? If you've got a Garmin or Apple Watch, then it's better to use the paired app so there's no duplication and your battery doesn't drain as fast.

Personally, I noticed that Strava is good not so much for the actual runs, but for motivation through the community. But if you don't want the social aspect and just want to keep stats, then Garmin Connect gives you more details on heart rate, elevation, workout analysis. Start simple - download one app and try it for two weeks, you'll figure out if it works for you.

Someone above rightly pointed out Strava - I'd recommend it first and foremost too. But I myself haven't gotten into serious run tracking yet, though I do jog from time to time. Most of my time goes to household stuff and mushroom hunting, especially during the season. When I'm picking an app for something new, I try not to clutter my phone with unnecessary stuff.

I think the choice really depends on your goals. If you just want to track your results, see your progress and occasionally compare with friends - Strava is perfect. The interface is intuitive, it works smoothly, and in 2026 the functionality only got better. If you're seriously into running and already have a sports watch (Garmin, Apple Watch), then it makes sense to link it to the corresponding app - it'll be more accurate with the sensors. And if you want minimal info - yeah, the built-in phone app will do the job.

My advice: first check if any of your friends use anything. If your buddies are on Strava, that's a huge plus - you can sync up and motivate each other. That's way more useful than the app's actual features.

It really depends on how deep you want to get into analyzing your runs. If you just need to see how many kilometers you've covered and how you're feeling, the built-in phone app or fitness tracker will do the job. But once you start wondering why some routes feel easier than others and which ones leave you completely drained, you'll want to look at pace, heart rate, elevation, and that's when a proper app makes a real difference.

Strava is genuinely convenient, the community there is active, and it's easy to compare yourself with others (though that's a double-edged sword - it can motivate you but also mess with your head). If you already have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, it's worth checking which app works best with your specific device, because sometimes the sync can be clunky or slow.

Here's what I started doing and it's been super helpful: I keep a simple spreadsheet on my phone where I note how much I slept the night before a run and how I was feeling. Then I look back at which days had better results. Turns out for me that matters way more than all the social features an app can offer - I figured out what sleep schedule I actually need for solid runs. You could use Strava and the spreadsheet together if you want, but to start, just download one thing and try it for a week or two.