Best Running Apps For Beginners

250+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated October 2026

Finding the right running apps for beginners can be overwhelming with so many options. We've analyzed 250+ apps to bring you the best choices for 2026, from free options to premium solutions with advanced features.

Compare top Running Apps For Beginners (October 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Strava: Run, Bike, WalkStrava: Run, Bike, WalkFree4.8β˜… (375K)YesYesOct 2026
2None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10KNone to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10KFree4.8β˜… (5.1K)NoYesOct 2026
3Nike Run Club: Running CoachNike Run Club: Running CoachFree4.8β˜… (418K)YesNoOct 2026
4Runna: Running Plans & CoachRunna: Running Plans & CoachFree4.8β˜… (34K)NoYesOct 2026
5Running Slimkit - Lose WeightRunning Slimkit - Lose WeightFree4.6β˜… (87K)YesYesOct 2026
6Running Trainer: Tracker&CoachRunning Trainer: Tracker&CoachFree4.9β˜… (114K)NoYesOct 2026
7Runked: Running Rank & PlansRunked: Running Rank & PlansFreeβ€”NoYesOct 2026
8Couch to 5k Running ProgramCouch to 5k Running ProgramFree3.2β˜… (5)NoNoMay 2026

Top Picks for Running Apps For Beginners

Strava: Run, Bike, Walk#1

Strava: Run, Bike, Walk by Strava, Inc.

Track & share with friends
4.8😐(375K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#2in Health & Fitness
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk screenshot 1
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk screenshot 2
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk screenshot 3
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk screenshot 4
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk screenshot 5
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk screenshot 6

Track all your activities, from runs to yoga, and share your progress with friends. Discover new routes, get AI-powered insights, and join challenges. Stay motivated and safe with real-time location sharing.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Great platform
  • πŸ‘ Excellent for tracking fitness activities
  • πŸ‘ Motivating and engaging community
  • πŸ‘ Comprehensive data and analytics

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Inaccurate GPS tracking and distance recording
  • πŸ”’ Poor customer support and unresponsive to user issues
  • πŸ’° Aggressive monetization with features locked behind paywall
  • πŸ” Confusing and cluttered user interface
  • πŸ” Lacking key features for certain sports (e.g. swimming, mountain biking)
None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K#2

None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K by UniqueBits, LLC

Training Plans & Tracker App
4.8😊(5.1K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 1
None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 2
None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 3
None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 4
None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 5
None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K screenshot 6

This app offers structured training plans designed for absolute beginners to build a sustainable running habit. It provides gradual progression, audio cues, and strength routines to help users start running safely and consistently, even if they've never run before.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Gradual and achievable program
  • πŸ‘ Supportive and welcoming community
  • πŸš€ Seamless integration with Apple Watch and music
  • πŸ‘ Excellent customer service and support
  • πŸš€ Customizable and flexible program
  • πŸ‘ Comprehensive training plans (None to Run, 5K, 10K)
  • πŸš€ Detailed workout tracking and statistics

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Occasional syncing issues between phone and watch
  • πŸ› Distance tracking inaccuracies on treadmill
  • πŸ› App crashes or bugs after recent updates
Nike Run Club: Running Coach#3

Nike Run Club: Running Coach by Nike, Inc

Workout App & Distance Tracker
Worth Considering
πŸ’ͺ Health & Fitness
4.8😊(418K ratings)
FreeAds
#48in Health & Fitness
Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 1
Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 2
Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 3
Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 4
Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 5
Nike Run Club: Running Coach screenshot 6

This app offers guided runs, training plans, and community challenges to help users start, continue, and enjoy running. It tracks speed, distance, and GPS routes, providing motivation and expert guidance for various fitness levels and goals.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Excellent coaching and guided runs
  • πŸ‘ Motivating and encouraging
  • πŸ“Š Comprehensive tracking and analytics
  • 🎨 Customizable run colors and levels
  • 🀝 Supportive community and challenges

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Sync and connectivity issues
  • πŸ€” Confusing or unintuitive features
  • πŸ” Inaccurate distance and pace tracking
  • πŸ”§ Buggy updates and crashes
  • πŸ™„ Repetitive and scripted audio

More Running Apps For Beginners apps to explore

FAQ about Running Apps For Beginners

What are the best running apps for beginners for iPhone?
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk tops our running apps for beginners ranking as of October 2026, with a 4.8-star average from 375K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes β€” 20 of the top running apps for beginners we rank are free to download, including Strava: Run, Bike, Walk and None to Run: Beginner, 5K, 10K.
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of October 2026.
We track 250+ running apps for beginners on the iOS App Store as of October 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.