Sports & outdoors

Best Running Apps for iPhone and Apple Watch in 2026

The best running apps for the iPhone cover everything from a first 5K plan to a marathon, and the best setups work just as well on the Apple Watch as on the phone.

This comparison focuses on apps and prices in the German App Store. Availability and prices can differ in other regions.

The best running apps for the iPhone cover everything from a first 5K plan to a marathon, and the best setups work just as well on the Apple Watch as on the phone. As of March 2026, Runna ships new AI training adjustments, while Nike Run Club remains the editors' free recommendation for all beginners. This list looks at running trackers, training plans and coaching, plus the companion and analysis apps that make the recorded data useful. It is aimed at runners who want real support for their training instead of just another GPS log, whether they are preparing for their first race or chasing a marathon personal best.

In this collection

01
Zombies, Run!
ZOMBIES RUN LTD
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.8
ZRX: Zombies, Run! turns running into a story: zombie missions make every run an adventure instead of a set of intervals. It follows a freemium model.
02
WorkOutDoors
Ian Muriss
$8.99App Store ★ 4.7
WorkOutDoors is described as the most powerful workout app for the Apple Watch, built around detailed maps and watch-first use rather than the phone. It costs a one-time €9.99.
03
Polar Flow
Polar Electro Oy
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.6
Polar Flow is the training and activity app for Polar sports watches and fitness trackers, where recorded sessions and daily activity come together. It is free.
04
ASICS Runkeeper—Run Tracker
ASICS Runner App, Inc.
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.8
ASICS Runkeeper is a running tracker with training plans and detailed statistics for runners, and one of the widely used choices in this list. It uses a freemium model.
05
Runna: Running Plans & Coach
Strava Inc.
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.9
Runna is a personalized AI running coach aimed at goals from 5K to the marathon, adapting plans as your training develops. It is subscription-based.
06
HealthFit
Stephane Lizeray
$6.99App Store ★ 4.6
HealthFit offers extended fitness analysis and syncing for Apple Watch data, aimed at runners who want more from their workouts than the Health app shows. It costs a one-time €7.99.
07
Strava: Run, Bike, Walk
Strava Inc.
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.8
Strava is the social network for athletes across running, cycling and hiking, where segments, leaderboards and friends keep training competitive. It uses a freemium model.
08
AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run
AllTrails, Inc.
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.9
AllTrails lets you discover hiking and biking trails worldwide, the companion here for runners who also spend time on the trails. It uses a freemium model.
09
Garmin Connect™
Garmin International
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.4
Garmin Connect is the official companion app for Garmin sports watches, with full training analysis for people who run with a Garmin device. It is free.
10
adidas Running: Run tracker
Adidas International Marketing B.V.
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.8
adidas Running is a GPS running tracker with training plans, audio feedback and a large community behind it. It uses a freemium model.
11
Nike Run Club: Running Coach
Nike, Inc
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.8
Nike Run Club is Nike's running tracker and coach, and the editors' pick when you want a complete running app for free. It is free.
12
komoot - hike, bike & run
komoot GmbH
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.7
komoot plans routes for hiking, cycling and running, with turn-by-turn guidance that also works well for trail running. It uses a freemium model.
13
StepsApp Pedometer
StepsApp GmbH
Free to downloadApp Store ★ 4.8
StepsApp is a pedometer app with goals, statistics and widgets from German developers, tracking daily steps rather than runs. It uses a freemium model.