The 12 Best Running Apps for Beginners in 2025

Ready to lace up your shoes but not sure where to start? Finding the right app can be a game-changer, turning daunting miles into achievable milestones. Forget confusing tech and pricey gear; your smartphone is all you need to get going. This guide is your first step towards finding the perfect digital coach—a true running partner in your pocket. We've tested and reviewed the very best running apps for beginners, focusing on what truly matters when you're just starting out: clear guidance, simple motivation, and features that build your confidence.

For many busy professionals and parents, finding the time and a clear plan is the biggest hurdle. A great running app solves this by providing structure and encouragement right when you need it. It eliminates the guesswork, telling you when to run, when to walk, and how far to go. This guide cuts through the noise of the app store to give you a straightforward, comprehensive breakdown of the top options available.

What You'll Find in This Guide:

• Detailed reviews of 12 beginner-friendly running apps, from mainstream choices like Nike Run Club to fun, gamified options like Zombies, Run!
• Honest assessments of each app's strengths and limitations, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
• Practical use cases to help you match an app to your specific goals, whether it’s training for your first 5K or simply building a consistent habit.

We’ll show you which apps offer the best free training plans, which make running feel like a game, and which provide the gentle push you need to stay on track. Let’s find the app that fits your goals and gets you moving.

What You'll Need (The Bare Essentials)

Starting a running routine doesn't require a lot of fancy equipment. Here's all you truly need to begin:

• A Smartphone: The device you already own is powerful enough to track your runs and guide you.
• A Pair of Comfortable Shoes: You don't need the most expensive pair on the market, just something that provides support and feels good on your feet.
• Headphones (Optional): For listening to music, podcasts, or the in-app audio coaching that makes the experience so much better.

1. Apple App Store

For anyone with an iPhone or Apple Watch, your journey to finding the best running apps for beginners starts here. The Apple App Store isn't an app itself, but the official, secure marketplace where you'll discover and download every tool on this list. It's the essential first stop, providing a trusted environment to explore options like Nike Run Club and Couch to 5K without worrying about security.

What makes the App Store stand out is its commitment to transparency. Each app page clearly details in-app purchase costs, subscription terms, and crucial privacy disclosures, showing you exactly what data an app collects. This allows you to make an informed decision before you even hit "download." The user review and rating system is also invaluable, offering real-world feedback from other runners.

Practical Tips & Key Features

For beginners, the App Store's editorial curation is a major advantage. Apple’s editors often feature collections like "Apps for New Runners" or "Get Ready for a 5K," which can guide you directly to high-quality, relevant applications. Managing your subscriptions is also straightforward, allowing you to easily cancel trials directly from your device settings, preventing unwanted charges.

• The safest, most secure source for downloading iOS and watchOS apps.
• Clear, upfront information on pricing, privacy, and device compatibility.
• Simplified management of free trials and paid subscriptions.

• Exclusively for Apple users; not available for Android devices.
• Some developers may offer better subscription prices on their own websites.

Visit the Website: Apple App Store - Health & Fitness

2. Google Play Store

For Android users, your gateway to the best running apps for beginners starts with the Google Play Store. This official Android marketplace lets you find and install top-rated apps like Strava, Nike Run Club, MapMyRun, and more—all in one secure place. You can filter options by device or Wear OS compatibility, ensuring you only see apps that work on your phone or watch.

What makes the Google Play Store stand out is its user-centric features. Detailed ratings and reviews help you gauge real runner experiences. Subscription and trial management tie directly to your Google account, so you control costs and can cancel within minutes. Regular policy updates also mean you benefit from the latest security and quality improvements.

Practical Tips & Key Features

• Device and Wear OS compatibility filters let you narrow results to your specific hardware
• In-depth user reviews highlight practical use cases and performance on the road
• One-stop subscription management simplifies free trials and paid plans
• Auto-updates deliver the newest features and bug fixes without manual effort

Pros:

• Comprehensive source for Android and Wear OS running apps
• Robust vetting process and ongoing quality enforcement

Cons:

• Only available on Android devices
• Prices and app availability can vary by region

Visit the Website: https://play.google.com/store

3. Strava

Strava is often called the "social network for athletes," and for good reason. It’s one of the most popular GPS tracking apps, turning every run into an opportunity to connect, compete, and explore. For beginners, this community aspect can be a powerful motivator, transforming a solitary jog into a shared experience with friends and a global community of runners. The app excels at tracking your runs with detailed stats, but its real magic lies in its social features.

What sets Strava apart is its focus on "Segments," which are user-created stretches of road or trail where you can compare your time against others. While this might sound intimidating, it adds a fun, game-like element to your regular routes. Strava’s extensive device compatibility is also a huge plus, seamlessly syncing with almost every GPS watch and fitness tracker on the market. The free version offers robust tracking and social features, while a paid subscription unlocks advanced analytics, route planning, and safety tools.

Practical Tips & Key Features

As a new runner, start by exploring the Route Discovery feature to find popular and safe running paths in your area. Joining a local club or a beginner's challenge within the app can provide extra encouragement and accountability. Don't overlook the Beacon feature (a premium offering) which allows you to share your live location with up to three safety contacts, providing peace of mind when you're running alone.

• A massive, highly active community provides motivation and social connection.
• Works with nearly every major fitness device (Garmin, Apple Watch, Polar, etc.).
• Fun, gamified features like Segments and challenges keep things interesting.

• Many of the most valuable features, like advanced route planning and detailed analytics, are locked behind a paid subscription.
• The competitive nature of leaderboards may feel overwhelming for some beginners.

Visit the Website: Strava

4. Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club (NRC) stands out as one of the best running apps for beginners because it offers a premium, coach-led experience entirely for free. Where other apps lock their best features behind a paywall, NRC provides everything from structured 5K training plans to hundreds of Audio-Guided Runs with Nike coaches and elite athletes. This makes it an incredibly accessible and motivating tool for anyone just starting their running journey.

The app's design is clean, encouraging, and focused on celebrating your personal progress rather than just raw data. Features like in-run audio cheers from friends, personal record tracking, and mileage tracking on your running shoes add a layer of fun and practicality. For beginners, the guided runs are a game-changer, providing form tips, motivation, and storytelling that makes the miles fly by.

Practical Tips & Key Features

To get the most out of NRC, dive into the "Guided Runs" section and filter by distance or coach to find a run that matches your mood and goal for the day. For those needing more structure, the "Plans" section offers adaptive coaching programs that adjust based on your progress, helping you prepare for your first race. The live location sharing feature also gives you added peace of mind when running alone.

• Completely free with no hidden costs or in-app purchases.
• High-quality Audio-Guided Runs and structured training plans.
• Simple, motivating interface perfect for first-time runners.

• Users occasionally report sync issues between the app and a paired watch.
• Lacks the deep analytical data found in more advanced, paid platforms.

Visit the Website: Nike Run Club

5. ASICS Runkeeper

ASICS Runkeeper is a seasoned veteran in the world of running apps, offering a reliable and polished experience that’s perfect for beginners. Its clean interface and straightforward setup remove any initial intimidation, allowing you to simply start tracking your runs with GPS. The app provides clear, motivating audio cues during your workout, announcing your pace, distance, and time so you can stay focused without constantly checking your phone.

What makes Runkeeper one of the best running apps for beginners is its library of guided training plans. Whether you’re aiming for your first 5K, tackling a 10K, or just want to build a consistent habit, the app provides structured workouts to get you there. The free version offers more than enough to get started, but the affordable premium tier, Runkeeper Go, unlocks personalized, adaptive training plans that adjust based on your progress.

Practical Tips & Key Features

A great way for new runners to start is with the "My First 5K" training plan, which mixes running and walking intervals to build endurance safely. The goal-setting feature is also highly motivational; you can set targets for distance, frequency, or weight loss, and the app will track your progress, keeping you accountable. The Apple Watch app is seamless, allowing for a phone-free running experience while still capturing all your essential data.

• Simple, intuitive interface that is easy for beginners to navigate.
• Excellent free training plans for common goals like running a 5K.
• Competitive and affordable annual pricing for its premium (Go) subscription.

• Advanced coaching and deeper performance analytics require the Runkeeper Go subscription.
• Some motivational features and detailed progress reports are locked behind the paywall.

Visit the Website: ASICS Runkeeper

6. Couch to 5K by ACTIVE

For the absolute beginner who finds the idea of running for more than a minute intimidating, the Couch to 5K app is the perfect starting point. This app isn't about endless features or competitive leaderboards; its entire purpose is to guide you from walking to comfortably running a 5K race in just nine weeks. It accomplishes this with a structured, gentle program that has proven successful for millions.

What makes this one of the best running apps for beginners is its simplicity and singular focus. The plan consists of three 20 to 30-minute workouts per week, gradually increasing running intervals while decreasing walking time. An audio coach guides you through every session, telling you exactly when to walk and when to run, so you can focus on your effort without constantly checking your phone. This straightforward approach removes the guesswork and builds confidence week by week.

Practical Tips & Key Features

To get the most out of the app, choose one of the human audio coaches whose voice you find motivating. The program’s success hinges on consistency, so stick to the three-days-a-week schedule as closely as possible. The app tracks your distance and pace via GPS and integrates with Apple Health, but its core value is the structured audio-guided plan. It’s an ideal first step before graduating to more feature-rich apps.

• Designed specifically for absolute beginners with a gentle, achievable progression.
• Low one-time cost provides full access to the program.
• Clear audio cues make it easy to follow workouts without looking at your screen.

• Limited scope; once you complete the 5K plan, there's little reason to keep using it.
• Lacks the robust community and social features found in other running apps.

Visit the Website: Couch to 5K by ACTIVE

7. MapMyRun (Under Armour / Outside)

MapMyRun excels at one of the biggest hurdles for new runners: figuring out where to run. It offers one of the most extensive and user-friendly route discovery and creation tools available. This makes it a standout choice if you're looking for safe, vetted, or just more interesting paths in your neighborhood or when you're traveling. The platform provides a solid foundation for tracking your workouts, with a strong community element to keep you motivated.

While the free version covers all the essentials like GPS tracking and distance logging, the MVP subscription unlocks personalized training plans, audio coaching, and advanced metrics. One of its most practical features, even in the free tier, is the gear tracker. You can log the mileage on your running shoes, and the app will notify you when it's time for a new pair, helping you prevent injuries. This makes it one of the best running apps for beginners focused on building a solid, safe foundation.

Practical Tips & Key Features

To get the most out of MapMyRun, spend time exploring the "Routes" feature on the website or app. You can filter by distance and see popular local runs, complete with elevation profiles. When starting out, the audio coaching can provide real-time feedback on your pace and distance, which is incredibly helpful for staying on track without constantly checking your phone. The app also integrates smoothly with a wide range of devices, including Under Armour's own connected footwear, Apple Watch, and Garmin.

• Excellent for discovering and creating safe, local running routes.
• Useful gear tracking feature to monitor shoe mileage and prevent injury.
• Strong integration with a wide variety of fitness devices and other apps.

• Key features like training plans and live tracking require a paid MVP subscription.
• The interface can feel a bit cluttered with community challenges and social features.

Visit the Website: MapMyRun

8. adidas Running (formerly Runtastic)

For runners who thrive on community and brand integration, adidas Running (formerly the popular Runtastic app) is a powerhouse. It offers robust GPS tracking for runs, walks, and other activities, but its strength lies in its ecosystem. The app connects you to a global community, allowing you to participate in challenges and even receive live cheers from friends during your run, which can be a huge motivator when you’re just starting out.

What makes adidas Running one of the best running apps for beginners is its seamless integration with the adiClub rewards program. Every kilometer you run earns you points, which can be redeemed for discounts on adidas gear. This gamified approach turns your fitness progress into tangible rewards, providing an extra layer of encouragement. The app also offers shoe tracking, helping you monitor mileage on your running shoes to prevent injuries.

Practical Tips & Key Features

A great starting point for new users is joining one of the many community challenges. These range from monthly distance goals to special event tie-ins and provide a clear, achievable target. The app also syncs effortlessly with a wide range of devices from Garmin, Polar, and COROS, so you aren’t locked into a specific hardware ecosystem. Be mindful that the platform is undergoing changes, with some features and integrations evolving in 2025.

• Strong community features like challenges and live cheering.
• adiClub integration provides real-world rewards for your activity.
• Excellent interoperability with many popular GPS watches and platforms.

• The platform is in a state of transition, with some features changing.
• Some third-party connections and API support were discontinued in 2025.

Visit the Website: adidas Running

9. Garmin Connect (+ Garmin Coach)

If you own or are considering a Garmin watch, the Garmin Connect platform is an essential and powerful companion. More than just an app, it's a comprehensive ecosystem that analyzes your activity, sleep, and stress, but its true gem for new runners is the free Garmin Coach feature. This isn't a generic plan; it offers adaptive training programs for 5K, 10K, and half-marathon goals, created by real-world coaches like Jeff Galloway and Greg McMillan.

What makes Garmin Coach one of the best running app experiences for beginners is its seamless integration. The adaptive plans sync directly to your watch, telling you exactly what to do for each workout, from warm-up to cool-down. The platform then uses your run data to adjust future workouts based on your performance. This creates a personalized, responsive training experience that takes the guesswork out of getting started and helps prevent you from doing too much, too soon.

Practical Tips & Key Features

For beginners, the key is to choose a coach and a goal within the app, then trust the process. The plans build gradually and are designed with new runners in mind. Beyond the coach, Garmin Connect offers an incredible depth of data, tracking everything from your pace and heart rate to cadence and elevation. While this can seem overwhelming at first, focus on the basics and explore the deeper metrics as you gain more experience.

• Garmin Coach plans are completely free with a compatible device.
• Truly adaptive training that adjusts to your actual performance.
• Seamless integration and structured guidance delivered to your watch.

• Most features, especially Garmin Coach, require owning a Garmin watch.
• Some users report occasional glitches when syncing training plans.

Visit the Website: Garmin Connect

10. Peloton App (One / Peloton App)

While famous for its spin bikes, the Peloton App is a powerhouse for guided running and a fantastic choice for beginners who thrive on a class-style atmosphere. It offers a rich library of audio-guided outdoor runs, including structured walk/runs, interval training, and tempo sessions perfect for new runners. You don't need any Peloton hardware to access these motivating, coach-led workouts.

What makes the Peloton App one of the best running apps for beginners is its holistic approach. Your subscription unlocks a massive library of cross-training content, including strength, mobility, and yoga classes that are crucial for injury prevention and building a strong running foundation. The world-class instructors and perfectly curated playlists make every workout feel like a premium studio experience, keeping your motivation high.

Practical Tips & Key Features

For new runners, starting with the "Outdoor" run category and filtering by "Walk + Run" is the perfect entry point. These sessions provide structured guidance on when to walk and when to run, helping you build endurance safely. Because the app is a complete fitness solution, you can easily stack a short run with a 10-minute post-run stretch or a 20-minute bodyweight strength class, all within one platform.

• Excellent, motivating coaching with curated playlists that make workouts engaging.
• One subscription provides access to a huge library of cross-training content.
• Structured programs and walk/run options are ideal for building a new habit.

• GPS tracking and run-specific community features are less robust than dedicated apps like Strava.
• The monthly membership is on the higher end of the app market.

Visit the Website: Peloton App

11. Pacer

Pacer positions itself as a friendly "pedometer plus" app, making it an excellent starting point for those new to fitness who might find dedicated running apps intimidating. It focuses on the simple act of walking more and gradually introduces running through accessible challenges. The app serves as a fantastic, low-pressure on-ramp, turning your daily step count into a foundation for building a consistent running habit.

What makes Pacer one of the best running apps for beginners is its community-centric approach. Instead of focusing on elite performance metrics, it encourages participation through group challenges, virtual events, and community clubs. This fosters a supportive environment where progress is celebrated at every level, making it feel less like a training tool and more like a global walking and running group. The user interface is clean, simple, and focuses on daily goals, which is perfect for building motivation.

Practical Tips & Key Features

For absolute beginners, the best way to use Pacer is to start with its core function: tracking your daily steps. Once you're comfortable hitting a consistent step goal, you can join a "Walk to Run" challenge or explore local routes discovered by other users. While the free version is great for motivation and basic tracking, the Premium subscription unlocks structured training plans, advanced analytics, and the ability to sync with devices like Fitbit and Garmin, which is a worthwhile upgrade once you commit to running more seriously.

• Excellent, low-pressure introduction to activity tracking for absolute beginners.
• Strong community features like challenges and clubs provide great motivation.
• The user interface is incredibly simple, friendly, and easy to navigate.

• Lacks the advanced running metrics found in more specialized apps.
• Many of the most useful training features are locked behind the Premium subscription.

Visit the Website: Pacer

12. Zombies, Run!

For those who find traditional running a bore, Zombies, Run! transforms your workout into an immersive audio adventure. Instead of focusing solely on pace and distance, this app makes you the hero of a post-apocalyptic story. Each run is a mission where you collect supplies and evade zombie hordes, turning a monotonous jog into a thrilling escape.

What makes Zombies, Run! one of the best running apps for beginners is its focus on intrinsic motivation. The app’s strength lies in its award-winning storytelling, which keeps you engaged and eager to head out for your next run to find out what happens next. With over 600 missions and virtual races, there is always new content to explore. The optional "zombie chases" feature encourages you to pick up your pace, providing a fun, gamified way to incorporate interval training.

Practical Tips & Key Features

To get started, simply download the app, plug in your headphones, and begin the first mission. The app works seamlessly outdoors with GPS or on a treadmill. For absolute beginners, the dedicated ZR 5K Training program (available with the VIP membership) is an excellent, story-driven alternative to standard Couch to 5K plans. This structured program gradually builds your fitness over 25 workouts, making the journey to running a 5K feel like an epic adventure rather than a chore.

• Extremely motivating for users who need narrative and gamification.
• Works for both outdoor runs and treadmill workouts via an audio-first experience.
• Massive library of story content ensures long-term engagement.

• Lighter on traditional running analytics compared to training-focused apps.
• Full access to all story content requires a VIP subscription.

Visit the Website: Zombies, Run!

Top 12 Running Apps for Beginners — Comparison

Your First Run is Just a Download Away

You've just explored some of the best tools to kickstart your running journey, from community-driven powerhouses like Strava to gamified adventures like Zombies, Run!. The sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming, but the goal is simple: find a companion that gets you out the door and makes running feel good.

The journey from a curious beginner to a confident runner is a personal one, and the right app is a powerful ally. Remember, the best running app for beginners isn't the one with the most features; it’s the one that resonates with you and makes you want to lace up your shoes.

Making Your Choice: Key Takeaways

Feeling stuck? Let’s break it down. Your choice can be simplified by focusing on what motivates you and where you're starting from.

• For Absolute Beginners Needing Structure: If the idea of running for even a few minutes feels intimidating, Couch to 5K is your undeniable starting point. Its structured, interval-based plan is specifically designed to build your confidence and stamina from zero.
• For Those Seeking Free, High-Quality Coaching: The Nike Run Club app is a standout. With its extensive library of free guided runs and adaptive coaching plans, it offers a premium experience without the price tag, making it one of the absolute best running apps for beginners on a budget.
• For Data Lovers and Social Butterflies: If you're motivated by metrics, progress charts, and a little friendly competition, Strava or ASICS Runkeeper are excellent choices. Strava excels in social features, while Runkeeper offers robust goal-setting and progress-tracking.
• For Gamers and Story-Driven Individuals: If traditional running feels like a chore, Zombies, Run! will transform it into an immersive adventure. The narrative-driven missions provide a compelling distraction that makes the miles fly by.

Your Action Plan: From Download to First Run

Information without action is just noise. The most crucial step is the one you take next. Don’t let analysis paralysis keep you on the couch.

1. Pick ONE App: Based on the summaries above, choose the app that sounds the most exciting or best fits your personality. You can always switch later if it doesn’t click.
2. Download and Set Up Your Profile: Take five minutes right now to install the app and create your account. This small commitment makes your goal tangible.
3. Schedule Your First Session: Open your calendar and block out 30 minutes for your first walk or run this week. Treat it like any other important appointment.
4. Just Go: When the time comes, don’t negotiate with yourself. Put on your shoes, open the app, and head out the door. The goal of the first run isn't distance or speed; it's simply to start.

Ultimately, your journey into running is a series of single steps, and choosing an app is just the first one. These tools are designed to meet you where you are, providing the guidance and motivation needed to turn a new habit into a lasting part of your life. You have everything you need to begin.

As your running journey progresses, you'll build a strong foundation of cardiovascular fitness. To prevent injury and build a powerful, resilient body, complement your runs with simple, effective strength workouts you can do at home. Visit barefitness.com for equipment-minimal routines designed to support your running goals and help you build all-around fitness.