9 Essential Apple Watch Apps You Should Install In 2026
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Best Self-Hosted Apps for Privacy and Data Control in 2026

But if you’re wearing the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple claims it can easily handle a 3-6 hour marathon while using GPS and still have battery to spare. That’s assuming you started with a full charge and you’re also not using it to listen to music, track your location, and answer texts mid-run. You can create a custom focus just for running, so you’re not getting bombarded with notifications while trying to nail a workout or just zone out.
Do I need the newest Apple Watch for these apps?
During testing, we were impressed with the easy-to-use interface, and how the app breaks training down into easy-to-understand sessions. You can also easily download the sessions onto your running watch, as the app easily syncs with Garmin, Coros, and Apple Watches. We only recommend the apps that have genuinely enhanced our running experience, in the hope that we can help many other runners benefit from them too.
What is the best app for beginning runners?
- Check out what I thought about their latest GPS watch the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro Review.
- If you’re a “techie” or love metrics, you will appreciate the amount of detailed information the Fitness+ app provides on your Apple Watch.
- Analyze your running data after each run and keep track of your progress in the app and on your watch.
- All of these choices have distinct features, so keep on reading to see our top 7 picks, including how we tested them for your long-term benefits.
- Alongside the free version of the app, Strava has a paid-for membership.
- However, it doesn’t really provide any insights into your heart rate, how it changes over time, and what that data might mean.
This running app is perfect for horror fans and those harna app reviews that don’t get motivated by traditional methods. MapMyRun by Under Armour is one of the best running apps for creating running routes. I use this app a lot when I need to create routes for myself or for leading running events.
iSmoothRun: Data Nerds’ Choice For Structured Workouts
When you’re working out, HeartWatch can provide haptic feedback every time your heart rate enters a new zone, based on your maximum heart rate. This is great for ensuring that you stay in the correct zone to achieve the results you’re aiming for. When you’re done, you can see all your heart rate data on your iPhone in granular detail. The problem with running apps is the majority of the time that you are using the app, you aren’t looking at the screen. I like the fonts, but the sidebar is a bit cluttered for my taste.

Tempo – Runner’s Workout Stats
After all, it requires a great deal of research and comparison to find out what running apps work with Apple Watch for the best results. Pick your distance goal when choosing your plan (from run your first 5K to ultramarathons), and find a community of runners taking part in upcoming events. Runna, owned by Strava, immediately offers you a plan with words of encouragement (using your name) from a coach. You can add a complication to your main Watch screen to have quick access to tracking and it will let you delve deeper into your progress and upcoming runs in the iPhone companion app.
A fitness app that doesn’t require your phone may be the start to a hassle-free run. The best apps for Apple Watch usually always contain a running tracker and detailed turn-by-turn directions. These 7 best running apps are all inexpensive, with some containing free trials. You could also find a completely free app that still has optional in-app purchases. People don’t need to spend loads of money on a running tracker that doesn’t even have interesting stories and key stats. People may need fitness trackers, race courses, and a built-in GPS for their running goals.
Best App for Outdoor Runs – MapMyRun
Suunto can now accurately monitor your heart rate from the wrist too. Check out what I thought about their latest GPS watch the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro Review. Road ID is known for bracelets that identify you to first responders after an unfortunate accident.
Setting Up Heart Rate Zones
Money Coach is a popular budget planning and finance app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It helps you improve your financial habits with budgeting and saving tools, as well as individual smart budgets. You can keep as many accounts and budgets as you need, with smart goals customized towards you. Use the Apple Watch app to get quick glances at your daily limits, budgets, and recent transactions.
Apple Watch could know the incline on a treadmill you are using for example, and could transmit your heart rate and other health data such as height and weight to the treadmill. This would give you more accurate data all round instead of relying on averages for calorie burn as most gym equipment currently does. And at the end of the session, the gym equipment is wiped of any personal data. The developer, Run Trainer B.V., indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. Level up your running game with Runna – whether you’re just starting out or want to start training for your next ultramarathon, we’ve got the right training plan for you.
Its tracking features count stops, calories burned and how intensely you are exercising. For instance, it is able to instantly determine whether you are running or walking. The watch also will notice periods of inactivity and vibrate to remind the user to get moving. Heart Analyzer is an advanced heart health app that gives you a better understanding of your heart health. You can see visualized data for your heart rate and other metrics, including at a glance on your Apple Watch.
Best Apple Watch apps: Travel
And I can get real-time readings on my positive/negative elevation accumulation along with my current altitude. These are features that you really NEED when out running the mountains. You should also be able to set specific fitness goals and customize the app to fit your needs. Many of these apps also work for other types of workouts like biking, which is perfect for athletes who like to work out in multiple ways. Running is an easy exercise to start, but it’s tough to master, especially if you have an improper form that leads to injuries.
Water Tracker
Another app for travel enthusiasts, City Mapper provides you with all you need for your next trip abroad, or even your Monday to Friday commute. It works by compiling the information from all local transport providers and presenting you with your options. With over 43,000 courses available, you can discover the best one in your area.
