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Head-to-head · Running Apps for Apple Watch

Apple Workout vs MapMyRun

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Apple Workout #2 in Running Apps for Apple Watch 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Apple
MapMyRun #5 in Running Apps for Apple Watch 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit MapMyRun

Apple Workout leads on 3 checks, MapMyRun on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApple Workout · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresApple Workout · 3 of 5

Apple Workout scores higher on our rubric for running apps for apple watch: 9.1 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Apple Workout offers gps run tracking; MapMyRun doesn't publish it. Apple Workout offers offline run support; MapMyRun doesn't publish it. Apple Workout offers phone-free tracking; MapMyRun doesn't publish it.

Apple Workout is the better fit for apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics. MapMyRun is the better fit for runners wanting adaptive plans and route tools.

  • Apple Workout fits best

    Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics

  • MapMyRun fits best

    Runners wanting adaptive plans and route tools

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Apple Workout 9.1/10 Visit ↗ MapMyRun 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.4
Ranking #2 in Running Apps for Apple Watch #5 in Running Apps for Apple Watch
Best for Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics Runners wanting adaptive plans and route tools
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms iOS Web, iOS, Android
Support Docs Email, Tickets, Docs
Built for Solo Solo
Features Apple Workout 3/5 · MapMyRun 0/5
GPS run tracking ✓ (best) Not published
Guided workouts — Not published
Training plans — Not published
Offline run support ✓ (best) Not published
Phone-free tracking ✓ (best) Not published
Specs
Other platforms iPhone (Fitness app companion) Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Shows heart rate, pace, running power, distance, and other metrics
  • Supports custom intervals, warmups, cooldowns, and workout views
  • Includes track features, lap alerts, and race-route comparisons
  • Records route, distance, pace, elevation, and calorie statistics with GPS
  • Offers performance-adaptive training plans and audio coaching
  • Supports route discovery, route saving, and workout summaries
Cons
  • Does not provide training plans
  • Does not include guided workouts
  • Workout review is split between Apple Watch Activity and iPhone Fitness
  • Heart-rate zones and workout analytics require MVP
  • Live tracking and some coaching features are tied to MVP membership
  • Listed integrations are narrower than broad fitness ecosystems
Our verdict

Apple Workout is the built-in Apple Watch app for recording indoor and outdoor runs. It is aimed at runners who want to track sessions from their watch and review detailed workout metrics, including heart rate, average pace, running power,…

Read the review →

MapMyRun tracks outdoor runs, treadmill sessions, and other activities through GPS recording and workout logging. It is aimed at runners who want route maps, activity history, training guidance, and progress summaries in one app, with…

Read the review →
  1. Apple WorkoutRunning Apps for Apple Watch 9.1Free plan
  2. MapMyRunRunning Apps for Apple Watch 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apple Workout — where it wins

    • Shows heart rate, pace, running power, distance, and other metrics
    • Supports custom intervals, warmups, cooldowns, and workout views
    • Includes track features, lap alerts, and race-route comparisons

    Where it doesn't

    • Does not provide training plans
    • Does not include guided workouts
    • Workout review is split between Apple Watch Activity and iPhone Fitness

  • MapMyRun — where it wins

    • Records route, distance, pace, elevation, and calorie statistics with GPS
    • Offers performance-adaptive training plans and audio coaching
    • Supports route discovery, route saving, and workout summaries

    Where it doesn't

    • Heart-rate zones and workout analytics require MVP
    • Live tracking and some coaching features are tied to MVP membership
    • Listed integrations are narrower than broad fitness ecosystems
  • Apple Workout9.1/10 · Free plan

    A free Apple Watch running app with detailed metrics and customizable workouts.

    Visit AppleFull verdict →
  • MapMyRun8.4/10 · Free plan

    A GPS run tracker with route tools and adaptive training; some features require MVP.

    Visit MapMyRunFull verdict →

More comparisons

All running apps for apple watch comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update