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Head-to-head · Running Apps for Apple Watch

Strava vs Apple Workout

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Strava #1 in Running Apps for Apple Watch 9.3/10 Free plan · paid from $3.33/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Strava
Apple Workout #2 in Running Apps for Apple Watch 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Apple

Strava leads on 0 checks, Apple Workout on 3, 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 scoreStrava · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresApple Workout · 3 of 5

Strava scores higher on our rubric for running apps for apple watch: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

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

Strava is the better fit for runners who want tracking, routes, and community. Apple Workout is the better fit for apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics.

  • Strava fits best

    Runners who want tracking, routes, and community

  • Apple Workout fits best

    Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics

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

Side by side

Feature Strava 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Apple Workout 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #1 in Running Apps for Apple Watch #2 in Running Apps for Apple Watch
Best for Runners who want tracking, routes, and community Apple Watch runners who want detailed workout metrics
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android iOS
Support Docs, Community Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo
Features Strava 0/5 · Apple Workout 3/5
GPS run tracking Not published ✓ (best)
Guided workouts Not published —
Training plans Not published —
Offline run support Not published ✓ (best)
Phone-free tracking Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Other platforms Not published iPhone (Fitness app companion)
Our review
Pros
  • Record runs with GPS and real-time statistics on Apple Watch.
  • Explore, save, and use routes offline with a subscription.
  • Review training history, progress summaries, goals, and challenges.
  • 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
Cons
  • Advanced training analysis and offline maps require a subscription.
  • Coach tools are not included.
  • Support channels listed are documentation and community.
  • Does not provide training plans
  • Does not include guided workouts
  • Workout review is split between Apple Watch Activity and iPhone Fitness
Our verdict

Strava brings GPS activity recording, training history, routes, and social features together for runners who want more than a watch-based run log. It supports Apple Watch and other connected devices, and activities can also be imported…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. StravaRunning Apps for Apple Watch 9.3Free plan · paid from $3.33/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial
  2. Apple WorkoutRunning Apps for Apple Watch 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Strava — where it wins

    • Record runs with GPS and real-time statistics on Apple Watch.
    • Explore, save, and use routes offline with a subscription.
    • Review training history, progress summaries, goals, and challenges.

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced training analysis and offline maps require a subscription.
    • Coach tools are not included.
    • Support channels listed are documentation and community.

  • 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
  • Strava9.3/10 · Free plan · paid from $3.33/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial

    GPS tracking and route tools meet training analysis and community features.

    Visit StravaFull verdict →
  • Apple Workout9.1/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit AppleFull 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