Runapps – Top 10 (US)

There is also a Dutch version of this Top 10 blog. The original posted reviews referred to in this article are all in Dutch, but you can use the Google Translate button on the right to transmiraculate the text into English.

The past six months I have been looking for the perfect free running app for my Android smartphone to keep track of my performance, to guide me on my trails and to train for races. Boundary conditions I formulated at the start were in short: 

Must haves:    Smooth gps, bluetooth heart rate monitor (HRM), reading out time / speed / distance and a simple screen lay out, prepared for a jittery runner with thick fingers and runny eyes

Wishes:         Detailed analysis afterwards via the app or the site with error-free statistics, play list support, planning of routes and training schedules with voice guidance

Dreams:         Calorie burn rate overview, Twitter integration

Gradually, it appeared to me that the simple things in life may be the most complicated. Virtually every app fulfilled the dream category with ease, but I was often disappointed by the lack of gps solidness, design focus on usability or adherence to classic standards.

Yes, I'm demanding and I'm spoiled, and what can you expect from free software? Well, for example, that it works. Floating banners are ok to me and I think it's logical that the paid version features improved planning and analysis tools. But a flaky gps or a cluttered interface in the free version will not suddenly improve with your donation.

I repeatedly tested each app using the same routes. The suppliers have been given the opportunity to react to my findings and I processed their response (if any). The table shows my summary of the key features and needed improvements.

Legend: +=good ~=moderate –=not / bad $=paid BT=Bluetooth
Icon
App screen	+	+	+	~	+	+	~	+	+	+
Site useful	~	+	–	+	–	+	–	+	+	+
Gps solid	+	–	~	+	+	+	+	+	–	+
HRM (BT)	~	+	Smart	+	ANT	ANT	~	$	+	$
Voice	+	+	~	+	~	+	~	+	+	$
Schedules	$	$	–	$	–	+	–	–	+	$
Improve	Site	Gps	Site	Screen	Bugs	BT	Screen	Options	Gps	Options

The bad news: There is no free app for all my whims and requirements. It could be me. Furthermore, my preferences may well change over time and I could get used to some inconveniences. Or a small hiccup may turn into a major nuisance. The good news: Some competitors are very close. New versions are released all the time, so it is necessary to re-test once in a while. I'm on the lookout for the manufacturer who will close the gap and win the race.

What does the course of the competition look like? An exciting division! Lagging behind, too simple in their free version, the minor league kids: Jogtracker, MyTracks, Nike+ and Runtastic. Off the beaten track, too inaccurate for beneficial use, high school drop-outs looking for a purpose in life: RunKeeper, Endomondo and MapMyRun. And to lead the university team of good & free, my favorite coed: miCoach; only missing bluetooth support. For that, refer to the runner-ups CardioTrainer or Looptijden.nl. 

Besides these ten apps, there is an eleventh one you can not live without. The result of long time development. Knows great accomplishments. On-board musical capabilities. Intuitive heart rate optimizer. Has a unique user interface, may not always be easy to use, and requires timely recharging. But absolutely indispensable. So hear & follow music, audience and tempo instructions, but especially listen to your body app: Homo Sapiens, version 2012.

Disclaimer. I tested these apps for fun, and I share my findings substantiated, but without scientific pretensions. My device was a Samsung Galaxy SII Android smartphone, version 2.3.5. I was not sponsored by the makers of the apps (or their competitors).