STRAVA vs. MAPMYRUN: What is the Best Free Exercise App?

Overview

Strava and MapMyRun are two popular exercise tracking apps that cater primarily to runners and cyclists. Both apps offer a range of features aimed at helping users track their workouts, connect with friends, and achieve their fitness goals. While Strava is known for its strong community features and social networking capabilities, MapMyRun emphasizes detailed workout tracking and analysis. This comparison will delve into their features, pros and cons, and benefits to determine which app is the best fit for your exercise needs.

Strava

Features & Innovation:

Activity Tracking: Users can track a variety of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and more, with detailed metrics.

Segment Leaderboards: Strava allows users to compete on specific segments of their routes against other users, fostering a competitive spirit.

Social Networking: Users can connect with friends, share workouts, and join clubs to engage with the community.

Route Discovery: The app provides suggestions for popular routes based on user data and activity heatmaps.

Fitness Insights: Users can view detailed analytics, such as pace, distance, elevation, and heart rate (with compatible devices).

Pros:

• Strong Community Engagement: Strava’s social features encourage users to connect, compete, and share achievements.
• Variety of Activities: Supports tracking for multiple sports, making it versatile for various athletes.
• Segment Feature: The ability to compete on segments adds a fun and competitive element to workouts.

Cons:

• Limited Features in Free Version: Some advanced features, such as training plans and detailed analysis, require a premium subscription.
• Data Privacy Concerns: The public sharing of routes can raise concerns about privacy and safety.

Benefits:

• Excellent for users who thrive on community engagement and competition.
• Ideal for athletes looking for detailed performance tracking across multiple sports.

MapMyRun

Features & Innovation:

Workout Tracking: Users can track runs, walks, hikes, and other activities with detailed metrics, including pace, distance, and calories burned.

Route Mapping: MapMyRun provides an easy way to create and save custom routes, with elevation data and distance measurement.

Fitness Challenges: The app offers challenges to motivate users and help them stay accountable to their fitness goals.

Nutrition Tracking: Users can log their meals and track nutritional intake, integrating fitness and nutrition management.

Heart Rate Monitoring: Syncs with compatible heart rate monitors for real-time heart rate tracking during workouts.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Tracking: Offers detailed insights into both workouts and nutrition, appealing to users interested in overall health.
• User-Friendly Interface: The app is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for all users.
• Custom Route Mapping: Users can easily create and explore new routes, enhancing their running experience.

Cons:

• Ads in Free Version: The free version contains ads, which may disrupt the user experience.
• Limited Community Features: While it has some social aspects, it’s not as community-focused as Strava.

Benefits:

• Great for users looking for a comprehensive fitness tracking solution that includes nutrition.
• Ideal for runners who want to create and explore new routes easily.

Customer Reviews:

Strava Reviews:

Positive: Users love the community aspect and the ability to challenge themselves on segments. The detailed analytics are often praised for enhancing performance tracking.

Negative: Some users express concerns about privacy and dislike the limitations of the free version, which lacks some advanced features.

MapMyRun Reviews:

Positive: Users appreciate the comprehensive tracking and custom route mapping features. The nutrition tracking adds value for those focused on holistic health.

Negative: Some users find the presence of ads in the free version annoying and feel that the social features are lacking compared to Strava.

Conclusion:

Choosing between Strava and MapMyRun ultimately depends on your fitness goals and preferences:

Strava is the ideal choice for users who enjoy community engagement and competition, especially athletes who thrive on tracking multiple sports and engaging with others. Its strong social features and segment competition make it a favorite among runners and cyclists alike.

MapMyRun is perfect for individuals seeking a comprehensive fitness tracking solution that includes workout and nutrition tracking. It’s particularly beneficial for those who want to create and explore routes and appreciate a user-friendly interface.

If you prioritize community and competitive features, Strava is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more holistic fitness app that also includes nutrition tracking, MapMyRun may be the best fit for you.