GPS Running Apps turn your iPhone or Android phone into a runner’s dream. Most of these apps will track your distance, speed, route, splits and elevation (climb and descent). With over a million apps, the choice of which GPS Running app to use can be daunting. The Running Wall street team tested a few of the apps and below are the results.
Run Keeper - We had good luck with Run Keeper and found the accuracy similar to a wrist GPS watch. Although, reading other reviews the jury is out on the accuracy. For our tests, we used the average setting which did not include heavy, dense forest or super tall skyscraper buildings.
The app provides an easy interface to adjust voice feedback, music and activity type. The feedback are great if you want to hear “coaching” during the run. I especially liked the audio feedback at each mile split, perfect for endurance or tempo runs. The app also has a manual entry option. This is useful for storing workouts not tracked by GPS, like when your phone dies, or GPS reception is spotty. One downside is the inability to view elevation in the app without going to the full website. Personally, I like to see how big that hill was right after the workout (usually smaller than I thought)
Nike+ GPS – “Map your runs, track your progress and get the motivation you need to go even further. Hear midrun cheers every time your friends like or comment on your run status.” -Nikeplus.com
One of the best apps if you’re looking to be social with your running. With the voice feedback, your friends can cheer you on mid-run via Facebook. You can also broadcast your results with Twitter, Facebook and NikePlus. The app has all the standard features including distance, time, pace, calories, and splits. Like Run Keeper, the elevation is not the best. Overall, this is a nice option, especially if you are a huge Nike fan. There’s definitely no lack of branding here.
This app does have a small price tag of $1.99 for the iPhone. Like most apps, the cost per enjoyment is always worth it.
MapMyRun - They say, “Read the reviews, we don’t like to boast.” And, in fact, the reviews are glowing. The app provides the usual distance, time, pace, calories, and splits. Along with heart rate (with separate monitor) and live map. The user interface is fairly easy to use and the cost can’t be beat, Free!
The live map is a cool feature (some other apps have it too) where your friends and family can see you running on a map. It’s all real time data, so if you don’t want your ex-girlfriend watching you run by the sorority house, maybe turn off that feature. For races, I think it’d be awesome to have friends and family watch your progress in real time. Especially helpful if they are meeting you at mile 22 in a marathon and are not quite sure when you’ll be arriving.
We did notice the accuracy was a bit off. On a 13 mile run, it was a full mile too long (14 miles!). To verify it wasn’t a fluke, we double checked with a different phone carrier, two other apps and a wrist GPS watch. Unfortunately, we got the same results. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Endomondo – A mostly UK based running app, Endomondo is one of my favorites. The accuracy has proven great and the app is easy to navigate. The website on the other hand is a bit microsoft-ish and not the most easy to use. We liked the ability to use a countdown to start your workout. For example, we set the countdown to 30 seconds and hit start. The app then waits 30 seconds before starting the workout, which allows enough time to put the phone in a carrier and ready to take off.
The immediate workout summary seems to be more thought out versus the other apps. Elevation is displayed right away. It’s somewhat social with voice “pep” talks from friends during workouts, but limited without the Facebook integration (likes and comments). It also features a heart rate monitor option and ability to “race” against previous workouts. Overall, I like the app for it’s simplicity.
Do you use a GPS Running App?
What’s your favorite?

















