I’ve been running for a while now, and I like to track my progress. I want to know how far I’ve gone, how long it took, and whether I’m getting faster.
Strava has always been one of my favorite running apps. I can track my workouts, see my pace and share it with other runners. I can also look back and see what I’ve done.
Recently, I started observing some issues. The calorie estimates often seemed off (compared to other fitness apps I use), the social integration distracted me, and its data usage was outrageous. I also didn’t want to pay for Premium to get certain features.
I didn’t want to stop tracking my runs because of these issues. I wanted an app that handled the basics well and helped me stay focused on my runs. So I tried these three Android running apps: FitoTrack, MapMyRun, and Runkeeper.
I didn’t need everything Strava had to offer
I wanted a simpler way to keep track of my runs
Strava is useful beyond just logging runs. It allows me to share my activities, find others to run with, and create challenges, among other things.
I liked having these features alongside my workout history, especially when comparing recent runs with older ones.
I didn’t use all of Strava’s features. The main use I have for Strava is recording my runs and checking my pace and distance.
I couldn’t rely on its calorie calculator as it wasn’t consistent with other platforms, and I was also disappointed by its high mobile data usage. The social integration was a bit of a distraction. I only wanted to track my run; I didn’t want a community that cheers me on.
Then there’s the subscription. Strava lets you record activities for free, but advanced analysis, route planning, and training tools are only in Premium. I get that the company needs to make money, but I didn’t want to pay for features I rarely use.
I wasn’t after an app with all of Strava’s features. I wanted a reliable way to track my runs and see my progress. That’s why I tried some alternatives.
FitoTrack gives me the running stats I actually need
Its free tracking and privacy features make it stand out
FitoTrack is more straightforward for fitness tracking. It doesn’t focus on the social side of running. It tracks your runs and shows you a summary when you finish, including distance, time, pace, and speed.
You can log your runs, hikes, and bike rides. It also saves your workout history and provides charts and route maps so you can review past activities.
One big reason I wanted a Strava alternative was to avoid paying for basic workout stats. FitoTrack gives me the info I need without making me pay for a Premium subscription. I don’t need advanced training tips; I just want to see how I did.
Strava’s free version is fine for basic activity tracking, but you need Premium for more advanced tools. FitoTrack gives you its main tracking and workout features for free. So I can track my runs without another monthly bill.
FitoTrack doesn’t have the same social features, route discovery, or big training ecosystem as Strava. But I don’t mind missing those extras; they’re not why I use a running app.
Its privacy-focused approach is another reason I like it. Running apps may keep more of your personal information than you realize.
They can track your routes, where you go, and when you usually work out. I like having some control over where that data goes.
FitoTrack stands out to me because you don’t need an account to record workouts. It’s open source and doesn’t have ads or tracking.
According to its Google Play data safety info, the app doesn’t collect or share user data, which is great if you want to keep your workout records private.
I also like that the app doesn’t interrupt me with ads. I can open it, record a workout, and check my results without dealing with unrelated promotions.
FitoTrack doesn’t have every feature Strava offers, but that’s okay. If you mostly want to track your runs, see useful stats, and skip another subscription, it’s a solid alternative.
I used two more running apps before settling on FitoTrack
MapMyRun and Runkeeper offer more guidance, but I prefer simplicity
MapMyRun has standard running features. I can use it to track routes and display duration, distance, pace, and burned calories. It lets me review previous sessions and set goals.
I can hear progress updates during my run using the audio feedback. It has training features like guided running plans and challenges beyond tracking everyday runs.
MapMyRun requires you to create an account, and the features that go beyond the basics are included in its MVP subscription.
Some features in the MVP subscription include detailed training metrics and interval coaching. This may be something to consider when trying to avoid a new paid fitness subscription.
For a slightly more advanced running tracker, ASICS Runkeeper is another option. With Runkeeper, I get GPS tracking for outdoor running, plus stats for distance, pace, speed, splits, and calorie count.
In the app, I can set goals and track my progress. Audio tracking is where Runkeeper really stands out. Through my headphones, the app tracks and announces important workout stats such as distance and pace.
I have control over the stats that are announced and how often they are announced, which removes the need to constantly look down at my phone.
The subscription plans provide additional benefits such as more detailed running statistics and advanced guided workout programs.
I’ve switched to FitoTrack, but Strava still has its place
Strava is popular because of its social features, challenges, route discovery, and big running community, which gives it an edge over basic GPS trackers. If those things matter to you, there’s still a good reason to stick with Strava.
But those features aren’t what I need most from a running app. I want to record my workouts, check my stats, and see my progress without paying for features I rarely use. FitoTrack gives me that, so I’d rather use it for my daily runs.
FitoTrack is ideal for runners who want to track their runs simply and for free.
