Runna suits runners who want a coach in their pocket: a personalised plan for a 5k, half, full or ultra marathon, with pacing, strength work and support from real coaches. Strava suits people who want to record every run, ride and walk, share it with friends, find routes and join challenges, and it has a free version. If you're training for a race, use Runna; if you want a social record of everything you do, use Strava, and you can use both together.
These two aren't rivals any more. Runna's App Store listing names Strava Inc. as the company behind it, Strava's own pages offer a combined Strava and Runna plan, and Strava's newsroom says its new Race Discovery feature brings Runna's races database into Strava. So the question is which one does the job you need. I read Runna's site and listing, Strava's home, plans and press pages, and Strava's App Store listing.
Runna and Strava at a glance
| Runna | Strava | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Personalised running plans and coaching | Recording and sharing activities |
| Sports | Running, plus strength and mobility | Runs, rides, hikes, yoga and 50+ sport types |
| Devices | Apple Watch, Garmin and COROS | Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin and thousands more |
| Community | The Runna club, events and live classes | Over 100 million active people |
| Free plan | Not stated (first week free) | Yes, a free version |
| Owner | Strava Inc. on its App Store listing | Strava Inc. |
What a Runna plan gives you
Runna builds a plan around your goal, from Couch to 5k through 10k, half marathon, marathon and ultramarathon, plus triathlon running and post-race recovery plans. The coaching comes from real runners: its head coach, Ben Parker, has spent more than six years as a professional running coach and is a certified England Athletics coach. Strength, conditioning and mobility sessions sit alongside your runs.
You can live-track runs on compatible watches and keep your pace, and runs sync to platforms like Strava. Runna says its first week is free, and the app adds a community side with in-person events, trail runs and live yoga and pilates classes.
What Strava does that Runna doesn't
Strava is the place where the run lives afterwards. You can record more than 50 sport types, see your strength training with sets and reps, and build or discover routes using de-identified Strava data. Monthly challenges, digital badges and a feed full of friends' efforts are the social glue.
Its Athlete Intelligence feature uses AI to turn workout data into instant insights, and you can share your real-time location with loved ones while you're out. Strava's listing says there's both a free version and a version with premium features, and its home page invites you to join over 100 million active people for free.
Cross-training indoors on bad weather days? Classes from a Peloton App trial can fill the gap.
Using Runna and Strava together
Because Runna now comes from Strava Inc., the two fit together more neatly than most app pairs. Runna sets the sessions and coaches you through them, then the run lands on Strava for friends to see. Strava's new Events tab also helps you find races and club events, and its Race Discovery draws on Runna's race listings.
Both are also leaning on sports science. Strava's newsroom says Runna has partnered with Loughborough University to bring the latest research to runners, and that Strava is working with Stanford University researchers. On Apple Watch, Runna uses your Apple Health data for accurate heart rate, distance and pace while you run, so you're not guessing at your effort.
If you've settled on Strava, see what the Strava free trial adds before you commit to anything.
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Who each app suits
Runna suits first-time racers, runners chasing a personal best, and anyone who wants structure and coaching without hiring a coach. Strava suits cyclists, walkers, hikers and runners who enjoy the community and want every activity in one log. If you coach clients yourself, these AI tools for personal trainers are worth a look, and here's where wearable technology is heading for creators.
My advice on Runna or Strava
Start with Strava's free version to record your runs and see your friends' efforts. When you sign up for a race, add Runna for the plan, using its free first week to check the coaching suits you. If you'd rather not have two apps, Strava's combined Strava and Runna plan keeps them in one place.
Do you make fitness or running apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
Does Strava own Runna?
Runna's App Store listing names Strava Inc. as the company behind the app, and Strava's pages offer a combined Strava and Runna plan.
Is Strava free?
Yes. Strava's App Store listing says it includes both a free version and a version with premium features.
Does Runna work with Garmin?
Yes. Runna says it's compatible with Apple Watch, Garmin and COROS.
Can Runna sync runs to Strava?
Yes. Runna's listing says you can integrate your runs with platforms like Strava.
Is there a free trial of Runna?
Runna says your first week is free and you can cancel anytime.
