You want to go for a walk and see how far you went. That’s it. But now you’re scrolling through apps talking about social sharing and virtual challenges, and the whole thing feels like a chore.
The best app is the one you actually use. It should do a few basic things well and then get out of your way.
What Actually Matters in a Walking App
Forget all the extras. A good walking app just needs to work.
- Good GPS: It has to map your route and distance correctly. Your phone's hardware does the heavy lifting, but the app's software matters.
- The Basics: You need to see distance, time, pace, and maybe calories burned.
- A Logbook: The app should keep a simple history of your walks so you can see how you’re doing.
Anything beyond that is a bonus. Some people get into the social features, but plenty of others just want a private log of their activity.
The Big Players: A Quick Rundown
You'll see the same few names everywhere because they're solid choices.
Strava: People think it's just for intense runners and cyclists, but it’s great for walking. The free version tracks everything you need. It also has a safety feature called Beacon that lets you share your live location with someone.
MapMyWalk: As the name implies, it’s made for walking. It tracks pace, distance, and elevation well, and the free version is more than enough for most people.
Nike Run Club (NRC): Ignore the name. It has guided walks and other features to give you a nudge when you don't feel like heading out.
Fitbit App: You don’t need a Fitbit to use the app; your phone can track your steps and workouts on its own. It's a decent all-in-one tool if you also want to log things like water intake or sleep.