A running app without the social network: RunFree, Strava or Nike Run Club?
By MyIdeApp, the studio behind RunFree. Comparison based on each app's official pages. Read in FR · ES
The short answer
If you want GPS run tracking with no feed, followers or leaderboards, RunFree keeps everything on your iPhone and needs no account. Strava is the right pick if the social side motivates you (followers, kudos, segments). Nike Run Club is free and offers guided runs, but requires a Nike account.
Comparison
| Criterion | RunFree | Strava | Nike Run Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, Premium $3.99/month or $17.99/year | Free, paid subscription for advanced features | Free |
| Account required | No | Yes | Yes (Nike member account) |
| Where your runs go | Only on your iPhone | On your Strava profile, visible to everyone, your followers or only you depending on your settings | On your Nike account |
| Social features | None: no feed, followers or leaderboards | Core: followers, kudos, clubs, segments and leaderboards | Nike community and challenges |
Why choose RunFree
- No account to create: open the app and run.
- Your routes never leave your phone, so there is nothing to make private.
- Free for GPS tracking, history and an 8-week 5k plan.
- Premium ($3.99/month or $17.99/year) adds 4 plans up to the marathon, a custom plan builder and pace zones.
When another app is a better fit
Pick Strava if the community is what gets you out the door: following friends, comparing segment times and joining clubs is exactly what RunFree does not do. Pick Nike Run Club if you want free guided runs and don't mind creating a Nike account.
Frequently asked questions
Does RunFree work without internet?
Yes. GPS, history and training plans work fully offline.
Can I use RunFree without an account?
Yes, no account is needed to start running.
Is RunFree available on Android?
Not yet: RunFree is on iPhone, the Android version is coming soon.
Sources
Information checked on October 11, 2026. Other apps' offers may change: check their store listing before subscribing.