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Fitness trackers make important data accessible not just for elite runners but also recreational runners and intermediate runners. Along with those fitness trackers are apps that take our data into bits of information that we can analyze.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular running watch brands and all their compatible fitness apps.
Garmin
Garmin offers some of the most popular and highest-rated running watches like the Garmin Forerunner 245 and Garmin Fenix 6.
Besides the durability and accuracy of their GPS watches, they are also compatible with some of the best fitness apps.
Here are the compatible 3rd party apps for Garmin devices:
- Garmin Connect (own app)
- Beginner Triathlete
- Fetcheveryone
- Final Surge
- MapMyFitness (MapMyRide, MapMyRun)
- MyFitnessPal
- Noom
- Nike+
- Runcoach
- Run Keeper
- Strava
- TrainingPeaks
- Weight Watchers
- Yes.Fit
- Zwift
Fitbit
Fitbit offers a wide variety of products that appeal to the majority of recreational runners.
Though not a popular choice for serious runners, Fitbit is the company behind Amazon’s best-selling wearables Fitbit Charge 4 and Fitbit Inspire 2.
Here are the compatible 3rd party apps for Fitbit devices:
- Fitbit App (own app)
- Trainerize
- Peloton
- MyFitnessPal
- Strava
- Training Peaks
- Map My Run
- RunKeeper
- SparkPeople
- LF Connect
- Weightloss Running
- Human API
Amazfit
Amazfit is a Chinese brand that focuses on wearables and gear related to health and fitness.
Amazfit is a popular choice for those looking for budget-friendly fitness trackers that want to get the most value out of their money.
Some of their best fitness trackers for runners are the Amazfit Stratos 3 and Amazfit Band 5.
Can be synced to Strava but can’t be directly connected
- Zepp (own app)
Huawei Watch
Huawei is a Chinese tech company known for their products that gets the “bang for the buck”.
Like all their other products, they focus on giving the most value for a very affordable price in their fitness trackers category.
For less than $130, you can get Huawei GT2e with everything you need from a fitness tracker, a built-in GPS, and a super long battery life among other things.
The only downside is that Huawei watches are not compatible with any 3rd part apps. But the good thing is, Huawei Health App is a decent tool for monitoring your own performance.
- Huawei Health App (own app)
Coros
Coros is a company that focuses on serious athletes who want to perform their best. Their products are perfectly blended with the toughest hardware and innovative technology that a real endurance athlete can rely on.
In fact, one of the best, if not, the best marathon runner of all time Eliud Kipchoge wears a Coros GPS watch.
Some of their best-rated products include the Coros Pace 2 and Coros Apex.
And by the way, If you’re a serious runner looking for a great running watch for a decent price, I highly recommend the Coros Pace 2. You’re getting everything you need as a runner (an AI trainer above all) without spending a hefty price. The last time I checked it costs around $200, but you can check the price on Amazon.
Here are the compatible 3rd party apps for Coros devices:
- COROS App (own app)
- Strava
- TrainingPeaks
- Relive
- Final Surge
- Runalyze
- Stryd
- PWR Lab
Polar
Despite not being the most popular wearables in the market, polar is actually the pioneer of wearables in sports.
Its founder, Seppo Säynäjäkangas invented the wireless EKG monitor to help with the training of the Finnish National Cross Country Ski team.
Now, Polar is behind some highly-respected sports watches such as Polar Vantage V2 and the Polar Vantage M2.
Here are the compatible 3rd party apps for Polar devices:
- Athlete Analyzer
- Coachbox
- FitRockr
- Komoot
- HeiaHeia
- MyFitnessPal
- Nike+
- Nolio Training Log
- PerfectPace
- Runalyze
- RaceRunner: GPS Real Time Run
Suunto
Suunto is one of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry.
Why? because they’ve been around since 1936 as a company that makes accurate compasses.
Now, Sunnto has evolved into sports watches, dive computers, and other instruments used by outdoor enthusiasts like us.
Suunto is a more popular brand in the trail running community than in road running (at least in our trail running community)
One of their best products is the Suunto 9 Baro & Peak GPS sports watch. You can check the price on Amazon.
Here are the compatible 3rd party apps for Suunto devices:
- Strava
- MapMyRun
- TrainingPeaks
- Relive
- Today’s Plan
- PWR Lab
- SportsTracks
- Land
- Wikiloc
- FATMAP
- Komoot
- PerfectPace
- Jogg.se
- Fitrockr
- rubiTrack
- FitVault
- RunGap
- Smashrun
- RunMotion Coach
- FWD Max
- GUTAI
- PKRS.AI
- Treinus
What App Should I Use For My Fitness Tracker?
If you’re shocked by the number of choices you can choose from in terms of fitness apps, I hear you. When I first had my fitness tracker, I didn’t know what’s the best app to use as well. But after a few weeks of jumping from one app to another, I finally came to a realization.
As a general rule, it is best to use the app created by your fitness tracker brand to access all of the fitness tracker’s features. Then, sync your device with Strava to share your recent activity with the community and analyze your data.
If you prefer not to share your data on Strava, then using the brand’s own fitness app is fine and recommended.
Recommended Gear
I understand that looking for the right running gear is difficult. There are hundreds of product reviews out there recommending 10 or more products that do not seem to help narrow down your buying decision.
That is why I created a recommended product page with only 1 to 3 recommendations per running gear. That way, it’ll help narrow down your choices to only a few products that are guaranteed to give you great value for your money.
I have researched and tested these products and I’m constantly updating the page if I see something better. You can visit the page by clicking this link.
