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Home Sport Best Treadmill Running Apps in 2024: Which One Is the Most Effective?

Best Treadmill Running Apps in 2024: Which One Is the Most Effective?

best treadmill running apps
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Going outside for a run isn’t always an option, so finding a good treadmill workout is important. Many apps can make your experience more fun and challenging. We provide the 7 best mobile apps for treadmill running and detail their key fitness benefits. 

Some people prefer treadmill running instead of going outside. You can use a treadmill in the comfort of your own home, making it great for your daily exercise. You can find one in the gym or buy the equipment to store at home – whatever you find the most enjoyable. 

Of course, when you use something too much, it can become boring. You’re not facing any challenges that could really progress your fitness level. There are many treadmill apps to download, including ones that manage your weight and targets.

Challenges and guidance could spice up workout sessions. From training programs to audio instructions, you’re bound to find one that suits your treadmill lifestyle. 

In this article, you’ll discover the top 7 best apps for treadmill running.

Comparing 7 Best Treadmill Running Apps

hand-indicating-scroll-ability
Joggo logo
Runflux logo
PulseTread logo
zwift logo
iSmoothRun logo
aaptiv
Peloton logo
4.6 / 5
stars
4.2 / 5
stars
3.8 / 5
stars
3.9 / 5
stars
4.1 / 5
stars
4 / 5
stars
4.3 / 5
stars

You can lose weight while following the running tips.

People learn more about treadmill modes and running guides.

The popular diets can strengthen both heart and gut health.

People can feel like they’re running outside.

Looking at the scenic videos may encourage you to run more.

You can feel more excited to receive videos each day, leading to better motivation.

Fun music-driven workouts may encourage people to lose weight.

People can meet up with their friends, which may help to motivate the community.

Those who prefer to cycle still have the option to do so and reach their goals.

Those who like to track their progress through graphs will enjoy iSmoothRun.

It might encourage people to lose more weight through endurance challenges.

There’s a community of over 200,000 members that may help you push through the exercise.

You can benefit from weight loss, race training, flexibility, and maternity exercise videos.

People may feel encouraged to branch out and try other exercises on the treadmill.

Peloton could help you feel stronger and more confident.

Lots of in-app features that help with nutrition, recovery, meals, and education.
You get regular expert advice without paying lots of money.
The price point is much cheaper than other running applications.
You gain access to 10+ most popular fat loss diets.
There are rewards to make you feel proud after achieving running goals.
Audio guidance to make you feel more prepared.
A coach can assist you during the running exercise.
It has a very cheap subscription price.
The videos offer you a visual experience of running outside.
People can download the videos and watch them without the internet.
The videos are very cheap.
A monthly subscription is also inexpensive for those who want a long-term commitment.
The routines are all different.
Comprises unique levels for beginners and pros.
You can choose your own music when following the videos.
There are 1,000+ structured workouts to maximize your efforts.
Zwift has group events that encourage people to join together.
You can host virtual meetups and run with people all over the world.
It has guidance videos to help you set up the treadmill.
You can pair iSmoothRun with your Apple Watch.
It only costs $4.99, making it great for a low-cost budget.
iSmoothRun has custom internal workouts for your needs.
People can connect with their friends through the application.
It auto logs weather conditions
There’s a free trial before signing up.
Aaptiv offers more workouts than just treadmill running.
It has trainers that give you advice and motivation.
You get unlimited access to thousands of workout videos.
You get a free 30-day trial. The trainers are very motivating.
People can choose from thousands of pre-recorded workouts.
Lots of varied workout lengths to fit your schedule.
You have to pay for the app.
People might not want the commitment to a subscription.
There are limited amounts of routes.
Might not be available for all phone types.
You can’t cancel the subscription during the active subscription period.
You can’t link this app with other health-based applications.
There’s no way to do shorter or longer workouts.
People can’t actually watch the videos for guidance.
People may have to buy add-ons that cost more than $20.
Zwift is a bit more expensive compared to other apps.
This app seems more focused on the cycling aspects.
Some people report having syncing issues.
The interface isn’t visually appealing or eye-catching.
Your Apple watch might not properly track running workouts.
The free trial automatically changes to the yearly subscription once completed.
People have reported that canceling is difficult.
Aaptiv is one of the more expensive apps.
You can’t get meal plans.
Some classes might be difficult to follow for beginners.
More expensive than other monthly subscription apps.
Some of the in-app purchases are very expensive.
Customers report the tread machine breaking often.
Brand
Joggo logo
Runflux logo
PulseTread logo
zwift logo
iSmoothRun logo
aaptiv
Peloton logo
Rating
4.6 / 5
stars
4.2 / 5
stars
3.8 / 5
stars
3.9 / 5
stars
4.1 / 5
stars
4 / 5
stars
4.3 / 5
stars
Product info

You can lose weight while following the running tips.

People learn more about treadmill modes and running guides.

The popular diets can strengthen both heart and gut health.

People can feel like they’re running outside.

Looking at the scenic videos may encourage you to run more.

You can feel more excited to receive videos each day, leading to better motivation.

Fun music-driven workouts may encourage people to lose weight.

People can meet up with their friends, which may help to motivate the community.

Those who prefer to cycle still have the option to do so and reach their goals.

Those who like to track their progress through graphs will enjoy iSmoothRun.

It might encourage people to lose more weight through endurance challenges.

There’s a community of over 200,000 members that may help you push through the exercise.

You can benefit from weight loss, race training, flexibility, and maternity exercise videos.

People may feel encouraged to branch out and try other exercises on the treadmill.

Peloton could help you feel stronger and more confident.

Pros
Lots of in-app features that help with nutrition, recovery, meals, and education.
You get regular expert advice without paying lots of money.
The price point is much cheaper than other running applications.
You gain access to 10+ most popular fat loss diets.
There are rewards to make you feel proud after achieving running goals.
Audio guidance to make you feel more prepared.
A coach can assist you during the running exercise.
It has a very cheap subscription price.
The videos offer you a visual experience of running outside.
People can download the videos and watch them without the internet.
The videos are very cheap.
A monthly subscription is also inexpensive for those who want a long-term commitment.
The routines are all different.
Comprises unique levels for beginners and pros.
You can choose your own music when following the videos.
There are 1,000+ structured workouts to maximize your efforts.
Zwift has group events that encourage people to join together.
You can host virtual meetups and run with people all over the world.
It has guidance videos to help you set up the treadmill.
You can pair iSmoothRun with your Apple Watch.
It only costs $4.99, making it great for a low-cost budget.
iSmoothRun has custom internal workouts for your needs.
People can connect with their friends through the application.
It auto logs weather conditions
There’s a free trial before signing up.
Aaptiv offers more workouts than just treadmill running.
It has trainers that give you advice and motivation.
You get unlimited access to thousands of workout videos.
You get a free 30-day trial. The trainers are very motivating.
People can choose from thousands of pre-recorded workouts.
Lots of varied workout lengths to fit your schedule.
Cons
You have to pay for the app.
People might not want the commitment to a subscription.
There are limited amounts of routes.
Might not be available for all phone types.
You can’t cancel the subscription during the active subscription period.
You can’t link this app with other health-based applications.
There’s no way to do shorter or longer workouts.
People can’t actually watch the videos for guidance.
People may have to buy add-ons that cost more than $20.
Zwift is a bit more expensive compared to other apps.
This app seems more focused on the cycling aspects.
Some people report having syncing issues.
The interface isn’t visually appealing or eye-catching.
Your Apple watch might not properly track running workouts.
The free trial automatically changes to the yearly subscription once completed.
People have reported that canceling is difficult.
Aaptiv is one of the more expensive apps.
You can’t get meal plans.
Some classes might be difficult to follow for beginners.
More expensive than other monthly subscription apps.
Some of the in-app purchases are very expensive.
Customers report the tread machine breaking often.

7 Best Treadmill Running Apps of 2024

The best treadmill app should suit your schedule, needs, and fitness goals. Not all of them will have desirable workout classes or music that take your fancy. Just remember that these apps contain unique features depending on a person’s experience and at-home equipment. 

Let’s take a look at the 7 best apps for treadmill running:

#1 Joggo – Best overall 

Joggo logo
Joggo

The easiest to follow running plan for weight loss

  • Beginner-friendly running plan
  • Personalized guidance
  • Injury prevention and recovery programs
  • Nutrition tips and meal plan
  • Progress tracker
  • Adjustable plans based on your progress
  • Daily caloric intake tracker
Our Rating:
stars
4.6

Joggo is a running training application that helps people reach their targets, goal weight, or ideal mental state. For example, if you want to run and release some stress, Joggo encourages that. Alongside these perks, you also gain access to educational and motivational content. 

Creators of this treadmill app only give you timely bits of information that get you acquainted with nutrition, sports, and recovery. Those who want to just focus on running can still track their progress and create a personalized training plan, both for beginners and pros. 

One thing to note is that Joggo has warm-up, stretching, and cool-down exercises. This is very important for loosening up your muscles before exercise. Not many treadmill apps offer pre-workout moves, so it’s worth getting this app if you suffer from stiff joints and muscles.

Here are some pros and cons of the Joggo app:

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The price is much cheaper than other apps
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Various challenges and exercise
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Includes nutrition and recovery
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You can find the most popular weight loss diets
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Joggo gives you awards after each achievement
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Audio guidance helps with running preparation
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There is lots of professional advice from experts
cross
Paid app
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Joggo requires you to sign up for the subscription

#2 Runflux – Best for visual experience

Runflux logotype
Runflux
  • Runflux is a running app that provides jogging tracks, trails, and mountain roads.
  • The app is designed to be an “outdoor experience” but on your treadmill.
Our Rating:
stars
4.2

Runflux is a running experience app that showcases jogging destinations, running trails, and mountain roads. Creators of Runflux wanted this to be an “outdoor experience” for people who prefer the treadmill. You can almost imagine yourself running outside among the views. 

A treadmill running app should always incorporate enjoyment. Runflux seems to do that when providing scenic videos that encourage people to fall in love with running. There’s also a coach that may assist you during runs, making the experience feel professional and expertly guided. 

Just keep reading to find the pros and cons of Runflux:

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The subscription price is very cheap
checkmark
You can download the videos without the internet
checkmark
People gain a visual experience of running outdoors
cross
There aren’t many unique routes
cross
Not everyone can get the app for their phone type
cross
Runflux isn’t clear about cancelation periods
cross
You can’t find many in-app features

#3 PulseTread – Gives the ability to listen to your own music

PulseTread logo
PulseTread
  • Mark Harari, the owner of PulseTread, sends his treadmill class workouts straight to your phone.
  • A brand new 30-minute video will be available to you each day.
  • You can then download the workout videos for 0.99 cents.
Our Rating:
stars
3.8

PulseTread has a unique interface that can send workouts directly to your phone. Mark Harari, the owner of this app, performs a treadmill workout each day and sends them to subscribers. A brand new 30-minute video is there for you to try, with some of them only costing 99 cents. 

Regular customers of PulseTread can feel excited to reach their daily goals. This may lead to better motivation while getting fitter and losing weight. It’s a known fact that self-determination supports regular exercise, making this app great for people who need an extra boost.

Below, you’ll find the ups and downs of this treadmill running app:

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The videos are super cheap to download
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Each daily workout routine is unique
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There are fitness levels for beginners and pros
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People can choose their own music for the workouts
cross
You can’t watch any videos for guidance purposes
cross
PulseTread doesn’t offer shorter or longer videos
cross
Customers report not being able to link to other health apps

#4 Zwift – Best for group challenges

zwift logotype
Zwift
  • Zwift is an indoor cycling and running app that gives you big fitness challenges.
  • You can either choose to cycle or go on the treadmill.
  • The app aims to create a fun environment for people to work toward their goals.
Our Rating:
stars
3.9

Zwift is an indoor cycling and running app that focuses on big challenges. Even though cycling is one option, you can still go for a run on the treadmill while following training plans. The app was clearly designed to build a fun environment and encourage people to achieve their goals.

Creators of Zwift state that users should ideally have a running sensor, foot pod, smart shoe, or smartwatch. This can help them connect with the app and experience challenges in more depth. However, those who don’t want to buy these accessories may not enjoy Zwift’s features.

Here are the pros and cons of Zwift: 

checkmark
People can virtually meet up with their friends
checkmark
There are group events to build a stronger community
checkmark
You can find loads of diverse treadmill workouts
checkmark
Group challenges may introduce you to new people
cross
Zwift seems to focus more on cycling
cross
This app is more expensive than other alternatives
cross
Some of the workout equipment costs more than $20

#5 iSmoothRun – Best for sharing your results on social media

iSmoothRun logo
iSmoothRun
  • iSmoothRun was designed by runners who focus on endurance running.
  • It contains lots of features that focus on your goals, like GPS, calorie intake, audio reports, and running statistics.
Our Rating:
stars
4.1

iSmoothRun was created by experienced runners who focus more on endurance running workouts. This can be done through a simple treadmill workout that tracks your progress. There are also lots of features, like calorie tracking, audio reports, and graphs with running statistics. 

Endurance is a great way to improve your metabolism and help you lose weight. iSmoothRun specifically targets the physical strength of treadmill users. The best treadmill apps encourage you to reach your goals instead of providing challenges that only suit professional trainers.

Let’s take a look at a few pros and cons: 

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You can pair iSmoothRun with your Apple watch
checkmark
People can connect to social media platforms
checkmark
iSmoothRun promotes weight loss through endurance
cross
Customers report regular syncing issues
cross
The user interface seems quite dull
cross
Some Apple watches don’t record workouts

#6 Aaptiv – Offers free trial

aaptiv
Aaptiv
  • Aaptiv is designed to help you reach your goals in just a few weeks.
  • It contains challenges and intense workouts that promote weight loss.
  • Creators wanted to focus on incorporating music into the workouts.
Our Rating:
stars
4

Aaptiv is designed to help people achieve short-term goals in just a few weeks. There are intense treadmill classes that feature professional running coaches. You can follow a class to lose weight, practice race training, improve your flexibility, or support joints during maternity. 

Not many apps focus on pregnant women, making this a unique option for your goals. Creators also wanted to incorporate music into the workouts. For example, if you were in a drum and bass mood, you could scan through their song network to find the best exercise tunes. 

Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of Aaptiv: 

checkmark
There’s a community of over 200,000 members
checkmark
Aaptiv provides free trials before registration
checkmark
Some advanced runners can give you advice
checkmark
You can play music to boost your motivation
cross
You can’t find any meal plans for weight loss
cross
Aaptiv is a more expensive running app
cross
The free trial automatically changes to the yearly subscription
cross
Customers report that canceling the membership is difficult

#7 Peloton – Keeps track of workouts you’ve completed

Peloton logo
Peloton
  • Peloton offers workouts that suit your music style, schedule, mood, fitness level, and goals.
  • This app has more training options other than treadmill running.
  • You can also do walking, yoga, strength, and pilates.
Our Rating:
stars
4.3

Peloton has personalized training plans that cater to your music, daily schedule, current mood, fitness level, and weight loss goals. If you don’t want just to run, you can also find walking, strength, and yoga videos. This may help people feel more confident with branching out. 

You may earn achievements when trying new workouts. Encouragement is important for pushing you into the right mindset when getting stronger. For people who need that extra push on their fitness journey, Peloton might be a good first step to reaching those goals.

Keep reading to find some pros and cons of Peloton:

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You get a free version for 30 days
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The trainers can be very motivating
checkmark
People can choose short or long treadmill classes
checkmark
There are loads of pre-recorded workouts
cross
Beginners might struggle with this app
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Peloton can be an expensive monthly subscription
cross
The in-app purchases aren’t suitable for low-cost budgets
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Some users report experiencing tread machine issues

How We Tested the Apps

If these apps don’t make your treadmill runs enjoyable, then what’s the point? Testing them is very important for determining their long-term benefits and overall satisfaction. 

Below, we explain some factors in more detail: 

Quality

The app has to be of good quality to rank high on our list. For example, if they don’t offer features like fitness trackers, virtual courses, or syncing with music apps, you may not have a fun time. All the details come down to what’s in the app and how people can benefit from it. 

Effectiveness

People who buy treadmill trails will obviously need an app that focuses on calories burned. This is effective for losing weight and getting fitter. Also, personalized professional coaching is the best way of determining how the app works and if expert advice can get users to run regularly.

Price

No one wants to pay too much for something they might not enjoy. Cheap alternative running apps usually have the same features, including Joggo and Runflux. People can still use their treadmill trails while following straightforward apps with an inexpensive subscription.

Brand reputation

If the brand doesn’t care about customers, why would you want it? All of these apps have passionate creators who promote the best at-home runs. They each detail a unique mission that focuses on the benefits of running indoors, including a half-marathon and peak speed targets.

A Word From Our MD

You don’t need to find the most expensive treadmill running app. Some of the low-budget options have more features without the large monthly fee. It’s all about finding something that adheres to your goals, dietary preferences, workout style, and daily schedule. 

A treadmill trails app can give people the best virtual experience. Remember that you don’t always need to run, as long-distance walking still promotes weight loss. The app should encourage users to do more instead of taking full control of their fitness journey.

At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with being a couch potato, but wiping the dust off your treadmill can be a huge step. Running prevents heart diseases and supports long-term health. The best app will only motivate you to feel both physically and mentally strong. 

Conclusion

To find what’s right for you, have a look at these top 7 running apps.

Each of them has unique features that stand out from the rest. If you’re looking for something quick, easy, and inexpensive, opt for the Joggo or Runflux. Flashy graphics and music doesn’t mean the app is good for treadmill runs, so focus more on the fitness tracking features.

Joggo logo
Joggo

The easiest to follow running plan for weight loss

  • Beginner-friendly running plan
  • Personalized guidance
  • Injury prevention and recovery programs
  • Nutrition tips and meal plan
  • Progress tracker
  • Adjustable plans based on your progress
  • Daily caloric intake tracker
Our Rating:
stars
4.6
Written by
Edibel Quintero, MD

Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel's goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.

best treadmill running apps

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