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Which running apps have the best GPS signal?

Posts: 206 Member
edited January 7 in Fitness and Exercise
I run in my neighborhood and have yet to find a running app that is accurate. I'm currently using Charity Miles because I like that it donates per every mile run, however, there are certain segments where I lose the signal (example: I ran for 36 minutes, and it only read about 1.7 miles when I know by measuring my route in the car that I ran about 3 miles). I've also used MapMyRun and the free Pedometer app for iphone, both of which also lose the signal in my wooded neighborhood.

I'd love to find an app that really works, and it doesn't have to be free. Or should I give up and use a pedometer? I really want to track my miles run for the year in an accurate way.

Thanks!

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Replies

  • Posts: 436 Member
    I use the C25K app by Run Double. I've completed the program, but still use it for pace and distance. They have timed runs, distance runs, fun runs from 20 min to 2 hours, and also a bridge to 10K.

    I think it's a terrific app and recommend it to everyone who runs, or wants to run. :)
  • Posts: 4 Member
    I like Nike Plus, it's $1.99 but well worth it. Never had a problem with GPS. I used to use RunKeeper which a lot of people love but I had problems with tracking in my neighborhood. They've made a lot of upgrades recently, and it's free!
  • Posts: 443 Member
    i use endomondo and it auto posts here and FB!
  • Posts: 175 Member
    I've always used runkeeper and it's not lost me once. It's free- and has a nice website where you can look over your run afterwards. :)
  • Posts: 3,237 Member
    If you live in a heavily wooded area, it might not matter what app you use. I have tried many apps and my garmin, and they are generally pretty close-until I head into the woods and then all bets are off.
  • Posts: 955 Member
    The app has nothing to do with it - it's how good the GPS chip is in your phone.

    The app will modify when it wants to pause though. If you are losing signal, it's due to your phone. If its pausing all the time, it's due to the app.
  • Posts: 6,128 Member
    I use runmeter and really like it.
  • Posts: 41 Member
    I use iSmoothRun on my iphone, if it ever drops GPS signal it will automatically switch to accelerometer while it acquires signal again. Has a bunch of additional benefits that I like (exports to all the major tracking sites, metronome, cadence tracker, intervals).

    not sure if it's made for any other platforms.
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ismoothrun-pro-gps-pedometer/id410965399?mt=8
  • Posts: 3,220 Member
    I started with runkepper and it worked great for a week or so then it couldn't find a signal. I switched to nike+ and haven't had an issue. I've used it for a few months now.
  • Posts: 1,167 Member
    Has nothing to do with the app, but GPS signal lost from your phone. If you run/walk in areas with big trees or tall building, or have your phone under layers of clothes, that will affect the signal.
  • Posts: 10,413 Member
    I run in my neighborhood and have yet to find a running app that is accurate. I'm currently using Charity Miles because I like that it donates per every mile run, however, there are certain segments where I lose the signal (example: I ran for 36 minutes, and it only read about 1.7 miles when I know by measuring my route in the car that I ran about 3 miles). I've also used MapMyRun and the free Pedometer app for iphone, both of which also lose the signal in my wooded neighborhood.

    I'd love to find an app that really works, and it doesn't have to be free. Or should I give up and use a pedometer? I really want to track my miles run for the year in an accurate way.

    Thanks!

    If you're losing signal, it's the phone, not the app.

    Perhaps prelog your runs on MapMyRun or similar to figure otu distance/route?
  • Posts: 543 Member
    Runtastic is the best free one ive used thus far. most accurate
  • Posts: 374 Member
    Nike + is awesome!!
  • Posts: 120 Member
    I live in the middle of corn fields in Illinois in the U.S. and RunKeeper could never find me - or keep me once it did. Endomondo keeps the GPS very well, imo.
  • Posts: 374 Member
    Nike + is awesome!!

    And it works well for treadmill running too.
  • Posts: 33 Member
    I currently use Nike + and love it. I've used both the sensor that goes either on your shoe laces or in your shoe and the GPS version. Both work great! Runkeeper is was awesome, especially the latest version.
  • Posts: 1,172 Member
    The GPS signal is a feature of your phone. The apps would perform more or less the same, though they might have a different polling interval.
  • Posts: 127 Member
    LOVE Endomondo! Plus, they run a special every once and awhile to get their pro app for $1!
  • Posts: 38
    i use endomondo and it auto posts here and FB!

    I also use Endomondo and think it's terrific. I've never had any issues with it.
  • Posts: 22
    Nike+ works great for me both outdoors and on the dreadmill.
  • Posts: 4,375 Member
    Nike+
  • Posts: 56 Member
    Runtastic is the best free one ive used thus far. most accurate

    i also use runtastic and i love it i used to use Nike + running app for iphone
  • Posts: 149 Member
    Love my Nike+ app.
  • Posts: 839
    I like Nike+ too. I have used many different ones but Nike+ is my favorite.
  • Posts: 1,245 Member
    I run in my neighborhood and have yet to find a running app that is accurate. I'm currently using Charity Miles because I like that it donates per every mile run, however, there are certain segments where I lose the signal (example: I ran for 36 minutes, and it only read about 1.7 miles when I know by measuring my route in the car that I ran about 3 miles). I've also used MapMyRun and the free Pedometer app for iphone, both of which also lose the signal in my wooded neighborhood.

    I'd love to find an app that really works, and it doesn't have to be free. Or should I give up and use a pedometer? I really want to track my miles run for the year in an accurate way.

    Thanks!

    The newer iPhones (4, 4D and 5) have a true GPS receiver in them while earlier models use cell tower signals.

    GPS's, in general, have problem in heavily wooded areas, in cities with large buildings, and in canyons because the foliage reduces the signal strength and the receiver has a hard time picking it up.

    The hardware and hardware-specific software ("firmware") are designed to continue to try to receive and use a signal but there's a limit to everything, right? (I've never designed the software side of a GPS but I've been writing software for a living for 20+ years and have owned since the 1990's, so I have some insight into how "stuff" should be hooked together).

    Check out this trip:

    http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=5826

    I use a tracking device called SPOT when I do long distance motorcycle rides. SPOT sends a signal to a satellite every 10 minutes. Note that there was no problem with my SPOT track until I got up to Yosemite. The road going into Yosemite is heavily wooded and goes through pretty steep areas at times. The terrain and tree cover are enough to block the signal.

    Have you considered getting an inexpensive HRM with a dedicated GPS? I don't know if that would fare better but it might be worth it.
  • Posts: 3 Member
    Pretty much reflecting what others are saying, but the GPS signal won't really change by using a different app as it's down to the device you're using.

    If you're having trouble with signal (perhaps in a city or woods), you could consider a GPS watch, cheaper ones are around $99 and can sync with garmin connect, run keeper and loads of other apps.
  • Posts: 55
    i use endomondo and it auto posts here and FB!
    Same!
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