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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
- Best for community: Strava
- Best for route tracking: MapMyRide
- Best training companion: Cyclemeter
- Best for finding new landmarks: Bikemap
- Best for tracking repairs: Bike Repair
- Best tried and true bike app: Runkeeper
- Best for travelers: CycleMaps
- Best for trail riders: Outdooractive
- Best for motivation: My Virtual Mission
- Best bike calculator replacement: Bike Computer
- Best for giving back: Charity Miles
- Best for indoor cycling: Peloton
- Best for planning new adventures: Komoot
- Best for entertainment: Zombies, Run!
- Best for self-care reminders: EatMyRide
Whether you bike for exercise, fun, or to get to work, it pays to know where you’ve been and how fast you got there. That’s where these apps come in!
Biking apps are crucial in making the most of each ride. But how do you know which app has the features you need?
We’ve rounded up the very best available in an effort to help you decide. Track your route for next time, compare your pace leading up to race day, and even connect your heart rate monitor.
In choosing the best biking apps, we made an effort to include apps for people with different cycling goals. We looked for apps that could help with:
- exercise motivation
- data gathering and analysis
- mapping your route
- making new cycling friends
The apps we chose stood out from the many biking apps out there because of things like special map features, unique ride analysis tools, and charitable giving.
Additionally, we read a lot of reviews to learn what users liked (and didn’t like) about various apps. We also tried to include apps that didn’t cost a lot but listened when users said the cost was worth it.
Plus, the apps included on our list have been vetted to ensure they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
A note on price
Most apps on our list have a free version and a paid version. For paid versions, we’ve indicated price using this key.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $5 per month
- $$ = over $5 per month
Best for community
Strava
- Price: free ($$ for subscription with additional features)
- iPhone rating: 4.8 stars
- Android rating: 4.5 stars
Whether you’re interested in a professional athlete’s workout route or just want to follow along on your friend’s bike rides, Strava can allow you to see where others have headed.
The Strava Running and Cycling GPS app can be used by athletes of any level. You can also use the app to connect with other cyclists and even compete for a spot on the leaderboard.
While the free version does include activity recording, more serious cyclists will probably want to upgrade to the subscription plan for the advanced metrics and training tools.
One thing to keep in mind is that there have been some privacy concerns with this app, so you’ll want to be careful about what you make public and avoid starting or stopping the route tracker at your home.
Pros
- has an active community of cyclists to connect with
- can be used to track other activities, like running and kayaking
- can sync with a variety of other apps and health devices
Cons
- many of the features advanced cyclists want are only available with the paid subscription
- there are some potential security concerns with publicly sharing your route (especially if you start or stop it at your house)
Best for route tracking
MapMyRide
MapMyRide is one of the most well-known cycling trackers. It’s not only a GPS and route-tracking device but also a training tool that helps you identify ways to improve your performance. It can sync with MyFitnessPal, heart rate monitors, and fitness tracking devices, like Fitbit.
The app offers unlimited mapped routes, lifetime statistics, and personal goal tracking. For additional motivation, you can share your rides on social media when you’re done.
While the free version of the app offers basic tracking, if you want live tracking and cadence analysis, you’ll need to pay the monthly fee for the upgraded MVP subscription.
Pros
- syncs with MyFitnessPal, heart rate monitors, and many fitness tracking devices
- appropriate for cyclists of various levels
- includes lifetime statistics and personal goal tracking
Cons
- live tracking requires the paid subscription
- free version includes ads
Best training companion
Cyclemeter
If you’re the type of athlete who wants all of the feedback on your training, the Cyclemeter app has you covered. You’ll be loaded up with charts and data when you start inputting your routes and rides.
You can track your rides, compete with others, load a training program, and analyze all of your data online with this app. The app can share data with Runkeeper, MapMyFitness, and Strava. It can even update family and friends on your location via email, so they know you’re safe.
One thing to keep in mind is that while this app can be used by beginners and more advanced athletes, it may be a little overwhelming for casual riders.
Pros
- includes a lot of different types of information, like weather, route maps, training plans, and analytics
- tracks a wide range of activities in addition to cycling
- can share data with Runkeeper, MapMyFitness, and Strava
Cons
- may include more features than beginning bicyclists need or want
- free option includes ads
Best for finding new landmarks
Bikemap
Looking for a new route? If you’re tired of riding past the same landmarks every day, Bikemap can bring some variety to your training. The app features 11 million routes around the world.
With so many routes, you can use this app locally and when you’re traveling. You can immediately tell the length of the route as well as the elevation and points of interest. You can also use Bikemap to track your training progress.
The premium version of this app allows users to customize the stats shown about their ride, receive turn-by-turn navigation, download maps, and have optimized routing based on bike type.
Pros
- offers 11 million routes around the world
- premium version allows turn-by-turn navigation and optimized routing based on your bike type
- makes it easy to search routes
Cons
- doesn’t offer the same statistic gathering tools as other cycling apps
- downloading and using maps offline requires the premium version
Best for tracking repairs
Bike Repair
How you care for your bicycle determines how long you’ll have it and how safe you’ll be while riding. The app allows you to keep track of your bike’s repairs and history so you don’t forget what’s been done and when it’ll be ready for some attention. You can even keep an inventory with pictures of any spare parts.
Bike Repair also includes 58 photo guides with 300 photos that help you make both basic and advanced repairs and maintenance.
As an added bonus, it will track what you like to wear biking in different weather. This way, you’ll never have to wonder what to wear when you go for a ride.
Pros
- includes 58 photo guides and over 300 photos for basic and advanced bike repairs
- option for an inventory of spare parts with pictures
- can suggest clothing for a ride based on the exact weather
Cons
- no free version available
- doesn’t offer a community of riders to connect with
Best tried and true bike app
Runkeeper
Sure, it’s called Runkeeper, but this app isn’t just for runners. The app is one of the longest standing GPS and training apps available.
Runkeeper allows you to track your workouts, set goals, and measure your progress over time. The subscription upgrade offers training plans if you’re training for a race.
You can leave your phone at home during rides because the app syncs with the Apple Watch. It also integrates with various apps, like MyFitnessPal, and devices, like Fitbits.
Pros
- long standing app that has lasted the test of time
- syncs with the Apple Watch and integrates with a variety of devices and apps
- appropriate for cyclists at a variety of levels
Cons
- tailored race training plans require a subscription
- fewer options to connect with other cyclists (compared with other apps)
Best for travelers
CycleMaps
- Price: free ($$ for premium version)
- iPhone rating: 4 stars
CycleMaps isn’t only for training and tracking routes; it’s great for travelers, too. One of its key features is the ability to find bike share stations. So, if you’re a bike commuter or out in the world looking for a recreational ride, this app will help you find a spot to borrow a bicycle. It can also help you locate the nearest coffee shop.
In addition, it includes all of the basic features you’d expect in a cycling app: mapping routes, tracking progress, and identifying points of interest along your route. It works on the Apple Watch, so you won’t have to use your phone if you don’t want to.
Pros
- helps to locate bikes to borrow as well as locations like coffee shops
- syncs with the Apple Watch
- includes routes all over the world
Cons
- not available for Android
- doesn’t offer the same level of stats gathering and analysis as some other apps
Best for trail riders
Outdooractive
Trail riders, unite! Outdooractive is an app designed especially for folks who like to get out in nature and ride on rocky passes and dirt roads. It’s made for cyclists and hikers.
While all users can see some maps, people who upgrade to a subscription plan get even more street, aerial, satellite, and terrain maps. The subscription plan also allows you to use it offline without mobile or data signals.
It works with Apple Watches and smartwatches with WEAR OS to track your workouts. There are challenges and badges to help motivate you to get out and about.
The navigation function includes speech output to make it easy to get from point A to point B, and you can share your real-time location with friends and family.
Pros
- includes trails all across the globe
- possible to share your location with friends and family
- offers challenges and badges for motivation
Cons
- requires subscription for offline use
- doesn’t include some of the training features other apps do
Best for motivation
My Virtual Mission
Looking to inject some motivation into your training? My Virtual Mission allows you to virtually travel across the country or the world, tracking your progress toward your goal “destination” with each training ride.
In addition to tracking your distance toward a goal, you can fundraise using this app. Companies can even use this app to start corporate wellness challenges.
While it’s not a GPS-based app, it can connect with Strava, Fitbit, Garmin, Adidas Running, and Apple Health to share data about the distance you’ve traveled. How many weekend rides would it take for you to get from Los Angeles to Chicago? My Virtual Mission helps you figure that out while giving you a solid goal to pursue.
Pros
- can be used for a variety of activities besides just bicycling
- connects with Strava, Fitbit, Garmin, Adidas Running, and Apple Health
- allows you to share your mission with others for added accountability
Cons
- not a GPS-based tracking app
- does not offer the training stats or plans that serious cyclists may want
Best bike calculator replacement
Bike Computer
Missing a bike calculator on your bike? Bike Computer can gather the information you want.
It has all of the basics to track your routes and progress along with the ability to customize your feedback and goals. It also works with a wide range of heart rate monitors and Strava.
We particularly like the “Keep Me Safe” feature available with the subscription plans. It sends a help message if you’ve been involved in an accident.
You can also analyze your speed and elevation with graphs with a Bike Computer Pro subscription plan.
Pros
- simple screen designs make it easy to read while cycling
- dashboard can be personalized, so you only see the metrics you care about
- works with a wide range of heart rate monitors
Cons
- you’ll have to pay a premium fee to avoid ads
- getting more detailed analytics requires the highest tier subscription service
Best for giving back
Charity Miles
If you’re motivated by giving back, Charity Miles might be just what you need to get you out on your bike.
Donating to charity is as easy as opening the app and choosing among the 40-plus charities. After that, for each mile you log, the app’s corporate sponsors will make a donation.
If you want to take things a step further, the app also allows you to create a pledge page even if you aren’t biking in a charity race. When your friends donate, they’ll be entered in drawings for cool prizes, too.
As an added bonus, this app also syncs with Strava and your phone’s health app.
Pros
- offers the opportunity to give back to 40-plus charities
- can also count running and walking
- syncs with Strava and your phone’s health app
Cons
- not as good as some of the other apps for tracking your stats
- Android users have reported issues with this app crashing
Best for indoor cycling
Peloton
If you love studio spin classes (or just studio-style classes in general), the Peloton app brings them to your home. You don’t even need a Peloton bike to join in. (However, keep in mind that the resistance levels will be slightly off if you’re using a different brand.)
Peloton is a brand known for its strong community, and there are lots of ways to engage with other Peloton app users (like challenges) if you’re looking for a way to connect with other indoor cyclists.
The Peloton app has thousands of on-demand classes with new ones frequently added, so you can always find a new ride. The instructors are also known for their upbeat personalities and playlists if you’re in need of some motivation to pedal harder.
Pros
- includes a wide range of other types of workouts, including high intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, and strength training
- has a strong community
- less expensive than attending studio classes regularly
- has workouts of varying lengths
Cons
- if you don’t own a Peloton bike, the resistance levels mentioned by the instructor won’t match up
- no free version of the app
Best for planning new adventures
Komoot
- Price: free (additional regions beyond your first one will cost)
- iPhone rating: 4.7 stars
- Android rating: 4.3 stars
The Komoot app is designed for riders who like to go on adventures and share them with others. This app is especially useful for planning longer trips or multiday travel. It allows cyclists to create a route based on surface, difficulty, distance, and elevation profile.
In addition to the app’s maps, riders share pictures so others know what to expect on routes. The app also offers voice navigation with turn-by-turn directions.
With a paid version of the app, you can download planned routes and save topographic maps. You can choose to pay for maps only of certain regions or the whole world depending on where you plan to ride.
Pros
- voice navigation offers turn-by-turn directions
- photos from other riders allow you to see the route in advance
- appropriate for cyclists of various levels
Cons
- only one region of the world is unlocked for free
- to access maps offline, you’ll need to pay a subscription
Best for entertainment
Zombies, Run!
The addition of zombie-related missions might be just the thing to take your training to the next level, or at least get you more excited to dust off your bike.
Although Zombies, Run! was designed to motivate runners, there’s no reason you can’t flee from zombies on your bike! While the step counter on the app won’t work when you’re cycling, the GPS will still track how far you go, and you’ll still be able to listen and take part in the app’s zombie-filled missions.
You can listen to your music between announcements about the mission, but depending on where you’re riding, don’t forget to keep an eye on your surroundings!
Pros
- new missions are constantly being released
- you can still listen to your music while you ride
- works with both Apple Watch and Android Wear
Cons
- not specifically designed for cyclists
- doesn’t offer training plans or lots of stats
Best for self-care reminders
EatMyRide
Compared with some of the other apps on our list, EatMyRide is a newcomer. However, it offers an important twist on the traditional route planning and distance tracking apps. Instead of focusing on training plans, this app provides individualized nutrition information to help riders maximize their performance.
EatMyRide will help you figure out what to eat and drink, and remind you to eat at the appropriate intervals.
It integrates with Strava, Komoot, Garmin, and RideWithGPS. You can use it to help you to analyze the impact your nutrition had on your performance.
Pros
- subscription plan includes meal advice for recovery, rest days, and training days
- integrates with Strava, Komoot, Garmin, and RideWithGPS
- offers reminders of exactly when to eat and drink during your adventures
Cons
- still has some tech bugs that are being resolved
- probably not necessary for casual riders
| Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Strava | free or $$ | community |
| MapMyRide | free or $$ | route tracking |
| Cyclemeter | free or $$ | training help |
| Bikemap | free or $$ | finding new landmarks |
| Bike Repair | $ | tracking repairs |
| Runkeeper | free or $$ | people who want an app that’s tried and true |
| CycleMaps | free or $$ | travelers |
| Outdooractive | free or $$ | trail riders |
| My Virtual Mission | free or $ | motivation |
| Bike Computer | free | a bike calculator replacement |
| Charity Miles | free | giving back |
| Peloton | $$ | indoor cycling |
| Komoot | free (additional regions beyond your first one will cost) | planning new adventures |
| Zombies, Run! | free | entertainment |
| EatMyRide | free or $$ | self-care reminders |
What is the best free app for bike riding?
There are many free bike riding apps. The best app for you will depend on your goals and preferences. If you’re not sure where to start, there are many free apps on the list above you may wish to test out!
Is Komoot better than Strava?
Whether you prefer Komoot or Strava will depend on your goals and preferences. If you’re hoping to gain a social community, you may enjoy Strava more. However, for those who love planning epic adventures, Komoot’s route planning options are likely superior.
Can I use my phone as a bike computer?
Bike computers can offer distance, speed, cadence, lap stats, and GPS location. There are a variety of apps that will turn your phone into a bike computer and provide the same information.
Is Google Maps good for cycling?
Google Maps includes biking directions and information about where bike lanes are, how busy vehicle traffic is, and whether your chosen route includes a steep hill.
If you like Google Maps, there is an app version for Androids and Apple products you can have on your phone while you bike.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and there’s no time like the present to dust off your bike and hit the trails. The right app can help you map your route, track your stats, and even help keep you safe.
Bike riding doesn’t need to be an expensive sport, and you also don’t need to spend a lot of money on a bike riding app to help you get the most out of your rides. Many of the best ones are free. If you’re not sure where to start, consider checking out some of the ones on our list.
