Art of the iPhone

RunKeeper Free (free, iTunes link) is an app for runners that tracks the time, distance, and speed of a run as well as records the route of the run using GPS. As a running tool, we think RunKeeper Free outclasses the Nike+ system in almost every way except for integration with the iPhone’s iPod functionality. Overall, RunKeeper is one of the best fitness apps for the iPhone, and we have added it to our Best of iPhone Apps list.

See your runs displayed on Google Maps.

One thing we liked about RunKeeper is that its interface is basic and easy to use. To begin tracking your run, tap the Start button. Once underway, you can tap Pause to pause the app’s tracking in case you have to stop for traffic or tie your shoe. Your pauses will even be recorded and represented on the map by gray pins. To resume tracking, tap Resume. When you’re finished, tap Stop.

RunKeeper saves your data locally on the iPhone, but you can also sign up for a free web account within the app with RunKeeper.com (which I highly recommend). With the account, RunKeeper will automatically upload each run (for free) to the site where you can access additional data like more feature-rich maps and charts.

See a history of all your runs.

I should note here that there are two versions of the app: RunKeeper Free and RunKeeper Pro ($9.99, iTunes Link). The free version (the version I’m reviewing) has most of the functionality of the Pro version, with the Pro version having two exclusive features: audio cues (hear your stats via headphones) and training workouts (hear interval prompts via headphones). The developer said the Pro version will have more features added soon.

A map from RunKeeper.com. Click to embiggen.

The website puts some extra twists on the information not available in the app. For example, the website has an interactive map and line chart for each run. The line chart displays your speed and altitude over the course of your run. But here’s the cool part: as you drag your mouse pointer across the line chart, it simultaneously shows the corresponding GPS position of that exact moment of the run on Google Maps. Doing this allows you to see where you slowed down or sped up during your run.

The website also supplies additional data like total distance ran per week, feet climbed, estimated calories burned, start and stop time (ie, time of day), and pace for each individual mile. You can use the site to publish (either manually or automatically) your runs to sites like Twitter or FaceBook. You can also export your runs to Google Earth.

A lot of people wonder how accurate the app is. Well, I had no scientific way for testing RunKeeper’s accuracy, but I did a crosscheck with Google Maps and found that RunKeeper said 2.7 miles for one of my runs, while Google Maps said 3.1 miles. However, it should be noted that Google Maps gives driving directions while RunKeeper tracks my position to within a few meters. Since I was running on a sidewalk in what basically is the equivalent of the inside lane of a running track, the difference in distance seems about right to me. I think RunKeeper is accurate, at least more so that trying to plot your run on a map.

RunKeeper does have a few drawbacks. Its integration with the iPod isn’t up to par with the Nike+ system. You can listen to iPod in the background, but you have to start your music first, then launch RunKeeper. iPod controls can only be accessed if you set your “double click the home button” setting to bring up the iPod controls.

Also, many of RunKeeper‘s features rely on the iPhone getting a decent GPS signal. If you have difficulty picking up these signals in your area, the app loses most of its functionality (while Nike+ would still retain its).

Another drawback to the app is that the developer suggests you always turn off WiFi before a run to aid in the app’s route-tracking accuracy. If the iPhone can’t find a GPS signal, it may use a WiFi network’s location instead, which can add sudden bizarre jumps in your route. Turning off WiFi is annoying to do before every run, although I should note that I’ve run with WiFi on and it didn’t seem to effect the app’s accuracy. So, run with WiFi at your own risk (you can always fix the route later at RunKeeper.com).

Conclusion

RunKeeper Free is easy to use, packed with features, and easily outclasses the Nike+ system for tracking runs in every way save for integration with the iPod app. Used in conjunction with the free website, the app is actually a fun way to track your runs and view your performance over time. We highly recommend RunKeeper for runners.

Name: RunKeeper
Developer: FitnessKeeper, Inc
Version Reviewed: 1.4.8.2
Price: Free or $9.99
iTunes Link: Download