Best Runna alternatives in 2026
Runna is a strong race-plan app, but at $19.99 a month it isn't for everyone. Here are 5 alternatives depending on what you want instead: heart rate coaching, free plans, or just tracking.
Disclosure: RunZone makes this site and is on this list. Prices are US list prices as of October 2026 and can change.
Why people look for Runna alternatives
- Price: $19.99/month or $119.99/year, and the free version only covers week 1 of a plan.
- Training style: some runners want plans built around heart rate zones instead of pace targets.
- Hardware: some already own a Garmin with free coaching built in.
1RunZone: best for heart-rate-based Zone 2 training
RunZone builds your plan around Zone 2 and coaches you live with voice cues while the app is open. Instead of chasing pace, you follow heart rate (from Apple Watch via Apple Health) or easy-pace guidance without a watch, and track your pace getting faster at the same heart rate. $39.99/year or $9.99/week, iPhone only, no free tier.
2Garmin Coach: best free option for Garmin owners
Adaptive 5K, 10K and half marathon plans that adjust to your training. Free, but requires a Garmin watch.
3Nike Run Club: best free audio-guided runs
Free guided runs and coached plans. The plans are mostly fixed rather than adaptive, but the audio coaching is excellent for staying motivated.
4Strava: best for tracking and community
Great for logging runs and the social feed. Not a plan builder on its own; many training and analysis features are paid.
5A free plan + a Zone 2 calculator
If you're disciplined, a classic printable plan plus the free Zone 2 calculator and the talk test can take you a long way for $0.