ASICS Runkeeper
8.8 GCGarmin Connect
8.3ASICS Runkeeper vs Garmin Connect
ASICS Runkeeper and Garmin Connect both use a freemium model, pairing activity tracking with free and paid options; Runkeeper emphasizes phone-based running, while Garmin Connect centers on a device-linked fitness history. Both offer free plans, paid options, adaptive programming, analytics, extensive exercise libraries and wearable syncing.
Runkeeper suits runners who want phone GPS, route maps, guided workouts and race plans. Garmin Connect organizes activities captured by Garmin hardware and extends them with health measures, courses, workouts and developer access. The choice depends on devices, training scope and price structure.
| ASICS Runkeeper | Garmin Connect | |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist score | 8.8 | 8.3 |
| Works with a watch | Yes | Yes |
| Watch families named | Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Polar, Suunto, Coros, Amazfit | Garmin |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Paid from | $3.33/mo | $5.83/mo |
| Platforms | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Web |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | $11.99/mo | — |
| Workout programming | Adaptive | Adaptive |
| Progress tracking | Analytics | Analytics |
| Exercise library | Extensive | Extensive |
| Coach tools | None | None |
| Wearable sync | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile platforms | iPhone and Android | iPhone and Android |
ASICS Runkeeper
Runkeeper suits people who want phone-based logging, a web history and many named wearable connections. Its free entry level handles the basic record, while Go targets runners seeking structured plans, audio coaching, deeper reports or Live Tracking. Apple Watch support is listed for iPhone users with Series 3 or newer, and Android does not provide coaching or target pace. The discontinued developer API is relevant if outside software needs to read or write Runkeeper data.
- Phone GPS captures distance, duration, pace or speed, calories and route maps.
- Runkeeper names Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Coros, Suunto, Polar and Amazfit as supported wearables.
- Free Basic plan is available.
Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect is a broad record and planning service for people who use Garmin devices. Core tracking, analysis, courses, workouts and syncing are available free, while Connect+ targets users seeking dashboards, coaching, live tools and route discovery. Check your device and phone requirements before subscribing, and expect differences when another service interprets Garmin data. It is a sensible starting point for Garmin owners who want one place for training history and health measures.
- Free plan covers tracking, analysis, workouts, courses and syncing
- Records running, cycling, swimming, strength work and other activities
- Garmin Coach offers adaptive workouts and coaching material
Round by round
Free and paid plans
Both services have a free plan. Runkeeper Go is priced at $39.99 annually, with the stated monthly entry price at $11.99. Garmin lists Connect+ at $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year and includes a 30-day trial. The monthly price favors Garmin Connect+, but the annual price favors Runkeeper Go. Both keep core tracking available without payment, although each reserves additional features for its paid tier. Because the cheaper option changes with billing period and both provide a free entry point, this round is a tie.
Training and activity features
Phone GPS lets Runkeeper log distance, duration, pace or speed, calories and route maps. Users can choose running, walking, biking or hiking, enter activities manually, use Indoor Mode, follow race plans and audio guidance, search routes and review progress reports. Garmin Connect evaluates Garmin-device recordings with time, distance, laps, elevation, pace or speed, heart rate and maps. Its scope also includes health information, courses, custom workouts, Garmin Coach, challenges and activities such as swimming, kayaking and weight lifting. Garmin Connect wins for the wider activity, health and training set.
Garmin Connect takes this round
Ease and running focus
Runkeeper's stated strengths include a clear running screen, customization, goal support, motivation and suitability for beginners through experienced runners. Its phone-GPS approach records a run without requiring a Garmin device, and guided workouts offer selectable coaching voices. Garmin Connect presents more health, performance and device-linked information, including customizable dashboards and historical averages. The facts do not describe Garmin's interface as difficult, but Runkeeper has specific praise for usability and a direct running focus. Runkeeper therefore wins this round for a simpler runner-oriented starting point.
ASICS Runkeeper takes this round
Wearables and integrations
Runkeeper lists support for Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Coros, Suunto, Polar and Amazfit, along with Apple Health, Google Health/Fitbit, Health Connect, MyFitnessPal, Apple Music and Spotify. Garmin Connect can link with MyFitnessPal, Strava and TrainingPeaks and is centered on Garmin hardware. Garmin's developer program additionally exposes Health, Activity, Women's Health, Training and Courses APIs, subject to application and approval. Runkeeper has broad wearable coverage, but Garmin Connect provides deeper documented data and developer connections. Garmin Connect wins on integration depth.
Garmin Connect takes this round
Platform and access
Runkeeper has Android, iOS and web versions. Garmin Connect likewise runs on Android, iOS and the web, while Garmin documents API access as well. Garmin specifies iOS 18.2 or later, Android 9 or later, native Google Play on Android and no Android Go support. Runkeeper's listed access is broader in stated Android and iOS availability, while Garmin adds a formal API surface. Since both cover mobile and web and Garmin adds API access, Garmin Connect wins this round.
Garmin Connect takes this round
Privacy and data controls
Runkeeper lets users choose who can view activities and maps, and it provides controls for connected third-party access and Apple Health syncing. Its explanations cover location and other permissions and mention security measures, but do not identify a compliance certification. Garmin Connect starts with activity data private, offers visibility controls, says personal data is not sold and limits third-party activity sharing to user direction. Garmin also provides a public PGP key for security reports. Garmin Connect wins on the more explicit privacy commitments.
Garmin Connect takes this round
Developer API access
Runkeeper's former Health Graph API is no longer available. Its old developer documentation URL reportedly led back to the home page, with new registrations closed except for selected partners. Garmin's developer program exposes Health, Activity, Women's Health, Training and Courses APIs using OAuth 2.0. Access requires an application and approval, with Garmin describing a typical integration time of one to four weeks. The APIs are licensed, Garmin-hosted and have no current license fee, although future fees may be charged. Garmin Connect clearly wins for available developer access.
Garmin Connect takes this round
AI and premium insights
Runkeeper Go provides advanced fitness reports, goal insights, workout comparisons, personalized race plans, coached audio Guided Workouts and Live Tracking. Connect+ adds Active Intelligence AI insights, a performance dashboard, nutrition tracking, enhanced LiveTrack, premium coaching, Garmin Trails and exclusive badges. Some Connect+ features vary by device. Runkeeper offers structured running guidance, but Garmin is the only service with an explicitly listed AI feature and a broader premium dashboard. Garmin Connect wins this round.
Garmin Connect takes this round
Pick ASICS Runkeeper if
- You want a running-first app with phone GPS and route maps.
- A lower annual paid price and guided running plans matter to you.
- You use several supported wearables, including Apple Watch or Fitbit.
Pick Garmin Connect if
- You use Garmin devices and want their recorded data in one place.
- You need broader health metrics, courses, workouts and device analysis.
- Documented developer APIs or AI premium insights are priorities.
The short of it
Choose ASICS Runkeeper for a running-centered app that uses phone GPS, offers route maps and guided plans, and costs less on the listed annual option. Choose Garmin Connect if you use Garmin devices or want a broader record of health, performance, courses and workouts. Garmin also has the lower listed monthly paid price, a 30-day trial, explicit AI premium features and active developer APIs. Both provide free plans, analytics, adaptive programming and wearable syncing, so the deciding point is whether your priority is focused running or Garmin-linked breadth.
What buyers ask
Do both apps have free plans?
Yes. Runkeeper and Garmin Connect each offer a free plan. Their paid tiers add further training, reporting or premium features.
Which is cheaper?
Runkeeper Go is $39.99 a year, while Garmin Connect+ is $69.99 a year. Monthly pricing reverses that: Runkeeper starts at $11.99 and Garmin Connect+ is $6.99.
Can Runkeeper work without a Garmin watch?
Yes. Runkeeper uses phone GPS and supports Android, iOS and web access. It also lists Apple Watch and several other wearable integrations.
What does Garmin Connect require?
Garmin Connect is intended for activities captured by Garmin devices. Garmin lists iOS 18.2 or later, Android 9 or later, native Google Play on Android and no Android Go support.
Which has public developer APIs?
Garmin offers Health, Activity, Women's Health, Training and Courses APIs with OAuth 2.0, subject to application approval. Runkeeper's former Health Graph API was discontinued.
Listed together on Best Workout Tracking Apps in 2026.