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Apple Fitness+ vs Strava

Apple Fitness+ logo

Apple Fitness+

Software

Guided workouts powered by Apple Watch

From
$9.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Strava logo

Strava

Software

The social network for athletes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Strava has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apple Fitness+ restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms; Strava segment leaderboards, custom goals, workout analysis, offline routes and fitness scoring all require a subscription
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Strava covers GPS activity tracking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Fitness+ and Strava actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Fitness+ and Strava differ
AttributeApple Fitness+Strava
Starting price$9.99/monthFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsiOS, iPadOS, tvOSiOS, Android, Web, Apple Watch, Wear OS
Founded19762009

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Fitness+

  • Studio-style workouts
  • Real-time Apple Watch metrics
  • Personalized recommendations
  • Time to Walk
  • Meditation sessions
  • Apple Music
  • Health app
  • SharePlay

Only in Strava

  • GPS activity tracking
  • Segment leaderboards
  • Route discovery
  • Training analysis
  • Social feed and clubs
  • Garmin
  • Wahoo
  • Fitbit

Both cover

  • Apple Watch
  • Ios support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Fitness+

  • Workout trackingnot Strava
  • Nutrition managementnot Strava
  • Health monitoringnot Strava
  • Fitness coachingnot Strava
  • Wellness improvementnot Strava

Strava

  • Recording runs and rides from a phone or watchnot Apple Fitness+
  • Segment leaderboards and competing on routesnot Apple Fitness+
  • Training analysis and fitness tracking on the subscriptionnot Apple Fitness+
  • Route planning with offline mapsnot Apple Fitness+
  • Following friends and clubsnot Apple Fitness+

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Fitness+

  • Restricted to Apple ecosystem, not compatible with Android devices or non-Apple platforms
  • Apple Watch is required for optimal functionality and metrics tracking
  • No live sessions available, only prerecorded on-demand videos
  • Limited Mac support with streaming from iPhone or iPad required
  • Simplified approach puts limitations compared to specialized or comprehensive fitness apps

Strava

  • Segment leaderboards, custom goals, workout analysis, offline routes and fitness scoring all require a subscription
  • The $5 a month headline is the annual rate, billed as $59.99 a year
  • The student rate and the Runna bundle are annual only, with no monthly option

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Fitness+

$9.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Fitness+ review.

Strava

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Activity tracking
    • GPS recording
    • Basic segments
  • Strava+$11.99/month
    • Full segment leaderboards
    • Training zones
    • Heart rate analysis

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Fitness+ if

  • You need studio-style workouts.
  • You work on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS.
  • You also want real-time apple watch metrics.
Apple Fitness+ review

Choose Strava if

  • You need gps activity tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Apple Watch, Wear OS.
  • You also want segment leaderboards.
Strava review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Fitness+ or Strava better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month and Strava at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Fitness+ or Strava?
Strava has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $9.99/month for Apple Fitness+ and Free for Strava.
Does Apple Fitness+ or Strava run on more platforms?
Apple Fitness+ runs on iOS, iPadOS, tvOS. Strava runs on iOS, Android, Web, Apple Watch, Wear OS.
Can I use Strava for free?
Yes. Strava has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Apple Fitness+ starts at $9.99/month.
What is Apple Fitness+ best used for?
Apple Fitness+ is most often used for workout tracking, nutrition management, health monitoring, fitness coaching. Of those, workout tracking and nutrition management are not what Strava is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Fitness+ do that Strava cannot?
Apple Fitness+ covers Studio-style workouts, Real-time Apple Watch metrics, Personalized recommendations, Time to Walk. Strava covers GPS activity tracking, Segment leaderboards, Route discovery, Training analysis. Both handle Apple Watch, Ios support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple Fitness+: How much does Apple Fitness Plus cost?

Apple Fitness Plus costs $9.99/month or $79.99/year in the US. New subscribers may be eligible for a free trial with the purchase of select Apple devices.

Source
Strava: Does Strava offer a free tier?

Yes. Strava Free includes basic activity tracking, GPS recording, activity feed, following other athletes, giving kudos, and basic segments with top 10 leaderboard access. The free tier does not include full segment leaderboards, training zones, or heart rate analysis.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Can you share Apple Fitness Plus with family?

Yes, Apple Fitness Plus features Family Sharing compatibility, allowing you to share your subscription with up to five family members at no additional cost.

Source
Strava: What does Strava Premium cost?

Strava costs $11.99 per month or $79.99 per year for individual users. A Family Plan costs $139.99 per year. Students receive 50% off at $39.99 per year with verification.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What workout types does Apple Fitness Plus offer?

Apple Fitness Plus supports a wide range of workout types including strength training, yoga, HIIT, cycling, dance, and mindful cooldowns with curated music playlists.

Source
Strava: Can I export my data from Strava?

Yes. Every Strava athlete can download their data for free at any time through the app, website, or direct download. However, API access now requires a paid subscription for Standard Tier developers costing $12 per month.

Source
Apple Fitness+: Does Apple Fitness Plus integrate with Apple Music?

Yes, one of the strongest features is Apple Music integration, with workouts synced to curated playlists that match pace and intensity.

Source
Strava: Does Strava work offline?

Strava records activities offline using GPS on your device, but viewing historical data and accessing most app features requires an internet connection to sync and display data.

Source
Apple Fitness+: What devices are required to use Apple Fitness Plus?

Apple Fitness Plus requires an Apple device such as iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. An Apple Watch is more or less mandatory for optimal use and metrics tracking.

Source
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