Softwr

Software · head to head

Future vs Strava

Future logo

Future

Software

Your personal trainer in your pocket

From
$199/month
Rated
-
Strava logo

Strava

Software

The social network for athletes

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Strava has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Future high monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs; Strava segment leaderboards, custom goals, workout analysis, offline routes and fitness scoring all require a subscription
  • They diverge on capability: Future covers Dedicated personal trainer, Strava covers GPS activity tracking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Future and Strava actually diverge.

Attributes where Future and Strava differ
AttributeFutureStrava
Starting price$199/monthFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsiOS, AndroidiOS, Android, Web, Apple Watch, Wear OS
Founded20172009

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 Future

  • Dedicated personal trainer
  • Custom workout plans
  • Real-time accountability
  • Weekly plan adjustments
  • Trainer messaging
  • Apple Health
  • Apple-watch support

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

What people use each for

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

Future

  • 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 Future
  • Segment leaderboards and competing on routesnot Future
  • Training analysis and fitness tracking on the subscriptionnot Future
  • Route planning with offline mapsnot Future
  • Following friends and clubsnot Future

Where each one falls short

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

Future

  • High monthly cost: $199/month is significantly more expensive than app-only alternatives and self-directed programs
  • No real-time coaching: lacks in-workout guidance from coaches during actual training sessions
  • Limited customer support: email-only support model without phone or chat options for immediate assistance
  • Requires wearable for full tracking: relies on Apple Watch or smartwatch for comprehensive activity and heart rate data
  • Binding coach relationship: switching coaches or ending relationships may impact workout continuity

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

Future

$199/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Future 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 Future if

  • You need dedicated personal trainer.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want custom workout plans.

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.

Questions people ask

Is Future or Strava better?
Neither clearly leads. Future starts at $199/month and Strava at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Future or Strava?
Strava has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $199/month for Future and Free for Strava.
Does Future or Strava run on more platforms?
Future runs on iOS, Android. 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. Future starts at $199/month.
What is Future best used for?
Future 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 Future do that Strava cannot?
Future covers Dedicated personal trainer, Custom workout plans, Real-time accountability, Weekly plan adjustments. Strava covers GPS activity tracking, Segment leaderboards, Route discovery, Training analysis. Both handle Apple Watch, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Future: How much does Future personal training cost?

Future Pro membership costs $199 per month for one-on-one personal training with a certified coach. First-time users can access the first month at a discounted rate through affiliate links.

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
Future: Do Future coaches provide form feedback?

Yes, users can record and submit exercise videos to their coach, who will provide personalized form corrections and technique feedback for proper exercise execution.

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
Future: Does Future work with wearables like Apple Watch?

Yes, Future integrates with Apple Watch, smartwatches, and can cast workouts to TV. The app tracks activity and heart rate data through wearable devices.

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
Future: How often are Future workouts updated?

Future coaches deliver customized weekly workouts by Sunday that adapt to travel, injuries, or schedule changes. Coaches also provide ongoing daily motivation and track workout completion.

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

Related pages

Other head to heads