Guide to Walking Apps with GPS Tracking: Find the Best App for Your Needs
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for maintaining fitness, weight management, and overall health. Whether you're walking for leisure, tracking steps, or training for long-distance hikes, a walking app with GPS tracking can enhance your experience by monitoring distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned.
At Athlete Solution, we know that having the right tools makes all the difference in achieving your fitness goals. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you find the best walking apps with GPS tracking to optimize your walks.
Why Use a Walking App with GPS Tracking?
Using a walking app isn’t just about tracking steps—it provides a detailed breakdown of your movement and helps you stay motivated.
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Track Distance & Steps – Monitor your progress in real time.
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Measure Speed & Pace – Improve your endurance and walking efficiency.
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Calorie Burn Estimation – Helps with weight management goals.
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Route Planning & Mapping – Discover new walking trails and avoid getting lost.
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Set Goals & Challenges – Stay accountable with milestones and achievements.
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Share & Compete – Connect with friends or a walking community for extra motivation.
Now, let’s explore the best GPS walking apps available today.
Best Walking Apps with GPS Tracking
1. Strava – Best for Competitive Walkers
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Features: Tracks distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned. Allows segment challenges and leaderboards.
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Why It’s Great: Ideal for those who love competition and want to improve performance.
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Available On: iOS & Android
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Free & Premium Version: Premium unlocks deeper analytics and training plans.
🔗 Download Strava: Official Website
2. MapMyWalk by Under Armour – Best for Custom Routes
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Features: Tracks real-time GPS location, logs workouts, and offers audio coaching.
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Why It’s Great: Excellent for discovering and customizing routes.
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Available On: iOS & Android
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Free & Premium Version: Premium offers training insights and personalized coaching.
🔗 Download MapMyWalk: Official Website
3. Pacer – Best for Step Tracking & Weight Loss
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Features: Combines GPS tracking with step counting, health trends, and guided workouts.
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Why It’s Great: Focuses on fitness and weight management with a user-friendly interface.
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Available On: iOS & Android
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Free & Premium Version: Premium includes advanced analytics and training plans.
🔗 Download Pacer: Official Website
4. AllTrails – Best for Hiking & Nature Walks
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Features: GPS route tracking with offline maps, trail reviews, and difficulty ratings.
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Why It’s Great: Ideal for hikers looking for scenic or challenging trails.
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Available On: iOS & Android
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Free & Premium Version: Premium offers offline maps and advanced trail details.
🔗 Download AllTrails: Official Website
5. Google Fit – Best for Health Tracking & Simplicity
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Features: Tracks walking distance, heart rate, and integrates with other fitness apps.
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Why It’s Great: Simple and effective for tracking daily activity.
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Available On: iOS & Android
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Free Version Only
🔗 Download Google Fit: Official Website
How to Choose the Right Walking App
With so many options, picking the right app depends on your goals and preferences.
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For fitness & step tracking → Pacer or Google Fit
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For detailed GPS route tracking → MapMyWalk or Strava
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For hiking and trails → AllTrails
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For competition & social motivation → Strava
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For goal-based coaching → MapMyWalk or Pacer
Tips for Using GPS Walking Apps Effectively
To get the most out of your walking app, keep these tips in mind:
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Enable GPS & Battery Saver Mode – GPS can drain battery life; adjust settings accordingly.
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Wear a Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker – Sync your app with a Garmin, Fitbit, or Apple Watch for better accuracy.
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Track Your Walks Consistently – Use the app regularly to analyze progress.
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Explore New Routes – Try different paths to keep your walks interesting.
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Join a Walking Community – Many apps offer challenges and groups for added motivation.
🔗 Related: Best Walking Gear & Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do these apps work without internet?
Most apps need the internet for real-time tracking, but AllTrails and some premium features on other apps allow offline maps.
Which app is best for tracking calories burned?
Apps like Strava, Pacer, and MapMyWalk provide detailed calorie estimates.
Can I use these apps on a treadmill?
Yes, Google Fit and Pacer use motion sensors for indoor step tracking.
Do these apps sync with smartwatches?
Yes, most apps sync with Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, and other wearables.
Are there free walking apps without ads?
Google Fit is completely free and ad-free, while other apps may have ads unless you upgrade to premium.
Upgrade Your Walking Experience with Athlete Solution
Having the right gear makes walking more enjoyable and effective. Check out our top picks for walking and fitness accessories:
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Smart Fitness Watches – Track heart rate, steps, and calories.
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Hydration Packs & Bottles – Stay hydrated on long walks.
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Performance Footwear – Reduce fatigue and improve comfort.
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Compression Socks & Recovery Tools – Enhance circulation and reduce soreness.
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Reflective Gear & Safety Lights – Stay visible during evening walks.
🔗 Shop the latest walking gear here!
Get Started with Your Walking App Today
Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay active. With the right GPS walking app and the best walking gear, you can turn your daily steps into a health-boosting habit.
Check out Athlete Solution for top fitness gear that keeps you moving!
Start tracking your walks today and reach your fitness goals!
