Running on a treadmill can feel a little boring at times, but the right app can make all the difference. With so many Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone available today, you can easily bring variety, motivation, and structure to every indoor workout. Whether you want guided runs, virtual courses, scenic routes, or simple tracking, there’s an app that can help.
The built-in tracking on most treadmills can only show you so much. But a great companion app can coach you through intervals, help you hit pace goals, or give you real-time feedback. Some apps sync directly with your treadmill, while others turn any basic treadmill into a smart workout partner by using your iPhone or Apple Watch to track distance, speed, heart rate, and calories burned.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, apps that work across different treadmill models and brands. These apps bring more variety and fun to your runs, help you stick with your training plan, and keep you motivated day after day.
Whether you’re training for a race, getting back into shape, or simply trying to make your treadmill sessions less repetitive, these apps will help you get more out of every step.
15 Best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone & iPad
App Name | Download Link |
---|---|
Zwift | Download Now |
Peloton | Download Now |
Nike Run Club (NRC) | Download Now |
BitGym | Download Now |
Rouvy | Download Now |
Runkeeper | Download Now |
Virtual Active | Download Now |
PUMATRAC | Download Now |
iFit | Download Now |
Studio | Download Now |
Treadmill Trails | Download Now |
Kinomap | Download Now |
Charity Miles | Download Now |
Footpath Route Planner | Download Now |
SmartGym | Download Now |
1. Zwift
Zwift is one of the most popular Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone because it brings a social and game-like feel to your runs. Instead of staring at the wall while you jog, you’ll see your avatar running through virtual worlds alongside other real runners from around the globe.
Here’s how it works: you connect Zwift to your treadmill (either directly if your treadmill is Bluetooth-enabled or through a footpod or Apple Watch). The app tracks your pace, distance, and cadence in real-time. On your iPhone, you’ll watch your avatar move through scenic courses, city streets, or fantasy landscapes, motivating you to keep going. You can also take part in structured workouts, group runs, or even virtual races.
What makes Zwift stand out among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone is the community feel. You can join others for social runs, follow training plans, and see your progress over time. It’s a great way to add variety and challenge to your treadmill workouts, especially if you usually run solo.
The app works with many treadmills and sensors and offers a free trial so you can try it out. After that, a subscription unlocks full access to courses and workouts.
The Good
- Turns treadmill running into a fun, social experience
- Scenic routes, group runs, and training plans
- Works with a variety of treadmills and sensors
The Bad
- Requires an external sensor if your treadmill isn’t smart
- Paid subscription after a free trial
Also Read: Best Yoga Apps for iPhone and iPad to Stay Flexible, Fit, and Calm
2. Peloton
Peloton is more than just a cycling app; it’s also one of the most versatile Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone. You don’t need a Peloton treadmill to use it. The app offers a massive library of instructor-led running classes that work on any treadmill. You can choose guided runs by time, distance, intensity, music genre, or training goal.
When you open Peloton, you’ll find treadmill classes ranging from beginner-friendly walks to interval sprints to endurance runs. The instructors guide you through each workout with pacing cues, motivation, and music, keeping you engaged from start to finish. Many users say it feels like having a personal coach right there with you.
One great feature is the ability to filter by class length, difficulty, or even instructor. This makes it easy to match your workout to how you’re feeling that day. You can also follow training programs for 5Ks, marathons, or general fitness goals.
What makes Peloton one of the best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone is the energy of the classes. It helps fight treadmill boredom and gives you that group class vibe, even when running alone. The app syncs with Apple Health and Apple Watch for tracking heart rate and calories.
The Good
- Huge library of guided treadmill classes
- Motivating instructors and great music
- Works with any treadmill; no special equipment is needed
The Bad
- Subscription required after free trial
- No virtual running scenery or avatar-based visuals
3. NRC (Nike Run Club)
Nike Run Club (NRC) is one of the most popular free Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone and for a good reason. It’s packed with guided runs, training plans, and motivational features, all without requiring a subscription. While it’s well-known for outdoor running, NRC also works great for treadmill workouts.
Inside the app, you’ll find audio-guided runs that are perfect for the treadmill. The coaches guide you through intervals, tempo runs, and recovery sessions, helping you stay focused and consistent. You can also follow training plans for races like 5Ks and half-marathons, all easily adaptable to indoor running.
What makes Nike Run Club stand out is its simplicity and polish. It works with your iPhone’s sensors or Apple Watch to track distance, pace, and heart rate. It also syncs with Apple Health automatically. The audio coaching and curated playlists help keep things fresh during your runs, especially if you get bored on the treadmill.
For beginners and casual runners, NRC is one of the best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone to start with. You don’t need extra sensors or smart treadmills, just your phone and some motivation. It’s also ideal if you want a no-cost way to stay on track with running goals.
The Good
- Free guided runs with expert coaching
- Works on any treadmill; no special gear is needed
- Great integration with Apple Health and Apple Watch
The Bad
- No on-screen visuals or virtual routes
- Focused mostly on running, not walking, or general cardio
Also Read: The Best Workout Apps for iPhone and iPad
4. BitGym
If you enjoy scenic routes and get bored staring at a blank wall, BitGym is one of the best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone to add visual variety to your runs. The app lets you stream HD video tours of real-world locations while you walk, jog, or run on the treadmill. You’ll feel like you’re exploring national parks, coastal trails, city streets, or mountain paths, all while staying indoors.
You don’t need a smart treadmill or sensors; BitGym uses your iPhone’s camera to detect movement and pace. As you speed up or slow down, the video adjusts to match your pace, creating an immersive experience. It works equally well for walking, running, or even elliptical workouts.
The app offers more than 200 video tours across different landscapes, with new ones added regularly. You can filter by type of scenery or workout intensity. Many users love BitGym for helping long treadmill sessions feel more enjoyable and less repetitive.
Among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, BitGym stands out for its ease of use and visual appeal. It’s especially helpful for casual exercisers, walkers, and those who value scenic variety over structured interval training.
The Good
- Beautiful HD video tours from real-world locations
- Works with any treadmill; no sensors required
- Adjust the video pace to your movement
The Bad
- Requires a subscription for a full video library
- Doesn’t offer coaching or structured training plans
5. Rouvy
Rouvy is well known in the cycling world, but many don’t realize it’s also one of the most immersive Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone. If you like virtual courses and realistic scenery, this app brings real-world video routes to your treadmill workouts. It turns your run into a guided tour, whether you’re climbing Alpine roads or jogging scenic countryside trails.
Rouvy works with both smart treadmills and basic treadmills. If your treadmill isn’t Bluetooth-enabled, you can pair it with an external foot pod or use an Apple Watch to track pace and heart rate. The app displays beautiful, real-video courses (not animated) with accurate elevation profiles. You can adjust your pace to match the terrain; hills feel like hills.
What makes Rouvy special among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone is its focus on realism. It’s ideal for runners who enjoy scenic courses and want an immersive training experience. It also syncs with fitness platforms like Strava and TrainingPeaks for detailed progress tracking.
Rouvy offers structured training plans, too, which is great if you’re training for races or want to improve endurance. The app runs smoothly on iPhone or iPad and works well with Apple Health.
The Good
- Realistic video courses with elevation profiles
- Works with smart or basic treadmills
- Syncs with Strava and other fitness platforms
The Bad
- Subscription required after trial
- The best experience needs a foot pod or smart treadmill for pace accuracy
Also Read: The Best HIIT Workout Apps for iPhone and iPad
6. Runkeeper
Runkeeper by ASICS is one of the most popular running apps out there, and it works surprisingly well as a simple Treadmill Companion App for iPhone. While Runkeeper is known for outdoor GPS tracking, it also has a dedicated indoor mode. This allows you to log treadmill runs using your iPhone’s motion sensors or pair them with an Apple Watch for more accurate tracking.
Inside the app, you’ll find a variety of guided workouts: intervals, tempo runs, endurance runs, and more. The audio-guided sessions give pacing cues and motivation, helping you push through even on days when motivation is low. It also integrates well with Apple Health, syncing all your workout data.
One standout feature of Runkeeper is its training plans. Whether you’re prepping for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, the app provides structured programs that can easily be done on the treadmill. It also lets you track your progress toward personal goals, like running a certain distance each week.
As far as Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone go, Runkeeper is a strong option if you want a simple, no-fuss app to help you stick with regular running without needing extra sensors or devices. It’s free to start, with a premium option (Runkeeper Go) that unlocks more advanced coaching features.
The Good
- Indoor mode works well for treadmill tracking
- Guided workouts and structured training plans
- Syncs with Apple Watch and Apple Health
The Bad
- Pace accuracy depends on device sensors (unless using a Watch)
- Some advanced features require a premium plan
7. Virtual Active
Virtual Active brings beautiful, real-world videos to your treadmill sessions. If you get tired of staring at the gym wall or the same old numbers on a treadmill screen, this is one of the best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone to liven up your run. You can jog through scenic locations, from mountain trails to city streets, while staying indoors.
The app offers a library of HD video courses shot in stunning natural and urban settings. As you run or walk, the video plays on your iPhone or iPad. Some commercial treadmills come with Virtual Active built in, but with the app, you can bring this experience to your home treadmill, too.
You can adjust the video pace to match your effort. Though there’s no dynamic pace tracking, the immersive visuals alone help many runners stay more engaged. It’s perfect for casual runners and walkers looking to enjoy their workouts more rather than focusing on numbers or performance.
Among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, Virtual Active is a great choice for anyone who wants their runs to feel more like an adventure. It works on any treadmill and is simple to set up. New courses can be purchased within the app, so you can keep expanding your library.
The Good
- Gorgeous scenic video courses
- Works on any treadmill; no sensors are needed
- Easy to use, great for enjoyment, and variety
The Bad
- No structured training plans or pace-tracking
- Additional courses must be purchased separately
Also Read: Your iPhone Just Became Your Best Cycling Partner | Here’s How
8. PUMATRAC
PUMATRAC is a free fitness app from Puma, and while it’s lesser known, it works well as a Treadmill Companion App for iPhone. It’s designed to give you a mix of guided runs, training plans, and strength sessions, all from one clean, easy-to-use app.
When using the app for treadmill running, you can select from a variety of guided audio runs. These aren’t just “go run for 30 minutes” sessions; the trainers walk you through warm-ups, intervals, recovery phases, and cool-downs. The app also tracks distance, time, and calories burned, syncing data with Apple Health and Apple Watch.
One thing that sets PUMATRAC apart from other Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone is that it offers more than just running. You’ll also find strength training, HIIT, mobility work, and yoga, all of which can be scheduled into your training week. This is great for anyone looking for variety in their fitness routine.
It’s also one of the few truly free apps; you don’t need to subscribe to unlock guided runs or classes. It’s a great option for runners on a budget or anyone getting back into fitness.
The Good
- Free guided treadmill runs with audio coaching
- Includes strength, HIIT, and mobility workouts
- Syncs with Apple Health and Apple Watch
The Bad
- Smaller library compared to apps like Peloton
- Focused more on casual fitness than advanced running plans
9. iFit
iFit is a premium Treadmill Companion App for iPhone that brings personal training and scenic running to your home workouts. Originally built for NordicTrack treadmills, it now works with many brands or even basic treadmills using your iPhone or iPad.
Inside iFit, you’ll find a massive library of guided runs filmed all over the world. You can jog along Italian coastlines, climb mountain trails, or run through bustling city streets. Many of these runs are led by professional trainers who give real-time coaching as you move. If your treadmill supports it, iFit can auto-adjust incline and speed to match the video route, making your workout even more immersive.
What makes iFit stand out among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone is its variety. There are interval sessions, long runs, recovery jogs, and even walking workouts, perfect if you like to mix things up. You also get full workout programs and challenges that can help you build endurance or prep for a race.
For those who want a truly engaging treadmill experience with professional coaching, iFit is hard to beat. It does require a subscription, but many users find the content quality well worth it.
The Good
- Huge library of scenic guided runs
- Auto-adjust treadmill features on supported models
- Full workout programs and global routes
The Bad
- Subscription required after trial
- The best experience requires an iFit-compatible treadmill
Also Read: The Best Running Apps for iPhone and iPad
10. Studio: Treadmill Classes
Studio is a dedicated Treadmill Companion App for iPhone designed to bring boutique-style treadmill classes to any home treadmill. Think of it like having a fitness studio in your pocket, offering hundreds of guided runs with motivating music and energetic instructors.
The app focuses on audio-guided workouts. You’ll select a class by length, level, or type (intervals, endurance, recovery). The instructors provide pacing cues, encouragement, and playlist-matched beats that help you push through each session. Many users love the fact that it turns a solo treadmill run into something more engaging, like being in a live class.
What makes Studio unique among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone is its live leaderboard. As you run, you can see how your stats compare with others taking the same class. This adds a fun, competitive edge and can help motivate you to stay consistent.
Studio syncs with Apple Watch to track heart rate and metrics and also integrates with Apple Health. It works with any treadmill; you don’t need a smart model. If you’re someone who enjoys the energy of studio classes but prefers the flexibility of working out at home, Studio is an excellent choice.
The Good
- High-energy audio-guided treadmill classes
- Live leaderboard adds motivation
- Works with any treadmill and Apple Watch
The Bad
- Subscription required after free trial
- No scenic video routes; audio focus only
11. Treadmill Trails
If you want to explore beautiful places while you walk or run indoors, Treadmill Trails is a great option. It’s one of the simplest Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone that adds visual scenery to your treadmill workouts. Instead of running in place, staring at a blank wall, you can jog through U.S. national parks, famous cities, beaches, and trails.
The app offers over 200 scenic video tours shot from a runner’s perspective. You simply select a trail, prop your iPhone or iPad on the treadmill, and start moving. The video plays as you run or walk, providing a nice visual distraction and making longer sessions feel shorter.
Treadmill Trails doesn’t require any special sensors or smart treadmill features; it works with any basic treadmill. It also integrates with Apple Health to log your workout time and calories burned. The app is especially popular among walkers, casual runners, and those looking to add variety to their fitness routine.
Among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, Treadmill Trails stands out for its simplicity. There’s no coaching or structured intervals, just beautiful scenery to help you stay motivated. Videos can be purchased individually, which means no subscription is required if you just want a few favorites.
The Good
- Simple visual experience for treadmill workouts
- Works with any treadmill; no sensors needed
- Pay-per-video instead of a monthly subscription
The Bad
- No guided coaching or training plans
- The video pace does not sync dynamically with the running speed
Also Read: The Best Strength Training Apps for iPhone and iPad
12. Kinomap
Kinomap is one of the most interactive Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone. It turns your run into a real-world experience by syncing video routes with your treadmill speed. The app features thousands of scenic runs filmed on real roads and trails around the world. The faster you run, the faster the video moves, making your treadmill workout feel more lifelike.
If you own a smart treadmill, Kinomap connects via Bluetooth to automatically track speed and incline. On basic treadmills, you can pair the app with an external sensor or Apple Watch. Either way, you’ll see your effort reflected in the video, keeping you engaged and motivated.
One standout feature is the multiplayer mode; you can run against other users on the same course or compete in timed challenges. You also get structured training plans and interval workouts, so it’s not just about casual jogging. If you like a bit of competition or community, Kinomap offers something for everyone.
Among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, Kinomap really shines for variety. New routes and videos are constantly added, ranging from city streets to coastal paths to countryside trails. The app supports syncing with Apple Health and major fitness platforms.
The Good
- Real-time video sync with your treadmill pace
- Multiplayer races and structured workouts
- Works with both smart and basic treadmills
The Bad
- Subscription required after free trial
- The best experience needs a smart treadmill or an external sensor
13. Charity Miles
If you’d like to make your treadmill workouts feel even more meaningful, Charity Miles is one of the best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone to try. It allows you to turn your miles into donations for a wide variety of charities simply by logging your runs or walks.
The app tracks distance using your iPhone’s sensors or Apple Watch. You choose a charity from the app’s list, and for every mile you complete, a small donation is made by corporate sponsors. It works indoors or outdoors, so you can use it on any treadmill.
While Charity Miles doesn’t provide guided runs or virtual courses, it’s great for adding extra motivation, especially if you sometimes struggle to stay consistent. Knowing that each step supports a cause you care about can help you stick with your routine. Many users also love using it during charity fitness challenges or virtual races.
The app syncs with Apple Health and lets you share your progress on social media. It’s completely free to use, with no subscription required. Among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, Charity Miles is one of the few that connects fitness with giving back.
The Good
- Run or walk to support your favorite charities
- Works with any treadmill
- Free to use; no subscription needed
The Bad
- No guided workouts or scenic routes
- No pace or interval coaching features
Also Read: The Best Pilates Apps for iPhone and iPad | Quick 15 Minutes
14. Footpath Route Planner
Footpath Route Planner is a great option if you want more control over your treadmill workouts. While it’s often used for outdoor route planning, many runners also use it indoors by creating custom routes and pacing goals that can guide their treadmill sessions. It’s one of the more flexible Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, especially if you like building your own workouts.
Here’s how it works: you map out a run using the app, choosing distance, elevation, and pace. Then, during your treadmill session, you can follow that plan. The app tracks pace, heart rate, and estimated splits, giving you feedback to match the route you’ve designed. It’s great for preparing for specific races or targeting goal paces, even when training indoors.
Footpath works well with Apple Watch for added tracking and syncs data to Apple Health. While it doesn’t provide scenic video or audio coaching, it’s excellent for runners who want to train smarter, especially if you prefer structured progress over entertainment.
Among Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone, Footpath is best for goal-driven runners or race training. If you like building your own pacing plans and seeing your data clearly, this app is a great choice.
The Good
- Build custom routes and pacing goals
- Works great for treadmill race prep
- Syncs with Apple Watch and Apple Health
The Bad
- No scenic video or live coaching
- Advanced features require a Pro version
15. SmartGym
SmartGym is a full fitness tracking app that works well as a Treadmill Companion App for iPhone, especially if you want to combine cardio with strength or HIIT training. It lets you build custom workout plans that include treadmill runs alongside other exercises, giving you a well-rounded fitness routine.
The app tracks treadmill sessions using your iPhone or Apple Watch. You can log distance, time, pace, heart rate, and calories burned. You can also add treadmill intervals to your workout plan, combining running with weight training or mobility work. It syncs seamlessly with Apple Health and is optimized for use with Apple Watch.
What sets SmartGym apart from many Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone is its versatility. It’s not just for running; you can use it to plan and track your entire workout week. The app also offers ready-made programs designed by trainers, covering everything from fat loss to muscle building to endurance.
If you’re someone who likes structure and wants one app for both cardio and strength, SmartGym is a great choice. It’s particularly helpful for those who train at home and want to log treadmill runs along with other types of workouts.
The Good
- Combines treadmill runs with full workout plans
- Optimized for Apple Watch users
- Great for balanced fitness (cardio + strength)
The Bad
- Focused more on structured fitness than immersive running
- Some features require a premium subscription
Also Read: The Best Personal Trainer Apps for iPhone and iPad
Confused? Let’s Compare the Best Treadmill Workout Apps for iPhone and iPad
App Name | Best For | Scenic Routes | Guided Coaching | Subscription Required |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zwift | Interactive virtual worlds and social runs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Peloton | Guided studio treadmill classes | No | Yes | Yes |
Nike Run Club (NRC) | Free guided runs and training plans | No | Yes | No |
BitGym | Scenic video tours without sensors | Yes | No | Yes |
Rouvy | Real-video courses with terrain feedback | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Runkeeper | Simple guided treadmill runs | No | Yes | Optional |
Virtual Active | Basic scenic videos for motivation | Yes | No | No (pay-per-video) |
PUMATRAC | Free audio runs + strength workouts | No | Yes | No |
iFit | Immersive global running with incline sync | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Studio | Audio classes with a live leaderboard | No | Yes | Yes |
Treadmill Trails | Pay-per-video scenic runs | Yes | No | No (pay-per-video) |
Kinomap | Real-time video pacing + multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Charity Miles | Turning miles into charity donations | No | No | No |
Footpath Route Planner | Custom route and pacing plans | No | No | Optional |
SmartGym | Combining treadmill + strength plans | No | Yes | Yes |
Also Read: Beats PowerBeats Pro Review | Earbuds for Fitness Freaks
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Not always. Many apps work with basic treadmills by using your iPhone sensors, Apple Watch, or a foot pod. Some, like iFit or Zwift, offer extra features if your treadmill is Bluetooth-enabled, but most work with any model.
Yes. Many apps, like NRC, Peloton, and Runkeeper, sync directly with Apple Watch for more accurate tracking and heart rate monitoring. It’s a great way to boost accuracy without buying extra sensors.
It depends on your style. Scenic apps (like BitGym or Kinomap) make runs more visually interesting. Guided runs (like Peloton or NRC) offer coaching and motivation. Some runners use both to keep things fresh.
Most of them do. Apps like Peloton, Runkeeper, Kinomap, and SmartGym sync workout data to Apple Health automatically, keeping all your fitness records in one place.
Absolutely. Many of the apps include guided walks or scenic walking tours, perfect if you’re not a runner but still want variety and motivation on the treadmill.
Some apps are completely free (like NRC or Charity Miles). Others offer premium subscriptions for full access. We’ve noted which ones require payment.
No, they run alongside it. You’ll typically prop your phone or tablet on the console for video or coaching.
Start with one or two that match your goals, either scenic, structured training or casual fitness.
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Wrapping up: The Best Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone and iPad
Running or walking on a treadmill doesn’t have to feel like a chore. The right Treadmill Companion Apps for iPhone can turn a basic session into something far more motivating, whether that’s through guided coaching, scenic video routes, or fun training programs.
If you’re someone who likes structure and feedback, apps like Peloton, Studio, or Runkeeper bring a personal coaching experience to your treadmill. If you prefer to zone out and explore new places, Zwift, Kinomap, and BitGym offer scenic visuals that keep you engaged. And if your goal is simply to make movement more meaningful, Charity Miles helps turn your effort into impact.
No matter your treadmill model or fitness level, these apps can help you stay consistent and get more from your indoor runs or walks. You don’t need a fancy machine or lots of gadgets, just your iPhone, a good app, and a little motivation to get moving.
Start by picking one or two apps that match your style. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable your treadmill sessions can become when you’ve got the right companion on your phone.
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