Hey there, fellow cyclists! Today, we’re diving into a debate that’s been stirring up the cycling community for a long time: Ride With GPS vs Strava.
These two popular apps have become go-to companions for tracking and analyzing our rides, but the burning question remains – which one is the absolute best?
Strap on your helmets and get ready for a head-to-head comparison as we explore the features, pricing and the pros and cons of Ride With GPS and Strava.
By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which app deserves a spot on your smartphone.
What is Ride With GPS?
Ride with GPS is a popular cycling app founded in 2007 that offers users the ability to plan and track their rides.
The app features an interactive map for creating custom routes or searching for premade routes based on distance, elevation, and other preferences.
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Ride with GPS also provides turn-by-turn navigation, voice guidance features and offline maps for navigating rides in areas with poor internet connectivity, making it a reliable and essential tool.
What Is Strava?
Strava is also a popular cycling app that allows users to track their rides and connect with other cyclists. It was founded in 2009 and has since grown to become one of the largest social networks for athletes.
Strava offers a range of features, including route planning, ride tracking, and analysis tools.
One of the most popular features of Strava is its segments, which allow users to compete against other cyclists on specific sections of a route.
Ride With GPS Vs Strava
The main difference between Ride with GPS and Strava is their focus.
While both apps offer route planning and ride tracking, Ride with GPS is primarily focused on navigation and exploring new routes. Strava, on the other hand, is more focused on social networking and competition.
This is reflected in the apps’ features, with Ride with GPS offering more advanced navigation tools and Strava offering more social features like leaderboards and challenges.
Let’s take a look at the other differences in detail:
Route Planning
Ride with GPS is a super easy-to-use platform for creating your own routes. Plus, it shows a detailed elevation profile, so you can see how hard the climbs and descents will be.
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But here’s the real kicker: it gives you turn-by-turn directions!
Another advantage of Ride with GPS is its ability to download maps for offline use. So even if you’re in the middle of nowhere with no cell service, you can still follow your route and get where you’re going.
Ride with GPS also offers route sharing – you can easily share your routes with friends.
On the other hand, Strava offers a different set of features that may appeal to cyclists who value community engagement and segment exploration.
The platform’s heatmap feature allows you to discover popular routes used by other Strava users, making it easy to find interesting and frequently traveled paths.
It also shows routes that are popular among the community! You can challenge yourself or compare your performance against others.
Subscriptions And Pricing
Both Ride with GPS and Strava offer free versions with plenty of great features. They allow you to track your rides, view limited data and connect with other riders.
Strava’s premium version comes with no ads, live tracking, filtered leaderboards, cycling training plans, and fitness analysis.
Their premium subscriptions start at $7.99 per month, with discounted annual plans.
Ride with GPS’s premium version offers advanced features such as points of interest, surface type identification, turn-by-turn voice navigation, live logging, offline maps and stationary ride support.
Their premium subscriptions start at $5.99 per month, with discounts available for annual plans.
User Experience
The perception of user-friendliness can vary depending on individual preferences. For me, I like Ride with GPS.
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Ride with GPS has a vast database of routes and is easy to use, with turn-by-turn navigation and a mobile app that keeps you on course and captures what matters.
Strava is also good and is considered a great solution for many cyclists due to its overall simplicity and user-oriented graphics.
Integration with Devices and Apps
Both Ride with GPS and Strava offer integration with a range of devices and apps, including smartwatches, bike computers, and GPS devices.
Ride with GPS supports a wide range of devices, including Garmin, Wahoo, and Polar, while Strava is compatible with most popular GPS devices, as well as fitness trackers and smartwatches.
Bottom Line
If you prioritize detailed route creation, elevation information, turn-by-turn directions, offline maps, and route sharing, Ride with GPS may be a more suitable choice.
However, if you enjoy engaging with a larger cycling community, discovering popular routes, and exploring segment challenges, Strava might be the better option.
All in all, it’s worth trying out both platforms, exploring their free features, and considering which one aligns better with your specific needs and preferences.
FAQs
Is Strava Premium Worth It?
If you primarily use Strava for tracking your activities, socializing with friends, and enjoying the basic features it offers, the free version may be sufficient for your needs. The extra features provided by Premium may not justify the cost if you’re not interested in in-depth data analysis or training tools.
Is RideWithGPS Premium Worth It?
If you use Ride With GPS for occasional rides or basic route planning, the free version is enough. The PRO features may not be essential if you’re not heavily relying on the platform for advanced route planning or training analysis.
