Zurge vs Strava
Strava is where runners record and share. It now logs strength too, but it does not plan your training: plans come from the separate Runna app. Zurge plans lifting and running together and can upload your runs to Strava, so many people will use both.
Choose Zurge if
- You want a plan that tells you what to do each day
- You want lifting programs with progression, not just a log
- You want one subscription for training and nutrition
Choose Strava if
- You want segments, clubs, routes and a social feed
- You record with a Garmin, COROS or other watch
- You ride, swim or hike as well as run
Feature by feature
| Feature | Zurge | Strava |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | ||
| Training plans | 5K to marathon, base building, back to running, run-walk | Through the Runna bundle |
| Lifting programs and progression | Load goes up when you complete your sets, with deloads | Logs strength, no programming |
| One plan for lifts and runs | Lifts and runs in one week, placed so they don't collide | No |
| Pace guidance | Pace range plus effort, set from a recent race or hard run | Performance predictions for subscribers |
| Recording | ||
| GPS run recording | iPhone, outdoor or treadmill, with spoken cues | Phone and most watches |
| Strength logging | Last time's numbers on every set | Sets, reps and weight, muscle maps |
| Wearables | Reads runs, sleep and HRV; writes workouts | Garmin, COROS, Fitbit, WHOOP and more |
| Works with the other app | Uploads your runs | Receives runs from Zurge |
| Coach, community and price | ||
| Coach | Chat coach; every change is a card you approve (Zolt Pro) | Athlete Intelligence summaries |
| Segments, clubs, feed | No feed | Yes |
| Free tier | Plans, logging, goals, PRs and history | Recording, feed and basic stats |
| Paid price (US) | $39.99 a year for Zolt Pro, which also covers Zolt nutrition | $11.99 a month or $79.99 a year; $149.99 a year with Runna |
In-app run recording is iPhone only. Coach chat and the AI connector need Zolt Pro, $39.99 a year, which also covers Zolt nutrition. Strava details are from strava.com and its App Store listing.
Why hybrid athletes pick Zurge over Strava
Strava records. Zurge plans.
Strava is brilliant at what happened: maps, splits, segments, kudos. It doesn't tell you what to do tomorrow unless you add Runna. Zurge writes the week, both lifting and running, and adjusts it when life gets in the way.
Lifting with a program behind it
Strava's strength log records sets, reps and weight and draws a muscle map. Zurge adds the parts that make you stronger: last time's numbers on every set, a load that goes up when you complete your sets, deloads and PRs.
Use them together
Connect Strava in Zurge and your runs upload there, so your followers still see them. Plan and log in Zurge, share in Strava.
Where Strava is ahead
Strava has the community, segments, routes and support for nearly every watch and sport. Zurge has no feed and no Garmin connection yet. If sharing and racing segments is the point, keep Strava, and let Zurge do the planning.
Questions
Does Strava have training plans?
A plain Strava subscription does not include training plans. Plans come from Runna, which Strava owns, sold together as a $149.99 a year bundle in the US.
Can Strava track weightlifting?
Yes. Since 2026 Strava has a strength log with sets, reps, weight and muscle maps, and can receive strength sessions from partner apps. It does not program or progress your lifting.
Does Zurge sync with Strava?
Yes. Connect Strava in Zurge and your runs upload to it.
Do I need both apps?
No, but they work well together. Zurge plans and logs your lifting and running; Strava is where you share runs and race segments.
How much does Zurge cost?
Plans, workout and run logging, goals, PRs and history are free. Zolt Pro is $39.99 a year in the US and adds the coach chat, the Claude and ChatGPT connector, measurements and progress photos, plus Pro in the Zolt nutrition app.
Sources
- Strava pricing. www.strava.com/pricing
- Strava on the US App Store. apps.apple.com/app/426826309
Strava details come from its public website, app store listing and published pricing, checked on Nov 5, 2026. Prices vary by country and change often; check the app before you buy. Strava is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the product. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.