Strava vs Garmin Connect+: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Strava is the social layer for runners and riders on any device: routes, offline maps, segment leaderboards and training analysis, with a Family plan for 4, 50% off for students, a 30-day trial and a 14-day refund. Garmin Connect+ upgrades the free Garmin Connect app with AI insights, nutrition, Live Activity, offline trails and 3D maps — useful only if you own a Garmin.
Option A
Option B
We compare plans with a similar purpose, whose features may differ; prices before sales tax; prices for other plans and periods are in the reviews.
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Strava Premium | Garmin Connect+ |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | The Strava app | A Garmin device |
| Core extras | Routes, segments, analysis | AI, nutrition, trails, 3D maps |
| Family | Up to 4 | Not listed |
| Trial | 30 days | First-time subscribers |
| Students | 50% off | Not listed |
Many Garmin owners use both: Garmin Connect for the watch’s data, Strava for routes and community.
If you don’t want to read further
Routes, segments and the social feed on any device — Strava. More from your Garmin data — Connect+.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Which devices?
Strava Premium
The Strava app on iOS and Android, and strava.com.
Garmin Connect+
The Garmin Connect app with a compatible Garmin device.
No Garmin — Strava is the one that applies.
What it adds?
Strava Premium
Routes and offline maps, segment leaderboards, training analysis, challenges, safety features.
Garmin Connect+
Active Intelligence AI, nutrition, Performance Dashboard, Live Activity, Garmin Trails, 3D maps.
Social and routes — Strava; deeper Garmin data — Connect+.
Family and students?
Strava Premium
Family plan for 4; students 50% off.
Garmin Connect+
Individual plans.
Households and students — Strava.
Trial and refunds?
Strava Premium
30-day trial; refunds within 14 days for Strava purchases.
Garmin Connect+
Free trial for first-time subscribers.
Both let you try first.
Free version?
Strava Premium
Strava is free to record activities.
Garmin Connect+
Free Garmin Connect keeps tracking, metrics and Coach plans.
Both are solid for free — pay only for the extras.
Live location sharing?
Strava Premium
Beacon with up to three safety contacts.
Garmin Connect+
Enhanced LiveTrack, texting friends when you start.
Garmin texts automatically; Strava sends a link you share.
Ways to try it free?
Strava Premium
30-day trial, occasional free preview, device trials.
Garmin Connect+
30-day trial for first-time subscribers.
More free ways in at Strava.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
Monthly or annual
Both subscriptions offer both.
Offline maps
Strava routes and Garmin Trails can both be used offline.
Training plans
Strava + Runna and Garmin Coach.
Activities stay
Canceling either keeps your recorded activities.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You run or ride with friends | Strava | Segments and the feed. |
| You want nutrition with your Garmin data | Garmin Connect+ | Calories in and out. |
| A family | Strava Family | Up to 4. |
| You hike trails | Garmin Connect+ | Trails offline, 3D maps. |
| You hike in US trail areas | Garmin Connect+ | Garmin Trails covers the US. |
- Strava renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before.
- Garmin AI insights appear only in the app.
- Garmin Trails is available in select areas.
- Strava’s 14-day refund covers purchases made with Strava, not app stores.
- Check that your watch supports Live Activity or Beacon before paying for it.
Where the facts come from
Sources: strava.com and Strava Support, and garmin.com with Garmin Support. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Strava Premium or Garmin Connect+
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Fitness apps” category.
Where their scores differ
Only criteria we’ve checked for both services and where the scores differ. Equal criteria and criteria without data aren’t shown here, because they add nothing to the decision.
If what matters most is — free way to try it: Strava Premium Individual
Strava Premium Individual: free version available (5,0/5) · Garmin Connect+: no free trial (1,0/5)
If what matters most is — works without extra hardware: Strava Premium Individual
Strava Premium Individual: a phone is enough (5,0/5) · Garmin Connect+: requires your own compatible device (2,0/5)
If what matters most is — app rating: Strava Premium Individual
Strava Premium Individual: 4,8 out of 5 (4,8/5) · Garmin Connect+: 4,4 out of 5 (4,4/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: