Strava's subscription model and what each tier includes
Strava offers a free version and a paid membership called Strava+. The free version lets you log activities, follow other athletes, and see a basic feed. Strava+ adds features like segment leaderboards, training plans, route building tools, and detailed performance analysis. The paid tier costs $12.99 per month or $79.99 per year when paid annually — the yearly option works out to about $6.67 per month.
Strava+ is optional. Most casual users find the free tier sufficient for tracking runs, rides, and swims. The paid membership appeals to people training for specific events, competing on local segments, or wanting detailed metrics about their fitness progress over time.
Strava also offers a Strava+ Family Plan that covers up to six household members for $19.99 per month or $119.99 per year. Each family member gets their own Strava+ account with full features. This plan is worth considering if multiple people in your household use Strava regularly.
Key Takeaways
- Strava+ costs $12.99 monthly or $79.99 yearly and includes segment leaderboards, training plans, and detailed performance metrics.
- The free version of Strava tracks activities and shows your feed but does not include advanced analysis or segment rankings.
- A Family Plan covers up to six household members for $19.99 monthly or $119.99 yearly, with each person getting full Strava+ features.
- You can cancel Strava+ at any time; there is no long-term contract or cancellation fee.
What features come with Strava+
The main draw of Strava+ is segment leaderboards. Segments are user-defined portions of roads or trails where Strava tracks who went fastest. With Strava+, you see where you rank on local segments and get notifications when someone beats your time. Free users can see segments but not their ranking or personal records on them.
Training plans are another Strava+ feature. The app offers structured plans for running and cycling, built around your fitness level and goal race date. These plans sync with your calendar and adjust based on how you actually perform. Free users cannot access these plans.
Strava+ also includes route building tools that let you create custom routes and see elevation profiles before you head out. Performance analysis shows trends in your fitness over weeks and months — pace, power output, heart rate zones, and recovery metrics. Free users see basic stats for individual activities but not these longer-term patterns.
How to start or cancel Strava+
To start a Strava+ subscription, open the Strava app or website and go to your account settings. Look for the "Subscription" or "Upgrade" option. You can choose monthly or annual billing. Strava accepts major credit cards and processes the charge immediately. Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each month or year.
To cancel, return to your account settings and select "Manage Subscription" or "Cancel Membership." Strava will ask you to confirm. Your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you keep Strava+ access until that date, even after you cancel. There is no refund for the unused portion of a monthly subscription, but annual subscribers can sometimes request a refund within a short window after purchase if they contact Strava support.
If you signed up through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, you may need to cancel through that platform instead of through Strava directly. Check your app store subscription settings if the cancel option does not appear in the Strava app itself.
When Strava+ makes sense for your training
Strava+ is most useful if you are training for a specific race or event and want structured guidance. The training plans adjust to your actual performance, so they adapt if you have a bad week or miss workouts. Competitive cyclists and runners who care about segment rankings also find the leaderboard feature motivating.
If you use Strava mainly to log casual workouts and stay connected with friends, the free version covers everything you need. The paid features do not improve the core tracking or social experience — they add depth for people who want to analyze their fitness in detail or compete locally.
Some users find the annual plan worth it if they know they will use Strava consistently throughout the year. The yearly price saves about $75 compared to paying monthly, which can justify the upfront cost if you are serious about your training.
Strava+ compared to other fitness apps
Strava competes with apps like Garmin Connect, TrainingPeaks, and MapMyRun. Garmin Connect is free if you own a Garmin watch and offers similar training metrics. TrainingPeaks is more expensive but geared toward serious endurance athletes working with coaches. MapMyRun is free and simpler, focused on casual runners.
Strava's main advantage is its social and competitive element — the segment leaderboards and community aspect are harder to find elsewhere. If you want to compete with other athletes in your area or follow friends' activities, Strava's ecosystem is stronger. If you just want to track workouts and analyze your own progress, a free app or your watch's native software may be enough.
Payment methods and billing details
Strava accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay through Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you use the mobile app. The subscription renews automatically, so make sure your payment method stays current to avoid service interruption.
If your payment fails, Strava typically sends a notification and gives you a few days to update your card. If payment is not received, your account reverts to the free version. You do not lose your activity history or data — you just lose access to Strava+ features until you pay or resubscribe.
Strava does not offer refunds for partial months, but if you signed up through an app store, that platform may have its own refund window. Check your app store's subscription policy if you want to request a refund shortly after purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try Strava+ before paying?
Strava sometimes offers a free trial period for new users, usually 30 days. The trial appears as an option when you first try to access a Strava+ feature. If no trial is offered, you can subscribe for one month at $12.99 to test it out and cancel before the next charge if you do not want to continue.
Do I lose my activities if I cancel Strava+?
No. Your activity history, routes, and personal records stay in your account after you cancel. You just lose access to Strava+ features like leaderboards and training plans. If you resubscribe later, all your data is still there.
Can I switch from monthly to annual billing?
Yes. Go to your subscription settings and change your billing frequency. If you switch mid-cycle, Strava prorates the charge so you only pay for the time remaining on your current plan, then the new annual rate applies going forward.
What happens if I share my Strava account with someone else?
Strava's terms of service state that each person should have their own account. Sharing a login means both people see the same activities and data. If you want multiple people in your household to use Strava+, the Family Plan is the intended option and costs only $7 more per month than a single subscription.
Does Strava+ work offline?
Strava+ features like leaderboards and training plans require an internet connection to work. The core tracking function works offline on most devices — your phone or watch records your activity, then syncs to Strava when you reconnect. Strava+ does not add offline capability beyond what the free version already offers.