Garmin introduces a paid version of Connect, intended to compete with Strava, while ensuring the free version continues to exist

Garmin has announced the release of Connect+, a new paid-for version of its popular fitness app. This new offering aims to provide users with a more comprehensive fitness experience, competing with the likes of Strava and Samsung Health.

The annual plan for Connect+ costs £69.99 / $69.99, while the monthly plan is priced at £6.99 / $6.99. This pricing is roughly comparable to Strava, which costs £54.99 / $79.99 annually or £8.99 / $7.99 monthly. However, unlike Strava, Samsung Health does not require a subscription, making it a unique competitor in the market.

Connect+ offers a range of features not available in the free version of the Garmin Connect app. These include AI insights, training advice, challenges, and an expanded Livetrack function. The AI insights in Connect+ will become increasingly personalized to the user and their goals based on health and activity data.

One of the most notable features is the ability for users to create and save their own routes, a feature only available to premium users on Strava. Additionally, Connect+ users can customize their performance dashboard to display their desired data and choose timeframes for tracking progress.

Live Activity is another feature exclusive to Connect+ users. This allows users to view their heart rate and pace data in real time during indoor workouts using a watch. Premium users also have access to exclusive badge challenges not available in the free app.

Expanded LiveTrack features allow users to select who sees their live tracking and create their own LiveTrack webpage. This gives users more control over their privacy during workouts, a valuable feature for many fitness enthusiasts.

Garmin aims to be viewed as a standalone app by more users with the release of Connect+. All current free features on the Garmin Connect app will remain available for those who do not wish to pay. The Connect+ app is available now for users to download and test with a 30-day free trial.

For those looking for a more personalized and comprehensive fitness experience, Connect+ offers a compelling option. With its range of features and competitive pricing, it's worth considering for anyone looking to take their fitness to the next level.

Garmin introduces a paid version of Connect, intended to compete with Strava, while ensuring the free version continues to exist