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Alternatives to Garmin Connect.

Anonymous User
7 months ago

After the appalling software update I ditched Garmin Connect, deleted my data and my account. 

I will be moving to Polar watches due to numerous reasons. However, before I get a new watch, my plan is to manually upload my training to Strava for detailed analysis. It’s a simple process - connect watch via usb and import FIT file from /GARMIN/ACTIVITY. 

However, this got me thinking. Since it is possible to bypass Garmin software altogether, are there any Open Source, privacy respecting, on the device apps (unlike Strava) for iOS or MacOS that can read Garmin watch files for training and health analysis?

Edit: I am looking for something that does not require uploading data to a server. An app that keeps all information locally on the device, an app that does not require internet connection. Simply copy FIT file to a folder on my phone or Mac and read that file using a software which does not need to connect to any online services. 

Edit 2: After some research I found Golden Cheetah with Mac, Windows and Linux apps. Looks promising, I will update this post once I get a chance to inspect it in more detail. 

  • 0 7 months ago

    I’m using Strava, Training Peaks and Final Surge. Love️ this last one and provides a lot of data in its free version. I synched my watch to it so I can see its data on my desktop/phone. Doesn’t have all the nuts & bolts Today’s Plan had for cyclists, but it’s getting there.

    Not sure about the privacy respecting part, and why you say Strava isn’t one of them. Please explain. Pray

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to Frederick

    I am looking for an app that does not require uploading my data to a server. Something I can have only on my local device. 

  • 0 7 months ago

    After some research I found Golden Cheetah with Mac, Windows and Linux apps. Looks promising, I will update this post once I get a chance to inspect it in more detail. 

  • 0 7 months ago

    I’ve been using intervals.icu for the past few months. 
    after a slight learning curve it’s become my go to. Very configurable and customisable with lots of data in one place. 

    However it is web/cloud based. But free to try. 

    Given the latest Connect update I’ll be using it a lot more. 

  • 0 6 months ago

    addionationally I use VeloHero and Runalyze. still looking for an offline app...

  • 0 6 months ago

    After a lot of research I found only two offline software options. Golden Cheetah, which is free, stores all data locally (there is an option to link to Connect or Strava etc but it’s not necessary). It’s quite complicated though and seems cycling focused. 

    second option is rubiTrack. This app is awesome. Great graphics, excellent software all round. Fully offline, no tracking etc. It has both Mac and iPhone apps, which sync automatically (you have to upload from watch to Mac first). Negatives is that the app costs £22.99 to download and then £22.99 yearly subscription. So on day one you have to spend £45.98. Apart from that its an excellent option.

    These are the only two offline apps available for now. Maybe some group of developers will get as frustrated as I did about the latest update and they’ll create an app that will take 90% of users from Garmin. One can only hope.