Strava just killed its free API, will require a subscription if you want to build on top of it

2026-06-03 08:57 UTC

…strava.com/…/an-update-to-our-developer-program-… The gist of it is that Strava just killed its free API, and will now require developers to have a subscription. At Strava, we care deeply about developers, and the health of the developer ecosystem. There are now 241,000 Strava API developers, up from 185,000 last year. Starting today, all current and future applications will automatically receive access to the Standard developer tier. This allows you to serve up to 10 athletes and start building immediately, completely eliminating the previous queue. This essentially kills thousands of tools people build using the free API. If you’re looking to move away from Strava, so far I’ve found four open source alternatives: CubeTrek - Open-source GPS track manager with 3D topography visualization for outdoor activities. Endurain - Self-hosted fitness tracking service for running, cycling, and more with full data control. RunnerUp - An open source run tracker for Android. Geo Activity Playground - Data analysis and visualization based on GPS tracked outdoor activities. OpenTracks - A privacy-focused sport tracking application for Android that records GPS tracks and supports Bluetooth sensors without any internet access or ads.

Replies (6)

@frongt@lemmy.zip 2026-06-03 16:15

It says all apps will have automatic access to the standard tier. How is that killing anything? It sounds more like they’re removing an approval process. Edit: ok but further down it also says “subscription required”. I’m confused.

Open ##3282945
@thedeadwalking4242@lemmy.world 2026-06-03 11:37

Hey guys, just so you know. In the future If private company = company will fuck you over to your and their own detriment.

Open ##3286414
@aesthelete@lemmy.world 2026-06-04 06:09

I missed this one. Was it like Heroku used to be or something?

Open ##3296117
@mereo@piefed.ca 2026-06-03 11:21

It seems watches like Garmin Watches are not affected by this: Two things that aren’t changing: every Strava athlete can still access and download their data for free, at any time – and wearable and device integrations are not affected .

Open ##3297501
@hanrahan@slrpnk.net 2026-06-06 03:47

OpenTracks On Fdroid f-droid.org/…/de.dennisguse.opentracks.playstore f-droid.org/packages/de.dennisguse.opentracks f-droid.org/…/de.storchp.opentracks.osmplugin f-droid.org/…/de.storchp.opentracks.osmplugin.off…

Open ##3306899
@Aneorthisio@lemmy.ml 2026-06-04 14:08

Build a product -> make it free or very affordable -> create dependency -> collect user data to improve product resulting in more dependency -> create a near market monopoly if possible -> make it paid only or make the free version a lot worse so users have to pay -> cross fingers that no alternative emerges or just buy it and shut it down if you can. Always the same pattern.

Open ##3307498