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How to Develop an App Like Garmin Connect: A Complete Guide

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  • Publish Date: 15 Dec, 2025

    Written by: Ritesh Jain

“Connect your fitness profession with customers around the world through Garmin Connect.”

Have you ever used Google Fit, Fitbit, or any other fitness application like Garmin Connect? You might have found some similarities as well as differences in them.

But everything leads to user satisfaction and all-around business growth due to the increasing demand and popularity of fitness apps among users. So, modern entrepreneurs need to know the process to develop an app like Garmin Connect for targeting audiences in large numbers.

If we talk about the North America region, the fitness segment generated a revenue of $58.8 billion in 2025 with a 42.6% share. Several Garmin Connect app development solutions are available for investors in the USA at affordable rates. Both the industrial growth and availability will help you to create and launch advanced applications like Garmin Connect.

Health and Fitness Club Market Size

Do you know how to develop a fitness app like Garmin Connect? In this blog, we will get the answer to the question along with the cost, features, monetization, and other aspects. So, let’s not spare much time and dive into the content.

Insights on the Current Fitness Market

As a business investor, you need solid evidence before developing a Garmin Connect custom app that proves the growth of the fitness industry. Here, we will focus on some crucial market stats that show the expansion of overall revenue over a certain period of time:

  • The current fitness & wellness industry is generating a revenue of $27 billion in 2025, which is expected to reach $433.7 billion by the end of 2035.
  • The overall growth rate is 32% CAGR between 2025 and 2035, as the revenue will reach its highest at $108.2 billion in 2030.
  • The on-demand fitness segment is at the top with a total share of 67.4%, covering the other fraction of personal training apps with a 58.1% share.
  • The total fitness mobile app market is standing at the top with a revenue of $19.6 billion, which is followed by the online websites with a 16.9% share.
  • China, with a total share of 43.2% left other countries and is expected to generate a revenue of $46.7 billion by the end of 2030.

Online Fitness Market Size

This well-settled industry has created several opportunities for business investors, allowing them to develop a fitness tracker app similar to Garmin Connect. You can also increase the brand value and total income through the distribution of fitness services across the globe.

What is Garmin Connect?

The Garmin Connect custom app is a fitness powerhouse for individuals, healthcare groups, and lifestyle coaches. It offers a bunch of exciting features that allow people to make personalized diet or workout plans, track health vitals, measure calories, monitor regular progress, and attend live sessions.

Garmin Connect is among the top exercise apps that provide multiple activities for weight loss, bodybuilding, and mental fitness. Additionally, people can connect with expert advisors and create their own communities for sharing fitness tips. So, it is beneficial to create a fitness app like Garmin Connect that understands the user preferences and pain points.

What is Garmin Connect?

  • Companies use Garmin-like apps to track employee fitness metrics and promote healthier workplace habits.
  • Hospitals and clinics use such platforms to monitor patient vitals, activities, and recovery progress in real time.
  • Gyms, coaches, and sports academies use them to analyze athlete performance, track workouts, and optimize training plans.

Why Should Businesses Invest in Mobile Fitness App Development?

Before knowing how to develop a fitness app like Garmin Connect, it is important to know why to build the same. Here, we will focus on some major reasons that are helpful for businesses:

  • Growing Fitness Market

The overall fitness industry is increasing rapidly, encouraging investors to develop an app like Garmin Connect. There are several fitness options available for entrepreneurs in which they can start a business.

  • Recurring Revenue Opportunities

You can easily balance the cost to build a Garmin Connect-like app through different revenue models. These include subscriptions, advertisements, and commissions that help to generate profitable income.

  • Increased Customer Engagement

It is beneficial to use mobile app development services with interactive frontend designs to attract customers. You can make a Garmin Connect Android app for users with fast interface navigation.

  • Easy Data Access

The best Garmin Connect alternatives can easily access user data for monetization and personalization of features. Using big data with cloud services is recommended to store a large amount of information.

Role of AI in Making Advanced Fitness Apps Like Garmin Connect

To make fitness apps similar to Garmin Connect with advanced automation services, the use of AI is a must. This technology helps businesses to deliver smarter features that can personalize user fitness goals, recommend wellness plans, and predict health outcomes. The implementation of AI in the fitness industry has transformed healthcare solutions and fitness trends.

As an entrepreneur, you should apply the Garmin Connect app development services, through which it becomes easy to integrate AI-powered algorithms. The overall Garmin Connect clone app cost estimation may be affected, but it is crucial to enhance user experiences and increase business growth.

  • Personalized workout recommendations based on user activity patterns, health data, and performance trends.
  • AI-powered activity recognition to automatically detect workouts and classify movement types.
  • Predictive health insights that forecast potential risks using sleep, heart rate, and stress data.
  • Smart goal setting by analyzing user progress and adjusting plans for optimal results.
  • Real-time coaching feedback using AI models to guide form, pace, and exercise intensity.

What is the Process to Build an App Like Garmin Connect?

In this section, we will study the generally used steps to develop an app like Garmin Connect with detailed information. So, you can easily manage your budget and identify resources promptly:

What is the Process to Build an App Like Garmin Connect?

  • Analyze User Needs

It is important to understand user needs and current trends to build an app like Garmin Connect. Start by identifying the target audience, their fitness goals, and device preferences. Study what features users value most, such as workout tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and GPS activity logs.

You should analyze competitor apps to uncover gaps and improvement areas. This step helps you build a user-centric product roadmap for affordable app development.

  • Planning & Hiring

Once the requirements are clear, create a structured development plan that outlines features, timeline, and technology stack. It is important to decide whether you need in-house developers or a fitness app development company. Allocate resources for frontend, backend, UI/UX, QA, and cloud integration.

To create an app like Garmin Connect, you must set milestones and define success metrics for each phase. Proper planning ensures a seamless workflow and reduces development risks.

  • Design App Interface

Businesses must design an intuitive and visually appealing interface that makes navigation effortless for fitness users. Focus on creating dashboards that clearly display health metrics, activity graphs, and progress insights. This ensures the UI works smoothly across wearables, smartphones, and tablets.

Use a clean layout with easy-to-access options for tracking workouts and syncing devices. In the development of a Garmin Connect clone app, a strong UX enhances user engagement and retention.

  • Integrate Cloud APIs

Cloud API integration is essential for syncing user data across devices, wearables, and servers. Use reliable cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure to handle fitness activities and health-tracking data. Implement APIs for GPS tracking, heart-rate monitoring, notifications, and analytics.

A Garmin Connect app development company ensures secure data transfer with encryption and authentication layers. This step is crucial for delivering seamless data accessibility and scalability.

  • Testing & Security

Mobile app testing ensures flawless performance under different scenarios and device conditions. You can hire fitness app developers to conduct functional, performance, usability, and compatibility testing. They can implement strict security measures like encryption, secure login, and API protection.

This stage in the Garmin Connect app development process handles heavy loads, especially during peak usage. A secure and bug-free fitness app builds user trust and reliability due to data privacy.

  • Launch and Maintenance

Now, you can launch the app by optimizing it for app stores and running beta tests with real users. Collect customer feedback to refine features before the official rollout. After launching, monitor performance, fix issues, and release regular updates by managing the cost to make an app like Garmin Connect.

Add new features such as advanced analytics, wearable integrations, and community challenges. Continuous maintenance ensures long-term app success and high user satisfaction.

Essential Features of Garmin Connect Like Apps

A fitness tracking app like Garmin Connect provides multiple features, like workout tracking, wearable integration, and more. In this section, we will study them to give you an idea of the actual platform:

User Panel

  • Dashboard Management

A personalized dashboard gives users instant access to their daily fitness stats and recent activities. Applications like Garmin Connect help them stay organized and track key wellness metrics at a glance.

  • Activity Tracking

A real-time activity tracking app like Garmin Connect tracks steps, calories, distance, and heart rate using sensors and connected devices. Users can monitor daily performance and compare progress over time.

  • Workout Logging Plans

A Garmin Connect custom app allows users to log custom workouts and follow structured fitness plans tailored to their goals. It helps maintain consistency and improve training efficiency with guided routines.

  • GPS Route Tracking

A GPS tracking app like Garmin Connect enables users to record outdoor runs, cycling routes, and hikes with mapping. They can review paths, speed, elevation, and performance variations after each session.

  • Wearable Devices Support

An app like Strava provides seamless integration with smartwatches, fitness bands, and sensors. Users get synchronized health data and real-time activity monitoring across all connected devices.

  • Social Sharing Features

Various top Garmin Connect alternatives let users share achievements and fitness milestones with friends. They provide social badges with challenges to boost motivation and engagement.

  • Updated Reminders

A Garmin Connect clone app provides smart reminders to notify users about workouts, hydration, sleep, and routine breaks. These alerts help maintain fitness consistency and develop healthier habits.

  • Health Analytics

Fitbit is among the best fitness apps like Garmin Connect, that gather health data, such as heart rate, sleep quality, and stress levels. Users can make informed decisions with detailed wellness analytics.

Want a Permanent Fitness Solution for your Users? Start Investing Now to Develop an App Like Garmin Connect

Admin Panel

  • User Control

Admins can manage user accounts, monitor activity, and resolve issues with different control settings. This feature ensures smooth platform operations, secure access control, and transparent services.

  • Workout Plan Listings

Various Garmin Connect similar apps allow admins to upload and modify workout programs for different fitness levels. They ensure users always have access to updated and expert-approved routines.

  • Device & Integration Options

It is easy for admins to configure third-party device compatibility and API integrations. This ensures seamless synchronization between the fitness app and various wearables or IoT sensors.

  • Data Monitoring

A fitness app like MyFitnessPal provides real-time analysis of user activities, app performance, and server health. It helps maintain smooth fitness operations and identify any app irregularities.

  • Fitness Event Management

Various applications like Garmin Connect, allow the creation and management of virtual challenges and fitness events. This feature boosts community engagement and increases app participation for users.

  • Integrated Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots help users with instant support, FAQs, and personalized fitness suggestions. Different top alternatives of Garmin Connect improve user experience and reduce support workload.

  • Payment Tracking

A Garmin Connect custom app allows admins to manage subscription details, track payments, and monitor billing cycles. This ensures a transparent pricing model with smooth financial operations.

  • User Feedback Analysis

A health & fitness app like Garmin Connect collects and analyzes user reviews, ratings, and in-app feedback. This helps admins identify improvements and enhance overall user satisfaction.

Top Alternatives to Garmin Connect

For Garmin Connect alternative app development, you must know about other apps that are available in the market. These are the best weight loss apps, diet planning apps, personal trainer apps, and more that target specific user interests. Let’s see the top 10 Garmin Connect alternatives with the table below:

Top 10 Garmin Connect Alternatives Supported Devices Downloads Ratings
Strava Android & iOS 100M+ 4.7
Fitbit Android & iOS 100M+ 4.3
Nike Run Club Android & iOS 50M+ 4.5
Mi Fitness Android & iOS 50M+ 4.4
ASICS Runkeeper Android & iOS 10M+ 4.7
Relive Android & iOS 10M+ 4.6
Wikiloc Android & iOS 10M+ 4.3
Zepp Android & iOS 10M+ 4.3
Runna Android & iOS 1M+ 4.7
JYouPro Android & iOS 1M+ 4.0

What is the Cost to Develop an App Like Garmin Connect?

The average cost to develop an app like Garmin Connect ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 for a small-scale budget. The maximum cost may increase to $25,000 or more due to several market factors like location and complexity. Here, we will study each factor with detailed information:

What is the Cost to Develop an App Like Garmin Connect?

  • Location Choice

In the USA and other Western countries, the cost to build an app like Garmin Connect is high due to a complex development model. Additionally, the developers are expensive because of multiple regulatory policies. So, it is beneficial to target cost-effective regions like India that ensure quality and affordability.

  • Developers’ Experience

The fitness app development cost is dependent on the experience and skills of developers. As senior experts are more expensive than junior developers, the cost to make a Garmin Connect Android app is based on expertise. You must hire developers through affordable hiring and project planning.

  • Project Complexity

You can follow a simple process to build a fitness app like Garmin Connect if the requirements are fewer. The complexity level increases with the rise in the number of features, and so does the overall development cost. So, it is important to prioritize features for budget planning and management.

  • Team Hiring Model

Freelancers are affordable because they have a dynamic pricing model that can be adjusted. The Garmin Connect app development cost increases if you hire dedicated developers through an outreach program. Additionally, you can build an in-house team that is suitable for small projects.

Necessary Tech Stack For Garmin Connect App Development

To make a similar Garmin Connect app clone, it is important to choose the latest tools and technologies. The required tech stack for fitness app development includes all frontend, backend, and database tools with modern APIs. Additionally, some advanced technologies are security, data analytics, and IoT integration. You must go through the table below to create a Garmin Connect phone app with a quality tech stack:

Component Tools/Technologies Description
Frontend Development React Native, Swift, Kotlin Build responsive and user-friendly mobile interfaces for iOS and Android.
Backend Development Node.js, Django, Spring Boot Handle server-side logic, APIs, and data management efficiently.
Database PostgreSQL, MongoDB Store user data, workout logs, and app metadata securely.
Cloud Services AWS, Google Cloud, Azure Ensure scalable storage, hosting, and cloud computing.
APIs & Integrations Garmin Health API, RESTful APIs Enable data syncing with Garmin devices and third-party apps.
Real-Time Data Processing Kafka, Firebase Realtime Database Process and update live fitness metrics instantly.
Analytics & Monitoring Google Analytics, Mixpanel Track user behavior, app performance, and engagement metrics.
Authentication & Security OAuth 2.0, JWT, Firebase Auth Secure user login, data privacy, and authorization.
Push Notifications Firebase Cloud Messaging, OneSignal Engage users with activity reminders and updates.
Wearable Device Support Garmin SDK, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) Connect and communicate with Garmin wearables for tracking data.

How to Monetize Health Training Apps Like Garmin Connect?

As a business investor, you should make an app like Garmin Connect to generate revenue and make profits. Multiple monetization methods are available that we will observe in this section:

  • Premium Features

You can build a fitness tracking app like Garmin Connect with premium features, such as live consultation and AI-enabled workout plans. So, to avail these services with advanced settings, users have to pay a certain amount of money.

  • Subscription Plans

Several subscription plans, like monthly, annual, and lifetime, can be offered to users based on their needs and interests. This model helps to balance the cost to develop an app like Garmin Connect with premium membership schemes that attract users.

  • In-App Purchases

This model is one of the best fitness app monetization strategies, allowing businesses to generate profitable revenue through product sales. Fitbit is among the best alternatives to the Garmin Connect app that uses this model to make profits.

  • Advertisement Model

Among different money-making strategies for fitness apps like Garmin Connect, this is a common model for business investors. They can run various ad campaigns, publish banners, and host marketing services to make profits consistently.

  • Data Monetization

Entrepreneurs can balance the cost to create an app like Garmin Connect through the data monetization method and personalized user services. It is important to integrate dynamic database structures that can store a large amount of user information.

Best Practices for Making an App Better Than Garmin Connect

It is important to consider and follow some best practices for Garmin Connect type app development. You will see a list of important measures that are important to create smart apps similar to Garmin Connect:

Best Practices for Making an App Better Than Garmin Connect

  • User-Friendly Interface

You should maintain a user-friendly app interface that can easily target users in large numbers. Monitor app design, one of the crucial steps to develop a Garmin Connect like app for better responsiveness.

  • Personalization & AI Insights

It is necessary to target AI-powered Garmin Connect clone app solutions that provide personalized fitness features. Additionally, they should deliver accurate information through predictive AI forecasting.

  • Seamless Integration

For calorie counter app development, businesses should implement IoT for enhanced data tracking. Using Garmin Connect widget development services is also beneficial for analyzing various health vitals.

  • Gamification & Community Features

Businesses must hire Garmin Connect developers who can modify fitness app features into gamified versions. Additionally, you must implement community sharing options to increase overall trust.

Experience Advanced Tech Stack with Cost-effective Development Services to Deploy Smart Fitness Apps.

Why Choose Helpful Insight for Developing Health & Fitness Applications?

Now, you are all set to develop applications like Garmin Connect for users who want accurate solutions to their health issues. Business investors must start implementing development strategies with the help of an experienced full-stack development company that can offer skilled developers at reasonable prices. Additionally, it should also provide the following facilities:

  • Useful insights on top business models with high fitness efficiency and productivity.
  • Revenue models of the best Garmin Connect app alternative solutions to make profits.
  • Cost-effective development services, from consulting to mobile app maintenance.
  • Complete technical and marketing assistance through all development stages.

The points that we have discussed are quite helpful for business investors at all enterprise levels. They should make a Garmin Connect Android app clone that can offer the latest fitness and wellness features at minimal subscription rates. It is important to manage the cost to build an app like Garmin Connect for overall brand success and visibility.

FAQs

In the USA, there are several fitness applications, like Garmin Connect, popular among users. The major reasons behind this popularity are as follows:

  • It offers attractive features like personalized workout plans and training sessions.
  • The app can be integrated with advanced IoT devices and sensors.
  • Garmin Connect provides real-time calorie tracking and updated health status.

Garmin Connect and other similar fitness platforms have a simple working in the same manner. The important working stages are discussed in the steps below:

  • Users create their accounts and set their preferences.
  • Activate app settings like location and notifications.
  • Make plans for various activities and daily meals.
  • Monitor health and track daily activities through IoT devices.
  • Get personalized results through AI recommendations.

To create simple fitness applications similar to Garmin Connect, the average development time ranges from 2 months to 5 months. The overall duration increases to more than 8 months due to several factors, such as the complexity level. It is also dependent on the development process, affecting the total application-making cost.

It is mandatory to provide regular maintenance and support to apps like Garmin Connect that may affect the overall price. It is calculated as 15% to 20% of the overall development cost because of various parameters like bug fixing and feature updates. For a project of $20,000, the average rate is between $3,000 and $4,000, which can be influenced.

Business investors need to know the process of hiring experienced and skilled mobile fitness app developers. The mandatory process is discussed as follows:

  • Propose a development plan and set a budget.
  • Analyze past performances and client testimonials.
  • Conduct a personal interview to judge technical knowledge.
  • Ensure ethical skills and make a contract with developers.
  • Discuss project details, future outcomes, and business goals.

For small-scale projects, businesses should focus on using local services and resources because of high affordability. To create fitness apps with limited features, it is beneficial to avoid using third-party solutions. But, for advanced platforms with integrated features, using white-label services is highly recommended by the experts.

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Ritesh Jain
Ritesh Jain

Director and Co-founder, HeIpful Insight

My name is Ritesh Jain. I am the Director and Co-founder at HeIpful Insight, I provide strategic leadership & direction to guide the company's growth. My responsibilities encompass overall business development, fostering client relationships, and ensuring the alignment of our services with industry trends. I actively contribute to decision-making, drive innovation, and work closely with our talented teams to uphold our commitment to delivering high-quality Mobile and Web Development Solutions.

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