Technology has transformed the way we train, plan, and track progress in climbing. Whether you’re a boulderer, sport climber, or trad enthusiast, climbing apps provide tools to log your climbs, discover new routes, and analyze your performance. Here’s an in-depth guide to the best climbing apps, how to use them, and how they can elevate your climbing experience.

Why Use Climbing Apps?
Climbing apps bring a new level of efficiency and organization to your training and outdoor adventures. These apps allow climbers to:
- Log Progress: Track completed routes, attempts, and personal bests.
- Discover New Areas: Find detailed information about gyms, crags, and boulders worldwide.
- Improve Training: Access workouts, fingerboard plans, and climbing-specific exercises.
- Connect with Community: Share experiences and beta with other climbers.
Whether you’re tackling projects at the gym or heading to a new crag, climbing apps are an essential companion.
Top Climbing Apps to Try
27 Crags
Best For: Discovering outdoor climbing areas
27 Crags is a fantastic resource for outdoor climbers looking to explore new crags and bouldering spots. It offers topos, detailed route descriptions, and user reviews.
- Features:
- Access thousands of crag and route maps.
- Offline mode for remote climbing areas.
- Submit and update route information.
- Why It’s Great: It’s a reliable companion for outdoor climbing trips, helping you plan your day with accurate and up-to-date information.

Vertical-Life
Best For: Route discovery and gym integration
Vertical-Life integrates with climbing gyms to provide digital route maps and training tools. It’s a favorite for gym climbers and those who enjoy traveling to new climbing areas.
- Features:
- Digital topos for indoor and outdoor climbs.
- Integrates with gyms to show route updates and grades.
- Community features for sharing beta and achievements.
- Why It’s Great: Vertical-Life’s gym integration sets it apart, making it a go-to app for frequent gym climbers.
KAYA Climb
Best For: Bouldering enthusiasts
KAYA is designed for boulderers, offering logging tools and in-depth analytics. It features detailed maps and beta for popular outdoor bouldering areas and gyms.
- Features:
- Record sessions and track sends.
- Explore outdoor bouldering areas with verified topos.
- Compare your stats with other climbers.
- Why It’s Great: KAYA’s user-friendly design and bouldering-specific features make it ideal for bouldering enthusiasts.
Crimpd
Best For: Training and performance improvement
Developed by Lattice Training, Crimpd focuses on climbing-specific workouts and progress tracking. Whether you’re working on finger strength or endurance, Crimpd has a training plan for you.
- Features:
- Preloaded training plans for strength, power, and endurance.
- Custom workout builder.
- Progress tracking and performance analytics.
- Why It’s Great: It’s like having a personal coach in your pocket, guiding your training to maximize results.
Board Apps
For climbers training on boards like the MoonBoard or Kilterboard, specialized apps provide an essential tool for maximizing your sessions. These apps connect directly to the boards, offering access to thousands of problems, logging tools, and community features to keep your training exciting and efficient.
MoonBoard App
Best For: Structured and community-driven board training
The MoonBoard App is the companion to the iconic MoonBoard training system. Designed to push climbers’ limits, the app connects to LED-equipped boards and provides access to an extensive database of problems.
- Features:
- Thousands of user-created problems with precise grading.
- Real-time LED integration to light up holds for each problem.
- Leaderboards to compare your performance with climbers worldwide.
- Why It’s Great: The MoonBoard App fosters a sense of global community while providing a structured way to progress on a proven training system.
Kilterboard App
Best For: Versatility and customizable training
The Kilterboard App supports one of the most versatile training systems available. The Kilterboard’s adjustable angles and variety of holds make it ideal for climbers of all skill levels.
- Features:
- Extensive library of problems for all grades and styles.
- Customizable angles for tailored training.
- Leaderboards and problem creation to connect with the global climbing community.
- Why It’s Great: The app’s integration with the adjustable Kilterboard provides climbers with a versatile tool for improving technique, strength, and endurance.
Tension Board App
Best For: Advanced climbers seeking precision training
The Tension Board App supports wooden hold systems that emphasize finger strength and precision. The minimalist design helps climbers focus on technique and building raw power.
- Features:
- Problems designed for advanced climbers and technical refinement.
- LED system integration for hold illumination.
- Community-driven problem database.
- Why It’s Great: The Tension Board App is perfect for climbers who value technical mastery and wish to build finger strength on a challenging system.

How to Use Climbing Apps Effectively
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve—whether it’s improving finger strength, completing specific grades, or exploring new climbing areas.
- Log Regularly: Consistency is key. Log your climbs and workouts to monitor trends and identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Explore Beta: Use apps like 27 Crags or Vertical-Life to gather beta and avoid surprises on outdoor climbs.
- Train Smart: Apps like Crimpd offer tailored plans to enhance your performance. Follow these structured workouts for optimal improvement.
- Engage with Community: Share your progress, ask for advice, and connect with climbers through apps like MyClimb and KAYA.
DIY Climbing Logbook Alternative
Not ready to commit to an app? Here’s how to create a simple DIY climbing logbook:
- Use a Notebook or Spreadsheet: Record key details like date, location, route name, grade, attempts, and beta.
- Add Comments: Include notes about what worked, challenges faced, and any improvements.
- Track Goals: Set milestones, such as grades to achieve or techniques to master.
- Update Regularly: Consistency ensures your logbook is a valuable resource for reflection and planning.
Why Climbing Apps are Game-Changers
Climbing apps make it easier to track your journey, discover new spots, and connect with a supportive community. They simplify the logistics of climbing trips and provide invaluable resources to help you train smarter and climb harder.
Whether you’re logging your first V0 or projecting 5.14s, there’s an app to match your needs and take your climbing experience to new heights.
FAQs
Q1: Are climbing apps free to use?
Many climbing apps offer free versions with basic features. Premium plans unlock advanced tools like detailed topos, analytics, and training plans.
Q2: What’s the best climbing app for beginners?
Apps like MyClimb and KAYA are beginner-friendly, offering easy-to-use logbooks and access to beta for routes and boulders.
Q3: Can climbing apps be used offline?
Yes, apps like 27 Crags and Vertical-Life offer offline mode, which is especially useful for remote outdoor climbing areas.
Q4: Are climbing apps suitable for all climbing styles?
Most climbing apps cater to multiple disciplines, including bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, and gym climbing.
Q5: Do climbing apps help improve climbing performance?
Absolutely! Apps like Crimpd and Vertical-Life offer structured training plans and analytics to help climbers optimize their performance.