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Best Running Watches

Updated
By
An expert product reviewer with over a decade of experience dissecting the latest gadgets and gear across various industries.
Updated

Main Features

  • Advanced GPS tracking
  • VO2 max estimation
  • Anaerobic and aerobic training effect analysis
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Garmin Connect integration

Product Overview

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a high-end running watch that offers advanced features tailored for dedicated runners and athletes. With its robust GPS capabilities, it provides precise tracking of your runs, helping you monitor distance, speed, and elevation with exceptional accuracy.

The watch also offers advanced performance analytics such as VO2 max estimation, anaerobic and aerobic training effect, and recovery time, which can be invaluable for fine-tuning your training regimen.

Additionally, the Forerunner 965 integrates seamlessly with Garmin Connect, allowing you to review and share your workouts, set goals, and chart your progress over time. The watch is also equipped with a long-lasting battery, ensuring it can keep up with your most demanding training sessions.

PROS
  • Comprehensive performance metrics
  • Accurate GPS tracking
  • Excellent battery life
CONS
  • Premium price
  • Complex for beginners

Product Specifications

  • Display 1.4-inch AMOLED
  • Battery Life Up to 20 days
  • Weight 50 grams
  • Water Resistance 5 ATM
  • Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
Best Price / Quality
Coros Pace 2

Main Features

  • Affordable price
  • Accurate GPS tracking
  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Multiple sport modes
  • Lightweight design

Product Overview

The Coros Pace 2 is an excellent choice for runners who want a reliable and affordable running watch. Despite its lower price point, the Pace 2 doesn't skimp on essential features. It includes GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a variety of sport modes to suit different types of workouts.

The watch boasts a lightweight design, making it comfortable to wear for hours on end. Additionally, it offers impressive battery life, ensuring it can endure long training sessions or races. The Coros app provides a user-friendly interface for tracking and analyzing your performance data, making it a great tool for both beginners and experienced runners.

PROS
  • Budget-friendly
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Long battery life
CONS
  • Limited advanced features
  • Basic display

Product Specifications

  • Display 1.2-inch LCD
  • Battery Life Up to 30 hours in GPS mode
  • Weight 29 grams
  • Water Resistance 5 ATM
  • Connectivity Bluetooth

Main Features

  • Multisport tracking
  • Precision Prime heart rate monitoring
  • Advanced training and recovery insights
  • Built-in GPS
  • Polar Flow app integration

Product Overview

The Polar Vantage V2 is an advanced multisport watch that caters to the needs of triathletes and endurance athletes. It provides detailed tracking and performance metrics for running, cycling, swimming, and more.

The watch features Polar's Precision Prime sensor fusion technology, ensuring accurate heart rate monitoring even during the most intense workouts. The Vantage V2 also offers advanced training and recovery insights, helping you optimize your training and avoid overtraining.

With built-in GPS, you can track your routes and performance with high precision. The watch's lightweight and durable design makes it comfortable to wear during long training sessions and races. Additionally, the Polar Flow app allows you to analyze your data and plan your training effectively.

PROS
  • Comprehensive multisport tracking
  • Accurate heart rate monitoring
  • Durable and lightweight design
CONS
  • High price
  • Complex setup

Product Specifications

  • Display 1.2-inch MIP
  • Battery Life Up to 40 hours in GPS mode
  • Weight 52 grams
  • Water Resistance 100 meters
  • Connectivity Bluetooth, ANT+

Main Features

  • Stylish design
  • GPS tracking
  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Weather insights
  • Suunto app integration

Product Overview

The Suunto 9 Peak is a sleek and stylish running watch that doesn't compromise on functionality. It offers a wide range of features designed to help runners track their performance and improve their training.

The watch includes GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and multiple sport modes, making it suitable for various types of workouts. The Suunto 9 Peak also provides weather insights and altitude tracking, which can be particularly useful for trail runners.

Its durable design ensures it can withstand the rigors of intense training and outdoor adventures. The Suunto app provides a comprehensive platform for analyzing your performance data and planning your workouts.

Additionally, the watch's elegant design makes it suitable for everyday wear, not just during workouts.

PROS
  • Elegant and durable design
  • Comprehensive tracking features
  • Good battery life
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Limited smartwatch features

Product Specifications

  • Display 1.2-inch Sapphire Glass
  • Battery Life Up to 25 hours in GPS mode
  • Weight 62 grams
  • Water Resistance 100 meters
  • Connectivity Bluetooth

Main Features

  • Advanced GPS tracking
  • Heart rate monitoring
  • Personalized coaching
  • Always-on Retina display
  • ECG and blood oxygen monitoring

Product Overview

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a feature-rich smartwatch that offers extensive fitness and health tracking capabilities, making it an excellent choice for runners. It includes advanced GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and various workout modes to suit different types of exercise.

The watch also provides personalized coaching and daily activity rings to help you stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals. Additionally, the Series 9 integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, allowing you to receive notifications, make calls, and use apps directly from your wrist.

The always-on Retina display ensures you can easily view your stats and notifications at a glance. The watch is also equipped with various health features, such as ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, providing a comprehensive overview of your well-being.

PROS
  • Extensive fitness and health features
  • Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
  • High-quality display
CONS
  • Shorter battery life
  • Higher price

Product Specifications

  • Display 1.78-inch Retina
  • Battery Life Up to 18 hours
  • Weight 36.5 grams
  • Water Resistance 50 meters
  • Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE

Key Features to Consider

1. GPS Accuracy

A fundamental feature for any runner is the accuracy of the GPS. A good running watch should provide precise tracking of your routes, distances, and pace. Look for watches that have a strong reputation for reliable GPS performance. Some models include multi-band GPS or GLONASS support, which can improve accuracy in challenging environments, such as dense urban areas or trails with heavy tree cover.

2. Battery Life

Battery life can significantly impact your running experience, especially for long-distance runners or those who enjoy ultramarathons. Consider how long the watch can last in GPS mode versus regular smartwatch mode. Some high-end models offer extended battery life through various power-saving modes or solar charging options, which can be a boon for longer activities.

3. Heart Rate Monitoring

Monitoring your heart rate during runs helps you train more effectively by staying within your target zones. Modern running watches often come with wrist-based heart rate sensors, which provide continuous heart rate tracking without needing a chest strap. However, accuracy can vary, so it's worth reading reviews to find models known for precise heart rate measurements.

4. Durability and Water Resistance

A running watch should withstand the rigors of different environments and conditions. Ensure the watch you choose is built with durable materials and is water-resistant. This is particularly important if you run in various weather conditions or plan to use the watch for other activities, such as swimming or trail running.

5. User Interface and Compatibility

The ease of use is a crucial factor. A watch with an intuitive interface can make tracking your metrics simpler and more enjoyable. Additionally, consider how well the watch integrates with other devices and platforms you use, such as smartphones, fitness apps, or online communities like Strava. Compatibility with these systems can enhance your training by providing more comprehensive data analysis and social features.

Comparing Models

1. Garmin Forerunner Series

Garmin's Forerunner series is well-regarded among runners for its comprehensive features and reliable performance. These watches typically offer excellent GPS accuracy, robust battery life, and a range of training tools. Models like the Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 945 cater to different budgets and needs, from casual runners to serious athletes.

2. Polar Vantage Series

Polar’s Vantage series is another strong contender, known for its advanced heart rate monitoring and training load insights. The Vantage V2, for example, provides detailed metrics that can help optimize your training and recovery. Polar's watches often emphasize physiological metrics, making them a good choice for data-driven runners.

3. Suunto 9

Suunto is known for producing rugged, durable watches, and the Suunto 9 is no exception. It offers excellent battery life and is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for trail runners and those who participate in extreme sports. The watch also includes intelligent battery modes to help you extend its life during long runs.

4. Apple Watch Series

While primarily a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series has become increasingly popular among runners due to its robust fitness tracking capabilities. With built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a wide array of fitness apps, it provides a comprehensive running experience. The latest models also offer improved battery life and water resistance.

Additional Features

1. Training and Coaching Programs

Some running watches come with built-in coaching programs that offer personalized training plans based on your fitness level and goals. These can be particularly useful for beginners or those looking to improve their performance.

2. Music Storage and Playback

For runners who enjoy listening to music without carrying a phone, watches with onboard music storage and Bluetooth connectivity can be a great feature. This allows you to download and play your favorite playlists directly from your watch.

3. Sleep and Recovery Tracking

Understanding your recovery is as important as tracking your runs. Many modern running watches include sleep tracking and recovery metrics, which can help you optimize your rest and improve overall performance.

4. Safety Features

Some watches include safety features such as incident detection and live tracking. These can send your location to emergency contacts if the watch detects a fall or if you manually trigger an alert. This can provide peace of mind, especially for those who run alone or in remote areas.

Conclusion

Choosing the best running watch involves balancing features, performance, and personal preferences. By focusing on GPS accuracy, battery life, heart rate monitoring, and durability, you can narrow down your options to find a watch that enhances your running experience. Comparing popular models from brands like Garmin, Polar, Suunto, and Apple can help you identify the best fit for your needs. Additionally, considering extra features such as training programs, music storage, and safety functions can further refine your choice.