The first name that comes to mind when you think about running watches is Garmin, and that’s because the brand has a number of great devices for runners of all abilities.
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is probably your best option if you like to do more than just run, because of its automatic multisport feature that provides a seamless tracking transition as you move from the pool to the bike and from your bike to the track. The Forerunner 735XT is compatible with workouts for running, cycling, and pool swimming, meaning it’s perfect for triathletes.
When it comes to running specifically, this watch provides detailed information on stride length, ground contact time, and much more, presenting a clear picture of your style. This sort of detail could make all the difference.
Technology
Stay on track in 2020
We’ve tracked down the very best running watches from top brands like Fitbit, Apple, Polar, and of course, Garmin.
Newsflash: Running is hard. Unless you’re one of those rare and confusing individuals who just gets up and runs for miles, the act of hauling yourself up from the sofa and pounding the pavement for more than a few minutes is tough.
This is why those who commit to this torturous hobby do everything they can to make it more bearable. Runners will often spend big on the comfiest trainers and snazziest leggings, all in the pursuit of a less painful experience.
We’re not going to pretend that splashing out on all the best gear is going to instantly transform you into an elite athlete, but it could make a real difference. Take running watches for example: These clever little devices are designed to optimise and personalise your training to improve your performance. Sounds helpful, right?
Some of the most basic running watches provide data on your step count, calorie burn, and distance travelled. The more advanced models can monitor your sleep, record your heart rate, and even track your running route so you can later analyse your elevation, speed, and much more. All of this data provides a clear picture of your masochistic practises.
Listen, we’re not suggesting that you start running regularly, because frankly that sounds like a lot of work. However, if you’re determined to get out there, you might as well make it easy on yourself. Get all the gear and have no idea, so at least you’ll look good when you’re crawling on your hands and knees. Plus, you’ll be able to measure how quickly you were running before you passed out.
We know this is all very persuasive and you’re probably sold on the idea of a running watch. That’s great, but which model will work best for you? It’s a tricky question that we have attempted to answer by tracking down some of the best options from top brands like Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple. Whether you’re just starting out or training to be the best, there should be something on this list for you.
These are the best running watches for 2020.
Heart rate tracking • Receive texts, emails, calls, and social media alerts • VO2 max estimate • Race predictor • Recovery advisor • Multisport feature
Pricey • Limited smart features
Great running watch for users who want to focus on sport and don’t require the smart features of Apple or Fitbit.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The multisport feature provides a seamless transition as you move between activities.-
Battery life:
5 days -
Weight:
45.4 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water resistant:
Yes
Heart rate monitoring • Daily workout guidance • Nightly recovery measurement • Not too pricey
Battery life could be better • Some connection issues reported
A running watch that cares about your recovery as well as your workout.
Polar Ignite
Follow your sleep stages and get detailed insights into your bedtime behaviour.-
Battery life:
5 days -
Weight:
35 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
Polar is not as famous as brands like Garmin and Apple, but it’s definitely something to consider if you run regularly.
The Polar Ignite fitness watch comes with advanced wrist-based heart rate monitoring, integrated GPS, personalised daily workout guidance, and a nightly recovery measurement. This last feature is what sets this device apart from the competition, as the sleep tracker monitors your sleep stages and gives you feedback and a numerical sleep score. Recovery is important, guys.
The integrated GLONASS tracks your speed, distance, and route, with the FitSpark training guide offering ready-made on-demand workouts that match your recovery and readiness.
The Polar Ignite fitness watch comes with advanced wrist-based heart rate monitoring, integrated GPS, personalised daily workout guidance, and a nightly recovery measurement. This last feature is what sets this device apart from the competition, as the sleep tracker monitors your sleep stages and gives you feedback and a numerical sleep score. Recovery is important, guys.
The integrated GLONASS tracks your speed, distance, and route, with the FitSpark training guide offering ready-made on-demand workouts that match your recovery and readiness.
ECG feature • Always-on Retina display • Band colours • Running apps
The Series 5 goes further than any smartwatch has gone before and should appeal to even the most hardcore runners.
Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple Watch offers a wide range of dedicated running apps.-
Battery life:
18 hours -
Weight:
36.7 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
The Apple Watch Series 5 might not be specifically designed for runners, but it’s so advanced that it can get the job done.
You get access to a wide range of health and fitness features as well as dedicated running apps. No other device can really compete with this selection, and the likes of Strava, Runkeeper, and Nike+ Run Club can really help you to stay on top of your objectives.
This device is also a great option for runners due to its ECG, fall sensing, and emergency calling capabilities. If the watch detects something unsettling, it will let you know. Getting a warning like this from your watch could potentially save your life.
The always-on Retina display lets you see these all-important stats at a glance on the run without having to twist and hold your wrist in position, which is useful when you’re running hard.
You get access to a wide range of health and fitness features as well as dedicated running apps. No other device can really compete with this selection, and the likes of Strava, Runkeeper, and Nike+ Run Club can really help you to stay on top of your objectives.
This device is also a great option for runners due to its ECG, fall sensing, and emergency calling capabilities. If the watch detects something unsettling, it will let you know. Getting a warning like this from your watch could potentially save your life.
The always-on Retina display lets you see these all-important stats at a glance on the run without having to twist and hold your wrist in position, which is useful when you’re running hard.
Rugged design • Detailed performance data • Three-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter • Smart notifications
This is just about as good as it gets, but it will cost you dearly.
Garmin Fenix 6
Performance data includes training load balance, training status, and running and cycling dynamics.-
Battery life:
120 days -
Weight:
81.6 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
The Garmin Fenix 6 multisport watch offers cutting-edge design and performance, and it’s just about the best running watch that money can buy.
It’s contoured for a seriously comfortable fit, with easy-to-access features that include enhanced heart rate monitoring, built-in activity profiles, VO2 max estimates, and much more. Plus, you can even get performance metrics and training load balance readings to see how you’re progressing (or not).
Satellite navigation and tracking functions combine with a three-axis compass and barometric altimeter to give you reliable readings even when you’re running off-road. No other running watch on this list can offer accuracy like this.
Another thing that makes this watch stand out is the customisable power manager that lets you see and control how various settings and sensors impact battery life. This means you can make battery-extending changes on the move, so you shouldn’t get caught out on a long run.
It’s contoured for a seriously comfortable fit, with easy-to-access features that include enhanced heart rate monitoring, built-in activity profiles, VO2 max estimates, and much more. Plus, you can even get performance metrics and training load balance readings to see how you’re progressing (or not).
Satellite navigation and tracking functions combine with a three-axis compass and barometric altimeter to give you reliable readings even when you’re running off-road. No other running watch on this list can offer accuracy like this.
Another thing that makes this watch stand out is the customisable power manager that lets you see and control how various settings and sensors impact battery life. This means you can make battery-extending changes on the move, so you shouldn’t get caught out on a long run.
Colour display • Range of sports • Practical heart rate measurement • Fast GPS navigation • Battery life
The Suunto 9 Baro provides accurate data for outdoor adventurers.
Suunto 9 Baro
Offers support for over 80 sports, including swimming, cycling, and running.-
Battery life:
120 hours -
Weight:
81 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
Suunto is another brand that produces a number of high quality running watches for serious athletes.
The Suunto 9 Baro is a sophisticated multisport GPS watch that packs an integrated heart rate monitor and atmospheric pressure sensor. It can provide data for over 80 sports and disciplines, making it a great device for daily training and competitions.
The 9 Baro also offers new outdoor features for mountain and snow sports, navigation system upgrades, and storm warnings, so you’re covered in any situation.
The Suunto 9 Baro is a sophisticated multisport GPS watch that packs an integrated heart rate monitor and atmospheric pressure sensor. It can provide data for over 80 sports and disciplines, making it a great device for daily training and competitions.
The 9 Baro also offers new outdoor features for mountain and snow sports, navigation system upgrades, and storm warnings, so you’re covered in any situation.
Cheap • Easy to use • Connected features • Lightweight • Vibration alerts and music control
Some reviewers have reported charging issues
A great running watch for beginners that won’t break the bank.
Garmin Forerunner 35
Lightweight and easy-to-use running watch is perfect for beginners.-
Battery life:
9 days -
Weight:
36.3 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
There are a few running watches from Garmin on this list, and we make absolutely no apologies for this. Garmin is the king of this category.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is one of the best examples of a cheap running watch that focuses on what matter most. It’s stylish, comfortable, easy to use, and doubles as an all-day activity tracker to monitor your steps and calories burned. The built-in GPS tracks your distance, speed, and route, with dedicated programs to boost your fitness.
You can even pair your Forerunner 35 with a compatible smartphone and enjoy a bunch of connected features such as smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, LiveTrack, and music controls.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 running watch has everything you need to take your running to the next level.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is one of the best examples of a cheap running watch that focuses on what matter most. It’s stylish, comfortable, easy to use, and doubles as an all-day activity tracker to monitor your steps and calories burned. The built-in GPS tracks your distance, speed, and route, with dedicated programs to boost your fitness.
You can even pair your Forerunner 35 with a compatible smartphone and enjoy a bunch of connected features such as smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, LiveTrack, and music controls.
The Garmin Forerunner 35 running watch has everything you need to take your running to the next level.
Music storage • Battery life • Personal coaching • Compatible with most devices • Amplified brightness
Reach your goals with personalised insights and guided workouts from this iconic brand.
Fitbit Ionic
Store and play over 300 songs without your phone.-
Battery life:
4 days -
Weight:
49.9 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
Fitbit is an iconic smartwatch brand, but this doesn’t always translate to running. If you’re a fan of Fitbit and you love to run, the Fitbit Ionic could be for you.
This health and fitness smartwatch guides and coaches you to reach your goals with personalised insights and guided workouts, built-in GPS, and continuous heart rate tracking. Serious athletes might be better off looking elsewhere, but this device has everything that casual runners need to make progress.
Music is something that is often forgotten about when it comes to running watches, but nobody wants to go on a lengthy trot without some tunes to keep you entertained. The Fitbit Ionic can store and play over 300 songs and provide inspiration from a global fitness community. That should be more than enough to motivate you to get out there and run, run, run.
This health and fitness smartwatch guides and coaches you to reach your goals with personalised insights and guided workouts, built-in GPS, and continuous heart rate tracking. Serious athletes might be better off looking elsewhere, but this device has everything that casual runners need to make progress.
Music is something that is often forgotten about when it comes to running watches, but nobody wants to go on a lengthy trot without some tunes to keep you entertained. The Fitbit Ionic can store and play over 300 songs and provide inspiration from a global fitness community. That should be more than enough to motivate you to get out there and run, run, run.
Adaptive training plans • Tracks your history • Free training plans • Lightweight • Battery life
There are cheaper Garmin watches
Probably the best running watch for those in need of coaching.
Garmin Forerunner 245
Adaptive training plans feature guidance from expert coaches and free training plans.-
Battery life:
7 days -
Weight:
38.5 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
Another Garmin makes the list, but what sets this device apart from the others that made the cut?
The Garmin Forerunner 245 doesn’t just tell you where you’ve gone and how fast you travelled. This GPS smartwatch tracks your stats and crunches the numbers to give you detailed feedback on your performance, your form, your training history, and even your goals. It does all the thinking so you don’t have to.
This could be the best option if you’re desperately in need of some guidance. If you feel like you haven’t got a clue, the Garmin Forerunner 245 can help with adaptive training plans that feature guidance from expert coaches. You can even get free training plans that adapt to you and your goals.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 doesn’t just tell you where you’ve gone and how fast you travelled. This GPS smartwatch tracks your stats and crunches the numbers to give you detailed feedback on your performance, your form, your training history, and even your goals. It does all the thinking so you don’t have to.
This could be the best option if you’re desperately in need of some guidance. If you feel like you haven’t got a clue, the Garmin Forerunner 245 can help with adaptive training plans that feature guidance from expert coaches. You can even get free training plans that adapt to you and your goals.
Lightweight • Colourful screen • Long battery life • Sleep monitoring • Heart rate tracking • Training evaluation
Lacking in running features
It’s not strictly a running watch, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an effective training partner.
Huawei Band 3 Pro
Reliable and lightweight fitness tracker for daily use.-
Battery life:
12 days -
Weight:
27.2 grams -
GPS:
Yes -
Water-resistant:
Yes
Nobody wants to run with a heavy watch on their wrist, but most people can handle a little weight if it means you’re getting something good.
The Huawei Band 3 Pro might be the watch to go for if weight really is a priority for you, because it combines impressive specs with a lightweight frame. It’s so light that you’ll probably forget that it’s there.
The Huawei Band 3 Pro is a reliable fitness tracker that is primarily used for daily health monitoring. It comes with a colourful screen and long battery life, with continuous heart rate tracking, scientific sleep monitoring, and multiple outdoor and indoor activity modes to keep you fit.
Your position is efficiently and accurately located thanks to the built-in GPS, and you’ll get real-time evaluation of training effects, including VO2 max and recovery times. Don’t let the weight fool you into thinking that there isn’t a lot to like about this device.
The Huawei Band 3 Pro might be the watch to go for if weight really is a priority for you, because it combines impressive specs with a lightweight frame. It’s so light that you’ll probably forget that it’s there.
The Huawei Band 3 Pro is a reliable fitness tracker that is primarily used for daily health monitoring. It comes with a colourful screen and long battery life, with continuous heart rate tracking, scientific sleep monitoring, and multiple outdoor and indoor activity modes to keep you fit.
Your position is efficiently and accurately located thanks to the built-in GPS, and you’ll get real-time evaluation of training effects, including VO2 max and recovery times. Don’t let the weight fool you into thinking that there isn’t a lot to like about this device.
Very cheap • Sports tracking • Always-on display • App notifications
A cheap option that doesn’t provide a great level of detail for running, but is a good choice for beginners.
Amazfit Bip
Packing a powerful battery that’s capable of lasting up to 45 days on a single charge.-
Battery life:
45 days -
Weight:
32 grams -
GPS:
No -
Water-resistant:
Yes
The Amazfit Bip Lite smartwatch is another device that has made this list without being an actual running watch. We can explain.
This cheap watch tracks your daily steps, calories burned, and distance travelled. The reflective always-on display is easily readable in bright sunlight and shows all of your phone’s app notifications like calendar alerts, text messages, emails, and more. You can also pick different pre-installed apps to access local weather forecasts, alarms, timers, and daily status overviews including sports tracking options.
The sport tracking mode provides detailed stats on your activity, so you can stay on top of your goals. There is no GPS, so it’s not going to provide the same level of analysis as a lot of the other devices on this list, but it gets you started.
This cheap watch tracks your daily steps, calories burned, and distance travelled. The reflective always-on display is easily readable in bright sunlight and shows all of your phone’s app notifications like calendar alerts, text messages, emails, and more. You can also pick different pre-installed apps to access local weather forecasts, alarms, timers, and daily status overviews including sports tracking options.
The sport tracking mode provides detailed stats on your activity, so you can stay on top of your goals. There is no GPS, so it’s not going to provide the same level of analysis as a lot of the other devices on this list, but it gets you started.
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