As a runner, you know that having the proper equipment is crucial to your success. That’s why finding the best running watches is so important. In this article, we’ll discuss five of the best watches for runners on the market today.
We’ll also provide a brief overview of each one to help you decide which one is right for you. So, whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or just starting out, read on to find the perfect running watch for you.
What are the Best Running Watches
The best running watch depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a running watch, such as battery life, GPS capabilities and heart rate monitoring.
Battery life is an important consideration for any runner, as you don’t want your watch dying in the middle of a race or training session. Look for a watch with a long battery life that can withstand extended use. GPS capabilities are also important for tracking your runs and distance covered. If you’re looking to monitor your heart rate during exercise, look for a watch with a built-in heart rate sensor.
In this article, we will share with you our five favorite running watches. We’ll also provide an overview of what to look for when shopping for a running watch.
Our Top Picks
- Best Running Watch Overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
- Best Running Watch for the Outdoors: Garmin fenix 7X
- Best Running Watch for Recovery and Sleep Tracking: Polar Vantage V2
- Best Garmin Running Watch for Triathletes: Garmin Forerunner 945
- Best Lightweight Running Watch: Coros PACE 2
The Best Running Watches You Can Buy Today
1. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Best Running Watch Overall
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the perfect GPS running smartwatch for anyone looking for a sleek and lightweight design. This watch was made with athletes in mind – it has advanced training features and a battery life that will last up to 7 days in smartwatch mode! You won’t have to worry about your device dying on you during long runs or workouts.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the perfect device to help you get back on track. It not only provides advanced running dynamics, but also safety and tracking features that will make your runs easier and more enjoyable.
You can store and play your favorite songs right from your watch with the help of music streaming services like Spotify. This way, you’ll have all the motivation you need to push yourself harder during your next run.
2. Garmin fenix 7X
Best Running Watch for the Outdoors
Garmin has been making the best outdoor GPS watches for years, and their latest fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is no exception. This watch is perfect for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, whether you’re hiking, skiing, or golfing. It comes with preloaded TopoActive maps of the world and can connect to Wi-Fi so you can download maps wherever you are. No computer necessary!
The fenix 7X Sapphire Solar also has sensors for a 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter, so you always have the most accurate information about your location while you’re out exploring. Plus, it looks great on your wrist – it comes in a variety of colors to suit your style.
The Garmin fenix 7X is the perfect watch for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s tough, scratch-resistant, and has an always-on display – so you can stay connected even when you’re out in the sun.
With this watch, you can track your endurance and stamina in real time to see how you’re performing. You can also monitor your health and wellness around the clock with wrist-based heart rate tracking, Pulse Ox monitoring, stress tracking, and enhanced sleep tracking.
This smartwatch offers a variety of features that make it easy to stay connected, including notifications when you’re connected to a compatible smartphone, music storage, and Garmin Pay contactless payment solution in supported countries and payment networks.
The Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar was designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. It has a solar charging feature that will keep the battery going for up to 37 days!
3. Polar Vantage V2
Best Running Watch for Recovery and Sleep Tracking
Polar Vantage V2 is the latest and most advanced product from Polar. It offers a variety of features to help you optimize your training, including tracking your load and recovery, as well as personalizing your heart rate, speed, and power zones.
Polar Vantage V2 is the perfect multisport watch for athletes who want to track their performance. It has all the features you need to improve your training, including wrist-based heart rate tracking, GPS, and advanced running and cycling performance tests.
You can also use it to track your sleep and get route guidance when you’re out for a run or ride. Plus, it has a long battery life so you can wear it all day without having to worry about charging it.
With Polar Flow – a free online tool that is available on desktop and mobile – you can plan and follow up on your workouts, analyze activity progress and sleep, and more. You’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Polar Vantage V2 comes with essential smart watch features like music controls, weather and phone notifications. Plus, it’s compatible with all of your favorite online sports communities like MyFitnessPal, Endomondo, Nike+ Run Club, Strava, TrainingPeaks and Adidas Running by Runtastic.
You’ll never miss a beat when you’re wearing Polar Vantage V2. Stay connected to all of your favorite online sports communities and never miss an update or notification again.
4. Garmin Forerunner 945
Best Garmin Running Watch for Triathletes
The Forerunner 945 is the latest and greatest from Garmin. It not only monitors your performance but helps you adjust and improve it. Plus, with music storage, you can leave your phone at home on your next run.
With full-color onboard maps, you’ll never lose your way no matter where your workout takes you. Plus, safety and tracking features like incident detection will keep you safe and sound while you’re on the go.
This watch is perfect for athletes who want to take their training to the next level. With features like Vo2 Max and Acclimation Status, you can make sure that every workout counts. You won’t find a better running/triathlon smartwatch on the market today.
5. Coros PACE 2
Best Lightweight Running Watch
COROS Pace 2 is the latest and lightest GPS watch on the market. It’s perfect for athletes who are looking for a sleek, lightweight design with all of the features they need. You can use it for running, cycling, swimming, cardio, strength training and water sports – making it perfect for any activity. Plus, with 20 days of battery life in regular use or 30 hours in full GPS mode, you won’t have to worry about your watch dying on you.
The Pace 2 has built-in running power metrics so you can track your performance and progress over time. Plus, it integrates natively with Stryd power meters so you can get even more accurate data about your workouts. You won’t find another GPS watch that offers as much functionality and versatility as the Pace 2 does.
The Coros PACE 2 is crammed full of features that will make your workouts more productive and enjoyable. With an optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope and thermometer – this watch has it all!
Coros has been endorsed by Olympic Bronze Medalist and World Champion Emma Coburn, and other top athletes.
What should you look for in a running watch
There are a few things to look for when purchasing a running watch. For starters, you’ll want to find a timepiece that is lightweight and comfortable to wear. It’s also important to find a watch with a robust GPS system, as this will allow you to track your progress accurately as you run. Additionally, consider finding a watch with fitness tracking capabilities, so that you can monitor your heart rate, calories burned, and other important data points while pounding the pavement. Here are some tips:
- It’s important to find one that fits your specific needs. Do you need a watch with GPS? Do you need something that tracks your heart rate?
- Consider how easy the watch is to use. You don’t want to be fumbling with buttons or getting frustrated with a complicated menu when you’re in the middle of a run.
- Make sure the watch is comfortable to wear. You’ll be wearing it for long periods of time, so it should feel good on your wrist.
- Pay attention to battery life. Some watches can last for weeks on a single charge, while others only last for a few days.
- Accurate tracking of pace, distance, and time. This information can be helpful in measuring progress over time and setting goals for future runs.
- Ability to monitor heart rate and calorie burn. This information can be used to help optimize your running workout and ensure you are reaching your fitness goals.
- Functions as a stopwatch and timer. This is especially helpful for interval training workouts.
- Ability to store data on past runs, which can be helpful for analyzing performance trends and making necessary adjustments to your training plan.
Is it worth getting a running watch
Whether or not a running watch is worth it depends on how much you value the features that they offer. If you’re someone who really wants to track your progress and see detailed stats on your runs, then a running watch may be worth it for you. If you’re mostly just interested in going out for a run without having to worry about time, then a running watch may not be as important to you.
One thing to keep in mind is that many running watches are also capable of tracking other activities such as cycling, hiking, etc., so if you’re someone who enjoys doing multiple types of workouts, then a running watch may be more worthwhile for you.
What watch do professional runners wear
There is no one perfect watch for professional runners. Different runners have different preferences, and what works well for one runner might not work as well for another. Some of the factors that runners might consider when choosing a watch include: weight, size, features, water resistance, durability, and price.
Some popular watches among professional runners include the Garmin Forerunner, the Garmin fenix, and the Polar Vantage.
Why do runners use Garmin watches
Garmin watches are specifically designed for runners and provide a host of features that are beneficial for those training for a race or just trying to improve their personal best. One of the key selling points of Garmin watches is their accuracy in tracking distance, pace, and elevation. They also incorporate easy-to-use tools like Virtual Pacer and Training Effect, which help runners train smarter and more effectively. In addition, Garmin watches are highly customizable and allow runners to download apps and software updates that add even more functionality.
Ultimately, runners use Garmin watches because they offer an incredibly comprehensive set of features that can help any runner reach their goals, whether they’re training for a marathon or just trying to improve their 5K time.
What does a running watch do
There are a lot of different types of running watches on the market, but generally speaking, they all perform similar functions. A running watch is designed to track your distance, pace, and heart rate while you are running. Some watches also have other features like GPS tracking and course mapping.
For most people, a running watch is simply a tool to help them track their progress and improve their performance over time. If you are just starting out, a basic model with fewer bells and whistles may be all you need. But if you are more experienced or competitive, you may want a more sophisticated watch with advanced features.
Takeaway
As you can see, there are a lot of great running watches on the market. It really depends on your needs and budget as to which one is right for you. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and that you will be able to find the perfect running watch for your needs.
Last Updated on May 16, 2022