A smart watch is essential if you are looking to take your running that little bit further. Not only do they provide information on what you have already done, but they can also measure just how hard you’re running – and even show you where in the world you are!
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Whether it’s improving your current activity or encouraging healthier living for years to come, the best running watches will help you live a more active life with best running watches.
The Best Smart Watches for Running
We put the best smart watches for running through their paces to help work out which one works best for your needs.
We take into account everything from whether there is GPS included in the smartwatch, to battery-life concerns and features such as text alerts or music playback.
So whether it’s for running , cycling or swimming, we’ve extensively tested and ranked the smartwatch for running and hiking to help you make your decision.
watches for running training
What to look for in a running watch
So you have a good idea of what type of smartwatch you want to buy – but before making a purchase it’s important to consider a few things.
First up, think about the type of runner you are and choose a watch that is suitable for your needs .
If you take part in several different types of exercise (e.g. swim, bike and run) then make sure the smartwatch can handle all sports types or get models tailored especially for swimming or cycling.
Also check out if your new smart watch has GPS included; this may prove beneficial when trying to map your running routes or losing weight with calorie counting apps .
Furthermore, some best smart watches for running also offer heart-rate monitoring , which means they can provide more accurate information on routes, elevation changes and calories burned.
Plus, you have the added bonus of being able to track your heart rate at other times throughout the day.
Finally, think about how long your smartwatch battery should last . If you are an occasional runner or cyclist it’s not necessary for your watch to have GPS – so opt for a model with marathon-like battery life instead.
Garmin Forerunner 945
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the company’s most advanced running watch to date, packed with endurance-based features.
The watch offers a variety of exercise modes, including gym workouts and pool swims. It can also track activities like hiking or skiing thanks to its GPS/GLONASS feature – which means it will work for any sport where you need your hands free.
This smartwatch has music playback , so you can leave your phone at home during runs or bike rides – making it great for tiring commutes to work too.
However, if music isn’t your thing then you’ll be happy to hear that the built-in microphones allow runners to listen to their favourite podcasts directly from the watch itself – without needing any wires!
With space for over 500 songs to play directly from the device. It’s waterproof too, meaning that runners can continue swimming laps whilst listening to their favourite tunes straight from the watch itself.
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Multisport GPS smartwatch with Elevate wrist heart rate technology
– Up to 10 days battery life in a single charge
– 18/13 hours in watch/activity tracking mode (battery life may vary)
– Built-in barometer for elevation measurement
– Wrist based heart rate
PROS
– Advanced features
– Music playback
CONS
– Expensive
Coros Pace 2 Premium GPS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Coros Pace 2 is a GPS enabled smartwatch that can provide runners with real-time feedback – including the exact distance you have travelled, your average speed and pace, plus other useful metrics.
The watch comes with built-in heart rate monitoring too, which means it can help track calorie intake to assist weight loss plans.
Runners appreciate its 3GB of memory storage space for storing their favourite playlists while on long runs or cycle rides.
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built in GPS
– Water resistant up to 50m
– 24/7 activity tracking
– Wrist based heart rate technology
– Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth LE
PROS
– Long battery life
CONS
– Heart rate monitoring difficult to understand
Garmin Instinct Solar
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Garmin Instinct has all the essentials that runners are after – including preloaded sport modes for running, cycling, swimming and various gym workouts.
It features built-in GPS , allowing you to see your pace and distance data whilst on a run.
with room for 500 songs this smartwatch allows users to download their favourite playlists directly onto the watch itself – so you can listen without needing any wires!
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built inGPS
– Wrist based heart rate technology
– 5ATM water resistant (up to 50m)
– Music storage & playback via Bluetooth connectivity
PROS
– Multisport tracking
CONS
– Short battery life if music is played
Garmin Fenix 6
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Fenix 6 is an extremely lightweight smartwatch that has been designed to track your training metrics throughout the day – including heart rate monitoring at rest, plus activity tracking .
It can also provide runners with real-time feedback during outdoor runs, bike rides and swims in open water.
With this device you are able to see your pace data, distance stats and more – enabling you to work towards improving your times or distances for future events.
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built in GPS
– Wrist based heart rate technology
– Music storage & playback via Bluetooth connectivity
– Automatic sports detection
PROS
– Long battery life
CONS
– Expensive
Coros Apex
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Coros Apex is packed with advanced features that will appeal to serious runners, including Interval training modes and music playback.
Intervals are key for runners looking to push themselves harder during workouts, allowing them to set time intervals along with calorie burn goals.
You can then save your details in the built-in memory bank – perfect for comparing improvements over time!
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built in GPS
– Wrist based heart rate technology
– Music storage & playback via Bluetooth connectivity
– Automatic sports detection
PROS
– Multisport tracking
CONS
– Short battery life if music is played.
Polar Vantage m2
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Vantage is a great watch for runners who like to track their progress and push themselves in training sessions .
It provides data on heart rate during all sorts of workouts, providing you with information on your intensity levels.
This will help runners identify whether they need to take it easy or power through to get the most out of their workouts.
The design has been crafted for comfort and durability – making it ideal for long runs when you need added support.
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built in GPS
– Water resistant up to 50m
– 24/7 activity tracking
– Wrist based heart rate technology
PROS
– Advanced features
– Comfortable wear
CONS
– Expensive
Polar Grit X
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Grit X is geared towards runners who like to train in all weather conditions – including rain, snow and wind .
This stylish smartwatch monitors your heart rate at rest, during workouts and also when you are sleeping.
It will then use these metrics to track your overall health , allowing you to keep on top of things without the need for regular doctor appointments (or knowing how much alcohol you drank before bed!)
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built in GPS
– Water resistant up to 30m
– 24/7 activity tracking
– Wrist based heart rate technology with AFM
PROS
– Heart rate monitoring easy to understand
CONS
– Short battery life
Apple Watch 6
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Apple Watch 6 is the perfect option for anyone looking to take advantage of an improved Activity app.
There is also a brand new barometric altimeter that will provide accurate data on your elevation when you are hiking up mountains, skiing or simply hitting the treadmill in your gym.
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built in GPS
– Water resistant up to 50m
– Advanced heart rate monitoring
– Music storage & playback via Bluetooth connectivity (with offline support)
– Siri integration and voice control compatible with most devices
PROS
– More workouts available than ever before
– including yoga and strength training
CONS
– Short battery life when compared to other watches on this list
Garmin Vivoactive 4
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Vivoactive 4 is the perfect option for anyone looking to take advantage of improved GPS tracking that offers more accurate results when running, hiking or cycling.
Plus it features an easy to read display that will automatically adjust its brightness depending on your surroundings – ensuring you can view information in any weather conditions.
PRODUCT FEATURES
– Built in GPS
– Water resistant up to 100m
– Advanced heart rate monitoring via wrist based technology (with Garmin Elevate)
– Music storage & playback via Bluetooth connectivity (no offline support)
– Additional activity profiles including strength training and cardio workouts
PROS – More workouts available than ever before – including yoga and strength training
CONS – Short battery
Best Christmas Gifts For Runners
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