11 Top-Notch Running Watches Stealing the Spotlight!
When it comes to smartwatches for runners, you need one that delivers stellar heart rate monitoring, a precise GPS, turn-by-turn navigation, and interval breakdowns. Newcomers to running don't need every bell and whistle out there. Seasoned ultrarunners might have to sacrifice a few features to get a watch with the battery power to outlast their next marathon.
If you're unsure where to start, don't sprint away just yet. We've handpicked the best smartwatches for runners to help you find the perfect match. Our selection ranges from budget picks with impressive features to high-end models that do it all.
Top Smartwatches for Runners (2023)
1. Editor's Pick: Garmin Venu 2s
- Price: $$
- Features: Heart rate monitor, Blood Oxygen sensor, Compass, Barometric altimeter
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
Pros:- Monitors heart rate and GPS runs on outdoor, indoor tracks, and treadmills- Includes a built-in running coach and can store music on the watch- Rapid charging for battery life
Cons:- Lacks recovery and progress insights
For those seeking style and functionality, this watch is the perfect balance. It offers Garmin's go-to features like GPS, app syncing, exceptional battery life, and rapid charging, along with advanced health tracking and metrics. Its sleek design and buttery-soft wristband make it stand out from other running watches.
2. Best for Apple Users: Apple Watch Series 8
- Price: $$$
- Features: Elevation tracker, Heart rate monitor, Blood Oxygen sensor
- Connectivity: Cellular, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, Bluetooth
Pros:- Provides detailed health info during runs, tracks route, and elevation- Features quick charging capabilities- Provides call support, ideal for parent-child communication and safety
Cons:- Battery life is only about 18 hours
With its robust set of features, such as GPS, elevation tracker, and heart rate and blood oxygen sensors, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a favorite among Apple users. Its quick charging feature allows you to top off your battery before pounding the pavement.
3. Best for Trail Runners: Polar Grit X
- Price: $$
- Features: Elevation tracking with hill splitter, Heart rate monitor, VO2 max estimate, Visual map display, Built-in compass
- Connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth
Pros:- Provides GPS and route guidance.- Connects with the Komoot app for multi-day adventure planning.- Offers a rugged design, perfect for the trail.
Cons:- Split hill elevation tracking can be unreliable
The Polar Grit X is an excellent choice for off-road racers as it offers a comprehensive set of tracking features and supports adventures in nature.
4. Best User Experience: Suunto 9 Baro
- Price: $$$
- Features: Barometric altimeter, Heart rate monitor, Built-in compass, Visual navigation, Interval training guidance
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
Pros:- Touch screen with three intuitive side buttons- High-quality display with accurate barometer and altimeter- Tilt-compensated digital compass for navigation
Cons:- Battery life decreases when more features are used.
If you value simplicity in your running watch, the Suunto 9 Baro delivers with an intuitive user interface and advanced features like a digital compass, weather updates, and interval training guidance.
5. Best GPS and Navigation: Garmin Forerunner 965
- Price: $$$
- Heart rate monitor, Abnormal heart rate alerts, Blood oxygen sensor
- Connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+
Pros:- Provides training load, status, and effect information- Offers comprehensive GPS and navigation functionality- Includes interval and heart rate zone guidance
Cons:- Precision of biometrics may vary
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is an ideal choice for serious runners who want a detailed tracking solution while also providing training guidance.
Enrichment Insights:
Incorporating enrichment data can enhance the value of the article by providing additional insights and details. In this case, some relevant enrichment insights could include:
- How the recommended smartwatches integrate with common training apps and platforms like Strava, Runkeeper, or CoachMyRun.
- Detailed comparisons of each smartwatch's battery life, water resistance, and size to better illustrate their capabilities and suitability for different user profiles and preferences.
- Information about the accuracy and reliability of each smartwatch's heart rate monitoring and GPS features, based on user reviews and testing.
- A discussion of each smartwatch's sleep tracking capabilities, along with any unique features or analysis options.
- Additional information about the various workout profiles and advanced features available on specific models, such as interval training, VO2 max estimations, and strength training guidance.
These enrichment data points can help further explain the recommended smartwatches' features, benefits, and caveats, allowing readers to make more informed choices when selecting a watch that meets their needs.
If you're looking to upgrade your home gym, Garmin's Venu 2s smartwatch pairs well with fitness equipment. The watch's GPS and heart rate monitor can track your workouts accurately, whether you're running outdoors or using a treadmill.
Additionally, if you prefer a watch that supports multiple activity types, even beyond running, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers a wide range of fitness features, including an elevation tracker. This smartwatch is perfect for individuals who want to monitor their overall fitness journey, not just their runs.
