You’re part of the 60% of runners who track their runs with a watch, and you’re likely aware that the right watch can elevate your training. But with so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which one is best for you. From casual joggers to marathon trainers, the perfect watch depends on your specific needs and goals. Do you prioritize GPS accuracy, heart rate monitoring, or music storage? What about battery life and stylish design? You’re about to find out which five watches stand out from the rest, and which one might just become your new training partner.
Contents
- Garmin Forerunner 255S Music GPS Running Smartwatch
- Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
- Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Smartwatch
- Polar Pacer GPS Running Watch
- SUUNTO 9 Baro Rugged GPS Adventure Watch
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Running Watch
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Running Watches Be Used for Swimming and Other Water Sports?
- Do Running Watches Require a Subscription for GPS Functionality?
- Can I Control Music Playback Directly From My Running Watch?
- Are Running Watches Compatible With Both Android and Ios Devices?
- Do Running Watches Come With Built-In Heart Rate Monitoring Features?
- Conclusion
Garmin Forerunner 255S Music GPS Running Smartwatch
If you’re a serious runner seeking a sleek, feature-rich watch that can store up to 500 songs and track your heart rate variability, the Garmin Forerunner 255S Music GPS Running Smartwatch is an excellent choice.
You’ll appreciate its slim design and always-on, full-color display, available in two sizes – 46 mm and 41 mm – to fit your wrist comfortably.
With up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode, you can track your runs without worrying about running out of juice.
Plus, you can download playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer and connect with wireless headphones for phone-free listening.
Best For: Serious runners who want a feature-rich watch with music storage and advanced health tracking capabilities.
Pros:
- Offers a slim design and always-on, full-color display in two sizes to fit comfortably on the wrist
- Allows for phone-free listening with wireless headphones and music storage of up to 500 songs
- Provides advanced health tracking features, including heart rate variability tracking and personalized daily workout suggestions
Cons:
- Some users may find the Music application to be outdated and clunky
- Limited color combination options may not appeal to some users
- The watch may have limitations in terms of compatibility with certain computers or devices
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
Take your training to the next level with the Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch, which offers daily suggested workouts tailored to your fitness goals and tracks your progress with precision.
You’ll appreciate its long battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode.
This watch tracks your heart rate, pace, distance, and location, and supports various activity profiles, including running, cycling, and swimming.
With advanced wellness features like all-day respiration monitoring and fitness age, you’ll get a thorough picture of your fitness.
Plus, customize the watch with free watch faces, data fields, and apps from the Connect IQ Store to make it your own.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and athletes who want a reliable GPS running watch with advanced wellness features and customizable options.
Pros:
- Long battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode
- Accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, with support for various activity profiles
- Customizable with free watch faces, data fields, and apps from the Connect IQ Store
Cons:
- Some users have reported minor issues with the user interface
- Sleep tracking feature has been mentioned as having some inaccuracies
- No additional features or upgrades mentioned for future development
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Smartwatch
With its advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance and stride length, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Smartwatch is ideal for serious runners seeking to fine-tune their performance.
You’ll appreciate the watch’s ability to evaluate your current training status, indicating if you’re undertraining or overdoing it.
Plus, you can create custom workouts on the Garmin Connect online fitness community.
The watch also stores up to 500 digital music tracks, which you can broadcast to earbuds or speakers via Bluetooth.
And, with features like incident detection and tracking, you’ll have added peace of mind during your runs.
Best For: Serious runners seeking to fine-tune their performance with advanced running dynamics and customizable workouts.
Pros:
- Advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance and stride length, to help fine-tune performance
- Ability to store up to 500 digital music tracks and broadcast to earbuds or speakers via Bluetooth
- Incident detection and tracking features for added peace of mind during runs
Cons:
- Battery life drains faster when using GPS and streaming music via Bluetooth
- Limited battery life of up to 6 hours in GPS mode with music
- No specific features for other types of exercises beyond running
Polar Pacer GPS Running Watch
The Polar Pacer GPS Running Watch is a top choice for serious runners, thanks to its advanced optical heart rate tracking technology and accurate GPS that provide essential tracking for your training sessions.
This ultra-light watch is powered by a hyperfast, high-performance core processor, ensuring smooth performance and data accuracy.
With up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge in training mode and up to 100 hours in power save mode, you can focus on your runs without worrying about running out of juice.
The watch’s ergonomic design, complete with super grip buttons and a non-touch display, makes it comfortable to wear and easy to navigate.
Best For: Serious runners who need advanced tracking features and a reliable, long-lasting battery.
Pros:
- Advanced optical heart rate tracking technology and accurate GPS for precise tracking
- Up to 35 hours of battery life on a single charge in training mode and up to 100 hours in power save mode
- Ultra-light and ergonomic design with super grip buttons and a non-touch display for comfortable wear and easy navigation
Cons:
- No specific features mentioned for non-running activities or daily use
- Limited storage capacity of 32 MB
- No touchscreen display, which may be a drawback for some users
SUUNTO 9 Baro Rugged GPS Adventure Watch
If you’re an athlete demanding the best, the Suunto 9 Baro Rugged GPS Adventure Watch is your top choice, delivering up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking and boasting over 80 sports modes.
You’ll appreciate its durability and water-resistance up to 100 meters, making it perfect for extreme adventures.
The watch tracks your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you balance life, training, and recovery.
However, be aware that some users have reported issues with the screen locking and limited watch faces.
Additionally, the Suunto app can be tricky to navigate, and syncing the watch can be a problem.
Still, with its impressive battery life and accurate GPS tracking, the Suunto 9 Baro is a solid choice for serious athletes.
Best For: Athletes who demand high-performance tracking and durability for extreme adventures.
Pros:
- Delivers up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking and boasts over 80 sports modes
- Durable and water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it perfect for extreme adventures
- Tracks sports, daily activity, and sleep to help balance life, training, and recovery
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with the screen locking and limited watch faces
- The Suunto app can be tricky to navigate, and syncing the watch can be a problem
- Customer service and warranty issues have been reported by some users
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Running Watch
When you’re in the market for a running watch, you’ll need to deliberate on several key factors to guarantee you get the right one for your needs.
You’ll want to ponder the watch’s body size and display, as well as its GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring capabilities.
Watch Body Size
Generally, runners with smaller wrists find that a watch body size of around 41mm, such as the Garmin Forerunner 255S, provides a more comfortable fit and allows for a fuller range of motion during exercise.
On the other hand, if you have larger wrists or prefer a bigger display, a larger watch body size like the 46mm Garmin Forerunner 255S might be a better fit for you.
The watch body size also affects the overall weight and feel of the watch. Smaller watches tend to be lighter and more compact, making them ideal for runners who prefer a minimalist design.
Some watches, like the Polar Pacer, take it to the next level with an ultra-light design that makes them comfortable to wear during extended periods of exercise or daily activities.
When choosing a running watch, bear in mind the body size in relation to your wrist size. You want a watch that provides a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to focus on your run without distractions.
Display and Resolution
What kind of display and resolution do you need in a running watch to facilitate tracking your progress and staying focused on your workout?
A higher resolution display can provide a clearer and more detailed view of your data, making it easier to read and understand during exercise. If you prefer a visually appealing display, a color screen might be the way to go, but keep in mind it may drain the battery faster.
Some running watches feature an always-on display, which can be convenient for quick glances, but may also reduce battery life. Consider the screen size and shape, as larger screens can be more readable, but less comfortable to wear. If you prefer a more intuitive interface, a touchscreen display might be ideal, but be aware it may be less responsive or accurate when worn with gloves or in wet conditions.
When choosing a running watch, think about your personal preferences and needs. Do you prioritize readability, battery life, or style? By considering these factors, you can find a watch with a display and resolution that meets your requirements, allowing you to focus on your workout and reach your goals.
GPS Accuracy Matters
You’ve got your display and resolution dialed in, but without accurate GPS tracking, your running watch is only half useful.
GPS accuracy is critical for runners, as even a 1% error in distance tracking can translate to a 10-15 second difference in a 5K race.
When choosing a running watch, look for one with a high-quality GPS chip, like those using the Sony GPS chip, which can provide more accurate distance and pace tracking.
Additionally, consider watches with advanced GPS features, such as multi-band GPS or GPS with GLONASS, which can improve accuracy in challenging environments like tree cover, urban canyons, and bad weather.
Some GPS watches even provide accuracy ratings, like +/- 1 meter, giving you a better understanding of the watch’s performance.
Don’t settle for a watch that can’t adapt to different environments.
You need a watch that can keep up with your runs, no matter where you take them.
Heart Rate Monitoring
When it comes to choosing a running watch, accurate heart rate monitoring is essential, as it enables you to track your physiological responses to exercise and adjust your training intensity accordingly.
This feature is vital for optimizing your performance and recovery. With continuous heart rate monitoring, you’ll gain valuable insights into your physical condition, fatigue level, and overall cardiovascular health.
This allows you to make informed decisions about your training and recovery. Advanced features like heart rate variability (HRV) and lactate threshold tracking provide an even deeper understanding of your body’s responses to exercise, helping you identify potential overtraining or fatigue.
However, keep in mind that optical heart rate sensors, commonly used in running watches, can be affected by factors like skin tone, hair density, and ambient light, which may impact accuracy.
To get the most out of your watch, look for models with advanced heart rate monitoring features and consider factors that may affect accuracy. By choosing a watch with reliable heart rate monitoring, you’ll be able to fine-tune your training and take your performance to the next level.
Battery Life Expectancy
As you research and compare different running watches, consider that the battery life expectancy of your chosen device can substantially impact your training and racing experience.
The battery life of a running watch can vary greatly depending on the mode it’s in, with GPS mode typically draining the battery the fastest. For instance, some watches can last up to 12 days in smartwatch mode, but only up to 26 hours in GPS mode with music.
Your daily use of the watch will also affect its battery life, so if you plan to use it daily, expect a shorter battery life.
To extend the battery life of your running watch, you can turn off features like GPS and music when not in use.
Some watches also come with power-saving features that can prolong battery life up to 100 hours or more in certain modes.
When choosing a running watch, think about your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. If you’re a frequent runner, look for a watch with a longer battery life or one that has power-saving features to guarantee it lasts throughout your training and racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Running Watches Be Used for Swimming and Other Water Sports?
You’re wondering if your running watch can handle water sports? Most running watches are water-resistant, but not all are suitable for swimming or diving. Check the watch’s specs for water resistance and swim-tracking features before taking the plunge.
Do Running Watches Require a Subscription for GPS Functionality?
You won’t typically need a subscription for GPS functionality, as most watches use satellite signals for location tracking. However, some features like advanced analytics or music storage might require a subscription or online connection.
Can I Control Music Playback Directly From My Running Watch?
You’re the conductor of your workout orchestra, and music control is a vital instrument. Luckily, yes, you can control music playback directly from your running watch, syncing seamlessly with your phone to adjust tempo and rhythm on the fly.
Are Running Watches Compatible With Both Android and Ios Devices?
You’re wondering if your new watch will sync with your phone, regardless of its OS. Thankfully, most modern smartwatches are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, so you’re good to go!
Do Running Watches Come With Built-In Heart Rate Monitoring Features?
You’ll find that many modern watches come with built-in heart rate monitoring features, allowing you to track your pulse in real-time. In fact, most high-end running watches include this feature, providing valuable insights into your workout intensity.
Conclusion
You’ve got the finish line in sight!
Choosing the perfect running watch can be a game-changer for your training.
By considering your needs and preferences, you’ll be able to hit the ground running with one of these top-rated watches.
Remember, the right watch is like finding your stride – it’s all about finding what works for you.
So, lace up and get moving, and don’t let anything hold you back from reaching your full potential!
