Whether you’re a runner training for your next big race, putting more oomph into your running workouts, or you just want to start measuring your daily steps, it pays to have a good smart watch to measure your progress and even give you customized training advice. That’s why we came up with this list of 11 top-notch smart fitness watches for running.
When making our picks, we took into account key factors like versatility, durability, battery life and data tracking features. Our selection of watches has something for everyone, from the first-time runner who wants to keep track of vital stats to advanced off-trail runners or fitness enthusiasts looking to up their distance and cut down on their times. Plus, they’re all just a click away on Amazon!
1. This Garmin watch gives you everything you need to get serious about your running, from daily analysis of your activity and related insights to personalized training plans, all contained within a smart-looking design.
>> Buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch for $429.16 on Amazon
2. This POLAR Sport Watch not only lasts for up to eight days of use on a single charge, but it cares about your recovery as much as your performance, with helpful post-run leg tests and sleep recommendations.
>> Buy the POLAR Vantage V3 Sport Watch with GPS for $590.82 on Amazon
3. Lightweight and comfortable to wear day and night, the COROS PACE 3 can last up to 17 days on a single charge. It has activity tracking modes for everything from running to skiing, plus advanced heart rate sensors and sleep tracking.
>> Buy the COROS PACE 3 Sport Watch for $229 on Amazon
4. If you’re just getting started on using a smart watch while running, we recommend this value-priced Garmin watch, which tracks all the important stats like distance, heart rate, pace and speed, and also offers training programs and goal-setting based on finish times.
>> Buy the Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch for $162.99 (19% off) on Amazon
5. “Rugged” is indeed the word to describe this thermal and shock-resistant Garmin Outdoor Watch, which is built to hold up to heavy-duty running in all conditions.
>> Buy the Garmin Instinct 2 Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS for $203.95 (32% off) on Amazon
6. With a built-in compass and offline maps, you won’t get lost with this titanium-cased Apple smart watch, even if you stray off the usual roads.
>> Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch for $749 on Amazon
7. This COROS sports watch packs a powerful processor that gives you faster Wi-Fi, graphics and map loading speeds, plus an easy-to-read dial and pinpoint-accurate GPS.
>> Buy the COROS PACE Pro GPS Sport Watch for $349 on Amazon
8. This Garmin watch is built to tough U.S. military standards and also features solar charging, so your watch lasts up to 22 days on a single charge.
>> Buy the Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Adventure Smartwatch for $700 (22% off) on Amazon
9. While this Amazfit Smart Watch doesn’t have all the extra features of more expensive smartwatches, it’s still a good value at its price, with solid tracking of cardio-related exercises (like running).
>> Buy the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro Smart Watch for Men for $59.99 (14% off) on Amazon
10. With up to 11 days of power in smartwatch mode or 19 hours in power in GPS mode, this watch can stand up over the course of long runs, and its 4GB drive can hold hundreds of hours of downloaded music to liven up your running routines.
>> Buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Running Smartwatch for $299.99 on Amazon
11. This Apple Watch places a premium on comfort and convenience, with a 40mm face that sits nicely on the wrist, a fitness band, and seamless sync-up with Apple phones and devices.
>> Buy the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch for $199.99 (20% off) on Amazon
