The Best Watch For Runners For 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Watch For Runners
Best Watch For Runners

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 7

The Apple Watch Series 3 is the most advanced model on the market. It includes advanced health technologies such as sensors and apps for detecting blood oxygen levels and performing electrocardiograms. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness

The Fitbit Charge 5 + Premium monitors your activity, sleep, and stress levels, allowing you to make the most informed decisions about your body, mind, and overall health. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Garmin Forerunner 35 Running Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is a GPS running watch designed for runners. It can track distance, speed, and location during runs and provides wrist-based heart rate monitoring all day and night. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: Garmin Forerunner 45S

This small, straightforward running watch measures your heart rate at the wrist and displays it on an easy-to-read display. With integrated GPS, you can accurately track your pace; distance traveled, interval times, and more. Read Review

5. Best Design: Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a cutting-edge timepiece designed to help you live healthier. This timepiece is your go-to companion for a healthy lifestyle, with advanced health sensors, cutting-edge safety features, and wireless charging. Read Review

When it comes to running, having the right watch is essential. It can help you track your progress, set goals, and ultimately reach the finish line. Whether you're an amateur or an elite athlete, having the best watch for runners can make a huge difference.

From accurate tracking to stylish design, the best running watch should be able to provide you with the data and features you need to get the most out of your runs. With so many different watches on the market, it cannot be easy to know which is best for you. That's why we've researched and tested the top running watches to help you find the best one for your needs.

We think the best watch for runners that is available now is Apple Watch Series 7. It includes advanced health technologies such as sensors and apps for detecting blood oxygen levels and performing electrocardiograms. We also provide you with the Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice. And bellow is the helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Apple Watch Series 7
Our Score:
9.9
Apple

There are dozens of possibilities available, including a wide range of sizes and materials for the bands. Alter your look by switching out your band or customizing the face of your watch in any of the countless possible ways. Both of these options are open to you. To contact someone for assistance, you can either utilize Siri, send a text message, make a phone call, listen to music or podcasts, or use an app like Emergency SOS. Whether you're using Wi-Fi or your iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS) can help you stay connected.

The Apple Watch is designed to inspire you to lead a more physically active life. It is equipped with sophisticated sensors that can monitor the various ways you move and keep track of the workouts you regularly perform. In addition, you will get a free trial of Apple Fitness+ for the first three months of your purchase. The only drawback is that the battery life can run out fast if you use it too long. This is true not only for the ability to stream music and connect via Bluetooth but also for the touchscreen display that is always on, the various sophisticated fitness functions, and its GPS tracking capabilities.

TOP Choice #2 Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness
Our Score:
9.8
Fitbit

Everything starts with a Premium membership that lasts for six months and a score called Daily Readiness. This value is derived from your activity level, the amount of sleep you get, and your heart rate variability (HRV). Its purpose is to assist you in getting the maximum benefit possible from your workout regimen. Thanks to the hundreds of guided exercises and the gallery of energizing mindfulness sessions included in the program, you'll also always have the motivation you need to achieve new goals.

The built-in GPS and Active Zone Minutes are included with the fitness tracker. Because Fitbit is part of the Google family of products, it can only be used in conjunction with the Fitbit app, which must be installed on iPhones or Androids that satisfy several prerequisites. The only disadvantage of this item is that there is no physical button on the side of the watch. As a result, you may be limited to wrist rotation, which works almost all the time. Overall, this watch is still appropriate for use in the fitness industry.

TOP Choice #3 Garmin Forerunner 35 Running Watch
Our Score:
9.7
Garmin

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is a top-performing GPS running watch that offers a wide range of features for athletes of all levels. With its easy-to-use design, this watch is perfect for tracking your running progress, including how far, how fast, and where you run. The look includes unique Bluetooth connectivity, water resistance, and all-day heart rate monitoring using Garmin's Elevate wrist heart rate technology.

This product can connect to your smartphone for smart notifications, automatic data uploads, live tracking, and even music controls. This makes it easier to stay connected and motivated, even when you're on the go. The watch also offers all-day activity tracking, which estimates your steps, calories, and intensity minutes, and reminds you when to move.

The only minor drawback of this watch is the lack of customization options for the main screen. It would be great if the watch allowed you to show your daily incremental steps directly on the main screen. But despite this small issue, the Forerunner 35 is a top-performing watch with a wide range of features to help you achieve your running goals.

4 Garmin Forerunner 45S
Our Score:
9.5
Garmin

Utilizing the Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch, you can elevate your running to the next level. This running watch is more compact and straightforward to use; it detects and shows your heart rate at the wrist. This allows you to remain connected and informed while working out. In addition, the built-in GPS enables you to track your speed, distance traveled, interval times, and various other metrics. However, if you want to add other activities, you may be limited to a few options with this watch, as only six can be loaded simultaneously.

You will be able to achieve your fitness objectives more quickly than ever thanks to the smartwatch's long-lasting battery life, which may last up to 7 days when in smartwatch mode and up to 13 hours when in GPS mode. This watch is compatible with the free Garmin Coach Adaptive training plans, which may provide tailored, professional coaching straight to your wrist. The tracking and safety capabilities include incident detection, which, when activated, will broadcast your real-time location to emergency contacts via a smartphone that is compatible with the device. These contacts will be able to access this information via the device.

5 Apple Watch Series 8
Our Score:
9.3
Apple

The Apple Watch Series 8 includes not one but two new motion sensors: an improved accelerometer and a gyroscope. Because of the combination of these two factors, the motion may be sampled four times quicker than it was previously possible; as a result, the watch can detect an impact nearly immediately after it has taken place.

This Apple watch comes equipped with watchOS 9, which will significantly alter the user interface for the fitness monitoring capabilities of the Apple Watch. You can now build programs tailored to your requirements, automatically transition between various multisport activities, and monitor multiple heart rate zones while exercising.

In addition to the traditional touchscreen, the Apple Watch Series 8 features a digital crown and a side button that may be used to navigate the device. These controls can be found on the face of the watch, on the side. The design of the Apple Watch Series 8 is still relatively straightforward to comprehend, even though it would be awesome if it featured an action button on the side like the Apple Watch Ultra.

6 COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch
Our Score:
9.1
Coros

With this product, you can design individualized complex interval training programs for PACE2's Strength and Training modes. You also can download a COROS workout or construct a circuit using one of the more than 200 exercises already loaded. In addition to being compatible with fitness apps that are run on smartphones, the COROS watch is also compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth HR devices. You can choose to display the data from any linked monitors on the watch or utilize the embedded optical heart rate sensor to show your heart rate and the breakdown of your zones instead.

Regardless of the race distance you are preparing for, the EvoLab will provide you with a prediction for the overall race and a pace for the race that will be displayed immediately on this GPS watch (a 5k, 10k, half marathon, or marathon). Individual workouts will only be effective for targeting specific race distances, in the same way that separate runs will only affect the prediction of certain race distances. Unfortunately, the in-built heart rate sensor can only be used for exercises that involve little to no rapid change in heart rate. If there is an unexpected shift in heart rate, the watch may take some time to "catch up" and display the updated information.

7 Garmin Forerunner 55
Our Score:
8.9
Garmin

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a running watch that provides an easy-to-use experience. The watch monitors heart rate at the wrist and uses GPS to track how far, how fast, and where you have run. With helpful training tools such as race time predictions and finish time estimates, the Forerunner 55 helps you run your best. The watch is customizable with free watch faces, data fields, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ Store, which requires the Garmin Connect app and Connect IQ app loaded on a compatible smartphone. The battery life of the Forerunner 55 is up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

In addition to tracking your runs, the Forerunner 55 also offers advanced wellness features such as intensity minutes, fitness age, all-day respiration, and more. The watch has built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, track run, virtual run, pool swimming, Pilates, HIIT, breathwork, and more, making it an all-in-one tool for tracking all the ways you move. Based on your training history, fitness level, and recovery time, the suggested workouts of varying intensities help take the guesswork out of training. The PacePro feature, which offers GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or distance, allows you to plan your race day strategy.

The only issue is that the writing and graphics on the watch are small, so it will be a bit hard to see, but overall, the Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for those looking for a comprehensive running watch.

More To Consider

8 Garmin Forerunner 245
Our Score:
8.8
Garmin
10 POLAR Pacer Pro Running Watch
Our Score:
8.2
POLAR

What to Look For in a best watch for runners?

To buy any product seems easy, but to choose the best one is not straightforward. The time you take to research its outcome is significant. The same matter also comes to best watch for runners of 2024 that we include in this article. But you can relax instead of spending too much time learning the products. It’s our duty!

Here are the main features of best watch for runners that all of you guys should keep in mind when deciding to make a purchase:

Comfort

You want the watch band to be comfortable while hiking and you want to make sure it won't irritate your skin. It is important to keep sweat buildup in mind, as soft and ventilated bands prevent it. More importantly, the weight of the watch is important to keep in mind. A watch weighing less than 60 grams (about 2 ounces) is most comfortable.

Extra Features

Are you looking for a basic watch or one with all the bells and whistles? The following are some of the features commonly found on watches for the outdoors. You should keep in mind that these features will increase the price but also provide convenience: Music, GPS, compass, heart-rate monitor, barometric altimeter, barometer, altitude...

Design

A rugged design is usually complimentary to a hiking watch's look in the wilderness. They're usually big and bulky and don't have the right appearance for a night on the town. You might be able to use a replaceable watch band to dress it up a bit, if you want to wear your watch outside of hiking.

Interface

Make sure you are comfortable using the watch. It may be a touchscreen watch or a watch with buttons. Before you buy a smart watch, you should assess whether the buttons are comfortable for you to use. The buttons on a watch are not affected by your sweat, so you will not have to worry about removing your glove to use the watch if you are hiking in cooler weather. On the other hand, buttons are harder for some people to use.

Weather-Resistant

You will eventually get rained on if you hike enough. A water-resistant watch will save you the expense of purchasing a new one if it gets wet. When wearing your watch in the water, ensure you know the depth of water resistance and what you plan to do. Some watches are water-resistant up to 30 metres and others are water-resistant up to 300 metres. If you want to paddleboard with your watch, 30 metres should be sufficient, but if you want to go deep-sea diving, you need a 300-metre water resistance.

Battery Life

You should be able to follow your activities with your watch. Some watches possess batteries that last for at least a year, while others require recharging every evening, and yet others are charged with solar energy. You might want to bring a portable battery charger if your watch needs to be recharged frequently. If you are hiking and your watch dies, you should bring a portable charger with you.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a running watch?

Running watches offer a variety of benefits, including tracking your pace, distance, heart rate, and other metrics to help you reach your running goals. They can also provide feedback on your performance, helping you monitor your progress over time. Additionally, they can provide motivation and guidance when running outdoors or in unfamiliar surroundings.

What features should I look for in a running watch?

The features you should look for in a running watch will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some features that may be important to consider include GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, interval training capability, and watch faces for personalization. Additionally, some watches may offer extra features like contactless payments, music storage, and more.

Are running watches waterproof?

Many running watches are designed to be waterproof, but it is important to check the manufacturer's specifications for the specific watch you are considering. Some watches may be water-resistant up to a certain depth, while others may be completely waterproof. It is also important to note that some watches may be more suitable for swimming than others.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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