Best Running Watch for Fitness Enthusiasts in 2023

If you’re an avid runner, you know that having the right gear can make all the difference. One of the most important pieces of gear for runners is a reliable running watch. A running watch can help you track your progress, monitor your heart rate, and even provide GPS navigation. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best running watch for your needs.

When shopping for a running watch, one of the most critical things to consider is the features it offers. A good running watch should have GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and the ability to sync with your smartphone. You’ll also want to consider the battery life and durability of the watch, especially if you plan to use it for long-distance running or in inclement weather.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a running watch is the design and fit. A watch that is too bulky or uncomfortable can be distracting and make it challenging to focus on your run. You’ll want to look for a watch that is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to read.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best running watches on the market and help you choose the one that’s right for you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, we’ve got you covered. So lace up your shoes and let’s dive in!

Best Running Watches

Are you looking for a way to track your running progress and improve your overall performance? Look no further than our roundup of the best running watches on the market. With advanced features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and personalized training plans, these watches will help you take your fitness to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, there’s a watch on this list that will meet your needs. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top running watches of the year.

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch

If you’re looking for a reliable GPS running watch that comes with a variety of features, the Garmin Forerunner 55 could be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Easily track your heart rate, running distance, and speed with the built-in GPS
• Long battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode
• Personalize your watch with free watch faces, data fields, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ Store

Cons

• The PacePro feature is not compatible with on-device courses
• The watch may not be as comfortable to wear for extended periods of time
• The watch face may be too small for some users

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great option for runners who want to track their progress and improve their performance. With its advanced wellness features, you can monitor your fitness age, intensity minutes, all-day respiration, and more. The watch also comes with helpful training tools, including race time predictions and finish time estimates, as well as suggested workouts of varying intensities based on your training history, fitness level, and recovery time.

In addition, the Garmin Forerunner 55 allows you to customize your watch with free watch faces, data fields, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ Store. The watch is also easy to use and comes with built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, track run, virtual run, pool swim, Pilates, HIIT, breathwork, and more.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed GPS running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is definitely worth considering.

Amzhero Runfit 2 Fitness Smart Watch with Alexa

If you’re looking for an affordable and functional smartwatch with Alexa built-in, the Amzhero Runfit 2 is worth considering.

Pros

• 24/7 health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress
• 100 sports modes with GPS enabled for accurate tracking
• Alexa built-in for voice control of your smart home devices

Cons

• Limited compatibility with some smartphones
• Some users report issues with the magnetic charger not connecting well enough to charge
• The watch face may be too wide for smaller wrists

The Amzhero Runfit 2 offers a range of features for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to monitor their health. With 24/7 health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress, you can get a better understanding of your physical state and receive professional analysis on how to relax in a healthier and better way. The watch also analyzes sleep quality and can help you develop healthy sleep habits.

In addition to health monitoring, the Runfit 2 supports 100 sports modes, including walking, running, mountaineering, swimming, yoga, hiking, cycling, and treadmill. You can create customized fitness schedules and goals and accurately record all-day activities like steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes.

The built-in Alexa makes it easy to control your smart home devices, get weather and news updates, set reminders, and more. With on-wrist Bluetooth calls, texts, and notifications, you can stay connected without having to take out your phone.

The Runfit 2 is compatible with iPhone and Android smartphones with iOS 9.0/Android 5.0 or above and Bluetooth 4.0 or later. The watch has a 10-day battery life and is designed with IP68 waterproofing, making it suitable for wearing while swimming or in the rain.

Overall, the Amzhero Runfit 2 is a budget-friendly smartwatch with a range of features for health and fitness enthusiasts. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it offers good value for the price.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

If you’re looking for a GPS smartwatch with music and advanced training features, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a great option.

Pros

• You can store your favorite tunes on the watch and listen to them without your phone.
• The watch evaluates your current training status and offers additional performance monitoring features.
• You can get free adaptive training plans from Garmin coach or create your own custom workouts on the Garmin Connect online fitness community.

Cons

• The watch may be a bit expensive for some people.
• You need to purchase additional monitors (sold separately) to access some of the advanced running dynamics features.
• The battery life is shorter when using GPS mode with music.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a great choice for runners who want to track their stats and listen to music without carrying their phone. The watch offers advanced training features and performance monitoring, making it easier to achieve your goals. However, it may be a bit pricey for some people, and you’ll need to purchase additional monitors to access some of the advanced running dynamics features. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality GPS smartwatch with music, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is definitely worth considering.

Casio STR300C-1V Sports Watch – Black

If you’re looking for a reliable running watch that won’t break the bank, the Casio STR300C-1V Sports Watch is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The LAP Memory 60 feature lets you store up to 60 records in memory, each record including the date, lap time, split time, and distance covered.
• You can set the watch to emit an audible pace signal to help you maintain your desired pace.
• With its 10-year battery, you’ll have a running partner that won’t quit.

Cons

• The watch is a bit complicated to use at first, and the user manual can be overwhelming.
• The face is medium-sized, which may not be ideal for people with larger wrists.
• The stop watch lap time functions can be a bit confusing to figure out.

The Casio STR300C-1V Sports Watch is a great running watch for beginners and experienced runners alike. Its LAP Memory 60 feature allows you to keep track of your progress over time, and the audible pace signal can help you maintain a consistent pace throughout your run. Plus, with its 10-year battery life, you won’t have to worry about replacing the battery anytime soon.

One thing to keep in mind is that the watch can be a bit complicated to use at first, and the user manual can be overwhelming. However, once you get the hang of it, the watch is very user-friendly. Additionally, the face is medium-sized, which may not be ideal for people with larger wrists. Finally, some users have reported difficulty with the stop watch lap time functions, but most find that they are easy to figure out with a bit of practice.

Overall, the Casio STR300C-1V Sports Watch is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable running watch.

Garmin Forerunner 45S

If you’re looking for a reliable GPS running watch with a sleek design, the Garmin Forerunner 45S might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The smaller size of the watch makes it easy to wear all day and night.
• Garmin Coach training plan support helps you achieve your running goals.
• The watch’s GPS accurately tracks your pace, distance, and intervals.

Cons

• The battery life in GPS mode is only 14 hours, which might not be enough for long-distance runs.
• The watch doesn’t have a touch screen, which might be inconvenient for some users.
• The watch doesn’t have a built-in music player, so you’ll need to bring your phone with you on runs.

The Garmin Forerunner 45S is a great option for runners who want a reliable GPS watch with a sleek design. The smaller size of the watch makes it easy to wear all day and night, and the Garmin Coach training plan support helps you achieve your running goals. The watch’s GPS accurately tracks your pace, distance, and intervals, so you can monitor your progress and improve your performance over time.

However, the battery life in GPS mode is only 14 hours, which might not be enough for long-distance runs. The watch doesn’t have a touch screen, which might be inconvenient for some users, and it doesn’t have a built-in music player, so you’ll need to bring your phone with you on runs.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable GPS running watch with a sleek design, the Garmin Forerunner 45S is a great choice. Just keep in mind its limitations with battery life, touch screen, and music player.

COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor, 20 Days Long Battery Life, Barometer, Lightweight, Strava, Training Plan, Navigation, Sleep Track, Swim, Bike, Run, Strength, Treadmill-White Silicone White – Silicone Strap

If you’re looking for a running watch that is lightweight, has long battery life, and is easy to use, then the COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor might be the one for you.

Pros

• With just under 30g, this watch is the lightest GPS watch in the world at its launch, so you can focus on your training without feeling weighed down.
• The 30 hours of activity tracking with full GPS, barometer, and heart rate, and 20 days of regular use with weekly training and daily sleep & recovery tracking, ensure that you’ll never have to worry about running out of battery during training.
• The Digital Dial and 2-button layout make this watch easy and intuitive to operate, allowing you to easily navigate your watch with just one finger and receive less distraction while you focus on your training.

Cons

• The screen is dim when not interacting with it, which might be a downside for some users.
• The watch doesn’t feel as bulletproof as a Garmin, which might be a concern for those who want a more durable watch.
• The charging cable might be difficult to connect for some users.

The COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor offers advanced training solutions and multisport activity tracking, making it a great choice for athletes who want to transform data into actionable insights. Navigation is made easy with the watch’s navigation tools, and enhanced sleep monitoring allows for a detailed breakdown of sleep stages. With its compatibility with various devices, age range, and target audience, this watch is versatile and can be used by anyone who wants to track their fitness.

EZON GPS Running Watch

If you’re looking for an affordable GPS running watch, the EZON GPS Running Watch might be worth considering.

Pros

• Automatically calculates your running pace and distance
• LED backlight for visibility at night or in dark conditions
• Water-resistant up to 50m/165 ft, suitable for swimming and snorkeling

Cons

• Takes a long time to get a GPS signal
• Battery life is short, requiring frequent charging
• Some users have reported accuracy issues

The EZON GPS Running Watch is one of the essential tools any athlete needs to improve running performance. With its automatic calculation of running pace and distance, you can easily track your progress and stay motivated. The LED backlight also makes it easy to read the display in low-light conditions.

However, the watch takes a long time to get a GPS signal, which can be frustrating for some users. Additionally, the battery life is short, requiring frequent charging. Some users have also reported accuracy issues, so it may not be the best option for those who need precise data.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable GPS running watch and don’t mind some minor drawbacks, the EZON GPS Running Watch is worth considering.

Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch

If you’re looking for a sleek and feature-packed running watch, the Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch is a solid choice.

Pros

• The AMOLED display is bright and beautiful, making it easy to see your stats even in bright sunlight.
• With up to five days of battery life in smartwatch mode and six hours in GPS and music mode, you can keep tracking your runs without worrying about frequent charging.
• The Venu has a broad range of all-day health monitoring features, including respiration tracking, body battery energy monitor, stress, sleep, estimated heart rate, and more.

Cons

• The watch case size of 43mm may be too large for some people, especially those with smaller wrists.
• Some features, such as downloading music and connecting with headphones, may require a premium subscription with a third-party music provider.
• While the Venu has more than 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, it may not have all the sports or activities you’re interested in.

The Garmin Venu is a great running watch for those who want a stylish and feature-packed device. The bright AMOLED display and long battery life make it easy to keep track of your runs and other activities throughout the day. However, the watch may be too large for some people, and some features may require additional subscriptions. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed running watch, the Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch is a solid choice.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best running watch, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features you should look for:

GPS

A GPS-enabled watch can track your running route, distance, and pace accurately. This feature is essential for runners who want to keep track of their progress and improve their performance.

Heart Rate Monitor

A heart rate monitor can help you track your heart rate during your runs. This feature is particularly useful for runners who want to monitor their training intensity and avoid overtraining.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important consideration for runners who want to use their watch for long runs or races. Look for a watch with a battery life of at least 8 hours, or longer if you plan to use it for ultramarathons or multi-day events.

Water Resistance

If you plan to run in the rain or swim with your watch, look for a water-resistant watch. Some watches are designed for swimming and can track your swim distance, laps, and strokes.

Display

The display should be easy to read in different lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight or low light. Look for a watch with a backlit display or an always-on display if you want to check your stats at a glance.

Compatibility

Make sure the watch is compatible with your smartphone and the apps you use to track your runs. Some watches require a specific app to sync data, while others can sync with multiple apps.

By considering these factors, you can choose a running watch that meets your needs and helps you achieve your running goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a top-rated GPS running watch?

When looking for a top-rated GPS running watch, there are several features to consider. Firstly, you should look for a watch with accurate GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring to ensure you get accurate data on your runs. Additionally, you may want to consider features such as music playback, customizable workouts, and smart notifications to enhance your running experience.

Can I use an Apple Watch effectively for my running workouts?

Yes, you can use an Apple Watch for your running workouts. The Apple Watch has built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, making it a reliable option for tracking your runs. Additionally, the Apple Watch offers customizable workouts and a variety of running apps to choose from, making it a versatile option for runners.

Which running watches offer the best value on a budget?

If you’re looking for a running watch on a budget, there are several options to consider. The Garmin Forerunner 35 and the Polar M200 are both affordable options that offer reliable GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring. Additionally, the Fitbit Versa Lite and the Amazfit Bip offer a range of features at an affordable price point.

How do COROS and Polar watches compare for dedicated runners?

COROS and Polar watches are both popular options for dedicated runners. COROS watches offer advanced features such as barometric altimeter and longer battery life, while Polar watches offer features such as personalized training plans and advanced recovery tracking. Ultimately, the choice between the two brands will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a runner.

Are there smartwatches that track runs accurately without a phone?

Yes, there are several smartwatches that can track runs accurately without a phone. The Garmin Forerunner 945 and the Polar Vantage V2 both offer built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, making them reliable options for tracking your runs without a phone. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 offer standalone GPS tracking for accurate data on your runs.

Is a Fitbit watch a reliable option for tracking my running progress?

Fitbit watches offer reliable GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, making them a solid option for tracking your running progress. Additionally, Fitbit watches offer a range of features such as personalized coaching and workout tracking to help you reach your running goals. However, if you’re looking for advanced features such as barometric altimeter or longer battery life, you may want to consider other options.