Running watch buying guide

Running watch or fitness watch?

These two terms are often used interchangeably. Both usually track a variety of running activities (outdoor, treadmill, intervals etc.) with similar stats available. But there are some differences between the two. Choosing which one you need will depend on your running goals and other activities.

Running watches are designed specifically for runners. These are from brands such as Garmin and Polar. They may offer extra functionality for longer races and extra measurements such as stride length. They’re also usually set up with runners in mind, only needing a push of one button to start tracking a run.

Fitness watches are more suited to those of us who do lots of other activities, too. Think Fitbit or Apple Watch. They tend to offer more in-depth stats for other sports, and almost always track a lot of lifestyle metrics as well, such as water intake, sleep and even periods.

GPS

Most watches made specifically for running come with GPS as standard. Not sure what that means? It’s basically a way of tracking exactly where you are while you’re out on a run. This is useful for accurate mileage, route comparison and safety features.

Some watches, and especially fitness watches, have a GPS and a non-GPS version, the latter of which is usually cheaper. The non-GPS watches usually can still track your mileage and route fairly accurately through your phone if you have it with you.

If you’re starting to follow training plans or thinking about racing, then we’d recommend getting a GPS watch for more precise stats about your runs. Do bear in mind though that the busiest races can sometimes mean that the GPS is not as reliable!

Heart rate tracking

Almost all running and fitness watches we’ve come across offer heart rate tracking. The key thing to be aware of is how the watch tracks heart rate. Most do so through a sensor on the back of the watch, which measures your pulse at your wrist and shows it on the screen. For most runners, that’s plenty accurate.

If you’re doing speed or interval training, or thinking about doing heart rate training, you may want a watch that offers compatibility with a chest strap. This will measure your heart rate much more accurately, to give you more understanding of the different training zones you are in. You want to make sure that your watch will be able to show you this reading on the screen, as some will only report this back to the watch’s app on your phone – not helpful when you’re sweating your way through a sprint sesh!

Battery life

Battery life is so important – there’s nothing worse than getting to the end of a race and realising your watch switched off just before the end. (This actually happened to me, and I still haven’t recovered!).

All watches usually give a breakdown of how many standby hours it offers between charges (when you’re wearing it but not using it to track a specific activity), and then how many hours it offers for GPS and/or activity tracking.

Most running watches have plenty of battery power for the needs of the everyday runner–up to training for a marathon. Fitness watches may not offer as much power, though, especially for activity tracking, so definitely check this before you buy.

If you’re planning on doing longer races, such as ultras, or want to take your watch on running adventures where you won’t always have access to a charger, it will be worth choosing a model that offers longer battery life. This is also true if you want to use your watch to track sleep – if you have to charge it every night, it won’t be able to!

Other activities

A lot of running watches offer tracking of other sports and activities these days. This can be really useful for monitoring things like strength training, or if you’re hoping to wear your watch while training for a triathlon.

Some watches offer quite basic tracking of these activities, while others get quite in-depth, so it’s well worth reading detailed reviews before you buy to find a watch that suits your needs.

Lifestyle tracking

Some running watches don’t offer any kind of lifestyle tracking, focusing purely on your training. Others will be able to track things like sleep, recovery and even hormone cycles. Again, this is a personal choice based on how you’d like to use your watch.

Comfort & Fit

I once thought that all running watches would be similar in this respect, but I was very wrong! The good news is that there are a wealth of different designs out there, which means that you will definitely be able to find a watch that fits you well. The bad news is that it can be hard to know this in advance of buying your watch, as it depends on personal preference.

Here are some things to bear in mind before you buy, which may help:

• Strap material – especially important if you’ve ever experienced rubbing or sweat rash
• Watch face size – maybe you love a large face for easy reading mid-run, or you might hate that it gets stuck under your sleeve
• How the strap tightens – velcro will give you a more adjustable fit, while a traditional strap often offers more security
• Where the buttons are – does your job mean that you’ll be accidentally catching side buttons every time you move? Maybe you have a baby who will be pressing the screen at every opportunity?

Weight

I’m no pro athlete, so I’m yet to notice a difference in my running performance based on the weight of my watch. But it’s definitely something to bear in mind if you’re going to be doing a lot of training, or if you plan on wearing the watch every day.

App compatibility

Most of us will want a watch that talks to all our other apps, from Strava to Apple Health. Check the specifications before you buy.

Water resistance

The level of water resistance that you need will depend on how you plan on using your watch. Most running watches will be able to handle sweat and some drizzle, but if you’re an out-in-all-weathers runner then it’s worth opting for one that is a bit more waterproof. The same is true for triathletes: check to see the ATM rating of the watch to check what it can handle. It’s also worth remembering that some watches are fine with surface swimming in a pool, but not designed for saltwater – not ideal if you’d like to take it wild swimming!

Safety features

We wish we didn’t have to think about it, but running safety is something that we do need to consider. Running watches often have built-in safety features, such as location tracking and emergency SOS, which are worth knowing about before you buy. Make sure they’re switched on, too –  our article on the running watch features you need to know shows you how.

Look

Even the most serious of runners can appreciate a watch that looks good! This is definitely something to consider before you buy, especially if you’re planning on wearing it all day, every day. Some watches come with interchangeable straps, so you can switch it from sweaty sport mode to something more glamorous for social events.

Another factor of how a running watch looks is the screen. Some are visible all the time, like a traditional watch, showing the time and your choice of other stats. Others go dark when you lower your arm. Again, a totally personal choice, but a good one to bear in mind.

Best running watches

Best all-rounder: Garmin Forerunner 570

Garmin Forerunner 570 technical details

• Size: 42mm / 47mm
• Weight: 42g / 50g
• Battery life: 10 days (smartwatch mode) / 18 hours (GPS mode)
• Tracking: GPS & SatIQ technology
• Touchscreen? Yes, with additional buttons for easy nagivation
• Water resistance: 50 metres
• Other features: Built-in microphone & speaker, Garmin Coach, on-watch music storage, Garmin Pay
• RRP: £459

What our tester said

“The Forerunner 570 is aimed at road runners and triathletes who want a vibrant display, accurate GPS and heart rate tracking, plus smart features such as a microphone/speaker for calls. It’s good for those who prioritise design and daily usability over the advanced functions you’ll find on premium models such as the 970. For most runners, the 570 has plenty of bells and whistles and shouldn’t be seen as a compromise.

This model features Garmin’s brightest AMOLED touchscreen yet. It comes in two sizes and the screen is 1.2in on the 42mm model and 1.4in on the 47mm model. Even on sunny runs, I find the screen bright and easy to read, with the same tech as it’s big brother. Garmin claims the Forerunner 570 lasts up to 10 days in smartwatch mode for the 42mm model and 11 days for the 47mm version. In real terms, I took mine away to Denmark for half term without packing the charging cable and it lasted for the whole trip.

The watch locks onto the satellite a lot quicker than my old model and I can get a connection from inside my house which is handy in winter. I also love that it makes accurate suggestions of what run I should be doing each day. Overall, a joy to wear and use.”

Want to know more? Read Laura’s full Garmin Forerunner 570 review

Best for ease of use: Apple Ultra 3

Apple Ultra 3 technical details

• Size: 49mm
• Weight: 61g
• Battery life: 42 hours / 72 hours (low battery mode)
• Tracking: multiband GPS
• Touchscreen? Yes
• Water resistance: 100 metres
• Other features: iPhone integration, sleep tracking, clinical health monitoring
• RRP: £749

What our tester said

“Bigger and more muscular than the standard Apple Watch, this piece of tech means business. But is it worth the upgrade?

The big news for trail and adventurous runners is satellite comms: when you’ve got no wi-fi or in fact any signal, you can text emergency services and share your location. On top of that, if the watch detects a hard fall, it can automatically send situation and location information to emergency services and contacts. If you’re on the move, you can send your location every 15 minutes too.

Elsewhere, you’ve got a larger and brighter screen which is easy to read. Battery life has had a boost too – 42 hours in full working mode and 72 hours in low power mode. There are upgrades to health stats, including hypertension (high blood pressure) notifications, and a new much more precise sleep score feature. On the move, it feels weighty – I’d suggest splurging on a ‘proper’ wristband (I like the Ocean Band) so you can do it up like a normal watch and keep it in place better.”

Want to know more? Read Esther’s full Apple Watch Ultra review

Best value: Amazfit Active 3 Premium

Amazfit Active 3 Premium technical details

• Size: 45mm
• Weight: 55g
• Battery life: 12 days (everyday use) / 7 days (heavy use)
• Tracking: single-band GPS
• Touchscreen? Yes
• Water resistance: 50 metres
• Other features: offline maps, biometric sensors, recovery insights
• RRP: £170

What our tester said

“As a long-time technophobe, this watch has been transformative for me. It’s comfortable, minimally invasive and tracks all the things that actually matter to me, so I’m not overwhelmed with data. It presents all my information in a motivational and gentle way, unlike other popular tech brands that I shan’t name; instead of ‘poor performance’, the watch will gently nudge the areas that ‘need attention’, or suggest I may be fatigued and need more rest. I don’t feel bullied by it at all, which is a big win.

The Amazfit Active 3 Premium is an entry-level watch designed with running and hybrid training specifically in mind. I found that all the data I needed was presented clearly through the companion app or the bright, AMOLED screen. The GPS is accurate and available offline, and the heart health and sleep data create a really well-formed picture of overall wellbeing. I can’t believe the metrics available at this price – the only reason I’d mark it down slightly is because I found the pace to lag ever so slightly on my runs. But it’s a fantastic sports watch, and the first I’ve tried in a long time that feels designed specifically for me as your average woman runner hoping to get fitter and faster without getting too bogged down.”

Want to know more? Read Holly’s full Amazfit Active 3 Premium

Best for mapping: Coros Apex 4

Coros Apex 4 technical details

• Size: 42mm / 46mm
• Weight: 44g / 51g
• Battery life: 15 days (everyday use) / 41 hours (GPS mode)
• Tracking: three modes, connecting to multiple satellite systems
• Touchscreen? Yes
• Water resistance: 50 metres
• Other features: global offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation, offline music storage, camera control
• RRP: starting at £389

What our tester said

“This watch is one of Coros’ top-of-the-line model, so it’s one for the tech-heads among you. It looks sleek and is available in either 46mm or 42mm, so you can find your perfect size.

Setup was simple, and I was able to go straight out on my first test run within about 20 minutes. The watch connected to my Coopah training app with ease, athough it did take me a moment to link up the interval prompts with my headphones. The display left a little to be desired compared to other high-end watches, with what felt like a slightly dim screen, but it’s incredibly easy to switch between display options on the go, and I got the hang of viewing pace, heart rate and distance pretty intuitively.

There’s so much on offer with this watch on top of the basic features, with expert waterproofing, increased memory that stores up to 100 routes and a speaker for voice alerts. There’s even a built-in microphone to create geo-tagged voice memos for yourself, which may be of use to some trail runners, but was beyond my needs!

I was impressed by the tech; it feels like something geared towards serious athletes taking on off-road challenges. If you like shedloads of data, you’ll love it, but if you prefer to keep things simple, opt for the Coros Pace.”

Best for style: Garmin Venu 4

Garmin Venu 4 technical details

• Size: 41mm / 45mm
• Weight: 46g / 56g
• Battery life: 12 days (smartwatch mode) / 20 hours (GPS mode)
• Tracking: multiband GPS & SatIQ technology
• Touchscreen? Yes
• Water resistance: 50 metres
• Other features: Body Battery, Garmin Fitness Coach, Advanced Sleep Tracking, All-Day Health Monitoring
• RRP: starting at £469

What our tester said

“The Venu 4 comes in two sizes – a choice of 41mm or 45mm diameter – and there’s a decision to be made when it comes to materials; including various colours of silicone or leather strap. I went for the 41mm model with a ‘lunar gold’ watch casing and both a white silicone strap and bone-coloured leather strap.

On looks alone, I love the Venu 4. It’s just the right size for my wrist and the ba-ding quality of the high-def screen means I can see all messages and notifications while I’m running. Compared to my Enduro predecessor, the Venu is lighter and more wearable for smaller wrists. Of course, with an AMOLED screen instead of the Enduro’s MIP (Memory in Pixel) face, you have to expect a shorter battery life. The Venu 4 manages a good 10 days although it’s a bit less if you’re burning the GPS.

I find it easy to use and it works as well as you’d expect. The touchscreen falls down during a wet run or when you’ve got gloves on (compared to buttons) but I enjoy touching it with the tip of my nose in the middle of the night to see what time it is. I also like the new built-in white and red LED flashlight; it makes the watch bulkier, but not noticeably.

The Lifestyle Logging function is great; choose the factor you want to monitor (like alcohol comsumption) and see what effect it has on your overall health status.”

Best for lifestyle tracking: Garmin vivoactive 6

Garmin vivoactive 6 technical details

• Size: 42mm
• Weight: 36g
• Battery life: 11 days (smartwatch mode) / 21 hours (GPS mode)
• Tracking: advanced, multi-satellite GPS
• Touchscreen? Yes
• Water resistance: 50 metres
• Other features: offline music storage, Garmin Pay, smart sleep alarm
• RRP: £270

What our tester said

“I absolutely love this watch – it’s my personal health and fitness coach. If you’re searching for a running watch that truly has your back, and looks good doing so, then look no further.

It’s packed with clever tech that makes it the perfect running companion, with a fantastic 11 hours of battery life for all your adventures. It doesn’t just track your sleep, its personalised sleep coach advises you on how to get the best from your rest, so you can prioritise recovery for your next session. Plus, the convenience of smart notifications that are sent straight to the watch, easy-to-follow guided workouts and a range of built-in sports apps for every activity has fast made it a favourite watch of mine.

It empowers you to understand your body inside and out. It’s sleek, comfortable for 24/7 wear, and effortlessly fits into every part of your active life. At under £300, it’s a steal for a Garmin!”

Best for lifestyle tracking: Suunto Run

Suunto Run technical details

• Size: 46mm
• Weight: 36g
• Battery life: 12 days (smartwatch mode) / 20 hours (GPS mode)
• Tracking: dual-band GPS
• Touchscreen? Yes
• Water resistance: 50 metres
• RRP: £199

What our testers said

The Suunto Run sports watch delivers fantastic value for everyday athletes who prefer a bit of simplicity over bells and whistles. Chrissie loved its looks and comfort, highlighting the choice of two wristbands and noting how easy it is to swap between sport functions. Mel tested it during a self-navigated 50-mile mountain ultra and said: “It was simple, clear and intuitive to use, thanks to its breadcrumb navigation style.” All for under 200 smackers. Not bad!

Lightest: Coros Pace Pro

Coros Pace Pro technical details

• Size: 46mm
• Weight: 35g
• Battery life: 20 days (smartwatch mode) / 38 hours (GPS mode)
• Tracking: L1 + L5 satellite tracking
• Touchscreen? Yes
• Water resistance: 50 metres
• RRP: £349

What our testers said

Coros’ latest watch impressed us with its simple setup, long battery life, bright AMOLED clarity and easy app-based workout programming. Mara praised its features, saying: “I LOVE the pacing function for races and speed training sessions,” while Sophie highlighted the fantastic battery life which boasts 38 hours on GPS. Great for long-distance runners who don’t want to pay the earth.