This may not be the first question you'll have right after a run (when you start working on those jelly legs), but you'll soon want to know how fast you run. And then you will say thank you for the huge number of watches produced, which will tell you how late you were for your date while you were busy inflating your lungs.
Modern running watches are similar to trainer watches. They track routes, show you time and exercise data during your run, and teach you how to take the first step so you don't lose 5kg. If you have GPS functionality, they'll also smugly tell your friends on social media how many kilometers you covered on Saturday morning before they turned on the kettle.
Professional runners also want to know how effective their recovery periods are, so a watch that can track your sleep can help you manage your energy levels. Some running watches can estimate your V02max (a measurement of how well your body can use oxygen during active work), which is your endurance capacity. It's another in a long line of tools that can help you improve your running performance.
Running Coach Tips
When purchasing a watch to help you with your workouts, first think about how you are going to use it. Running coaches say: “If you run marathons and spend four hours a day on the treadmill, consider a watch with battery functionality. If you exercise a lot and running is just one of several exercises you do at the gym, then a fitness watch may be more suitable. If you're into music, consider a brand that lets you play music from your watch without having to carry your phone."
If trails and ultramarathons are more your thing, we recommend looking at a watch with an altimeter function: “When you're running around a mountain, the altimeter can tell you that you're at 800 meters. This is an important indicator when you are not training at home, because not all kilometers are the same.” However, beware of watches that are overloaded with features you won't need. “Pay attention to whether the watch is easy to use. I say this - if my mom can figure it out, then it's a good litmus test for a running watch."
“Finally, enjoy the ecosystem you are buying into. Each brand has its own way of posting data online, which is usually free to try. And you will definitely find something to your liking.”
HUAWEI Watch GT 2 Classic: the best sports watch with good battery life No. 2
Price: from 11,300 rubles
Another representative of the GT 2 line. The watch received a classic design and richer functionality. This is more of a powerful sports bracelet than a smartwatch packed with numerous functions. The device is available in two versions: with a 42 mm and 46 mm dial.
The large 46mm watch with a bezel with 24-hour markings looks very impressive. However, the model is presented in three variations: sports, classic and premium. The sports strap is made of silicone. For those who like to spend their free time training, this is the most relevant option. Due to the grooved surface on the inside of the strap, it does not completely fit the hand. Due to this, they are not so hot in the summer.
The dial is recessed into a metal case and protected by 2.5D Gorilla Glass. The quality of the 1.39-inch screen is excellent. Colors are not distorted from different angles. The rich shades are very readable even on a bright sunny day. You can control the smart gadget in two ways: through the screen or using two buttons located on the end. The screen sensor is very sensitive, so it responds to touches even if the user is wearing gloves. However, using the watch with wet hands is a real challenge. The presence of buttons completely eliminates any difficulties with control.
Moisture protection at 5 ATM allows you not only to run in the rain, but also to engage in water sports, but without immersion.
The menu includes 16 types of workouts, including running, swimming, rowing and exercise. The list even includes breathing exercises. During training, voice prompts are available, although only in English. A male voice announces the beginning and end of classes, as well as the results of the workout every 10 minutes. The speaker sound is very loud, so there is no fear of forgetting your headphones at home. Unfortunately, the watch does not have an auto-pause function. You can only temporarily stop a workout manually. After training, the athlete will receive some tips on how to improve their results. The menu displays statistics for the week of classes.
During training, the watch face displays information about heart rate, distance, number of steps, pace, calories burned and the effect of exercise. The error of the pedometer is relatively small - only 50 m per 3 km of distance traveled. The watch also features blood oxygen level measurement and TruRelax heart rate monitoring. The accuracy of all indicators has been improved, so situations where the watch cannot display results due to a certain wrist position are extremely rare.
The 455 mAh battery, combined with the energy-efficient Kirin A1 processor, can withstand about 14 days of normal use and 30 hours of continuously turned on GPS tracker without recharging. This is much more than the Apple Watch. By the way, GPS works very accurately, and connection to satellites is almost instantaneous.
The internal memory of the watch is 4 GB. You can save music for training in it. Not very much, but better than nothing. The watch can work with Bluetooth headphones, so no wires will interfere with your free workout.
Garmin
This list features Garmin as the running watch with the widest range, and it truly is the king of the industry when it comes to GPS systems. “In the US, if you ask if you work with Garmin, it’s like asking if you do something with Google.” The American company was founded in the 1980s, when satellite navigation was just beginning to penetrate the mass market, and its first client was the US Army during the Gulf War. Therefore, it is not surprising that Garmin watches are in demand by fans of their military precision.
Of course, there's a risk that with so many tricks, you might end up purchasing a Garmin watch that has more features than you need (seriously, is your ground contact time really that important?). But if you're serious about adding miles to your running arsenal, getting one of these running buddies is worth spending a little time researching.
Samsung
Anything Apple can do, Samsung can do better. Or so they say in board meetings at the South Korean conglomerate as they follow Apple on its journey from smartphone to smartwatch.
If you are an iPhone fan, then Samsung is not for you. While the Samsung isn't quite as runner-specific as the Garmin, it's ideal for music, offering online Spotify capabilities and a touchscreen on the Gear Sport model, meaning sweaty fingerprints won't keep you from figuring out what you're running. How long did you run in your last sprint?
conclusions
Whether you're a jogger or an experienced marathon runner, a decent GPS smartwatch is a great way to improve your performance.
Smartwatches have gradually become mainstream, with popular and world-famous companies releasing great running watches every year, covering all levels of athletes. And it doesn’t matter where you want to buy them: on Aliexpress or in the official store, the main thing is that they will help you monitor your physical fitness and become a motivator, as well as an indispensable assistant and companion during your runs.
We hope that our rating of running watches will help you make a choice. Write in the comments which ones you would like to purchase and why.
Check out our ratings:
- Smart watches: choosing in 2021
- Fitness bracelets: the best models
- Smart watch with NFC for contactless payment
- Watch with heart rate monitor: the most accurate
- Women's watches: TOP 10
- Was the information useful?
- No
Fitbit
Another brand that has become synonymous with humanity's desire for 24/7 fitness monitoring, Fitbit started with simple activity trackers. Now it produces sophisticated running watches that help you get through those tough miles.
The California-based company's top three watches—the Blaze, Ionic, and Versa—feature heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and workout modes, but keep in mind that the cheaper Blaze and Versa models come without internal GPS. If you want to track your run, you'll need to have your phone with you.
The Versa has a more attractive and curvier shape compared to the Ionic. But if you don't want to track your running distance on your phone and are hungry for something that will take your running to the next level, the more expensive Ionic is a better option.
How to choose a watch depending on your level of training
Like other devices affecting the field of sports, there is a division into several classes. There are beginner, amateur and professional level watches. But due to the fact that at the moment manufacturers produce gadgets of approximately the same level of preparation, the difference between the functionality of budget and expensive watches is almost not felt.
If the user rarely runs, then extensive functionality is not required. Such models usually have a low-capacity battery and a small amount of training. For beginners, nothing more is required.
For advanced runners, it's worth looking for an option with more features. It is recommended to choose a tracker with a powerful configuration and set of exercises.
The choice of running watch should be based on your needs. If you plan to simply maintain the body in a healthy state, then you can get by with a simple option without a special set of functions. If you need preparation for a competition or serious work on your body, then the professional level will be just right.
Polar
Based in Finland, hence the name Arctic, Polar is the "podium" choice if you want to get to the finish (or Finnish) line first. The company filed the first patent for wireless heart rate measurement in 1979, and three years later released the first-ever wearable wireless heart rate monitor—now a vital gadget in any runner's arsenal.
As with Garmin, it covers a range of products at different price points - albeit slightly cheaper than its US counterparts. And you can also go without your phone with music from Google Play. You don't have to suffer from an additional device and an annoying phone in your pocket. Also, note the long battery life - handy if you can continue using it for several hours.
Apple
Unsatisfied with its dominance in the world of laptops and mobile phones, Apple decided it also wanted a bite from Garmin and Polar's. Either way, the company is providing stiff competition: the Apple Watch has the easy-to-use features of its other products, without forgetting that it can be easily repaired at most Apple stores popping up in most cities.
Loaded with the Workouts app, the smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor, mile-by-mile stop time, and a GPS tracking system; however, the data collected is quite basic compared to other brands. However, Apple says it has one of the brightest screens, so you won't have to stop and squint too hard to check your heart rate.
Models for advanced and sophisticated
A watch for those who not only run in the park, but are ready to go on serious adventures in the mountains and are looking for a reliable companion. Here, all watches have a barometric altimeter, which more accurately measures elevation gain and can predict sudden changes in weather. The cost of these models starts from 40,000 rubles and ends somewhere at the top of Everest.
Suunto 9 Peak
The update to the flagship Nine is called Peak and features a much lighter, more compact body with an ultra-long-lasting battery. On average, they are 30% lighter and smaller than Baro. The point is that the optimization did not affect autonomy in any way, and the most seasoned fans of the brand finally received an ultra-light watch for their crazy adventures, such as all kinds of racing and travel. Very accurate navigation and track recording, adaptive backlight, bright display, new buttons, oxygen level analysis, very durable case, new strap.. The watch, being a flagship, received the maximum filling, the work of which can be found out in our review.
Сoros Apex Pro Premium
The closest competitor to the Peak is the Coros Apex Pro Premium. In terms of functionality and materials used to create these premium sports watches, they are very close, but of course they are completely different in design. An interesting feature for skyrunners is altitude adaptation assistance based on the operation of the pulse oximeter built into the watch. Route navigation, high autonomy, rich functionality - all this makes it possible to prepare and run UTMB or any other ultra trail of this kind.
Polar Vantage V
They differ from the younger model in having a touch screen, a built-in barometer and an increased operating time - up to 40 hours in GPS mode and up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. Polar Vantage V can calculate running power without the use of additional sensors, using GPS and barometer data. They also offer route navigation.
Polar Vantage V HR comes complete with a chest-mounted heart rate sensor.
Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro watch is the flagship of the Finnish brand and is suitable for the most demanding athletes who are fans of ultra distances. With a large display, bright backlighting and a rugged design, these brutals are designed for the longest races, hikes and outdoor sports. More than 80 modes with the ability to customize them make them custom in a sense. They have a huge operating time in GPS mode - up to 120 hours. Yes, this reduces the number of points taken and the accuracy of the track, but this is edited by FusedTrack technology. It uses data from GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope and compass to adjust the track in economy mode or when the signal is weak. For most users, the maximum accuracy at which they work out the stated time will be sufficient. The built-in barometer allows you to predict sudden changes in weather, as well as more accurately measure the current height and difference. In training mode, you can turn on the touch screen lock. After the release of 9 Peak, this model became more pronounced in its design, size and character. Owners of 9 Baro do not play these tchotchkes of yours. Something like this comes to mind to describe Baro in terms of the market.
There is also a version that supports all the same functions, but without a barometer and thermometer - Suunto 9, which is accordingly cheaper.
Coros Vertix Adventure
Coros Vertix Adventure Gps is the top-end configuration of Coros sports watches with the maximum contents for the ultimate adventure. These are brutal, like 9 Baro, but in terms of technology and endurance they compete with 9 Peak. This is the most versatile model from Coros in terms of trail running due to its array of features like a barometer, route navigation, pulse oximeter and altitude adjustment program. Their ultra-durable body, their resistance to extreme temperatures and conditions, and their enormous autonomy make them an excellent brand representative in their class.
Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical
This model is a representative of the Tactical watch family and is the most brutal and multi-sport model with well-balanced parameters in terms of price and functionality. The main feature, which is implied in the name, is recharging from solar energy. The manufacturer states that recharging requires wearing it outside for 3 hours at 50,000 lux.
A rugged barometer watch designed to meet US military temperature and shock standards. They support 3 navigation systems - GPS, GLONASS and Galileo, and the TracBack function will help you return to the starting point even in conditions of poor visibility and loss of landmarks.
Despite their brutal appearance and unusual screen design, they contain all the usual sports functionality - setting up and loading workouts, customizable data screens, support for different sports, competition with previous recorded activity. They also have a built-in optical sensor and track stress levels, sleep quality, calories burned and steps taken. Displays notifications from your phone via Bluetooth.
Working hours:
— smart watches up to 24 days / 54 days with recharging from the Sun; — economical mode up to 56 days / unlimited with recharging from the Sun; — GPS mode up to 30 hours / 38 hours with recharging from the Sun; — GPS mode with a maximum battery life of up to 70 hours / 145 hours with recharging from the Sun; — Expedition mode up to 28 days / 68 days with recharging from the Sun
Garmin Forerunner 945
These watches have functions that are not just unthinkable in a watch, but you wouldn't even know they existed. It's all about improving your performance as an athlete - they track your VO2max and adjust it based on temperature and altitude. To monitor sleep parameters and acclimatize to high altitude conditions, there is a built-in Pulse Ox sensor that determines blood oxygen saturation levels.
In addition to standard training and navigation functionality, Forerunner 945 adds color built-in maps with support for calculating popular routes. Battery life is up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, 10 hours in GPS mode with music, 36 hours in GPS mode without music, and up to 60 hours in UltraTrac™ mode.
With Garmin 945, you don't have to take your smartphone to your workout—you can store up to 1,000 songs in the watch's memory, and the Garmin Pay contactless payment system won't leave you without a coffee after your workout.
Garmin Fenix 6 Family
The Fenix series is a watch that combines the most advanced technologies from Garmin. They have extended runtime, a host of smart workout planning and activity analysis features, and an impressive array of sensors. Such a powerful filling is naturally reflected in the appearance - they have a large screen that can accommodate a lot of data, and a massive body. Different models of this line differ in operating time and certain set of functions.
Phoenix 6X Pro
Like the Forerunner 945 running model, there is a PulseOx blood oxygen saturation sensor, heat and altitude acclimation assessment, and breath analysis. The new PacePro function will help you intelligently distribute forces over a distance, taking into account the terrain.
Full-size maps allow you to plan a route of a given length, taking into account the most popular tracks of other users; there are also preloaded maps of ski resorts. The watch supports data transfer via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, contactless payments Garmin Pay and downloading up to 2000 songs.
Like all Fenix series watches, the 6X Pro boasts high autonomy - in a special Expedition mode with GPS track recording once per hour, the charge will last for 46 days! As a smart watch, it will work for 21 days, up to 60 hours in GPS mode; in battery saving mode, this time increases to 120 hours.
There is also a Fenix 6S Pro version and a Fenix 6 Pro Solar version
Garmin Carbon Enduro
Mom dear! Are you ready to become the most luhari in the mud and swamp, in the heat, on the mountain, among bears and roe deer? Are you ready to answer the question “what is this watch” and proudly say three cherished words that many above-average class men dream of hearing? Seriously, how could it be possible to fit the words “Carbon” and “Enduro” so pathetically and monumentally in one name that you immediately feel that they are worth the money? In general, a lot of questions for the creators. =) Yes, this watch can do almost everything that a multisport watch can do at the moment, maybe even more than many of its potential owners need. In our opinion, Garmin Carbon Enduro will be able to reveal its functionality and capabilities in the ultimate expedition races, or difficult mountain hikes of the sports tourism class or so. And you need to grow to this level not only financially, but also physically.
When choosing a watch, it is best to determine the set of functions that are important to you and that you will definitely use. There is no point in overpaying for coolness if some of the functionality will never be used. Choose a watch according to your needs, and then it will become your faithful companion in improving your sports results!
TomTom
TomTom is another satellite navigation manufacturer that is active in the fitness industry. This is a Dutch company, slightly younger than Garmin, but no less dominant in the GPS world. In 2017, the company gained traction in the watch market with the release of its first solo watch offering, the TomTom Runner. Its lightweight, comfortable fit on the wrist has been praised by the running community, as well as its relatively affordable price compared to Garmin.
The latest model is the TomTom Runner 3, which has all the necessary gadgets and devices: GPS, heart rate monitor, maximum feedback, VO2 and a built-in music player. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of a high-end Garmin watch, they are a solid mid-range offering.
4Apple Watch Nike+
Cost $399
The easy-to-use Apple Watch Nike+ is not only smartly designed, it actually works well. Of course, they have everything you need for this sport: location detection, the ability to contact friends and track activities.
Apple Watch Nike+ acts as a motivational partner, providing messages asking you when you're ready to run, reminders to move, the ability to connect with friends, and weather updates. Thus, the user is not only mentally prepared, but also motivated for the next race.
Their design is both simple and practical: the straps are made of durable silicone and have perforations for ventilation. The product comes in a variety of colors and is suitable for both female and male runners.
Peculiarities
GPS Clear, easy-to-read Apple display Water resistant to 50m Lightweight sport band Access to the Nike+ Run Club app Connect with friends Motivational messages
Suunto
While the Swiss have dominated traditional watchmaking for the past two centuries, it is the Finns who bring an industry that kicks and screams every day, as Suunto has proven. The company began life at the forefront of compass technology in the 1930s when its founder Tuomas Fohlonen invented a way to fill a compass with liquid to prevent wear and tear from excessive movement.
It wasn't until 1997 that the company began selling watches, which helped revolutionize the industry: the Suunto Vector was the first wristwatch to feature ABC functions such as an altimeter, barometer and compass. If you are driving off-road, always try to keep them on your wrist. They're a little bulky, but with the sheer amount of features they offer, you'll soon understand and love them.
Wellograph
Marketed as more of a 'lifestyle' watch than just a fitness watch, the Wellograph is linked to an app that tracks your runs, sleep quality, heart rate and overall movement.
The watch boasts a 9-axis accelerometer to count your steps more accurately, as well as a quick shake anti-crash system to ensure you don't get frustrated while running. They also have the ability to store up to four months of running session data so you can track your progress in preparing for your races. With such painfully attentive hours there is no room for relaxation.
Training functionality
The workout feature set is the exercises that a fitness tracker can help you with. The most common are swimming, jogging, pull-ups and exercises with dumbbells. The rest appear optionally in smart watches.
During physical activity, the following are calculated: calories burned and time spent on sports. The display can show other characteristics, such as distance covered while running.
Those who replace a trainer with a gadget should pay attention to the set of workouts. The watch should fully control physical activity. To maintain health, it is enough for a fitness bracelet to show the time, control calories burned and the number of steps.
Timex
Timex is the oldest company on this list, founded in 1853, when wristwatches measuring every calorie and time difference were still in the distant utopian future. The company was in last place in the 1970s before it made a new name for itself in sports watches. This was thanks to the Timex Ironman, which was first released in 1986 with the help of Ironman Triathlon timekeepers.
Timex running watches are the easiest to use and pride themselves on being more accurate than any of the fancy gizmos out there. Their black and white 8-bit graphics provide some of the apples of this world, and they have the all-important feature of GPS. And if you need more persuasion, Bill Clinton used them in the early years of his presidency.
HUAWEI Watch GT 2e: the best sports watch with good battery life
Price: from 8,050 rubles
Huawei sports watches are successfully used by novice runners. The Watch GT 2e model in question is primarily aimed at a youth audience. This is another version of the GT 2 sports watch with a modified design. In addition, the cost of GT 2e is slightly lower compared to GT 2, which is good news.
The round display is reliably protected by a metal case and durable glass. There are 4 optical sensors on the back plastic cover. And the case smoothly flows into the strap without the usual connection with two arms. Instead, it is secured by spring mechanisms. Both parts of the strap are easily removed and also easily installed in their place. The strap is made of hypoallergenic TPU, which is especially suitable for watches for active training. But with GT 2e you can do more than just run. Protection against dust and moisture at the level of 5 ATM allows you to use the watch for swimming, although without diving.
The watch is equipped with a 1.39-inch AMOLED display with five levels of brightness adjustment. The image quality is excellent, even in sunny weather the display is clearly visible. For convenience, automatic brightness adjustment is also provided.
The HiSilicon Kirin A1 processor, released in 2022, is responsible for the performance and energy efficiency of the device. The Bluetooth 5.1 module is used to communicate with a smartphone, and the built-in GPS accurately tracks the location.
All information about the user’s workouts is saved in the device’s memory. The built-in storage capacity of 4 GB is enough to operate all the functions of the device. At the same time, it will no longer be possible to save your favorite music there to listen to it without your phone.
The watch differs from the older model in that it lacks the ability to make and receive calls. For some, this may not be that important. After all, most importantly, the watch counts the number of steps taken, distance, time and calories burned. In addition, GT 2e will tell you what the weather is like outside and will display notifications from various applications installed on your smartphone.
The watch can measure heart rate, stress levels and track sleep quality. An innovation was the function of measuring oxygen levels in the blood. Its use will help not only monitor the development of various pathologies, which is important during COVID-19, but also check the degree of stress on the heart during training.
A pleasant surprise from the manufacturer was the smartphone camera lens release button with a 5-second delay.
Nuband
A common concern for any fitness enthusiast looking to improve their workout routine is the costly expenses that are bound to arise. So, while away from Garmin, the Nuband has its own affordable price tag (leaving you with more pennies to spend on the rest of your running gear).
It's not going to win any beauty pageants and doesn't have GPS, but the Nuband watch counts calories, keeps time, and is a solid budget option in a market filled with high-end choices.
Nixon
While Nixon is gearing its products more towards surfers and adventure enthusiasts, the brand's durability makes the watch a durable and cost-effective option for runners prone to the feeling of falling at the finish line or onto the pavement.
Battery life isn't the best - somewhere around a day of use before needing a recharge - and they're quite bulky. But Nixon's watches do look more like traditional watches than the new era whose boxy shapes are championed by other brands. Maybe not for city slickers, but if you're a regular trail runner, they're a worthy alternative to the more established brands on the market.
