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We’re stating the obvious but it’s worth reiterating: Running is hard. Like, really hard. Unless you’re one of those freakish individuals who can just get up and run a half marathon. Otherwise, the idea of hauling oneself off the sofa is effort enough. Never mind pounding the pavement for a few kilometres or more.
That’s why it’s worth spending some money on something that makes running as easygoing and bearable as possible. Take running watches, for example. These helpful devices are built to optimise and personalise your training, which will improve performance and set you racing towards those ever-increasing PB goals.
Sounds helpful, right? Absolutely. If you’re determined to get out there, you might as well make it easy on yourself. Plus, you’ll be able to measure how quickly you were running before you passed out — if that’s what it comes to, anyway. To get you started, here’s what you need to know about running watches.
What can a running watch do?
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are stacked with so many features, it’s sometimes hard to know what’s what. Also, relatively few fitness watches are only running watches — they are usually equipped for multi-sport activities — so you need choose a watch that includes features best suited for running.
These will include basic data, such as your step count, calorie burn, and distance travelled. Also, a GPS that tells you where you’re going and helps to track runs. More advanced watches will measure heart rate and other bio-metrics, while even analysing elevation, speed, and much more. A solid battery life is an advantage, especially if you’re doing — or working towards — long distances.
What is a GPS watch?
Not every fitness watch has GPS. But for even mid-level runners, GPS is essential. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites to track your position and movements with impressive accuracy. In running terms, this means you can track routes without having to map yourself, and also measure key metrics such as pace, distance, and time.
Some watches combine other features, such as an accelerator, to work out your speed and the length of your stride and keep the GPS map accuracy even if you go through a tunnel and out of satellite range.
What stats do running watches track?
As well as all the basics from your run — distance, time, and speed — decent running watches use sensors to measure all kinds of biometric data. This will include calories burned, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and BMI (body mass index). Some can even isolate and report on the kind of energy your body uses while running. These are usually tracked in a fitness app that syncs with your watch and smart device.
Do running watches track other workouts?
Yes, absolutely. It’s unusual to find a watch that’s specific to just running. Most do the very basics — swimming, strength, and cardio exercises — but you’ll find many of the watches on this list have different sport modes built in. Some watches are geared towards triathlon training, and you’ll find others are better for specific types of running — particularly long-distance and endurance running.
How much does a running watch cost?
As with everything, it depends on the kind of specs you want. If a basic, no-frills model suits you, you can get a watch for under £100. But expect to spend a few hundred pounds for a mid-range model. For the very best, prepare to spend £500 or more. It depends on the kind of runner you are. Are you a casual jogger looking to break the 5K? Then a budget or mid-range model will likely suffice. Or are you a serious marathon runner who’s clocking dozens of miles per week? In that case, something more specialist is in order.
What is the best running watch?
It not only depends on the kind of runner you are but the specific goals you’re running towards. But we have attempted to answer this question by tracking down the best options from some of the top brands. Whether you’re just starting or training to be an elite runner, there’s something on this list for you.
These are the best running watches for 2024.
The Polar Pacer Pro is a fitness watch built especially for serious-minded runners — and for a price that’s significantly decreased since its launch.
The real strength of this watch is its excellent array of training tools. It tracks pace, distance, elevation, hill climbs, times, Vo2 max and more — and it sets goals and times to aim for, all based on performance and running history. All of which combines with general fitness tracking to make a decent all-rounder as well as a dedicated running watch.
Some reviewers have noted that it lacks interactive colour maps for navigation, though this seems slightly picky. It does have worldwide mapping capabilities, which allows you to plan routes and follow a directional arrow.
There are better, more comprehensive running watches available. But not at this price. As a mid-range running coach, it’s pretty much unbeatable.
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When it comes to wearables, you have to talk Garmin. It’s one of the best brands around. Garmin watches such as the Fenix, Enduro, and Instinct Solar pack in features for long-distance and serious-minded runners.
The Garmin Forerunner 255S Music, however, sits midway on the price scale and (as the name suggests) absolutely smashes the music features and storage. It syncs with Spotify and stores and plays music from the watch itself. Not a Spotify user? No worries. You can manually upload your favourite tunes. That also means you can leave your phone at home when you go running.
It’s not all about tunes. The 255S has you covered training and stats-wise too. You can upload and customise workout plans and adaptive training plans help you train towards a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. It’s also great for triathlon training, combining swimming and cycling tracking.
If there’s a complaint, it’s that the battery life lags slightly when you’ve got both music and GPS on. Otherwise, the battery life is solid so it’s nowhere near a dealbreaker for us.
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Polar makes the list again with the Polar Ignite 3, which is an upgrade on an already strong and popular running watch. The Polar Ignite 3 comes with advanced wrist-based heart rate monitoring and integrated GPS, both of which are rated for exceptional accuracy. There’s also personalised workout coaching from FitSpark, which recommends workouts and adapts to your performance.
The training tools and data vis the Polar Flow app are particularly good. It takes the hard work out of planning for your personal best and monitoring progress. It even tells you how your body uses different energy sources.
What makes the Polar Ignite 3 stand out is its rest features. Nightly Recharge tracks sleep stages and gives you feedback on how you’ve recovered from the day’s activities. Another feature, SleepWise, tells you how your sleep routine will affect energy levels and gives alerts on when you’ll be most energised, helping you nail down a perfect, energy-boosting sleep routine.
In fact, overall balance is another bonus, with stress tracking and Serene breathing exercises — all working towards mindfulness.
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The Coros Pace 3 is an upgrade but it’s still lightweight. That’s one of the reasons Coros is endorsed by elite runners, including Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic marathon champion and world record holder.
Its packed with hi-spec features, such as pinpoint GPS, multi-sport modes, and tracking on a whole range of running-specific metrics – heart rate zones, acceleration, cadence, skin temperature, running power, calories burned, and an overall “running fitness” score.
It also has a track mode for accurately measuring track sessions, while a desktop hub compiles all the stats for in-depth performance analysis. Elsewhere, you can create specially tailored training plans. The battery time with GPS is 38 hours, which is certainly impressive, and it offers around 24 days in regular mode. For the price, the Coros Pace 3 is a pack leader.
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Our second pick from Garmin, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is perfect for anyone who’s just beginning their running fitness journey. It’s not the most advanced — which you’d expect in this price bracket — but it has the tools to get you started and monitor both performance and progress.
Features include onboard GPS, heart rate monitoring, all-day tracking of basic stats, and built-in coaching. If you want to work your way up to a 5K, 10K, or even a half marathon, this is absolutely the watch for you. It offers adaptive training plans for reaching your goals.
It also has something called PacePro, which uses GPS to asses your route and speed and offer pace guidance. t also gives you cadence alerts, which will help your form, along with advice on rest and recovery and suggested daily workout plans. It might be for beginner-level runners but there’s no doubt that it’s very comprehensive and well worth the relatively low price tag.
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The Suunto 9 Baro has been out there for a few years now but it’s still racing ahead of the competition. The Finnish-made brand produces watches for serious athletes — specifically geared towards tough, endurance sports.
The Suunto 9 Baro is tested in super-tough conditions and boasts a big, bright screen. It includes an integrated heart rate monitor, 24/7 tracking, and an atmospheric pressure sensor. Plus, more than 80 sports modes.
A smart battery caters for various types of training, delivering between 25 and 170 hours. The GPS accuracy barely falters, even in its lowest power mode. That means you can run deep into new territory without the fear of getting lost. You can also plan your routes with 3D maps via the Suunto app.
The Suunto 9 Baro offers outdoor features for mountain and snow sports — it was built for Finnish winter, after all — with weather and storm warnings, so you’re safe to run in all conditions. A truly rugged running buddy.
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The Google-owned Fitbit is pretty much the biggest name in fitness trackers and for good reason. Take the Fitbit Charge 6, which is an excellent tracker for the price and very much a lifestyle upgrade. In terms of running, it’s best for casual or newbie runners. More advanced runners will be better off with something more specialist.
That said, the Fitbit Charge 6 has built-in GPS and Google Maps — both essential features for runs — plus over 40 exercise modes and various measurements. A daily readiness score, active zone minutes, all-day heart rate and exercise tracking, cardio levels, ECG checks, blood oxygen monitoring, and activity reminders are all included. It’s also super lightweight.
While there’s no onboard music storage, you can control YouTube Music using the watch (thought it means taking your phone on runs), and you get the usual call and text notifications for everyday use.
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Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming services, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable’s sister site, AskMen.
Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.
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