Best running watches 2024: GPS wearables for runners

The best running watch is the most versatile fitness wearable money can buy if you're a runner (this is probably obvious). These GPS wearables are more than expensive smartwatches – top-tier running watches from brands such as Garmin, Polar, Suunto, and Coros can help you run and work out better, faster and more efficiently.

If you've only used the best fitness trackers and best smartwatches for tracking your runs before, getting even a beginner running watch will feel like you've supercharged your training, even though the gap between GPS running watches and fitness bands is closing. To put it bluntly, you'll need a running watch if you take running training seriously.

For slower movers who want to know where they're going, we recommend investing in the best hiking GPS instead. Triathletes better peruse our best triathlon watch guide, although admittedly, there is an overlap between the two. Finally, we have a dedicated best Garmin watch guide and a definitive list of the best cheap Garmin deals roundup if that's what you're after.

The Top 3

Best running watches to buy right now

Best overall

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is the best running watch right now, as it offers an excellent balance between affordability, accuracy and functionality.

With its AMOLED touchscreen display, single-band GPS, and various training features, it fills a gap in the market for dedicated running watches. Despite lacking some advanced features found in higher-end models, its lightweight design, accurate tracking, and reasonable price make it a compelling choice for runners.

Positioned between entry-level running watches and multisport models, the Forerunner 165 competes well within its category. Its introduction adds diversity to Garmin's lineup and offers a more accessible option for runners seeking a reliable training companion.

Despite its competitive pricing, the Forerunner 165 boasts a durable design, impressive tracking performance, and sufficient battery life for most users. Overall, it stands out as one of the most capable dedicated running watches released recently, appealing to runners of all levels.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 165 review.

Best affordable

The Coros Pace 3 is an exceptional choice for runners seeking affordability without compromising on functionality. The upgraded sensors and features elevate the watch's performance, offering precise GPS tracking and accurate heart rate monitoring.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Pace 3 doesn't skimp on battery life, lasting up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and up to 38 hours with GPS activated. The addition of touchscreen functionality and offline music capability enhances its appeal, although some users may find the touch interactions less smooth compared to pricier alternatives.

While the design retains the lightweight and minimalist approach of its predecessor, it may feel outdated to some users. However, for dedicated athletes prioritising performance over aesthetics, the Coros Pace 3 delivers where it matters most. Its focus on essential training features, including Running Fitness and Training Load estimations, Recovery Time suggestions, and sleep tracking, caters to the needs of serious runners.

Read our full Coros Pace 3 review.

Also consider: the predecessor Coros Pace 2 is the spitting image of the Pace 3 but used older sensors and GPS unit. Fully loaded with useful training features, the Pace 2 is almost irresistible to runners on a tight budget.

Best for small wrists

The Garmin Forerunner 255S is the smallest Forerunner to date, yet it offers more functionality than most running watches. In fact, we can't call the Forerunner 255S a running watch anymore – thanks to the addition of the triathlon sports mode, it's now a full-fledged multisport watch. And the smallest of those, too.

Heart rate variability stands out among all the new features; it adds another layer to the extensive recovery and training features already included on the Forerunner 255S. Not to mention the Race Widget and the triathlon mode mentioned above; the Forerunner 255S is tiny but mighty wearable.

The best thing about the watch is that it enables people with small wrists to access pro workout features without compromise. You can train like a pro using a small wearable and a heart rate monitor – and that's worth the hefty price tag.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 255S review.

Also consider: the updated Garmin Forerunner 265 offers long battery life, dozens of helpful training and recovery features, exciting colour options, and a pretty AMOLED touchscreen display to boot. It probably isn't worth the upgrade for those who bought the Forerunner 255 Music, but the watch has plenty of new features and better sensors to justify the price for owners of older Garmin watches.

Best for beginners

The Apple Watch Series 8 surprised us with its running prowess during testing. It allows you to train using personalised Heart Rate Zones based on your estimated max heart rate and resting heart rate saved in the Health app (you can also manually create zones).

Personalised heart rate zones can help you train better and understand the strain on your body more easily. It's been used in the best running watches for a while, and it's nice to see the Apple Watch offering it, too.

The WatchOS 9.2 update also added the Race Route feature, which notes the routes you run or cycle most often and allows you to do battle with your own personal best (like racing the ghost of your best time in Mario Kart). Pacer is another new feature that allows you to set a goal for distance and time and prompts you to go faster or slower to meet that target.

The only downside of the Apple Watch Series 8 – always been – is battery life. A full charge will only give you 18 hours of use, although you can boost it to around 24 hours using Low Power mode. For longer battery life and additional features (such as Apple's Precision Start), you might want to consider the Apple Watch Ultra.

Read our full Apple Watch Series 8 review.

Best for music

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a beast of a running watch with heaploads of training and recovery features.

The watch offers a bright, responsive AMOLED display, a titanium bezel, and longer battery life compared to its predecessor. Its health, fitness, and smart features make it an ideal companion for training and recovery. Despite the rapid release of new Garmin watches, the Forerunner 965 stands out as a significant improvement over previous models.

With its enhanced display, improved battery life, and comprehensive feature set, the Forerunner 965 is well-suited for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. While its UI colours may not appeal to everyone, its performance and functionality make it a must-have for those seeking an accurate and reliable multisport watch.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 965 review.

Best for real-time feedback

With the Watch GT Runner, Huawei is after the big dogs of the running watch market. The company's first foray into specialised performance wearables is built on the Huawei Watch GT 3 platform.

The wearable is chock-full of sensors and running-specific features, such as the AI Running Coach, which is similar to Garmin's Running Coach. But unlike Garmin's version, Huawei's visual coach is more communicative during running, offering you information about everything from pace to heart rate in a clear and easy to understandable fashion.

Read our full Huawei Watch GT Runner review.

Best budget

It might not be the most innovative running watch, but what the Kiprun GPS 500 is supposed to do (i.e. track runs), it does well. It won't recommend specific daily workouts, but it'll tell you your training load and how long you must wait to recover. It might not monitor sleep, stress or heart rate variability, but beginner runners might not need those features anyway.

Get the Kiprun GPS 500 if you need a no-frills, affordable multisport wearable with a long battery life. If you want to buy the Forerunner 255S but buy this watch instead, you can get the On Cloudmonster (one of the best running shoes for training) and still have money left over. Need we say more?

Read our full Kiprun GPS 500 review.

Best for recovery

The Pacer Pro is one of the best Polar watches, especially if you aren't too keen on touchscreen operation. The new screen is bright and easy to read in broad daylight. The Pacer Pro also works faster than the Vantage M2, its closest predecessor, which is evident in screen transitions and load times. The addition of extra features, such as running power and the different tests, was also a good call from Polar and further increased the 'getting your money's worth' appeal of the Pacer Pro.

Sadly, once you zoom out and look at the broader running watch market, things will immediately look less rosy for the Pacer Pro. There are numerous AMOLED running watches for the same price (e.g. Huawei Watch GT Runner) or cheaper MIP wearables with a more robust training ecosystem (e.g. COROS Pace 2) – why would you choose the Pacer Pro over these? On the bright side, the Pacer Pro is a decent mid-range multisport watch, so if you're on the market for one of those, by all means, get the Polar.

Read our full Polar Pacer Pro review.

How to choose the best running watch for you

Choosing the best running watch involves considering several factors to match your needs and preferences. Firstly, determine your primary use: Are you training for a specific race, aiming to improve fitness, or just tracking casual runs?

Next, look for essential features like GPS for distance tracking, heart rate monitoring, and waterproofing. Additional features such as music playback, NFC payments, and advanced performance metrics may also be important to you.

Consider how long the battery lasts, especially if you're running long distances or participating in ultramarathons. Ensure the watch feels comfortable on your wrist and won't cause discomfort during long runs. Adjustable straps and lightweight designs are beneficial.

Check if the watch is compatible with your smartphone and fitness apps for seamless data syncing and access to additional features. Set a budget based on the features you need, prioritising those most important to you within your budget.

Consider reputable brands known for reliability, accuracy, and good customer support, such as Garmin, Polar, Suunto, and Coros. Read reviews and seek recommendations from other runners or online communities to learn about real-world experiences with specific models.

How we test the best running watches

T3's running watch test is a labour-intensive process, especially considering
that modern running watches have a slew of features including sleep/SPO2/respiration tracking, contactless payment, smart notifications and stamina measurements, just to name a few.

Hence why we like to test running wearables for at least a few weeks to make sure we have a clear picture of how precisely the sensors and features work and how they perform under rigorous training circumstances.

As well as all this, we examine the companion apps the watches use to check compatibility. And, of course, we compare the running watches to other watches on the market in terms of value for money.

For more info on how we test at T3, read the linked article now.

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