Achieve Your Fitness Goals With The Best Running Watches
Whether you're attempting to get in shape or training for a marathon, a running watch will accurately measure your distance and speed, as well as look fantastic on your wrist. Not only are these devices easy to use, but they're also specifically designed to be easy to navigate on the go.
Nearly all running watches feature GPS and heart rate tracking functionality, and most generally support other features like accelerometers, run-walk alerts, and training programs. The majority of models are also water-resistant. Yet the different brands, characteristics, and specifications make it tough to settle on the ideal option. This is why we've compiled a list of the finest running watches of 2023 to make your decision easier.
Comparing The Top Running Watches Of 2023
Garmin Running Watch: Best Overall
The Garmin Running Watch is our top choice thanks to its durability and the fact that you can get free customizable training plans from experts. Simply by signing into Garmin Connect on the web, runners can sync pre-made workouts to their watch on a weekly basis.
Additionally, this GPS-enabled, music-playing smartwatch features advanced exercise functions that let you track things like stride length and vertical ratio. It also features incident detection — when paired with a smartphone, this running watch will notify specified contacts of your present position in the event of an emergency.
On top of all that, the lens of this running watch is made from Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the bezel is polymer and reinforced with fibers for exceptional durability. Its battery can last up to seven days in smartwatch mode or six hours when you use its GPS and listen to music.
Timex Ironman Running Watch: Most Lightweight
At 22.68 Grams, the Timex Ironman Running Watch is much lighter than the average sports watch, making it ideal for those who want the functionality without the bulky design. Its display is easy to read, and it offers easy access to a 100-lap stopwatch memory, a programmable alarm, and interval/countdown timers with its five buttons. Besides having a screen that's less shiny (making it easier to see the number), it also features a classic dial as well as side buttons.
It comes with a long-lasting band and its light function makes it easier to read in various conditions. Since it's water resistant up to 100 meters, it is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
WZWNEER Running Watch: Most Features
In addition to all the normal exercise functions you'd expect from a fitness watch, the WZWNEER Running Watch comes with a lot of interesting added features. It allows you to control your music and camera, check the weather, remind yourself to drink water, and even track down a misplaced phone. Once synched with your phone, the watch can also make and receive calls and text messages.
Besides being made from high-quality materials, you can customize this running watch's face with your favorite photos, making it an all-around great option for your wrist. The screen will light up every time you raise your hand, and with its fitness tracker, you can keep track of your daily activity, including steps, distance, and calories burned.
Casio Women's Running Watch: Most Stylish
The Casio Women's Running Watch features an eye-catching design and a 60-lap memory. In addition to displaying the time of day and the amount of time elapsed, an LED light allows you to view the timer in the dark, making it a great choice for early morning and late night runs.
This running watch has a curved band that makes it easy to fasten to your wrist, with additional holes that allow you to adjust its size. The large "LAP RESET" button on the front, along with the display's raised ridges, gives tactile reference and prevents accidental button presses, making it easy to operate this watch, no matter if you're standing still or jogging down the road.
Polar Running Watch: Position Accuracy
The Polar Running Watch features an accelerometer and an integrated GPS for better positional accuracy. It also has the capability to monitor your actions and present you with information like your sleep history and routine, enabling you to create physical activity plans, such as heart rate targets, and schedule them on its calendar.
The watch's app includes how-to manuals, player profiles, a marketplace, and blogs, which the watch can automatically connect to via Bluetooth. In addition, it's water-resistant, can track activity and sleep habits around the clock, and has vibration alerts and smart notifications.
Finding Your Next Running Watch: A Buyer's Guide
Buying a new running watch can feel like running around in circles. There are a ton of different options on the market and it can be easy to get overwhelmed, especially if you don't know what to look for. That's where we come in — check out our buying guide to help you find a high-quality running watch in 2023.
How To Choose The Right Running Watch
Distance Monitoring
Your GPS running watch should, at its core, track the distance you run — what good is it if it doesn't? GPS watches may also have a pedometer or accelerometer to track your steps. Even if the watch only employs GPS technology, it will track distance, and it will use sensors to determine your exact location.
Pace and Speed
A running watch can determine pace and speed if it knows your distance and time. There are two ways a GPS running watch can accomplish this. One way is by using an equation to determine your speed — for example, if it signals your location twice in half a second and you moved three feet in that time. The watch may also divide your total distance by the time it took you to achieve it. Most running watches should be able to tell you what your pace was/is while running, but others have options where you can set your desired pace.
Comfort
Your running watch ought to be comfy — if the one you're considering is bulky and clunky, keep looking. It's worth noting that fit does matter for accurate heart rate measurements, as a floppy or overly tight strap can cause the watch's sensors to malfunction.
Display
The next factor is the display. It's critical to examine the display's quality and functionality, just as you would on your smartphone. That's why it's recommended to select a running watch with a great display that you can use indoors and outdoors, particularly in direct sunlight. Check for superior protective glass and a quick-touch system as well — the latter is crucial, as a poor touch response can ruin the entire experience.
Step Counter
Most running watches feature technology that counts the number of steps you take. This technology is far superior to what it once was — there was initially a large margin of error in your final step count, but now watches are becoming increasingly accurate. Buying a running watch that doesn't have a step counter isn't recommended, as nowadays this is an essential feature.
Workout History And Metrics
When you're finished with a workout, you should be able to retrieve the metrics/data from it via your watch. It should provide you with all the information you'll need to maintain optimal health, as there's no use keeping a watch without fitness history. Since you'll be able to access historical data, you can monitor your workout progress and observe your improvement.
Goal Setting
Do you want to run a mile a day in nine minutes? You can enter this goal into your watch. Some watches let you set objectives, like burning a certain number of calories, jogging for a specific amount of time, covering a specific distance, or staying active for longer than a predetermined amount of time. The wearer can establish and modify each of these objectives, so if you're focused on achieving certain fitness goals, look for a watch that gives you options to set them yourself.
Water Resistance
The watch should, at the very least, be water-resistant, even if you're not going to be swimming with it — the last thing you need is a watch that fails in a light rain. Even though it's suitable as "sweat-proof" or "sweat-resistant," you should be more interested in how your watch will fare in the presence of more intense water or moisture.
Calories Burned
Checking how many calories you burned on your run is a nice post-workout reward. Many GPS running watches will provide this information, as it essentially assesses your pace, distance, height, and weight.
Bluetooth
You'll need a watch with Bluetooth connectivity if you want to link it to your phone or other external devices. Most modern timepieces have built-in Bluetooth technology for syncing with your mobile device and its apps, and through Bluetooth, the watch can exchange information with other devices. For instance, you can use Bluetooth to simultaneously pause music on your headphones and watch, and you can also check out running-related data gathered by your watch on your phone.
People Also Ask
Is it worthwhile to invest in a running watch?
Running watches are well worth the investment, as they provide a wealth of information about your fitness journey that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
How reliable are running watches?
Running watches are extremely accurate thanks to the inclusion of a pedometer, accelerometer, and GPS, although the level of precision differs from watch to watch.
Are running watches only for elite runners?
No way. Anyone can benefit from running watches, and they can be useful even if you're just jogging or walking.
