The best running watches come in all shapes and sizes. Some models can provide you with heaps of data and in-depth insights into your running routine, making them perfect tools for boosting your stamina exercise performance — like the Garmin Enduro 2, for example. Others, such as the Apple Watch Series 8, are simpler in design and may suit those looking to log the frequency of their runs to help aid their fitness goals. But which running watch should YOU choose?
We know it is not an easy question, which is why we have tried and tested some of the best running watches available to help you make the right decision. Our expert reviewers have looked at their design, battery life, tracking accuracy and ease of use as well as smart features, connectivity and price. You can read more about our testing protocol in the How we test section down below. Unsure if these wearables are even worth it? Scroll down to the FAQs section to read more about the pros and cons of owning a running watch.
Working on a limited budget? We have got you covered with our guide to the best budget fitness trackers.
The quick list
Best overall
The Fenix 7 offers superb durability, long battery life and extensive workout tracking features, easily snapping up the title of the best running watch money can buy.
Best under $600
This beautifully designed wearable delivers excellent tracking performance at a reasonable price, making it one of the best mid-range running watches.
Best under $300
The Coros Pace 2 is sleek, lightweight and packed with features, all without compromising on battery life or tracking accuracy — and it costs only $199.
Best for beginners
Looking for a quality entry-level watch that does not cost the earth? The thoughtfully designed and feature-packed Forerunner 265 is your best shot.
Best all-rounder
With its superb tracking performance and countless apps, the flagship Apple smartwatch has everything you may need for your life outside of the running track.
Best for ultra-marathons
With exceptional battery life, durable build and top-notch performance, this sleek running watch is a great option for ultra-long distance runners.
The best running watches we recommend in 2024: Fully tested by the Live Science expert team with real-world experience
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best running watch overall
✅ You want to use it for swimming, too: It has 10ATM water resistance.
✅ You run in challenging outdoor locations: It features downloadable maps, reliable GPS and a durable design.
✅ You want advanced health and fitness stats: The Fenix 7 is a treat for data-driven athletes.
❌ You are on a budget: It can cost as much as $999.
❌ You want to track your sleep: The Fenix 7 may be too uncomfortable to wear overnight.
The Garmin Fenix 7 is our all-time favorite running watch — for many reasons.
To start with, this rugged smartwatch is the easiest of the brand’s wearables to recommend thanks to its mix of a classy design with a wealth of fitness features. It has a metal chassis, so it is very durable, and the display is impressively bright at all times – ideal for running at night, or glancing at your wrist in bright daylight.
That display is “Always On” too, and still hits an impressive eighteen days of battery life (or up to 57 days with the battery saver switched on). Thanks to built-in GPS and onboard storage for music, you can also leave your phone at home. Even better, the Fenix 7 can download a chunk of map data to help with navigation when you are out and about.
During our Garmin Fenix 7 review, we were also impressed by the accuracy of its heart rate sensor. The pulse readings were free of overshooting spikes and other minor errors that blight fitness trackers. We also liked its extensive sleep tracking and 'body battery' score — features useful for tracking your recovery status.
The only downside is that it is a pricey option, starting from $699 for the 42mm version. Still, it is an ideal choice for an intermediate runner looking to train harder and faster, and it works for cycling too.
- Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar review
Best running watch under $600
✅ You want advanced workout tracking features: Great for data-driven runners and semi-professional athletes.
✅ You run outdoors: It comes with on-watch maps and reliable GPS navigation.
❌ You are on a budget: It can cost as much as $700.
❌ You run in extreme outdoor conditions: It is not as durable as some of the more premium Garmin watches.
If the Garmin Fenix 7 is (understandably) a little too pricey, the Forerunner 965 is an excellent alternative. You lose the metal back (the Forerunner 965 is mostly plastic), some water resistance and other features, but it is still a great running watch and arguably even better for newer runners.
The Garmin Forerunner 965 combines our favorite bits of traditional best Garmin watches, with the gloss of more smartwatch-style tech. It is a good combo. Our take on the design is that, despite the shift to a fancy bezel, this is pretty much classic Forerunner watch design. It is less rugged-feeling than either the Epix 2 or Fenix 7, with less of a built-up screen surround.
It also lacks a couple of the most shiny, smartwatch-like bits of the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. There is no support for Alexa here, or a built-in speaker beyond a little beeper. We do not miss either, although some might like the idea of a Garmin announcing their performance at each kilometer of a run, through a built-in speaker, as some Huawei and Amazfit watches do.
Still, it is well worth the investment — and we can vouch for it. During our Garmin Forerunner 965 review, we were impressed with the accuracy of its measurements and the sheer range of its available features.
- Read our full Garmin Forerunner 965 review
Runner-up
Best under $600: Runner-up
There is a lot to like about Suunto Race, from excellent health tracking features and accurate GPS to long battery life, and it is cheaper than the Forerunner 965 by around $150. However, it also has a big, chunky design and underwhelming display.
For
- - Long battery life
- - Detailed maps
- - Accurate health tracking
Against
- - Chunky design
- - Not intuitive to use
- - Underwhelming display
Best budget running watch
✅ You are a beginner: No extensive stats or confusing features.
✅ You want good battery life: It can last up to 20 days on a single charge.
❌ You want a touchscreen: It is controlled with buttons.
❌ You want advanced features: Not as versatile as Garmin watches.
The Coros Pace 2 is a great running watch that focuses on a core set of features that will not trouble the most expensive players, but certainly offers plenty to consider.
For one, it is relatively affordable — it costs around $199. Secondly, the Coros Pace 2 offers 20 days of battery life, blowing the Apple Watch right out of the water. It still has a built-in GPS, which lasts up to 30 hours (making it suitable for marathon or ultra marathon runners) and it is lightweight too, with a comfortable nylon strap.
During our Coros Pace 2 review, we tested it alongside the Apple Watch Ultra we use daily, and found its heart rate and fitness data (including the likes of step count and calories burned) to be in line. That is impressive given it costs around a quarter of the price of Apple's premium watch.
Sadly, you can’t play audio directly from the device and information from the Coros app does not sync with health apps on Apple or Google. Still, it is a good-looking device, that's a great budget option for beginners.
- Read our full Coros Pace 2 review
Best running watch for beginners
✅ You want a multisport watch: It tracks more than 100 activities.
✅ You are looking for a reliable mid-range running watch: It offers great performance at a reasonable price.
❌ You run in challenging outdoor conditions: It may not be as durable as some of the more premium Garmin watches.
❌ You want downloadable maps: It will not store the data.
The Forerunner 265 is a Forerunner 255 with OLED. It is a Garmin Epix alternative that puts much less of a dent in your savings. Or it is a Garmin Venu 2 that trades in a little design gloss for some more advanced fitness features. We think it is a killer combo. If you are looking for your first-ever running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 265 has all the high-end features you may need without the unnecessary frills that inflate the price.
The model we tested in our Garmin Forerunner 265 was the smaller Forerunner 265S, but there were none of the usual battery life compromises common to smaller watches here — official figures suggest it actually lasts slightly longer than the larger Forerunner 265, making it one of the best fitness trackers on the market.
The screen is the main event here. It is a 1.1-inch 360 x 360 pixel OLED, or a 1.3-inch 416 x 416 pixel one in the Forerunner 265. While it does not fill out the front of the watch like the Apple Watch Series 8’s display, this little screen has everything we are looking for.
It is very sharp, super-colorful, and easily bright enough to work for outdoor exercise sessions on sunny days. This screen’s job is to make an argument for itself over the Forerunner 255’s transflective screen, and it is pretty persuasive, particularly when it is a touch display too. The Forerunner 255’s is not.
- Read our full Garmin Forerunner 265 review
Best all-rounder running watch
✅ You want comprehensive health tracking features: It tracks a range of stats, including your menstrual cycle.
✅ You need a great all-rounder: It comes with plenty of apps and handy features.
❌ You want good battery life: This watch lasts around one day on a single charge.
❌ You do not have an iPhone: It is not compatible with Android devices.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is not only a great all-rounder for iPhone users, but also a reliable running watch — as long as you do not plan to run multi-day ultra marathons.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is not a huge upgrade on the Series 7, with temperature sensors to help with fertility tracking and crash detection functionality the only truly new features. Still, that is not necessarily a bad thing since the product line is far beyond the capabilities of its competitors.
With its own version of the App Store with hundreds of Apple Watch apps, and the option to use third-party running options like Strava, it is also got a large, bright display and an endless variety of strap options. During our Apple Watch Series 8 review, we were also impressed by its reliable GPS and accurate heart rate monitoring — and these two features can make or break a running watch.
However, the biggest issue is its battery life. While Apple has added a new low-power mode, you will tend to get between two and three days if you are not using it often or switch the “always-on” display off. That is some way short of the competitors on this list.
- Read our full Apple Watch Series 8 review
Best running watch for ultra-marathons
✅ You want to use it for swimming, too: It features 10ATM water resistance.
✅ You want a reliable outdoor watch: It offers accurate GPS and on-watch maps.
❌ You are on a budget: The Enduro 2 can cost as much as $999.
❌ You want something small and discreet: This watch is on the chunky side.
The Garmin Enduro 2 is not for newcomers to running and is squarely focused on the most hardcore cardio enthusiasts, with a price tag that starts at $1,099 – twice that of the Apple Watch Series 8.
For one, it can last for longer than a month, and more than 40 days with solar charging. Despite its slate of features, it is surprisingly compact and comfortable on the wrist – although those with smaller wrists may want to look elsewhere. During our Garmin Enduro 2 review, we were also impressed by its GPS tracking, reliable heart rate monitoring and detailed sleep tracking (it can, however, fail to detect wakeful moments at times).
It offers both buttons and a touchscreen, excellent map support, and a “super bright” LED torch to help signal or keep an eye on what’s in front of you. If you are new to running, it is not for you, but if you are preparing for an ultra-marathon or something just as challenging, you will find a lot to love.
- Read our full Garmin Enduro 2 review
Best running watches: Comparison
| Model | Rating | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Fenix 7 | ★★★★½ | Excellent tracking performance, precise GPS, durable, long battery life. | Bulky and relatively expensive. |
| Garmin Forerunner 965 | ★★★★½ | Excellent tracking performance, precise GPS, long battery life, reasonably priced. | Plastic build. |
| Coros Pace 2 | ★★★★½ | Great tracking performance, lightweight, precise GPS, relatively affordable. | No touchscreen, fewer features. |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | ★★★★½ | Great tracking performance, comfortable to wear, crisp display. | Plastic build, no on-watch maps. |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | ★★★★½ | Excellent all-rounder, great tracking performance, plenty of features. | One day battery life, lacks some durability. |
| Garmin Enduro 2 | ★★★★ | Excellent tracking performance, precise GPS, durable, long battery life. | Relatively expensive, chunky design. |
Our expert consultants
James Rodgers is a running coach and marathon runner with over 20 years of racing experience and a 10K PB at an impressive 31.13 minutes. Certified by the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy, he helps his clients step up their running performance. James told Live Science about the benefits and accuracy of running watches. He also commented on his favorite models.
Kieran Alger is a fitness editor and writer on all things tech, running, health & fitness. He is an ultramarathon and marathon runner and cofounder of The Run Testers, who review the best and latest running products after putting them to the test in the field. We spoke to him about how to choose the best running watch.
Best running watches: Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are running watches?
Running watches can provide highly accurate navigation, helping you to plan, execute and review your runs. Many models use Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to track your movement, giving you reliable measurements of pace and distance, Rodgers said. “However, the GPS can be less effective in large city races with thousands of runners and large buildings," he noted.
One area that many running watches need to improve is the built-in wrist sensor for heart rate, Rodgers said. These sensors tend to provide less accurate measurements during runs than when the user is sleeping or resting, according to a 2020 review published in the Journal of Sports Science. "If you like to use precise heart rate data in training, I recommend using a chest strap instead," he said.
Are running apps worth it?
Running apps — such as Strava, Runkeeper or Nike Run Club — can be useful tools for tracking your training and providing motivation. "For example, if you didn't feel strong in the last half of your 10k, you could review your training with a coach to see what improvements could be made," Rodgers said.
Some running apps can also introduce a significant social component to your training. For example, Strava allows you to comment on others' runs and see the training activities of the runners you follow. “These can be anyone from fellow club members to professional marathon runners," Rodgers said.
Moreover, running apps and widgets that provide real-time feedback on the intensity and duration of the run may help users exercise at an appropriate level, potentially reducing their risk of injuries in the long term, according to a 2020 review published in the Journal of Sports Sciences.
What is the best running watch?
The Garmin Fenix 7 won us with its excellent performance, bright display and long battery life, which is why this premium running watch takes the top spot in this guide. However, Rogers prefers a different model. "I really like the Garmin Forerunner 965," he said. "There is a huge variety of tracking metrics, including heart rate variability and sleep tracking, and various scores based on your performance when using the watch, such as Endurance and Hill scores," Rogers said. He also liked the looks and long battery life of the Forerunner 965, and that it can use supplementary features, such as Garmin Pay.
What is the best budget running watch?
We think the Coros Pace 2 is the best budget running watch on the market — and Rodgers agrees. "I love it," he told Live Science. "The Coros Pace 2 is an affordable running watch that has all the key features that I like to track and does the critical things well. It has extremely long battery life, its accuracy is excellent and it is extremely quick to connect to satellites," Rodgers said. He also liked the Coros Pace 2 for its intuitive features, swift charging pace and lightweight design.
How to choose the best running watch for you
The best running watches for some may not be the same for others, and there are a few things to consider when purchasing one.
Firstly, if you’re new to the hobby, you’re going to want to consider your budget. There are all-singing, all-dancing options that break the $1000 mark, but that doesn’t mean you should go all in. Naturally, if you’re a keen runner and want to get all of the features on offer, you may find a reason to go a little bigger.
Secondly, not all running watches are built equally, and while you’ll no doubt find an array of basic features across all of them (step and calorie tracking and heart rate monitoring), some add more data or more features than others. For example, if you’re planning to run a marathon, you may want something that offers a longer battery life, as well as built-in coaching to help you reach your distance or pace goal.
As Kieran Alger, an ultramarathon runner, told Live Science: "A good running watch not only lets you know how far, or how fast, you've been running, but it gives you a whole range of insights that you can use — along with your awareness of your body — to guide your training and monitor your fitness progress."
You may also want a watch that writes its data to third-party apps, like popular running app Strava, or that features a built-in GPS so you can leave your phone at home. Many even offer storage so you store music to play when you’re out and about.
If possible, it’s always helpful to try on a watch, too. Some are larger than others or come in multiple sizes, and users with smaller wrists may want to check strap sizes. This can often affect the display size, so be sure to pick one that’s easily readable in all conditions.
Finally, there are some watches that only work on Android or iOS, so your choice of phone could have a big bearing on the best running watch you can pick up.
How we tested these running watches
How we test the best running watches
Our reviewers. We know a lot about the best running watches — we use them all the time at Live Science. As experienced exercise professionals and keen runners, we know firsthand the amazing benefits of progress tracking, and only choose the very best wearables to rack up the miles with. We have tested dozens of running watches over the years, from compact fitness bands for the budget-conscious to high-end rugged smartwatches designed with professional athletes in mind. Trust us when we say we know which models are worth the hype and which tend to fall behind expectations.
We pride ourselves on being as objective and meticulous as possible in our reviews, which is why we test all running watches to the exact same standard, using the same procedures. After spending at least a week with each device, we rank it across the following categories:
Design. We look into the dimensions, weight, durability, appearance and overall functionality of the running watch in question. We check whether it is comfortable to wear, easy to use and compatible with various outfits. We also make note of its general feel when running and report any scuffs and scratches sustained during testing.
Display. This is where we deep dive into the heart of a running watch — its display. We check the size, durability and resolution of the screen, and assess how bright, colorful and easy to read it is in various conditions (for example, in direct sunlight or low visibility). We also make note of the touchscreen's responsiveness and point out any lags or performance issues we experienced when running.
Features. We carefully assess every setting of the running watch in question. For example, how many running stats does it measure, and how in-depth are they? Does it offer sport-specific feedback? Can it connect to Strava and other third-party apps? Can it store music or show you the maps of your trails? Also, can it be used as an everyday smartwatch?
Performance. We put the running watch through its paces to get a good understanding of its battery life, tracking performance and connectivity. We wear it during the day, while sleeping, and when doing various running workouts, regularly switching between different battery modes and running-specific settings. Lastly, we thoroughly assess the accuracy of its heart rate tracking sensor using a chest-strap heart rate monitor (such as the Polar H9), and (if applicable) check whether its GPS readings are precise and fast to triangulate.
Value for money. Finally, we give our verdict on the key question: is this running watch worth the money?
After testing, we use these categories to calculate a final score out of five, and decide whether the wearable in question has what it takes to land in our roundup of the best running watches on the market.
