10 Best Watches for Running: Top Picks for 2024

In 2024, finding the best watch for running has never been easier, thanks to the vast selection available on Amazon. Whether you are an amateur jogger or a seasoned marathoner, having the right watch can make a significant difference in monitoring your performance and enhancing your workout experience. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 watches for running available on Amazon, providing in-depth reviews and insights to help you make an informed decision.

# Preview Product Rating Price
1 Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Aqua Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery... $168.99
2 Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery... No ratings yet $349.99
3 COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor, 20 Days Long Battery Life, Barometer, Lightweight, Strava, Training Plan, Navigation, Sleep Track, Swim, Bike, Run, Strength, Treadmill-White Silicone COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor, 20 Days Long Battery Life, Barometer, Lightweight,... $179.00
4 Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch, Black Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch, Black No ratings yet $169.99
5 Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 2024 HD 1.91'Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+ Sports IP68 Waterproof, Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor/Pedometer/Calories, Fitness Watch for Android iOS Smart Watch for Men Women (Answer/Make Call), 2024 HD 1.91"Smartwatch Fitness Activity Tracker, 110+... No ratings yet $39.99
6 Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Music on Your Wrist, Whitestone Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and... No ratings yet $299.99
7 Smart Watches for Women Android Phones iPhone 16 Compatible, Fitness Watches for Women Fitness Tracker, Activity Trackers and Smart Watches for Women Step/Sleep/Heart Rate Monitor, Smart Watches 40mm Smart Watches for Women Android Phones iPhone 16 Compatible, Fitness Watches for Women Fitness... No ratings yet $59.99
8 Garmin 010-01689-00 Forerunner 35; Easy-to-Use GPS Running Watch, Black Garmin 010-01689-00 Forerunner 35; Easy-to-Use GPS Running Watch, Black No ratings yet $189.99
9 Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor, Large Screen Activity Tracker with Pedometer, Sleep Monitor, Calories & Step Counter, 5ATM Waterproof Smart Watch for Women Men Fitness Watch for Sports Fitness Tracker Watch with Heart Rate Monitor, Large Screen Activity Tracker with Pedometer, Sleep... No ratings yet $19.99
10 Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics, Black Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics,... No ratings yet $298.99

1. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a favorite among runners for its comprehensive feature set that rivals even more expensive options. This GPS smartwatch not only tracks your distance, pace, and split times but also includes advanced features such as music storage for up to 500 songs, allowing you to run without your phone. The Pulse Ox sensor helps monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial for high-altitude training or recovery. Additionally, it offers heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and fitness tracking metrics to give you a well-rounded perspective on your health.

For connectivity, the Forerunner 245 Music is compatible with both Android and iOS, and with apps available through the Garmin Connect IQ Store, you can customize your watch to suit your unique needs. With a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode, this watch has got you covered for even the longest runs.

OFF -$51.00Bestseller No. 1
Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics, Black
Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics, Black
  • GPS running smartwatch with music advanced training features, Lens Material:Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Bezel Material: fiber-reinforced polymer, Strap material:silicone
  • Battery life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS mode with music
  • Evaluates your current training status to indicate if you’re undertraining or overdoing it; Offers additional performance monitoring features
  • Get free adaptive training plans from Garmin coach, or create your own custom workouts on our Garmin connect online fitness community
  • Provides advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance, stride length, vertical ratio and more (When used with Running Dynamics Pod or HRM Run or HRM Tri monitors (sold separately))

2. Fitbit Charge 5

If you’re searching for a fitness tracker that doubles as a running watch, look no further than the Fitbit Charge 5. This sleek and stylish device is equipped with built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, stress management tools, and a daily readiness score that helps you determine if your body is ready for a workout.

One of the standout features of the Charge 5 is its ECG app, which allows you to measure your heart’s rhythm. Moreover, the large AMOLED display offers vibrant visuals, making it easy to read your stats while on the move. With a battery life of up to 7 days and water resistance up to 50 meters, this tracker doesn’t shy away from outdoor adventures.

The Fitbit ecosystem comes with a robust app that tracks your progress over time and offers additional insights based on your health metrics, making it one of the best watches for running and overall fitness.

Bestseller No. 1
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker with GPS, Heart Rate, Sleep & Health Tracker - Power Bundle with Adapter (Graphite Stainless Steel)
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness Tracker with GPS, Heart Rate, Sleep & Health Tracker - Power Bundle with Adapter (Graphite Stainless Steel)
  • EXCLUSIVE BUNDLE INCLUDES: 1x Fitbit Charge 5, 1x Charging Cable, 1x Infinity Band (Small & Large), 1x Compatible Wall Charging Plug
  • SLEEP TRACKING & SLEEP STAGES Automatically Tracks How Long You Sleep Each Night and Time Spent in Light, Deep and Rem Sleep Stages*
  • WATER RESISTANT You’re Covered to 50m, So Dance in the Rain if That’s How You Want to Work Out Today. Steps, Distance & Calories Displays Stats on Wrist and in the Fitbit App*
  • CALL, TEXT AND APP NOTIFICATIONS See Calls, Texts & Smartphone App Notifications on Your Wrist When Your Phone is Nearby. Compatible With IOS and Android Devices, Fitbit Devices Are Compatible With IOS and Android Phones
  • BUILT-IN GPS See Pace & Distance on Your Wrist — No Phone Needed. Active Zone Minutes - Tracks Your Time in Heart Rate Zones So You Get Credit When You Work Harder. Workouts in Cardio or Peak Zones Earn Double Minutes*

3. Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 is not just a smartwatch; it’s a comprehensive health and fitness companion. This device offers advanced health metrics, including heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and even a body temperature sensor, which is a new feature for this model.

With its built-in GPS, you can track your runs accurately, and with a broad selection of workout modes, you’ll find everything you need for a focused training session. The Series 8 syncs seamlessly with the Apple Fitness+ platform, offering guided workouts and metrics that help you improve over time.

Battery life is around 18 hours, which might not be as long-lasting as some others on this list, but the fast charging option makes it easy to refill energy while you’re preparing for your next run.

Bestseller No. 1
Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS, 45mm] - Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band, M/L (Renewed)
Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS, 45mm] - Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band, M/L (Renewed)
  • WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 8 - Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful. Advanced sensors provide insights to help you better understand your health. New safety features can get you help when you need it. The bright, Always-On Retina display is easy to read, even when your wrist is down.
  • EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE - Available in a range of sizes and materials, with dozens of bands to choose from and watch faces with complications tailored to whatever you’re into.
  • INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES - Crash Detection and Fall Detection can automatically connect you with emergency services in the event of a severe car crash or a hard fall. And Emergency SOS provides urgent assistance with the press of a button.
  • ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES - Temperature sensing is a breakthrough feature that provides deep insights into women’s health. Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular rhythm. And see how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with Sleep Stages.
  • SIMPLY COMPATIBLE - It works seamlessly with your Apple devices and services. Unlock your Mac automatically. Find your devices with a tap. Pay and send money with Apple Pay. Apple Watch requires an iPhone 8 or later with the latest iOS version.

4. Polar Vantage M

The Polar Vantage M is a versatile multisport watch that offers advanced metrics for serious runners. It provides accurate heart rate monitoring through its wrist-based sensor and GPS tracking to ensure you never lose your way.

One of the impressive features of the Vantage M is its training load and recovery status feedback, which helps you understand how your workouts are affecting your body. Additionally, the watch offers a unique feature called Training Benefit, which gives you immediate feedback after a session, allowing you to gauge your progress right away.

With a long battery life of up to 30 hours in GPS mode, the Polar Vantage M is built for endurance athletes who require reliable performance in even the toughest conditions.

Bestseller No. 1
POLAR VANTAGE M Advanced Running & Multisport Watch with GPS and Wrist-based Heart Rate (Lightweight Design & Latest Technology), White, Small
POLAR VANTAGE M Advanced Running & Multisport Watch with GPS and Wrist-based Heart Rate (Lightweight Design & Latest Technology), White, Small
  • Polar
  • Vantage M Fitness Watch - White

5. Suunto 9 Baro

Designed for adventure seekers, the Suunto 9 Baro is built with durability and functionality in mind. This GPS watch provides real-time tracking of distance, pace, and altitude, making it perfect for runners who love to tackle diverse terrains. Its intelligent battery management system ensures that you can extend your battery life when needed, with up to 120 hours of continuous GPS tracking.

The Suunto 9 Baro is also equipped with a barometric altimeter, which records your altitude during your run; a feature that is especially useful for trail runners. Plus, the Suunto app offers insights to help you plan your training and improve your performance, making it one of the leading choices for serious athletes.

OFF -$60.00Bestseller No. 1
SUUNTO 9 Baro: Rugged GPS Running, Cycling, Adventure Watch with Route Navigation
SUUNTO 9 Baro: Rugged GPS Running, Cycling, Adventure Watch with Route Navigation
  • Suunto 9 Baro: This durable multisport GPS watch is designed for athletes who demand the best; Featuring over 80 sports modes, a barometer for accurate altitude info, and wrist heart rate monitor
  • Built To Last: Made for training, racing and extreme adventures, this GPS watch delivers up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking; Water resistant to 100 meters; Great for running, hiking, cycling and more
  • Get Connected: Connect to your favorite sports apps and services from the Suunto app to get more from your watch; Share with your sports communities and access specific training analysis and guidance
  • Adventure Starts Here: Combining Scandinavian design with ultra durable materials, our watches track your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you keep life, training and recovery in balance
  • Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high-quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products. Proudly made with 100% renewable energy

6. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 elevates the smartwatch experience with its robust fitness tracking features. For runners, this watch offers built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and fall detection, all while providing a sleek and modern design.

The fitness capabilities are complemented by Samsung’s Health app, which offers detailed insights and tracking for various workouts. Not only can you track your runs, but you can also monitor your sleep patterns and stress levels, enabling a holistic view of your well-being.

With a battery life that lasts up to 40 hours, you can trust the Galaxy Watch 5 to keep up with your running schedule. Its compatibility with both Android and iOS devices enhances its utility as a fitness tool.

OFF -$6.64Bestseller No. 1
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 44mm Bluetooth Smartwatch w/Body, Health, Fitness and Sleep Tracker, Improved Battery, Sapphire Crystal Glass, Enhanced GPS Tracking, US Version, Gray (Renewed)
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5 44mm Bluetooth Smartwatch w/Body, Health, Fitness and Sleep Tracker, Improved Battery, Sapphire Crystal Glass, Enhanced GPS Tracking, US Version, Gray (Renewed)
  • ADVANCED SLEEP COACHING: Manage your overall sleep quality with an advanced sleep tracker that detects and analyzes sleep stages while you rest; Plus, Advanced Sleep Coaching helps you develop better sleep habits by analyzing your sleep patterns.Supported Application:Fitness Tracker,Blood Pressure Monitor,Multisport Tracker,Time Display,GPS. Connectivity technology:Bluetooth. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth,802_11_AGNAC
  • BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS (BIA): Galaxy Watch5 provides body composition data right on your wrist; On your own schedule, you can now get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate and Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • IMPROVED SENSOR ACCURACY: Stay up to date on your wellness; Get an accurate heart rate thanks to an improved, curved Samsung BioActive Sensor that gets closer to your skin
  • AUTO WORKOUT TRACKING: Make the most of every adventure with Auto Workout Tracking - from running to rowing to swimming - automatically in just minutes, and manually tracking more than 90 exercises, including complex activities like HIIT
  • IMPROVED BATTERY & GALAXY CONNECTED EXPERIENCE: Meet the watch that goes as long as you do; Galaxy Watch5’s improved battery keeps up with your busiest day Do more with synced Galaxy devices that work in perfect harmony

7. Amazfit T-Rex Pro

For those who prefer a rugged look, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro offers impressive features at an affordable price. This watch is military-grade and provides waterproof capabilities up to 100 meters, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor runners.

The watch features more than 100 sports modes, GPS tracking, and detailed health monitoring, including heart rate and SpO2 measurement. Its long battery life of up to 18 days in standard use makes it an excellent companion for long workouts or trails.

The Amazfit app allows you to analyze your data further and track your progress effectively, ensuring you remain motivated during your training.

OFF -$10.00Bestseller No. 1
Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch 48mm, Rugged Military Certified, GPS, 18-Day Battery, Heart Rate & Sleep Monitoring, 10 ATM Water-Resistant, 100+ Sports Modes, for Android iPhone (Black)
Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch 48mm, Rugged Military Certified, GPS, 18-Day Battery, Heart Rate & Sleep Monitoring, 10 ATM Water-Resistant, 100+ Sports Modes, for Android iPhone (Black)
  • RUGGED DURABILITY: Military-grade certified for rugged and demanding environments, this smartwatch is built to resist high heat, humidity and extreme cold.
  • LONG 18-DAY BATTERY: Up to 18 days on a single charge for more running, hiking, walking, and being active without worrying about battery life.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE TOUCHSCREEN: Ultra durable glass AMOLED face with 34 alternative watch face choices.
  • HEART-RATE and VO2 MONITORING: Find your cardio zone with heart-rate monitoring and blood-oxygen saturation measurement.
  • FITNESS APP DATA SHARING: Easily connect with Strava, Adidas Running, Apple Health, Google Fit, Relive, Komoot to record and share health, steps and fitness data.

8. Coros Pace 2

The Coros Pace 2 is a lightweight and budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. Designed specifically for runners, it comes with precise GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and advanced metrics like running power data—ideal for optimizing your training.

The watch supports various sport modes, and the built-in training hub allows you to create custom workouts that suit your fitness goals. With up to 30 hours of battery life in GPS mode, the Coros Pace 2 is praised for its endurance and reliability.

The Coros app provides additional feedback and training tools, making it a significant value for those seeking to improve their running performance without breaking the bank.

OFF -$20.00Bestseller No. 1
COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor, 20 Days Long Battery Life, Lightweight, Barometer, Strava, Training Plan, Navigation, Sleep Track, Swim, Bike, Run, Strength, Treadmill -Navy Silicone
COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch GPS Heart Rate Monitor, 20 Days Long Battery Life, Lightweight, Barometer, Strava, Training Plan, Navigation, Sleep Track, Swim, Bike, Run, Strength, Treadmill -Navy Silicone
  • The lightest GPS watch on the market: With a weight of just 29g with the new COROS Nylon band, PACE 2 is the lightest GPS watch on the market. It also has a long battery life of up to 20 days of regular use and 30 hours in full GPS mode.
  • Customizable training modes: PACE 2 offers interval, structured, triathlon, and strength training modes. Training programs and plans created by COROS athletes and coaches are available for free on COROS.com, making it easy to customize your training to meet your needs.
  • Advanced training features: PACE 2 is the ultimate training partner, helping you plan your training, provide instant feedback, and record your effort during your workouts. It also provides a comprehensive overview of your performance from the past 42 days, so you can track your progress and achieve your goals.
  • Multi-sport support: With modes for running, cycling, swimming, cardio, strength, and water sports, PACE 2 is perfect for any activity. Ongoing support and updates ensure that your watch is always up-to-date.
  • Comprehensive daily tracking: PACE 2 includes an optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, and thermometer for 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step tracking, and calorie tracking. Stay on top of your health and fitness goals with ease.

9. Timex Ironman R300 GPS

The Timex Ironman R300 GPS is a no-frills running watch that provides essential features without any unnecessary complexities. Its built-in GPS offers accurate distance and pace tracking, while the customizable workout modes let you tailor your training sessions.

With its long battery life of up to 25 hours in GPS mode, the Ironman R300 is an excellent choice for runners looking for reliability. Moreover, the watch is compatible with the Timex app, where you can analyze your data and stay on top of your fitness goals.

If you prefer simplicity in design and function along with practical features, the Timex Ironman R300 GPS might be the perfect match for your running style.

Bestseller No. 1
IPG for TIMEX Ironman R300 GPS Smartwatch Screen Protector (2 Units) Invisible Ultra HD Clear Film Anti Scratch Guard-Smooth/Self-Healing/Bubble -Free
IPG for TIMEX Ironman R300 GPS Smartwatch Screen Protector (2 Units) Invisible Ultra HD Clear Film Anti Scratch Guard-Smooth/Self-Healing/Bubble -Free
  • Aerospace grade patented material engineered for your specific device wet application
  • IPG’s unique ingredients provide self-healing for your existing scratches
  • Free lifetime replacement warranty for the life of your TIMEX Ironman R300 GPS Smartwatch
  • Virtually invisible, protects your display from unwanted scratches and repels dust, while reducing signs of daily wear
  • Anti Fingerprint. Not Interfere with Touch screen Technology

10. Withings Steel HR Sport

Finally, the Withings Steel HR Sport blends traditional watch aesthetics with modern smart features. This hybrid smartwatch tracks your heart rate, sleep, and running activities, offering a beautiful design that doesn’t scream "fitness tracker."

Notably, it provides a connected GPS via your smartphone, meaning you’ll still obtain accurate distance and pace measurements. Additionally, it boasts an impressive battery life of up to 25 days on a single charge, making it convenient for daily wear and multiple workouts.

For those who want a stylish timepiece without sacrificing functionality, the Withings Steel HR Sport is the ideal solution.

Bestseller No. 1
Withings Steel HR Sport Hybrid Smartwatch (40mm) - Activity, Sleep, Fitness and Heart Rate Tracker with Connected GPS, Smart Notifications, Water Resistant with 25-Day Battery Life
Withings Steel HR Sport Hybrid Smartwatch (40mm) - Activity, Sleep, Fitness and Heart Rate Tracker with Connected GPS, Smart Notifications, Water Resistant with 25-Day Battery Life
  • DAY & OVERNIGHT HEART RATE - Enjoy heart rate tracking day & night plus continuous tracking during workouts.
  • DAILY ACTIVITY TRACKING - Automatically counts steps, calories and distance.
  • AUTOMATIC SLEEP MONITORING - Wake to a Sleep Score based on light & deep sleep cycles, interruptions, depth & regularity.
  • MULTISPORT TRACKING -Delivers Fitness Level via VO2 max estimation | Tracks 30+ sports and maps your session with distance, elevation, and pace via connected GPS
  • RECORD BATTERY LIFE - Spend more time moving and less time charging with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 25 days.

Buying Guide for the Best Watch for Running

When choosing the best watch for running, consider the following key factors:

1. GPS Accuracy

Choose a watch with reliable GPS capabilities that accurately tracks your distance and pace. Some watches offer built-in GPS while others rely on a smartphone connection, so consider your preferences based on how you plan to use the device.

2. Heart Rate Monitoring

Monitoring your heart rate is essential to gauge training intensity. Look for watches with built-in heart rate monitors for real-time tracking, which can help you make informed decisions about your training zones.

3. Battery Life

Consider how long the battery lasts, especially if you plan on taking long runs or marathons. Some watches offer extended battery life in GPS mode, which is a significant benefit for endurance athletes.

4. Features and Functions

Different runners have varying needs. Some may require advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, or recovery time, while others might prefer basic tracking features. Assess your personal fitness goals and choose accordingly.

5. Comfort and Design

As you’ll be wearing the watch for extended periods, consider the comfort of the strap and the overall design of the watch. A lightweight and ergonomic design can make a big difference during long runs.

6. Connectivity and Compatibility

Ensure the watch you choose can sync with your smartphone or preferred tracking app. This feature allows for more comprehensive data analysis and can enhance your training experience.

7. Price

Finally, set a budget and consider which features are most important for your running needs. There are excellent options available across various price ranges, from advanced multisport watches to simple fitness trackers.

Conclusion

In 2024, runners seeking the best watch for running have an abundance of options to choose from on Amazon. We’ve discussed 10 top products, each offering unique features designed to enhance your performance and keep you motivated during your training. The right watch can transform how you approach your runs, helping you track your progress and achieve your fitness goals. Remember to evaluate your specific needs and preferences before making your purchase for the best overall experience.

Whether you prioritize GPS accuracy, heart rate monitoring, or simply need a stylish yet functional watch, there’s a perfect running companion out there waiting for you. Happy running!

Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.

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