Best Running Watches 2024

Introduction

A good running watch can transform your training. From basic pace tracking to advanced running dynamics, here's our guide to the best running watches.

Top Running Watches

1. Garmin Forerunner 265

Best Overall

Price: $449.99

Features:

• AMOLED display
• GPS + GLONASS + Galileo
• Training readiness
• Recovery time
• VO2 max
• 15 days battery

Pros:

• Excellent GPS
• Great training features
• AMOLED display
• Good value

Cons:

• Smaller than 965

2. Garmin Forerunner 965

Best Premium

Price: $699.99

Features:

• Larger AMOLED display
• Advanced dynamics
• Topo maps
• 23 days battery
• Titanium bezel

Pros:

• Best features
• Large display
• Maps included

Cons:

• Expensive

3. Apple Watch Ultra 2

Best for iOS

Price: $799.00

Features:

• Dual speakers
• Precision GPS
• 36-hour battery
• Action button
• 3000 nit display

Pros:

• Best iOS integration
• Accurate GPS
• Excellent display

Cons:

• Expensive
• iOS only

4. COROS Pace 3

Best Value

Price: $299.99

Features:

• Lightweight design
• GPS + GLONASS + Galileo
• Training features
• 15 days battery
• Affordable

Pros:

• Great value
• Lightweight
• Good battery

Cons:

• Basic app

5. Garmin Forerunner 55

Best Budget

Price: $199.99

Features:

• GPS tracking
• Daily suggested workouts
• Race predictor
• Recovery time
• 14 days battery

Pros:

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Good basics

Cons:

• No maps
• Basic features

Comparison

| Watch | Price | Battery | GPS | Best For | |--------|-------|---------|-----|----------| | FR 265 | $449.99 | 15 days | Excellent | Overall | | FR 965 | $699.99 | 23 days | Excellent | Premium | | AW Ultra 2 | $799.00 | 36 hours | Excellent | iOS Users | | COROS Pace 3 | $299.99 | 15 days | Very Good | Value | | FR 55 | $199.99 | 14 days | Good | Budget |

Key Features

GPS Accuracy

Look for multi-band GPS for best accuracy in urban areas.

Running Dynamics

• Cadence
• Vertical oscillation
• Ground contact time
• Stride length

Training Features

• VO2 max
• Training load
• Recovery time
• Race predictor

Verdict

Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 265 Best Premium: Garmin Forerunner 965 Best iOS: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Best Value: COROS Pace 3 Best Budget: Garmin Forerunner 55