Looking for a new running watch? Whether you’re training for your first 5K or prepping for a marathon, the right smartwatch can help you track progress and stay motivated. After testing dozens of wearables over the past year, I’ve narrowed down the best options for runners and fitness enthusiasts in 2024. There’s something here for every budget.
Before diving into our top picks, let’s talk about why you might want a dedicated running smartwatch rather than just using your phone or a basic fitness tracker. The difference comes down to three factors: GPS accuracy, battery life, and running-specific metrics.
When you’re out on a run, you need precise distance tracking and pace data. Most dedicated running watches offer dual-frequency GPS, which locks onto satellites faster and maintains accuracy even in urban areas or under dense tree cover. Your phone might work for casual jogs, but try following a precise interval workout with just your phone and you’ll quickly feel the frustration.
Battery life is another difference. A quality running watch should last at least a full week on a single charge, and many can handle ultramarathon-length events without dying. Your smartphone might struggle to last a single long run with GPS enabled.
Finally, running-specific metrics set dedicated watches apart. We’re talking about VO2 max estimates, recovery recommendations, training load analysis, pace zone alerts, and stride length monitoring. These tools help you train smarter and avoid overtraining.
The heart of any running watch is its GPS system. Look for models with multi-band GPS, which uses multiple satellite signals for superior accuracy. Some watches also offer offline maps, which are useful if you like to explore new routes or travel to races in unfamiliar areas.
Garmin leads here with its satellite acquisition technology, while Apple has improved significantly with recent Watch models. If you run in challenging environments—dense urban areas, tight trail singletrack, or mountainous terrain—prioritize GPS accuracy.
Battery life requirements depend on your running habits. Casual runners who charge weekly might be fine with two to three days of battery life. But if you’re training for long distances or ultras, you’ll want a watch that can handle eight-plus hours of continuous GPS tracking.
The current leaders in battery technology include Garmin’s Forerunner and Fenix series, along with COROS and Amazfit. Apple Watch still requires daily charging for most users, which is a consideration if you want to track sleep or use overnight health monitoring.
Beyond basic pace and distance, consider what additional metrics matter to you. Heart rate monitoring accuracy varies significantly between devices, and some watches work better for certain skin tones than others. If you care about sleep tracking, recovery analysis, or blood oxygen monitoring, verify these features work well before buying.
Running dynamics like ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and cadence are available on higher-end models. These metrics help fine-tune your form, though beginners might not need them immediately.
Modern running watches do more than track runs. Consider whether you want music storage and playback, contactless payments, smartphone notifications, or the ability to load maps and routes. These features add convenience but also increase cost and may affect battery life.
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is our top pick as the most complete package for serious runners. It combines near-Fenix-level features with a lightweight design that won’t weigh you down during races or daily training.
The 965 has a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display that’s easy to read in direct sunlight, though this does impact battery compared to older MIP displays. GPS accuracy is excellent, and the multi-band GPS option ensures precise distance tracking even in challenging conditions. Battery life stretches to about 23 days in smartwatch mode or roughly 31 hours in GPS mode—enough for even the longest ultramarathons.
What sets the 965 apart is its training readiness score, which combines sleep, recovery, and training load data to tell you how hard you should push on any given day. The running power metrics, previously only available with external sensors, now come built-in, and the battery life improvements over the 955 are substantial.
The drawbacks are the premium price and the fact that some users find the 47mm case slightly large. If you have smaller wrists, the Forerunner 965 might feel bulky, though Garmin offers the smaller 265 if you want most of these features in a more compact package.
If the 965 feels like overkill or the price is too steep, the Forerunner 265 delivers excellent value. It brings the AMOLED display and training readiness features down to a more accessible price point.
The 265 offers essentially the same GPS accuracy and core running metrics as its bigger sibling. You get wrist-based running power, daily suggested workouts, recovery time recommendations, and training status indicators. Battery life is slightly shorter—about 15 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode—but still impressive for the price.
For runners who want serious training features without spending flagship money, this is the sweet spot in Garmin’s lineup. The color touchscreen is clear, and the lightweight polymer case won’t weigh you down during long races.
The Fenix 7X Pro represents the top of multisport smartwatch technology. It’s larger and heavier than most runners need, but if you want the most capable adventure watch that happens to be excellent for running, this is it.
The 51mm case houses a massive battery that can handle 28 days of smartwatch use or 89 hours of continuous GPS tracking. That’s enough for multi-day ultramarathons without charging. The built-in LED flashlight is genuinely useful for early morning runs or evening trail sessions.
Beyond running, the Fenix 7X Pro excels at hiking, cycling, swimming, and outdoor activities. It includes topographical maps with CourseView mapping for golf, ski maps, and the ability to download Adventure Sync activities. If your fitness interests extend beyond running, this versatility matters.
The price is steep—among the most expensive consumer running watches—but you’re paying for the most feature-complete package available. Just know that you’re sacrificing some lightweight agility for all that capability.
For runners already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Watch Ultra 2 offers the best running experience Apple has ever delivered. It’s significantly larger and more durable than standard Apple Watches, with a 49mm titanium case designed to withstand extreme conditions.
The Ultra 2’s precision GPS matches dedicated running watches, and the battery life has improved enough to handle long runs without anxiety. In our testing, we got well over 12 hours of continuous GPS tracking—more than enough for any marathon. The Action button allows quick access to workout controls without fiddling with the touchscreen during exercise.
Where the Ultra 2 falls short is battery life compared to dedicated running watches. You’ll still need daily or near-daily charging, which means overnight sleep tracking requires planning. The smartwatch features are excellent, but as a pure running tool, Garmin still leads in battery-dependent scenarios.
Not everyone wants a chunky sports watch. The Apple Watch Series 9 shows you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality, offering excellent fitness tracking in a design you can wear to the office or a dinner out.
The Series 9 includes all the health sensors Apple offers: heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, and temperature tracking for cycle insights. The double-tap gesture makes it easier to control the watch during workouts, and the brighter display improves outdoor visibility.
The main limitation for serious runners is battery life. You’ll likely need to charge daily if you track workouts and use sleep tracking. For runners with flexible charging routines or who don’t need all-day battery, the Series 9 delivers a polished experience that works well for both fitness tracking and everyday use.
Amazfit has been making waves in the budget space, and the Cheetah proves you don’t need to spend hundreds to get solid running tracking. It includes built-in GPS, route navigation, AI-powered running coaches, and a battery that lasts about two weeks between charges.
The Cheetah tracks heart rate, pace, distance, and VO2 max with reasonable accuracy for casual and intermediate runners. The Zepp app provides training analysis and health insights, though it’s not as sophisticated as Garmin’s ecosystem. You also get Amazon Alexa integration and music storage.
At roughly a third the price of premium Garmins, the Cheetah makes running tracking accessible to everyone. Just know that you’re trading some accuracy, build quality, and software polish for the lower price.
COROS has built a passionate following among serious runners, and the Apex 2 Pro continues that tradition. It weighs just 42 grams—lighter than most competitors—while still delivering professional-grade tracking.
Battery life is exceptional: about 30 days in smartwatch mode and 75 hours with GPS enabled. The digital dial interface takes some getting used to, but it works well for glove-friendly operation during cold weather runs. GPS accuracy matches or exceeds the competition, and COROS’s training analysis tools have matured significantly.
The main consideration is the smaller app ecosystem compared to Garmin. Third-party integrations exist, but the overall experience is more closed than some competitors. If you’re primarily interested in running metrics without needing extensive cross-sport features, this is a fantastic lightweight option.
Our testing process combines real-world running with controlled metrics. We wore each watch for at least four weeks, logging dozens of runs across various conditions: early morning darkness, midday heat, rainy weather, and trail terrain. GPS accuracy was measured against known distances and compared against phone tracking and, where possible, footpod accessories.
Battery testing involved continuous GPS tracking until the watch died, plus real-world mixed-use scenarios. We evaluated heart rate accuracy against chest strap monitors during interval workouts and steady-state runs. Sleep tracking was compared against our testers’ established baselines.
Smartwatch features—notifications, music control, contactless payments—were tested for daily usability. We also considered app ecosystem maturity, as the watch is only as good as the software supporting it.
Your ideal watch depends on how you train. Casual runners logging a few easy miles weekly might not need advanced training load analysis. Marathoners and ultra runners need exceptional battery life and GPS reliability. Trail runners require topographic maps and breadcrumb navigation. Understanding your primary use case narrows the field significantly.
Running watches span from under $100 to over $1,000. Budget options handle basic tracking well. Mid-range watches around $300-$500 offer excellent value with nearly all the features most runners need. Premium models justify their cost with superior battery life, build quality, and advanced training insights you’ll actually use.
Watches work best within their own ecosystems. A Garmin pairs perfectly with Garmin Connect, while Apple Watches integrate seamlessly with iOS. Consider which smartphone you use and how much you value that integration versus cross-platform flexibility.
It’s easy to get excited about advanced metrics like ground contact time or VO2 max tracking. Ask yourself whether you’ll actually use these insights or if they’re just numbers that look impressive. Most recreational runners benefit most from reliable GPS, accurate heart rate, and basic training recommendations—not the most advanced biomechanical analysis.
The perfect running smartwatch doesn’t exist—the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and priorities. For most runners, the Garmin Forerunner 965 hits the sweet spot of features, battery life, and price. If you want to save money, the Forerunner 265 delivers nearly everything that matters. iOS users committed to the Apple ecosystem will love the Ultra 2, while style-conscious runners might prefer the Apple Watch Series 9.
Whatever you choose, any of these watches will help you become a better runner. The key is actually using the data they provide—reviewing recovery recommendations, following training plans, and using pace feedback to guide your workouts. The best watch is the one you’ll actually wear and consult regularly.
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