The Best Smart Watches for Running, Whether You’re an Experienced Runner or Just Getting Started

Apple has taken the world by innovation, and all of that is transparent in its watches. The newest iteration of the Apple Watch line, the Series 8 monitors health metrics, is compatible with your cellular device, and delivers feedback on your health in present time. Using temperature sensors, the watch keeps an eye on your blood oxygen levels (it’s also one of the best heart rate monitor watches), sleep stages, and so much more. That’s not all, it’s crack-resistant, has a touch screen for easy use, and can stream music with just a tap.

“As a loyal Nike Run Club user, I love the Apple Watch for its seamless integration with the guided running app. I can keep an eye on my pace, intervals, and mileage without the extra bells and whistles that sometimes just feel like distractions on the road,” says W+G contributor Kells McPhillips. The Apple Watch is also recommended by Nike Trainer Traci Copeland because it’s “user-friendly for every type of runner.” However, she does note that the GPS isn’t as accurate as some other smart watches on the market.

If you’re already the owner of an Apple Watch (or just have Apple products in general) and are wondering if you should get this new one, Well+Good deputy editor of brand initiatives Ali Finney breaks down why it’s worth upgrading to an Apple Watch.

Battery life: 18 hours

Material: aluminum

Band types: sport, braided, leather, milanese

Water-resistant: 50 meters

This watch is also recommended by Copeland, who calls it the “most accurate watch on the market.” She says it tracks pace, and the GPS is spot on, making it great for advanced runners. It also tracks your running dynamics to help you improve your form. The battery lasts for a whopping seven days—another major plus (so you don’t have to constantly be recharging); however, count six hours if you’re in GPS mode. Although the watch is attached to a silicone band, it’s resistant to sweat and water up to 50 meters, making it easy to clean. What’s neat about this watch is its safety and tracking features. If you’re involved in an incident, the watch sends your real-time location to your emergency contacts. Runs, walks, or swims, the Garmin Forerunner 245 has got you covered.

Battery life: 7 days in smartwatch mode, 6 hours in GPS mode

Material:fiber-reinforced polymer

Band types: silicone

Water-resistant: 50 meters

Another Copeland pick, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is designed for runners and triathlon athletes. It features monitoring features that adjust for heat, altitude training, recovery time, and various aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Like the 245, it’s “not as pretty as Apple but all the technology is there,” she says. This model has a few extra bells and whistles, like tracking your performance condition and Garmin Pay to make contactless payments. It also boasts two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 10 hours of battery while using both GPS and music, so you can jam out while you hit the pavement.

Battery life: 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, 10 hours in GPS mode

Material: fiber-reinforced polymer

Band types: silicone

Water-resistant: 50 meters

If you’re looking for a hardcore smart watch, please direct your attention to Polar’s Grit X. It has GPS, a compass, and military-level durability against extreme temperatures and humidity. Two of the coolest features: FuelWise, which reminds you when it’s time to eat to keep your energy going for your entire journey (and helps you figure out how many carbs to bring along), and Hill Splitter, which can tell if you’re going uphill or downhill and gives you stats on your performance during each. What’s more, it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters and tracks your quality, duration, and time spent sleeping. It’s the ideal watch for multiple sports and activities. Enjoy it in green or black. It’s functional as it is stylish!

Battery life: 40 hours

Material: stainless steel

Band types: silicone

Water-resistant: 100 meters

If you’re looking for a stylish fitness watch, look no further than Polar’s Ignite 3. Using 10 LED lights, the Ignite 3 uses light detectors to track various health metrics, including your activity, heart rate, sleep, and GPS feature. For the fitness enthusiasts, this watch tracks over 150 different exercises while delivering exercise suggestions in real time, offering motivational sayings like “keep up your endurance” and “build some muscle.” It also has a round touch-screen display that’s easy to use. The minimalistic design mimics the style of a regular watch, doubling as a time keeper and health metric tracker.

Battery life: 30 hours in training mode, five days in watch mode

Material: stainless steel

Band types: silicone

Water-resistant: 30 meters

You’ll find a health and sleep coach in this Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. Using a body analyzer, this watch tracks your BMI, sleep habits, and training metrics. It also offers performance-enhancing features, like VO2 max readings to track your heart and lung endurance. Beyond these specs, enjoy Google Assistant with just a tap. You can pay for coffee, get directions, or take a walk with your favorite tunes.

Battery life: 24 hours

Material: aluminum

Band types: silicone

Water-resistant: 50 meters

This watch has the stellar GPS capabilities Garmin is known for, just in a prettier package than the Frontrunner styles. It’s available on granite blue silicone strap with a grey watch. While it doesn’t have all of the same bells and whistles as the Frontrunner, it does monitor your energy to help you figure out the best times of day to be active. It also tracks your hydration, stress levels, how well your body absorbs oxygen, and your heart rate. For music lovers, you’ll especially adore this watch as it can store up to 650 songs, so you can jam out to your favorite songs.

Battery life: five days

Material: silver bezel

Band types: silicone

Water-resistant: 50 meters

The Fitbit Charge 5 fitness tracker stands out in that it offers a Daily Readiness Score (which comes with the Fitbit Premium membership), which gives you stats that show how intense of a workout your body is ready for (or if you should take a recovery day). The Health Metrics dashboard tracks your SpO2, heart rate, skin temp, and more. And in terms of monitoring your running, the Fitbit gives you real-time pace and distance, and has a built-in GPS system. The cons that come with the Fitbit is that it’s not automatically connected with your phone. For the price, though, it’s a great all-around health tracking device for those curious about your fitness metrics.

Battery life: seven days

Material: aluminum and stainless steel

Band types: silicone

Water-resistant: 50 meters