I remember when “running watch” meant a simple Timex that tracked elapsed time. Now we’re spoiled for choice, and honestly, it can be overwhelming. After spending the last year testing most of what’s available—from budget options to watches that cost more than a decent used car—here’s where things stand for runners in 2025.
Whether you’re training for your first 5K or logging weekly 50-mile weeks, the right watch can genuinely help. Here’s what actually matters.
| Smartwatch | Best For | Battery Life | GPS Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 965 | Best Overall | Up to 23 days | Multi-band | $600-650 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Premium Performance | Up to 36 hours | Dual-frequency | $799 |
| Garmin Forerunner 265 | Best Value | Up to 13 days | Multi-band | $449-499 |
| Coros Apex 2 Pro | Battery Life King | Up to 45 days | Dual-frequency | $499 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | Android Ecosystem | Up to 40 hours | Single-frequency | $299-349 |
| Garmin Fenix 7 | Adventure Runner | Up to 22 days | Multi-band | $600-700 |
The Forerunner 965 earns its spot as the top recommendation for most runners. It’s not perfect, but it gets the fundamentals right in a way few watches do.
What makes it different: The titanium case comes in at 52 grams—light enough that you forget it’s there during long runs. The 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is genuinely readable in direct sunlight, which wasn’t true of older Forerunner models. That’s a real improvement.
The multi-band GPS locks on quickly and stays accurate even downtown or on tree-covered trails. In my testing, it consistently matched dedicated GPS units that cost twice as much.
Training features: You get daily suggested workouts that adjust based on recovery, training readiness scores, and performance condition metrics. These came from Garmin’s flagship Fenix line, so you’re essentially getting flagship features in a lighter package.
Pros:
– Excellent GPS accuracy in tough environments
– Bright AMOLED display works in sunlight
– Full training analytics without a subscription
– Comfortable enough for all-day wear
Cons:
– Expensive
– Battery life drops in always-on mode
– No flashlight like the Ultra 2
Who it’s for: Serious runners and triathletes who want flagship-level features without the Fenix bulk.
Apple’s second attempt at a serious sports watch mostly nails it—if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.
What makes it different: The 36-hour battery (72 in low-power mode) is a game-changer for ultramarathoners. Standard Apple Watches needed charging daily, which made them useless for anything over about 6 hours of running. That’s fixed now.
The dual-frequency GPS matches Garmin’s accuracy in most situations. I’ve done side-by-side comparisons, and the differences are negligible—both are reliable.
Durability: The 49mm titanium case and sapphire glass have held up through trail runs, CrossFit, and general abuse. No scratches yet.
Pros:
– GPS accuracy rivals dedicated running watches
– Battery actually lasts for long races
– Works seamlessly with iPhone
– Action button is handy for lap splits
– Flashlight is bright enough for night runs
Cons:
– $799 is a lot
– Big case won’t fit smaller wrists
– Weighs 61 grams—heavier than competitors
Who it’s for: iPhone users who want the best ecosystem integration and don’t mind the size or price.
At $449, the 265 delivers nearly everything most runners actually need. You don’t need to spend $600 to get a great running watch.
What makes it different: This was the first Forerunner with an AMOLED option, which is brighter and easier to read than the older solar-based screens. If you prefer the transflective MIP displays, the 265S still offers that.
Training readiness and daily suggested workouts appeared in this generation, so you’re not getting last year’s features. The multi-band GPS is accurate enough that I couldn’t tell the difference from the 965 in real-world use.
Pros:
– Best value for the features you get
– Bright, clear screen
– Full training analytics suite
– Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
– Shorter battery life than 965 (13 days vs 23 days)
– Topo maps require a paid subscription
Who it’s for: Runners who want modern training features without the premium price, especially those upgrading from older watches.
Coros has been quietly building a following among serious endurance athletes, and the Apex 2 Pro is the reason why. The battery life is almost absurd.
What makes it different: 45 days between charges isn’t a typo. I took this on a two-week backpacking trip, tracked daily runs and hikes, and barely touched the charger. That’s genuinely useful.
The digital crown is different from buttons, and it takes a week or so to get comfortable. Once you do, it works well for scrolling through data mid-run.
GPS accuracy: Dual-frequency works great most of the time. It’s slightly behind Garmin in dense urban areas but excellent everywhere else.
“For runners logging serious weekly mileage, the Coros ecosystem offers the best battery-to-feature ratio. I switched from Garmin after five years and haven’t looked back.” — A competitive ultramarathoner who trains 80+ miles weekly
Pros:
– Battery that actually lasts weeks
– Reliable GPS tracking
– Good training load analysis
– One of the most comfortable watches at this price
Cons:
– Companion app isn’t as polished as Garmin’s
– Fewer third-party integrations
– No music storage
Who it’s for: Ultramarathoners and anyone who finds charging annoying.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 tries to be two things—a solid fitness tracker and an everyday smartwatch. It does both reasonably well, though neither perfectly.
What makes it different: The rotating bezel is genuinely useful. It’s tactile in a way touchscreens aren’t, and you won’t find it anywhere else. Sleep tracking and body composition metrics are more detailed than most competitors.
For casual runners, the built-in GPS is fine. For serious training in cities or forests, it doesn’t quite match Garmin or Coros accuracy.
Ecosystem integration: If you’re deep in Samsung’s world—phone, earbuds, TV—the seamless connection is nice. The auto-pause feature when you stop a Samsung TV workout is actually clever.
Pros:
– Great display
– Smooth integration for Samsung users
– Good sleep tracking
– Looks professional enough for office wear
Cons:
– GPS isn’t as accurate as dedicated running watches
– Battery only lasts about 2 days
– Fewer running-specific features than competitors
– Bixby is still limited
Who it’s for: Android users who want one watch for everything and don’t need race-level GPS precision.
The Fenix 7 isn’t the newest anymore—the 965 has essentially superseded it for pure running—but it still makes sense for a specific type of athlete.
What makes it different: Topographical maps and multisport profiles are built in. If you run trails where knowing the terrain matters, that’s valuable. The solar-charging sapphire versions really do extend battery life outdoors.
This thing is built like a tank. More durable than any runner needs, which is exactly the point if you’re also mountain biking or hiking.
Pros:
– Topo maps included
– Solar charging actually works
– Extremely durable
– Multisport profiles for triathlon
Cons:
– Bulkier and heavier than Forerunner options
– Overkill for road runners
– Touchscreen can be finicky while moving
Who it’s for: Trail runners, mountain athletes, and anyone who needs maps and durability beyond simple breadcrumb trails.
Here’s what actually matters when you’re trying to decide.
Single-frequency GPS works fine in open areas. But if you run in cities with tall buildings or forest trails, dual-frequency or multi-band GPS is noticeably better. The difference shows up in your distance and pace data—especially on courses with lots of turns.
Think about your actual needs. Casual runners doing 3-5 miles a few times a week can get by with charging every few days. Ultramarathoners need watches rated for 30+ hours in GPS mode.
Here’s the math: a 50-mile race might take 10+ hours. Make sure your watch can handle that.
Optical sensors have gotten much better. For most runners, wrist-based heart rate is accurate enough. But if you do HIIT or need precise heart rate zones for training, a chest strap still reads better.
Most watches handle sweat and rain fine. Actual swimming requires 5ATM or 50m ratings. Rain runners are fine with anything current. Pool runners need to check specs.
Apple Watch only works with iPhones. Samsung works best with Samsung phones. Garmin and Coros work with both but have different apps.
Pick your ecosystem based on what you actually use. Switching later means losing features you’ve come to depend on.
Garmin and Coros give you most features free. Apple and Samsung embed costs in hardware. But Garmin’s Connect+ subscription ($9.99/month or $79.99/year) unlocks maps and advanced stats.
Factor this in if you’re comparing prices over 2-3 years.
The best running smartwatch depends on your situation. For most runners, the Garmin Forerunner 965 hits the sweet spot of features, accuracy, and comfort.
Apple users who don’t mind the price get excellent integration with the Ultra 2. Budget-conscious runners save money with the 265 and lose almost nothing useful. Ultramarathoners should look at the Coros Apex 2 Pro for the battery alone.
Here’s the thing, though: the best watch is the one you actually wear and use. A $50 watch that you use every day beats a $800 watch sitting in a drawer. Figure out what features you need, pick one, and put in the time to learn what it can do. That’s how you actually improve your running.
The Garmin Forerunner 965. The daily suggested workouts and training readiness help you peak without overtraining.
If you run in cities or forests, yes—it noticeably improves accuracy. Open-area runners are fine with single-frequency.
Yes, the Ultra 2 handles marathons easily with 36-hour battery life. Standard Apple Watches can manage but might need Low Power Mode.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best all-around, though its GPS trails dedicated running watches. Refurbished Garmin Forerunner 255 models are good alternatives for pure running focus.
3-5 years with normal use. Battery degradation usually shows up after 2-3 years of heavy use.
Unnecessary for most people. A good running watch like the 265 handles both roles fine.
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