Finding the right smartwatch for running isn’t about grabbing the most expensive option. Your watch needs to actually enhance your training—whether that’s tracking precise GPS routes, monitoring your heart rate during intervals, or lasting long enough to capture an entire marathon. After testing dozens of models across different price points, here are the running watches that deliver.
Each excels in different areas, so keep reading to find which matches your training goals and budget.
You might wonder why you can’t just use any fitness tracker for running. The answer lies in the details.
Most standard smartwatches offer basic GPS tracking and step counting, but they fall short in areas that matter most to runners: precise pace measurement, running dynamics, and battery life that survives long runs. A dedicated running watch gives you more accurate data, better battery performance, and features designed to improve your training.
“The difference between a general fitness tracker and a running-specific watch is night and day when you’re training for a race. You’re not just tracking time—you’re analyzing trends that directly impact performance.”
GPS accuracy matters more than most people realize. A watch that’s even slightly off in distance tracking throws off your pace calculations and training load estimates. Over months and miles, those small errors add up to misleading data about your actual fitness progress.
I evaluated these smartwatches across multiple real-world running scenarios:
Every watch here has been worn during actual training, not just unboxed and reviewed based on specifications.
The Forerunner 965 is the most complete running watch you can buy right now. It builds on everything that made its predecessor great while adding improvements that serious runners will actually use.
The AMOLED display makes a real difference for readability. Previous Forerunner models used memory-in-pixel screens that save battery but can be hard to read in bright conditions. The 965’s vibrant screen solves that problem while still giving you about 12 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode with music tracking enabled.
What sets this watch apart is the training readiness score. It combines your sleep data, recovery time, and recent training load into a single number telling you how ready your body is for hard efforts. This takes the guesswork out of deciding whether to push through a scheduled workout or take an extra rest day.
The GPS performance is excellent. Garmin’s multi-band GNSS technology locks onto satellites quickly and maintains accuracy even in challenging environments like dense tree cover or urban canyons. During testing, distance readings stayed within 1-2% of actual course measurements.
Who it’s for: Serious runners, half-marathon and marathon trainers, and anyone who wants comprehensive training data.
Key features:
The main drawback is the price. At around $600, it’s a significant investment. But if you’re serious about running and want data that helps you improve, the Forerunner 965 delivers.
Not everyone needs all the advanced features of a premium running watch. The Forerunner 55 proves you can get excellent running functionality without spending a fortune.
This watch keeps the features that matter for most runners. You still get reliable GPS tracking, accurate heart rate monitoring, and Garmin’s proven training algorithms. The daily suggested workouts adapt based on your actual performance, which is surprisingly sophisticated for a budget option.
The battery life deserves special mention. In smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 55 lasts up to two weeks between charges. In GPS mode, you’re looking at around 20 hours—more than enough for even the longest ultras. That kind of endurance means you can forget about charging during heavy training blocks.
The design is straightforward and functional. It’s not trying to be a fashion statement or a multi-sport powerhouse. It’s a running watch that does running well, at a price that makes sense for beginners and experienced runners alike.
Who it’s for: Beginner runners, budget-conscious athletes, and anyone wanting solid fundamentals without paying for features they’ll never use.
Key features:
The trade-off is a simpler display compared to the AMOLED models, and you won’t get maps or advanced running dynamics. But for pure running utility, the Forerunner 55 hits an incredible sweet spot between price and performance.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 isn’t just Apple’s most capable smartwatch—it’s become a legitimate running watch that rivals dedicated sports watches in several key areas.
The larger case and brighter display make a real difference during outdoor activities. The 3000-nit screen is easily readable in direct sunlight, something that frustrates users of standard Apple Watches during summer runs. The 49mm case provides plenty of screen real estate for data fields without feeling bulky.
Battery life was the main criticism of the original Ultra, and Apple addressed it meaningfully. You now get 36 hours of normal use, with the ability to extend to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. That’s not quite Garmin territory, but it’s a massive improvement that makes the Ultra 2 viable for ultramarathons and multi-day adventures.
The precision GPS uses dual-frequency technology similar to Garmin’s approach, and the results are impressive. Distance tracking stayed accurate during testing, even through tree-covered trail sections that typically cause problems for single-frequency GPS receivers.
What makes the Ultra 2 special for runners who also want a daily smartwatch is the integration. If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, this watch handles notifications, calls, music, and Apple Pay alongside its sports tracking capabilities.
Who it’s for: Runners invested in the Apple ecosystem who want a single device for daily wear and serious training.
Key features:
The price puts it in premium territory, and some runners prefer a dedicated sports watch for training-specific features. But as an all-around device, the Ultra 2 has few competitors.
Marathon training puts specific demands on a running watch—long battery life, reliable pace tracking, and training load management. The COROS Apex 2 Pro checks all these boxes at a competitive price point.
COROS has quietly built a reputation among serious runners, and the Apex 2 Pro shows why. The battery life is remarkable: 45 hours of continuous GPS tracking extends to 75 hours in ultra-max mode. You could run back-to-back marathons and still have battery left. That reliability matters when you’re eight hours into a 100-mile ultra and need your watch to get you home.
The training metrics are comprehensive without being overwhelming. You get training load, recovery suggestions, and performance monitoring that rivals watches costing twice as much. The vertical oscillation and ground contact time metrics help runners fine-tune their form, which becomes increasingly valuable as mileage increases.
One underappreciated feature is the touchscreen. Many sports watches rely solely on buttons, which works fine but can be fiddly when you want to quickly glance at a map or scroll through stats. The Apex 2 Pro gives you both options.
Who it’s for: Marathon and ultra-marathon runners who need exceptional battery life and serious training analysis.
Key features:
The COROS app ecosystem isn’t as mature as Garmin’s, and third-party integration options are more limited. But for pure running performance, the Apex 2 Pro is a powerhouse.
Trail running requires a different set of features than road running—navigational tools, hill tracking, and durability for rough conditions. The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is the most capable trail running watch you can buy, though it comes with a premium price tag.
The multi-band GPS handles challenging terrain where satellite signals bounce off cliffs and trees. Combined with preloaded TopoActive maps and breadcrumb navigation, you’ll never worry about getting lost on unfamiliar trails. The hill score feature analyzes your climbing efficiency, which is invaluable for trail runners targeting mountain races.
Build quality is exceptional. The Fenix line has always been tough, and the Pro models add a built-in LED flashlight—an unexpectedly useful feature for early morning starts or night trail sections. The water rating handles swimming in lakes and rivers without concern.
The solar charging capability (in the Sapphire Solar variants) adds meaningful battery extension during long trail days.
Who it’s for: Trail runners, mountain athletes, and anyone who needs mapping capabilities and extreme durability.
Key features:
This watch is overkill for road runners and casual joggers. But for anyone taking trail running seriously, the Fenix 7 Pro delivers capability that few competitors can match.
Before making your final decision, understanding which features matter most helps narrow your choices.
GPS precision varies significantly between models and price points. Higher-end watches use multi-band GNSS technology that tracks multiple satellite frequencies simultaneously. This dramatically improves accuracy in challenging environments like dense forests, urban areas with tall buildings, or mountainous terrain.
If you mostly run on clear roads, standard GPS works fine. But if you venture onto trails or run in cities, the extra accuracy of dual-frequency GPS is worth the investment.
Battery life determines how often you’re charging and whether your watch can handle your longest events:
Optical heart rate sensors have improved dramatically, but they still struggle during high-intensity efforts with lots of arm movement. If you do interval training or need precise heart rate zones, consider pairing your watch with a chest strap. Some watches are better than others at maintaining accuracy—Garmin and COROS generally perform well in testing.
Modern running watches offer sophisticated training features:
These features help you train smarter. If you’re following a structured training plan, they become increasingly valuable.
A watch that’s uncomfortable becomes a watch you don’t wear. Consider case size (44-47mm works for most people), weight, and band material. Some runners prefer silicone bands for sweaty activities, while others like woven fabrics that breathe better.
Try on watches if possible, or at least research dimensions carefully. A watch that’s fine for daily wear might feel heavy during long runs.
Under $200: Solid basics—GPS, heart rate, basic training features. The Garmin Forerunner 55 dominates this category. Don’t expect maps, advanced dynamics, or multi-day battery.
$200-$400: The sweet spot for most runners. Reliable GPS, comprehensive training features, and good battery life. The COROS Apex 2 Pro and Garmin Forerunner 265 fall into this range.
$400-$600: Premium features become available. AMOLED displays, multi-band GPS, advanced training metrics, and mapping capabilities. The Garmin Forerunner 965 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 compete here.
$600+: Maximum capability. The Fenix 7 Pro and sapphire/solar variants offer everything possible, including rugged builds and extended battery options.
Most runners will find excellent value in the $200-400 range. Spending more primarily gets you better GPS accuracy, mapping, and battery life—important for serious training but not essential for casual fitness.
Choosing the best smartwatch for running depends on your specific needs, training goals, and budget. The Garmin Forerunner 965 earns its spot as the best overall because it delivers professional-grade running metrics in a polished package that works for daily wear. The Garmin Forerunner 55 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a capable running companion. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 bridges the gap between sports watch and everyday smartwatch better than ever.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best running watch is the one you’ll actually wear and use consistently. Fancy features mean nothing if they sit unused while you grab a simpler watch for your daily runs. Start with honest assessment of how you train, then find the watch that matches those needs without unnecessary complexity.
The Garmin Forerunner 55 offers the best entry point for new runners. It provides all essential features—GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and basic training suggestions—without overwhelming you with complex metrics.
With proper care, a quality running smartwatch lasts 3-5 years. Battery degradation eventually affects run time, and technology advances make newer models more appealing. Garmin and Apple both support their watches with software updates for several years after release.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is genuinely good for serious runners, especially those already in the Apple ecosystem. However, dedicated sports watches like Garmin’s Forerunner and Fenix lines offer more running-specific features and typically better battery life.
For most runners, modern optical heart rate sensors are sufficient. However, if you do high-intensity interval training where your heart rate changes rapidly, or if you need precise zone training, a chest strap provides more accurate readings. Many watches can connect to external straps if you decide to upgrade later.
Most running watches include at least basic swim tracking (distance, strokes, length counts) and can track cycling with additional sensors. If triathlon training is your goal, look for watches marketed specifically as triathlon watches.
If you only run in dry conditions, basic water resistance suffices. However, if you run in rain, want to track swimming, or sweat heavily, look for at least 5ATM (50 meters) water resistance. This rating ensures your watch survives accidental submersion and heavy sweat exposure without issues.
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