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Review: Best GPS Running Watch for Tracking Your Runs
Published: February 19, 2024
Looking for the best GPS running watch to track your runs? Read our review to discover the top options available for your running needs.
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When it comes to keeping track of your runs and monitoring your progress, a GPS running watch can be an invaluable tool. This review will help you find the best GPS running watch for all your needs. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, having a reliable GPS watch can provide you with accurate data on your pace, distance, and route. So, let's dive in and explore the top GPS running watches available to help you enhance your running experience.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Garmin Forerunner 45 is an easy-to-use GPS running watch that offers accurate heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and smart notifications for calls and texts. It comes with safety features such as incident detection, sports apps for various activities, and a long battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. The sleek and comfortable design, along with comprehensive activity tracking features, make it a valuable tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Gps running watch with Garmin Coach training plan support.
- Easy to use running watch estimates heart rate at the wrist
- Works with free Garmin coach adaptive training plans
- Smart notifications for incoming texts and calls
- Safety and tracking features include incident detection
- Sports apps for various activities
- Battery life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode; 14 hours in GPS mode
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 1.65Lx1.65Wx0.45H
- Size: 42MM
Pros
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Long battery life
- Sleek and comfortable design
- Comprehensive activity tracking features
- Smart notifications
- Seamless syncing with Garmin Connect app
Cons
- Small print on the face
- Inconsistent 'body battery' feature
- Lack of low battery warning
- Issues with GPS signal connection
The Garmin Forerunner 45 is a reliable and effective GPS running watch with a range of features suitable for different activities. While it has some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and functionality make it a great choice for users looking for a versatile training companion.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an easy-to-use running watch that monitors heart rate at the wrist and uses GPS to track distance and speed. It features a battery life of up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, PacePro feature for race day strategy, and suggested workouts based on training history. With built-in activity profiles and advanced wellness features, it tracks various activities and provides insights to tune in to your body. The watch can also be customized with free watch faces and widgets. While it has great features, some users find the screen small and satellite detection slow at times.
Key Features
- Monitors heart rate and tracks distance with GPS
- Up to 2 weeks battery life in smartwatch mode
- Pace Pro feature for race day strategy
- Suggested workouts based on training history
- Built-in activity profiles for various exercises
- Advanced wellness features and customization options
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 1.65Lx1.65Wx0.46H
- Size: One Size
Pros
- Accurate heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking
- Long battery life
- Customizable watch faces and widgets
- Useful advanced wellness features
Cons
- Small screen size
- Slow satellite detection affecting accuracy
- Limited instructions for first-time users
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a fantastic running watch with great battery life and advanced features that cater to both beginners and experienced runners. While it has some minor drawbacks like a small screen and slow satellite detection, its accurate tracking and insightful data make it a valuable tool for tracking fitness and wellness.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Garmin 010-02156-00 Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch is a sleek and functional device designed to enhance your running experience. The bundle includes a cooling sport towel and wearable commuter safety light. With a white color and 39mm size, this watch is perfect for runners who want stylish and practical gear to accompany them on their workouts. The watch features a high customer rating and rave reviews, making it a top choice for those looking for a reliable running companion.
Key Features
- GPS running watch
- Includes cooling sport towel
- Wearable commuter safety light
Specifications
- Color: White
- Dimension: 1.56Lx1.56Wx0.45H
- Size: 39mm
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- High customer rating
- Includes useful bundle items
Cons
- May be pricey for some users
- Limited color and size options
The Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch Bundle offers a perfect combination of style, functionality, and additional accessories. With a high customer rating and positive reviews, it is a top choice for runners looking for a reliable and stylish GPS watch. The inclusion of a cooling sport towel and wearable safety light adds extra value to this bundle, making it a great investment for anyone serious about their running experience.
Overall Score: 8/10
The AiMoonsa Running Watch is a versatile GPS smart watch that not only records pace, heart rate, and other exercise data but also offers a slew of features such as Bluetooth calling, Alexa integration, and 100+ sport modes. It combines the functionality of a sports watch with the versatility of a smartwatch, and also boasts a truly useful app and excellent battery life.
Key Features
- Built-in GPS Sports Watch: Real-time display and recording of sports data
- Multifunctional Smart Watch: Offers features such as Bluetooth calling, music control, and more
- Built-in Alexa: Integration with Alexa voice assistant for convenient use
- Personalized Settings: Customizable watch faces and widgets, supports hundreds of sports modes
- Truly Useful App: Provides rich health management and workout planning features
- Excellent Battery Life, Good Compatibility: Lasts up to a week, quick magnetic charging, compatible with IOS 9.0+ and Android 6.0+ smartphones
- Better Service: Offers 7-day return policy, one-year quality guarantee, and fast customer service response
Specifications
- Color: White
Pros
- Built-in GPS for real-time sports data
- 100+ sport modes and customizable watch faces
- Integration with Alexa voice assistant
- Good battery life and compatibility
- Rich health management and workout planning features
- 7-day return policy and one-year quality guarantee
Cons
- Inaccurate sleep tracking
- Bluetooth connectivity issues for some users
- Music feature may not work for all
The AiMoonsa Running Watch offers an impressive array of features for both sports and smartwatch enthusiasts. While it may have some minor drawbacks, its overall functionality, customization options, and excellent battery life make it a great choice for users looking for a versatile and reliable smartwatch.
Overall Score: 9/10
The COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch with GPS and heart rate monitor is the lightest GPS watch on the market, weighing just 29g. It has a long battery life of up to 20 days of regular use and 30 hours in full GPS mode. The customizable training modes include interval, structured, triathlon, and strength training. The advanced training features help plan training, provide instant feedback, and record effort during workouts. This multi-sport watch supports running, cycling, swimming, cardio, strength, and water sports. Its comprehensive daily tracking includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, step tracking, and calorie tracking. The watch has a navy silicone strap and features such as an optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope, making it a great value for fitness tracking.
Key Features
- Lightest GPS watch on the market
- Long battery life of up to 20 days
- Customizable training modes
- Comprehensive daily tracking
- Multi-sport support
Specifications
- Color: Navy – Silicone Strap
- Dimension: 10.50Lx2.10Wx0.60H
- Size: Normal
Pros
- Very long battery life
- Customizable training modes
- Comprehensive daily tracking
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Supports various sports
Cons
- Dim screen when not interacting
- Nylon strap is too short
- Charger may not be durable
The COROS PACE 2 Sport Watch offers great value for fitness enthusiasts. With a long battery life and customizable training modes, it provides comprehensive daily tracking for various sports. While it may have some drawbacks such as a dim screen and a short nylon strap, its lightweight and comfortable design make it a great purchase.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is an easy-to-use GPS running watch that comes in a stylish Frost Blue color. With a built-in GPS, it can acquire satellites quickly to track your running distance and speed even under tree cover, all without requiring a phone. The 24/7 heart rate monitoring and vibration alerts make it ideal for keeping track of your activity. It features a new high-resolution display that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor viewing. The watch also offers smart connectivity with auto uploads, smart notifications, live track, music controls, and automatic software updates. The customer rating stands at 4.5/5, with users praising its accuracy, ease of use, and excellent value for the price.
Key Features
- Built-in GPS: Acquire satellites quickly to track running distance and speed
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring: Monitor heart rate without an additional strap
- Vibration alerts: Receive helpful alerts for running prompts and activity milestones
- Updated display: New high-resolution display, perfect for indoor/outdoor viewing
- Smart connectivity: Auto uploads, smart notifications, live track, and music controls
Specifications
- Color: Frost Blue
- Dimension: 1.40Lx0.50Wx1.60H
- Size: 1
Pros
- Accurate GPS tracking for running
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring and activity tracking
- Smart connectivity for notifications and music controls
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Lack of advanced features compared to other models
- Display does not have a touch screen or backlight
- May not be as accurate in certain workout modes
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is an excellent choice for runners looking for an accurate and easy-to-use GPS watch without unnecessary features. It tracks running metrics effectively and provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring, making it a valuable tool for both training and daily activity tracking. While it may lack advanced capabilities found in more expensive models, it offers exceptional value for its price, making it a highly recommended option for fitness enthusiasts.
Overall Score: 4/10
This EZON GPS running watch for men features a user-friendly design and LED backlight for night visibility. It calculates running pace and distance automatically to help track progress and stay motivated. With a battery life of up to 3 months in standby mode, this watch is water-resistant and suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, customers have reported issues with accuracy, battery life, and functionality of buttons.
Key Features
- Essential for improving running performance
- Calculates running pace and distance automatically
- LED backlight for night visibility
- Battery life up to 3 months in standby mode
- Water-resistant to 50m/165 ft
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 1.97Lx1.97Wx0.60H
Pros
- Perfect for casual runners
- Great value for money
- Accurate GPS timekeeping
Cons
- Issues with accuracy and battery life
- Some functionality concerns
The EZON GPS Running Watch T031B01 is a budget-friendly option for casual runners looking for basic GPS timekeeping and pace tracking. While it offers good value for money, potential buyers should consider the reported issues with battery life and accuracy before making a purchase decision.
Overall Score: 8/10
The PlayBetter Garmin Forerunner 55 is a beginner-friendly GPS running watch designed to track stats and fitness goals. It features advanced health monitoring, built-in profiles for various sports, and a long-lasting battery. The Power Bundle includes a portable charger and tempered glass screen protectors. The watch comes in black color and has dimensions of 1.65Lx1.65Wx0.46H. Customer reviews are mostly positive, praising its simplicity and functionality, although some users had issues with the included battery pack.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use GPS smartwatch for all skill levels
- Advanced health monitoring and stress tracking
- Built-in profiles for multiple sports
- Long battery life, lasting up to 20 hours in GPS mode
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 1.65Lx1.65Wx0.46H
- Size: +Charger & Screen Protectors
Pros
- Accurate GPS tracking for running
- Advanced health and stress monitoring
- Long battery life for extended use
Cons
- Inconsistent performance of included portable charger
- Some difficulties in learning to use the watch
The PlayBetter Garmin Forerunner 55 is a reliable GPS running watch suitable for beginners and experienced athletes. It offers a range of features for tracking fitness and health, although some users may encounter issues with the included accessories. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their running performance and overall well-being.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
The Garmin Forerunner 735xt is a GPS running watch with multisport features and heart rate estimation. It provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling, and swimming, along with connected features like smart notifications and automatic uploads. It offers a customizable design with access to free watch faces and apps from the Connect IQ store. The watch has a battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 14 hours in GPS mode. While it excels in tracking outdoor activities and heart rate, there are some limitations in sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring accuracy. Overall, the Forerunner 735xt is a lightweight and durable wearable that's suitable for fitness enthusiasts.
Key Features
- GPS running watch with multisport features
- Estimates heart rate at the wrist
- Provides advanced dynamics for running, cycling, and swimming
- Connected features: smart notifications, automatic uploads
- Customizable with free watch faces, apps, and more
Specifications
- Color: Black/Gray
- Dimension: 0.47Lx1.75Wx1.75H
- Size: 1.23
Pros
- Great GPS performance
- Long battery life
- Durable and shock-resistant design
- Customizable features and watch faces
- Accurate tracking for outdoor activities
Cons
- Inaccurate sleep tracking
- Heart rate monitor not always reliable
- Limited functionality for indoor activities
The Garmin 735XT Running Watch is an affordable, lightweight exercise companion, providing accurate tracking, smart notifications, and advanced dynamics. While it has some limitations in sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy, its durable, customizable design makes it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Overall Score: 7/10
The Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch in Black is designed for both serious and recreational runners. The watch offers a range of valuable training features and also tracks heart rate, sleep, calories, and more. It comes with a color-coded display, connects to various workout apps, and is customizable to suit individual preferences. The battery life is impressive, and the watch is durable and sweat-resistant. However, some users have reported issues with GPS tracking and wrist heart rate monitoring. Overall, the Forerunner 55 is an affordable and efficient smartwatch for those who like to take their running and workouts seriously.
Key Features
- Affordable running smartwatch
- GPS tracking
- Heart rate monitoring
- Customizable display
- App connectivity
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 5.51Lx0.20Wx1.36H
Pros
- Long battery life
- Color-coded display
- Connects to various workout apps
- Customizable display
Cons
- GPS tracking issues
- Inaccurate wrist heart rate monitoring
- Not accessible for visual impairments
The Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch is a solid choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts. Its customizable features, long battery life, and durable design make it a practical and reliable tool for tracking workouts and progress. However, potential buyers should be aware of reported issues with GPS tracking and wrist heart rate monitoring.
Features to Look for in a GPS Running Watch:
- GPS Accuracy
- Ensure that the watch has reliable GPS tracking to accurately record your runs and provide precise distance and pace data.
- Heart Rate Monitoring
- Look for a watch that includes heart rate monitoring to help you track your performance and improve your training.
- Battery Life
- Consider the battery life of the watch, especially if you plan on using it for long-distance runs or endurance training.
- Data Tracking
- Choose a watch that can track a variety of data, such as distance, pace, time, elevation, and more, to help you analyze and improve your performance.
- Compatibility
- Make sure the watch is compatible with your smartphone or other devices, so you can easily sync and analyze your running data.
- Water Resistance
- If you plan on running in various weather conditions, look for a watch that is water-resistant to withstand sweat and rain.
- Comfort and Fit
- Consider the comfort and fit of the watch, as you'll be wearing it during your runs, and it should feel comfortable and secure on your wrist.
- User Interface
- Choose a watch with an easy-to-use interface, as you'll want to be able to quickly access and navigate through the features while running.
- Smartwatch Features
- Some GPS running watches also offer smartwatch features, such as notifications, music control, and apps, which may be important to you.
- Price
- Consider your budget and compare the features offered by different GPS running watches to find the best value for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Review: Best GPS Running Watch for Tracking Your Runs
A GPS running watch typically includes a built-in GPS for tracking distance and pace, heart rate monitor, step counter, activity tracker, and the ability to connect with smartphone apps for data synchronization and analysis.
It depends on the specific model, but some GPS running watches are designed to be water-resistant and can be worn while swimming or in the shower. Just make sure to check the product specifications for the water resistance rating.
The battery life of a GPS running watch can vary depending on usage and model, but most watches can last several days on a single charge with regular use. Some models also have a “GPS only” mode that extends battery life when using the GPS feature.
Yes, many GPS running watches allow users to customize the display by choosing which data fields to show during workouts, adjusting the watch face, and even changing the color scheme. This allows users to personalize the watch to their preferences.
Most GPS running watches are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive menus and buttons for easy navigation. They often come with user guides and online support to help users get the most out of their watch.
