The Best GPS Watches for Runners – Forbes

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As the world’s slowest marathoner, I often joke that my official time is measured on a sundial. But the fact is that no serious runner would hit the road without a multifunction watch that measures distance, pace, heart rate, and other vital statistics. With the exception of the right running shoes, I’d argue that a high-performance smartwatch is the most crucial tool for running better (and faster) at any distance.

Here are the best smartwatches for runners:

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

If money were no object, the Garmin Fenix 5x Plus would be the ideal smartwatch for any road-running warrior. A multisport smartwatch—it appeals to runners, cyclists, swimmers, hikers—the Fenix 5x Plus is a GPS-supported device that tracks heart rate, estimates blood oxygen levels and has an impressive battery life (70 hours if the GPS is not in use). For those who can’t run without music, the watch can also store up to 500 songs, connects to Spotify, and allows you to make contactless payments in case you don’t want to carry cash or a credit cards during a long run.

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Apple Watch Series 4

My entire life runs on Apple products—I do my banking, book hotels and restaurants, and shop far too much on my iPhone. But I’ve never bought into the Apple Watch for running until the Series 4. With up to 18 hours of battery life—or some six hours when in running mode—the Apple Watch Series 4 has a large display (a vital feature when you’re low on energy or short on time, and just need a quick time check), connects to Apple music, and acts as a walkie-talkie if someone else has an Apple Watch. But by far the best new feature in the Series 4 is the that the watch detects irregularities in heart rate with an ECG function. For hardcore runners who push their hearts to the limit—and then some—this is a vital feature.

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Timex Ironman GPS

For the first 14 marathons I completed, there was always a Timex Ironman on my wrist. But when I wanted to add a GPS function, Timex just wasn’t up to speed with Garmin or Apple. That’s no longer the case. The Ironman GPS, while considerably more affordable than the other brands, delivers the kind of solid functionality one expects from Timex. It may have fewer frills, but for those who just want to know distance, pace and speed, the Ironman GPS can go the distance. And unless you’re as slow as I am, an 18-hour battery life should get you through a marathon. Or three.

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Suunto 9 Baro

When I grow up, I hope to run triathlons and ultramarathons. And when I get there, I’ll be wearing the Suunto 9 Baro. A multisport smartwatch with a GPS function, the Suunto 9 has an extraordinary battery life (120 hours), is built for extreme conditions (-5°F to +130°F), and measures everything from heart rate to barometric altitude. For anyone who’s training to go the distance—any distance—this watch can keep up.

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Polar M430

When I first made the transition from the Timex Ironman, Polar was the brand I raced to. I loved the large dial (which shares a lot of information in real time), the reliable GPS, a heart rate monitor and a battery life that can last anywhere from 8 to 30 hours. For a moderately priced smartwatch, the Polar 430 comes up big.

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Garmin Forerunner 235

I’ve been wearing the Garmin Forerunner 235 in New York races (including the marathon) and countless training runs for the past three years—and I can’t imagine a better running companion. Yes, there are more advanced versions available (the Garmin Forerunner 935 has an impressive 24-hour battery in GPS mode.) But for functionality and value, the Forerunner 235 can’t be beat. Compatible with Apple or Android, the Forerunner 235 has an easy-to-read dial (and many alternate styles you can download), measures heart rate and elevation changes, and displays your pace along the way. It even recommends recovery time after a run. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

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