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Best running watches in 2022

By Jane McGuire published 3 October 2022 The best running watches have GPS and heart rate monitors and show distance, pace, and time at a glance Included in this guide:1GarminForerunner 255 MusicCheck Price (opens in new tab)2GarminForerunner 55Check Price (opens in new tab)3GarminForerunner 955Check Price (opens in new tab)4COROSVertix 2Check Price (opens in new tab)5FitbitSense 2Check Price (opens in new tab)6PolarVantage V2Check Price (opens in new tab)7AppleWatch UltraCheck Price (opens in new tab)8GarminFenix 7Check Price (opens in new tab)9GarminVenu 2 PlusCheck Price (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Shutterstock) Whether you're looking to get in shape or train for your fastest marathon, the best running watches on the market will look and feel great on your wrist, while providing accurate tracking of how far you've gone and how fast you're going. They'll be easy to read at a glance on the go and navigate around when you're moving. These days, GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring are standard on nearly all running watches. Most of the best running watches also support other sports, such as cycling and hiking, and most are also water-resistant so they survive a rainstorm, or swim workout. Premium features are available for a price, whether it's customized workouts based on personalized training data, music storage, more advanced smartphone capabilities, or a battery that will last for weeks instead of days. Sizes vary, too, with some watches better suited for smaller wrists or everyday use. We've selected the top devices in various categories, judging them based on ease of use, design, battery life, and availability of extra features. Note: All watches on this list come with GPS, heart rate monitoring, and Bluetooth connectivity.

What are the best running watches

The best all-around running watch right now is the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music. As one of the best Garmin watches, it has pretty much everything you could want in a running watch: It's lightweight, it has a good battery, it stores up to 500 songs, and it has all the activity-tracking sensors and features that you'd expect from a Garmin. If you're looking to save money, now is a fantastic time to buy the Forerunner 245 as it's likely to be discounted. If you're on a budget, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a brilliant budget running watch, with all you need to train for most distances. At its core, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is an entry-level fitness watch, but it's packed with a lot of excellent features. If you're willing to pay a hefty premium, the Garmin Fenix 7 will give you weeks of battery life and (perhaps) more tracking capabilities that you know what to do with. This is the best running watch for runners who spend a lot of time outdoors.

The best running watches you can buy today

(Image credit: Future/Jane McGuire)

1 Garmin Forerunner 255 Music

Best running watch overall

Specifications

Battery Life in GPS mode: 6.5 hours (with music), 30 hours (without music)Size: 42mm and 46mm Weight: 39g and 49gWater Resistance: 5ATMMusic Storage: Up to 500 songsWorkout Recommendations: YesSleep Tracking: YesSmartphone Notifications: YesMobile Payments: YesToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Jenson USA (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight+Easy to read and use during runs+Robust training metrics+Available in two different sizes+Has a triathlon mode

Reasons to avoid

-No touchscreen-Lacks Garmin's Training Readiness score Our pick for the best sports watch is also our top running watch: The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music. This lightweight device gives you everything you'd want in a running watch, from accurate tracking to music controls to the ability to create custom workouts, for the price of an Apple Watch. The device also offers access to Garmin's wide range of training metrics, which help you not only plan workouts but also recovery time. During testing, we found the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music's transflective display to be easy to read, even in direct sunlight. Plus, you can pause and resume a run with the push of a button, which lets you keep an eye on the road or trail instead of looking down at your watch. The battery is long enough to last through a few workouts, even with music playing. The Forerunner 255 has inherited some of the more advanced health features usually reserved for Garmin's more expensive running watches. The watch has Garmin's latest Elevate V4 sensor - the green light records heart rate, the red light records blood oxygen levels (referred to as Pulse Ox on the watch). This sensor is used to calculate breathing rate, HRV, and stress. It also now has the ability to track multisport training sessions in the triathlon mode. It's a fantastic improvement on an already fantastic watch, and a great buy for all levels of runner. It also won our best running watch award in the 2022 Tom's Guide health and fitness awards. Read our Garmin Forerunner 255 Music review Looking for a bargain? Now is a good time to buy the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music which is likely to be discounted following the launch of the new watch. Can't decide between the two? Check out our Garmin Forerunner 245 vs Forerunner 255 face-off here. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

2 Garmin Forerunner 55

Garmin's best entry-level running watch

Specifications

Heart rate monitor: YesGPS : YesWater resistance: 50 metersDisplay: 1.08-inch MIPOn-board music: NoMobile payments: NoSleep tracking: YesBattery life: 14 days/20 hours with GPSToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Competitive Cyclist US (opens in new tab)View at Jenson USA (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+PacePro suggested workouts+Bright screen +Easy to read stats +Battery life

Reasons to avoid

-No onboard music storage -No interchangeable bands -Only available in one case size If you're starting to get into running, chances are you want a device that's a step up from a basic fitness tracker but also won't overwhelm you with too many features. Among Garmin watches, the Forerunner 55 is a clear choice. At its core, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is an entry-level fitness watch, replacing the popular Forerunner 45 earlier this year. While it looks very similar to its predecessor, Garmin made some important changes, adding some of the more advanced training tools usually reserved for their more expensive watches. The Forerunner 55 has Garmin's new PacePro technology, which gives you gentle speed and cadence alerts on the run. There are also suggested recovery times and workouts, based on your training history, fitness levels, and recovery. This is a differentiator from similarly priced watches such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active or the Fitbit Charge 5 which track workouts but don't offer custom coaching plans. It's worth noting that the Garmin Forerunner 55 doesn't support music storage, mobile payments, or third-party apps. It also has a relatively small display, at just over 1 inch. If these are must-have features for your Garmin watch, you may want to consider a higher-end device. If you are looking for a cheaper watch, the Forerunner 45 is often in the sale right now, following the release of the Forerunner 55, so it's a good time to buy. Read our full Garmin Forerunner 55 review. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

3 Garmin Forerunner 955

Best running watch for triathletes

Specifications

Heart rate monitor: YesGPS : YesWater resistance: 50 metersDisplay: 1.3-inch AMOLED displayOn-board music: YesMobile payments: YesSleep tracking: YesBattery life GPS mode: 42 hours/49 hours with solarToday's Best DealsView at Competitive Cyclist US (opens in new tab)View at Jenson USA (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Touchscreen+Solar power (on solar model)+Training readiness functionality+Amazing battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Can't sync running power sensors to watch The Garmin Forerunner 955 is the upgraded version of the Forerunner 945. It's a top-tier running watch, and possibly the best Forerunner we've ever tested. If you're trying to decide between the newer model and the older version, read our Forerunner 955 vs Forerunner 945 face-off here. The Garmin Forerunner 955 comes in two different versions: solar and non-solar. As its name suggests, the solar version of the watch has a Power Glass screen, which harnesses the power of the Sun to increase the watch's battery life. Talking of battery life, the solar version of the Forerunner 955 has a top battery life of around 20 hours in smartwatch mode, 49 hours in GPS mode without music, and 110 hours in Ultratrac mode. On the run, the watch was easy to read and navigate around. Off the run, Garmin has added a touchscreen to make the watch feel more like a smartwatch. There's also a bunch of impressive training metrics, including Garmin's new Training Readiness metric, which shows you at a glance how ready you are for a difficult day of training based on sleep, recovery time, HRV status, acute load, and stress. This is a fantastic running watch, with all of the features of the Fenix 7 in a much cheaper package, so unless you're planning on rock climbing or doing really extreme sports, we're not sure why you'd opt for anything else on your wrist. Read our full Garmin Forerunner 955 review. (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

4 Coros Vertix 2

Best Coros running watch

Specifications

Battery Life in GPS mode: 140 hoursSize: 50.3mm, 89gWater Resistance: 328 feetMusic Storage: Yes Workout Recommendations: YesSleep Tracking: YesSmartphone Notifications: YesMobile Payments: NoToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at REI.com (opens in new tab)View at SportsShoes US (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Waterproof construction+Good battery life+Swappable wristbands+Customizable watch faces+Compatible with Strava (and other 3rd party apps

Reasons to avoid

-Premium price tag-Bulky, clunky on the wrist-Can be uncomfortable over long periods-Manual HRV readings instead of auto-Proprietary charging cable-No solar options This is a monster running watch made by Coros, designed to rival the likes of the Garmin Fenix 7. Whereas the Fenix 7 comes in three different diameter options (42mm, 47mm, and 51mm) and multiple "editions" to suit different budgets, fitness needs, and wrist sizes, there's only one model of the Vertix 2, which has a case diameter of 50.3mm - up from 47mm with the original Vertix. There are no solar editions of the Coros Vertix 2. The high-spec watch does everything you'd want it to do and more, plus, it's designed for multi-day adventures. During testing, we appreciated the huge battery life of this running watch, which has the capacity to last 240 hours in UltraMax GPS mode. It's also super durable, with a reinforced bezel and screen to protect the watch from any knocks or scrapes along the trail. While you could buy this for a heavy marathon training plan (we tested this watch in the run-up to a trail marathon), if you're not someone who is planning on skiing, swimming, and going off-road, there are cheaper watches on the market for you. Read our full Coros Vertix 2 review here. (Image credit: Future)

5 Fitbit Sense 2

Best running Fitbit

Specifications

Battery Life in GPS mode: 12 hoursSize: 1.58 inches, 1.7 ozWater Resistance: 165 feetMusic Storage: NoWorkout Recommendations: YesSleep Tracking: YesSmartphone Notifications: YesMobile Payments: YesToday's Best DealsView at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Macy's (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Proactive stress management with cEDA+Comfortable design+Robust fitness and health tracking with Fitbit Premiums

Reasons to avoid

-No third party apps Not all smartwatches make for good running watches. Touchscreens can be tough to use with sweaty fingers or gloved hands. Batteries typically don't last for more than a couple days, either. Without an always-on display, you have to shake your wrist or press a button just to glance at the screen. The best smartwatch for runners is the Fitbit Sense 2. While it won't allow you to make untethered phone calls like the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the Fitbit Sense offers better health and fitness features. The Fitbit Sense 2 is the company's premium smartwatch that comes with more advanced health and wellness features that the Versa line. Not only does it have an FDA-approved ECG sensor and blood oxygen reading, but the Sense has the ability to measure electrodermal activity and skin temperature, too. Compared to the original Fitbit Sense, the Sense 2 features an upgraded design, interface and EDA sensor, making for Fitbit's most holistic smartwatch yet. Read our full Fitbit Sense 2 review. (Image credit: Polar)

6 Polar Vantage V2

Best running watch for monitoring recovery

Specifications

Battery Life in GPS mode: 40 hoursSize: 46mm, 51gWater Resistance: 330 feetMusic Storage: NoWorkout Recommendations: YesSleep Tracking: YesSmartphone Notifications: YesMobile Payments: NoToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Backcountry.com (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Unique recovery metrics+Battery life+Create training plans through Polar Flow

Reasons to avoid

- Limited smartwatch features Overtraining is a common cause of running injuries. Through a number of unique features, the Polar Vantage V2 is designed to help serious runners recover. This makes up for some of its limited smartwatch functionality and otherwise standard activity tracking features. After a run, you can use the Polar Vantage V2 to conduct a Leg Recovery test, which helps you determine how long to wait before your next hard run. Other watches provide recovery recommendations, but metrics specific to legs are unique to the Polar Vantage V2. In addition, the Nightly Recharge feature puts sleep quality in the context of workout recovery. During testing, one feature we found impressive was the training plans. Plugging workout data into Polar Flow lets you create training plans and share them with personal trainers or coaches, which is another way to help prevent injuries. Read our full Polar Vantage V2 review. (Image credit: Future)

7 Apple Watch Ultra

Best Apple running watch

Specifications

Sizes: 49mmBattery Life: 36 hours (60 with low power mode)GPS: YesSwim-Proof: YesHeart Rate Monitor: YesLTE: OptionalMobile Payments: Apple PayCompatibility: iOSToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at AT&T Mobility (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Best battery life of any Apple Watch+Added Action Button+Emergency siren+Precision start option

Reasons to avoid

-Too large for petite wrists-Battery life still doesn't compare with competitors-No offline maps-No recovery metrics The Apple Watch Ultra is the best Apple Watch to buy if you're doing any serious running training. As well as the new WatchOS running features, the Ultra has a third button - the Action Button, which makes pausing the watch, or lapping the watch on the move, that little bit easier with sweaty fingers, or when wearing gloves. The Apple Watch Ultra doesn't reinvent the wheel, Apple has added features that have been available on most of the best running watches for years, but the Ultra does feel like an upgrade from the Apple Watch Series 8 from a running perspective. (Here's how to choose between the Apple Watch Series 8 vs the Apple Watch Ultra). Its 49mm screen is huge, especially on petite wrists, but it's built for adventure - the bezel is made from titanium, with a lip around the screen to add more protection. The display is made from sapphire glass, and the watch has an increased water resistance of 100m. With 60 hours of battery life, it also has the stamina to keep up - something that's been missing from the best Apple Watches for the past few years. The watch looks beautiful and is easy to read, even in direct sunlight. Plus, in workout modes, the bigger screen allows for seven data fields, rather than six. That said, if you're looking for longer battery life, recovery metrics, or the ability to upload maps onto the watch, you're better off shopping for one of the Garmins on this list. Read our full Apple Watch Ultra review. (Image credit: Future)

8 Garmin fenix 7 series

The best Garmin watch for the outdoors

Specifications

Heart rate monitor: YesGPS : YesWater resistance: 100 metersDisplay: 1.2-inch MIPOn-board music: YesMobile payments: YesSleep tracking: YesBattery life: 14 days/72 hours with GPSToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Garmin US (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Battery can last for weeks+Packed with features+64MB of storage

Reasons to avoid

-Very large The Garmin Fenix 7 is a rugged watch for outdoor adventurers. The device supports everyday fitness activities such as running and swimming, and it comes with Garmin's typical health-tracking features, but it's really designed for anyone who gets an adrenaline rush from scuba diving, backcountry skiing, or a multi-day hike deep in the wilderness. Make no mistake: With a weight that starts at 2 ounces for the standard Fenix 7S, and tops out at 3.1 ounces for the 51mm Fenix 7X Saphire Solar addition, this watch is a beast. But the trade-off is storage, battery life, and water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). It's also easy to swap out bands - no small thing if you've just spent days in the woods without a shower. The Fenix 7 has one major improvement on the Fenix 6 - a touch screen. The screen is super responsive, even when being used in the rain, and makes moving around and customizing the watch a lot easier. There's also a new Stamina metric, and the watches come loaded with more maps, and sports tracking modes than ever before. It's a brilliant watch, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a fitness tracker with a better battery life. Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 review here. (Image credit: Future)

9 Garmin Venu 2 Plus

The best Garmin smartwatch

Specifications

Heart rate monitor: YesGPS : YesDisplay: 1.3-inch AMOLEDOn-board music: YesMobile payments: YesSleep tracking: YesBattery life: 9 days/24 hours with GPSToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Competitive Cyclist US (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Stunning AMOLED display+Reliable fitness tracking and Garmin Coach+Call quality is better than expected+Fantastic battery life

Reasons to avoid

-Recovery advice could be better-Not enough third-party apps Garmin watches aren't just for serious athletes. The Venu 2 Plus is a stylish smartwatch on a par with the Apple Watch and Fitbit Versa 3 - and it's rugged enough for bike rides, strength workouts, and playtime with the kids. It's also a step up from the Garmin vivoactive 4 with an AMOLED display and a stainless steel bezel. For runners, it has everything you'd expect from a Garmin watch - the ability to track all of your runs and workouts, as well as receive live feedback on the move. The big difference here is that thanks to tools like voice and call assistant, you can ask Siri to add eggs to your shopping list mid-run, or finally call your mum, should you wish. Like some of the other smarter running watches on this list, the Venu 2 Plus also has mobile payments, notifications, a touchscreen, and storage for up to 650 songs on board. The watch also boasts a much better battery life than most smartwatches, even with its AMOLED display. Read our full Garmin Venu 2 Plus review here.

How to choose the best running watch for you

When buying a running watch, here's a few things to consider: Appearance: If you want a running watch that can also be an everyday watch, overall design and appearance are key considerations. Will it clash with a dress or blazer, or will it get caught on the sleeve of a sweater or shirt? Phone notifications: Do you want to be able to receive WhatsApp messages and emails mid-run, or is this your worst nightmare? Plenty of modern watches have smartwatch features, but if you're not bothered about them, you can save money. Battery life: If you're planning on running a marathon, or heading out on an all-day adventure, you'll want a watch that can keep up with you in GPS mode. This shouldn't be a problem with most Garmin running watches, but is something to consider with a Fitbit or Apple watch. Fit: If you're a particularly petite runner, you'll want a watch that fits neatly around your wrist, or a watch that has different size straps for a good fit.

How we choose the best running watches

Even today's low-end running watches typically come with GPS sensors, heart rate monitors, and step counters. In addition to evaluating watches on these features, we look at more advanced functionality such as VO2 Max data, sleep tracking, music storage, and the presentation of training data such as recovery time and recommended workouts. Our reviewers are experienced runners who test devices on several runs in open spaces, around tall buildings, and in the woods. We pay attention to accuracy, ease of use, and comfort during our runs, and we evaluate each watch and its companion app together after our runs. We wear watches for several days to compare battery performance to manufacturers' claims. If a running watch also has smartwatch capabilities, we look at the software, application ecosystem, and use of special features such as mobile payments or notification responses. Best FitbitBest smart scales Next: I don't want a new running watch, I want the streets to be safe for female runners, writes our Fitness Editor.Round up of today's best dealsReduced Price (opens in new tab)Garmin Forerunner 255 Music (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$399.99 (opens in new tab)$351.50 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Garmin Forerunner 55 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$199.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Garmin Forerunner 955 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$499.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)COROS Vertix 2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$699 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Fitbit Sense 2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$298.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Polar Vantage V2 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$495.21 (opens in new tab)$423.98 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Apple Watch Ultra (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$799 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Garmin Fenix 7 (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$671.58 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Garmin Venu 2 Plus (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$387.90 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Jane McGuireFitness editorJane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past five years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy. More about smartwatches Google Pixel Watch review Google Pixel Watch has two big problems - here's what we knowLatest Best Wordle start words to help you keep your streakSee more latest ► Topics Smartwatches Wearables See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Best Wordle start words to help you keep your streak2Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday3iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how4This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more1Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday2iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how3This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 4Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more5iPhone 15 with USB-C is almost certainly coming - here's why