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This article is a concise guide to the best running watches available today at differing prices and functionality. As well as recommendations for the best watch, I also have a few that are worth considering in spite of their flaws, and some to avoid.
* The [[Garmin Epix]] has the most features, though its GPS accuracy lets it down a little. It has full color maps for navigation, something that's great when running in a strange town or out in the wilderness. It supports the [[Connect IQ]] downloadable apps to make it extensible.
* The [[Garmin 920XT]] can be thought of as a cut down version of the Epix, with slightly better [[GPS Accuracy]], but lacking some of the other features(mainly the color map).
* The [[Garmin 310XT]] is the best value for money and has all the features you're likely to need. (The [[Garmin 910XT]] has more features, but tends to be a little more pricy.)
* If the 310XT is too big and you want something more watch like, then the [[Garmin 610]] is great, and it's often available refurbished at a great price.
* The [[Garmin 620]] has a lovely usability, but it's more expensive than the 610 and you can't get your current [[Pace From A Footpod]].
* For [[GPS Accuracy]], the [[Polar V800]] is the best, but it falls short in many other areas.
* The [[Garmin 225]] is the only watch that has an optical heart rate monitor that works acceptably well.
* Consider using a [[Running With A Smartphone| Smartphone]]; if you already have one they are a cheap option and can have outstanding [[GPS Accuracy]].
=Comparison=
** The [[Garmin 920XT]] gives 40 hours in extended mode using UltraTrac and variable recording frequency.
** The [[Suunto Ambit2| Suunto Ambit2 R]] gives 20 hours in extended mode (60 second GPS sampling) and the more expensive Ambit2 gives 50 hours. There is some course display capability, but it's not as good others.
** The [[Polar V800]] has a stated battery life of 13 hours, but without Bluetooth I found it lasted for nearly 24 hours! The extended mode increases the rated life to 50 hour, but (I've not tested thatgot just over 50 hours). The V800 has no map display.
** The [[Garmin Fenix 2]] will give 50 hours in extended mode, but it has mediocre [[GPS Accuracy]] even in normal mode and it has the occasional "lost satellite reception" problem.
* You can turn off GPS and use a [[Footpod]], which boost the battery life of most Garmin watches to several days. Obviously you lose navigation and while the accuracy of a [[Footpod]] can be better than GPS, the Footpod does not do so well if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or running on twisty single track.