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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Runners Running Watch, including Garmin, Polar, & Suunto}}This As of Jan 2018, I'm no longer actively reviewing watches, but this page is not will remain accessible as a comprehensive or point in-depth review of the various time reference. The "what to look for in a running watches available. Its intention is to provide an overview of the options watch" remains valid and what I believe are 'd recommend understanding the most critical aspects limitations of the decisionGPS for running. For a deeper review of watches, check I'd recommend checking out the site http[https://www.dcrainmakerthewirecutter.com =Summary =I would recommend…* Garmin 310XT is the best /reviews/best-running-watch] for nearly every runner.* Garmin 305 for those that can't afford a fairly unbiased opinion, but you should read [[Stryd| my review of Stryd footpod]] as that remains one of the 310XTmost useful devices for measuring pace and distance. The 205 is even cheaper.* Garmin 610 I would suggest avoiding "pseudo-marketing" sites that proport to being detailed reviews without providing any critical thinking. A good litmus test is to check what they say about [[GPS Accuracy]] – if they say "it's all good" then you have to have something smaller and don't need much battery lifell know it's just marketing.* Polar RS800CX if you need [[File:Best Watch.png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a long (20+ hours) battery life=What simple guide to finding the right watch for you. Use it as a starting point, and read the detailed reviews to look understand if a watch is really right for=There are several features to consider when looking you. (Click for a runners watchlarger version. )]] * GPS provides an easy measure =What to Look for in a Running Watch=A modern running watch often has a huge number of how far you've runfeatures, which is critical for your training. While but I think it is possible 's best to map out a run afterwards, this tends focus on its ability to be tedious and is typically less accurate than GPSanswer these basic questions. ** GPS is easy to use and accurate enough '''How far did I run?''' This is probably the key feature that most runners are looking for most running, but and it is not accurate enough for things like interval trainingrequires good [[GPS Accuracy]]. ** The errors in GPS average out over How much the accuracy of a run, but they cause a problem watch will impact your running will depend on the course. Overall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but suffer when trying to display current pacethings get twisty. * A footpod can be used to provide \My testing is a tough challenge for GPS, so it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling. With the advent of the [\[Cadence\Stryd]\] footpod that's far more accurate than GPS and in some watches it can also provide pace and distance. Unlike doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS, footpods need to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distanceaccuracy. * A barometer will measure the atmospheric pressure and give '''How fast am I running?''' While you altitude. This is more accurate than GPScan work out your average pace from your distance and time, but will require calibration you'll often want to adjust for weather related pressure changesknow how fast you're currently running. * Heart rate can be useful information when trainingUnfortunately, though it GPS is important to understand the limitations rather poor at answering this question, so you need a [[Stryd]] footpod, or use [[Pace From A Footpod]] and a first-generation [[Footpod]]. An accurate indication of heart rate based your current pace is important for any training. The heart rate strap program that goes across your chest can be intrusive requires running at a specific pace, and sometimes can chafe. Polar heart rate monitoring is far better than the Garmin equivalentfor success in racing at many distances. =The best - Garmin 310XT=While * '''Where am I?''' It's not perfect, the best unreasonable to expect a GPS enabled watch for most runners is currently to tell you where you are or how to get back to the Garmin 310XTstart. See DC RainmakerNavigation varies from a simple compass needle showing the direction to return to the start to a display of the route you's [http://wwwve just run or a preloaded course.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-in-depth-review.html full review* '''What's my cadence? '''A display of [[Cadence]] for more details. ==Pros ==* The 310XT is one of the most advanced a critical training tool and newer watches available, but is no harder for a beginner are able to use than most alternativesan internal accelerometer to provide Cadence without any accessories. * The killer feature is Other watches may need a [[Footpod]] or the ability to newer Garmin watches can use the optional footpod to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and routerunning dynamics heart rate strap. Only A Cadence alert will help you stay in the 310XT right cadence range, and Garmin 610 can do this. * The GPS is more accurate than earlier watches, and has a faster startup timeuseful feature. (It uses the SiRFstar III with InstafixThere are several additional features to you could consider, one of though I'd argue none are as important as the latest GPS chipsets)above questions. * The housing is fully waterproof ('''Weight.''' None of these devices weigh enough to 50m/160ft)have a noticeable impact on running performance, so running in but the rain is no problemweight can be noticeable. * Connection to a PC is wireless, using a USB adapter'''Size. This is less hassle than any ''' The size of these devices varies widely, and the other options I've tried. * The display is big enough to show four readingslarger devices can feel a little bulky, especially if you have a smaller wrist. I often display current pace, average pace for 've provided the current lap, average pace for size as the run and either heart rate or distancevolume in cubic centimeters to give a single number to compare. * You can upload courses and display them'''Waterproofing. This ''' Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is great when running somewhere unfamiliarimportant to prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat. * There are several optional extras for the 310XT, including the already mentioned footpod and heart rate strap'''[[Heart Rate Monitor]]. For cyclists there ''' [[Heart Rate]] is also a speed/cadence sensor and important information when training, though it works with various power sensors. * The vibration alert works nicelyis important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. I often run with the 310XT set to record Having a lap every mile, and it [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will vibrate as well as beeprecord your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your training. ==Cons==* The biggest downside for most people * [[Optical Heart Rate Monitoring]] is the pricemore convenient, but does not work very well. The watch without any accessories ** While the chest strap based monitoring is $300remarkably reliable, though you can sometimes get it a little cheaper. Howeverhave problems with chaffing and poor reception in some situations, many of the alternatives but there are even more expensive[[Fixing Heart Rate Monitor Problems| Fixes for Heart Rate Monitor Problems]]. * Some people find the 310XT '''Data Upload.''' The ability to be rather large, record your workout and store it in a training log such as [[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] is much larger than a normal watchvital. * The battery life is good for about 16-20 hours, which is enough for most peopleAll of the recommended watches here have that ability. Ultrarunners doing 100 mile or longer races will find this a problemI'd strongly advise even a new runner to store their data so that they can look back over the months and years to understand their progress. * The heart rate monitoring is not as reliable as the Polar systems, though I'm told A watch that can upload to a new strap is coming that improves thisPC makes recording your workouts much easier. I find that the Garmin heart rate strap give bad readings far too often, even with a conductive gel* '''Battery Life. There's nothing more annoying than seeing your heart rate way too high when '' How much battery life you need depends on how long yourun for. It're running and having s best to joggle the strap to get it working again. =Cheaper - Garmin 305/205=These watches are the predecessors to the 310XT and are have a watch that will last quite similar in a number of waysbit longer than your longest run. The 305 has a few extra featuresI list the claimed battery life in my table, such as along with the heart rate monitor and support for a footpodresults of my testing. See DC Rainmaker's [http://wwwFor my tests, I do everything to maximize battery life without compromising GPS accuracy.dcrainmakerThat means normal GPS sampling frequency, but no backlight, no map display, and no button presses.com/2007/11/review-of-garmin-forerunner-305I also ensure Bluetooth, WAAS and GLONAS are disabled.html full review] I don't test devices that I've had for more details.==Pros==* Much cheaper than a while, as the 310XT. The 205 can often be found for under $100, and 305 for under $130battery tends to degrade over time. * Usability'''Charges On The Run'''. For ultrarunners, display size, heart rate monitoring (305) and course display are similar one option to use a watch for longer than the 310XT. ==Cons==* The built in battery life lasts is quite a bit shorter than to charge the watch while running. This involves connecting the 310XT (6-10 hours)cable and carrying a USB battery pack. It's cumbersome, though still good enough for many runnersbut it can work. * The 305 can use A value of "Yes" means that the watch will accept charge while recording and displaying as usual. Some watches have a "yes" with a footpod for cadence and for when satellite reception is lostcaveat, but can't such as the display current pace from not functioning or difficulty in connecting the cable while wearing the footpodwatch. * The GPS is not as accurate or as fast as An asterisk after the 310XT. * They're not fully waterproof, but I never had a problem yes indicates a Garmin device that needs to be set with my 205 in the rainUSB mode to "Garmin" not "Mass Storage". A value of "no" means that charging is impossible. =Smaller – Garmin 610=The 610 is a new watch from Garmin that is smaller, but overcomes many of the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below)* '''Altimeter. See DC Rainmaker's [http://www''An altimeter will measure the atmospheric pressure and give you altitude.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garmin-forerunner-610-in-depth-review.html full review] This is more accurate than GPS, but will require calibration to adjust for more detailsweather related pressure changes.==Pros==* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to the size '''[[Firstbeat| Training Effect]].''' This is a measure of how hard a traditional watch. * The touchscreen interface works with gloves and in the raintraining run is as a numeric value of 1.0 to 5.0, unlike most touchscreens found based on phones or media playersan analysis of [[Heart Rate Variability]]. * Good GPS accuracy '''Heart Rate Variability'''. There is a growing interest in the possibility of using [[Heart Rate Variability]] (uses the SiRF SiRFstarIV with the Instant Fix IIHRV)* Available with the updated Garmin heart rate strap to evaluate training stress. While only one device will display HRV, there are several that will record HRV for improved accuracylater analysis. ==Cons==* The battery life is rather short'''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. It is claimed to provide 8 hours, but based on experience with other Garmin devicesThis pre-cache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the actual live may be quite a bit less. This watch is likely connected to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunnersthe internet. * The price However, the data is quite highonly valid for a few days, listing at $350 or $400 including so after that time the device will fall back to the heart rate monitorusual approach of scanning for satellites. * Not the range =Comparison=Here's a table of accessories that the 310XT has, such as power meter these features for cycling. * No display each of course maps. the watches I recommend (all have GPS). {{:Best Running Watch-table}}=Longer Battery – Polar RS800CXGPS Accuracy=I used Polar systems for many years and their quality is great[[File:GPS Accuracy.png|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. However, I find The top right corner represents the convenience of the Garmin GPS systems to be superior and I'd only recommend the RS800CX if battery life is of paramount importancemost accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology. )]]==Pros=Using a Smartphone=* The battery life of the RS800CX is measured ''Main article: [[Running With A Smartphone]]'' Most smartphones have a GPS built in months not hoursand support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches. * Heart rate monitoring is far better than with GarminThese phones can have remarkable levels of [[GPS Accuracy]] as well as many other advantages. The RS800CX will even record each individual heart beat =Watches for Ultrarunning=Choosing a watch for analyzing beat to beat variation, though itan ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's unlikely anyone will ever make use of that featureno simple answer. * The RS800CX main factor is the size of a conventional watch, and because of the long battery battery life, it as few watches can be used as one.* Includes a barometer for altitude (GPS has very poor accuracy for altitude)relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:* Fully waterproof# [[Charge On The Run]].==Cons==* It's Expensive This is a little cumbersome as you typically have to carry a battery pack and an adapter, or at around $370least have them in your drop bag.* While the RS800CX can Not all watches support GPS[[Charge On The Run]], it requires an add-on box you strap to your arm, which is and only a rather crappy solutionsubset of them do so with reasonable convenience. * There # Use two watches. This is no display of course maps =Not Recommended - Garmin 405/405CX/410=The Garmin 4xx series also rather inconvenient and expensive, though you may be able to use to cheaper watches use a touch sensitive bezel which does not work well with gloves or when wetrather than one more expensive watch. The 410 has an For the second part of your run, the second watch won'improved bezelt have your full time and distance, so you', but there are [http://wwwll need to make a note from the first watch and do some math. (Doing math late in an ultra is as difficult as it sounds.dcrainmaker)# Extended battery life.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problems]. I also see more people struggling at the start A number of marathons with the 4xx watches than all allow you to reduce the other devices combinedGPS accuracy to gain greater battery life. This lack of accuracy can be offset by using the Stryd Footpod for the first part of the race (they claim that Stryd lasts 20 hours.) Another approach is to turn the GPS off entirely and rely on a first generation [[Footpod]], in which case many watches will last several days. While the accuracy of a first gen [[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.And some runners will want navigation. I see three main approaches to I wish I could provide, simple, clear cut advice, but unfortunately things are not so easy. You'll need to think about how long you'll be running for, the features that are important to you, and how much compromise you can live with. [[File:Charge On The Run - Fenix3 (2).jpg|center|thumb|200px|[[Charge On The Run]] is an option for ultras.]]==Battery Life==* The claimed battery lives don't hold up in the real world, with some watches going longer, others much shorter.* If you want the maximum battery life, you have to avoid the backlight, the use of map/course displays, and don't press the buttons unless you have to. * In my testing, the longest battery life that's available with GPS on is 30 hours with the [[Epson SF-510]], 24 hours with the [[Polar V800]], 22 hours with the [[Garmin Fenix 3]], 19 with the [[Garmin 920XT]], and 17 with the [[Garmin Epix]]. * For ultras lasting less than 20 hours, such as 50 miles or 100 Km, you have plenty of choice and battery life should not constrain you too much. * For 24 hour races or 100 mile races where you expect a finish in the 24-30 hour range the [[Epson SF-510]] is worth considering though the battery life is one of its few good points. ==Navigation==For some ultras (and shorter trail runs), navigation is a problem. I've been lost on the occasional race and it's a horrible experience. Even when I've been on course, the doubts and stress of worrying can be an enormous drain. My first GPS watch was purchased so that I'd have an outline of the course I was running and there were many races where I was glad of its comforting conformation. Remember that using the navigation features of these watches will dramatically reduce their battery life. * The [[Garmin Fenix 5X]] and the [[Garmin Epix]] have a display that shows full color maps, so for navigation, nothing else comes close. (Well, the [[Leikr]] is even better, but it has a short battery life.) * The [[Garmin 310XT]], [[Garmin 910XT]], [[Garmin 920XT]], [[Garmin Fenix 3]], [[Suunto Spartan Ultra]] will show an outline of your run (breadcrumbs) and allow you to load a course outline to follow.