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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 a long (20+ hours) battery life=What [[File:Best Watch.png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a simple guide to look finding the right watch for=There are several features you. Use it as a starting point, and read the detailed reviews to consider when looking understand if a watch is really right for 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 '''How far did I run?''' This is easy to use and accurate enough 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 runwatch will impact your running will depend on the course. Overall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but they cause a problem 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 GPSdoesn't require any calibration, footpods need to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distanceStryd support is now more important than GPS accuracy. * A barometer will measure the atmospheric pressure and give '''How fast am I running?''' While you altitudecan work out your average pace from your distance and time, you'll often want to know how fast you're currently running. This is more accurate than GPSUnfortunately, but will require calibration to adjust for weather related pressure changes. * Heart rate can be useful information when training, though it GPS is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. The heart rate strap that goes across your chest can be intrusive rather poor at answering this question, so you need a [[Stryd]] footpod, or use [[Pace From A Footpod]] and sometimes can chafea first-generation [[Footpod]]. Polar heart rate monitoring An accurate indication of your current pace is far better than the Garmin equivalentimportant for any training program that requires running at a specific pace, and for 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://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-in-depth-review.html full review] for more detailsve just run or a preloaded course. [[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 310XT* '''What's my cadence? '''A display of [[Cadence]]==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 thisis a useful feature. * The GPS is more accurate than earlier watchesThere are several additional features to you could consider, and has a faster startup timethough I'd argue none are as important as the above questions. (It uses the SiRFstar III with Instafix, one of the latest GPS chipsets)* The housing is fully waterproof (to 50m/160ft)'''Weight.''' None of these devices weigh enough to 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 sensorsis important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. * The vibration alert works nicely. I often run with the 310XT set to Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record a lap every mile, and it will vibrate as well as beepyour 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 to be rather large, '''Data Upload.''' The ability to 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 I'd strongly advise even a problemnew 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 againhave a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run. =Cheaper - Garmin 305/205=These watches are I list the predecessors to the 310XT and are quite similar claimed battery life in a number my table, along with the results of waysmy testing. The 305 has a few extra featuresFor my tests, such as the heart rate monitor I do everything to maximize battery life without compromising GPS accuracy. That means normal GPS sampling frequency, but no backlight, no map display, and no button presses. I also ensure Bluetooth, WAAS and support for a footpodGLONAS are disabled. See DC RainmakerI don's [http://wwwt test devices that I've had for a while, as the battery tends to degrade over time.dcrainmaker.com/2007/11/review-of-garmin-forerunner-305* '''Charges On The Run'''.html full review] For ultrarunners, one option to use a watch for more detailslonger than the built in battery lasts is to charge the watch while running.[[File:Garmin305This involves connecting the cable and carrying a USB battery pack.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 305 with 205 on It's cumbersome, but it can work. A value of "Yes" means that the right]]==Pros==* Much cheaper than the 310XTwatch will accept charge while recording and displaying as usual. The 205 can often be found for under $100, and 305 for under $130. * UsabilitySome watches have a "yes" with a caveat, such as the display size, heart rate monitoring (305) and course display are similar to not functioning or difficulty in connecting the cable while wearing the 310XTwatch. An asterisk after the yes indicates a Garmin device that needs to be set with the USB mode to "Garmin" not "Mass Storage". A value of "no" means that charging is impossible. ==Cons==* The battery life is quite a bit shorter '''Altimeter. '''An altimeter will measure the atmospheric pressure and give you altitude. This is more accurate than the 310XT (6-10 hours)GPS, though still good enough for many runnersbut will require calibration to adjust for weather related pressure changes. * The 305 can use a footpod for cadence and for when satellite reception '''[[Firstbeat| Training Effect]].''' This is a measure of how hard a training run is lostas a numeric value of 1.0 to 5.0, but can't display current pace from the footpodbased on an analysis of [[Heart Rate Variability]]. * The GPS '''Heart Rate Variability'''. There is not as accurate or as fast as a growing interest in the 310XTpossibility of using [[Heart Rate Variability]] (HRV) to evaluate training stress. * They're not fully waterproof, but I never had a problem with my 205 in the rainWhile only one device will display HRV, there are several that will record HRV for later analysis. =Smaller – Garmin 610=The 610 is a new watch from Garmin that is smaller, but overcomes many * '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below)GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. See DC Rainmaker's [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/04/garminThis pre-forerunner-610-in-depth-reviewcache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the watch is connected to the internet.html full review] However, the data is only valid for more details.[[File:Garmin610a few days, so after that time the device will fall back to the usual approach of scanning for satellites.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Garmin 610]]==Pros=Comparison=* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to Here's a table of these features for each of the size of a traditional watchwatches I recommend (all have GPS). * The touchscreen interface works with gloves and in the rain, unlike most touchscreens found on phones or media players. {{:Best Running Watch-table}}* Good =GPS accuracy (uses the SiRF SiRFstarIV with the Instant Fix II)Accuracy=* Available with the updated Garmin heart rate strap for improved accuracy[[File:GPS Accuracy. ==Cons==* The battery life is rather shortpng|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. It is claimed to provide 8 hours, but based on experience with other Garmin devices, The top right corner represents the actual live may be quite a bit lessmost accurate watches. (This is likely to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunnersgraphic uses ISO 5725 terminology. )]]=Using a Smartphone=''Main article: [[Running With A Smartphone]]''* The price is quite high, listing at $350 or $400 including the heart rate monitor. * Not the range of accessories Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that the 310XT has, such allow them to function as power meter for cyclingsports watches. * No display These phones can have remarkable levels of course maps. =Longer Battery – Polar RS800CX=[[File:PolarRS800CX.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Polar RS800CXGPS Accuracy]]as well as many other advantages. I used Polar systems =Watches for many years and their quality Ultrarunning=Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. The main factor is great. Howeverbattery life, I find the convenience of the Garmin GPS systems to as few watches can be superior and relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I'd only recommend the RS800CX if battery life is of paramount importancethink there are three main approaches to this problem:# [[Charge On The Run]]. ==Pros==* The battery life of the RS800CX This is measured in months not hours. * Heart rate monitoring is far better than with Garmin. The RS800CX will even record each individual heart beat for analyzing beat a little cumbersome as you typically have to beat variationcarry a battery pack and an adapter, though it's unlikely anyone will ever make use of that featureor at least have them in your drop bag. * Not all watches support [[Charge On The RS800CX is the size of Run]], and only a conventional watch, and because subset of the long battery life, it can be used as onethem do so with reasonable convenience.* Includes a barometer for altitude (GPS has very poor accuracy for altitude). * Fully waterproof.==Cons==* It's Expensive at around $370# Use two watches. This is also rather inconvenient and expensive, though you may be able to use to cheaper watches rather than one more expensive watch.* While For the RS800CX can support GPSsecond part of your run, it requires an add-on box the second watch won't have your full time and distance, so you strap 'll need to your arm, which is make a rather crappy solutionnote from the first watch and do some math. * There (Doing math late in an ultra is no display of course maps as difficult as it sounds.)[[File:PolarG3# Extended battery life.jpg|thumb|none|200px|The rather clunky A number of watches allow you to reduce the GPS and arm band]]=Not Recommended - Garmin 405/405CX/410=The Garmin 4xx series watches use a touch sensitive bezel which does not work well with gloves or when wetaccuracy 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. The 410 has an 'improved bezel') Another approach is to turn the GPS off entirely and rely on a first generation [[Footpod]], but there are [http://wwwin which case many watches will last several days.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problemsWhile 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. I also And some runners will want navigation. I see more people struggling at the start of marathons with 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 4xx watches than all the other devices combinedfeatures 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.