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A good running watch can provide valuable information while you run, as well as automating your [[The importance of a training log|training log]]. This article is a concise guide to the best running watches available today at differing prices and functionality. It does not attempt to cover every watch on the market, but it does call out some to avoid.  
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Running Watch, including Garmin, Polar, & Suunto}}
 
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As of Jan 2018, I'm no longer actively reviewing watches, but this page will remain accessible as a point in time reference. The "what to look for in a running watch" remains valid and I'd recommend understanding the limitations of GPS for running. I'd recommend checking out [https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-running-watch] for a fairly unbiased opinion, but you should read [[Stryd| my review of Stryd footpod]] as that remains one of the most useful devices for measuring pace and distance. 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'll know it's just marketing.  
=Summary=
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[[File:Best Watch.png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a simple guide to finding the right watch for you. Use it as a starting point, and read the detailed reviews to understand if a watch is really right for you. (Click for a larger version.)]]
This is a summary of the watches I'd recommend and those I think are flawed, but have some particular characteristic that makes them worth considering. Note that the prices shown below reflect the last time I checked, and the prices to fluctuate from time to time.
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=What to Look for in a Running Watch=
{| class="wikitable"
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A modern running watch often has a huge number of features, but I think it's best to focus on its ability to answer these basic questions.
! Watch
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* '''How far did I run?''' This is probably the key feature that most runners are looking for, and it requires good [[GPS Accuracy]]. How much the accuracy of a watch will impact your running will depend on the course. Overall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but suffer when things get twisty. My testing is a tough challenge for GPS, so it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling. With the advent of the [[Stryd]] footpod that's far more accurate than GPS and doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS accuracy.
! Recommendation Reason
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* '''How fast am I running?''' While you can work out your average pace from your distance and time, you'll often want to know how fast you're currently running. Unfortunately, GPS is 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 your current pace is important for any training program that requires running at a specific pace, and for success in racing at many distances.  
! With Heart Rate Monitor
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* '''Where am I?''' It's not unreasonable to expect a GPS enabled watch to tell you where you are or how to get back to the start. Navigation varies from a simple compass needle showing the direction to return to the start to a display of the route you've just run or a preloaded course.
! Without Heart Rate Monitor
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* '''What's my cadence? '''A display of [[Cadence]] is a critical training tool and newer watches are able to use an internal accelerometer to provide Cadence without any accessories. Other watches may need a [[Footpod]] or the newer Garmin watches can use the running dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, and is a useful feature.
! Accessory Heart Rate Monitor
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There are several additional features to you could consider, though I'd argue none are as important as the above questions.  
! Footpod
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* '''Weight.''' None of these devices weigh enough to have a noticeable impact on running performance, but the weight can be noticeable.  
|-
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* '''Size.''' The size of these devices varies widely, and the larger devices can feel a little bulky, especially if you have a smaller wrist. I've provided the size as the volume in cubic centimeters to give a single number to compare.  
| {{Garmin 310XT}}
 
| The best watch<span style='color:#FF0000'> </span>for nearly every runner.
 
| {{Garmin 310XT with HRM}}
 
$180
 
| {{Garmin 310XT without HRM}}
 
$175
 
| {{Garmin HRM}}
 
| {{Garmin Footpod}}
 
|-
 
| {{Garmin 910XT}}
 
| A version of the 310XT with a few extra features.<br>Better for swimmers & adds an altimeter.
 
| {{Garmin 910XT with HRM}}
 
$450
 
| {{Garmin 910XT without HRM}}
 
$400
 
| {{Garmin HRM}}
 
| {{Garmin Footpod}}
 
|-
 
| {{Garmin 610}}
 
| Smaller than the other recommendations.
 
| {{Garmin 610 with HRM}}
 
$400
 
| {{Garmin 610 without HRM}}
 
$350
 
| {{Garmin HRM}}
 
| {{Garmin Footpod}}
 
|-
 
| {{Garmin 10}}
 
| Small and cheap.
 
| Not supported
 
| {{Garmin 10}} $130
 
| Not supported
 
| Not supported
 
|-
 
| colspan="6"|
 
Worth Considering
 
|-
 
| {{Motoactv}}
 
| If you can live with the flaws, it's cheap and brilliant (but discontinued)
 
| Not available as a package
 
| {{Motoactv}}
 
Varies between $150 and $250
 
| {{Garmin HRM}}
 
| {{Garmin Footpod}}
 
|-
 
| {{Soleus 1.0}}
 
| Remarkably cheap, but limited.
 
| Not supported
 
| {{Soleus 1.0}}
 
$75-85
 
| Not supported
 
| Not supported
 
|-
 
| {{Polar RC3 GPS}}
 
| Better [[Heart Rate Monitor]]ing than Garmin
 
| {{Polar RC3 GPS with HRM}} $260
 
| {{Polar RC3 GPS with HRM}} $200
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| {{Polar RS800CX}}
 
| If you need [[Heart Rate Variability]] displayed and recorded
 
| {{Polar RS800CX}} $290
 
| Not available
 
|
 
|
 
|}
 
 
 
=What to look for=
 
There are several features to consider when looking for a runners watch.  
 
* '''GPS.''' GPS provides an easy measure of how far you've run, which is critical for your training. While it is possible to map out a run afterwards, this tends to be tedious and is typically less accurate than GPS.  
 
** GPS is easy to use and accurate enough for most running, but it is not accurate enough for things like interval training.  
 
** The errors in GPS average out over a run, but they cause a problem when trying to display current pace.  
 
** I have [[GPS Accuracy| Analyzed the Accuracy of Some GPS watches]] for those interested in learning more.
 
 
* '''Waterproofing.''' Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is important to prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat.  
 
* '''Waterproofing.''' Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is important to prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat.  
* '''Current pace from a [[Footpod]].''' A [[Footpod]] can be used to provide [[Cadence]] and in some watches it can also provide pace and distance. Unlike GPS, [[Footpod]]s need to be calibrated to provide accurate pace/distance.
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* '''[[Heart Rate Monitor]].''' [[Heart Rate]] is important information when training, though it is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your training.  
* '''[[Heart Rate Monitor]].''' [[Heart Rate]] is important information when training, though it is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. Having a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] that will record your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your training. The heart rate strap that goes across your chest can be intrusive and sometimes can chafe.  
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** [[Optical Heart Rate Monitoring]] is more convenient, but does not work very well.
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** While the chest strap based monitoring is remarkably reliable, you can have problems with chaffing and poor reception in some situations, but there are [[Fixing Heart Rate Monitor Problems| Fixes for Heart Rate Monitor Problems]].  
 
* '''Data Upload.''' The ability to record your workout and store it in a training log such as [[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] is vital. All of the recommended watches here have that ability. I'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. A watch that can upload to a PC makes recording your workouts much easier.
 
* '''Data Upload.''' The ability to record your workout and store it in a training log such as [[Dailymile]] or [[SportTracks]] is vital. All of the recommended watches here have that ability. I'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. A watch that can upload to a PC makes recording your workouts much easier.
* '''Battery Life.''' How much battery life you need depends on how long you run for. It's best to have a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run.  
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* '''Battery Life.''' How much battery life you need depends on how long you run for. It's best to have a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run. I list the claimed battery life in my table, along with the results of my testing. For my tests, 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 GLONAS are disabled. I don't test devices that I've had for a while, as the battery tends to degrade over time.
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* '''Charges On The Run'''. For ultrarunners, one option to use a watch for longer than the built in battery lasts is to charge the watch while running. This involves connecting the cable and carrying a USB battery pack. It's cumbersome, but it can work. A value of "Yes" means that the watch will accept charge while recording and displaying as usual. Some watches have a "yes" with a caveat, such as the display not functioning or difficulty in connecting the cable while wearing the watch. 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.  
 
* '''Altimeter. '''An altimeter will measure the atmospheric pressure and give you altitude. This is more accurate than GPS, but will require calibration to adjust for weather related pressure changes.
 
* '''Altimeter. '''An altimeter will measure the atmospheric pressure and give you altitude. This is more accurate than GPS, but will require calibration to adjust for weather related pressure changes.
Here's a table of these features foe each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS). 
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* '''[[Firstbeat| Training Effect]].''' This is a measure of how hard a training run is as a numeric value of 1.0 to 5.0, based on an analysis of [[Heart Rate Variability]].
{| class="wikitable"
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* '''Heart Rate Variability'''. There is a growing interest in the possibility of using [[Heart Rate Variability]] (HRV) to evaluate training stress. While only one device will display HRV, there are several that will record HRV for later analysis.  
! Watch
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* '''GPS Pre-cache'''. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. This pre-cache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the watch is connected to the internet. However, the data is only valid for a few days, so after that time the device will fall back to the usual approach of scanning for satellites.  
! Waterproofing
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=Comparison=
! Pace from FootPod
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Here's a table of these features for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS).
! Heart Rate Monitor
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{{:Best Running Watch-table}}
! Data Upload
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=GPS Accuracy=
! Battery Life
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[[File:GPS Accuracy.png|none|thumb|600px|An infographic of [[GPS Accuracy]] of running watches. The top right corner represents the most accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology.)]]
! Altimeter
 
|-
 
| {{Garmin 310XT}}
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Good (20hr)
 
| No
 
|-
 
| {{Garmin 910XT}}
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Good (20hr)
 
| Yes
 
|-
 
| {{Garmin 610}}
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Yes
 
| Fair (8hr)
 
| No
 
|-
 
| {{Garmin 10}}
 
| Yes
 
| No
 
| No
 
| Yes
 
| Poor (5hr)
 
| No
 
|-
 
| {{Motoactv}}
 
| Water resistant with care
 
| No
 
| Yes
 
| Limited
 
| Poor (3-6hr)
 
| No
 
|-
 
| {{Soleus 1.0}}
 
| Yes
 
| No
 
| No
 
| No
 
| Fair (8hr)
 
| No
 
|}
 
 
 
==Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring==
 
The [[Heart Rate Monitor|Heart Rate Monitoring]] of Garmin watches is not as reliable as the Polar systems, but there are [[Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring|things to can do to improve this]].
 
 
 
=Recommended=
 
This section covers the watches I'd recommend
 
 
 
==The best value - Garmin 310XT==
 
The best value watch for most runners is currently the {{Garmin 310XT}}. It is available with a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] for around $50 more. The {{Garmin 910XT}} is better, but not worth the extra cost for most runners.
 
[[File:Garmin310XT.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 310XT]]
 
 
 
===Garmin 310XT Pros===
 
* The 310XT is one of the most advanced watches available, but is no harder for a beginner to use than most alternatives. (It's easier than the 4xx series Garmin watches.)
 
* The 310XT is great value for money at this price level.
 
* A great feature is the ability to use the optional [[Footpod]] to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and route. Only the 310XT, 910XT and Garmin 610 can do this.
 
* The GPS is more accurate than earlier watches, and has a faster startup time.
 
* The housing is fully waterproof (to 50m/160ft), so running in the rain is no problem.
 
* Connection to a PC is wireless, using a USB adapter. This is less hassle than any of the other options I've tried.
 
* The display is big enough to show four readings. I often display current pace, average pace for the current lap, average pace for the run and either heart rate or distance.
 
* You can upload courses and display them. This is great when running somewhere unfamiliar.
 
* There are several optional extras for the 310XT, including the already mentioned [[Footpod]] and heart rate strap. For cyclists there is also a [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Speed-Cadence-Bike-Sensor/dp/B000BFNOT8 speed/cadence sensor] and it works with various power sensors.
 
* The vibration alert works nicely. I often run with the 310XT set to record a lap every mile, and it will vibrate as well as beep.
 
 
 
===Garmin 310XT Cons===
 
* Some people find the 310XT to be rather large, and it is much larger than a normal watch.
 
* The battery life is good for about 16-20 hours, which is enough for most people. Ultrarunners doing 100 mile or longer races will find this a problem, though it is possible to recharge it while in use.
 
* For races where the GPS track is not important, you can extend the battery life by turning off the GPS receiver and use the [[Footpod]]. After 12 hours of running I still had 85% of the battery left.  If you're running on a reasonable smooth surface, the [[Footpod]] is often more accurate than GPS.
 
 
 
==For Swimmers - Garmin 910XT==
 
The {{Garmin 910XT}} is a version of the 310XT with extra features, but it's about $150-$200 more expensive. It can record laps when swimming, and is better at recording altitude, but it's only recommended if you need those features. If you don't need them, then the 310XT is better value. (It's available with the [[Heart Rate Monitor]] as {{Garmin 910XT with HRM}}.) Nearly all of the pros and cons of the 310XT apply to the 910XT, so I won't repeat them here.  
 
[[File:Garmin-910xt.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Garmin 910XT]]
 
 
 
===Garmin 910XT Pros===
 
* The 910XT can record swimming, but it does this with an accelerometer rather than GPS. You have to tell the 910XT how long the pool is, but it will detect each lap, as well as your stroke.  
 
* The 910XT has a barometric altimeter, which is far more accurate at recording altitude changes than GPS.
 
 
 
===Garmin 910XT Cons===
 
* The biggest downside for most people is the price, which is $100 more than the 310XT.
 
* While the 910XT is slightly slimmer than the 310XT, it is still rather large, and it is much larger than a normal watch.
 
 
 
==Smaller – Garmin 610==
 
The {{Garmin 610}} is smaller and overcomes many of the issues seen in the 4xx range (see below).
 
[[File:Garmin610.jpg|thumb|none|200px|{{Garmin 610}}]]
 
 
 
===Garmin 610 Pros===
 
* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to the size of a traditional watch.
 
* Like the 310XT, it can use the optional [[Footpod]] to display your current pace while using GPS for overall pace, distance and route. Only the 310XT, 910XT and 610 can do this (so far).
 
* The touchscreen interface works with gloves and in the rain, unlike most touchscreens found on phones or media players.
 
* Good GPS accuracy (uses the SiRF SiRFstarIV with the Instant Fix II)
 
 
 
===Garmin 610 Cons===
 
* The battery life is rather short. It is claimed to provide 8 hours, but based on experience with other Garmin devices, the actual live may be quite a bit less. This is likely to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunners.
 
* The price is quite high, listing at $350 or $400 including the heart rate monitor.
 
* Not the range of accessories that the 910XT/310XT has, such as power meter for cycling.
 
* No display of course maps.
 
 
 
==Budget - Garmin 10==
 
The {{Garmin 10}} is the cheapest GPS enabled watch that Garmin makes, and price wise it fits between the cheaper {{Soleus 1.0}} and the more expensive {{Garmin 310XT}}. I think it's worth the extra $30 over the {{Soleus 1.0}} for the ability to download data and automatically maintain your [[The importance of a training log|training log]]. However, the price of the {{Garmin 310XT}} has been steadily falling, and I believe the upgrade is well worth the price difference if you can afford it and don't mind a larger watch.
 
[[File:Garmin10.jpeg|thumb|none|200px|The {{Garmin 10}} showing the variety of colors and the two sizes that are available.]]
 
 
 
===Garmin 10 Pros===
 
* Smaller than the 310XT/305/205 and closer to the size of a traditional watch.
 
* Available in two sizes with either a 2.5cm or a 2.1cm screen, as well as several colors.
 
* The limited functionality makes it easy to use.
 
 
 
===Garmin 10 Cons===
 
* The battery life is rather short. It is claimed to provide 5 hours, and this is likely to cause an issue for slower marathon runners or ultrarunners.
 
* Not the range of accessories that the 910XT/310XT has, such as [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or [[Footpod]].  
 
* No display of course maps.
 
 
 
=Worth Considering=
 
 
 
==Brilliant, but flawed – Motorola Motoactv==
 
The discontinued {{Motoactv}} was a revolutionary running watch, using a color touch screen, GPS and including an MP3 player. It was more like a smartphone than a traditional GPS watch; the Motoactv was brilliant, but it was also flawed. When it was originally introduced at $250, these flaws were too severe for it to compete with the Garmin alternatives. The price of the Motoactv tends to vary, but it is often available for under $150, and at that price the Motoactv is worthy of consideration. If you can live with each of these four flaws, then the Motoactv is a great buy. (See the cons section for more details on each.)
 
* '''Poor water resistance. '''Don't buy the Motoactv is you want to swim or if you're likely to forget to check the covers before your run.
 
* '''Limited battery life. '''If you run for less than 3 hours, you're fine with the Motoactv. If you run for between 3 and 6 hours then think carefully. If you run for more than 6 hours, look elsewhere.
 
* '''No usable 'current pace' display.''' Don't try to use the Motoactv to keep you on pace.
 
* '''Difficulty uploading workouts to a training log.''' If you want to keep an automated training log (and you should), the Motoactv will be hard work.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|[[File:Motoactv.jpeg|none|thumb|200px|The {{Motoactv}} with the watch strap (it's available as with a clip instead).]]
 
|[[File:MotoactvCovers.JPG|none|thumb|200px|The covers for the USB port and the headphones have to be in place for waterproofing. The headphone socket cover is tiny and easy to lose.]]
 
|[[File:MotoactvGarminDisplay.JPG|none|thumb|200px|The display of the Motoactv is wonderful at night. This comparison with the 310XT gives some idea of the difference, but this is with the 310XT illuminated, which only lasts a few seconds.]]
 
|}
 
 
 
===Motoactv Pros===
 
* With the recent price reduction the Motoactv is less than $150, which is far cheaper than any comparable product.
 
* The Motoactv is easy to use, and my family prefers using the Motoactv over Garmin products.
 
* The color display is nice, and the simple monochrome display of other devices seems stale and dated by comparison.
 
* The combination of a touch screen and physical buttons works quite well. The screen works when wet, though I found some occasional problems when there was just a drop of sweat rather than a soaking. I also found that heavy rain drops may act as screen presses, which is annoying.
 
* I love having a continually lit display for [[Running in the Dark]]. You can press a button on a Garmin to illuminate the display, but the Motoactv is much better.  
 
* The inclusion of an MP3 player is nice, and it claims to learn what songs make your run harder. Personally I prefer using a separate MP3 player, but having the one device that does both has some appeal.
 
* The Motoactv will display a true map of the area, showing the street layout, which is a huge improvement over the breadcrumb display of the Garmin watches. If you could upload a route then this would be great for running in a new city.
 
* The dimensions of the Motoactv are more pleasing than the Garmin 310XT/910XT. It still has a large display, but it is much thinner.
 
 
 
===Motoactv Cons===
 
* The {{Motoactv}} is discontinued, but still available.
 
* The Motoactv is 'water resistant' not waterproof. There are many reports of water damage and Motorola refusing to repair them. However, there are also many reports of using the Motoactv in torrential rain, which I've done myself. I suspect the issue is that the Motoactv has small covers for the headphone jack and the USB port, and if they are not in place, water can get in and destroy the watch.  
 
* The battery life of the Motoactv is quite poor compared with other devices. If you use Bluetooth headphones and use the default setting the battery is dead in 3 hours. With no Bluetooth and the 'extended battery' setting it should last for 6 hours. This is probably plenty for most runners, but you have to remember to keep it plugged in, as the battery seems to drain faster than I would expect.
 
* Like any GPS watch, the display of your current pace varies too much to be of any use. This is an intrinsic problem with GPS, and I found the Motoactv was out by up to a minute/mile. This is why I recommend the Garmin 310XT/910XT/610 as they can display your current pace from the [[Footpod]] while still using the GPS for everything else. You can use the 'lap average pace' to get a reasonable idea of your pace, but if you need to hit a specific pace for a training run or a race, you're better off with one of the Garmin 310XT/910XT/610 and a [[Footpod]].
 
* The Motoactv will upload your workout to Motoactv.com via a wireless network, so you don't even need a PC, which is a great idea. The problem is that it's hard to upload your workouts to any other training log. You can download each workout as a CSV file and upload it to another tool, but that sometimes requires going via a conversion program.
 
* The Motoactv will support a [[Footpod]], including the {{Garmin Footpod}}, and it can use the FootPod to show your pace/distance. This only works if you select to run outdoors, which turns the GPS off. The bigger problem is that there is no way of calibrating the Foodpod, so there is usually an error (for me it was out by 7%). The Motoactv does have an internal sensor that can be calibrated, but this does not work for the FoodPod. The Motoactv will use the FootPod to display your [[Cadence]], but I found the Cadence display to vary widely; my Garmin would show a steady cadence value when the Motoactv was swinging widely.
 
 
 
==The Cheapest – Soleus 1.0==
 
[[File:Soleus10.jpg|none|thumb|200px|The Soleus 1.0]]
 
The {{Soleus 1.0}} is one of the cheapest on the market, with a recommended price of $99, but often available from Amazon for $75-85. While it has some significant limitations, it is basically functional. The {{Garmin 10}} is the cheapest Garmin GPS watch, but at $130 it's nearly twice the price of the Soleus 1.0. (There are other GPS watches by Soleus that have better functionality, but their price makes them unattractive when compared with the other watches here.)
 
 
 
===Soleus 1.0 Pros===
 
* The big attraction of the Soleus 1.0 is the price, which is half that of the next cheapest watch I'd recommend (the {{Garmin 10}}).
 
* This is a smaller watch, similar in size to the Garmin 610.
 
 
 
===Soleus 1.0 Cons===
 
* There is no upload of data to a PC (which also means no firmware updates).
 
* No support for a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or a [[Footpod]].
 
* The claimed battery life is 8 hours, which is a little short. However, I've read reports of people getting longer battery life.
 
* The initial acquisition of the GPS satellites is slower than the better watches like the 310XT/910XT.
 
 
 
==Better Heart Rate Monitoring – Polar RC3 GPS==
 
[[File:Polar RC3 GPS.jpeg|thumb|none|200px|Polar RS800CX]]
 
The {{Polar RC3 GPS}} is Polar's first sports watch that has an integrated GPS, rather than requiring a separate box. In many ways, it's quite nice unit, but it's not quite as good as the cheaper {{Garmin 310XT}}.
 
 
 
===Polar RC3 GPS Pros===
 
* Over the years I found the quality of Polar accessories to be much higher than Garmin. I've never had a Polar accessory fail on me, but I'm currently on my fourth chest transmitter and my third [[Footpod]].
 
* I've had a few issues with the accuracy and reliability of the Polar [[Heart Rate Monitor]]ing, but I've had to create a page dedicated to solving issues with [[Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring|Garmin Heart Rate Monitoring]].
 
 
 
===Polar RC3 GPS Cons===
 
* The biggest flaw in the RC3 GPS is that it's not quite as good as the cheaper Garmin 310XT.
 
* It's much harder to get your data from a Polar device to the various training software that's available. Often you have to convert the files from the Polar format to TCX, and the best tool I've found is [[https://jmelhus.com/index.php/tcxcreator/| TcxCreator]].
 
 
 
==If you need Heart Rate Variability – Polar RS800CX==
 
[[File:PolarRS800CX.jpg|thumb|none|200px|Polar RS800CX]]
 
The [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003G3YBR6 Polar RS800CX] is becoming something of a specialist device. It's claim to fame is that it can display [[Heart Rate Variability]], and as far as I know, this is the only device that will do this. Even the new [http://www.amazon.com/Polar-RCX5-Heart-Monitor-Black/dp/B004UHDSE4 RCX5] does not support this feature.
 
 
 
===RS800CX Pros===
 
* Heart rate monitoring is far better than with Garmin. The RS800CX will even record each individual heart beat for analyzing [[Heart Rate Variability]], though few people will ever make use of that feature.
 
* The battery life of the RS800CX is measured in months not hours. This should not be an issue for most runners.
 
* The RS800CX is the size of a conventional watch, and because of the long battery life, it can be used as one.
 
* Includes a barometer for altitude (GPS has very poor accuracy for altitude).  
 
* There is a Polar [[Footpod]], the [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005RXZ1YU Polar S3+ Stride Sensor], which works nearly as well as the Garmin equivalent, but it's larger and more expensive.
 
* Fully waterproof.
 
 
 
===RS800CX Cons===
 
* It's Expensive at around $290.
 
* While the RS800CX can support GPS, it requires [http://www.amazon.com/Polar-G5-GPS-Sensor-Set/dp/B005F5J3JY an add-on GPS box] you strap to your arm, which is a rather poor solution. The GPS has a battery life of only 20 hours and requires recharging.
 
* There is no display of course maps.
 
* This is a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] and it objects if you try to use it without the monitor.
 
[[File:PolarG3.jpg|thumb|none|200px|The rather clunky GPS and arm band]]
 
 
 
=Not Recommended=
 
These watches have flaws or a price point that makes them unattractive.
 
 
 
==Suunto Ambit==
 
The main attraction of the [http://www.amazon.com/Suunto-Ambit-Watch-Black-Size/dp/B006N0LIG6 Suunto Ambit] is it's 50 hour battery life. However, to get the long battery life you have to select a mode which only takes a GPS fix every 60 seconds GPS fix which gives poor accuracy. Other problems that prevent me from recommending it:
 
* Difficulty in upload the data to other software.
 
* No [[Footpod]].
 
* The big advantage of GPS over a footpod is it will show you a map of where you've been and with the Garmin watches, you can upload a course to follow. The Ambit does not do that type of display.
 
* The price; at $500 there are better options available cheaper. For the same price you could buy two 310XTs, three MOTOACTVs, or five Soleus 1.0 watches.
 
 
 
==Garmin Fenix==
 
Like the Suunto Ambit, the $400 [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Hiking-Exclusive-Tracback-Feature/dp/B008KEPUQC Garmin Fenix] claims a 50 hour battery life. However, there are reports that the battery life is much shorter in practice.
 
 
 
==Garmin 405/405CX/410==
 
The Garmin 4xx series watches use a touch sensitive bezel which does not work well with gloves or when wet. The [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-GPS-Enabled-Sports-Watch/dp/B0046BWRUK Garmin 410] has an 'improved bezel', but there are [http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/look-at-new-garmin-fr410-touch-bezel.html still problems]. I also see more people struggling at the start of marathons with the 4xx watches than all the other devices combined.
 
 
 
==Nike+ Sportwatch==
 
There is a lot to like about the Nike+ Sportwatch, but it has one weakness that I believe is unacceptable. The software for the Nike+ does not allow you to use the data from your runs in anything other than the Nike web site. A [[The importance of a training log|training log is important]], and while beginners may not need one, buying a watch that prevents you from accessing your data in the future is too limiting. The Motoactv is a far more capable watch than the Nike+, though it too has some flaws.
 
 
 
==Garmin 305/205==
 
The 305/205 are the earlier generations of Garmin GPS watches, and occasionally they can be found quite cheap. However, with the price drop of the Motoactv, these Garmin watches no longer offer reasonable value for money.
 
 
 
 
=Using a Smartphone=
 
=Using a Smartphone=
Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches.
+
''Main article: [[Running With A Smartphone]]''
 
 
==Smartphone Pros==
 
* If you already have a smartphone, this is the cheapest option.
 
* Carrying a phone allows you to [[Running Safety| call for help]].
 
* You may be able to use the smartphone as an MP3 player.
 
* It is possible to use a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or even a [[Footpod]] with a smartphone.
 
** The [http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Bluetooth-Smart-Heart-Sensor/dp/B007S088F4 Polar H7 heart rate monitor] works with iPhone 4S/5 for $63. This will work with RunKeeper, MapMyRun(+), EndoMondo (Pro), Runmeter, and others. (Android phones not supported.)
 
** The [http://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-Fitness-WFFisica01-Key-iPhone/dp/B0042WGO3Y Wahoo Key] is a $55 dongle that adds Ant+ support to an iPhone 4S/4/3GS. This allows you to use the {{Garmin HRM}}, {{Garmin Footpod}} and other Ant+ accessories. It works with most apps including RunKeeper, MapMyRun(+), EndoMondo (Pro), Runmeter. Note that the dongle may cause problems finding a waterproof case.
 
** The [http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Adapter-iPhone-Monitor-Cadence/dp/B005ZSYEOK Garmin Ant+ Adapter] is similar to the [http://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-Fitness-WFFisica01-Key-iPhone/dp/B0042WGO3Y Wahoo Key] but it has limited app support.
 
** The [http://www.amazon.com/Zephyr-HxM-Delivers-BlackBerry-Smartphones/dp/B002PL33AQ Zepher HxM] is a $79 (+shipping) heart rate monitor that works with Android and Blackberry phones.
 
** Some [[https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId=%7bf3027e90-f8de-11e0-73d0-000000000000%7d| Sony Ericsson android phones]] have Ant+ support built in.
 
  
==Smartphone Cons==
+
Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches. These phones can have remarkable levels of [[GPS Accuracy]] as well as many other advantages.
* A smartphone is usually bulky and has to be mounted on your upper arm, making it hard to see the display.
+
=Watches for Ultrarunning=
* A smartphone mounted on your arm makes you a potential target for theft, reducing your [[Running Safety| safety]].
+
Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. The main factor is battery life, as few watches can be relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:
* Most touchscreens do not work well with gloves, in the rain, or with sweaty hands.  
+
# [[Charge On The Run]]. This is a little cumbersome as you typically have to carry a battery pack and an adapter, or at least have them in your drop bag. Not all watches support [[Charge On The Run]], and only a subset of them do so with reasonable convenience.
* Few smartphones are waterproof, so a specialist case will be required to protect it.
+
# 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. For the second part of your run, the second watch won't have your full time and distance, so you'll 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.)
* The GPS accuracy of most smartphones is not as good as the latest GPS watches.
+
# Extended battery life. A number of watches allow you to reduce the GPS 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.

Latest revision as of 10:10, 16 January 2019

As of Jan 2018, I'm no longer actively reviewing watches, but this page will remain accessible as a point in time reference. The "what to look for in a running watch" remains valid and I'd recommend understanding the limitations of GPS for running. I'd recommend checking out [1] for a fairly unbiased opinion, but you should read my review of Stryd footpod as that remains one of the most useful devices for measuring pace and distance. 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'll know it's just marketing.

This flowchart is a simple guide to finding the right watch for you. Use it as a starting point, and read the detailed reviews to understand if a watch is really right for you. (Click for a larger version.)

1 What to Look for in a Running Watch

A modern running watch often has a huge number of features, but I think it's best to focus on its ability to answer these basic questions.

  • How far did I run? This is probably the key feature that most runners are looking for, and it requires good GPS Accuracy. How much the accuracy of a watch will impact your running will depend on the course. Overall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but suffer when things get twisty. My testing is a tough challenge for GPS, so it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling. With the advent of the Stryd footpod that's far more accurate than GPS and doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS accuracy.
  • How fast am I running? While you can work out your average pace from your distance and time, you'll often want to know how fast you're currently running. Unfortunately, GPS is 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 your current pace is important for any training program that requires running at a specific pace, and for success in racing at many distances.
  • Where am I? It's not unreasonable to expect a GPS enabled watch to tell you where you are or how to get back to the start. Navigation varies from a simple compass needle showing the direction to return to the start to a display of the route you've just run or a preloaded course.
  • What's my cadence? A display of Cadence is a critical training tool and newer watches are able to use an internal accelerometer to provide Cadence without any accessories. Other watches may need a Footpod or the newer Garmin watches can use the running dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, and is a useful feature.

There are several additional features to you could consider, though I'd argue none are as important as the above questions.

  • Weight. None of these devices weigh enough to have a noticeable impact on running performance, but the weight can be noticeable.
  • Size. The size of these devices varies widely, and the larger devices can feel a little bulky, especially if you have a smaller wrist. I've provided the size as the volume in cubic centimeters to give a single number to compare.
  • Waterproofing. Even if you don't swim, having good waterproofing is important to prevent your watch being destroyed by the rain or sweat.
  • Heart Rate Monitor. Heart Rate is important information when training, though it is important to understand the limitations of heart rate based training. Having a Heart Rate Monitor that will record your heart rate is particularly valuable for evaluating your training.
  • Data Upload. The ability to record your workout and store it in a training log such as Dailymile or SportTracks is vital. All of the recommended watches here have that ability. I'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. A watch that can upload to a PC makes recording your workouts much easier.
  • Battery Life. How much battery life you need depends on how long you run for. It's best to have a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run. I list the claimed battery life in my table, along with the results of my testing. For my tests, 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 GLONAS are disabled. I don't test devices that I've had for a while, as the battery tends to degrade over time.
  • Charges On The Run. For ultrarunners, one option to use a watch for longer than the built in battery lasts is to charge the watch while running. This involves connecting the cable and carrying a USB battery pack. It's cumbersome, but it can work. A value of "Yes" means that the watch will accept charge while recording and displaying as usual. Some watches have a "yes" with a caveat, such as the display not functioning or difficulty in connecting the cable while wearing the watch. 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.
  • Altimeter. An altimeter will measure the atmospheric pressure and give you altitude. This is more accurate than GPS, but will require calibration to adjust for weather related pressure changes.
  • Training Effect. This is a measure of how hard a training run is as a numeric value of 1.0 to 5.0, based on an analysis of Heart Rate Variability.
  • Heart Rate Variability. There is a growing interest in the possibility of using Heart Rate Variability (HRV) to evaluate training stress. While only one device will display HRV, there are several that will record HRV for later analysis.
  • GPS Pre-cache. Some newer watches will download the predicted positions of the GPS satellites for faster initial acquisition. This pre-cache works remarkably well, and the data is usually downloaded automatically when the watch is connected to the internet. However, the data is only valid for a few days, so after that time the device will fall back to the usual approach of scanning for satellites.

2 Comparison

Here's a table of these features for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS). I evaluate running watches in three distinct ways. Firstly, you can use a watch on its own, without any kind of Footpod. This is probably the most common way runners use their watch, but you miss out on a lot. The second rating is with a standard Footpod that is available quite cheaply. These Footpod's can be reasonably accurate once the calibrated, but calibration is a little tedious. The final evaluation is with the Stryd Footpod, which is vastly more accurate than any other type of Footpod, or and more accurate than GPS. The table below looks at the score, and the value for money of each watch for each of the three conditions. (I’ve also tested the Apple Watch 3, but I’ve not included it in these tables as it’s not really a running watch.)

Review With Stryd Score With Stryd Value for money With Footpod Score With Footpod Value for money Without Footpod Score Without Footpod Value for money Price at Amazon.com
Garmin Epix Review 47 4.5 31 3.9 23 3.4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 5X Review 47 2.9 32 2.3 24 1.9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 3 Review 45 3.8 28 3.1 24 3 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 935 Review 45 3.6 30 3 22 2.4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive HR Review 40 4.9 21 3.8 17 3.8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 920XT Review 39 4.4 30 4.7 24 4.5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Ultra Review 37 2.6 27 2.3 23 2.1 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review 36 4 19 2.9 15 2.8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive Review 34 5.1 14 3.4 10 3.3 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Trainer Review 34 3.9 23 3.7 18 3.4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar V800 Review 33 2.8 26 2.8 22 2.7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 Review 32 3.9 25 4.3 21 4.5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review 32 3.4 29 4.1 25 4.2 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 2 Review 31 2.9 22 2.7 18 2.5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit3 Run Review 30 4 27 5.5 23 5.9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 R Review 30 3.5 23 3.8 19 3.8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 235 Review 28 2.9 20 2.8 12 2 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 620 Review 27 3.8 24 5.1 20 5.6 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 910XT Review 26 3.9 26 6.1 21 6.7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 310XT Review 25 4.6 24 8.3 18 10 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M400 Review 25 4.3 15 4.5 11 4.9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 225 Review 25 3.8 13 3.1 9 2.9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
TomTom Cardio Runner Review 25 3.3 10 2 10 2.5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M430 Review 25 3.2 15 2.9 11 2.7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 610 Review 24 3.3 20 4.3 14 3.9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Leikr Review 10 1 20 2.5 14 2 Leikr ($380)
Epson SF-510 Review 4 0.7 6 2 6 3 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Epson SF-810 Review 4 0.6 6 1.6 6 2.3 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 10 Review 2 0.3 2 0.6 2 0.9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!

The score is the sum of how well each watch can answer the four basic questions (how far, how fast, where are you, what's your cadence), plus some bonus points.

  1. The "How far you've run" will be based on GPS only for "without Footpod" and "with Standard Footpod", but based on Stryd if supported in the "with Stryd Footpod" table..
  2. How fast you're running assumes you're using a Footpod if it's supported, otherwise the rating is 0-2 based on GPS accuracy.
  3. The "Where are you?" is based on various navigation features such as back to start, breadcrumbs, and preloaded maps. For some watches, you have to turn GPS off to get the benefit of Stryd, so those watches have worse "where are you scores" with Stryd than without.
  4. The cadence score uses 1 point for an internal cadence sensor, 2 points for footpod support, 1 point for support from chest strap cadence, and 1 point for cadence alerts.
  5. I give 1-2 bonus points for application support, 1-2 bonus points for data upload, 1-2 bonus points for Optical Heart Rate Monitoring, and 0-1 bonus points for battery life.
  6. Value for money is the score divided by the price (at the time I last updated the table.) Your needs may be different, so you might weight the different aspects of the watches differently, or be basing your decision on different criteria totally. Hopefully this table will give you a good starting point for your decision.

2.1 Score Breakdown without a Footpod

Review Score Value for money6 How far did
you run?1
How fast are
you running?2
Where are
you?3
What's your
cadence?4
Bonus Points5 class="unsortable" |

Price at Amazon.com

Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review 25 4.2 8 3 6 2 6 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 920XT Review 24 4.5 1 2 7 6 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 3 Review 24 3 2 1 7 6 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 5X Review 24 1.9 1 0 9 6 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit3 Run Review 23 5.9 8 3 5 2 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Epix Review 23 3.4 0 0 9 6 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Ultra Review 23 2.1 8 2 6 2 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar V800 Review 22 2.7 9 4 3 2 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 935 Review 22 2.4 1 0 7 6 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 910XT Review 21 6.7 5 3 6 2 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 Review 21 4.5 4 3 6 2 6 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 620 Review 20 5.6 3 2 2 6 7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 R Review 19 3.8 4 3 5 2 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 310XT Review 18 10 7 2 4 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Trainer Review 18 3.4 5 3 4 2 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 2 Review 18 2.5 1 0 6 6 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive HR Review 17 3.8 0 0 2 6 9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review 15 2.8 0 0 4 4 7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 610 Review 14 3.9 3 2 3 2 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Leikr Review 14 2 5 2 4 0 3 Leikr ($380)
Garmin 235 Review 12 2 0 0 2 2 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M400 Review 11 4.9 3 1 1 2 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M430 Review 11 2.7 3 1 1 2 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive Review 10 3.3 0 0 0 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
TomTom Cardio Runner Review 10 2.5 2 1 0 2 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 225 Review 9 2.9 1 1 0 2 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Epson SF-510 Review 6 3 0 0 0 2 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Epson SF-810 Review 6 2.3 1 0 0 2 3 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 10 Review 2 0.9 0 0 0 0 2 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!

2.2 Score Breakdown with a Standard Footpod

Review Score Value for money6 How far did
you run?1
How fast are
you running?2
Where are
you?3
What's your
cadence?4
Bonus Points5 class="unsortable" |

Price at Amazon.com

Garmin Fenix 5X Review 32 2.3 1 4 9 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Epix Review 31 3.9 0 4 9 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 920XT Review 30 4.7 1 4 7 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 935 Review 30 3 1 4 7 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review 29 4.1 8 3 6 6 6 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 3 Review 28 3.1 2 1 7 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit3 Run Review 27 5.5 8 3 5 6 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Ultra Review 27 2.3 8 2 6 6 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 910XT Review 26 6.1 5 4 6 6 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar V800 Review 26 2.8 9 4 3 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 Review 25 4.3 4 3 6 6 6 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 310XT Review 24 8.3 7 4 4 4 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 620 Review 24 5.1 3 2 2 10 7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 R Review 23 3.8 4 3 5 6 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Trainer Review 23 3.7 5 4 4 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 2 Review 22 2.7 1 0 6 10 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive HR Review 21 3.8 0 0 2 10 9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 610 Review 20 4.3 3 4 3 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 235 Review 20 2.8 0 4 2 6 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Leikr Review 20 2.5 5 4 4 4 3 Leikr ($380)
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review 19 2.9 0 0 4 8 7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M400 Review 15 4.5 3 1 1 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M430 Review 15 2.9 3 1 1 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive Review 14 3.4 0 0 0 10 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 225 Review 13 3.1 1 1 0 6 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
TomTom Cardio Runner Review 10 2 2 1 0 2 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Epson SF-510 Review 6 2 0 0 0 2 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Epson SF-810 Review 6 1.6 1 0 0 2 3 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 10 Review 2 0.6 0 0 0 0 2 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!

2.3 Score Breakdown with a Stryd Footpod

Review Score Value for money6 How far did
you run?1
How fast are
you running?2
Where are
you?3
What's your
cadence?4
Bonus Points5 class="unsortable" |

Price at Amazon.com

Garmin Epix Review 47 4.5 10 10 9 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 5X Review 47 2.9 10 10 9 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 3 Review 45 3.8 10 10 7 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 935 Review 45 3.6 10 10 7 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive HR Review 40 4.9 10 10 1 10 9 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 920XT Review 39 4.4 10 10 1 10 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Ultra Review 37 2.6 10 10 6 6 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review 36 4 10 10 1 8 7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Vivoactive Review 34 5.1 10 10 0 10 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Spartan Trainer Review 34 3.9 10 10 4 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar V800 Review 33 2.8 10 10 3 6 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 Review 32 3.9 10 10 6 0 6 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review 32 3.4 10 10 6 0 6 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin Fenix 2 Review 31 2.9 10 10 6 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit3 Run Review 30 4 10 10 5 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Suunto Ambit2 R Review 30 3.5 10 10 5 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 235 Review 28 2.9 10 10 0 0 8 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 620 Review 27 3.8 10 10 0 0 7 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 910XT Review 26 3.9 10 10 1 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 310XT Review 25 4.6 10 10 0 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M400 Review 25 4.3 10 10 1 0 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 225 Review 25 3.8 10 10 0 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
TomTom Cardio Runner Review 25 3.3 10 10 0 0 5 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Polar M430 Review 25 3.2 10 10 1 0 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 610 Review 24 3.3 10 10 0 0 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Leikr Review 10 1 5 2 0 0 3 Leikr ($380)
Epson SF-510 Review 4 0.7 0 0 0 0 4 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Epson SF-810 Review 4 0.6 1 0 0 0 3 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!
Garmin 10 Review 2 0.3 0 0 0 0 2 Error: Could not parse data from Amazon!

2.4 Basic Features

Review

Released GPS
Accuracy
Weight (oz) Size (CM3) Display (mm) Resolution (Pixels) Waterproofing Heart Rate
Monitor
Cadence Data Upload
Garmin Epix Review 2015 6.2 3.0 48 29 x 21 (609mm2) 205 x 148 (30.3K total) Good (50m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Garmin Fenix 5X Review 2017 5.6 3.5 36 30.5 (round) (731mm2) 240 diameter (45.2K total) Good (100m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Garmin Fenix 3 Review 2015 6.2 2.9 33 30 (round) (726mm2) 218 diameter (37.3K total) Good (100m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Garmin 935 Review 2017 5.6 1.7 24 30.5 (round) (731mm2) 240 diameter (45.2K total) Good (100m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Garmin Vivoactive HR Review 2016 4.9 1.7 19 21 x 29 (609mm2) 148 x 205 (30.3K total) Good (50m) Yes (+OHRM) Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Garmin 920XT Review 2014 6.6 2.2 35 29 x 21 (609mm2) 205 x 148 (30.3K total) Good (50m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review 2017 1.5 17 30.5 (round) (731mm2) 240 diameter (45.2K total) Good (50m) Yes (+OHRM) Internal/Footpod Yes
Garmin Vivoactive Review 2015 5.4 1.3 13 29 x 21 (592mm2) 205 x 148 (30.3K total) Good (50m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Suunto Spartan Trainer Review 2017 7.8 2.0 25 24 x 23 (529mm2) 128 diameter (12.9K total) Good (50m) Yes (+OHRM) Internal/Footpod Yes
Suunto Ambit2 Review 2013 7.6 3.1 30 29 (round) (661mm2) 128 diameter (12.9K total) Good (100m) Yes Internal/Footpod Yes
Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review 2014 7.9 2.9 30 29 (round) (661mm2) 128 diameter (12.9K total) Good (100m) Yes Internal/Footpod Yes
Suunto Spartan Ultra Review 2016 7.1 2.7 38 32 (round) (804mm2) 320 diameter (80.4K total) Good (100m) Yes Internal (Limited Footpod) Yes
Garmin Fenix 2 Review 2014 5.7 3.2 32 31 (round) (755mm2) 70 diameter (3.8K total) Good (50m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Suunto Ambit3 Run Review 2014 7.9 2.5 30 29 (round) (661mm2) 128 x 128 (16.4K total) Good (50m) Yes Internal/Footpod Yes
Suunto Ambit2 R Review 2013 7.6 2.5 30 29 (round) (661mm2) 128 diameter (12.9K total) Good (50m) Yes Internal/Footpod Yes
Garmin 235 Review 2015 4.9 1.5 19 31 (round) (755mm2) 215 diameter (36.3K total) Good (50m) Yes (+OHRM) Internal/Footpod Yes
Garmin 620 Review 2013 7.1 1.5 20 25.4 (round) (507mm2) 180 diameter (25.4K total) Good (50m) Yes Internal/Footpod/Heart Rate Monitor/Alert Yes
Garmin 910XT Review 2011 7.5 2.5 49 33 x 20 (660mm2) 160 x 100 (16K total) Good (50m) Yes Footpod/Alert Yes
Garmin 310XT Review 2009 7.5 2.5 63 33 x 20 (660mm2) 160 x 100 (16K total) Good (50m) Yes Footpod Yes
Garmin 225 Review 2015 6.2 1.5 24 25.4 (round) (507mm2) 180 diameter (25.4K total) Good (50m) Yes (+OHRM) Internal/Footpod Yes
TomTom Cardio Runner Review 2015 6.0 2.2 30 22 x 25 (550mm2) 144 x 168 (24.2K total) Good (50m) Yes (+OHRM) Internal/Footpod Yes
Polar V800 Review 2014 8.0 2.8 31 23 x 23 (529mm2) 128 x 128 (16.4K total) Good (30m) Yes Internal/Footpod Yes
Polar M430 Review 2017 7.2 2.0 24 23 x 23 (529mm2) 128 x 128 (16.4K total) Good (50m) Yes (+OHRM) Internal/Footpod Yes
Polar M400 Review 2014 6.6 2.0 24 23 x 23 (529mm2) 128 x 128 (16.4K total) Good (30m) Yes Internal/Footpod Yes
Garmin 610 Review 2011 7.3 2.5 41 25.4 (round) (507mm2) 128 diameter (12.9K total) Fair (IPX7) Yes Footpod/Alert Yes
Leikr Review 2013 7.3 2.4 25 41 x 31 (1271mm2) 206 x 148 (76.8K total) Fair (IPX6) Yes Footpod Limited
Epson SF-510 Review 2015 4.4 1.7 24 28 x 22 (616mm2) 128 x 96 (12.3K total) Good (50m) Yes Limited Internal Limited
Epson SF-810 Review 2015 5.5 1.8 28 28 (round) (616mm2) 128 diameter (12.9K total) Good (50m) OHRM Only) Limited Internal Limited
Garmin 10 Review 2012 3.8 1.3 33 25 x 24 (600mm2) 55 x 32 (1.8K total) Good (50m) No No Yes



Review

Battery
Life (hr)
Tested Battery
Life (hr)
Extended
Battery
Life (hr)
Charge On The Run? Training
Effect
HRV GPS cache Sensors
Garmin Epix Review 24 17.6 50 Yes (with USB=Garmin) Yes Record Yes Ant+
Garmin Fenix 5X Review 20 23 35 Yes, but can't be worn Yes Record Yes Bluetooth/Ant+
Garmin Fenix 3 Review 20 22 50 Yes (with USB=Garmin) Yes No Yes Ant+
Garmin 935 Review 24 24.5 60 Yes, but can't be worn Yes Record Yes Bluetooth/Ant+
Garmin Vivoactive HR Review 13 13 Yes (with USB=Garmin) No No Yes Ant+
Garmin 920XT Review 24 19 40 No (terminates) Yes Record Yes Ant+
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review 13 13 No Yes Bluetooth/Ant+
Garmin Vivoactive Review 10 10 10 Yes (with USB=Garmin) No No Yes Ant+
Suunto Spartan Trainer Review 10 11 30 Yes Yes No Yes Bluetooth
Suunto Ambit2 Review 15 50 Yes Yes Record Yes Ant+
Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review 20 100 Yes Yes Record Yes Bluetooth
Suunto Spartan Ultra Review 18 17 26 Yes, but can't be worn Yes Record Yes Bluetooth
Garmin Fenix 2 Review 15 50 Yes (with USB=Garmin) Yes No Yes Ant+
Suunto Ambit3 Run Review 10 10.5 100 Yes Yes Record Yes Bluetooth
Suunto Ambit2 R Review 8 7.3 25 Yes Yes Record Yes Ant+
Garmin 235 Review 11 11 Yes, but no optical HR Yes No Yes Ant+
Garmin 620 Review 10 10 No (resets) Yes Record Yes Ant+
Garmin 910XT Review 20 20 Yes, but no display Yes Record No Ant+
Garmin 310XT Review 20 20 Yes, but no display No No No Ant+
Garmin 225 Review 10 11 10 No (resets) No No Yes Ant+
TomTom Cardio Runner Review 8 6.3 8 No (resets) No No Yes Bluetooth HR
Polar V800 Review 13 24 50 No (terminates) Yes Display Predictive Bluetooth
Polar M430 Review 8 8 8 No No No Yes Bluetooth
Polar M400 Review 8 8 Yes, but can't be worn No No No Bluetooth
Garmin 610 Review 8 8 Yes, but no display Yes Record No Ant+
Leikr Review 5 6.5 5 Yes, but can't be worn No No Yes (few hours) Ant+
Epson SF-510 Review 30 30 30 No No No Yes (few hours) Bluetooth HR
Epson SF-810 Review 20 26 20 No No No Yes (few hours) None
Garmin 10 Review 5 5 No No No No None

3 Navigation Features

Review

Color Maps Breadcrumbs Courses To Waypoint Compass Reverse course Beeline to start Connect IQ Altimeter
Garmin Epix Review Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Garmin Fenix 5X Review Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Garmin Fenix 3 Review No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Garmin 935 Review No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Garmin Vivoactive HR Review No No No No No No No Yes Yes
Garmin 920XT Review No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Garmin Vivoactive 3 Review No No No No No No No No No
Garmin Vivoactive Review No No No No No No Yes Yes No
Suunto Spartan Trainer Review No No No No No No Yes No No
Suunto Ambit2 Review No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Suunto Ambit3 Peak Review No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Suunto Spartan Ultra Review No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Garmin Fenix 2 Review No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Suunto Ambit3 Run Review No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Suunto Ambit2 R Review No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Garmin 235 Review No No No No No No Yes Yes No
Garmin 620 Review No No No No No No No No No
Garmin 910XT Review No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes
Garmin 310XT Review No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No No
Garmin 225 Review No No No No No No No No No
TomTom Cardio Runner Review No No No No No No No No No
Polar V800 Review No No Yes No No No Yes No Yes
Polar M430 Review No No No No No No Yes No No
Polar M400 Review No No No No No No Yes No No
Garmin 610 Review No No Yes Yes No No Yes No No
Leikr Review Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No
Epson SF-510 Review No No No No No No No No No
Epson SF-810 Review No No No No No No No No No
Garmin 10 Review No No No No No No No No No

For "navigation":

  • Color Maps gives you full color maps, rather like a smart phone, with roads and paths marked out.
  • Track Outline is a display of where you've run, rather like a breadcrumb trail. If there are maps, the outline is superimposed otherwise this is just the outline on its own without any context.
  • Course Outline is an outline of a route that can be downloaded. I've found this useful during ultras or in unfamiliar cities where I've needed to know where to go.
  • Back To Start is a simple arrow point to your starting point, so it won't help you backtrack.
  • Back To Waypoint returns you to a previously marked location using a simple arrow to point.
  • Compass. A magnetic compass can help you orient yourself or the map. Without a magnetic compass you have to be moving for the GPS to give you a sense of direction.


(Older Reviews: Polar RC3 GPS, Soleus 1.0, Motorola Motoactv.)

4 GPS Accuracy

An infographic of GPS Accuracy of running watches. The top right corner represents the most accurate watches. (This graphic uses ISO 5725 terminology.)

5 Using a Smartphone

Main article: Running With A Smartphone

Most smartphones have a GPS built in and support various applications that allow them to function as sports watches. These phones can have remarkable levels of GPS Accuracy as well as many other advantages.

6 Watches for Ultrarunning

Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. The main factor is battery life, as few watches can be relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:

  1. Charge On The Run. This is a little cumbersome as you typically have to carry a battery pack and an adapter, or at least have them in your drop bag. Not all watches support Charge On The Run, and only a subset of them do so with reasonable convenience.
  2. 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. For the second part of your run, the second watch won't have your full time and distance, so you'll 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.)
  3. Extended battery life. A number of watches allow you to reduce the GPS 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.

Charge On The Run is an option for ultras.

6.1 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.

6.2 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.