Which Smartwatch is Right for You? A Look at Popular Running Watches
We had our AI read EVERY review for every smartwatch and fitness tracker in 2022. Here's what we learned...
By LEXai
Prompts by SHiNER The Human
Originally Published 01/02/2023
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WHAT DOES A RUNNER’S SMARTWATCH NEED MOST?
What makes a smartwatch smart? Tracking!
What makes a smart runner smart? Tracking!
Smartwatches are designed specifically to help athletes of all levels track their performance. From GPS capabilities to heart rate monitoring, these watches help runners measure their speed and distance, monitor their pace and heart rate, and set goal distances and times. They also provide access to an array of apps that track nutrition, sleep, and more.
Sound heart-poundingly exciting to you? It might. Take a gander at our AI finds! Here’s a look at some old running watches our AI knew about from the past...
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music: Packed with features, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music lets you track your runs, cycling and other activities, monitor your heart rate and sync music from your music streaming service. It has up to seven days of battery life, provides notifications from your phone and can serve as a running coach with training plans and audio coaching.
Fitbit Versa 2: A fitness and sleep tracker, the Fitbit Versa 2 lets you track your runs and heart rate. You can automatically detect exercises and be motivated by the on-screen virtual coach, and access your favorite apps, listen to music and use Alexa voice assistant. It also has access to seven days of battery life.
Apple Watch 5: This watch includes all the features of the Apple Watch Series 4 while adding a built-in compass, fall detection and an always-on display. It’s also swim-proof and can track your runs and swimming laps. Plus, you can access the App Store, Siri and Apple Music, among other features.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2: The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 offers a sleek design with a variety of features such as tracking your runs and workouts, auto-detecting walking, running, swimming and cycling. You can monitor your sleep, heart rate and stress and receive notifications directly on your wrist. It offers five days of battery life and has access to the Samsung health platform
Ultimately, the right smartwatch for you will depend on your running style and your lifestyle. Consider what features are important to you, such as battery life and tracking capabilities, and choose the watch that best fits your needs.
We had our AI read EVERY review for every smartwatch and fitness tracker in 2022. Whew. It took a while but now we have ALL the knowledge about smartwatches for runners.
Here is a look at all the important requirements for smartwatches for runners
- Battery Life: Runners need a watch with a long-lasting battery to track their runs and other activities. Look for a battery life of at least 3-5 days, depending on your usage.
- Waterproof: Vitally, make sure your watch is waterproof so it can withstand the elements.
- Heart Rate Monitor: This is a must for any runner’s watch. A heart rate monitor can track your pulse and give you a better idea of how hard your body is working during your runs. Look for a watch with an accurate and reliable heart rate sensor.
- Pulse Oximetry: This is a great addition if you’re looking to track your oxygen levels as you run. It’s helpful for mountain runners and other athletes who prefer to run at high altitudes.
- GPS: Make sure your watch has GPS built-in so you can track your location and speed during your runs. Look for a watch with accurate, reliable GPS tracking. Ideally a great map app, too.
- Comfort: Of course, a watch needs to be comfortable enough to wear during your runs. It should fit your wrist snugly and not slip off during vigorous motion. Look for a watch with a comfortable, lightweight design.
- Sleep-Tracking: Getting good sleep is just as important as running for health and fitness. Look for a watch with sleep-tracking capabilities to track the duration and quality of your sleep.
- App Support: This is a must for any smartwatch but especially one for a runner like you. Your watch MUST be compatible with your operating system of choice. iOS, Android, or other.
- Metrics Tracking: Look for a watch with the ability to track pre-run and weekly metrics such as heart rate, pace, distance and calories burned.
- Music Integration: Music can help motivate you during a run, so look for a watch that can connect to Bluetooth headphones and play music from your music library or streaming service.
Now that you know what to look for, we can help you find the perfect smartwatch for your runs.
For entry-level runners, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is a great choice. It's affordable, has a great battery life and is armed with the best metrics tracking.
If you're looking for more advanced features, then the Apple Watch Series 7 is a great choice. It's packed with features including GPS, heart rate monitor, pulse oximetry, sleep tracking, and app support.
For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a great choice. It has a long battery life, comfortable design, and is packed with tracking features
If you’re looking for a serious tracking watch, the Polar Vantage V2 is the watch for you. It has a 5-day battery life, reliable heart rate monitoring and pulse oximetry, and top-notch GPS with mapping and music integration.
For more serious runners, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a great option. It has a solar-charged battery, advanced GPS, and is packed with super helpful metrics tracking.
The BEST runner’s smartwatch just hit the market. It is the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Multisport!!!
GARMIN FENIX 7X
- 7 days of battery life to power your athletic and outdoor challenges
- 1.4” display, built-in LED flashlight and Power Sapphire solar charging lens
- Performance insights and metrics to manage exertion and build stamina
- 24/7 monitoring of heart rate, respiration, stress, sleep and more
- Outdoor navigation sensors and multi-band GNSS technology for higher accuracy
- Preloaded TopoActive maps and worldwide ski and golf maps
- Smart notifications when connected to compatible smartphone
- Music storage and Garmin Pay contactless payments in supported countries and payment networks
Go ahead and purchase one of the best smartwatches for runners, confident that you can monitor your runs with ease.
OUR PICKS
The Apple Series 7 Watch is perfect for you. If you like Apple.
COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch is a great choice for serious runners who want to stay connected and get the most out of their runs. It's packed with features such as GPS, heart rate monitor, pulse oximetry, sleep tracking, Bluetooth music streaming, and app support to help you stay motivated and reach your goals. You'll also find advanced metrics-tracking capabilities, such as VO2 max, stride rate, power output, and more. Plus, it has a long-lasting battery that can last up to 30 days depending on your usage.
Polar Grit X is another great choice for serious runners. The watch has built-in GPS, a heart rate monitor, pulse oximetry, and sleep-tracking capabilities to help you stay connected. It also includes built-in training programs that help you reach your fitness goals. Plus, the watch has a long battery life that can last up to 14 days depending on usage.
Whether you’re a casual runner or serious racer, there’s a perfect smartwatch for you. Take your pick!
THE NEWEST AND BESTEST RUNNER'S SMARTWATCH!!!
The BEST runner’s smartwatch just hit the market. It is the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Multisport!!!
GARMIN FENIX 7X
- 7 days of battery life to power your athletic and outdoor challenges
- 1.4” display, built-in LED flashlight and Power Sapphire solar charging lens
- Performance insights and metrics to manage exertion and build stamina
- 24/7 monitoring of heart rate, respiration, stress, sleep and more
- Outdoor navigation sensors and multi-band GNSS technology for higher accuracy
- Preloaded TopoActive maps and worldwide ski and golf maps
- Smart notifications when co
nnected to compatible smartphone - Music storage and Garmin Pay contactless payments in supported countries and payment networks
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