Progress is the major key on which an athlete marks and improves their performance. The understanding of how you are doing, and how you can improve the parameters help you succeed better in any sport. Runners are no different. A running watch is an absolute necessity to anybody interested in running as a sport. Training for a marathon? You need to know your time, body parameters of yours so you could train better.
With so many options of smartwatches for runners, it becomes a tedious task to choose the best one.
The best smartwatch is one that doesn’t compromise on tracking, practicality, or even comfort of use.
The best smartwatch is one that doesn’t compromise on tracking, practicality, or even comfort of use. For your convenience, we have listed down the best and affordable running watches to help you pick the right one. There are newer versions of trackers and smartwatches that are added to the list every other day, but the factor of affordability is kept as the top-notch component in this article.
1. Garmin Forerunner 55
This smartwatch is very intricately designed for the beginner runner in you. The factor of affordability is also considered and hence could be a great option for anyone who is starting their running journey.The pre- mentioned workouts help in attaining the desired goals in a streamlined manner.
Specifications:
- GPS: enabled
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks on a full charge
- Waterproof: yes and up to the limit of 50 meters.
Advantages:
The smartwatch with the above-mentioned specifications also comes along with a pre-suggested array of workouts to choose from. This enables the new user to find the required structure without any hassle. The addition of rest time suggestions according to the activity will help the beginner runner understand the need and importance of rest time while running without fail. The control panel is extremely well designed for convenience and ease of operation.
Disadvantages:
The non-availability of the sleep widget is the major disadvantage mentioned about the smartwatch. When every other body parameter is measured, it only becomes the need of the hour for sleep to be monitored. The Garmin Forerunner 55 does not have the sleep progress marker even though the data is collected.
So this smartwatch is a very great and viable option for beginner runners with structured workout schedules and adequate mentioning of rest periods that helps in managing the runner fatigue which is a major struggle among beginner runners.
2. Polar M200
The next smartwatch we are discussing here has worked on the above-mentioned disadvantage and has the reputation of being able to track almost every other parameter with no glitch on the factor of affordability.
Specifications:
- GPS: enabled
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery: one week on a full charge
- Waterproof: Yes and up to 30 meters
Advantages:
The major plus points include the affordability factor of the smartwatch. With great value and the design of the application soothingly and effectively makes it a great choice for the price range. Heart Rate tracking, GPS, smartphone notifications, training programs specially designed are all the other exciting properties for you to consider the watch.
Disadvantages:
The design is often criticized for being very plain with very few color options available. The functionality of the in-built GPS is also a question as it poses the challenge of slowing down at times to lock on.
The Polar M200 is an affordable option for beginners who like a simple interface and the flexibility of using it for daily wear. The water resistance is a great feature that is looked upon and thus a great choice to choose.
Polar M200 GPS Running Watch with Wrist-Based Heart Rate
3. Amazfit Bip
This smartwatch is best known for its battery life and the affordable value it possesses. The stylish design is quite a bestseller among the runners be it, beginners or veterans.
Specifications:
- GPS: Enabled
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery: up to 15 days on a full charge
- Waterproof: yes
Advantages:
The Amazfit Bip is a stylish smartwatch with true value for money. It has a great compatible companion application along with the component. With normal tracking of blood pressure, heart rate, it is one of the cheapest running watches there is. The battery life is commendable and the longest in the price range. It is very useful for people to track their runs appropriately. The availability of music streaming along with running trackers is a great option for runners.
Disadvantages:
The absence of non-functionality of the auto-pause feature is one such factor that could be added to this banner.
The Amazfit Bip on a whole is a great option with a wide array of functionalities added and is extremely affordable.
4. Amazfit GTS 2
This is yet another smartwatch that is known for its extra slim, attractive design. The very easy-to-use and convenient interface is the major advantage of the watch.
Specifications:
- GPS: Enabled
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery: up to 20 days
- Waterproof: yes and up to 50 meters
Advantages:
The presence of ultra-vivid AMOLED display is the major point that makes it desirable. With the workout specs always-on display, it is easy to progress through the run even if it’s nighttime with lesser visibility. The smartwatch also possesses a non-board music player that makes the run merry for sure.
Disadvantages:
The battery life is shorter when compared to other higher brands but with the price range, it still is a great purchase.
The Amazfit GTS 2 offers a great array of impressive specs for the pricing and hence could be a great addition to any runner’s schedule.
5. Polar M430
This smartwatch option is a cheap but simple and elegant option for the runner in you. This is a great option for 5K runners and all those who are training for marathons alike. With improved heartbeat monitoring and structured recovery sessions, this is a great option for all the serious runners out there.
Specifications:
- GPS: Enabled
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery: 8 hours
- Waterproof: yes, and up to 30 meters
Advantages:
A smartwatch is a great option for goal-oriented runners. If a 5K is in your mind, make sure to purchase this option as there are structured time sessions and training for the same. The GPS-enabled “Find your way home” application helps you and gives you the freedom to wander off to beaten roads and obstacles.
Disadvantages:
The charging lead is very annoying and might face some syncing issues and could be very challenging at times. The design is a little retro screen with a basic interface and some of the elite features are not included but with the price range, it is mostly enough to satisfy most runners.
Polar M430 GPS Running Watch, Black
6. Fitbit Charge 4
This smartwatch is an affordable one with an in-built GPS function. This version is very different from the previous rendition of Fitbit charge 3.
Specifications:
- GPS: enabled
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery: 7 days
- Waterproof: Yes and up to 50 meters
Advantages:
This version is enabled with an in-built GPS and with tracking of heartbeat, blood pressure, and other parameters. There is no increase from the previous rendition of Charge 3. There is the availability of a full workout report in the application which will help in marking the progress of the run with passing days.
Disadvantages:
The monochrome display is present with limited designs and interfaces which could be a turn-off for some runners.
As a runner, you might be leveling through different phases. Be it the beginner or the athlete, the importance of smartwatches is major. These help in tracking the urn, the activity of the body, different body parameters which will help you understand your body better and train in accordance with it. With the availability of multiple smartwatches in the market, there is more to choose from and a conflict of choice is very common to occur. In this article, we have discussed different smartwatches that are the absolute best in terms of different factors like pricing, affordability, specifications.
Also Read: What Is the Right Nutrition for a Runner? Here’s an Entire Guide of What to Eat Before/during/after
