Dyanna Owen

Written by Dyanna Owen

Published: 11 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

10-best-running-watch
Source: Techradar.com

Are you a runner looking for a way to track your progress and improve your performance? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the 10 Best Running Watches available on the market. These high-tech devices are designed to provide accurate data on your running speed, distance, heart rate, and more. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned athlete, a reliable running watch can help you achieve your fitness goals and take your running to the next level. Keep reading to discover the top running watches that can support and enhance your training routine.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 7/10

The findtime Military Digital Sports Watch is a fantastic choice for men who enjoy outdoor and sports activities. With a military-inspired design, this watch is both stylish and functional. It comes with multiple features including a stopwatch, back light, alarm, calendar, and is waterproof. The durable black silicone strap is comfortable to wear and perfect for those who love large dial watches. The watch is also water resistant up to 99 feet. Buyers can expect perfect after-sale customer service. The watch has received mixed reviews, with some praising its look, soft strap, and decent quality, while others criticized its size, weight, and spelling errors in its manual.

Key Features

  • Military Design: Big face digital watch
  • Multifunctional: Stopwatch, back light, alarm, and calendar
  • Durable Strap: Friendly to skin, waterproof, and shockproof

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Case Diameter: 53.07MM
  • Case Thickness: 16.33MM
  • Band Width: 22MM
  • Band Length: 255MM
  • Water Resistance: 99 feet

Pros

  • Attractive design
  • Comfortable strap
  • Decent quality materials

Cons

  • Size and weight may not be suitable for everyone
  • Spelling errors in the manual
  • Mixed reviews about strap comfort

The findtime Military Digital Sports Watch is a great choice for those who prefer a rugged and stylish timepiece. With a range of useful features and a durable build, it offers excellent value for its price. However, potential buyers should consider the mixed reviews and make an informed decision based on their preferences.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Timex Men's Ironman Classic 30 Resin Strap Watch is a durable and dependable timepiece. Ideal as an everyday watch or for sporting activities, this watch boasts a sleek, sporty design without compromising on comfort or functionality. It is waterproof and features a backlit display, 100-hour chronograph, and 24-hour countdown timer. The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit, and the watch is resistant to water up to 100 meters, suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

Key Features

  • Adjustable black 16mm resin strap
  • 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory
  • 3 daily alarms and 24-hour military time mode
  • Water resistant to 100 meters
  • Indiglo light-up watch dial

Specifications

  • Color: Black/Gray/Orange Accent
  • Dimension: 6.00Lx6.00Wx6.00H
  • Size: One Size

Pros

  • Water resistant and suitable for swimming
  • Comfortable and lightweight for everyday wear
  • Durable design with long-lasting battery
  • Easy to read display with backlit feature

Cons

  • Backlight may be too dim for some users
  • Night light function is poor in low light conditions

The Timex Men’s Ironman Classic 30 Resin Strap Watch is a reliable timepiece perfect for everyday use and sports activities. Its durable design, long-lasting battery, and multiple features make it a great choice for those seeking a practical and affordable watch. While the backlight may not be the brightest, its overall functionality and comfort more than make up for it.

Overall Score: 5/10

The EZON GPS Running Watch for Men is designed to improve running performance, calculate running pace and distance automatically, and help users see their progress. It features a built-in LED backlight for night visibility, and a water-resistant design suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The watch has a long battery life, up to 3 months in standby mode and up to 6 hours in GPS mode. While receiving positive feedback for its accuracy and value, some users reported issues with battery life and charging. Overall, it's a functional and affordable option for runners, despite some limitations.

Key Features

  • GPS running watch helps improve performance
  • Calculates running pace and distance automatically
  • LED backlight for night visibility
  • Long battery life

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 1.97Lx1.97Wx0.60H

Pros

  • Accurate timekeeping
  • Inexpensive value
  • Good for basic running needs

Cons

  • Short battery life
  • Issues with battery charging

The EZON GPS Running Watch offers reliable functionality and value for basic running needs, providing accurate timekeeping and performance tracking. However, some users may encounter limitations with battery life and charging. Overall, it represents an affordable option for those seeking a basic GPS watch for running.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Casio STR300C-1V Sports Watch is a round sports watch featuring auto LED light, dual time, four daily alarms, 60-lap memory stopwatch, and pace signal. With a resin case, Japanese quartz movement and water resistance to 50m, it's perfect for sports and all-day use. Users praised its functionality, value, and comfortable fit. Some found the build quality inferior to others, and some features, like distance measuring, not useful. Overall, it's a great watch packed with features for the price.

Key Features

  • Auto LED light
  • Dual time function
  • Four daily alarms with snooze
  • 60-lap memory stopwatch
  • Pace signal

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 4.88Lx3.23Wx2.20H
  • Size: No size

Pros

  • Highly functional and great value
  • Keeps logs of past 60 stopwatch times
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Good for everyday use

Cons

  • Inferior build quality compared to others
  • Some features, like distance measuring, not useful
  • Some may find it complicated to use

The Casio STR300C-1V Sports Watch is a great option for those looking for a feature-packed sports watch at an affordable price. It offers a comfortable fit, excellent functionality, and great value. While it may not be the most durable or easy to use for all its features, it’s a reliable choice for everyday wear and various sports activities.

Overall Score: 7/10

The findtime Step Counter Fitness Tracker Watch is designed for the active man who loves outdoor and indoor sports. Its military-inspired design is perfect for running, climbing, fishing, or hiking, with a shockproof and waterproof construction to withstand any adventure. The multifunctional watch features a step counter, calorie tracker, dual time display, stopwatch, and more. It's lightweight, water resistant up to 165 feet, and has a stylish sports casual look. A great gift for any occasion, this watch is sure to impress any man who loves the outdoors and staying active.

Key Features

  • Military design colorful digital watch
  • Multifunction for daily use
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Water-resistant up to 165 feet
  • Stylish and reliable as a gift for men

Specifications

  • Color: Green
  • Dimension: 10.32Lx0.87Wx0.55H

Pros

  • Good pedometer function
  • Keeps good time like Casio G-Shock watches
  • Very comfortable to wear
  • Stylish and reliable as a gift

Cons

  • Screen is hard to read
  • Not user-friendly with short LED light
  • Not fully waterproof

The findtime Step Counter Fitness Tracker Watch is a stylish, reliable, and functional timepiece for the active man. While it has some minor drawbacks, its overall performance and design make it a great choice for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and sports.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Skmei Mens Sport Running Watch is designed for active individuals who need a durable and reliable timekeeping tool. With its 50M water resistance, shock resistance, and 7 color LED backlight, this watch is perfect for all kinds of outdoor and indoor sports and daily use. It also features a comfortable band strap and precise timekeeping, making it a great gift for family, friends, and kids. The watch is available in blue, with a dimension of 9.65Lx1.10Wx0.71H for men's standard size.

Key Features

  • Precise time keeping with imported IC Chip Set
  • Sport design with 50M 5ATM water resistance and shock resistance
  • 7 color LED backlight with comfort band strap
  • Multipurpose with stopwatch, alarm, and back light functions

Specifications

  • Color: Blue
  • Dimension: 9.65Lx1.10Wx0.71H
  • Size: Men's Standard

Pros

  • Comfortable, easy to read, and light
  • Waterproof and durable for daily use
  • Great value for the price

Cons

  • Replacement bands are not sold
  • Backlight color change button may not work immediately

The Skmei Mens Sport Running Watch is a reliable and affordable timepiece suitable for active individuals. With its durable design, waterproof features, and comfortable fit, it offers great value for its price. While there are some limitations with replacement bands and the backlight button, overall it provides accurate timekeeping and convenient functions for sports and daily use.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Beeasy Men Digital Sports Watch is an ultra-protective and 5ATM waterproof watch designed for outdoor sports. It features a unique imported EL backlit screen for ultra-clear display, with functions like dual time, stopwatch, countdown, and alarm. The watch is made of high-quality ABS case and PU strap, making it shock-resistant, lightweight, and suitable for swimming and cold showering. With a monthly alarm and 10-second snooze function, this digital watch is ideal for students and professionals. It offers exceptional readability, durability, and stylish design at an affordable price.

Key Features

  • Imported EL backlit screen for ultra-clear display
  • 12/24H, dual time, stopwatch, countdown functions
  • Shock-resistant high-quality ABS case and PU strap
  • 5ATM waterproof, suitable for swimming and showering
  • Monthly alarm with 10-second snooze function

Specifications

  • Color: Black

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Water resistant
  • Packed with features
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Stylish design

Cons

  • Instructions not very clear
  • Band can be tight for some

The Beeasy Men Digital Sports Watch offers exceptional value for its price. It is durable, packed with features, and designed to withstand outdoor activities. While the instructions could be clearer, and the band might be tight for some, the overall functionality, style, and durability make it a reliable choice for students and professionals.

Overall Score: 8/10

The EZON Digital Sport Watch for Outdoor Running is a versatile and affordable timepiece designed for active individuals. It features a 100-hour stopwatch, countdown timer, dual time mode, EL backlight, and a stylish, waterproof design. The Japanese chipset and plastic case with a stainless steel button and caseback ensure durability for outdoor activities. The watch comes in a sleek black color and measures 4.33Lx2.95Wx2.95H. It's water-resistant up to 50m/165ft, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, it's not recommended for diving. Overall, it's a practical and functional watch for sports and outdoor use, offering great value for its price.

Key Features

  • Japanese Chipset with digital display
  • 100-hour stopwatch
  • Countdown timer
  • Dual time mode
  • EL backlight & button lock

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 4.33Lx2.95Wx2.95H

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Durable and waterproof design
  • Large and clear display
  • Versatile features for sports enthusiasts

Cons

  • Strap may not be easily removable
  • Some quality control issues reported by customers
  • Limited functionality for advanced timing needs

The EZON Digital Sport Watch for Outdoor Running offers impressive functionality and durability at an affordable price. With a range of practical features and a stylish design, it’s a reliable companion for outdoor activities and sports. Despite some minor drawbacks reported by customers, its overall value and performance make it a recommended choice for individuals seeking a functional and budget-friendly sports watch.

Overall Score: 5/10

The TIMEX IRONMAN Transit Watch with Activity Tracking & Heart Rate is a 33mm white watch with a resin strap. It offers an easy-touch heart rate monitor, 7-day activity tracking, and 100-hour chronograph with 10-lap memory. It also includes a customizable alarm, 24-hour military time mode, and water-resistance to 100m. However, some users have experienced inaccuracies with the heart rate monitor and step count. Additionally, there have been issues with the watch breaking. Overall, it's a basic digital watch with heart rate monitoring capabilities but has some reliability issues.

Key Features

  • Adjustable white 12mm resin strap
  • Easy-touch heart rate monitor
  • 7-day activity tracker
  • 100-hour chronograph with 10-lap memory
  • 24-hour countdown timer

Specifications

  • Color: White/Rose Gold-Tone
  • Size: 33mm

Pros

  • Accurate heart rate readings
  • Easy to use for basic functions
  • Convenient for heart rate monitoring during exercise

Cons

  • Inaccurate step count
  • Issues with heart rate monitor reliability
  • Some users experienced breakage within a year of use

The TIMEX IRONMAN Transit Watch is suitable for individuals looking for a basic digital watch with heart rate monitoring capabilities. However, potential buyers should be aware of the reported issues with step count accuracy and the watch’s durability. Despite these drawbacks, it has received positive feedback for its convenient heart rate monitoring function.

Overall Score: 7/10

The MJSCPHBJK Men's Digital Sports Watch is an affordable military-style sports watch designed for outdoor and athletic use. This lightweight watch is perfect for a variety of sports and activities, featuring a 164ft water-resistant design, shock resistance, LED night light, alarm, stopwatch, and a military 12/24H time display. While it's sleek and stylish, some users have reported issues with buttons being accidentally pressed and found the backlight to be too dim for nighttime use. Overall, it's a good budget-friendly option for those in need of a basic sports watch.

Key Features

  • Military slim design with LED night light
  • Waterproof and shock-resistant
  • Great for all kinds of sports and activities

Specifications

  • Color: Black

Pros

  • Affordable and stylish design
  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear
  • Useful for a variety of activities

Cons

  • Accidental button presses
  • Dim backlight for nighttime use
  • May not be durable for long-term use

The MJSCPHBJK Men’s Digital Sports Watch offers great value for an affordable price. While it may have some minor issues, its functionality and style make it a worthwhile option for those seeking a basic sports watch.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Running Watch

  • Budget
    • Determine how much you are willing to spend on a running watch. Prices can vary greatly depending on features and brand.
  • Features
    • Consider the features that are important to you. Some examples include GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, long battery life, music storage, and waterproofing.
  • Comfort and Fit
    • Make sure the watch feels comfortable on your wrist and fits securely. Some watches offer interchangeable bands for customization.
  • Battery Life
    • Check the battery life of the watch. Longer battery life is especially important for longer runs and races.
  • Durability
    • Look for a running watch that is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
  • Compatibility
    • Ensure that the watch is compatible with your smartphone and any other devices you may want to sync it with.
  • Brand and Reputation
    • Research different brands and read reviews to see which running watches have a good reputation for accuracy and performance.
  • Display
    • Consider the type of display you prefer, whether it's touchscreen, color, or a more basic monochrome display.
  • Style
    • Some running watches offer customizable watch faces and bands for a more personalized look.
  • Water Resistance
    • Look for a running watch that is water-resistant so you can still use it in various weather conditions.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Best Running Watch

  • Try on different models in person if possible to get a feel for the size and weight of the watch.
  • Research the battery life of the watch and consider how often you will need to charge it.
  • Pay attention to the ease of use of the watch's interface and buttons, especially if you will be using it while running.
  • Consider whether you want a watch that can track other activities besides running, such as swimming or cycling.
  • Check if the watch has any extra features that are important to you, such as sleep tracking or coaching tools.

What to Avoid When Choosing a Running Watch

  • Don't solely rely on flashy marketing or advertising – do thorough research and read real user reviews.
  • Avoid buying a running watch with more features than you realistically need, as this can drive up the cost unnecessarily.
  • Don't overlook the importance of a comfortable and secure fit, as you will be wearing the watch for long periods of time.
  • Avoid purchasing a running watch without considering the brand's customer service and warranty policies.

Conclusion:When buying the best running watch, it's important to consider your budget, desired features, comfort and fit, battery life, durability, compatibility, brand reputation, display, style, and water resistance. Additionally, trying on different models in person, researching battery life, considering ease of use, and avoiding unnecessary features will help you make the best choice for your running needs. Keep these tips in mind as you shop for the perfect running watch to accompany you on your runs and races.

Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best Running Watch

What features should I look for in a running watch?

When looking for a good running watch, make sure it has GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, long battery life, water resistance, and a clear and easy-to-read display.

How do I know which running watch is best for me?

The best running watch for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your budget, the types of activities you do, and any specific features you may require, such as music playback or advanced training features.

Can I use a running watch for other activities besides running?

Yes, many running watches also have features for tracking activities like cycling, swimming, and general fitness activities. Some even have built-in sports modes for specific activities.

Do I need a running watch with a built-in heart rate monitor?

Having a built-in heart rate monitor can be very beneficial for tracking your fitness and performance, but it is not a necessity. Some people may prefer to use a separate chest strap or arm band heart rate monitor instead.

What is the average price range for a good running watch?

The price of a running watch can vary widely depending on the brand, features, and overall quality. You can find some basic models for around $100, while more advanced, high-end models can cost several hundred dollars.

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