The smartwatch is one of the most convenient devices ever created, especially if you’re a runner. In contrast, the best smartwatches provide a lightweight way of keeping up with all your notifications and taking advantage of third-party apps and other things. As such, the best smartwatches for running blend the convenience of great features with hard-hitting exercise trackers to find the perfect fit between the two types of devices.

While almost every smartwatch on the market has some built-in fitness features, not all are going to offer the same level of detail and tracking that runners need to get the most out of their exercise. Finding the fine line between basic fitness tracking and great smartwatch features can be difficult, which is why we’ve put together this list of some of the best smartwatches you can buy if you love running and want to take your runs to the next level with fantastic tracking and other features. Of course, not all are equal, so we’ve highlighted each watch’s strengths and weaknesses as well.

Go running with one of these smartwatches

Source: Garmin

Garmin Venu 2 Plus

Best overall

A great place to start

The Venu 2 Plus is the Garmin smartwatch you want if you’re looking for the best of both worlds: a true smartwatch with the tracking features runners need when getting out there.

Pros

• Nice, vibrant display
• Garmin’s extensive tracking features
• Solid battery life

Cons

• Not many third-party apps
• Needs the proprietary charger

While Garmin would point dedicated runners to its Forerunner range, those who want to prioritize the smartwatch elements would be better off picking up the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. True, it still isn’t up there with devices running Wear OS in terms of third-party app support and built-in features, but the Venu 2 Plus is somewhat of a Garmin rarity in that it lets you take calls directly on the wrist thanks to the built-in speaker and microphone. It can also hold up to 650 songs, including downloaded playlists from Spotify and Amazon Music.

On top of that, it’s packed with features that runners love, from the basics of accurate GPS and heart-rate tracking to Garmin Coach’s custom training plans and Body Battery, which tells you how ready you are for a workout. It supports ANT+ for additional accessories, and all of the data is neatly collected in the Garmin Connect app — which remains one of the best for runners who like to nerd out over the data.

Source: Garmin

Garmin Forerunner 955

Premium pick

When it’s time to get serious

The Forerunner 955 is Garmin’s top-of-the-range sports watch. What it lacks in smartwatch flexibility, it makes up for with fitness features that athletes will love.

Pros

• Training and workout plans
• Maps and excellent tracking
• Outstanding battery life

Cons

• No onboard microphone
• Solar version not all that necessary

For a little more money, you can take it further with the Garmin Forerunner 955, which cuts off on-wrist calls and virtual assistants, but comes with more features that runners will love. There’s Training Load and Training Readiness — two features helping runners improve by analyzing their pre- and post-run metrics to ensure they’re pushing themselves without going too far. There’s even a Race Day Widget that counts down to the big day, showing your goal time and your current predicted finish time!

Once again, the Garmin IQ store is limited in terms of third-party apps, and while it’ll do notifications, it’s more of a running watch than a smartwatch. But with a battery that promises up to 15 days (or 20 with the solar model), it’s built for those who want to go for longer.

Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Best value

Great for casual runners

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is more smartwatch than fitness tracker, but it packs enough punch for casual runners that want to be able to track basic runs while still taking advantage of great smartwatch features.

Pros

• Tough display
• Packed with smartwatch features
• Multiple sensors

Cons

• Accuracy could be better
• Some features require a Samsung device

If you’re looking for great value, it’s hard not to look at one of Samsung’s latest smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 6. Just released within the last couple of months, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a smartwatch first and a fitness tracker second, but it’s still packed with helpful features that you can use to track your runs. The accuracy is slightly improved from the Galaxy Watch 5, and it’s the same price as the Watch 5, too.

While we haven’t seen it hitting any big discounts like the Watch 5, it’s still a great value, especially if you’re into running casually. It won’t offer the same level of tracking as other options on this list, but if you just want a smartwatch that can do the basics, the Galaxy Watch 6 is a great place to start.

Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

The rugged type

Bigger, tougher, and ready to run

$380 $450 Save
$70

The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is Samsung’s first Pro smartwatch, an amazing showcase of what it can do with Wear OS 3, and generally just a built-tough all-day warrior for workout fiends and multitaskers eschewing their phones.

Pros

• Sapphire glass and titanium body
• Plenty of tracking features
• Better battery life

Cons

• Too big for most small wrists
• GPX maps only support hiking and cycling

While it boasts many similarities to the Galaxy Watch 5, the 5 Pro takes a few different turns, like the tougher titanium frame, sapphire glass screen, and a bigger 590mAh battery. Samsung makes no bones in positioning it as a more serious wearable for those looking to train or meet fitness goals.

One of the reasons why is the Route workout feature. It lets you import GPX route files to Samsung Health and then sync with the Watch 5 Pro. When not on the run, you can also make use of the BioActive Health sensor, which improves how much more accurate heart rate, ECG, VO2 Max, and other metrics can be, though it’s not entirely clear if the 5 Pro is more precise than its sibling.

Source: Polar

Polar Pacer Pro

Testing the limits

Literally puts you to the test

Polar designed the Pacer Pro to be a smartwatch that takes activity so seriously that there’s even a built-in running test you can take to gauge how well you’re doing with every step.

Pros

• Includes effective running test
• Personalized workouts
• Plenty of good tracking metrics

Cons

• Screen isn’t touch-sensitive
• No SpO2 sensor

The Polar Pacer Pro presents a Running Performance Test you run for 30–45 minutes to calculate aerobic power, aerobic speed, VO2 max, and max heart rate. It also calculates running power to gauge how hard you’re working, including data on sprints, short intervals, and hilly areas where you can keep track of ascent and descent. Once done, the Polar Flow app tells you whether you’re on track with someone in your age group.

Despite that, it’s rare that a smartwatch with such an exposed display isn’t touch-sensitive, leaving you to navigate the interface purely with the physical buttons arrayed on the sides. But that may hardly matter if you’re looking for a smartwatch focusing more on staying active and learning more about what your body can handle as you pick up the pace.

Source: Mobvoi

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5

A 2-for-1 deal

Two screens for one in this watch

Mobvoi makes TicWatch Pro 5, bringing in several features to go with newer software that culminates in a smartwatch worth considering. No other watch has a dual-layer display quite like this, which does wonders for battery life.

Pros

• Unique dual-layer display
• Improved app experience
• Longer battery life

Cons

• Unclear Wear OS update cycle
• Mobile app needs some work

TicWatch Pro 5 is no less an example of Mobvoi’s attempts to make a compelling case as an alternative if you’re out there running. With a somewhat overhauled app experience, the watch’s data is easier to see and interpret, even if the full presentation won’t come close to what the likes of Garmin might give you. Still, it’s nice to have automatic run tracking kick in after 10 minutes.

The unique dual-layer display technology is a battery saver unto itself, bringing together a vibrant OLED with a low-powered LCD, which allows you to see pertinent info on a run without actually turning on the main OLED screen. Battery life holds up fairly well at up to 80 hours per charge, depending on how you use it.

Source: Google

Google Pixel Watch

Google’s best

A mix of Google and Fitbit

$290 $350 Save
$60

Maybe it’s not a true “running” smartwatch, but the Pixel Watch offers everything Wear OS can provide, including third-party apps and Fitbit tracking, making this an interesting choice.

Pros

• Very nice design
• Fitbit tracking features
• Third-party app support

Cons

• Run tracking won’t be as deep
• Skin temperature yet to become active

Google pitched the Pixel Watch as having “help by Google” and “health by Fitbit,” which sounds like a dream combo for those looking for the best running smartwatch. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s not bad for a first attempt, assuming you always keep it charged. And since the GPS tends to run down the one-day battery quickly, ultrarunners need not apply.

The flip side is that it’s Google’s first wearable and a reference device for what Wear OS can do. As a smartwatch, it’s great, though the high entry price means that you may gravitate toward a dedicated running watch instead.

Source: Fitbit

Fitbit Sense 2

Run with Fitbit

Get fit with the Sense 2

$200 $330 Save
$130

If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that offers the advantages of Fitbit’s app and features, then the Sense 2 is a solid option. Just know that you’re signing away a lot of the features that make smartwatches so handy. Still, it is one of the best options Fitbit has right now.

Pros

• Great design and look
• Premium options provide more insights and features
• Battery lasts for up to a week with lighter use

Cons

• No third party app support
• Very limited smartwatch features

Fitbit has a number of great fitness trackers, but if you’re looking for one that doubles as a smartwatch, you won’t get any closer than the Sense 2. The only unfortunate downside here is that the Sense 2 doesn’t offer third-party app support, which means you’ll need to find separate options for Google Maps and even Google Wallet.

The health monitoring on the Sense 2 is stronger than the Versa 4, which we previously recommended, and Fitbit premium options like Daily Readiness only make things better. The Fitbit app also remains one of the best in the business, especially if you’re just starting your fitness journey and need some pointers.

Source: Suunto

Suunto 7, GPS Sport Smartwatch

Sticking around

The Suunto 7 keeps you focused

Most running watches from the likes of Garmin and Polar focus on fitness at the expense of smartwatch features, which makes the Suunto 7 highly unusual. It’s a bit longer in the tooth compared to other smartwatches, but can still hold its own just fine.

Pros

• Sturdy build quality
• Accurate GPS tracking
• Comfortable fit

Cons

• Don’t expect Wear OS 3
• Pricey

Suunto makes plenty of running watches, but the Suunto 7 is unique because it uses Wear OS rather than the company’s own operating system. In theory, that means you get the best of both worlds: a dedicated running watch with all the features an athlete could want and plenty of smartwatch functionality too.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite pan out like that due to a weak 1-2 day battery life and a chipset that’s a bit long in the tooth now. First released in 2020, it uses the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset, meaning it’ll never get Wear OS 3, and it’s starting to feel sluggish.

Source: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

A good deal

Great for casual runners, harder to find

$180 $280 Save
$100

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is every bit a smartwatch, and its durability with sapphire glass only makes it easier to trust when taking it out for a run.

Pros

• Curved health sensor for a better fit
• Tougher sapphire glass
• Good software performance

Cons

• ECG and blood pressure require Samsung phones
• So-so battery life

The Galaxy Watch 5 runs Wear OS, meaning it’s a fully rounded smartwatch with plenty of extra apps and built-in features. It also has a larger battery than its previous iteration, making it less likely to let runners down while on the trail.

While it has fitness features, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is more for casual runners than those training for their next ultramarathon. Accuracy is merely so-so, and the Samsung Health app doesn’t pack the kind of detail that fitness obsessives will want from their wearables. Still, for casual fans, it’s a great jack-of-all-trades smartwatch that’ll look good on any wrist. However, it is getting harder to find, and if you can’t get it for below $200, we recommend just going with the Galaxy Watch 6 if you really want to stick with Samsung’s offerings.

Which smartwatch is best for running?

Finding the perfect running smartwatch is difficult, but there are still a lot of great options for you to choose from right now. It really comes down to figuring out which features are most important to you and then sorting out which of the smartwatches available fit your budget. For those looking to get the most value out of their purchase, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers great fitness features alongside fantastic smartwatch support. It isn’t the most accurate or in-depth running tracker, but it will handle anything casual runners through at it.

Of course, if you aren’t worried about spending more or if you just want to push yourself to your peak level while running, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is a premium option that comes with all the features you’d expect from a more expensive smartwatch and fitness tracker. The price here is steep, but it’s well worth it for those ready to get serious about their running and exercise tracking.

Finally, for those who are just starting or who want more detailed running insights, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a heavy hitter that shouldn’t be ignored. It offers a lot of good compromises when it comes to smartwatch and fitness tracking features, which makes it a great option and one of our favorites.

Source: Garmin

Garmin Venu 2 Plus

Best overall

Grab it and run

The Garmin Venu 2 plus is a great starting place for runners looking to take things to the next level. It offers fantastic accuracy and features, and still gives you plenty of smartwatch features to make it worth wearing every single day.