Top running watches for 2024.
The top affordable running watches enhance the movement tracking capabilities found in fitness trackers, which are proficient in monitoring steps, calories, and GPS location. These watches go a step further, incorporating a dedicated set of sensors and software to deliver valuable insights into your running pace, time, and distance. Utilizing this information can assist you in improving your personal bests by shaving off precious seconds.
While the finest budget fitness trackers cater to general fitness enthusiasts, those specifically focused on enhancing running performance should explore the options listed here. Whether you're embarking on a couch-to-5K program or are a seasoned marathon runner, there's something for everyone.
While the market offers various choices, including top-notch Fitbit and Garmin watches, the low cost of entry for the best cheap running watches makes them an attractive option for newcomers who prefer not to invest heavily while discovering their preferences.
1. Forerunner 55:
Quick specs:
GPS: Yes Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+ Battery: Up to two weeks Waterproof: Yes, to 50 meters
Pros:
Suggested workouts give structure
Recovery time suggestions
Well designed controls
Cons:
No on-watch sleep widget
The Forerunner 55 closely resembles its predecessor, the Forerunner 45, and this continuity is actually a positive aspect. With distinct buttons for menu navigation, activity start, and other functions, the watch eliminates the need for new runners to grapple with complex multi-function controls. Its user-friendly design allows easy operation even while wearing gloves.
Garmin's renowned GPS accuracy is a standout feature of the Forerunner 55. In our tests, the watch consistently tracked our predetermined route with a minimal margin of error, easily attributed to normal variations when running on footpaths rather than a dedicated track.
The device excels in heart rate monitoring, a standard feature in top-notch Garmin watches. The Forerunner 55 also incorporates Garmin's 'body battery' functionality, aiding in the management of daily rest and exertion. A minor drawback is the inability to view nightly sleep scores directly on the watch; while it tracks sleep stages, accessing the data requires using the Garmin Connect app.
One notable feature is the Forerunner 55's assistance in structuring training for new runners. It provides workout suggestions based on past activities and fitness levels, preventing a monotonous routine of running the same distance and intensity every time. The watch also recommends rest periods after each session, helping new runners gauge the appropriate time between workouts to minimize the risk of injury.
In summary, the Forerunner 55 proves to be an outstanding choice for new runners or individuals seeking to transition from a Fitbit to a more specialized and feature-rich device.
2. Coros Pace 2
Quick specs:
GPS: Yes Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+ Battery: Up to 60hrs Waterproof: Yes, to 50 meters
Pros:
Great running analytics
Trainings and recovery time suggestions
Very accurate.
Cons:
No integrated system for music controls or contactless payments
In terms of battery life, the Coros Pace 2 falls just shy of the Kiprun 900, offering a commendable 30 hours in GPS mode, extendable to 60 hours in low-power mode.
The watch boasts customizable sport profiles for road, trail, and treadmill running, along with a track mode allowing you to choose your lane for enhanced accuracy during intervals, such as 16 x 400m sprints. During runs, a unique stamina tracker utilizes your heart rate to estimate the rate at which you're depleting reserves. This percentage replenishes during periods of inactivity, indicating when you're ready for your next run.
Setting itself apart in its price range, the Coros Pace 2 provides a range of advanced running analytics. In addition to standard real-time pace, distance, and intensity stats, the watch offers on-wrist running power, training effect assessment, recovery-time recommendations, and longer-term training load monitoring.
While its smartwatch capabilities are limited to notifications, lacking features such as music playback or contactless payments, and despite its lightweight build, which does lean toward a somewhat plastic feel, the Pace 2 stands out as one of the best budget watches money can buy. Its comprehensive training insights, coupled with continual improvements to its accompanying app, contribute to its overall value.
3. Decathlon Kiprun GPS 900
Quick specs:
GPS: Yes Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery: Up to 35hrs Waterproof: Yes, to 50 meters
Pros:
Decent battery life
In-depth training and analytic tools
Cons:
No integrated system for music controls or contactless payments
The Kiprun GPS 900, powered by COROS, significantly surpasses its price point, delivering unmatched value with exceptional endurance: an impressive 35 hours in full GPS mode or an astonishing 80 hours in Ultramax low-power mode. This endurance outperforms even pricier competitors, including the new Garmin Forerunner 965 and the older Fenix 6 watches.
Equipped with COROS' EvoLab training tools, the Kiprun offers a robust set of performance, recovery, and activity insights. These include running performance analysis, VO2 Max estimates, training load monitoring, and feedback on impact and fatigue. Navigation features encompass breadcrumb route tracking, off-route alerts, and back-to-start guidance, complemented by a barometric altimeter for precise altitude and elevation tracking. Additionally, the watch provides smartphone notifications. However, it does require trade-offs, omitting features like offline music and contactless payments commonly found in higher-priced counterparts.
4. Polar M200
Quick specs:
GPS: Yes Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery: Approximately 1 week Waterproof: Yes, to 30 meters
Pros:
Great value for money
Decent app
Cons:
GPS takes a while to get going
The Polar M200 stands out as an incredibly budget-friendly choice, especially when you consider the wealth of features packed into this affordable running watch. Brace yourself for a list that includes wrist-based heart rate tracking, integrated GPS, smartphone notifications, comprehensive all-day activity tracking, personalized training programs accessible through the app, a variety of color options, and a battery life that stretches for a week with an hour of daily running.
Designed with a stylish round face, the watch is suitable for daily wear, and its water-resistant construction ensures you won't need to remove it frequently. The Polar Flow app seamlessly integrates with other fitness services such as Training Peaks and Strava, facilitating a smooth transition – barring, of course, the expected discomfort from rigorous training sessions.
5. Oppo Watch Free
Quick specs:
GPS: No Connectivity: Bluetooth Battery: Approximately 2 weeks Waterproof: Yes, to 50 meters
Pros:
Affordable compared to may Activity watches.
Great battery life
Lightweight.
Cons:
No GPS functionality
Health data not always accurate.
In the UK, this smartwatch is priced at £89.00!
However, its appeal goes beyond its budget-friendly nature; it's genuinely impressive. With a remarkable 14-day battery life, a user-friendly display, and an innovative AI feature that adapts the watch face to complement your daily outfit, the Oppo Watch Free offers more than just affordability.
This watch caters to various activities beyond running, tracking workout data for cycling, rowing, elliptical, and over 100 other exercises. While calorie tracking may be somewhat less reliable compared to a Fitbit or other pricier devices, and the absence of a built-in GPS tracker is notable, these drawbacks are relatively minor considering the exceptional value offered at this price point.
