Best running watches 2021
This article will review the best running watches 2021 so read on!
Running is the best workout if you want to get activated and improve your health and fitness – and let’s be honest, it is far more interesting if you have a cool gadget like a GPS running watch. Just a few decades ago, even wealthy people needed to use stopwatches to measure running time, and they only had the common sense to roughly estimate the distance of how far they were going.
Nowadays, even non-professional runners can afford technology that will help them keep track of almost any changes in the body, have clear insight into the training, track their heart rate, distance, cadence, and pace.
High-quality running watches are more than just trackers. That’s why we’ve listed some of the best running watches in 2021, but before we get on to that, we would like to give you some advice on setting criteria when choosing a running watch.
If you decide to enrich your running equipment with wrist-wrapped tech, here’s what you need to know.
Our criteria for picking the best running watches of 2021
If you want to pick the best running watch on the market and avoid spending a small fortune to get what you actually need from a running watch, we have you covered. As we already said, we’re going to list you our best picks in 2021, but you still need to decide what your needs are and what information you want to get from your fresh new gadget. Here are a few simple tips on how to do that:
- If you only want to track running time, distance, and pace, you should go for a mid-level or basic running watch.
- If you’re interested to know your heart rate while running, choose running watches with heart rate monitoring.
- If you just want to know how active you are during the running session, you can go for cheap running watches with basic activity tracking.
- If you’re serious about your running activity, you’ll need an advanced or at least mid-level GPS watch.
- If you’re not just a runner, and you also want to track your hiking, climbing, and other activities, you need to have a multisport watch.
Further on we will review the best running watches of 2021
Apple Watch Series 7
This running watch is not just a cool gadget you can add to your collection. In fact, this watch belongs to the most popular series of running watches you can wear even on a dinner date. If you’re familiar with Apple running watches, you know that this is the latest Apple’s smartwatch released on the market.
The design of this watch is more rounded than previous Apple models, and it comes in 45 and 41mm sizes. Apple Watch Series 7 has improved features like faster charging, a larger display with crack-resistant glass, and improved durability.
It also has fantastic features like loud noise detection, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, ECG, always-on display, and fall detection.
Coros Pace 2
If you want to spend a little more on a GPS running watch, Coros Pace 2 is the right choice. This lightweight wrist gadget has a great feature to help with split and interval training, track your heart rate, and measure the exact altitude.
The best thing about this running watch is the ability to track cadence and help you measure the number of steps per minute. It also has a built-in compass for those who love to explore non-urban areas.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
The Garmin Forerunner 254 is a smartwatch with incredible features. It allows you to leave your phone at home and listen to music through a built-in player while you train. You can fully charge the 245 in just two hours, and the battery lasts up to 24h if you’re not using the music player.
It has a third-generation heart rate sensor, and it can show you the complete race info of all previous runs. If you add the Running Dynamics Pod as an accessory, you can even measure your running dynamics.
Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is an absolute favorite among many runners. This GPS running watch offers the accuracy and precision which most running watches don’t have. You can set the watch to plan training according to your previous session and keep track of how training affects your overall health.The Forerunner 945 battery lasts for an impressive 36 hours if you use only GPS, and if you turn on all the features, it can last over 24 hours which is a great advantage over most running watches on the market.
Coros Vertix 2
What attracts people to buy Coros Vertix 2 is the fantastic battery life that can last up to 60 days without even having to charge it with solar energy.
Fitbit Sense
Fitbit Sense is a great option for people who want to track their stress levels during the day. The watch has an electrodermal measuring system that can alert you when it’s time to take positive actions.
Besides basic fitness features, this watch also has an ECG sensor and the option to connect with all your running buddies on the Fitbit platform. It has an onboard GPS that tracks your workouts, and it belongs to the group of cheaper running watches.
Coros Apex
Coros Apex doesn’t have an ECG, but it has an optical heart rate monitor which can measure your pulse even when you’re resting. The watch doesn’t have a touchscreen, but you won’t have to worry about rainy days because Coros Apex is totally waterproof.
Polar Grit X
The Polar Grit X is a running watch that offers comfort and useful features to serious runner enthusiasts. The watch has tailored workout recommendations, a Komoot route planner, and reactive hill splits information.
It’s made from stainless steel, and it can endure hardcore weather conditions. You can navigate all options via touchscreen and alert you when your energy levels are low. The watch also has a direction alert, which is very useful for reassurance you’re on the right track.
Polar Vantage V2
Polar vantage 2 has reliable GPS routing and an optical heart rate sensor for every outdoor activity. You can also use a special feature and run power and performance tests to see your running durability.
It comes in six different designs and customizable colors, and it can operate even at -10°C. The watch is water-resistant and very lightweight.
Garmin Enduro
Garmin Enduro is a multisport smartwatch and one of the most expensive running watches. It offers multiple excellent functions, and you can use it even for indoor training. The watch can also be visible in the sunlight, and you can recharge it with solar energy.
Garmin Enduro is a pretty big but lightweight running watch that can measure your heart rate, respiration rate and estimate sleep quality. It also has a special feature -– a pulse oximeter.
Coros Apex Multisport Watch
Coros Apex Multisport Watch offers a list of sports you can select, and it has two options for runners. You can choose between Outdoor Run and Indoor Run. It also has very accurate heart rate monitoring and GPS performance.
You can also use the in-built compass and track how many calories you’ve lost during the running session. The design is simple and elegant, and it comes in white and black shades.
Garmin Forerunner 45
If you’re searching for quality but cheap running watches, Garmin Forerunner 45 is probably the best money-for-value option. The Garmin 45 has optical heart rate monitoring, fine GPS tracking performance, and some very cool wellness and training features.
The watch can track your sleep quality and daily activity, and you can also use it as a stress detector. The Forerunner 45 is also waterproof, but you won’t find any swimming programs because it’s primarily made for running.
Suunto 7
Suunto 7 has over 70 different sports modes and a feature called heatmaps. You can choose the running program, and the watch will download the most popular and interesting running route near your area.
It has an HR sensor, and you can track when is the right time to train or rest. Suunto 7 has a built-in GPS and optical heart rate monitor, and the battery life of the watch lasts approximately a day and a half.
Conclusion
These running watches have proven to be the best choices in 2021. You can’t go wrong with buying either one of them in 2022. Of course, you could get some new models this year, but it’s unlikely that they will have some ground-breaking features that will make up for their price.
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