The Best Smartwatches for Running in 2023

1. Apple Watch Series 7

The Apple Watch Series 7 is Apple’s latest eye-catching wrist-based offering. It’s loaded with excellent features that will supercharge your running.

What We Like

This watch features Apple’s recognizable square face, albeit a larger one than ever before. The always-on OLED screen is bright and easy to see, while being very responsive to tapping, which is an improvement over some of the older watch’s lags.

For running, you can customize which metrics you see on your screen, including things like distance, duration, pace, average pace, elevation gain, heart rate, active calories, and total calories burned. The Workout app will also give you audio mile markers and pace.

A useful function is the heart rate sensor, which has a separate ECG app to monitor your heart rate. This is particularly useful for those who may suffer from heart problems but still want to stay active.

You can also choose to subscribe to Apple Fitness+, which offers a wide range of different workout types, new workouts each week, audio-guided workouts, and real-time data.

You’ll get 3 months free when you purchase this watch, and if you wish to continue service, you’ll need to subscribe for $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year.

Other things that are nice to have—and complement running—include a meditation app, the ring activity system, and activity sharing with friends and family who also have Apple watches.

With the new fast-charging pick, your battery will charge 33 percent faster, allowing you up to 18 hours of use per charge depending on your usage.

Of note, if you’re an Android user, you’re either going to have to turn to Apple or find a different smartwatch to buy.

Why We Like It

It’s classic Apple and does everything bigger and better than before. Apple Fitness+ is a handy addition and you can even reply to messages from your watch!

What’s New

The 7 has a marginally larger screen, but it makes a surprisingly substantial difference. While the border on the 6 was 3 mm in size, the 7 features a screen border of just 1.7 mm, increasing the screen space by almost 20 percent.

With this comes larger menu icons and buttons, two optional larger font sizes, and even a full Qwerty keyboard.

The 7 model is slightly heavier than the 6 and sports a case that is 1 mm larger all around. They come in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes.

While the 6 was durable, the 7 has reinforced, more crack-resistant crystal that’s more than 50 percent thicker than the previous version. It’s also dust-resistant—IPX6.

2. Garmin Venu 2 Plus

Those who use Android instead of Apple may appreciate the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, which is fully-featured and has some functions that are actually above the Apple watch!

What We Like

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus features a striking AMOLED display screen and a modern stylish design that comes in a few different finishes. It’s easy to see when you’re on the move.

A heart rate sensor offers 24/7 tracking, blood oxygen levels, respiration rate, and other metrics, as well as a quick Health Check function.

You have both normal running and treadmill running profiles, and the watch supports external sensors like heart rate straps or power meters.

There are some preload interval run settings, or you can create your own in the Garmin Connect app. You can also choose a full training plan from the app for free if you’re working towards a goal.

You will need to wait a few seconds for the GPS to be ready before going for a run. However, the GPS tracking is excellent and highly accurate.

The HIIT and Strength training modes have been updated so you can monitor your cross-training easily as well.

The battery lasts up to 10 days per charge. It does have fast charging, so you can run for an hour in GPS mode on just 10 minutes of charging.

There’s also a Battery Saver mode if you need it, which has a vast list of functions you can turn off to save battery in an emergency situation.

Another good feature is that you can buy a nylon strap for this watch, which means those who have a sensitivity to silicone won’t need to worry. It also makes the watch a few grams lighter.

Then there’s the ability to make and answer calls while you’re running, listen to your music out loud from the watch, and pay through Garmin Pay. Convenient and easy!

Why We Like It

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is loaded with top-notch features and works with any Android smartphone. It has amazing GPS and its convenient features are second-to-none.

What’s New

The updates are minor but significant from the previous version, the Venu 2/2S. The Plus features voice assistant—the first Garmin to do so—and supports Siri, Google Assistant, and Bixby.

It also has a speaker and a microphone built-in for you to take calls through the watch instead of your phone without earphones and to listen to music.

Everything else is aesthetic, with a 3rd customizable button being added to the side, the size slightly changed—43.6 mm—and the weight slightly increased—51 grams.

3. Garmin Lily

Ladies who would like a smartwatch that isn’t bulky or overly sporty will appreciate the fine lines and style of the Garmin Lily.

What We Like

The Garmin Lily looks just like a normal wristwatch and comes in a wide range of pretty colors, like rose gold and purple.

You can choose from the Classic design—which features a leather strap—or the Sport design, which has a silicone band.

But the watch isn’t just pretty. It also includes a number of female-specific functions, like menstrual tracking and pregnancy tracking.

It has a bright, responsive touchscreen that can easily be seen indoors and outdoors. It can display smartphone notifications so you can keep up with work and life on the go. But when you’re not actively busy with it, it shows a static, analog watch face that plays a large part in its classic watch design.

Helpful fitness and running features on the Garmin Lily include outdoor and treadmill running modes, a variety of cross-training modes, sleep and stress tracking, live tracking and incident detection, running shoe wear and tear tracking, and VO2 Max tracking.

You can find a huge range of free workouts built into the watch, with audio cues and video guidance. If you want to train for something specific, there are also running plans.

There’s no internal GPS, payment function, or storage on the watch. But it’s a superb choice for women who want running features, female health tracking, and a lovely classic watch design.

Why We Like It

The Garmin Lily is a pretty, comfortable, and nicely-sized smartwatch that offers a good range of functions—including woman-specific ones—in a sleek and pretty package. It comes in a range of stylish colors and finishes.

4. Coros Pace 2

If you want a watch that will last you for ages no matter how much you do with it, then the COROS Pace 2 will be your new best friend.

What We Like

The battery life of the COROS Pace 2 blows all other watches out of the water. With full use of all the functions, you can get up to 20 days of battery before needing to charge it again.

It’s also one of the lightest watches on the market, especially if you choose to wear it with the nylon band instead of a silicone one.

For runners, the Pace 2 has exceptional GPS tracking abilities that are supported by 3 different satellite positioning systems.

This also works with an auto stride length detection, which means that the watch learns your stride length and if you lose GPS signal, it fills in the gaps for you.

Another excellent running feature is the built-in native running power and Stryd support. It automatically measures your running power and a variety of other metrics like cadence and ground contact time, eliminating the need for an external power meter.

If you already use a Stryd pod, COROS now has full Stryd support so you can get all your important metrics on your wrist.

Auto workout detection is handy, and when you do remember to start it you can choose from a wide variety of modes.

You also have a training plan and calendar feature, and the COROS EvoLab app allows you to plan and share your workouts with others.

This is more of a beginner runner watch though, and serious athletes may find that it doesn’t offer as much functionality as they’d like.

Why We Like It

Considering its excellent GPS and full exercise functionality, the COROS Pace 2 has an exceptional battery life that you don’t find on any other smartwatch.

5. Fitbit Versa 3

If you want to be able to use your smartwatch without having your phone nearby, we recommend the Fitbit Versa 3.

What We Like

The Fitbit Versa 3 is built for complete convenience. Leave your phone at home and go with just your watch, and you’ll be able to do everything you need.

When it comes to running, the built-in GPS will track your route and speed. You don’t need to manually start your run either, as the watch will detect it for you.

If you want to listen to music on the go, the Versa 3 has 2.5 GB of onboard storage.

If your phone is close but you want to do things hands-free, you can set up Alexa and Google Assistant. You can also answer calls on your watch if your phone is close.

You can also set up app notifications from a range of different apps and voice-dictate a reply to text messages. It also includes a Find My Phone feature in case you can’t remember where you put it.

With up to 6 days of battery life on normal usage, you won’t even need to carry a charging cable around with you when you’re out with this watch.

One thing that may be annoying for some users is the few-second introductory screen every time you open something new on the watch. For example, if you click on Exercises, it pulls up a screen with the word “Exercise” on it before entering.

You will also need to pay a subscription fee in order to be able to access premium features on the watch.

Why We Like It

Whether you’re going out for a run or to the gym, you can leave your smartphone at home and you have everything you need on the Fitbit Versa 3. It will sync again when you’re back in range of your phone.

What’s New

The Versa 3 is slightly larger than the 2 and has a slightly higher resolution—336 x 336, as opposed to 330 x 330. It has a slightly more modern shape than the Versa 2 as well.

It also added onboard GPS and breathing exercises built in.

6. Garmin Forerunner 745

Serious athletes who will be alternating between running and other forms of training – like swimming and cycling – will appreciate the Garmin Forerunner 745.

What We Like

Athletes who do more than just run will like the Forerunner 745. It has multiple sport profiles, so triathletes or those who enjoy many sports aren’t restricted in their choices.

It also has event tracking, making it ideal for those who are serious about training and competing.

The rugged, sporty design looks great and surprisingly, the watch is also incredibly light, at just under 2 oz. The bright screen is easy to read in all conditions.

It also automatically uploads your workouts to third party apps and Garmin Connect, so you can view them whenever you like. You can also view past workouts on the watch.

4 GB of onboard space allows you to store music if you want to listen while you’re training or doing an event. You can get up to 6 hours of battery life in GPS mode while playing music.

You can use the barometer to predict weather changes and change up your training plan in advance to make the most of your time and weather.

This is one of the more expensive watches you can buy, and it doesn’t offer much more than the COROS.

Why We Like It

The Forerunner 745 is a full-featured watch that’s ideal for athletes who do triathlon or other forms of cross-training outside of running.

What’s New

The Garmin Forerunner 745 is an update from the 735XT, although it doesn’t have huge differences. Some new features include:

• Running Track Mode
• Daily Workout suggestion
• PacePro and ClimbPro features
• Music storage/playback via Bluetooth headphones
• Contactless payments
• Pulse oximeter
• Stress tracking
• Incident Detection/Safety feature
• Increased battery life

7. Timex Ironman R300

This watch is very affordable, and it offers some handy features for runners that are perfect for beginners or casual runners.

What We Like

The Timex Ironman R300 is a simply designed but surprisingly feature-rich watch. It uses a touch screen that’s convenient and can be disable during workouts so you don’t accidentally swipe it.

There are also 4 buttons around the side of the watch for navigating everywhere you need within the menus. Considering its price, the watch is robust and durable, with a mineral glass screen.

It has excellent GPS, and you can get up to 20 hours of battery on GPS mode. It also has a built-in barometer, allowing you to keep an eye on the weather in advance and make changes to your training plan if necessary.

You can also access guided coaching sessions and activity tracking, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters if you want to swim with it.

They use technology from the Amazfit brand, which is how they manage to be feature-rich and still at a budget price!

It’s not compatible with external heart rate straps and the onboard HR monitoring is not the best. If heart rate monitoring is important to you, this is not a watch you should consider.

Why We Like It

This watch is fantastic value for your money. Runners who want a watch that can track their runs and offer guided coaching will like the features and price of this watch.

8. Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL

Wahoo has made a name for themselves in the triathlon world, so if you’re looking for an exceptional triathlon watch, this is the one we suggest.

What We Like

The Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL is specifically marketed as a multisports watch, which makes it perfect for triathletes.

It has modes for swimming, running, and biking both indoors and outdoors, so no matter where you’re training or competing, you have a specific mode for it.

The optical HR monitor works even while in the water, so you don’t miss a moment of data. There’s also a barometric altimeter, which allows you to track elevation accurately.

It supports both Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors so you can get a well-rounded view of your data. It also supports most external pods and straps, and syncs with 3rd party applications.

Touchless Transition technology allows you to view your data for each leg of the triathlon. The entire watch is very easy to customize to suit you.

It is very user friendly as well! On the comprehensive mobile app, you can make changes to workouts while you’re actively exercising.

The watch can work for up to 24 hours in GPS mode, which is more than enough for even long triathlons.

The watch can take some time to acquire the GPS before you begin an activity, which may be annoying for some.

Why We Like It

This smartwatch is perfect for triathletes, with a multisport mode, waterproofing up to 50 meters, and compatibility with external monitors and 3rd party apps.

9. Garmin Fenix 7 Solar

Solar-powered smartwatches can be a huge advantage if you do things like hiking or trekking outdoors and don’t have access to a charger. Even runners can benefit from this on long runs!

What We Like

The Garmin fenix 7 Solar uses Power Glass to convert sunlight into power that gets stored as battery power. The solar panel has been redesigned to offer the largest possible surface area for better charging.

This watch has been tested according to military standards, and it’s resistant to water, shock, and heat. It also uses both a touchscreen and buttons for the easiest navigation.

Multiple satellite systems offer excellent GPS capabilities, and you can download maps to the device for offline use.

You’ll be able to track almost every metric, including VO2 Max—heat and altitude-adjusted—stamina, and pace along with your regular data.

Race-specific features include a Race Predictor, PacePro to keep you on pace, and an Up Ahead feature to give you insight into what’s ahead on the route.

No matter where you are, you can always charge the watch for a short while in the sun to get more battery life out of it.

The Garmin fenix 7 Solar is an excellent watch. But the screen is not very bright and can be difficult to see in daylight.

Why We Like It

The Garmin fenix 7 Solar offers all the features you need in a smartwatch, including the ability to solar charge to extend your battery life on the go.

What’s New

The fenix 7 series watches are thinner than the previous ones, for better comfort. There are now button guards so they can’t be accidentally pressed.

Some of the software upgrades include downloadable maps—worldwide—a GPS only mode, Map Manager feature, Up Ahead feature for marking distance, a race predictor, and improved solar capabilities.

10. Suunto 9 Peak

The Suunto 9 Peak has received a revamp and lost 5 mm of thickness since the last version! It’s a comfortably thin watch and unobtrusive to wear.

What We Like

This watch weighs just under 2 oz and is only 10.6 mm thick. You can wear it when exercising, working, or sleeping and it’s comfortable and unobtrusive.

As well as having a high level of comfort, the watch is practical as well. The screen is easy to see in all types of light and the watch has multiple intelligent battery modes—Performance, Endurance, Ultra, and Tour—so you can get the most out of a charge.

Snap to Route is a handy feature that lets you load your route ahead of time so that if you lose GPS signal, it can snap back on to it easily when it comes back.

It includes over 80 different sports modes, weather alerts so you can maximize your training time, and metric tracking so you can keep track of progress.

The biggest con is that there’s a large black bezel around the screen that wastes a lot of space, making the screen much smaller than it could be.

Why We Like It

This watch is thin, comfortable, and stylish. It also has great basic features for runners who don’t need too many fancy features.

What’s New

The biggest change is that the watch has lost around 5 mm in thickness, which is significant and makes it more comfortable.

The sensors have been updated for better performance. Also, it now charges much faster—full in an hour—and uses a magnetic charging cable. A barometric altimeter is also new.