How to Buy the Right Running Watch for You

You want to start tracking your miles but with so many running watches out there it's difficult to know which one to choose. Here is everything you need to know about running watches and how to choose the best one for you.

Running watches have evolved from basic fitness trackers to advanced devices packed with features designed to optimise and personalise your training. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, these watches can help you improve your performance and reach your goals. 

• Personalised Training: Running watches track your pace, distance, and heart rate, giving you real-time feedback to tailor your workouts for better results.
• Performance Monitoring: Advanced models offer insights into your progress, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Goal Setting: Set and track specific training targets, whether you’re aiming for a new personal best or just looking to stay active.
• Smartphone Integration: Many running watches can pair with your smartphone, making it easier to access your data and receive smart notifications - so you’ll never miss important texts, calls, or emails while on the move.
• Durability: With longer battery life and the ability to operate in a wider temperature range, running watches are built to withstand both hot and cold conditions, ensuring reliability on every run.

The best running watch for you depends on your training goals and budget. Keep in mind that the most expensive option isn’t always the best fit - focus on the features that match your needs to get the most value from your purchase. 

Fitness trackers are ideal for those seeking simplicity and essential health metrics. They typically offer:

• Basic running data: step count, calories burned, and distance covered.
• Additional features in advanced models: sleep monitoring and basic heart rate tracking.
• Excellent battery life: often lasting 5–14 days on a single charge.
• Lightweight and user-friendly design, making them comfortable for everyday wear.
• Perfect for beginners who want straightforward activity tracking without extra complexity.

GPS running watches are designed for runners who want more detailed and accurate performance data. They include all the features of a fitness tracker, plus:

• Built-in GPS: accurately records your route, pace, cadence, and elevation—ideal for analysing training and running on varied terrain.
• Advanced metrics: track vertical gain, stride length, VO2 max, and recovery time for a deeper understanding of your performance.
• Enhanced accuracy: newer models often support both GPS and GLONASS for improved precision, especially in Europe.
• Durable design: built for endurance sports, with water resistance and long battery life.
• Recommended for runners training for races, tackling longer distances, or running on trails and hills.

Every feature on your running watch is engineered to optimise and personalise your training and racing for your enjoyment so you should always consider what features are important to you. 

Extra features could be:

• Audio and vibration prompts for real time information from smartphone notifications to lap times and heart rate zones
• Online interactivity allowing you to upload and share your data with training apps
• Competitive racing against yourself or virtual partners
• Customisable workouts and training runs
• Recovery time calculation

Running watches can range from £50 to £600+ and while usually, the more you spend the more features you get, not all features will be useful to you and your running.

£0-£100

Running watches within £100 will come with limited features, sometimes without GPS, but can pair with your smartphone for added data. These are usually good lightweight options giving you pace, distance, and calories.

£100-£250

Watches at this level should come with heart-rate monitors, GPS, and built-in accelerometers so you can record accurate data whether you're inside on the treadmill or outside. You'll be able to utilise heart-rate zone training and interval timers for ultimate performance training.

£250+

At the higher price point you start to get the really interesting features from vertical oscillation, to a built-in compass, multi-sport tracking, and real time coaching. Watches at this level will offer VO2 max and even be able to calculate your stress levels.