Athletes have to think seriously when it comes time to choose a smartwatch with GPS for running. These devices are a great support and helper for runners, tracking distance, pace, heart rate, calories spent and more. But which of them are the best and most suitable?
We have made an overview of running watches — the top 10 best models with descriptions, characteristics and their pros and cons. Most of them have functions, both for tracking running and other sports. With these devices, you can monitor your health, keep statistics, view your physical activity history and monitor sleep quality. All this is a smart sports watch with GPS tracker, which you can choose for yourself in 2020.
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus
Sports watch with heart rate meter and GPS, as well as colored TOPO cards with the function of calculating popular Trendline routes is Garmin Fenix 5X Plus. They are designed specifically for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and the built-in heart rate meter has a pulse oximeter - a special technology to determine blood saturation with oxygen in large loads. Whether you're in the city or on the track, With 5X Plus map and navigation features help you navigate the area and move on the course. 5X Plus provides access to physiological metrics and running dynamics to track training statistics and measure your progress. For additional motivation, you can download advanced workouts and training plans using Garmin Connect. The display here is not a touch screen, but the navigation on the menu is carried out with the help of buttons.
Sport
Watch with GPS navigator Fenix 5X Plus will not only become a reliable partner during the run, but also an indispensable assistant if you are fond of multisport. Special pre-loaded activity profiles in the watch are designed for sports such as:
- Swimming
- Running
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Boating on the kayaks
- And much more
Features and sensors
- Multinetwork navigation GPS, GLONASS and Galileo
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Compas
- Workout history
- Sleep monitoring
- Acclimation Sensor Pulse Ox
- NFC (Garmin Pay)
- Smart notifications
- Music player
Despite the fact that Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is an expensive sports watch for running with a heart rate meter and pedometer, it is endowed with the highest quality properties, offering quality materials and accurate data when doing sports. And this is the most convenient smart-clock with GPS cards, which will appeal to fans of running in unfamiliar and beautiful places.
Garmin Forerunner 935
The premium Garmin Forerunner 935 smart running watch offers advanced features for running and multisport workouts. They are lightweight, only 49g, and comfortable to wear, so you can wear them with pleasure all day. They are compatible with any replacement QuickFit straps. With the built-in barometer, you can measure altitude, and the altimeter and electronic compassion will help you navigate the terrain. An important feature of these smartwatches for runners is to assess the training status to determine the level of an active load so that the athlete does not get overtired.
Biomechanical measurements such as cadence, pitch length, basic contact time and equilibrium, vertical oscillations and vertical ratio are key to understanding the shape of the runner. In this regard, we have identified Garmin in our rating of sports watches with GPS and heart rate meter.
- Indoor Running
- Outdoor Running
- Cycling
- Indoor Cycling
- Swimming (Pool and Outdoor)
- Ski
- Rowing
- Hike
- Strength Training
- Triathlon
Features and Sensors
- Alarm Clock
- Timer
- Stopwatch
- Barometric Altimeter
- Compas
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Thermometer
- GPS
- GLONAS
- Heart Rate Sensor
- Phone Notifications
- Control Smartphone Camera
- Function security and tracking LiveTrack
The Forerunner 935 Sports Running Watch helps you control workouts and recovery so that the runner can better prepare for the race or training cycle. Training status is a new performance monitoring tool that automatically evaluates recent training history and performance indicators so that the athlete knows whether it is productive to train, whether it has reached the maximum or exceeded the limit.
Samsung Galaxy Watch
If you need a relatively inexpensive watch to run with GPS, Amazfit Bip is more suitable for you. But if you are a solid person who combines style and sport, Samsung Galaxy Watch Black is your option. Despite the fact that the device has a classic design, here you will find many features not only for everyday use but also for sports. During the run you will be provided with all the important information: from the number of steps and distance to the level of pulse and the average pace of running.
After training, you can check all collected data directly on your wrist, including the route traveled, heart rate, climb, distance and number of active minutes. Autopause is a very convenient way to pause for a while to breathe, and the ability to control the display with a bezel is just a godsend for those who like to run winter frosty in the morning or who sweat their fingers while doing sports.
The Galaxy GPS Phone gives you the ability to answer and receive phone calls by connecting to your smartphone. Now you don't need to get it out of your backpack or pocket while you're running. All important calendar events, alerts, and notifications are on your hand.
Sport
- Running
- Treadmill
- Walking
- Cycling
- Bike Exercise
- Power Exercise
- Swimming
- Stadium Training
- Other Exercise
- Sleep (Phase)
Features and sensors
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Barometer
- Pulseometer
- Ambient light sensor
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- NFC (Samsung Pay)
- A-GPS/Glonass
- 4GB built-in memory
- Storage and music playback
- Can be used in Swimming Pool
- Calendar
- Reminders
- Alarm Clock
- Running Workout Adding
- Widgets Supports
- Third-Party Applications
- Change Dial
- Emergency SOS Call
- Voice Tips
- Answering Incoming Call
- View photos and images
- Messaging
- View incoming notifications
But it's more like a men's watch for running. The female model also exists under the name Galaxy Watch Rose Gold, it is available in pink gold color and has a size of 42 mm.
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT running clock is the best multi-sport device. They are designed for athletes who need a load during the running and accurate training data collected. Reduced form Factor and comfortable strap allow you to wear the device all day long. By automatically uploading data to Garmin Connect, you can share your victories and statistics on social networks. A feature of this sports watch is the control of buttons. For some, it will seem uncomfortable, but due to the fact that during training often sweat fingers, the use of the clock becomes more convenient without interaction with the touch screen.
Sport
Running watch with GPS Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a great companion who will accurately show steps, calories burned, traveled, activity time, speed, heart rate zones and much more.
Also 735XT recognizes sports such as:
- Running indoors and outdoors
- Cycling (indoors and outdoors)
- Swimming (indoors and outdoors)
- Skiing and cross country skiing
- Rowing
- Hiking
- Power Training
- Triathlon
In our opinion, Garmin is the best watch for running, as it knows how to recognize types of sports training, as well as to detect pulse zones, warning of an heartbeat too high.
Features and sensors
- GPS/GLONAS
- Heart rate sensor Garmin Elevate
- Compas
- Accelerometer
- ANT
- Weather
- Control Smartphone Music
- Calendar
- Change dials
- V02 Max
- GPS coordinates
- Ability swimming pool and open water use
- LiveTrack security and tracking function
Thanks to daily activity monitoring that tracks steps, calories and sleep this sports watch with GPS will become your partner in recovery. And smart notifications, automatic download to Garmin Connect and real-time tracking make the 735XT the perfect smart watch for runners.
Apple Watch Series 4
Apple Watch Series 4 is a versatile smart watch for running, everyday use and just for style. This is a modernized fourth generation model with a larger display, improved speaker and innovative heart rate sensor with ECG readability. Although the latter feature along with LTE in our country does not work. But already today, this smart watch is the best in the wearable device market, offering a range of accurate sensors for tracking physical activity. Beautiful appearance, changing straps, suitable body size (40 mm and 44 mm) with the choice of its color and material give the watch versatility and individuality.
Sport
Smart-watch provides metrics to track health and fitness:
- UV index
- Calories
- Walking Distance
- Pulse
- Number of steps
- Workout time
- Physical activity
Features and sensors
- Wi-Fi Module
- Positioning with GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS
- Bluetooth Interface
- Optical Heart Rate Sensor
- Electric Heart Rate Sensor
- Water Protection 5ATM
- Music Player
- Smart Notifications
- Accelerometer
- External Light Sensor
- Gyroscope
- NFC (Apple Pay)
This is perhaps the best watch with gps tracker, offering beautiful appearance, slim form factor, light weight and the most advanced technology.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
When the choice of sports watches stops on a device with an elegant design, it is also the right decision. Galaxy Watch Active from Samsung offers a super slim and lightweight case, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Appearance changed due to the absence of the company's patented rotating bezel, which facilitated interaction with the display.
Watch with heart rate meter, and GPS Active is suitable for athletes who like to run because thanks to the comfortable fit on the arm and lightweight they hardly feel during training, and the durable glass Corning Gorilla Glass will protect against accidental shocks. You will be able to see the data statistics during active activities and then view it in the Samsung Health Running app automatically, and you don't need to look for a special section before running or widget to start the workout.
Also, thanks to GPS, you will be able to track your route. Under direct sunlight, the information is visible well, which is very important for runners who train in the daytime on the street.
Sport
In addition to running with the Galaxy Watch Active fitness watch, you can also engage in activities such as:
- Running on a treadmill
- Walking
- Hiking
- Cycling (indoors and outdoors)
- Swimming in the pool and outdoor
- Circular training
- Power training
- Stretching
- Yoga
- And More
The screens are customizable to help you see the most important data, such as target, distance, speed, pace, or calories burned during sports.
Features and sensors
- Continuous Heart Rate Reading
- GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo
- NFC (Samsung Pay)
- Water Resistance 5ATM + IP68/MIL-STD-810G
- 4GB of internal memory for music storage
- Sleep tracking
- Rewards and motivation
- User feedback
- Stress tracking function
- Accelerometer
- Barometer
- Gyroscope
- Heart rate Sensor
- Light Sensor
Watch with GPS tracker for sports Galaxy Watch Active is a reliable fitness companion who actively provides advice to keep you motivated, achieve your goals and set new challenges for support your healthy lifestyle.
SUUNTO 3 Fitness
The Suunto 3 Fitness running watch features a built-in personal training plan to help improve overall fitness. By focusing on the current heart rate level, your physical fitness level, and your overall training history, the watch automatically creates an individual plan for the week, which details that I need to do it. If you have to miss a Saturday run, Suunto will adopt this plan accordingly. You can choose from different color straps and several variants of case color, so you can choose this watch according to your preferences. Both women and men's models are available for sale.
Sport
Suunto 3 Fitness features built-in modes for tracking sports such as:
- Running
- Swimming
- Bike
- Workout in the Gym
- Much More
While running, you will be able to see information on the watch screen, which includes speed, pace and distance values calculated with the accelerometer. Any of your activity will display data about the number of steps and calories burned. In addition, sleep quality monitoring and fitness level indicator influence adaptive training recommendations.
Features and sensors
- Pulseometer
- Accelerometer
- Pedometer
- Water Resistance Up to 30m
- GPS
- Alarm Clock
- Stopwatch
- Timer
- Countdown Timer
- Customizable Dials
- Phone Notifications
As a beautifully designed personal training companion and an elegant swim and jogging watch, Suunto 3 Fitness provides a personalised, level-based training guide physical fitness and adapt to the training rhythms, inspiring you to keep moving.
FitBit Versa
Fitbit Versa is a super light smart running watch with more than 15 training modes. They come in 5 beautiful colors and slim comfortable design. 5ATM water resistance allows you to swim without removing the device from your hand.
By connecting Versa to your smartphone's GPS, you can get more accurate data about the pace and duration of running. In addition, the watch monitors physical activity throughout the day and provides more than 4 days of battery life. During running, the device accurately detects when you have paused for a short break. In addition to the automatic recognition of training and recording of all received parameters during sports, it is possible to monitor women's health. You can record and track periods, cycles and ovulation.
Sport
- Running
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Tennis
- Other Workouts
Features and sensors
- Sleep Phase Detection
- Notifications about calls, calendar events and texts
- 15 training modes
- Storage and playback of more than 300 music tracks
- Bluetooth
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Altimeter
- Sensor light
- Pulse meter with heart rate measurement 24/7
Fitbit app provides all the information about the amount of drinking water and training, it is possible to set goals and track all your progress.
Amazfit Bip
Amazfit Bip is the best running clock with GPS and heart rate meter at a low price. They are developed by a subsidiary of Huami from Xiaomi and have a transflective display, so on a single charge, the device can last from 30 to 45 days. Square screen - touch and color, and covered with protective glass 2,5D Corning Gorilla 3. Bip comes in 4 bright color options and allows you to receive emails, text messages, calls and alerts applications that you can see on the display of your device.
The watch offers to track your running through routes, detailed statistics, and heart rate zones. Always turned on the screen provides quick viewing of time, date, steps, weather, sports indicators, receive notifications and much more. In addition to running mode, each other sports tracking mode provides detailed statistics and GPS maps for such information:
- Time
- Speed
- Pitch length
- Pitch length
- Heart rate zone
- Height
- Burned Calories
- Much more, depending on the mode selected
When you sleep, Amazfit Bip provides detailed sleep monitoring, providing data on duration, deep sleep and light sleep phases, asa well as wakefulness time.
Sport
- Street Running
- Treadmill
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Additional Sports Modes
Features and sensors
- Weather Forecast
- Alarm Clocks
- Timer
- Compas
- Daily Status Review
- GPS+GLONASSS
- Bluetooth
- 3-Axis Accelerometer
- Optical Heart Rate Sensor
- Barometer
The smart watch with the Xiaomi Amazfit Bip GPS is the perfect helper in everyday life to keep you informed of your health and be active.
Polar M430
Polar M430 is a powerful tool for purposeful runners that guarantees reliable heart rate tracking, improved GPS, sleep tracking and smartphone notifications. Polar's running watch does not have a color touch display but is ideal for running, providing accurate data about pace, distance, speed, and pitch frequency.
There are also:
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Full daily activity monitoring
- Advanced sleep monitoring
- Fitness tests
- Recovery recommendations
Sports running watch with GPS is designed for beginners who want to compete for overall physical shape, as well as professionals who aim to master any marathon. Polar M430 is able to work with the breaststrap for more accurate heartbeat readings, as well as improved indoor activity tracking capabilities, so running runners track can easily record statistics.
- Indoor Running
- Outdoor Running
- Different Running Modes
- Steps
- Calorie Burning
- Active Time
- Sleep
- Swimming
- Bike
Features and sensors
- GPS
- Accelerometer
- Learning Plan
- Recovery Program
- Calorie Rating
- VO2 Max
- Heart Rate Sensor with 6 LEDs
Whether you're a real runner or training for a marathon, the Polar M430 is the best watch for running with GPS. They have a comfortable breathable bracelet, their screen is easy to read under the sun and you get statistics useful for runners such as heart rate, number of steps, distance, average pace and speed.
Conclusion
Whether you're a runner or an experienced marathon runner, a decent smartwatch with GPS navigator is a great way to increase your results.
SmartWatch has gradually become mainstream: popular and world-famous companies produce every year magnificent running watches covering all levels of athletes. And no matter where you want to buy them: at Amazon.com or in the official store - the main thing is that they will help you to follow your physical form and become a motivator, as well as an indispensable assistant and companion during your running.
We hope that our running watch collection will help you make your choice. Write in the comments which ones you would like to purchase and why.