Top Rated Running Watches of 2025
Running watches have become an essential tool for athletes of all levels, offering a range of features tailored to suit the needs of beginners, recreational runners, intermediate athletes, and even elite competitors. In this article, we delve into the top features and benefits of these versatile devices.
For Beginners and Recreational Runners
For those just starting their running journey, basic GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring are crucial. These features help build a solid training foundation by tracking distance, pace, and effort. Watches like the Coros Pace 2 offer a lightweight design, making them ideal for all-day wear, and boast extended battery life, minimising charging needs for casual users. Devices such as the Garmin Enduro 2 provide up to 34 days of battery life, while the Garmin Forerunner 265 features a clear AMOLED display for enhanced visibility.
For Intermediate to Dedicated Runners
As runners progress, they may require more advanced training features. Watches like the Garmin Forerunner 570 and 265 offer improved accuracy, multisport training sessions, and training advice with features like Garmin Coach and recovery insights. These devices also boast improved display and build quality, with bright AMOLED touchscreens and aluminium frames that increase usability and durability. Furthermore, smartwatch capabilities, such as notifications, phone call handling, and Garmin Pay, provide added convenience during runs.
For Elite and Competitive Runners
Elite athletes demand the highest level of accuracy and performance from their running watches. Devices such as the Garmin Forerunner 970 provide cutting-edge metrics like running economy, step speed loss, race-day tools (split locking), and medical-quality ECG heart rate sensors. These watches also feature built-in offline maps and navigation, as well as durability and enhanced sensors, such as sapphire crystal screens, multi-band GPS, and the latest Elevate Gen 5 sensors. The Garmin Forerunner 965 offers a balance of advanced features and high-performance battery life, suitable for heavy usage.
Additional Benefits Across Models
Across the board, running watches offer long battery life, bright AMOLED displays, multisport and triathlon support, water resistance, smartphone features (calls, payments), accurate multi-band GPS and heart rate sensors, and more. Some watches, like the Coros Pace 2, offer up to 20 days of battery life, while others, like the Garmin Enduro 2, provide an impressive 34 days.
Summary
Choosing the right running watch depends on individual training goals, budget, and desired features. Garmin leads many categories but is not the only brand offering high-quality running watches. Options like Coros and Apple also provide specific advantages. For beginners, durable, lightweight watches with basic GPS, long battery life, and easy-to-use interfaces are most beneficial. Committed runners seek advanced training features, improved displays, and smart functions for focused training. Elite athletes prioritise highly accurate sensors, advanced physiology metrics, full offline maps, and rugged builds for race-day performance and demanding environments.
Whether you're a beginner or an elite athlete, a running watch can significantly improve your performance and help you reach your personal best (PB) goals. Prices vary depending on the desired specifications, with basic models starting under £100, mid-range models costing a few hundred pounds, and high-end models costing £500 or more. A good battery life is an advantage, especially for long-distance runs, and some running watches can even isolate and report on the type of energy your body uses while running. This list features the best running watches for 2025 from top brands.
- The AI-driven Google Assistant can be integrated into some of these running gadgets, such as the Coros Pace 2 and Garmin Forerunner series, adding voice command capabilities for enhanced usability during runs.
- In the realm of wearable technology, Google is increasingly focusing on integrating their services, like Google Pay, into running watches, thus providing a more seamless user experience in partnership with brands like Garmin and Coros.
