A GPS running watch can be one of the most useful things you buy for your training. It won't make you faster on its own, but it makes you smarter: knowing your real pace, distance and heart rate takes the guesswork out of every run.
The good news is that you don't need a top-of-the-line watch. Here's what matters, and the budget-friendly watch lines most runners compare.
Why a GPS Watch Beats Your Phone
Running with your phone works, and it's a fine way to start. A dedicated watch has a few real advantages:
- Convenience: glance at your wrist for pace instead of pulling out a phone or bouncing an armband.
- Battery: running watches are built to last through long runs without draining your phone.
- Training data: heart rate, cadence, pace alerts and workout guidance, depending on the model.
What Features Actually Matter?
- GPS: essential.
- Wrist heart rate: very useful for keeping easy runs easy.
- Pace alerts and workouts: very useful once you train with target paces.
- Cadence: helpful for form work (see What Is Running Cadence?).
- VO2 max estimate and training load: nice to have.
- Music storage: optional.
- Maps and navigation: mainly for trail runners.
- AMOLED display: nice, but it usually costs battery life.
Budget-Friendly Watch Lines to Compare
These are popular running watches people often shortlist on a budget. This isn't a hands-on test or a ranking. Features, battery life and prices change with each model year and with sales, so check the current specs and price with the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.
- Garmin Forerunner 55: an older, simple entry-level Garmin. It's often the lowest-cost way to get GPS, heart rate and suggested workouts.
- Garmin Forerunner 165: Garmin's newer entry-level running watch. It has a brighter display and more training features than the 55.
- Garmin Forerunner 265: a mid-range running watch with more advanced training metrics. Its list price is higher, so it's mostly worth considering when it's on sale.
- Apple Watch: a strong choice if you're already on iPhone and want a smartwatch that also handles running. Dedicated running watches usually offer longer battery life and more running-specific features.
Certified refurbished or previous-generation models can be a good way to save money. Just make sure they come with a warranty.
Using Your Watch with Pace Calculators
A watch is most powerful when it's paired with a target pace plan:
- Use the Race Time Predictor to set a realistic goal from a recent race.
- Get your easy, tempo and interval paces from the Training Pace Calculator.
- Program those paces as alerts or workouts on your watch.
- Run by feel and data, not just one or the other.
FAQ
Do I need a GPS watch, or will my phone work? Your phone works fine to start. Once you're doing structured training with pace zones and long runs, a watch is more convenient.
Is Garmin or Apple Watch better for running? Garmin focuses on running features and battery life. Apple Watch is the better everyday smartwatch if you're on iPhone. Both track runs well.
Should I buy new or refurbished? Refurbished and previous-generation watches can save a good amount of money. Buy from a seller that includes a warranty.
Put your watch data to work: build a pace plan with the Training Pace Calculator.