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Whether they’re training for the Dublin Marathon or just started parkrun, a running watch or fitness tracker is a gift a runner will use every day. Here are well-reviewed options on offer now, from budget trackers to serious training watches.
We haven’t tested these products ourselves. Our picks are based on independent expert reviews (linked below) and the manufacturers’ specifications. Prices change often, so each product links to today’s price.
Quick picks
- Best first running watch: Garmin Forerunner 70.
- Best value classic: Garmin Forerunner 55.
- Best for improving runners: Garmin Forerunner 165.
- Best for serious training: Garmin Forerunner 265.
- Best budget fitness smartwatch: Huawei Watch Fit 4.
- For tracking progress at home: RENPHO smart scale.
Garmin running watches
Garmin is the go-to brand for runners. The new Forerunner 70 is a big upgrade on the Forerunner 55, with a bright AMOLED screen and training tools from pricier models; TechRadar rated it 4 out of 5. The Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 265 add more training insight for runners chasing times. Not sure which? Read our Forerunner 165 vs 265 comparison and Forerunner 55 vs 165 guide.
- 18.9
Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch (46mm)
Best for: Serious runners
One of the best running watches for most people: a gorgeous screen, accurate tracking and smart training tools. It’s pricier than the Forerunner 165, but if you’re training for a race it’s worth the step up.
What we like
- Bright, sharp AMOLED touchscreen plus buttons
- Training readiness and HRV status
- Up to 13 days battery in smartwatch mode
- Accurate GPS
Watch out for
- Costs more than the Forerunner 165
- No maps
See today’s price - 28.8
Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Smartwatch
Best for: New runners
The best first “proper” running watch for most people: a gorgeous screen, accurate GPS and Garmin’s training features at a much lower price than the premium models.
What we like
- Bright AMOLED touchscreen with buttons
- Accurate built-in GPS
- About 11 days battery as a smartwatch
- Adaptive daily workouts and Garmin Coach plans
Watch out for
- No music storage on this version
- Fewer advanced metrics than the Forerunner 265
- Plastic case
See today’s price - 38.4
Garmin Forerunner 70 GPS Running Watch (43mm)
Best for: New runnersA big upgrade over the Forerunner 55, with a sharp AMOLED screen, strong GPS and heart rate tracking and lots of training tools. It lacks payments, music and triathlon modes, but it’s a great first proper running watch.
What we like
- Bright AMOLED touchscreen
- Accurate GPS and heart rate
- Training Readiness and Garmin Coach plans
- Up to 13 days battery
Watch out for
- No payments, music or calls
- No triathlon or open-water modes
- Pricier than the Forerunner 55
See today’s price - 48.1
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
Best for: Beginner runners
A simple, reliable first running watch with accurate GPS, easy buttons and free Garmin Coach plans. The screen is basic compared with the Forerunner 165, but it does the job for less.
What we like
- Accurate GPS
- Easy physical buttons
- Free Garmin Coach training plans
- Incident detection and LiveTrack safety features
Watch out for
- Low-resolution screen, no touchscreen
- No music or maps
- Fewer smart features than newer models
See today’s price
Fitness smartwatch on a budget
The Huawei Watch Fit 4 is a slim, bright smartwatch with GPS and up to 10 days of battery. Tech Advisor called it still one of the best cheap smartwatches, though iPhone users miss some features.
- 18
HUAWEI WATCH FIT 4 Smartwatch (Black)
Best for: Budget fitness smartwatch
Still one of the best cheap smartwatches, with a slim design, a bright AMOLED screen, dual-band GPS and offline maps. The app store is limited and iPhone users miss a few features, but for fitness tracking on a budget it’s a strong pick.
What we like
- Slim, light and comfortable
- Bright AMOLED screen
- Dual-band GPS and offline maps
- Up to 10 days battery
Watch out for
- Limited app store
- Some features missing on iPhone
- Cluttered health app
See today’s price
Tracking progress at home
A smart scale like the RENPHO tracks weight and body composition trends in an app. Body fat readings are estimates, so it’s best for watching trends over time.
- 17.6
RENPHO Smart Body Fat Scale with App (13 Measurements)
Best for: Tracking weight and progress
An affordable smart scale that tracks 13 body measurements, supports unlimited users and syncs with popular fitness apps. Body fat readings are estimates and some users report connection drops, but for tracking trends it’s great value.
What we like
- 13 body measurements
- Unlimited users
- Syncs with major fitness apps
- Batteries included
Watch out for
- Body fat readings are estimates
- Some users report Bluetooth drops
See today’s price
Sources: TechRadar (Garmin Forerunner 70 review), Tech Advisor (Huawei Watch Fit 4 review), Garage Gym Reviews (Renpho Elis 1).