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Thinking of getting fitter, or buying for a runner? Running watches and fitness trackers are discounted ahead of Christmas, and the right one depends on how serious you are. Here’s how the best deals compare.
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 for most runners: Garmin Forerunner 165.
- Best for training for a race: Garmin Forerunner 265.
- Best new beginner watch: Garmin Forerunner 70.
- Simplest and cheapest Garmin: Garmin Forerunner 55.
- Best budget smartwatch: Huawei Watch Fit 4.
- Track your progress at home: RENPHO smart scale.
Which Garmin should you buy?
| Watch | Best for | Screen | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 55 | Beginners on a budget | Basic, buttons only | Accurate GPS, free Garmin Coach plans |
| Forerunner 70 | New runners | AMOLED touchscreen | Big upgrade on the 55; no payments or music |
| Forerunner 165 | Most runners | AMOLED touchscreen | About 11 days battery as a smartwatch |
| Forerunner 265 | Training for a race | AMOLED touchscreen | Training readiness and HRV status |
TechRadar called the Forerunner 165 a fantastic first running watch with accurate GPS and a beautiful screen. Step up to the Forerunner 265 if you want training readiness and HRV status for race training. The new Forerunner 70 is a big upgrade on the 55 with a sharp AMOLED screen, while the Forerunner 55 is the simple, cheaper option. Still deciding? Read our comparisons: Forerunner 165 vs 265 and Forerunner 55 vs 165.
- 18.9
Garmin Forerunner 265 GPS Running Watch (46mm)
Best for: Serious runnersOne 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 runners
A 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
Budget smartwatch
The Huawei Watch Fit 4 is one of the best cheap smartwatches, according to Tech Advisor, with a slim design, bright screen, dual-band GPS and offline maps. Its app store is limited and iPhone users miss a few 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
Smart scale
The RENPHO smart scale tracks 13 body measurements for unlimited users and syncs with popular fitness apps. Garage Gym Reviews scored it 4.6; body fat readings are estimates, so use it to follow trends rather than exact numbers.
- 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
More ideas: gifts for runners and all Black Friday deals in Ireland.
Sources: TechRadar (Forerunner 165), TechRadar (Forerunner 265), TechRadar (Forerunner 70), TechRadar (Forerunner 55), Tech Advisor (Huawei Watch Fit 4), Garage Gym Reviews (Renpho smart scale).