If you’re here, you’re looking for a running watch so you can perform training sessions or other outdoor activities. They help a great! But, it’s a bit challenging to choose suitable watches.
Don’t worry! You’re in the right place. We’ll help you decide your one. Besides, you must also ask about the types of running watch you need to do a specific job. Most importantly, the running watches to use in different training.
Well! Here, we’ll briefly describe how to choose a running watch and its key features. Our experts will provide a satisfying answer depending on your need and goal. Remember, the one-size-fits-all formula doesn’t work here.
Therefore, our research team spent hours on their applications, features, size, designs, prices, etc., that would meet your needs.
Can’t wait anymore? So, let’s get started right now!
What Is A Running Watch?
A running watch is a fitness tracker designed to facilitate runners, especially for training purposes. Use one if you want to start running or take it to the next level.
In a nutshell, they help you personalize and optimize training performance from beginner to advanced levels.
However, the running watch you’ll choose mainly depends on goals, needs, and budget. Getting an expensive device won’t always help you meet your desired achievement. Though, the manufacturers come with lots of promising ads.
There are some key factors you should look for while getting the best running watch. You’ll also be able to choose a budget outdoor watch when understanding those factors that meet your needs. In addition, you can get precise tracking and reading.
Do You Need A Running Watch?
In fact, No. It isn’t mandatory to have a running watch for carrying out training and outdoor activities. You can yet perform some core functions using tons of running or fitness smartphone apps for free.
However, if you have a good budget to afford one, a running watch will take your journey to the next level. Most importantly, you can plan for training or marathon using once. It will help you a lot to reach your achievement and training goals.
How To Choose a Running Watch?
Let’s look at the specific factors you should consider. The following are the crucial considerations to help you choose the best running watches. Here they’re:
Type of Data
First and foremost, consider the types of data you want to track and record for health and fitness. You must know that most running watches can track accurate tome, pace, and distance coverage statistics. These things make an ideal unit for various running activities.
Besides, knowing your running goals can also help you decide what type of watch to buy. This is important because you could have spent a lot of money on it. Here’re the considerable things:
| Types of Running Watch | Goals |
| Basic-mid level | Tracking time, speed/pace, and distance |
| Heat rate monitors | Heart rate training |
| Mid-level – advanced workouts | Tracking advanced running metrics |
| Multisport | Records different sport data |
Budget & Price
Now, let’s talk a bit about the price range. Once the goals are defined, it’ll be easy to determine what kind of running watches you need. You can purchase a running watch for $100 to $1000 or more than this range, sometimes.
The more features a device has, the more costly it is. There are, however, some units that can’t help you in your training. So, it’s also crucial to know about the price after data that would allow you to choose the best running watch.
We’ve put the simple idea about key features and functionalities within budget:
| Price and Budget | Feature and Functionality |
| Running watch under $100 | Basic or entry-level features GPS watch features (Sometimes)Records pace, race times, and distance Smartphone connectivity Some offer activity tracking |
| $100 – $300 (mid-level) | Ideal for a beginner runner to intermediate runners workoutHeart rate monitoring system (optical heart rate sensor)Basic GPS features AccelerometersWalking/running notification Interval optionsEstimationRelatively longer battery life and so on |
| $300 – over (expensive watches with advanced features) | Suitable for advanced learners in-depth training or multiple sports advanced featuresRunning GPS watch features Multisport activity tracking system (activity tracker)Compass VO2 accurate readings Vertical oscillationReal-time feedback(coaching)Triathlon settings High capacity batteryRecovery times(recovery metrics) |
Battery Backup
What about power backup? Yes. Battery life is also very essential. It’s another vital factor to consider before getting the right smartwatch for runners. They often come with rechargeable lithium-ion battery like smartphones and regular watches.
Therefore, the battery can power up your watch for up to 8-12 hours at a single recharge. So, you’ve plenty of time for training with this much battery capacity. However, this life may vary depending on several factors, including usage, humidity, GPS activation, and room temperature.
Some top brands provide up to 20 hours of running time. The Apple Watch, Fenix 5, and Forerunner 935 are the best.
Other Features
You should also consider these extra features too in your running watch. They would add additional features and personalization to your running activity. Now, they’re must-have smartwatch features for most items.
Here’re they are:
- Waterproof and water-resistant technology protects from sweating and rain. Water resistance facility from swimming under 30 meters of water.
- Touchscreen, though, it’s been a common feature among them
- A virtual competitor facility for a practical training session
- Real-time alerts system from your smartphone (smartphone notifications)
- Customizable workout routine options
- Playing offline music features
- Spotify control support
- Pairing wireless headphones or earphones (Bluetooth hands-free)
- Sleek and lightweight design for running efficiently and comfortably
Summary
A running watch plays a significant role in a runner and athlete’s life, so these few words are not enough to describe. Even then, we tried to make you understand the essential thing before purchasing one. This is why we briefly wrote how to choose a running watch depending on the features, benefits, price, and other considerations.
Now, it’s your turn to choose one from your perspective. The choice should be based on your goals and needs. But, remember one thing! Try not to miss the key features and technologies you need in every situation.