Are Running Watches a Need, Or a Want?
Finding The Right Sports Watch For You
Looking to spend some money on a sports watch, yet have no idea which watch is best for you? Then look no further, as we break down the most popular sport watches currently and which watch is best tailored to your lifestyle and training routine.
Our Sports Watch Shortlist
The Breakdown
The Forerunner 265 is our top choice for a running watch, offering an extensive feature set, up to 15 days of battery life, accurate tracking, and customizable workouts, all at a lower price than Garmin's flagship models.
Packed with features, it includes GPS, sleep tracking, and specialised modes like training status and performance condition, making it ideal for serious athletes. Our tester noted the GPS connected quickly and maintained a steady signal throughout.
While it lacks maps and a smart assistant compared to higher-end models like the Fenix 7 and Enduro 2, its robust features will meet the needs of most users.
HOWEVER, ARE YOU STILL ON THE FENCE AS TO WHICH WATCH IS BEST TAILORED FOR YOUR RUNNING/TRAINING NEEDS?
Read below, to find our broken down pros and cons list for each of the watches mentioned above, as-well as websites benchmarking the price of each watch. So read below so not only do you get the best deal on a watch, but also so that you can make the correct decision whilst avoiding disappointment with YOUR purchase.
Reasons To Buy: |
Reasons To Avoid: |
|
Garmin Forerunner 265 |
+ Bright & Colourful AMOLED Display + Lightweight & Comfortable + Excellent GPS & Battery Life (13 Days - 20 Hours GPS) |
- No Navigation/Smart Assistant - Pricier Than Older Models |
Coros Pace 3 |
+ Up to 24 Days Battery Life (38 Hours - GPS) + Accurate Dual-Frequency GPS + Route Planning and Navigation Features+ Huge Suite of Training Features |
- No Support for Music Streaming Services - All Plastic Design Won't Suit Everyone |
Garmin Fenix 8 |
+ Exceptional Battery Life (62-145 Hours with GPS) + Offline Spotify + Comprehensive Fitness Tracking and Provides a Wide Range of Metrics |
- Complex User Interface (Can be Complicated For New Users - One of the Most Expensive Watches On the Market |
Apple WatchUltra 2 |
+ Arguably The Best Smart Watch Available + Access to Tons of Third Party Apps + Gorgeous Sapphire Glass Touchscreen with a Decent Variety of Workout Recommendations |
- Very Pricey - Battery Life Could be Better (Not Suitable for Everyone) - Only Works with iOS (Android Devices Won't Link) |
Coros Vertix 2 |
+ Compatible with Strava & Third Party Apps + 140 Hours of Battery Life with GPS + Very Accurate GPS (Perfect for Trail Runners) |
- Bulky on the Wrist (Not Ideal for Runners with Smaller Wrists) - Pricey |
Garmin Forerunner 55 |
+ Easy to Read Statistics and Data + Provides Ample Workout Recommendations + Solid Battery Life for Entry Level Runners |
- No On-Board Music Storage/Access & Maps - Screen is Hard to Read When Compared to Pricier Models |
The Final Verdict
Choosing the right sports watch starts with knowing your needs. Whether you're a casual runner, a dedicated athlete, or an outdoor adventurer, the right watch depends on your lifestyle and goals.
The "Golden Rule": Prioritise features that match your activities—battery life, durability, or advanced training tools—and test the watch before committing.
If you purchase a watch that doesn't suit your needs, you could be overpaying for a watch where you don't even maximise it's features. Additionally, you could purchase a watch that doesn't have everything you need, just to find yourself spending more money later down the line.
Watches aren't necessarily a need for most. However, if you are training consistently such as for the upcoming 'Paris Marathon', and need something to track your workouts/data then a watch is an investment you won't regret.
