The Best Running Watches
Our Picks
Garmin Forerunner 265
DC Rainmaker's top recommendation for runners. The jump to AMOLED makes the 265 a significant upgrade over the 255, while keeping all the training features that made Garmin the default choice for serious runners.
What we like
- AMOLED display is gorgeous and readable in all conditions
- Training Status, Training Load, and Recovery Time actually work
- Multi-band GPS for accurate tracking in cities and under trees
- 13 days smartwatch battery; 20 hours GPS battery
What we don't
- $450 is expensive for a running-focused watch
- No onboard maps (need Forerunner 965 for that)
- Garmin's ecosystem can feel overwhelming at first
| Display | 1.3" AMOLED |
|---|---|
| GPS Battery | 20 hours (multi-band) |
| Smartwatch Battery | 13 days |
| Weight | 47g |
| Price | $450 |
COROS Pace 3
The watch that's eating into Garmin's market share. At $229, it offers features that rival the Forerunner 265 — multi-band GPS, excellent training metrics, and absurd 38-hour GPS battery life.
What we like
- $229 — half the price of Garmin with similar features
- 38 hours GPS battery life — charge it weekly, not daily
- Accurate multi-band GPS per DC Rainmaker testing
- Training Load, Recovery, and Running Power built-in
What we don't
- COROS app is less polished than Garmin Connect
- Smaller third-party app ecosystem
- MIP display isn't as vibrant as AMOLED (but saves battery)
| Display | 1.2" MIP always-on |
|---|---|
| GPS Battery | 38 hours (multi-band) |
| Smartwatch Battery | 17 days |
| Weight | 39g (nylon) / 30g (silicone) |
| Price | $229 |
Garmin Forerunner 965
When you need onboard maps, longer battery, and every training feature Garmin offers. The choice for ultra runners, triathletes, and data nerds who want everything.
What we like
- Full-color maps for navigation — essential for trail running
- 31 hours GPS battery (42 in SatIQ mode)
- Triathlon mode with automatic sport transitions
- Larger 1.4" AMOLED display
What we don't
- $600 — premium price
- Overkill for road runners and casual use
- Heavier at 53g (vs 47g for 265)
| Display | 1.4" AMOLED |
|---|---|
| GPS Battery | 31 hours |
| Maps | Yes, full color |
| Weight | 53g |
| Price | $600 |
Garmin Forerunner 55
For runners who want Garmin's ecosystem and proven GPS accuracy without the price tag. Basic but reliable — it tracks runs accurately and that's what matters most.
What we like
- $200 — affordable entry to Garmin
- Accurate GPS and heart rate
- 14-day battery life
- Suggested workouts and recovery tracking
What we don't
- No multi-band GPS (less accurate in cities)
- MIP display feels dated
- Missing advanced metrics (Training Status, etc.)
| Display | 1.04" MIP |
|---|---|
| GPS Battery | 20 hours |
| Smartwatch Battery | 14 days |
| Weight | 37g |
| Price | $200 |
How We Researched This
- DC Rainmaker's testing — the definitive source for GPS accuracy comparisons (he runs with 5+ watches simultaneously)
- 5,100+ user reviews from r/running, r/Garmin, r/coros, and running forums
- The5KRunner for alternative perspectives on training metrics
- Long-term durability — button failures, band degradation, software stability
What to Look For
What actually matters
GPS accuracy. Multi-band (dual-frequency) GPS is significantly more accurate in cities, under trees, and in canyons. Worth the upgrade if you run in urban areas.
Battery life for your longest run. If you run ultras, you need 30+ hours. For marathons, 8+ hours is fine. For daily 5Ks, anything works.
Training metrics that match your goals. Casual runners need pace and distance. Serious runners benefit from Training Load, Recovery Time, and VO2 Max estimates. Don't pay for features you won't use.
Wrist heart rate accuracy. Optical HR is good enough for most training. For interval workouts and precise HR zone training, consider a chest strap (any watch can pair with one).
What matters less
Touchscreen. During runs, buttons are actually better — they work with sweaty fingers and gloves. Touchscreen is nice for casual use but not essential.
Music storage. Nice to have, but most runners use their phone or don't need music. Don't pay a premium for it.
Smartwatch features. If you want a smartwatch that runs, get an Apple Watch. If you want a running watch, get a Garmin or COROS. They serve different purposes.
Products We Considered
Polar Pacer Pro: Excellent training features and accurate GPS, but smaller ecosystem than Garmin and harder to find support.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Great for casual runners, but 12-hour GPS battery and closed ecosystem limit serious training use.
Garmin Fenix 7: Overkill for pure runners — the 965 has the same features in a lighter package. Fenix is for multi-sport adventurers.
Suunto Race: Interesting newcomer with AMOLED and offline maps, but less proven than Garmin/COROS. Worth watching.
Our Methodology
GPS accuracy and training metrics reliability are paramount. We defer heavily to DC Rainmaker's comparative testing because no one else runs with multiple watches simultaneously at this scale.