A running watch is a must-have gadget that helps you track your personal performance during your workout. With this device, the runner will be able to monitor his athletic performance, track and analyze values. On the market today you can find a huge number of devices with a different set of functions, design and dimensions. Prices range from $ 25-1000. It is enough for a novice runner to buy a budget watch for running with gps and a heart rate monitor, with their help he will be able to control the heart rate and mileage. But professional athletes will need a more sophisticated gadget with additional functions, for example, training planning, terrain altitude, multisport mode, etc.
What is a running watch for?
A gps running sports watch with heart rate monitor has many functions:
- They are an excellent motivator, as well as a reason not to skip a workout, because running under the control of technique is much more interesting than without it;
- The information that the runner receives with the help of the device allows him to control the body's well-being, its response to stress associated with increased physical activity;
- With the help of the gadget, it is very convenient to track the mileage, the route traveled, you can plan classes. All data can be easily downloaded to a computer and from time to time check how the skill level has improved;
- Running watches with heart rate and pedometer plus other options are great for boosting self-esteem and mood on the treadmill. Just imagine yourself in new cool sneakers, beautiful shape, with wireless headphones in your ears and a cool device on your hand! Very impressive, isn't it?
In this article, we will tell you about the best running watches with gps and heart rate monitor in 2019, we will bring our own TOP5 of the most popular gadgets in different price segments. But first, you should thoroughly figure out how to choose them correctly, what characteristics to pay attention to. Knowledge of simple nuances will save you from an unreasonably expensive purchase, and will also help you choose a device that fully meets your needs. This way the watch will work most efficiently for you.
Especially for you, we have also prepared an article about a running mask. Check it out and make your choice!
What to look for when choosing?
So, you opened an online store, entered a request and ... you were probably confused. Dozens of pages, hundreds of pictures, characteristics, reviews, descriptions - you realized that you don't know at all which running watch to choose. Let's figure out what options are present in modern gadgets today so that you can drop what you don't need.
Pay attention, the more expensive the gadget, the more bells and whistles and chips built into it. We do not recommend choosing a device on the “latest model” or “most expensive” guidelines. Also, do not pay attention to the brand or design first. We advise you to focus on your needs, so you don't overpay the extra money and buy exactly what you need.
If you need an overview of budget watches for running and swimming, you can look for a model in the rating of regular, running, but make sure that it has a sufficient level of water resistance (from IPx7).
So, what options are found in the top fitness running watches in 2019:
- Speed and mileage according to gps - helps control the pace, draws a route on the map;
- Heart rate monitor - sold with or without a chest strap (you need to buy it separately), there are wrist ones (they give an error in comparison with a chest strap);
- Defining heart rate zones - calculate a comfortable heart rate for running exercises;
- Oxygen consumption - a convenient option for monitoring the dynamics of lung function;
- Recovery time - an option for runners who train hard and professionally. She monitors their parameters and calculates when the body is ready for the next workout;
- Calorie counter - for those who are losing weight and those who know how many calories running burns;
- Auto pause - to suspend counting at traffic lights during forced stops;
- Loading workout programs - so as not to forget anything and clearly follow the scheme;
- Multisport mode - an option for athletes who not only run, but also swim, ride a bike, etc.;
- Determination of altitude by gps - an option for runners who train in the mountains, practice uphill running;
- Compatibility with a phone and a computer to transfer data for storage;
- Backlight - the option is important for those who like to go out on the track at night;
- Water resistance - a function for athletes who do not miss classes in the rain, as well as for those who like swimming;
- Charge indicator batteries to make sure the unit doesn't run out in the middle of a run;
- Interface language - some devices do not have a built-in Russian translation of the menu.
For regular running workouts in the park, a simple watch with gps and a heart rate monitor is fine. But professional athletes should choose a more advanced model.
Next, we move on to the ranking of sports watches for running in 2019, take a look at the best and best-selling models.
Running watch rating
- First of all, we will introduce you to the best smart watch for running with a gps tracker - "Garmin Forerunner 735XT", cost $ 450. They track your workout results and save the data by sending it to your computer or smartphone. The information is conveniently viewed in the form of visual graphs and diagrams. The device has enough memory to record 80 hours of activities. The running watch tracks your heart rate, counts steps, allows you to control music, and runs on a single charge up to 40 hours. Users note that the device is very easy to operate. It detects when the runner takes a step or starts running again, and also politely signals that the rest is too long. Of the minuses, we note only the high cost of the device, not every runner can afford a device for $ 450.
- The most accurate heart rate watches are those paired with a chest strap. No matter how convenient wrist models are, they are not as accurate, which means they work with an error. The leader in this section is the Polar V800 running watch, costing $ 500-600. This is the best sports watch for running and swimming with a heart rate monitor, which is not afraid of moisture or dust, with it you can dive into water to a depth of 30 m. The gadget is equipped with an accurate chest strap for measuring heart rate H7. Another plus of the model is the shockproof glass. Also, among the chips - a barometric altimeter, a gps navigator. Operating time from one charge - up to 50 hours. The disadvantage here is the same as in the previous version - the high cost.
- The best smartwatch for cross-country skiing and treadmill, with a pedometer and a wrist heart rate monitor - "Apple Watch Series 2", costs $ 300-700. They are compact, comfortable and accurate, especially in heart rate measurement, which is important since this model does not have a chest strap. Of course, the gadget is able to calculate distance, pace, speed, and counts calories. Another plus - the screen displays notifications that come to the smartphone. By the way, in this device you can swim and dive under water to a depth of 50 m. It is worth mentioning the design - the apple brand, as always, produced a chic, stylish and original gadget. The main disadvantage is that the clock is connected and synchronized only with iPhones, which is not convenient for everyone.
- And now, we will tell you how to choose a running watch in the budget segment and bring our leader in this ranking. Inexpensive devices, as a rule, do not have many built-in options, but the most important thing is gps, heart rate monitor, calorie counter, auto pause, moisture protection, backlight, it should definitely be there. For standard fun runs, rain and snow, day and night, this watch is fine. In our opinion, the best in the segment are Xiaomi Mi Band 2, which costs $ 30. They will perfectly cope with their sports task, in addition, they receive notifications from a smartphone, and also, they are very light. The level of moisture protection is IPx6, which means that you cannot swim in them, but running in heavy rain or briefly immersed in water is easy. Cons: they are not so accurate in calculations (the error is minimal), there are not many options.
- Next, we will help you choose a running watch for triathlon training - the device must have the "multi-mode" option. The best in this segment is the "Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR". Cost - 550 $. They allow you to quickly switch between running, swimming and cycling. The device does not include a chest strap for calculating the heart rate, but it can be purchased separately and connected to the gadget via bluetooth. The set of options includes a compass, the ability to dive to a depth of 100, pedometer, heart rate monitor, calorie counter, multi-mode, navigator. The downside is the high price tag.
- The best fitness tracker (fitness bracelet) we think is the Withings Steel HR gadget, which costs $ 230. The gadget allows you to track your heart rate, distance, count calories burned, you can swim and dive in it to a depth of 50 m. The bracelet is very light and comfortable, it works offline for up to 25 days. The device is synchronized with the smartphone.
And here are several options for cool watches with music and gps - "Apple Watch Nike +", "Tom tom Spark 3 Cardio + Music", "Samsung Gear S3", "Polar M600", "New Balance RunIQ". Pick any - they're all great.
Well, our article has come to an end, now you know what to buy an inexpensive watch for running with gps, how to choose a device for professional training, and how to choose a gadget for a specific type of sports load. Run with pleasure and always keep your finger on the pulse!
