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Electronics Fitness-trackers

Best Running Watches

Updated July 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Samsung
Galaxy Watch 6
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

A top-seller by Samsung, this watch has tracking features and a lightweight fit that make it the perfect choice for avid runners.

Pros

Responsive smartwatch that tracks steps, burned calories, heart rate and rhythms, distance, and more. Provides sleep coaching. Display is large and easy to see. Watch is made of aluminum that's lightweight and durable. Feels nice on the wrist.

Cons

Some functions may reduce battery life, resulting in the need for more frequent charging than some competitors.

Amazfit Band 7 Fitness & Activity Tracker
Amazfit
Band 7 Fitness & Activity Tracker
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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

You can track steps and all sorts of sports, including swimming, with this smartwatch.

Pros

You'll love the large, 1.47-inch, always-on display that's offered by this fitness tracker. Pair it with your phone and you'll get app integration that includes phone answering and notifications. It includes GPS (via smartphone only) and Alexa integration. You'll get up to 18 days of usage on one charge.

Cons

The blood pressure and heartrate tracking can be finicky.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Fitbit
Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

You'll get tons of features like sleep score, smart wake, and Google Maps integration.

Pros

Whether you want to track your heart rate throughout the day or map out runs using the integrated GPS, this fitness tracker from Fitbit does the job. Pair it with your phone and you can answer calls and see texts while on the go. It is water-resistant and holds up to seven days of charge.

Cons

Some issues with prior Fitbit owners setting up their Charge 6 in the app.

Garmin Venu 3
Garmin
Venu 3
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Sleek & Practical
Bottom Line

This Android watch impressed our tester with its many features and functions, which make it ideal for runners.

Pros

Powered by Android, this watch pairs easily with almost any Android smartphone. Tracks sleep patterns, activities, heart rate, and more. Offers a sporty design and is lightweight with a comfortable fit. More than 30 preloaded apps help you achieve fitness goals.

Cons

Comes with a learning curve to set it up and learn its many functions. Not ideal for those who prefer iOS devices.

Apple Apple Watch Series 9 GPS
Apple
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS
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Ideal for iOS Fans
Bottom Line

The Series 9 is a streamlined watch with functions runners and Apple enthusiasts love.

Pros

Feature-packed Apple Watch that comes at an appealing price. Tracks many activities and can take EKGs. Has a trim design and crisp Retina display. Double-tap function provides an easy way to control the watch. Gets a long battery life with each charge.

Cons

You'll need to keep your iPhone close by for optimal connectivity. Those who prefer Android should check out other watches on our list.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested the Garmin Venu 3 to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.

Click here for testing insights
60
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
28
Hours
Researched
Category cover
Our Top Picks
Samsung
Best of the Best
Samsung
Galaxy Watch 6
Bottom Line
A top-seller by Samsung, this watch has tracking features and a lightweight fit that make it the perfect choice for avid runners.
Shop Now
Amazfit
Best Bang for the Buck
Amazfit
Band 7 Fitness & Activity Tracker
Bottom Line
You can track steps and all sorts of sports, including swimming, with this smartwatch.
Shop Now
Fitbit
Top Pick
Fitbit
Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Bottom Line
You'll get tons of features like sleep score, smart wake, and Google Maps integration.
Shop Now
Garmin
Top Pick
Garmin
Venu 3
Bottom Line
This Android watch impressed our tester with its many features and functions, which make it ideal for runners.
Shop Now
Apple
Top Pick
Apple
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS
Bottom Line
The Series 9 is a streamlined watch with functions runners and Apple enthusiasts love.
Shop Now
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