This article compares the leading wearable devices that monitor running metrics, heart rate, GPS tracking, and recovery data to help runners choose the best watch for their training needs.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, having the right fitness tracker on your wrist can make all the difference. The best running watches in 2025 offer precise GPS tracking, advanced heart rate monitoring, comprehensive training insights, and recovery metrics that help you train smarter and perform better. After extensive testing and analysis of user reviews across major retail platforms, we've identified the top 5 fitness trackers and smartwatches that runners are relying on this year.
Price: $749.99 | Battery Life: 15 days (smartwatch mode), 21 hours (GPS mode) | View on Amazon
The Garmin Forerunner 570 takes the crown as our top pick for runners in 2025. This watch combines a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED display with Garmin's most advanced training metrics, making it the perfect companion for serious runners who want professional-grade insights without the bulk of adventure watches.
Key Features:
- Dual-band GPS with multi-frequency satellite tracking for exceptional accuracy
- Elevate Gen5 heart rate sensor delivering precise readings
- Advanced running metrics including VO2 max, training readiness, and race predictions
- Built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands
- Customizable workout views and training plans via Garmin Coach
Testing Experience: In our testing, the Forerunner 570 impressed with its consistently accurate GPS tracking, even in challenging urban environments with tall buildings. The display is remarkably vibrant and easy to read during runs, and the training metrics provide actionable insights without overwhelming you with data. The watch feels lightweight despite its feature-rich design, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
What Buyers Are Saying: Amazon reviewers consistently praise the Forerunner 570's bright screen and accurate tracking. One verified purchaser noted that the watch "performs flawlessly in both city running and trail conditions." Users appreciate how light the watch feels, with several noting they forget they're wearing it. The battery life receives particular acclaim, with buyers reporting that it "easily outlasts Apple watches by days."
Best For: Dedicated runners and triathletes who want premium features, training analysis, and smart functionality in an attractive package.
Price: $799 | Battery Life: 42 hours (up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode) | View on Amazon
For iPhone users who want a full-featured smartwatch that excels at running, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is unmatched. Released in September 2025, it brings significant improvements including satellite messaging, extended battery life, and what Apple claims is "the most accurate GPS in a sports watch."
Key Features:
- Customizable Action button for quick workout starts with Precision Start feature
- Advanced running metrics including vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and stride length
- Training Load feature for monitoring workout intensity and recovery
- Built-in satellite communications for off-grid messaging and emergency SOS
- Hypertension tracking and comprehensive heart health monitoring with ECG
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem and third-party apps like Strava and Nike Run Club
Testing Experience: The Ultra 3's dual-frequency GPS proved remarkably accurate during testing, maintaining precise tracking through dense urban areas and tree-covered trails. The Action button makes starting workouts effortless, and the bright always-on display remains clearly visible even in direct sunlight. While battery life improved to 42 hours, it still falls short of dedicated sports watches when GPS tracking is active continuously.
What Buyers Are Saying: Users rave about the Ultra 3's rugged titanium build and how it combines smartwatch convenience with serious athletic tracking. "Finally an Apple Watch with battery life that gets me through ultra training," writes one marathon runner. The satellite messaging feature receives particular praise from trail runners who venture into remote areas. Some users note the watch is bulkier than standard Apple Watches but appreciate the durability for outdoor activities.
Best For: iPhone users seeking a premium smartwatch with advanced running features, exceptional GPS accuracy, and full smart functionality including cellular connectivity and satellite messaging.
Price: $229 | Battery Life: 24 days (smartwatch mode), 38 hours (GPS mode) | View on Amazon
The COROS Pace 3 delivers incredible value, packing features typically found in watches twice its price into an ultralight 30-gram design. It's become the go-to choice for runners who want serious training tools without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Upgraded optical heart rate monitor with SpO2 measurement
- Exceptional 38-hour GPS battery life and 24-day smartwatch battery
- Digital crown and touchscreen interface for easy navigation
- Music storage allowing phone-free runs with downloaded MP3s
- Comprehensive training analysis through COROS EvoLab platform
- Running fitness predictions and race time estimates
Testing Experience: At just 30 grams with the nylon strap, the Pace 3 is so lightweight you'll forget you're wearing it. The dual-frequency GPS impressed during testing, maintaining accuracy through challenging urban environments and dense forests. The battery life lives up to its claims—easily lasting three weeks with regular GPS-tracked runs. The streamlined interface keeps things simple while still offering advanced metrics for data-focused runners.
What Buyers Are Saying: Amazon reviewers consistently highlight the Pace 3's "amazing battery life" and lightweight comfort. One training runner shared: "I originally considered Garmin, but after researching chose COROS and I COULD NOT be HAPPIER!" Users love the ability to link training plans from apps like Runna directly to the watch for guided workouts. Several reviewers note the watch lacks some premium features like wireless payment and Spotify streaming, but consider it a worthy tradeoff given the exceptional value.
Best For: Budget-conscious runners, beginners, and experienced athletes who prioritize core running features, accuracy, and battery life over smartwatch functionality.
Price: $449.99 | Battery Life: 13 days (smartwatch mode), 20 hours (GPS mode) | View on Amazon
Despite newer models entering the market, the Garmin Forerunner 265 remains a favorite among runners for its perfect balance of features, performance, and value. Its vibrant AMOLED display and comprehensive training metrics make it an excellent choice for runners at all levels.
Key Features:
- Multi-band GPS for accurate tracking in all conditions
- Training Readiness score combining sleep, recovery, and training load
- HRV Status and Training Status for optimized training decisions
- Morning Report providing sleep quality and daily readiness insights
- Advanced running dynamics including power, cadence, and stride length
- Compatible with all major training platforms including Strava and TrainingPeaks
Testing Experience: The 265 struck us as the sweet spot in Garmin's lineup. The AMOLED display is gorgeous and easy to read at a glance during runs. GPS accuracy proved excellent across various terrains, and the heart rate sensor performed admirably during interval workouts. The Training Readiness feature genuinely helped optimize training schedules by indicating when to push hard versus when to take it easy.
What Buyers Are Saying: Users consistently praise the Forerunner 265 as having "more than enough tools for runners and racers" without the premium price of newer models. The Training Readiness feature is frequently mentioned as a game-changer, with one reviewer stating it "helps me decide whether today is a rest day, an easy day, or a day to push myself." The lightweight 46mm design makes it comfortable for all-day wear, and the battery life exceeds expectations with most users charging only once every 10-12 days.
Best For: Runners seeking advanced training metrics and excellent display quality without paying for the absolute latest features or the premium price of flagship models.
Price: $599 | Battery Life: Multiple days (smartwatch mode), excellent GPS longevity | View on Amazon
Polar has long been known for pioneering heart rate technology, and the Vantage M3 represents their most advanced sports watch to date. With its AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS, and comprehensive training tools, it's positioned as a serious competitor to Garmin's flagship offerings.
Key Features:
- Dual-frequency GPS with excellent tracking performance
- First Polar watch with on-wrist mapping and navigation
- Vibrant AMOLED display for excellent readability
- Wrist-ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature sensing
- FuelWise and Hill Splitter features for optimized running
- Training Load Pro and comprehensive recovery insights
- Five physical buttons plus touchscreen interface
Testing Experience: The Vantage M3's GPS performance impressed during testing, maintaining accuracy across open terrain, forested areas, and urban environments. The AMOLED display is stunning, and the five-button layout provides reliable control even in wet conditions. While the Elixir heart rate sensor showed mixed results in our testing, the GPS accuracy and comprehensive workout tracking features more than compensated.
What Buyers Are Saying: Amazon and specialty retailer reviews highlight the M3's "class-leading metrics and insights" for multisport athletes. Users appreciate the robust build quality and excellent battery life. The Polar Flow app receives praise for its detailed training analysis, though some users find it less intuitive than competitor apps. Trail runners particularly value the breadcrumb navigation and offline mapping capabilities. Some reviewers note that while heart rate accuracy is generally good, it occasionally struggles during high-intensity intervals without a chest strap.
Best For: Multisport athletes and runners who want comprehensive training and recovery tools, excellent GPS performance, and a beautiful AMOLED display in a premium package.
When selecting a fitness tracker or smartwatch for running, consider these key factors:
GPS Accuracy: Dual-frequency (multi-band) GPS provides the most accurate tracking, especially in challenging environments like cities with tall buildings or tree-covered trails. All five watches on our list offer excellent GPS performance, with the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Garmin Forerunner 570, and COROS Pace 3 featuring dual-frequency technology.
Battery Life: Consider how often you run and how long your typical workouts last. Ultra-runners and those training for long-distance events should prioritize extended GPS battery life. The COROS Pace 3 leads with 38 hours of GPS tracking, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3's 42-hour battery is a significant improvement for smartwatches but still shorter than dedicated sports watches in GPS mode.
Training Metrics: Think about which metrics matter most to you. Basic runners may only need pace, distance, and heart rate, while serious athletes will benefit from advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and running power. Garmin watches excel in this area with comprehensive training analysis.
Smartwatch Features: Decide whether you want a dedicated sports watch or a smartwatch with excellent fitness tracking. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers full smartphone functionality including apps, calls, and messages, while watches like the COROS Pace 3 focus on core athletic features with minimal distractions.
Comfort and Weight: A watch you'll actually wear makes all the difference. The ultralight COROS Pace 3 at 30 grams is barely noticeable, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3's titanium construction provides durability with reasonable weight. Consider trying watches on if possible to assess comfort for your wrist size.
Budget: Running watches range from around $200 to over $800. The COROS Pace 3 delivers exceptional value at $229, while premium options like the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 command higher prices but offer correspondingly advanced features.
The best running watch for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and ecosystem preferences. The Garmin Forerunner 570 offers the most complete package for serious runners with its combination of advanced metrics, beautiful display, and comprehensive training tools. iPhone users seeking a premium smartwatch with excellent running capabilities should strongly consider the Apple Watch Ultra 3, especially with its new satellite messaging and improved battery life.
For value-conscious runners, the COROS Pace 3 is simply unbeatable, delivering features and performance that rival watches twice its price. The Garmin Forerunner 265 remains an excellent mid-range choice that hasn't been overshadowed by newer models, while the Polar Vantage V3 appeals to multisport athletes who value comprehensive training insights and Polar's renowned approach to heart rate monitoring and recovery tracking.
All five watches on this list represent the cutting edge of running technology in 2025, offering accurate GPS tracking, reliable heart rate monitoring, and insights that help you train smarter and perform better. Whether you're just starting your running journey or chasing personal records, investing in the right fitness tracker will provide the data, motivation, and guidance to reach your goals.
