running watch Suunto Run — I love my Suunto Run watch, especially for navigating trails.

By Marnie Kunz,
NASM-certified trainer, USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach

Choosing a running watch can feel overwhelming - the options are endless, and the tech jargon doesn’t help. After testing dozens of models across NYC runs, upstate trails, and destination races, I’ve put together this no-nonsense guide to help you cut through the noise. A good running watch can elevate your training, tracking everything from pace and mileage to recovery time and even when to swap your shoes. In this post, I’ll break down key features, compare top brands, and share honest insights from my years as a running coach and GPS watch nerd to help you find the best running watch for your goals.

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What Is A GPS Running Watch?

running watch Garmin — Photo by Marques Jackson Photography. The Garmin Forerunner 55 running watch.

A GPS running watch uses GPS coordinates to track your running pace and location so you know the speed and distance of your runs. Many running watches now offer smartwatch features and can link to your text messages and social apps, play music, monitor your heart rate, track your sleep, tell you the weather, and much more. Depending on how many features you want in a running watch, you can pick a more expensive running watch with smartwatch features or you can keep it simple and streamlined with a running watch just for tracking your runs.

Some other running watch features to consider are having a lap function for speed workouts, how quickly and accurately the watch can determine your GPS location and the battery life of your watch. Some watches also offer daily step counting, making them great for people working on weight loss goals.

Top Running Watch Brands

When you set out to find a running watch, the most popular running watch brands that will probably come up include Garmin, Suunto, Nike + Apple, Polar, Fitbit, and Coros. Garmin is one of the oldest and most well-known brands for running watches, while corporate giants Nike and Apple have teamed up to offer their own running watches that sync with the Nike Run Club app. Suunto has popular running watches as well, with excellent battery life and enhanced navigation features that are especially helpful for trail runners. Fitbit has become a common fitness tracker in recent years, while Polar has been in the heart rate monitor business since the 1970s and creates high-tech running watches. Coros watches are known for their long battery life and high functionality.

I currently run with the Suunto Run watch and love it. I also have used the Garmin Forerunner 55 a lot and it works well for coaching and programming workouts.

Within each brand, there will be a range of options, from simpler, more economical choices to more expensive models with smartwatch capabilities. In my case, I wanted a running watch with advanced training stats since I am a running coach, but I did not need a lot of smartwatch functions because I hate being interrupted by text, calls, etc on my runs.

I chose the Garmin Forerunner 55 because it has advanced training and health stats and excellent battery life and is less expensive than many of the advanced Garmin watch models. I am happy with the watch and recommend it as a great mid-level running watch with a lot of health data, including sleep monitoring, heart rate monitoring, step count, lap function for running, and is waterproof enough to run in the rain without issues.

Recently, I also have added the Suunto Run to my lineup as I have been doing more trail running and it has excellent navigation features, including the Breadcrumb feature, which helps you backtrack and follow the same route in case you get lost or disoriented on trails. I also like the Suunto’s user-friendly interface and sleek, modern design that goes well with “normal” clothes for when you want to still track your step count and metrics but look professional.

Running Watch Functions

Some functions to consider for your potential running watch include:

Battery life

How long does the running watch battery last without having to charge? I currently have a Suunto Run and a Garmin Forerunner 55 and have been very impressed with the battery life, especially of the Suunto Run, and it charges super fast (if only my iPhone lasted so long!). If you do ultra running or a lot of running around without access to charging, you will want to make sure you get a running watch with a long battery life.

GPS Accuracy

Not all running watches are created equal, especially when it comes to GPS accuracy. Some models lock onto satellites quickly and track your pace with precision, while others leave you stuck waiting on the sidewalk for a signal. Before you buy, check reviews to see how the watch performs in real-world conditions, especially in areas with tall buildings or tree cover.

Analytics

As a running coach and wellness nerd, I’m all about the data. For me, analytics are a valuable feature. The right watch doesn’t just track your mileage, it can break down your splits, monitor recovery needs, and even suggest when to dial back or ramp up your training intensity.

I use both the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Suunto Run to monitor key wellness stats like sleep, recovery, and stress. These watches provide helpful insights - Garmin will even alert you when your stress levels are elevated and suggest breathing exercises to help reset. These analytics go beyond pace and distance - they help you train smarter, stay balanced, and avoid burnout.

Wi-Fi

If you’re looking for smartwatch features like syncing workouts automatically, receiving app notifications, or downloading software updates without plugging in, Wi-Fi is a useful feature to have.

However, if you just want a straightforward running watch to track pace, distance, and time, Wi-Fi isn’t essential. Many basic models rely on Bluetooth and still offer solid performance without the extra connectivity.

Navigation Abilities

If you like to explore new routes or run on trails, navigation features can be a game-changer. Some running watches offer full-color built-in maps, while others provide breadcrumb-style navigation, turn-by-turn directions, or the ability to follow a preloaded route.

The Suunto Run includes breadcrumb navigation and route guidance, which is especially helpful for trail runners or city runners exploring unfamiliar areas. You can plan a route in the Suunto app and sync it to your watch to follow during your run - no need to constantly check your phone.

If detailed mapping and offline navigation are a top priority, look for models with built-in topographic maps (like some higher-end Garmin watches). But for most runners, a watch like the Suunto Run strikes a great balance by offering simple, reliable route tracking without added bulk or complexity.

Smartwatch Features

Many modern running watches double as smartwatches, offering features like text and call notifications, music controls, weather updates, and even social media alerts. If you like staying connected during your runs - or just want one device that does it all - smartwatch functionality is worth prioritizing.

Watches like the Suunto Run and select Garmin Forerunner models offer varying levels of smartwatch features. While the Suunto Run includes basic notifications and weather updates, Garmin’s mid- to high-end models go further with things like music storage, Garmin Pay, and full app integrations.

If you prefer to unplug on your runs, you might not need these extras. But for those who want more connectivity without carrying a phone in hand, smartwatch capabilities can be a plus.

Cost

Cost is an important factor for most runners. Do you want to invest in an advanced running watch that will last a long time or do you want a budget-friendly option with streamlined features? Do you need a watch that has more than running capabilities or do you want to keep things simple with miles and perhaps step counts? A running watch with smartwatch capabilities will increase the price by up to a couple hundred dollars.

Design

What kind of watch designs appeal to you and how important is the style of the running watch? Choose a model that has an appealing design to you and resist the urge to get something too complicated if you won’t be able to operate it well. Also, resist the urge to go for a watch based on it being a trendy brand. A trendy watch doesn’t mean it’s a good running watch.

best running watch Suunto Run — I use the Suunto Run watch often.

Interface

The running watch interface is key - you want something that’s easy to navigate and suits your preferences. Do you prefer a touchscreen or physical buttons? Will you mostly interact with your watch through its app, or log into the brand’s website to monitor your training data? It's also worth considering which third-party apps (like Strava or TrainingPeaks) you want your watch to sync with.

I use both the Garmin Forerunner 55 and the Suunto Run, and each has a slightly different user experience. The Garmin Connect app pairs seamlessly with my iPhone, and I find it intuitive for checking training load, recovery time, and sleep stats. I also sync it to Strava occasionally, though I mostly keep my data private within Garmin.

The Suunto Run uses the Suunto app, which has a clean, visually appealing interface and makes it easy to plan routes, sync runs, and review analytics. It also syncs with Strava and TrainingPeaks, which is helpful if you're following a structured plan. While Garmin Connect feels a bit more data-heavy, the Suunto app is sleek and more streamlined for everyday use.

Ultimately, the right interface depends on what feels most natural to you—and how deep you want to go into your training data.

Heart Rate Monitor

If you incorporate heart rate training into your routine - or simply want to keep tabs on your effort during runs and your recovery throughout the day - a reliable heart rate monitor is essential. Most modern running watches come equipped with an optical wrist-based heart rate sensor that tracks your pulse continuously without the need for a chest strap.

A good heart rate monitor helps you train smarter by guiding you through different intensity zones, whether you’re doing easy recovery runs, tempo efforts, or high-intensity intervals. It can also provide valuable insights into your resting heart rate, stress levels, and overall cardiovascular health.

The Suunto Run and Garmin Forerunner 55, for example, both offer accurate wrist-based heart rate tracking, though some runners find chest straps more precise for intense workouts. Suunto’s sensor is known for consistency across various activities, and Garmin’s algorithm often pairs heart rate data with other metrics like training load and recovery time for a fuller picture.

If heart rate training is a priority, look for watches that support customizable heart rate zones and provide clear feedback during your runs. Some models even alert you if your heart rate is unusually high or low, helping you avoid overtraining or injury.

Music

If music is a must for your runs, there are many running watches that offer music functionality.

Easy to Use

This is one of the most important because if you don’t know how to use your running watch, you won’t get much out of it. It’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles of modern technology and popular watches, but make sure you also pick a watch that is user-friendly and not hard to figure out. Any running watch will have a learning curve when you first get it, but you should be able to figure out the basic on/off, start, stop functions pretty quickly to get started. Then you can look up more complex features over the first week or two.

For me, the easiest running watch to learn that I’ve been able to use from the start has been the Suunto Run. Its sleek interface and intuitive navigation system is user-friendly even for tech-challenged people like me.

Waterproof

If you run in the rain, or if you are a triathlete and want to measure your swimming, a waterproof running watch is necessary. There are degrees of waterproofness so go with a watch that suits your needs.

Cross-Training Functionality

Speaking of triathletes, you may want a watch that measures your cycling and swimming or other workout activities in addition to running. Look for a sports watch that can track all your activities and then you won’t have to worry about multiple tracking devices or apps.

Where to Buy Your Running Watch

There are many options on where to get your running watch. You can shop online directly on the brand’s website or you can go to a running store and check out the watch selections and perhaps even try on different options. If you want to know what a running watch looks like in person, your local running store is your best bet.

Do you have a running watch you love? Share your faves in the comments. Get more training and fitness tips by following Runstreet on Instagram. Happy running to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer, USATF and RRCA-certified running coach, and the creator of Runstreet. She is a Brooklyn resident, Akita mom, and writer. She enjoys staying active, traveling, art, and exploring NYC.

How To Find the Best Running Watch