The top GPS running watches not only record your every step, but also provide a comprehensive perspective of your training and recuperation, as well as the ability to stay connected even when you're not exercising. However, much like selecting the perfect pair of running shoes, figuring out which running watch is ideal for you is no easy task. To maximise the benefits of their runs, many runners only need to keep precise records of their speed, heart rate, route, distance, and timing. On the other hand, more sophisticated versions sometimes come with other functions that might improve your health in different ways.
Consider your budget, your fitness objectives, and your running style when choosing the ideal running watch. Ultramarathoners venturing out into the trails may need a sturdy gadget with offline maps, while beginners may prefer a more affordable option with training tips.
The best running watches of 2025
Garmin Forerunner
Truly one of the best running watches, Garmin is truly THE running watch for both pros and beginners! The Garmin Forerunner 265 is an excellent running watch that includes running in its triathlon training regimen. Just because it's a very incremental upgrade that reuses a lot of features from its predecessors prevented it from achieving the coveted five stars, even if it's just as excellent as the Forerunner 955. Compared to Garmin's other, more expensive offerings, this watch is affordable. It has state-of-the-art biometric and location monitoring capabilities, made possible by multi-band GPS and the most recent Garmin software, and it comes loaded with practical training tools to maximise your performance on the road, in the pool, and on the bike.
Powered by Garmin's most recent model, the Elevate Gen 5, an optical heart rate sensor with skin temperature readouts, precise multi-band GPS, and medically-certified electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities, is housed under the hood. New insights into running economy and step speed loss (the braking impact on each stride) are included in this hardware, which drives a vast array of Garmin applications that cover training, racing, recovery, health, and smartwatch functionality. Other Garmin running watches do not offer these features. You will be impressed by the race-day features that sync your splits with the official race markers and the new running tolerance score, which estimates your maximum weekly mileage.
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Coros Pace
An excellent piece of running equipment, the Coros Pace 3 follows in the footsteps of the Pace 2. Its 32g weight makes it almost imperceptible on the wrist, but it packs a punch with features you'd expect to find in more costly running watches, such as superb accuracy, workout modes designed specifically for runners and triathletes, and the ability to connect with external sensors, such as chest-strap heart rate monitors. An excellent new composite measure, "running fitness", provides you with everything you need to know with only one value. Along with the updated maps, the Coros app now has a route planner that lets you create your own personalised route or search for an existing one and then sync it to your running watch.
Impressive, sophisticated running stats are available on the Pace sports watch. With the most recent version of the Coros app, you can see a lot of stats including running performance, training load, cadence, stride length, elevation, anaerobic endurance, anaerobic power, threshold, and anaerobic power, as well as scores and ranges for these metrics. Strava and Apple Health are among the third-party running applications that are compatible with this. If you aren't currently following a programme, the Pace 3 running watch also includes exercises and a training plan.
Amazfit T-Rex
In theory, Amazfit's affordable running watch should be able to hold its own against high-end trackers like the Garmin Fenix 8. Nearly half the price. It has 177 different sports modes, a 42-hour battery life, dual frequency GPS (which improves accuracy), and offline maps and navigation—all shown on a vivid and striking 1.5-inch touchscreen reminiscent of a wristwatch. Training readiness and recovery readouts, VO2 Max, AI-generated training programs, organised workouts, a virtual pacemaker, and a track running mode are just a few of the many training, fitness, and health smarts available.
The price tag does come with some concessions, too. Some of the tools and insights aren't very detailed or sophisticated, and it's weighty at 70g. While the Garmin's sapphire screen offers superior protection, the Gorilla Glass display isn't as sturdy and has a more distinctive appearance. Still, it's going to be tough to find a watch that gives you more for your money.
Apple Sports Watch
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 sports watch is an excellent choice if you're looking for a top-tier wristwatch that you can wear anywhere, even in extreme environments like the deep sea. It's mostly unchanged from the original Ultra, but this model has Apple's brightest screen to yet, so it's ideal for those days when you're battling glare from the mountainside sun. The frame rate is so fast that testament to Apple's genius. It has the most impressive smartwatch screen that we have personally seen, from a strictly technological perspective. The hands-free Double Tap control is only one of many new capabilities made possible by the S9 SiP chip. With this cutting-edge new gesture, you can do a lot without using your hands, like start workouts, dismiss timers, answer calls, and more.