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Best Running Watches of 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 7th, 2024

⌚Running watches have really become the go-to gadget for runners these days, no matter what level you're at. They offer so many features to keep tabs on your performance, check on your health, and even help you find your way. If you're new to running or a marathon veteran, the right watch can make a huge difference. We've dug deep into the details of the top models to bring you the best running watches of 2024. We hope this helps you find just what you need.

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Overall Best: Garmin Forerunner 965

Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray, 010-02809-00

Our top pick for the best running watch of 2024 is the Garmin Forerunner 965. This standout model offers a plethora of features that cater to both casual runners and hardcore marathoners. It boasts exceptional battery life, a stunning AMOLED display, and superior navigation capabilities. The watch is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the watch display to their specific needs. Whether it's tracking your daily health metrics or guiding you through an intense training session, the Forerunner 965 excels. According to our research, users particularly appreciate the detailed insights it provides on training and recovery, making it an invaluable tool for optimizing performance.

Lowest at Amazon

$499.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$499.99 at Abt Electronics & Appliances

More Answers

Still curious about the Garmin Forerunner 965? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Garmin Forerunner 965 screen durable?

The Garmin Forerunner 965's screen appears to be quite durable. From what we've found, Garmin uses sturdy materials for the display, which help protect it against everyday scratches and minor impacts. Although it doesn't have advanced health-tracking features like ECG, its strength lies in fitness tracking and usability, especially outdoors. Garmin watches are really about combining screen visibility with toughness. So, whether you're out in the sun or in dim lighting, the AMOLED display should stay clear and readable. Plus, it's responsive without being fragile. According to our research, the watch's build, including the screen, holds up well for sports and fitness activities, reinforcing Garmin’s reputation for making durable gear. The casing around the screen adds extra protection, making it a good fit for running, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. Of course, if you're pretty tough on your gadgets, adding a screen protector might still be a smart move. But overall, if you're looking for a fitness tracker with a reliable screen, the Forerunner 965 seems to fit the bill. That said, if you're specifically after ECG features, you might want to check out alternatives like the [Apple Watch Series 6](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple%2Bwatch%2Bseries%2B6%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or the [Samsung Galaxy Watch 3](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsamsung%2Bgalaxy%2Bwatch%2B3%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) instead.

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How accurate is the heart rate monitoring on the Garmin Forerunner 965?

So about the heart rate monitoring on the Garmin Forerunner 965—it's generally well-received, though experiences can differ depending on how it's used. ### Heart Rate Monitoring Accuracy This model is geared towards athletes, especially runners and triathletes. From what we've found, it packs in some neat features like training readiness and status insights, which rely on heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, and training loads. These insights give you a good snapshot of your fitness and help determine whether you're ready to crush your next workout or if you need more rest. - **Training Readiness & Status**: With HRV and other metrics, it tells you if you're good to go or if you should probably take it easy. It gives detailed insights into whether you're on track, reaching your peak, or overdoing it. - **Running Dynamics**: The watch also tracks things like cadence and stride length, which is useful if you're looking to tweak your running technique. ### Versatility for Multi-sport Athletes Aside from heart rate monitoring, it has sports profiles for triathlons, duathlons, and swimruns. This versatility is great if you're a triathlete who likes to seamlessly switch things up during events. ### User Perspectives Based on what we found, folks are mostly happy with it, although some mention that the heart rate monitor can be a bit inconsistent during high-intensity workouts or activities with a lot of arm movement. This is a pretty common hiccup with wrist-based monitors, so if precision is key during those intense sessions, you might want to pair it with a chest strap for more accuracy. Overall, the Forerunner 965 offers a lot of features and seems to be a solid pick if you're into serious fitness tracking. But, if super precise heart rate data is a must-have for you, just keep in mind the potential quirks with wrist-based sensors.

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What is the battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 965?

The Garmin Forerunner 965 has pretty solid battery life. According to the manufacturer's info, it can last up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and around 31 hours when you're using GPS, which is great if you're into long training sessions or outdoor adventures. One cool thing about the Forerunner 965 is its GPS feature. It uses multi-band GPS and something called SatIQ technology, which helps in conserving battery by only using power-hungry features when absolutely necessary. Our research suggests these tech features help maintain accurate tracking, even in challenging spots, without quickly draining the battery. From what we've gathered, many folks are happy with how long the watch lasts. Users say it does well throughout long training weeks, so you don't have to keep reaching for the charger. However, a few people mentioned that the battery might drain faster if you’re using the Golf GPS feature a lot. But overall, most seem pretty satisfied with how the battery holds up. Overall, the Forerunner 965 balances all its tech features with a battery life that's dependable. If you're someone who doesn’t want to recharge daily, this might be a good pick for you.

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Runner-up: Garmin Venu 3S

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm French Gray Case and Silicone Band

Earning the runner-up spot is the Garmin Venu 3S, known for its stylish and versatile design. This watch is perfect for beginners, thanks to its easy-to-navigate interface and comprehensive health and fitness features. It features a bright display screen, long-lasting battery, and essential functions like heart rate monitoring, sleep coaching, and personalized energy monitoring. What sets the Venu 3S apart is its integrated microphone, which facilitates voice assistant access and call replies, adding a layer of convenience. Our research found that users love its blend of style and functionality, making it a worthy contender.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$399.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: COROS Apex 2 Pro

COROS APEX 2 Pro Outdoor GPS Watch, 1.3" Sapphire Titanium, 24-Day Battery Life, Dual-Freq GPS, On-Wrist Navigation, Offline Maps, Heart Rate Monitor, Track Sleep, Running, Biking, Climbing-Black

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing functionality, the COROS Apex 2 Pro is a fantastic choice. This watch is particularly suitable for ultra-marathon training, thanks to its lightweight build and durable design. Despite its affordability, it offers impressive battery life and essential GPS and health tracking features. Users have praised its intuitive interface and reliability, noting that it stands up well to demanding conditions. The COROS Apex 2 Pro is ideal for runners seeking high performance at a wallet-friendly price.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$449.00 at Amazon

Best for Ultra Runners: Garmin Enduro 2

Garmin Enduro™ 2 – Ultraperformance Watch, Long-Lasting GPS Battery Life, Solar Charging, Preloaded Maps

The Garmin Enduro 2 is the go-to watch for ultra runners and endurance athletes. This watch stands out for its extraordinary battery life, which can be extended up to 150 hours in GPS mode through solar charging capabilities. It features robust navigation tools and comprehensive training metrics, making it an essential companion for multi-day adventures and extreme running conditions. Users have been impressed by its durability and long battery life, making it a top recommendation for those who push their limits.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$799.98 at Amazon

Best for Apple Users: Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Blue Alpine Loop Large. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Extra-Long Battery Life

For Apple enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers unparalleled integration with the iPhone and a suite of health tracking features. This watch is highly customizable and designed to support a wide range of fitness and lifestyle needs. It includes heart rate and sleep monitoring, along with a sleek design that appeals to those who value aesthetics and functionality. Our research indicates that users appreciate its seamless connectivity with other Apple devices and its comprehensive set of features, making it the premier choice for Apple users.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$798.00 at Amazon

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