Top Running Watches

Running watch, fitness tracker, GPS watch, sports watch, wearable tech. Call it what you want. If you run, it's basically your little control centre. It tells you how far you've gone, how hard you're working, whether that "easy run" was actually easy, and it saves you from doing mental maths at mile three when your brain has turned into porridge.

At Pro:Direct Running we've got loads of them, which is great until you're staring at a wall of models thinking, "Do I need maps, music, solar charging, or just a watch that tells me my pace without throwing a tantrum?" This is the simple breakdown, plus my top 10 picks, so you can choose based on how you actually run.

What is a running watch, really?

At the most basic level, a running watch does two core jobs. It tracks your run with GPS and monitors your heart rate. Those two things together give you pace, distance, effort, and the ability to compare runs over time. That's the foundation. Everything else is an upgrade.

GPS, in plain terms

GPS is how your watch knows where you are and where you've been. It's what gives you distance and pace, and it's what makes exploring new routes feel less like a gamble. Good GPS also matters when you're running in awkward places: tree cover, cities, tight turns, twisty trails. If you've ever finished a run and your phone says you ran through a river, you already get why GPS quality matters.

Why do some running watches cost so much?

Because you're not just paying for "more stats". You're paying for how the watch is built, what it can do when conditions get messy, and how much it can replace your phone. Here's what the price jump usually buys you.

Build quality. Cheaper watches tend to be lighter and simpler. Premium ones are tougher, with better water resistance and more rugged materials.
Interface. Entry models are mostly buttons. Higher-end watches often add touchscreen, brighter displays, and smarter control.
Smart features. On some watches you can take calls, see messages, and generally stay connected. Not essential for everyone, but useful if you're out a lot.
Training depth. More money often unlocks better recovery insights, smarter training tools, and more sport profiles.
Music and navigation. Mid-tier watches tend to add music storage. Premium ones bring proper colour maps, bigger storage, and better navigation.

None of that means you have to spend big. It just means you should know what you're paying for before you do.

How do you choose the right running watch?

I'd start with one question: what kind of runs do you actually do most weeks? If it's a few 5Ks, gym sessions, and the occasional longer run, you don't need an expedition watch built for mountain rescue. If you're doing long trail days, ultras, hikes, or you just hate being lost, maps and battery life stop being "nice-to-haves" very quickly.

Think about what you need right now, and what you're likely to grow into. Most runners level up gradually. Your watch can do the same.

Is it worth paying for a running watch when you've got Strava on your phone?

Strava is brilliant. Your phone is also annoying to carry. A watch gives you that clean, hands-free simplicity. You can glance at your pace, check your effort, and keep moving. Plus, watches tend to give you better heart rate tracking than a phone ever will.

And if you still love Strava, you don't lose it. Most watches sync straight over, so you get the best of both worlds.

Beginner, mid-level, or full adventure?

If you're starting out, keep it simple. You want reliability, GPS, heart rate, and a watch that doesn't make setup feel like assembling IKEA furniture.

If you're running more, training with intent, or you want music and better planning tools, that's where the mid-tier watches shine.

If you're going long, going remote, or you just want the "no excuses" option with maps and monster battery, that's when the top-end models make sense.

Our top picks

Coros Pace 4

Light, low-profile, and properly capable. If you want something that feels almost invisible on the wrist but still covers training and navigation well, this is a very smart pick. 

Garmin Forerunner 70

A user-friendly GPS running watch that delivers accurate fitness racking, training guidance, and everyday smartwatch features in a lightweight, affordable package.

Garmin Forerunner 170

Similar to the 70 but with updates that might make a big difference to some uses, including Garmin pay, and extra tools like a barometer, altimeter, magnetic compass, gyroscope and temperature sensor. 

Garmin Forerunner 570

Better suited to serious runners and athletes focused on improving performance, the Forerunner 570 features improved training metrics and analysis as well as a brighter screen and enhanced build materials.

Suunto Run

A lightweight running watch that delivers accurate GPS tracking, essential training tools, and excellent comfort for daily miles and race preparation.

Coros Apex 4 GPS

A durable outdoor sports watch built for athletes who need maximum battery life, navigation tools, and reliability in challenging environments, its rugged and features advanced navigation features.

Suunto Race 2

A premium performance watch combining advanced training metrics, full mapping, and exceptional battery life for athletes who demand more from their training and racing.