Running watch with heart rate monitor and GPS. Rating of sports watches with GPS for running
Running is one of the most popular sports. It is suitable for men and women, helps to lose excess weight and keep fit. In the absence of contraindications, it can be practiced at any age. Everyone who chooses this sport has a common desire - to increase the effectiveness of training. A running watch will help you solve this problem. Both beginners and professionals can buy these at modern models everyone will find the necessary functions.
Everything you need for an effective workout
How to evaluate a runner's training performance? For many athletes, the distance covered is one of the main criteria for evaluation. Modern sports running watches can calculate the distance covered with an accuracy of tenths of a meter. It does not matter whether the lesson takes place in a stadium or in an open area.
Some people are used to assessing success in kilometers, while others – in the number of steps taken. A few years ago, athletes had to use a separate pedometer, but today this function is implemented in watches. The smart gadget will count how many steps the runner took during the workout and save the result for further statistics.
A timer and a stopwatch are two useful options that a running watch should not be without. A timer will help you count down the required time for training. The stopwatch function is indispensable for short distance races.
Special features for demanding users
Those who take their health seriously will benefit from a running watch with a heart rate monitor. Most models allow you to find out your heart rate at any time. Professionals will like gadgets with the function of setting heart rate zones: the device constantly monitors the heartbeat and sounds a sound signal if the athlete leaves the specified zone.
It's no secret that physical activity helps in the fight against excess weight. Many people choose running to lose weight. in this case they will faithful assistant, which will count not only steps, but also “burnt” calories. It's always nice to see the result of your work in numbers, regardless of whether it's been a 15-minute class or a full hour of running. How many calories can you burn with this activity? It all depends on the individual parameters of height, weight and gender; many models provide “smart” calorie counting taking into account these indicators.
GPS navigation is a useful feature that characterizes sports watches today. Running can be carried out either on a strictly defined track or while moving freely around the area. Some devices not only record the route taken, but allow you to instantly share your achievements in in social networks for athletes.
Achieve your goals and set your personal records, and you can purchase the gadget that suits you in the Watchsport store.
Photos of the best running watches
What are the best running watches? You are in the right place at the right time to find out. Whether you're a beginner training for your first marathon or need a watch for a serious challenge, then you have big choice! We've looked at all the running watches on the market - from cheap and simple ones to more expensive and functional options - and bring them to your attention.
When it comes to pure running, the Forerunner 935 takes revenge. While the Fenix 5 Plus is arguably the company's best sports and endurance watch, the Forerunner 935 gives you the full running range. Lightweight, crisp and easy to use, the Forerunner 935 is one of the most sought-after wristwatches.
It is designed to track most types of running, including sessions, and also includes a sensor heart rate from Elevate, running heart rate data, and 24/7 fitness tracking. And what it does with this data is truly impressive. VO2 Max data, training effect ratings from your session, training effectiveness, and recommended rest time are all derived from your heart rate variability readings.
This is, of course, in addition to the standard running data: pace, distance, etc., as well as more complex data. All heart rate zones are available while running, and you can use the ANT+ chest strap if you really need pinpoint accuracy. Garmin optical sensor good enough for training rides medium intensity, but falls during hill sprints and other types of training. It's also compatible with Garmin's Running Dynamics Module, which provides six running dynamics including cadence, ground contact time, stride length and more.
In short, if you're serious about your work, the Forerunner 935 offers the best targeted analytics. Ultra trainers should look at the Fenix 5, while beginners will be much better off with the Forerunner 235.
Best running watch for beginners: Garmin Forerunner 35
But what about runners who just want good GPS watch without data science olympic athlete? The Garmin Forerunner 35 eschews detailed data in favor of running zones, distance and heart rate.
Like the rest of Garmin's lineup, Elevate's heart rate technology is good enough to give you an idea of steady, moderate intensities, but you won't want to use it for high intensity. However, unlike large best hours, you cannot fasten the chest strap.
The design is fairly minimalist, but the LCD screen is ready to go during your workout and is waterproof to 5ATM - so you can wear it in the shower afterwards. There are also basic fitness tracking elements.
Even though its new Polar M200 has given it a $200 price tag, we're still going with the budget Garmin watch as it boasts most of the features you'll need while running.
TomTom Spark 3
TomTom has left the wrist tech game, but good news is that this Wareable team favorite can be had at amazing prices.
Running watches with a heart rate monitor perform different functions: for lazy people they act as a personal motivator, for professionals they help monitor daily performance, and for beginners it is a reason to finally start training. Different gadgets will suit all these people. But how to choose a heart rate monitor for running if there are as many offers on the market as there are cups of water in the ocean? We'll figure out.
Let's discard the unnecessary: 6 main characteristics when choosing a watch
In order for a watch to be useful, you need to choose it not according to the rating of the newest or stylish devices. The emphasis should be on needs. Ask yourself: is this gadget needed for a beginner, who only needs to count mileage and heart rate, or for a professional, when speed, navigation, and training modes are important? A beginner will unnecessarily overpay for an unnecessary set of functions, and a master of his craft will not be able to simply monitor his pulse.
So, here is the algorithm that you should follow when choosing a sports watch for running.
- First, decide on the amount you are willing to allocate to purchase the device. But keep in mind that the cheap option is more suitable for a beginner: it may show results with an error.
- Indicate in what types of training the device will be used. This could be fitness, triathlon or amateur jogging in the morning.
- Decide how often classes will be held: every day or once a week. Consider the time of day: if you run in the evening, it would be more advisable to choose a backlit model.
- Indicate what is more important: measurement accuracy or compactness of the device? Professionals are advised to pay attention to more bulky options with a chest sensor; amateurs will also use a wristband.
- For sports under any conditions, it is better to choose a water- and shock-resistant model.
- Battery life is also important, be sure to read this information, it will be a shame if the battery runs out before the end of the workout.
Additional features that should not be ignored
We've covered the main points, let's move on to additional features that will also help you decide on a running model:
- heart rate monitor;
- alerts;
- stopwatch;
- automatic pause;
- ability to connect a headset;
Now in more detail about each. What is a heart rate monitor? This is a built-in device that counts the number of heartbeats in 1 minute. It is important to monitor the indicator, as it makes it clear how intense the training was. If the value is too high, then this will be a reason to “slow down” - reduce the load, in order to avoid negative consequences.
Research was conducted at Stanford University, and this watch showed the smallest error compared to chest sensors. The smart model measures distance, speed, and running pace.
The distinctive features of the gadget are as follows:
- autonomy – 18 hours;
- they not only measure your pulse, but also work like a smart watch: they show notifications that come to your phone;
- there is GPS and Wi-Fi;
- moisture protection up to 50 m;
- Compatible only with iPhones.
Such a device costs $300-700, depending on the color design and model, there are several variations.
Best triathlon watch
Running plays a key role in triathletes' training, but these athletes need equipment that is also suitable for swimming and cycling. Here best choice will be Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR.
This watch is known for its multi-sport capabilities, so it doesn't get any better than this for triathlons. They do not have a chest heart rate monitor, but this device can be purchased additionally and connected via Bluetooth. Suunto Spartan monitors your heart rate continuously, even while swimming and sleeping.
Among the features:
- GPS and GLONASS navigation systems;
- pedometer, heart rate monitor;
- moisture protection at a depth of up to 100 m;
- digital compass;
- 16 hours of operation without recharging.
The price of the device is $522.
The best watches for fitness
If a person is into fitness and it is important for him to monitor his health, calories burned and mileage, it is worth trying the Withings Steel HR. There is a heart rate monitor and various counters to help you with your workouts. The price of such a watch is $200.
The gadget will not cause any inconvenience during training, the display is very compact, and the watch is stylish and comfortable to wear. Battery life is also a strong point of the Withings Steel HR, as much as 25 days “in one go.” In addition, it is suitable for, moisture protection allows you to immerse the gadget to a depth of up to 50 m.
If a person expects to lead healthy image life, to give the body small loads in different areas, the Withings Steel HR is a winner in the rating of fitness watches.
Great option for beginners
Sometimes a person lacks motivation to start running. Yes, in the evening a grandiose plan is prepared, and the next morning you want to sleep longer, and again all your efforts go down the drain. Polar M400 will help you add motivation and get started.
Smart watch with heart rate monitor Not uncommon in 2017, almost every smartwatch manufacturer has taken care of a heart rate sensor in their device. This is not surprising; the function is really necessary, and sometimes even critically important, especially for athletes and for people with heart disease. Athletes have a unique opportunity to regulate their training, adapting to the appropriate pulse zone depending on the purpose of the training.
Such a huge assortment of smart watches with a heart rate monitor on the market makes the buyer at a loss in choosing, for this, to ease the pain of choice, we have made the TOP 7 smart sports watches with a heart rate sensor.
Herzband Elegance
Editor's rating: 
Average price – $70
Estimated life time: 5 days
Herzband is a brand that is confidently gaining popularity in the CIS, it has gained fame for its ability to measure pressure, or rather, calculate it based on heart rate readings. On this moment these are the best.
Design. They have a classic design, a round dial with a mechanical button on the right, a leather strap complements the classic ambiance.
Functionality and characteristics. The display is monochrome and has a fairly low brightness reserve. The controls are convenient, they can be turned on by turning the wrist, but there is no voice control. Receive notifications from all messenger applications. Tracks all physical activity, like any other fitness tracker. They have a fairly low brightness reserve; in sunny weather it will be difficult to make out anything.
Our editorial testing has shown that The watch's heart rate monitor works properly.
Advantages:
- pressure measurement;
- stylish design
- low price
Flaws:
- low display brightness reserve
- no GPS
Verdict: A good option for those who are looking for a budget option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor that has a classic design and the functionality of a fitness tracker.
Editor's rating:
Average price – $200
Estimated life time: 25 days
Design and interface.Withings Steel HR has a truly “Swiss” watch design; it is only revealed by a small OLED display, which is designed to show all the watch’s notifications. Using a mechanical button, it switches between Withings Steel HR screens, where you can view your heart rate, steps and calories.
Functionality and characteristics. The main advantage of the watch is its record life time, which is 25 days in active mode, an incredible result for a modern smartwatch. To achieve such results, sacrifices had to be made, and this sacrifice was the display, which received a very small size. But it is worth noting that it copes with all its functions perfectly. Due to the bright backlight, all information is clearly perceived even on a small display.
Another interesting feature is the high water protection, which is 5 ATM. This allows the watch to be submerged to a depth of 50 meters. The watch is equipped with a soft silicone strap, which will allow you to dive with the watch in the pool and at sea.
The “brains” of the device are not too far behind the design and amaze with their functionality. So, they can independently determine what type physical activity You are currently studying (paired with a connected smartphone), determining the stages of sleep, but without a smart alarm clock.
The operation of the heart rate monitor in the watch quite accurate, but during intense training the data is distorted.
Advantages:
- record life time
- stylish design
- high degree of protection against water
Flaws:
- inconvenient controls
- no GPS
- inconvenient charging
- The heart rate monitor does not cope with intense workouts
Verdict: An excellent option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor and pedometer for those who appreciate classic style and do not like to charge gadgets.
Editor's rating:
Average price – $150
Estimated life time: 11 days
Xiaomi AmazFit Pace is the first smart watch from the famous Chinese brand, which went on sale quite recently, at the beginning of 2017. They have already gained a lot of fans around the world due to their stylish design and fitness tracker capabilities. In this review, we are interested in precisely these capabilities and, in particular, the operation of the heart rate monitor.
Functionality and characteristics. Xiaomi AmazFit is not just a smart watch with a heart rate monitor, it is also a good GPS-tracker, capable of tracking your movements. This combination of functionality should be appreciated by lovers of jogging in the fresh air. It should be noted here that when GPS is turned on, battery life is reduced from 5 days to one day, and in domestic use the manufacturer promises work up to 11 days, which is a very impressive indicator with such a display.
Another interesting feature of the watch is the presence of memory - 4 GB, where you can store music that you can listen to using a wireless headset.
Among other things, the watch has standard functions for tracking sleep, steps, and calories burned. There is no smart alarm clock, there is only a regular vibration alarm clock. Heart rate monitor operation I was very pleased; a series of comparative tests with chest heart rate monitors did not reveal any serious errors.
Design and interface. Xiaomi AmazFit Pace boasts a rich display where you can easily view basic data; the brightness is adjusted automatically due to the built-in sensor. At the same time, the display has a number of control disadvantages. First, the gadget does not support voice control, and second, to activate the display you need to press the small mechanical button in the upper right corner.
Like any smartwatch, Xiaomi AmazFit Pace can receive notifications from applications. Unfortunately, this area has not been fully developed. Thus, the “Reply” and “View conversation” functions do not function. The interface is presented only in English or Chinese.
Advantages:
- Availability of GPS
- high quality display
- long life time
Flaws:
- inconvenient display activation
- flawed notification software
- no support for Russian language
Verdict: An excellent option for those who prefer a sporty design and do a lot of outdoor activities.
Average price – $375
Estimated shelf life: up to 4 days
Design and interface. The watch was released in two design options, which are noticeably different, but at the same time quite similar. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a brutal version, similar to what we see on the covers of magazines with harsh models. The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a timeless classic design, smaller than its larger sibling and not as shock and shock resistant, while the Frontier version is MIL-810G protected.
One of the main features and the main control feature of this watch is the “bezel”, this is a rotating ring around the watch, with the help of which gadgets are controlled. This solution turned out to be very successful and simplified interaction with the device by an order of magnitude.
The watch uses a standard strap that can be easily unfastened and replaced with yours. The body is made of high quality 316L steel.
Display with the SUPER AMOLED matrix there are no complaints, all data is readable without any problems in any lighting.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch runs on its own Tizen platform, which is noticeably more convenient than Android Wear. There are fewer applications here, but they are quite enough for everyday use.
Like any fitness tracker, the watch can track steps, calories, and sleep. Interesting features include determining the lifting height, as well as the ability to compete with friends in the number of steps. To evaluate all the fitness capabilities of the watch, you need to use the S Health application, which is only available for the Galaxy series from Samsung. Such exclusivity is an undoubted disadvantage of the gadget.
The watch has GPS and Glonass, which can remember your route. Separately, I would like to note that there is a version with LTE, which will allow you to call directly from the watch without a smartphone. A pleasant advantage of the gadget is its long operating time, taking into account the huge number of functions that require battery power.
The third generation of guiaras has significantly improved heart rate measurements, which is why the watch is included in our TOP. The heart rate monitor works correctly even during intense movement.
Advantages:
- display
- Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
- convenient control
- MIL-810G protection in Frontier version
Flaws:
- Samsung's proprietary fitness app is only available for the Galaxy series
Verdict: An ideal option for everyday use at work, in the gym, on vacation, if you also have a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung.
Average price – $350
Estimated shelf life: up to 2 days
Polar is the 2nd company from this TOP, which came not from the world of technology, but from the world of sports watches. And this fact significantly influenced the Polar M600 model in terms of functionality.
Design and interface. The design of the watch is sporty and futuristic, the case is made of plastic, there are metal inserts on the sides, and the strap is made of silicone. The design is not for everyone and will not be to everyone’s taste, plus the device is already quite bulky.
The main control is via the touch screen, there are also two mechanical buttons, on the left there is a “Stop” or “Back” button, below the display there is a button responsible for starting the workout.
Display juicy and bright, but in direct sunlight it is difficult to read data.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch is based on Android Wear, which means that more than 4,000 applications for various purposes will be available to the owner. Fitness capabilities are implemented through Google Fit and a special Polar Flow service, which records all the information about the training performed, and you can also schedule them there. The service is very good and will appeal to many athletes.
Runners and cyclists will appreciate the presence of a full-fledged GPS. Another nice feature of the gadget is that it is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 meters, which is more than enough for a swimming pool.
Due to the 6-LED sensor, the heart rate monitor can compete in accuracy with chest-mounted heart rate meters. During testing, the heart rate monitor did not cause any complaints.
One of the unpleasant features is the short lifespan of the gadget, only 8 hours in training mode and 2 days in normal mode with Android, but with iPhone will only work for a day.
Advantages:
- Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
- proprietary software for sports activities
Flaws:
- design for everyone
- short period of life
Verdict: Good option for professional athletes who need the most functional smartwatch.
Apple Watch Series 2
Average price – $400
Estimated life time: one day
It’s not for nothing that watches from the legendary brand are included in most reviews of smart watches and fitness trackers. Apple Watch Series 2, as a watch with a heart rate monitor, it also did not disappoint.
Design and interface. The design is quite futuristic and not everyone will like it, but at the same time many will find it very attractive. It is presented in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. There are two control buttons on the right side. The number of varieties of straps is amazing in variety; the case itself is presented in the main material options: aluminum, steel, and ceramics. The updated version now has quick access to the necessary applications via a button, which makes control quite convenient.
Display juicy and bright, all data can be read without any problems in any weather. There is an automatic brightness adjustment sensor, the operation of which can be adjusted in the settings.
Functionality and characteristics. Apple Watch Series 2 is a true multifunctional machine among smartwatches, which can do almost everything that a modern smartwatch can provide. Briefly by functions:
- Ability to answer calls and receive messages;
- Tracking the physical activity of the wearer;
- Supports many additional applications from the App Store;
- Measuring calories burned, steps taken, heart rate
- Recording the route traveled using GPS
- Internet access via Wi-Fi
The watch boasts not only the usual Bluetooth and GPS modules, but also a Wi-Fi module that allows you to access the Internet directly from the gadget. The gadget is waterproof, it can be used in the pool, and even a separate functionality has been created for this purpose that tracks strokes.
All the perfection of the watch is killed by its lifetime, which is one day, which is an anti-record for this top, and it’s difficult to find smart watches in 2017 who live so little.
The app for measuring heart rate is very primitive and is suitable only for lovers of an active lifestyle, but not for professionals. But it is worth noting that The heart rate monitor works flawlessly. Moreover, an independent scientific study conducted at Stanford showed the error of the heart rate monitor on an exercise bike is only 2%, which is comparable to the electrocardiogram data; for walking, the figure was slightly higher than 2.5%.
Advantages:
- wide selection of applications
- Availability of GPS and Wi-Fi module
- juicy display
Flaws:
- very short period of life
- high price
Verdict: An excellent option for those iPhone owners who require the widest range of capabilities from a smartwatch.
Estimated life time: 9 days in watch mode, 11 hours in training mode with GPS
The ForeRunner series of watches is designed for running, as clearly evidenced by the name of the same name. The Garmin ForeRunner 235 is one of the best value for money running heart rate watches on the market. This model is suitable for both professionals and amateur runners who need much more than the functionality of a regular fitness tracker, but at the same time need a watch for everyday use.
Design and interface. The ForeRunner 235 is designed in sporty style and they will not go well with a formal suit to emphasize the status of the wearer. But they will fit perfectly into any other wardrobe and not just sports ones.
Display quite large and bright, all notifications and data can be read without any problems, even in the sunniest weather. Control is carried out by 5 mechanical buttons, which is quite convenient in rainy weather. The entire interface is intuitive and does not require much time to understand. Russian language is supported.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch is equipped with GPS and the GLONASS system, which made it possible to introduce a wide range of capabilities; in addition to the classic data on steps, calories and sleep, it offers a number of other options. As they run, they can show an estimated finish time based on their current momentum. Will appreciate training effect from class. They will predict your best result based on data already received. They will give recommendations for post-workout rest. Supports cycling training.
Also, many will find it useful to assess VO2 max to assess the effectiveness of the training process in athletics.
Additional amenities include smart notifications and music control on your smartphone. This is also the only smartwatch with a heart rate monitor suitable for this review.
Heart rate monitor operation does not cause any complaints even with intensive training. It is possible to track heart rate zones.
Advantages:
- Availability of GPS/Glonass
- Windows Phone support
- advanced features for running training
Flaws:
- not suitable for a formal suit
- lack of app store and internal memory
Verdict: An excellent option for those who are engaged in professional running training.
