For runners, a good fitness tracker is crucial to their performance and should be lightweight, durable, and provide accurate tracking of important metrics like distance, pace, and heart rate. Fitness trackers have become a staple for anyone looking to stay on top of their health and fitness goals, and come in many shapes and sizes.
- Best Overall Tracker for Runners
- Best Overall Tracker for Runners (Alternative)
- Best Value Tracker for Runners
- Best Value Tracker for Runners (Alternative)
- Best Budget Tracker for Runners
- Best Budget Tracker for Runners (Alternative)
- Best for Professional Runners
- Best for Professional Runners (Alternative)
- Crowd Favorite Fitness Tracker
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
When shopping for a fitness tracker for runners, it’s important to consider the type of activities you’ll be doing. Some fitness trackers are better suited for outdoor activities like running, while others are more geared towards indoor workouts like weightlifting. Additionally, features like GPS tracking and waterproofing can be important for runners who like to train in all weather conditions.
Best Fitness Trackers for Runners
We understand the importance of tracking your fitness progress while running. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best fitness trackers for runners. These trackers are designed to help you monitor your heart rate, track your steps, and provide you with valuable insights into your overall health and fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, our list has something for everyone. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best fitness trackers for runners.
Garmin Forerunner 945 – Best Overall Tracker for Runners
If you’re looking for a premium GPS running/triathlon smartwatch with music, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Sync with premium music services to put your songs on your wrist.
- Performance monitoring features include Vo2 Max and training status with adjustments for heat, altitude Acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects.
- Garmin Pay contactless payment solution lets you make convenient payments with your watch.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other fitness trackers.
- May require premium subscription with a third party music provider.
- Some users find the watch face too large.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is packed with features that will appeal to serious athletes. With full color, onboard maps to guide you on your run, you’ll never get lost during a workout. Safety and tracking features include incident detection (during select activities), which sends your real-time location to emergency contacts through your paired compatible smartphone.
The battery life is impressive, with up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, 10 hours in GPS mode with music or up to 60 hours in ultratrac mode. The display resolution is 240 x 240 pixels and the watch weighs only 1.8 ounces.
Overall, if you’re willing to pay for a premium product, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is a great choice for serious athletes who want a high-quality fitness tracker with advanced features.
COROS APEX 2 Pro Outdoor GPS Watch – Best Overall Tracker for Runners (Alternative)
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable fitness tracker for running, the COROS APEX 2 Pro Outdoor GPS Watch is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The sapphire glass screen and titanium alloy bezel make this watch incredibly durable and resistant to scratches.
- With a battery life of up to 30 days of regular use or 75 hours of full GPS tracking, you won’t have to worry about constantly recharging it.
- The advanced training solutions, such as training load trend and recovery timer, make it easy to track your progress and get the most out of your workouts.
Cons
- The watch may be a bit bulky and heavy for some users.
- The touchscreen can be a bit finicky and may require multiple taps to register.
- The watch may not be as intuitive to use as some other fitness trackers on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality fitness tracker that can withstand even the toughest workouts, the COROS APEX 2 Pro Outdoor GPS Watch is definitely worth considering. With its durable design, long battery life, and advanced training solutions, it’s a great choice for runners and other athletes who want to take their workouts to the next level.
The watch also comes equipped with downloadable global landscape and regional topo maps, making it easy to navigate the outdoors and explore new locations. And with its heart rate monitor and sleep tracking capabilities, you can easily keep track of your health and wellness goals.
While the watch may be a bit bulky and heavy for some users, its durability and long battery life more than make up for it. And while the touchscreen can be a bit finicky at times, it’s still a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality fitness tracker for running.
Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker – Best Value Tracker for Runners
If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that can help you monitor your health and fitness goals, the Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Health & Fitness Tracker is a great option.
Pros
- With built-in GPS, you can track your outdoor workouts without needing to bring your phone with you.
- The Daily Readiness Score helps you optimize your workout routine by revealing if you’re ready to exercise or should focus on recovery.
- The 24/7 heart rate tracking and Active Zone Minutes help you track your calorie burn and optimize your workouts.
Cons
- The screen doesn’t always light up when you raise your wrist, which can be frustrating.
- The app isn’t great (on Android) and some of the most liked features require a Premium subscription.
- The Fitbit Charge 5 is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and should not be relied on for any medical purposes.
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a great fitness tracker for runners who want to track their workouts and monitor their health. With built-in GPS, you can track your outdoor workouts without needing to bring your phone with you, and the Daily Readiness Score helps you optimize your workout routine by revealing if you’re ready to exercise or should focus on recovery. Additionally, the 24/7 heart rate tracking and Active Zone Minutes help you track your calorie burn and optimize your workouts.
However, the screen doesn’t always light up when you raise your wrist, which can be frustrating, and the app isn’t great (on Android) and some of the most liked features require a Premium subscription. It’s also important to note that the Fitbit Charge 5 is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition and should not be relied on for any medical purposes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable fitness tracker that can help you monitor your health and fitness goals, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a great option.
Garmin Venu Sq GPS Smartwatch – Best Value Tracker for Runners (Alternative)
If you’re looking for a stylish and feature-packed smartwatch, the Garmin Venu Sq GPS Smartwatch is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With up to 6 days of battery life, you won’t have to worry about constantly charging your watch.
- With more than 20 preloaded sports apps, you can easily find new ways to stay active and track your workouts.
- Garmin Pay contactless payments make it easy to leave your wallet at home and make purchases on the go.
Cons
- The font size on the display can be quite small and difficult to read.
- Some users have reported issues with the watch malfunctioning after getting wet.
- The watch band may cause allergic reactions in some users.
The Garmin Venu Sq GPS Smartwatch is a versatile and reliable fitness tracker that offers a range of features to help you stay healthy and active. Whether you’re into running, cycling, swimming, or yoga, this watch has you covered with preloaded sports apps and customizable workouts. You can also track your heart rate, sleep, stress levels, and more to get a comprehensive picture of your health.
One of the standout features of the Garmin Venu Sq GPS Smartwatch is its long battery life. With up to 6 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 14 hours in GPS mode, you won’t have to worry about constantly charging your watch. This makes it a great option for anyone who wants to use their watch to track their workouts and daily activities without having to worry about running out of battery.
Another great feature of the Garmin Venu Sq GPS Smartwatch is Garmin Pay contactless payments. This feature lets you make purchases on the go without having to carry your wallet or credit cards with you. Simply add your payment information to the watch and you’re ready to go.
While there are many great things about the Garmin Venu Sq GPS Smartwatch, there are also a few downsides to consider. Some users have reported issues with the watch malfunctioning after getting wet, so it may not be the best option if you plan to use it while swimming or in wet conditions. Additionally, the font size on the display can be quite small and difficult to read, which may be a problem for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed fitness tracker, the Garmin Venu Sq GPS Smartwatch is definitely worth considering. With its long battery life, customizable workouts, and Garmin Pay contactless payments, it’s a great option for anyone who wants to stay healthy and active.
Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Activity Tracker – Best Budget Tracker for Runners
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker that can monitor your heart rate, track your workouts, and deliver health intelligence reports, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Activity Tracker may be worth considering.
Pros
- The 40% larger dynamic AMOLED touch screen is easy to read and navigate.
- The magnetic snap charging is convenient and fast.
- The SpO2 sensor and 24-hour active heart monitoring can help you track your health.
Cons
- The sleep tracking feature may not be as accurate as some users would like.
- The English translation of the app may not be perfect.
- The strap may not be as durable as some users would like.
The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Activity Tracker is a great choice for anyone who wants to keep track of their fitness goals without breaking the bank. The 40% larger dynamic AMOLED touch screen is easy to read and navigate, and the magnetic snap charging is convenient and fast. The SpO2 sensor and 24-hour active heart monitoring can help you track your health, and the 30 different sports modes make it easy to monitor your physical activities.
One potential downside of the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Activity Tracker is that the sleep tracking feature may not be as accurate as some users would like. Additionally, the English translation of the app may not be perfect, which could be frustrating for some users. Finally, the strap may not be as durable as some users would like, so you may need to replace it more frequently than you would with other fitness trackers.
Overall, the Xiaomi Mi Band 6 Activity Tracker is a great choice for anyone who wants a budget-friendly fitness tracker that can help them monitor their health and achieve their fitness goals.
Amazfit Bip U Pro Smart Watch – Best Budget Tracker for Runners (Alternative)
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that’s affordable and packed with features, the Amazfit Bip U Pro is a great choice for you.
Pros
- With 60+ sports modes, you can exercise at a higher level.
- The 5 ATM water resistance allows you to wear it while swimming.
- The 1.43’’ large HD color screen and 50 watch faces let you match your personal style.
Cons
- The battery life may not be as long as advertised.
- The Alexa integration can be slow and unresponsive.
- The watch may not be as durable as other fitness trackers.
The Amazfit Bip U Pro is a great option for those who want a smartwatch that can track their fitness and health. With 60+ sports modes, it can help you exercise at a higher level. The 5 ATM water resistance also allows you to wear it while swimming. The 1.43’’ large HD color screen and 50 watch faces let you match your personal style.
However, the battery life may not be as long as advertised, and the Alexa integration can be slow and unresponsive. Additionally, the watch may not be as durable as other fitness trackers. Despite these drawbacks, the Amazfit Bip U Pro is still a great choice for those who want a budget-friendly smartwatch with a lot of features.
Polar Vantage V2 – Best for Professional Runners
If you are looking for a multisport smartwatch with advanced features, then the Polar Vantage V2 might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The watch is lightweight and equipped with advanced wrist-based HR tracking, GPS, and ultra-long battery life.
- The training load and recovery tracking tools help you optimize your training and avoid overtraining.
- You can connect easily with online sports communities for road running, swimming, cycling, cardio, triathlon, and more.
Cons
- The screen might be too small for some users.
- The watch is quite expensive compared to other fitness trackers.
- Some users have reported issues with the Recovery Pro feature.
The Polar Vantage V2 is a premium multisport smartwatch that comes with advanced features such as GPS, HR tracking, and training load and recovery tracking tools. The watch is lightweight and has an aluminum body, which makes it comfortable to wear during workouts.
One of the biggest advantages of the Polar Vantage V2 is its long battery life. The watch can last up to 100 hours in training mode, which means you can use it for several workouts without having to recharge it.
The watch also comes with the Polar Flow app, which allows you to plan and follow up on your workouts, analyze activity progress, and track your sleep. You can also connect easily with online sports communities for road running, swimming, cycling, cardio, triathlon, and more.
However, some users have reported issues with the Recovery Pro feature, which shows false information sometimes. Additionally, the screen might be too small for some users, and the watch is quite expensive compared to other fitness trackers.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-end multisport smartwatch with advanced features, the Polar Vantage V2 might be a good choice for you.
Garmin Fenix 6 Multisport GPS Watch – Best for Professional Runners (Alternative)
If you’re looking for a high-performance GPS watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Garmin Fenix 6 Multisport GPS Watch might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Rugged, sophisticated design with a large, sunlight-readable display
- Enhanced heart rate and Pulse Ox sensors for advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation
- Performance data at your fingertips, including training load balance and running/cycling dynamics
Cons
- Expensive compared to other fitness trackers
- Some users find the watch face to be too bulky
- Not as user-friendly as other fitness trackers on the market
The Garmin Fenix 6 Multisport GPS Watch is a top-of-the-line fitness tracker that offers a range of advanced features for serious athletes. With built-in sensors for a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter, this watch is designed to help you navigate the outdoors with confidence. Plus, it supports multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), making it ideal for use in challenging environments.
In addition to its navigation features, the Fenix 6 also offers enhanced heart rate and Pulse Ox sensors, which can help you monitor your sleep and acclimate to high elevations. You’ll also have access to a range of performance data, including training load balance, training status, and running/cycling dynamics.
While the Fenix 6 is certainly packed with features, it’s important to note that it comes with a higher price tag than many other fitness trackers on the market. Additionally, some users find the watch face to be too bulky for their liking, and the device may not be as user-friendly as other options. However, if you’re looking for a high-performance GPS watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Garmin Fenix 6 Multisport GPS Watch is definitely worth considering.
Apple Watch Series 8 – Crowd Favorite Fitness Tracker
We highly recommend the Apple Watch Series 8 for runners who want a powerful fitness tracker with advanced health features and innovative safety features.
Pros
- The advanced sensors provide deep insights into your health, including temperature sensing for women’s health, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and sleep tracking.
- The enhanced Workout app gives you new ways to train and advanced metrics for more information about your workout performance.
- The innovative safety features, including Crash Detection and Fall Detection, can automatically connect you with emergency services in the event of a severe car crash or a hard fall.
Cons
- The battery life is not as long as some other fitness trackers, and it may need to be charged daily.
- The Apple Watch Series 8 is more expensive than some other fitness trackers on the market.
- It requires an iPhone 8 or later with the latest iOS version to work.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a powerful fitness partner that provides deep insights into your health and advanced metrics for more information about your workout performance. With innovative safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection, you can stay safe while you run. The Always-On Retina display is easy to read, even when your wrist is down, and the watch is tougher than tough, with crack-resistant, IP6X-certified dust-resistant, and swim-proof with WR50 water resistance.
If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that works seamlessly with your Apple devices and services, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the perfect personal device for whatever you love to do. With access to tens of thousands of apps on the App Store right on your wrist, you can stay connected, send a text, make a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, and get notifications on the go.
In summary, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a great investment for runners who want a powerful fitness tracker with advanced health features and innovative safety features. If you’re an Apple user, this watch is simply compatible and works seamlessly with your Apple devices and services.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best fitness tracker for runners, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve outlined some of the most important factors to keep in mind when making your decision.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is an essential feature for runners who want to track their distance, pace, and route. Look for a fitness tracker that has built-in GPS or the ability to connect to your smartphone’s GPS. This will allow you to accurately track your runs and monitor your progress over time.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate monitoring is another important feature to consider. This allows you to track your heart rate during exercise and ensure that you are working out at the right intensity. Look for a fitness tracker that has a built-in heart rate monitor or the ability to connect to an external monitor.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration, especially for runners who like to go on long runs. Look for a fitness tracker with a long battery life that can last for several days or even weeks on a single charge.
Water Resistance
If you plan on running in the rain or sweating heavily during your workouts, you’ll want a fitness tracker that is water-resistant. Look for a tracker that is rated for at least 50 meters of water resistance to ensure that it can withstand your toughest workouts.
Display
The display is another important factor to consider. Look for a fitness tracker with a clear, easy-to-read display that shows all of your key metrics at a glance. Some trackers also have customizable displays, allowing you to choose which metrics are displayed and in what order.
By keeping these key features in mind, you’ll be able to choose the best fitness tracker for your running needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fitbit Charge 5 a good option for runners?
The Fitbit Charge 5 is a popular choice among runners due to its advanced features such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking. It also offers a long battery life and is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor activities. However, some runners may prefer a more specialized fitness tracker for running, such as the Garmin Forerunner series, which offers more detailed running metrics.
Which fitness tracker offers the most accurate distance tracking for running?
The accuracy of distance tracking can vary depending on the fitness tracker. However, the Garmin Forerunner series is known for its high accuracy in distance tracking for running. It uses GPS and GLONASS satellite systems to track distance, making it highly reliable.
What fitness tracker do professional runners recommend?
Professional runners often use specialized fitness trackers designed specifically for their sport. Some popular options include the Polar Vantage V2, the Garmin Forerunner 945, and the Coros Apex Pro. These fitness trackers offer advanced features such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and detailed running metrics, making them ideal for professional runners.