A dedicated running watch gives you accurate pace, distance and training guidance — without carrying your phone. We logged hundreds of kilometres with the most popular running watches to pick the five best.
Quick Answer
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the best running watch for most runners, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is the best value, and the COROS PACE 3 has the best battery for the money.
- Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 265
- Best Value: Garmin Forerunner 165
- Best Battery Value: COROS PACE 3
- Best for iPhone Runners: Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Best for Training Data: Polar Pacer Pro
Quick Comparison
| Image | Product | Why It Made the Cut | Price |
|
Best Overall
1
 |
Garmin Forerunner 265 |
AMOLED, multi-band GPS, training readiness. |
|
|
Best Value
2
|
Garmin Forerunner 165 |
AMOLED, GPS, suggested workouts, affordable. |
|
|
Best Battery Value
3
 |
COROS PACE 3 |
Ultralight, dual-frequency GPS, huge battery. |
|
|
Best for iPhone Runners
4
 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
Dual-frequency GPS, bright display, full smartwatch. |
|
|
Best for Training Data
5
|
Polar Pacer Pro |
Running power from the wrist, recovery insights. |
1. Garmin Forerunner 265 — Best Overall
Multi-band GPS, a bright AMOLED screen and Garmin’s training readiness and daily suggested workouts make the 265 the sweet spot for serious runners.
Garmin Forerunner 265 Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED |
| GPS | Multi-band |
| Battery | Up to 13 days |
| Music | Music version available |
2. Garmin Forerunner 165 — Best Value
Most of what runners need — accurate GPS, AMOLED, suggested workouts — at a much lower price.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED |
| GPS | Standard |
| Battery | Up to 11 days |
| Music | Music version available |
3. COROS PACE 3 — Best Battery Value
At around 30g with a nylon band, the PACE 3 is barely noticeable, and its battery lasts for weeks of training.
COROS PACE 3 Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Display | Memory-in-pixel |
| GPS | Dual-frequency |
| Battery | Up to 24 days |
| Weight | ≈30 g (nylon) |
4. Apple Watch Ultra 2 — Best for iPhone Runners
A rugged Apple Watch with dual-frequency GPS, running form metrics and a much longer battery than standard Apple Watches.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Display | OLED, very bright |
| GPS | Dual-frequency |
| Battery | Up to 36 hrs |
| Phone | iPhone only |
5. Polar Pacer Pro — Best for Training Data
Polar’s training load and recovery tools are excellent, and it measures running power right from the wrist.
Polar Pacer Pro Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Display | MIP |
| GPS | Standard |
| Battery | Up to 7 days |
| Extras | Running power |
How to Choose a Running Watch
GPS accuracy
Multi-band / dual-frequency GPS performs much better in cities and forests where buildings and trees bounce signals.
Training features
Suggested workouts, training load and recovery advice help you improve without a coach.
Battery vs screen
AMOLED screens look great but use more battery than memory-in-pixel displays.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
How We Picked
Every watch was worn for at least 100 km of running across city streets, trails and track sessions, comparing GPS tracks, pace stability, heart rate against a chest strap and battery drain.
Our Verdict: Garmin Forerunner 265
The Forerunner 265 is the best running watch for most runners. The Forerunner 165 saves money, and the COROS PACE 3 wins on battery and weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a running watch if I have a phone?
A watch gives real-time pace and heart rate at a glance and does not need to be carried.
Is a Garmin better than an Apple Watch for running?
For training data and battery, usually yes. Apple Watch is better as an all-round smartwatch.
What is multi-band GPS?
It uses two satellite frequencies for more accurate tracks near tall buildings and trees.
Run Smarter
Check today’s price on the Garmin Forerunner 265.