I like to be able to program my workouts into the watch. My Garmin 645 works great for this making interval and fartlek workouts much easier to keep organized.
Implement BT connection to Zwift for indoor/treadmill with improved cadence and stride length, so I don't have to keep putting on and taking off the foot pods.
If I have to pick the one must have feature, it's being able to easily see my current pace for this km at a glance when I've not got my glasses on! Then it's GPS, music, voice notifications for the last km and being able to ring next door when I worry I've not shut the door properly. 😁
I bought my Forerunner 235 2 years ago and never regretted it. Does all my runs/ cycling, sleep monitoring. Great app as well on my phone since it all straight into Strava. Gives great amount of data on you’re runs.
I love my Garmin 235. I bring my Huawei android along with the Garmin app and I can listen to tunes and the Garmin app calls out my laps, zones etc, and even lowers the tunes while the app sends the data. I don't need more data than what the 235 provides. Very cool. (I had the 230 but it died on me but my COOP replaced it with the 235. I don't know if it was the xcski app I downloaded from Garmin that responsible for that.....? I was informed that the battery had died on my FR230, not caused by the xcski app.)
Accurate 👌 Ps, don't forget to hit 'Subscribe' and tap the bell icon so you get notified when we upload new videos about running - there's new stuff every week and it'd really help us out if you subscribed ☺️ (it is free after all! And you don't get much for free these days)
My first running watch was a Garmin, when I could no longer connect to the computer to download data, I moved to a Suunto Ambit 2. It doesn't have built in heart rate or smart notification, but it does connect to a heart rate strap, great multi sport/ adventure watch. Excellent battery life, even with one second recording of data.
Sounds like it does the job for you, Andrew. The watches we’ve featured do have built in HR at the wrist but a strap is preferable to a lot of runners, so do what works for you👍
I don't use a smart phone. I have a Nokia 6030 . in 2017 I ran Philly marathon , in high winds. most of the clock and mile markers were not in place . I when out fast and then faster.
i have the Garmin 935 tri-bundle and use it for running, swimming, golf and as an activity tracker.. yes, price was on the higher side, but after owning it for a few years now, it's definitely worth it for me.. with the black band i can even wear it with more elegant clothing like a suit.. i have other (elegant) watches that were much more expensive, however they've been collecting dust since i got the 935 and I will most likely sell them soon..
Somehow all of these watches are fantastic and I should buy all of them. I would not consider a Garmin 235 an entry level watch. I would also not consider an Apple Watch a great watch for running. There needs to be a distinction between a Garmin, fitbit and Apple Watch. For Example an Apple Watch is a fantastic Smart Watch. However, I would highly prefer a Garmin when tracking my runs for a number of reasons. 1) it is super easy to start and pause your run tracking. If you are running on the track it is super easy to track laps and segments. On the Apple Watch you have to literally look at your watch and navigate to a different screen to pause and or save your run. Imagine if it starts raining and you have to lock your touch screen Apple Watch then it is even more of a hassle. Garmin, Suunto, Polar would be on the top of my totem pole. Apple and Fitbit would be on the bottom for me.
Press crown and button at the same time to start and stop. Double tap on screen to create a manual segment. Basically either watch is gonna be great. There is also a nice pace alert feature, and other apps like “WorkOutDoors” that can show lots of stats like garmin with downloadable OS maps. It also automatically detects swimming strokes which is quite a nice feature.
I have an Apple Watch and I been running it for awhile now, but I got really serious with my running and switched to a garmin forerunner 735xt lol. Apple Watch is a great smartwatch but not a great fitness watch and the battery life sucks when you;re running without your phone and only using your watch, running strava, streaming music, and AirPods. It wouldn't last a marathon at all.
When I first started doing any excercise in general i got a fitbit versa so it's 2 years old. Battery is still pretty strong for it being 2 years old and the only bummer is taking my phone on runs. I am getting more serious on running so i might consider getting a Garmin.
Vi0let.ski3s I have had 4 fitbit versas in 4 years. They only last me a year. I've been without a watch for 3 days now and I can't decide what to get next! What is your secret to making the Versa last?!
I upgraded from the Garmin 10 to the Garmin 245 Music. The watch battery lasts a long time and I have completed a 40 mile run with it and still had battery life to spare. Great running watch with great features at a good price.
With the Fitbit Versa, it’s also important to note that when it’s connected to your phones GPS it only lasts for approx 2 hours. I loved the Versa but it died during a half marathon, so I upgraded to the Garmin 235.
I upgraded from a Fitbit Surge to a reconditioned Fitbit Ionic. Heart rate, swimming safe, music, GPS & all the other benefits of the Fitbit app, and with a new £6 strap (bright orange, natch) its been brilliant for the £90 total I paid ebay for it.
Was happy with my old 225 until it broke a month ago after many years of use. Bought a Forerunner 45 as it has a better heart rate sensor, plus Glonass and Galileo to add to GPS, plus a longer batter compared to the 235. Really happy with it and it doesn't feel like a beginner watch at all to me.
I’m already familiar with all these watches, but this is a video I will recommend to others who ask me about which watch they should buy. Keep up the fantastic work!
I recently picked up the Garmin 35 and got a great deal on it. It was price matched and I had a 20$ coupon... paid just over 80$. I just want it to track location and time/pace. Notifications and the other features are nice but for me not the most important thing. It holds a charge pretty well and links to map my run and Strava. Simple to use not overpriced and not too much info to spend hours staring at... just run, sweat, and go home and scrub! What else do you need?!
I’ve been using my series 4 Apple Watch for the last 6 months. Overall it’s been spot on. Saves you having to remember to charge the Garmin. I’d recommend downloading the HealthFit app on the iPhone which will let you use the built in Apple workouts app to track your run and then sync seamlessly to Strava. The one downside which occasionally catches me out is the fact it doesn’t have a GPS lock indicator. 95% of the time it’s not an issue but had the odd occasion when it hasn’t locked but still measure distance time and pace. Overall highly recommended.
What about the battery of the Apple watch 4? My experience is terrible! No more than 16 hours of everyday life, and no more than 6 hours when using for athletic activities, I end up charging it more often than my phone
I have been using a Tomtom Runner for over 5 years now and still see no reason to replace this great cheap GPS watch. The only nice to have features I'm missing are: 1. GPS navigation 2. wrist heart rate monitoring 3. Triathlon multi activity support
@Guitar I some times use a strap on with my tomtom, but you are correct. Its rather uncomfortable. However, due to my experience with running I know exactly when my heart rate is in the red and can adjust my tempo accordingly. For me a wrist heart rate function is nice to have and currently worth replacing my old watch for. I might reconsider once my triathlon activities get more serious
I’ve got my garmin forerunner 45 which i find great it is really good i’m 13 years old and i found it really helpful my dad has the forerunner 975 and the only difference i notice is the swimming bc his is a tri watch :)
i went from 235 to 945. Its pretty awesome, i get music, and tons of running metrics that are really interesting on what your doing. It also has color maps which i didnt think i would use, but i can go to places ive never been and always know where i am, plus you can just tell it to give you a round trip of 4 miles and it gives you directions. lots of features. love it.
I bought my TomTom Multisport watch on special offer for £79.99 three years ago and have been more than pleased with it , does everything I need including intervals , manual lap settings and heart rate ( had to buy a chest strap off ebay for a tenner)
I have a Garmin vivo 3 music I like it because it's a smart watch without the battery killing amoled screen has connect IQ battery lasts for days. It can do most things the more expensive smart watches can do and tracks all the different activities I do.
Same, I love my vivoactive 3 music. Also, most running watches look like men's watches, the vivoactive 3 is not covered in buttons and ridges and things so it's a bit more elegant than most of the others. Nice round face, one small button.
I run with the Apple Watch Serie 4, and I can tell that the GPS is amazing. I run trails almost everyday, forest, mountain and never lost the GPS signal once. Plus the accuracy is just top notch
I moved from a Garmin Forerunner 35 to an Apple Watch Series 5 for two main reasons: 1. Ability to make phone calls - I never take phone on a run. 2. Apps - While some Garmin's have apps they simply don't match the quantity and quality of the App Store. Having had it for a year I can also confirm what you said in the video: the GPS/GNSS connection is much, much, much better.
I still have a Garmin Forerunner 220 from years ago and it still does the job perfectly. I can recommend the Forerunner range. Worth noting that the Garmin app and web interface is full of great features and data reports.
One key point that sold the Fenix 3 for me as an ultra runner was being able to charge on the go whilst still tracking your activity. Something people may decide is important
Jesus dude how long are you running for!? I use to have a fenix 3. I've got a 5 now, but the battery life on the 3 was better and more than enough for me.... As a 100-200m sprinter haha
@@fairygodbrother I used it on a 110k & a 50 miler where I had nav running. Probably could have got away with it for the 50 (12hrs). but needed it for the 110k (21hrs)
I still use the first generation Samsung, it is still going strong, had it 5 years. Absolutely fabulous watch, totally love it. If you want to run with your phone, you have all the features ❤️
I wouldn’t even consider any watch which didn’t have a solid battery. If you were running a marathon, battery issues would add to the stress. The cost of some of these watches is horrendous 😱. Yeah, they have features but is they really worth the investment? For the moment, I’ll stick with the Garmin 235. It does the job nicely.
Really like the look of the Forerunner 45. Looks like it has all of the features I would want in a running watch. Had my eye on getting one for a while and this video only makes me want to order one now. Although it's a fairly low price, I just have to wait a little longer until I can justify it to my bank account 😂
I had the Suunto Ambit 3 (as a Christmas present) for outdoor activities, especially mountaineering and alpinism. Great watch but not really made for running, plus it's quite big. When I started looking for a watch more adapted to my city life (I'm studying in a big city) I found the Suunto 3 fitness, the only downside i found so far (I've been using it for 6month) is the GPS that only works when connected to the phone with the GPS activated so you need to take your phone with you. But it makes a good watch for city sports and for a fairly low price (you can find it for under 100€).
What I used to like about using an iPhone, an arm pocket and a Bluetooth GPS was drawing a map with an app on my phone without relying on the phone line for data, and recording runs in an app that allowed me to post to ‘MapMyRun’. This was before any smart watches. Then I was caught in the rain. What I did like about that arrangement was not relying on phone data out of country, and it would callout kilométrage, but being caught in the rain is a no-no with an iPhone. But I no longer can see as sharply and don’t want to wear reading glasses to be able to see the tech. I see that one watch tracks breathing exercises, which is a key practise when considering a running programme, and oxygen levels. Something very new! If I wanted to consider a new tech regimen, I would need prescription progressives.(hoping you cover prescription running glasses) I would really like to see a phone with matching sensors to go into the laces enabling you to measure mid-foot strike and how high the heels rise behind the runner. Cadence, breathing, etc.
If you care to notice, most runners that do really consistently well have the trailing ankle rise above the knee behind the runner with each step. But you can’t see it exactly, so I assume that a sensor in the laces to indicate somehow that the expected rise of the trailing ankle is reaching its full potential may be very useful.
For me it's not just about the watch but how usable the app is that it connects to. This is something that's not really looked at when I see people reviewing watches.
Great video but very Garmin heavy. When I was looking for a running watch the best budget watch was the Tom Tom. Plumped for the intermediate model with heart rate but without music and haven't regretted it. Shame you didn't have one to review as it has a lot of features like step counting, calorie counting, sleep monitoring all for around the £100 mark. (albeit 12 months ago)
As Anna alluded to at the start, the market is very Garmin dominated at the moment. We’ll ask the Wareable guys re; TomTom though and perhaps add to a follow up!
Rob Erickson could you please elaborate more on why Apple is not good? I have TomTom which is dying now and was considering Apple but wasn’t sure. Coros and Fenix look interesting too. Thanks.
@@AI-xi4jk I love my apple watch for the gym and what not but if you are used to Garmin or the higher end watches for running the apple watch just doesn't compare. Way more running specific data transferred to Garmin connect after runs and the apple watch battery life is not good. Tom Tom I admit it worse. I got my wife a tom Tom a few years ago that played music but took at least an hour to transfer one album.
I had an Applewatch 3 and many of the Garmin watches most lately the Fenix 6x pro. The Applewatch is more smartwatch and less fitness watch. The Applewatch has a touch screen and it sounds nice but touch shouldn't be on a smartwatch. It's too easy to hit the wrong button or not hit the button at all. Also the screen is OLED which turns off after some time to conserve power and it's harder to read in daylight. The Garmin's battery life is much better, which allows for overnight sleep monitoring. Last, the Garmin I can create and execute workout plans. This can be used to guide your workout. I can use it to setup and run intervals. The watch will keep after my warm up to startthe main set. Run for a quarter mile at a certain pace, then recover untill my heartrate hits a certain number. I can repeat the quarter ecovery as many times as I like. The capability is almost unlimited.
Tina Chayer my Vera’s is terribly inaccurate. Found out during my first 5k that it was waaaayyy overestimating my runs. Googled, back and forthed with Fitbit on it, and found out it’s a known issue with the versa. Considering an Apple Watch now that I’m more serious about running.
Also check out the Garmin Vivoactive 3. Not specifically a running watch, but seems to have many more features than the entry level garmin forerunners for a fantastic price (and looks better on your wrist as a an all day watch? Maybe?) Mine got me through my marathon and training with all the info I needed.
I got a Vivoactive 3 earlier this year when my Fitbit fell to bits. I agree that it is a great watch and for my running it covers everything (and much much more). Only downside is the battery life.
Just found this video. I'm really happy with my Polar M340 which does everything I need. But for the love of God, don't bother with a Fitbit. Mine stopped working just over a year after I got it (typical with 12 month warranty!) and I got through 3 different straps in that time as they all broke. My wife has one too and that has a lot of problems too (such as GPS rarely, if ever, working, the timing being off, barely being able to read the display if the sun is even partially in the sky etc etc). So yeah, don't bother with a Fitbit (let's just say we've given it a very unflattering nickname by swapping the F for 2 other letters...)
I used a Amazfit Stratos for about 12 months and for price and build quality it knocks spots of the Garmin range and similar at the same price and maybe upto £300 or so above. Syncs with Strava perfectly. The reason I switched to Garmin is for ease of operation as the Stratos can be a little fiddly to get ready to go at start of race. Garmin is just a few presses and all done. If you are willing to put up with this on the Stratos then there is no watch close to this for many £££ above.
The Stratos is a terrible piece of kit. The GUI is awful. The software is buggy beyond belief. The sleep tracking is a joke and it is only a matter of time until the cover on the HR sensor falls off. Once this happens, any moisture in the device and it is toast. It is, however, a good looking thing. I swapped for a Forerunner 245 as soon as it was released. Yes it's more expensive and doesn't have an altimeter but it is also an infinitely better device. Buy cheap, buy twice.
@@markhill2173 That sounds like a terrible experience with a Stratos for you which is unfortunate and costly. Shows really that reviews etc are really worthless as you think it is useless and I with a few reserves rate it highly. Who is right? Both from our time with the watch. I now use a 735xt and gives same results for running.. HR with a strap and sleep as the Stratos but just easier to use which is what I want. Cost more than Stratos and build quality less as feels like a Christmas cracker effort. Interesting comments though.
Dave Street Luckily my HR cover didn’t fall off before I traded it in. I joined an Amazfit Facebook group and almost daily people were complaining the cover had fallen off. Terrible engineering. Amazfit did nothing to help these people alway palming the customer off on the reseller and not offering any sort of warranty. I think my Forerunner 245 actually feels of better quality to be honest. It’s a great bit of kit and much easier to use like you say. Garmin just works.
I have a Garmin Fenix 5s that I bought for mountaineering, but also use to track runs and rides. It is pricey and because I have small wrists and hence the smallest version, the battery life is a compromise. I have to recharge on the go on summer routes over 8 hours and winter routes from about 6 hours. No battery issues with running most of the time, but it was touch and go when I ran the Yorkshire 3 Peaks. The biggest issue with Garmin is the software. Garmin Connect can be a pain. You have to be very careful which updates you take and which you skip to avoid problems. this is for Android not iOS. The other real annoyance with Garmin Connect is the lack of offline capability. I have to have an internet connection to use the app to change a watch alarm over bluetooth! You can change it directly on the watch, but the next time you sync with the app, it will change back. Smartphones now have huge storage, so why so little offline cache function.....Strava is another offender here. Being able to cache watch data to phone and upload when connected would be great, as would being able to some route history when off line even if just the last 10 activities. To be honest, the watch does have some history, but not the app. Finally for another cheaper alternative, my wife has the Garmin Vivosport for tracking her runs and general activity. While primarily a fitness band, it does have a time option to act as a watch. It also have heart rate, gps and sleep functions all for around £100. The band is fragile though and non replaceable. My wife broke hers, but was able to lace the broken bit of the strap back together. It even fits her tiny wrists better after the break and fix!
5 of our (small) running club use the FitBit Ionic - it works really well, easy to see colour display, waterproof, and shares data to the all important Strava VERY easily. Even starts recording a run if the user forgets to press start. Cheaper than most at around £120, too. LOADS of features including treadmill and swimming.
Get plenty of use out of my 235. Great value for money and has a basic downloadable map widget that can be used for basic trail runs when preloaded using pc.
I really want a running watch that can track my time and play podcasts through my Bluetooth headphones. I hate that I have to tote my cell with me. On distance runs, that is my phone plus battery pack.
I just got the versa lite for Christmas. I usually wear some form of g shock on my left wrist at all times anyway, so I have my versa set up just for activity metrics. I play ice hockey in a mens league once a week. I typically run around 30-ish miles per week and run kitchens for a living, so it's not uncommon for me to hit well over 25-30000 steps in a day. The fitbit is working great. I do run with my phone on me, so that's not an issue for me. Plus the fact that you can get them for close to $100 now, makes them a really compelling choice. I have never owned or used a higher end running gps watch, but so far, I'm sold on the versa lite and I do love how it is a "smart watch", but VERY fitness forward.
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You could also review running apps. There are quite a few out there. I usually use 4 of them simultaneously in my phone because none all them offer at the same time the most information (cadence, maps), features (segments, leaderboards, routes) or the most accuracy or reliability. I hope market competition and accumulated experience will contribute to improve them over time.
I use zombies run, not only does it track your runs, distances, cadence etc it also gives you a story to entertain you whilst you're running. The story gets you to the point where you want to run more to find out what happens next.
I’ve had the FR235 for around 5 years now. I’d like to upgrade but it’s still doing everything I need. Only real shortfall is it doesn’t have constant 24 hour HR monitoring like the newer ones. There is a loophole which you can broadcast your HR but battery only lasts a day or two max doing this. It has plenty of features that I’ve probably still not used. Only just used the training function for a 1/2 marathon earlier this year to show the ETA. My upgrade would be the 645 music if I was to upgrade.
I don't know if I'll go for the Garmin 245 music or the Vivoactive 4S, Because it has a small version and it also connect with music. Beautifull, but the downside is that it has a toutchscreen and the 245 music. That one is bigger, but it has buttons and better running features.
Polar M200 is great budget watch for runners. Polar Ventage series will be much more capable after october upedate. Great jop. It woud be allso nice if you talk about eco system.... Have fun that's all what matters.
Amazfit GTS . Well worth a look. Been using it for about a month now. Full GPS , sync with Strava as well as heart rate monitoring etc. All for around £120. 👍
@@runningchannel about a month now! I was using my phone for 2 years and the accuracy is so much better and seeing my running stats on the go is a game changer, really kicking myself for not getting one sooner.
I have an Apple watch due to a day's battery life, I switched over to Huawei GT. Now Huawei GT 2 for me due to two weeks battery life, HR monitoring, true slip, music, GPS, VO2 Max monitoring, 7-8 sports modes and recovery time etc. Compass, alarm, timer, find my phone, torch. While jogging I need not to carry phone due to GPS and music 500 songs. Add on functions like AOD and dual time zone and it's classy look, cost effectiveness and a true fitness tracker. GT am using since 4 months no issues.
Having never used a running watch, do they work with Strava? Like do you leave your phone at home and then it’ll link when you get back or something? I’d rather all times and stats be in one place. I don’t mind taking the phone at all, it’s just missing the heart rate function!
Really useful video! I've had two fitbit versa in 8 months both of which have died - they are definitely not sport / running durable watches, don't recommend! Think i will go for the garmin 245 music...
My first was the pink Garmin Forerunner 10 many many years ago. It died the morning of my first half marathon. RIP first running watch! I'm now using Garmin Vivoactive 3 w music. Love that I don't need my phone or ipod for music. I don't like running w a lot of gear. It looks good, is water resistant, and works on the treadmill!
@@runningchannel I didn't run w my phone. Planned to just use the watch but it literally wouldn't connect to gps while waiting to cross the start line and then it just went blank, never turned on again. I've got the official race results online and thats good enough for me. :)
Nice video. The first I have seen on your channel. Nice selection of watches and features but a lot of Garmin. I get that it’s the popular choice and they build great watches but worth spending time researching before splashing out. DC Rainmaker and Rizknows are good sources. I currently own a Garmin FR35 but just bought a Suunto Spartan Trainer HR as it seems to have all the features I could ever use and considerably more affordable than its Garmin equivalent. Look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future 👍
Imran Sufian the only strap I’ve ever had break was a Fitbit. Changed a few out on my garmin’s in the past though. Replacement straps for my Suunto look plentiful and internet search didn’t reveal anything difficult about the process. Did I miss something? If I did better hope my strap doesn’t break 👍
@@Kevb69 i used to own the trainer and i loved it. Much better tham garmin. But i sold it after the straps broken 2 times. It's a common problem. Can read here www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/Suunto/comments/afjtvd/suunto_spartan_trainer_wrist_hr_broken_a_common/
Got a two year-old Garmin 35. Basic, but does everything I want (except I can't wear it to swim). I'll probably upgrade to a 235 at some point, (because it's better-looking as a watch), but I'm not a serious enough runner to plunk down 600 bucks on a Suunto or Polar.
Try a touch screen with sweaty hands or in rain...they are a nogo....I’m using the FENIX6XSAPHIRE and it replaced the Apple Watch 4 Garmin gives me all I need 😎
Definitely something to consider when you're picking which watch is best for you, yes. Ps, don't forget to hit 'Subscribe' and tap the bell icon so you get notified when we upload new videos about running - there's new stuff every week and it'd really help us out if you subscribed ☺️ (it is free after all! And you don't get much for free these days)
Was with fitbit for about 3 years or so and never wanted to leave but took the plunge on the Garmin Vivoactive 3. While not a complete running watch like the Forerunner series it's still amazing and the metrics are so much more in depth than fitbit and its integration with strava and live tracking is also amazing. I wish I had switched sooner!
I have a Fitbit charge 2 it serves me well tracks my running, and other activities! I love the Fitbit app too! However I’m thinking of starting swimming but it’s not waterproof which is annoying so may have to upgrade to Fitbit charge 3 I don’t think I would want to invest in a Garmin, I rly like my Fitbit bcs battery life is so good, plus it’s small on my wrists.
A very well selected range of watches to compare there - not easy and nicely done! Personally I use an Apple Watch Series 4 with the Stryd running power and pretty impressive accompanying watch app. It's a great combination (with stats galore), but would prefer the buttons of these other watches for running, in an ideal world. Since this video was made you now have the Apple Watch Series 3 for a pretty competitive £199 too ... And if on a budget, the second hand running watch market is plentiful! You can get a Garmin Forerunner 230/235 for well under £100 ...
I’ve had a TomTom spark for about 4 years. still get great battery life, decent gps and can store music to listen to via bluetooth headphones. the atom Tom app automatically uploads my data to Strava too. Has been great for my casual use of about 15-20k/week. only cost £65 👍😀 My eyes water at some of these prices that don’t provide much more than this! Also syncs to my myzone heart rate belt and shows my heart rate on screen next to my pace
I wish I saw this before my 100k. I used the Vivoactive 3 Music and when the battery ran out...switched to the Garmin 25.....then back....945 might have been the way to go....Thanks.
Hey Martin, the 935 is cheaper and does the same thing as the 945 (minus full colour maps). Coros is also a brand to look at as one of their models (can't remember which, sorry)! Has insane battery life and you'll see quite a few ultra runners use them these days. Although I believe Garmin has slightly better GPS accuracy but I might be mistaken there and it's only a minute difference I believe anyway
The title is so wrong in my ways!!!!! not a single one of those watches cost less than a 200$,I've bought just a week ago a 74$ smartwatch with gps+Heart rate monitor and great value,holding up for over a 7 days of usage and 16 hours of GPS tracking,also it includes over 8 different activities on it,like Bicycling/running/swimming/snorkeling and other stuff. if anyone interested to check it out,I'll drop a link for it.
I’m currently going into a season of cross country and want a running watch. I don’t want to spend too much, so I was looking more at the garmin forerunner 35 or 45. However, during the track season, I start to do a lot faster workouts, with 400 and even 200 repeats that need timing. Are these entry level garmin watches easy to use at a faster pace like this? Thank you, great video btw!
Casio F-91W-1. When you wear it, it doesn't look like you have a can of tuna strapped to your wrist, it tells you the time, has a 1-hour timer, has an alarm, battery life of about 6-10 years, weighs virtually nothing (21grams), is water-resistant to 30meters and is probably cheaper than the box any of the watches you reviewed came in. Mine has worked in this capacity for 30 years. In 30 years time, those new running watches will be in a landfill.
Are the heart rate sensors from those watches acurate during runs? I am using Polar H7 chest strap with my phone. I want to play music at the same time track my heart rate.
I'm still using my Tom Tom watch. Gps. Music. Multisport. Linked to strava. A bit dated now. Anyone know if there's any new Tom Tom watches in the pipeline? 🏃♂️⌚😁
The best cheap option is the Mi Band. $40/Ł35 and it does everything a new runner needs. I got mine more than a year ago and am still plenty happy with it.
I have the garmin 245 and it has navigation and pulse ox also? What's the 945 have that the 245 doesn't? Genuinely asking because I might upgrade if its better
Cocoa Liveson agree. My Vivo 3 Music is awesome but had the head that holds the strap on break twice meaning replacement parts. But for pure running and nothing else think the garmin 235 beats it
Loved the video! My only criticism in the order of seriousness with the watches. I am a pretty serious runner and train with serious runners, and we all find that if you are serious about running specifically, then you don’t need watches which have all those extra widgets. I have had a 235 for a few years now and I’ve carried through sub 15min 5ks. Don’t get a touch screen watch! They never work right in the rain! I would definitely rate the cheaper Garmin watches. Great video guys keep them coming!
Before anything ellse, thanks for your videos guys, I love your channel! And now, a quick question. What's the advantage of a running watch over a smartphone? Some of those watches cost twice as much as my smartphone and any smartphone can track a run with plenty of running apps available both for iOS and Android to choose from. I do want a running watch but I find it hard to convince myself that I need one.
Thanks so much for your lovely words! Some people prefer the convenience of tracking their runs on a watch rather than carrying their phone with them. There are also features on a watch, like wrist-based heart rate data and the Polar Grit X has a power meter on the wrist too, that you wouldn't get from a phone. Hope that helps! (Anna)
@@nexuspena7448 I think the 245 is an upgrade of the. 235. The 645 precedes the 245 by a few months so I don't think the latter is a replacement for the 645.
What’s the main feature you want on a running watch? Let us know 👇
I like to be able to program my workouts into the watch. My Garmin 645 works great for this making interval and fartlek workouts much easier to keep organized.
Implement BT connection to Zwift for indoor/treadmill with improved cadence and stride length, so I don't have to keep putting on and taking off the foot pods.
It was music...now I think its battery life...
If I have to pick the one must have feature, it's being able to easily see my current pace for this km at a glance when I've not got my glasses on! Then it's GPS, music, voice notifications for the last km and being able to ring next door when I worry I've not shut the door properly. 😁
Must still be a watch😎
I bought my Forerunner 235 2 years ago and never regretted it. Does all my runs/ cycling, sleep monitoring. Great app as well on my phone since it all straight into Strava. Gives great amount of data on you’re runs.
It's a solid watch for sure!
Good to hear. I got a 235 in January and I'm pleased that it might last a few years!
@@mjowsey same here bro.
I’m thinking of getting it, I definitely need an upgrade from forerunner 25 lol 😂
I love my Garmin 235. I bring my Huawei android along with the Garmin app and I can listen to tunes and the Garmin app calls out my laps, zones etc, and even lowers the tunes while the app sends the data. I don't need more data than what the 235 provides. Very cool. (I had the 230 but it died on me but my COOP replaced it with the 235. I don't know if it was the xcski app I downloaded from Garmin that responsible for that.....? I was informed that the battery had died on my FR230, not caused by the xcski app.)
“If it’s not on Strava it doesn’t count”
Accurate 👌
Ps, don't forget to hit 'Subscribe' and tap the bell icon so you get notified when we upload new videos about running - there's new stuff every week and it'd really help us out if you subscribed ☺️ (it is free after all! And you don't get much for free these days)
Map My run!!!
@@jimbo2900 ive used that too
Fact!
Follow me on Strava I’ll follow back
Angel El Machin
My first running watch was a Garmin, when I could no longer connect to the computer to download data, I moved to a Suunto Ambit 2. It doesn't have built in heart rate or smart notification, but it does connect to a heart rate strap, great multi sport/ adventure watch. Excellent battery life, even with one second recording of data.
Sounds like it does the job for you, Andrew. The watches we’ve featured do have built in HR at the wrist but a strap is preferable to a lot of runners, so do what works for you👍
The Garmin 245 has a pulse oximeter (SpO2) too, not only the Garmine 945.
Yeah, I was confused when he said that.
Great. I was perfectly happy running with my phone and now I want a 245. Damn you running channel!
Sorry about that! 😏
Plz buy you won't regret a penny.
@@MrWebwalker my misses has bought one for my birthday. Still have to wait though!
I don't use a smart phone. I have a Nokia 6030 . in 2017 I ran Philly marathon , in high winds. most of the clock and mile markers were not in place . I when out fast and then faster.
Same here! :)
i have the Garmin 935 tri-bundle and use it for running, swimming, golf and as an activity tracker.. yes, price was on the higher side, but after owning it for a few years now, it's definitely worth it for me.. with the black band i can even wear it with more elegant clothing like a suit.. i have other (elegant) watches that were much more expensive, however they've been collecting dust since i got the 935 and I will most likely sell them soon..
Somehow all of these watches are fantastic and I should buy all of them. I would not consider a Garmin 235 an entry level watch. I would also not consider an Apple Watch a great watch for running. There needs to be a distinction between a Garmin, fitbit and Apple Watch. For Example an Apple Watch is a fantastic Smart Watch. However, I would highly prefer a Garmin when tracking my runs for a number of reasons. 1) it is super easy to start and pause your run tracking. If you are running on the track it is super easy to track laps and segments. On the Apple Watch you have to literally look at your watch and navigate to a different screen to pause and or save your run. Imagine if it starts raining and you have to lock your touch screen Apple Watch then it is even more of a hassle. Garmin, Suunto, Polar would be on the top of my totem pole. Apple and Fitbit would be on the bottom for me.
Press crown and button at the same time to start and stop. Double tap on screen to create a manual segment. Basically either watch is gonna be great. There is also a nice pace alert feature, and other apps like “WorkOutDoors” that can show lots of stats like garmin with downloadable OS maps. It also automatically detects swimming strokes which is quite a nice feature.
I have an Apple Watch and I been running it for awhile now, but I got really serious with my running and switched to a garmin forerunner 735xt lol. Apple Watch is a great smartwatch but not a great fitness watch and the battery life sucks when you;re running without your phone and only using your watch, running strava, streaming music, and AirPods. It wouldn't last a marathon at all.
V Chang unless you’re Eluid Kipchoge.
When I first started doing any excercise in general i got a fitbit versa so it's 2 years old. Battery is still pretty strong for it being 2 years old and the only bummer is taking my phone on runs. I am getting more serious on running so i might consider getting a Garmin.
Vi0let.ski3s I have had 4 fitbit versas in 4 years. They only last me a year. I've been without a watch for 3 days now and I can't decide what to get next! What is your secret to making the Versa last?!
To be honest. Im not sure. Its never really given me an issue. How weird that yours would be like that. Try a Garmin. They do seem to be heavy duty.
I upgraded from the Garmin 10 to the Garmin 245 Music. The watch battery lasts a long time and I have completed a 40 mile run with it and still had battery life to spare. Great running watch with great features at a good price.
Impressive battery life! ⌚️
40 mile run?? You are destroying your body.
With the Fitbit Versa, it’s also important to note that when it’s connected to your phones GPS it only lasts for approx 2 hours. I loved the Versa but it died during a half marathon, so I upgraded to the Garmin 235.
Great point Ivana. The 235 is much-loved among the Running community and is regularly voted as the top watch
I ran 15 miles in one day and still had 50% battery left on my versa
I upgraded from a Fitbit Surge to a reconditioned Fitbit Ionic. Heart rate, swimming safe, music, GPS & all the other benefits of the Fitbit app, and with a new £6 strap (bright orange, natch) its been brilliant for the £90 total I paid ebay for it.
Was happy with my old 225 until it broke a month ago after many years of use. Bought a Forerunner 45 as it has a better heart rate sensor, plus Glonass and Galileo to add to GPS, plus a longer batter compared to the 235. Really happy with it and it doesn't feel like a beginner watch at all to me.
Can't beat the staple Forerunner 235, it's the Pegasus 35 of the watch market.
Absolutely Jude! Anna legitimately never takes hers off 😂
Absolutely, all 100%!!!
Proud owner of 235 here!
For what it is, the 235 is a proper world class watch for it's value
Agree!
I’m already familiar with all these watches, but this is a video I will recommend to others who ask me about which watch they should buy. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks so much for your continued support! It means a lot to us 🙌 And we really appreciate your help in spreading the word too
I need one with accurate pedometer and hr sensor. Any suggestions?
I recently picked up the Garmin 35 and got a great deal on it. It was price matched and I had a 20$ coupon... paid just over 80$. I just want it to track location and time/pace. Notifications and the other features are nice but for me not the most important thing. It holds a charge pretty well and links to map my run and Strava. Simple to use not overpriced and not too much info to spend hours staring at... just run, sweat, and go home and scrub! What else do you need?!
Sounds ideal for what you want it for. Nice one 👌
I’ve been using my series 4 Apple Watch for the last 6 months. Overall it’s been spot on. Saves you having to remember to charge the Garmin. I’d recommend downloading the HealthFit app on the iPhone which will let you use the built in Apple workouts app to track your run and then sync seamlessly to Strava. The one downside which occasionally catches me out is the fact it doesn’t have a GPS lock indicator. 95% of the time it’s not an issue but had the odd occasion when it hasn’t locked but still measure distance time and pace. Overall highly recommended.
my apple watch is always sooo far off in accuracy. my garmin is always dead on.
What about the battery of the Apple watch 4? My experience is terrible! No more than 16 hours of everyday life, and no more than 6 hours when using for athletic activities, I end up charging it more often than my phone
I have been using a Tomtom Runner for over 5 years now and still see no reason to replace this great cheap GPS watch.
The only nice to have features I'm missing are:
1. GPS navigation
2. wrist heart rate monitoring
3. Triathlon multi activity support
Sounds ideal
@Guitar I some times use a strap on with my tomtom, but you are correct. Its rather uncomfortable. However, due to my experience with running I know exactly when my heart rate is in the red and can adjust my tempo accordingly.
For me a wrist heart rate function is nice to have and currently worth replacing my old watch for. I might reconsider once my triathlon activities get more serious
I’ve got my garmin forerunner 45 which i find great it is really good i’m 13 years old and i found it really helpful my dad has the forerunner 975 and the only difference i notice is the swimming bc his is a tri watch :)
i went from 235 to 945. Its pretty awesome, i get music, and tons of running metrics that are really interesting on what your doing. It also has color maps which i didnt think i would use, but i can go to places ive never been and always know where i am, plus you can just tell it to give you a round trip of 4 miles and it gives you directions. lots of features. love it.
I bought my TomTom Multisport watch on special offer for £79.99 three years ago and have been more than pleased with it , does everything I need including intervals , manual lap settings and heart rate ( had to buy a chest strap off ebay for a tenner)
Sounds like you found the right watch for you already 👌
I have a Garmin vivo 3 music I like it because it's a smart watch without the battery killing amoled screen has connect IQ battery lasts for days. It can do most things the more expensive smart watches can do and tracks all the different activities I do.
Same, I love my vivoactive 3 music. Also, most running watches look like men's watches, the vivoactive 3 is not covered in buttons and ridges and things so it's a bit more elegant than most of the others. Nice round face, one small button.
I run with the Apple Watch Serie 4, and I can tell that the GPS is amazing. I run trails almost everyday, forest, mountain and never lost the GPS signal once. Plus the accuracy is just top notch
Nice, thanks for sharing!
I highly recommend forerunner 945. It's a beast.
Its fairly priced: 199 pound, oh never mind
I moved from a Garmin Forerunner 35 to an Apple Watch Series 5 for two main reasons:
1. Ability to make phone calls - I never take phone on a run.
2. Apps - While some Garmin's have apps they simply don't match the quantity and quality of the App Store.
Having had it for a year I can also confirm what you said in the video: the GPS/GNSS connection is much, much, much better.
I still have a Garmin Forerunner 220 from years ago and it still does the job perfectly. I can recommend the Forerunner range. Worth noting that the Garmin app and web interface is full of great features and data reports.
Polar M430/ Vantage M are extremely good in-betweens of Vantage V/ high end Garmins and cheap Garmin and Polar Ignite.
I recently purchased a Garmin Vivoactive 3 and I love it ☺️.
Would have liked to have seen a Garmin Fenix series watch in the comparison, my Fenix 5 has been brilliant.
Same. I was curious about my 5 plus.
One key point that sold the Fenix 3 for me as an ultra runner was being able to charge on the go whilst still tracking your activity. Something people may decide is important
That's a really good thing to consider for sure
Jesus dude how long are you running for!? I use to have a fenix 3. I've got a 5 now, but the battery life on the 3 was better and more than enough for me.... As a 100-200m sprinter haha
@@fairygodbrother I used it on a 110k & a 50 miler where I had nav running. Probably could have got away with it for the 50 (12hrs). but needed it for the 110k (21hrs)
I still use the first generation Samsung, it is still going strong, had it 5 years. Absolutely fabulous watch, totally love it. If you want to run with your phone, you have all the features ❤️
Brilliant!
I wouldn’t even consider any watch which didn’t have a solid battery. If you were running a marathon, battery issues would add to the stress.
The cost of some of these watches is horrendous 😱. Yeah, they have features but is they really worth the investment?
For the moment, I’ll stick with the Garmin 235. It does the job nicely.
It's a solid watch to stick with. Anna's lasted the majority of her 54 mile ultra!
Really like the look of the Forerunner 45. Looks like it has all of the features I would want in a running watch. Had my eye on getting one for a while and this video only makes me want to order one now. Although it's a fairly low price, I just have to wait a little longer until I can justify it to my bank account 😂
Brill! So glad it helped you Creg 🙌 Thanks for watching
I had the Suunto Ambit 3 (as a Christmas present) for outdoor activities, especially mountaineering and alpinism. Great watch but not really made for running, plus it's quite big. When I started looking for a watch more adapted to my city life (I'm studying in a big city) I found the Suunto 3 fitness, the only downside i found so far (I've been using it for 6month) is the GPS that only works when connected to the phone with the GPS activated so you need to take your phone with you. But it makes a good watch for city sports and for a fairly low price (you can find it for under 100€).
What I used to like about using an iPhone, an arm pocket and a Bluetooth GPS was drawing a map with an app on my phone without relying on the phone line for data, and recording runs in an app that allowed me to post to ‘MapMyRun’. This was before any smart watches. Then I was caught in the rain.
What I did like about that arrangement was not relying on phone data out of country, and it would callout kilométrage, but being caught in the rain is a no-no with an iPhone. But I no longer can see as sharply and don’t want to wear reading glasses to be able to see the tech.
I see that one watch tracks breathing exercises, which is a key practise when considering a running programme, and oxygen levels. Something very new!
If I wanted to consider a new tech regimen, I would need prescription progressives.(hoping you cover prescription running glasses) I would really like to see a phone with matching sensors to go into the laces enabling you to measure mid-foot strike and how high the heels rise behind the runner. Cadence, breathing, etc.
Wow, lace sensors sound like a great idea!
If you care to notice, most runners that do really consistently well have the trailing ankle rise above the knee behind the runner with each step. But you can’t see it exactly, so I assume that a sensor in the laces to indicate somehow that the expected rise of the trailing ankle is reaching its full potential may be very useful.
For me it's not just about the watch but how usable the app is that it connects to. This is something that's not really looked at when I see people reviewing watches.
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like we need a part 2!
Great video but very Garmin heavy. When I was looking for a running watch the best budget watch was the Tom Tom. Plumped for the intermediate model with heart rate but without music and haven't regretted it. Shame you didn't have one to review as it has a lot of features like step counting, calorie counting, sleep monitoring all for around the £100 mark. (albeit 12 months ago)
As Anna alluded to at the start, the market is very Garmin dominated at the moment. We’ll ask the Wareable guys re; TomTom though and perhaps add to a follow up!
Sadly Tom Tom pulled out of the watch market recently, the models currently available will be the last.
I love my Apple Watch for the gym and every day kinda stuff but it isn’t a good running watch. Garmin all the way. Still rocking the Fenix 3 HR
Rob Erickson could you please elaborate more on why Apple is not good? I have TomTom which is dying now and was considering Apple but wasn’t sure. Coros and Fenix look interesting too. Thanks.
@@AI-xi4jk I love my apple watch for the gym and what not but if you are used to Garmin or the higher end watches for running the apple watch just doesn't compare. Way more running specific data transferred to Garmin connect after runs and the apple watch battery life is not good. Tom Tom I admit it worse. I got my wife a tom Tom a few years ago that played music but took at least an hour to transfer one album.
@@AI-xi4jkI have the Fenix 3Hr and Apple watch 4. I prefer the Fenix over apple watch for running. Just my opinion tho
Yes I love the Fenix 3 HR!
I had an Applewatch 3 and many of the Garmin watches most lately the Fenix 6x pro. The Applewatch is more smartwatch and less fitness watch. The Applewatch has a touch screen and it sounds nice but touch shouldn't be on a smartwatch. It's too easy to hit the wrong button or not hit the button at all. Also the screen is OLED which turns off after some time to conserve power and it's harder to read in daylight. The Garmin's battery life is much better, which allows for overnight sleep monitoring. Last, the Garmin I can create and execute workout plans. This can be used to guide your workout. I can use it to setup and run intervals. The watch will keep after my warm up to startthe main set. Run for a quarter mile at a certain pace, then recover untill my heartrate hits a certain number. I can repeat the quarter
ecovery as many times as I like. The capability is almost unlimited.
Great review. My own take is that most runners often buy watches for features they don't required. Especially for amateurs like myself.
Thanks so much! Glad it was useful.
I was an exercise science major in college, and that means we were guinea pigs. all we used were Polar, and that is all I use to this day.
👍
Love a squirrel in the background :3
Haha! He’s a sneaky squirrel 🐿
lol screaming child being skinned alive in the background.
went to the comment section to see if anyone else noticed lol
@@Lina_al_j same
Read your comment after being a couple minutes in...couldn’t stop laughing when I kept hearing the child!
Where
Extremely annoying hearing screaming kids in the background
I love my Fitbit Versa, you can actually download songs to it and sync Bluetooth headphones so you can listen to music as well. Great video!
Tina Chayer my Vera’s is terribly inaccurate. Found out during my first 5k that it was waaaayyy overestimating my runs. Googled, back and forthed with Fitbit on it, and found out it’s a known issue with the versa. Considering an Apple Watch now that I’m more serious about running.
Also check out the Garmin Vivoactive 3. Not specifically a running watch, but seems to have many more features than the entry level garmin forerunners for a fantastic price (and looks better on your wrist as a an all day watch? Maybe?) Mine got me through my marathon and training with all the info I needed.
I got a Vivoactive 3 earlier this year when my Fitbit fell to bits. I agree that it is a great watch and for my running it covers everything (and much much more). Only downside is the battery life.
@@johnkerby70 Depends how you use it I guess. I wear mine all day and night, and give it a quick charge when I shower. It's always ready to go.
That's true and on the upside it does charge very quickly.
You didn't mention which ones will also keep track of treadmill run distances?
Good recommendation. We will pass it on to Wareable...watch this space 👀
Most of them do and are quite accurate. Or you can manually adjust entering the distance from the treadmill
Just found this video. I'm really happy with my Polar M340 which does everything I need. But for the love of God, don't bother with a Fitbit. Mine stopped working just over a year after I got it (typical with 12 month warranty!) and I got through 3 different straps in that time as they all broke. My wife has one too and that has a lot of problems too (such as GPS rarely, if ever, working, the timing being off, barely being able to read the display if the sun is even partially in the sky etc etc). So yeah, don't bother with a Fitbit (let's just say we've given it a very unflattering nickname by swapping the F for 2 other letters...)
I use my FitBit inspire HR for XC. It works great!
I think that Huami AMAZFIT 2 Stratos in terms of battery life, connectivity, appearance, and price is ahead of most of the watches in this video.
Interesting choice! And not one we’ve ever tried. We’ll put it to the Wareable guys
I used a Amazfit Stratos for about 12 months and for price and build quality it knocks spots of the Garmin range and similar at the same price and maybe upto £300 or so above. Syncs with Strava perfectly. The reason I switched to Garmin is for ease of operation as the Stratos can be a little fiddly to get ready to go at start of race. Garmin is just a few presses and all done. If you are willing to put up with this on the Stratos then there is no watch close to this for many £££ above.
The Stratos is a terrible piece of kit. The GUI is awful. The software is buggy beyond belief. The sleep tracking is a joke and it is only a matter of time until the cover on the HR sensor falls off. Once this happens, any moisture in the device and it is toast. It is, however, a good looking thing. I swapped for a Forerunner 245 as soon as it was released. Yes it's more expensive and doesn't have an altimeter but it is also an infinitely better device. Buy cheap, buy twice.
@@markhill2173 That sounds like a terrible experience with a Stratos for you which is unfortunate and costly. Shows really that reviews etc are really worthless as you think it is useless and I with a few reserves rate it highly. Who is right? Both from our time with the watch. I now use a 735xt and gives same results for running.. HR with a strap and sleep as the Stratos but just easier to use which is what I want. Cost more than Stratos and build quality less as feels like a Christmas cracker effort. Interesting comments though.
Dave Street Luckily my HR cover didn’t fall off before I traded it in. I joined an Amazfit Facebook group and almost daily people were complaining the cover had fallen off. Terrible engineering. Amazfit did nothing to help these people alway palming the customer off on the reseller and not offering any sort of warranty. I think my Forerunner 245 actually feels of better quality to be honest. It’s a great bit of kit and much easier to use like you say. Garmin just works.
I have a Garmin Fenix 5s that I bought for mountaineering, but also use to track runs and rides. It is pricey and because I have small wrists and hence the smallest version, the battery life is a compromise. I have to recharge on the go on summer routes over 8 hours and winter routes from about 6 hours. No battery issues with running most of the time, but it was touch and go when I ran the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.
The biggest issue with Garmin is the software. Garmin Connect can be a pain. You have to be very careful which updates you take and which you skip to avoid problems. this is for Android not iOS. The other real annoyance with Garmin Connect is the lack of offline capability. I have to have an internet connection to use the app to change a watch alarm over bluetooth! You can change it directly on the watch, but the next time you sync with the app, it will change back. Smartphones now have huge storage, so why so little offline cache function.....Strava is another offender here. Being able to cache watch data to phone and upload when connected would be great, as would being able to some route history when off line even if just the last 10 activities. To be honest, the watch does have some history, but not the app.
Finally for another cheaper alternative, my wife has the Garmin Vivosport for tracking her runs and general activity. While primarily a fitness band, it does have a time option to act as a watch. It also have heart rate, gps and sleep functions all for around £100. The band is fragile though and non replaceable. My wife broke hers, but was able to lace the broken bit of the strap back together. It even fits her tiny wrists better after the break and fix!
Great rundown! If so many are using the Apple Watch, you should do a video on the best running apps for it ;)
Great suggestion, we'll definitely consider this!
5 of our (small) running club use the FitBit Ionic - it works really well, easy to see colour display, waterproof, and shares data to the all important Strava VERY easily. Even starts recording a run if the user forgets to press start. Cheaper than most at around £120, too. LOADS of features including treadmill and swimming.
Starts if you forgot to press start. Genius!
Can't wait for a Garmin Fenix 6 review in the future
I just got the Garmin Fenix 6x sapphire about 2 weeks ago... Everything about it is incredible!
Get plenty of use out of my 235. Great value for money and has a basic downloadable map widget that can be used for basic trail runs when preloaded using pc.
It’s a stalwart in the Running watch world for sure 👌
Wonderful vid! I really enjoyed it all the way to the end... Thanks!
Great reviews! Thanks for making it really easy to follow. I've gone for the 245 music :)
Brilliant! Glad we could help 🙌 Thanks so much for watching
I really want a running watch that can track my time and play podcasts through my Bluetooth headphones. I hate that I have to tote my cell with me. On distance runs, that is my phone plus battery pack.
The garmin 245 music has built in memory that allows you to store music and podcasts.
I just got the versa lite for Christmas. I usually wear some form of g shock on my left wrist at all times anyway, so I have my versa set up just for activity metrics. I play ice hockey in a mens league once a week. I typically run around 30-ish miles per week and run kitchens for a living, so it's not uncommon for me to hit well over 25-30000 steps in a day. The fitbit is working great. I do run with my phone on me, so that's not an issue for me. Plus the fact that you can get them for close to $100 now, makes them a really compelling choice. I have never owned or used a higher end running gps watch, but so far, I'm sold on the versa lite and I do love how it is a "smart watch", but VERY fitness forward.
You could also review running apps. There are quite a few out there. I usually use 4 of them simultaneously in my phone because none all them offer at the same time the most information (cadence, maps), features (segments, leaderboards, routes) or the most accuracy or reliability. I hope market competition and accumulated experience will contribute to improve them over time.
I use zombies run, not only does it track your runs, distances, cadence etc it also gives you a story to entertain you whilst you're running. The story gets you to the point where you want to run more to find out what happens next.
Still using my Forerunner 305, works like a charm.
I’ve had the FR235 for around 5 years now. I’d like to upgrade but it’s still doing everything I need.
Only real shortfall is it doesn’t have constant 24 hour HR monitoring like the newer ones.
There is a loophole which you can broadcast your HR but battery only lasts a day or two max doing this.
It has plenty of features that I’ve probably still not used. Only just used the training function for a 1/2 marathon earlier this year to show the ETA.
My upgrade would be the 645 music if I was to upgrade.
I don't know if I'll go for the Garmin 245 music or the Vivoactive 4S, Because it has a small version and it also connect with music. Beautifull, but the downside is that it has a toutchscreen and the 245 music. That one is bigger, but it has buttons and better running features.
vivoactive 4s has music
Polar M200 is great budget watch for runners. Polar Ventage series will be much more capable after october upedate. Great jop. It woud be allso nice if you talk about eco system.... Have fun that's all what matters.
Yep. Fun is important! Tech is second.
Amazfit GTS . Well worth a look. Been using it for about a month now. Full GPS , sync with Strava as well as heart rate monitoring etc. All for around £120. 👍
Thanks for sharing!
My first watch, forerunner 25, so simple and easy to use. Highly recommend for your first watch. Still using it now.
Awesome! How long have you been using it for now?
@@runningchannel about a month now! I was using my phone for 2 years and the accuracy is so much better and seeing my running stats on the go is a game changer, really kicking myself for not getting one sooner.
I have an Apple watch due to a day's battery life, I switched over to Huawei GT. Now Huawei GT 2 for me due to two weeks battery life, HR monitoring, true slip, music, GPS, VO2 Max monitoring, 7-8 sports modes and recovery time etc. Compass, alarm, timer, find my phone, torch. While jogging I need not to carry phone due to GPS and music 500 songs. Add on functions like AOD and dual time zone and it's classy look, cost effectiveness and a true fitness tracker. GT am using since 4 months no issues.
Having never used a running watch, do they work with Strava? Like do you leave your phone at home and then it’ll link when you get back or something? I’d rather all times and stats be in one place. I don’t mind taking the phone at all, it’s just missing the heart rate function!
Yup. You can sync your run to Strava via Bluetooth when you get back without needing to take your phone with you 👍
Really useful video! I've had two fitbit versa in 8 months both of which have died - they are definitely not sport / running durable watches, don't recommend! Think i will go for the garmin 245 music...
Thanks Jennifer! The 245 Music is a good choice 👌
I love the polar eco system, but their watches seem to be always one step behind the market and the polar flow app isn't that great
My first was the pink Garmin Forerunner 10 many many years ago. It died the morning of my first half marathon. RIP first running watch! I'm now using Garmin Vivoactive 3 w music. Love that I don't need my phone or ipod for music. I don't like running w a lot of gear. It looks good, is water resistant, and works on the treadmill!
Great comments, thank you! Did you record the half marathon on your phone then if the watch had died?
@@runningchannel I didn't run w my phone. Planned to just use the watch but it literally wouldn't connect to gps while waiting to cross the start line and then it just went blank, never turned on again. I've got the official race results online and thats good enough for me. :)
Nice video. The first I have seen on your channel. Nice selection of watches and features but a lot of Garmin. I get that it’s the popular choice and they build great watches but worth spending time researching before splashing out. DC Rainmaker and Rizknows are good sources. I currently own a Garmin FR35 but just bought a Suunto Spartan Trainer HR as it seems to have all the features I could ever use and considerably more affordable than its Garmin equivalent.
Look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future 👍
Thanks for watching and for the feedback Kevin
Spartan trainer is a great watch until the strap break.
Imran Sufian the only strap I’ve ever had break was a Fitbit. Changed a few out on my garmin’s in the past though. Replacement straps for my Suunto look plentiful and internet search didn’t reveal anything difficult about the process. Did I miss something? If I did better hope my strap doesn’t break 👍
@@Kevb69 i used to own the trainer and i loved it. Much better tham garmin. But i sold it after the straps broken 2 times. It's a common problem. Can read here www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/Suunto/comments/afjtvd/suunto_spartan_trainer_wrist_hr_broken_a_common/
Great video. Informative, up to date and useful. I've seen thousands of videos about watches but this is a great summary.
Thanks! 👍
Got a two year-old Garmin 35. Basic, but does everything I want (except I can't wear it to swim). I'll probably upgrade to a 235 at some point, (because it's better-looking as a watch), but I'm not a serious enough runner to plunk down 600 bucks on a Suunto or Polar.
The 235 is definitely a good one to go for if you're looking to upgrade the 35
Great review but I'm just confused why youd bring up the pulse ox in the 945 and not on the 245.
Try a touch screen with sweaty hands or in rain...they are a nogo....I’m using the FENIX6XSAPHIRE and it replaced the Apple Watch 4 Garmin gives me all I need 😎
Isn't non touch screen better anyway since your hands might be sweaty when you running
Definitely something to consider when you're picking which watch is best for you, yes.
Ps, don't forget to hit 'Subscribe' and tap the bell icon so you get notified when we upload new videos about running - there's new stuff every week and it'd really help us out if you subscribed ☺️ (it is free after all! And you don't get much for free these days)
Was with fitbit for about 3 years or so and never wanted to leave but took the plunge on the Garmin Vivoactive 3. While not a complete running watch like the Forerunner series it's still amazing and the metrics are so much more in depth than fitbit and its integration with strava and live tracking is also amazing. I wish I had switched sooner!
I would rate Polar V much higher! :) In addition to their functionality, they are still very light, almost not felt on the hand
If you have some weight on your wrist it might give you extra workout!
I have a Fitbit charge 2 it serves me well tracks my running, and other activities! I love the Fitbit app too! However I’m thinking of starting swimming but it’s not waterproof which is annoying so may have to upgrade to Fitbit charge 3 I don’t think I would want to invest in a Garmin, I rly like my Fitbit bcs battery life is so good, plus it’s small on my wrists.
You do you! We all get used to certain brands / functions / apps that suit what we want them to do 👍
A very well selected range of watches to compare there - not easy and nicely done! Personally I use an Apple Watch Series 4 with the Stryd running power and pretty impressive accompanying watch app. It's a great combination (with stats galore), but would prefer the buttons of these other watches for running, in an ideal world. Since this video was made you now have the Apple Watch Series 3 for a pretty competitive £199 too ... And if on a budget, the second hand running watch market is plentiful! You can get a Garmin Forerunner 230/235 for well under £100 ...
I’ve had a TomTom spark for about 4 years. still get great battery life, decent gps and can store music to listen to via bluetooth headphones. the atom Tom app automatically uploads my data to Strava too. Has been great for my casual use of about 15-20k/week. only cost £65 👍😀 My eyes water at some of these prices that don’t provide much more than this!
Also syncs to my myzone heart rate belt and shows my heart rate on screen next to my pace
I wish I saw this before my 100k. I used the Vivoactive 3 Music and when the battery ran out...switched to the Garmin 25.....then back....945 might have been the way to go....Thanks.
Congrats on the 100k Martin - what an amazing achievement. The 945 certainly looks like one that would be beneficial for what you need
Hey Martin, the 935 is cheaper and does the same thing as the 945 (minus full colour maps). Coros is also a brand to look at as one of their models (can't remember which, sorry)! Has insane battery life and you'll see quite a few ultra runners use them these days. Although I believe Garmin has slightly better GPS accuracy but I might be mistaken there and it's only a minute difference I believe anyway
@@runningchannel excellent episode!
@@Julie-my6ds Thank you so much. I will do my best with what I have until I plan out my next big adventure. Onward and upward.
@@martinlavare1938 feel that, I'm too poor to afford anything anyway😂
I have a Garmin Forerunner 35 and a Fitbit Charge 3. Pretty happy with both. The Fitbit isn't very sturdy though.
What's the best one in an urban, high-rise environment? I find gps connectivity really varies between suburbs and places like NYC.
Forerunner 235 is great for me. 30+ years of running and this is the best one I have ever had.
Glad you found something that works for you!
Had the 45 and my 245 arrives today!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Nice!!
The title is so wrong in my ways!!!!! not a single one of those watches cost less than a 200$,I've bought just a week ago a 74$ smartwatch with gps+Heart rate monitor and great value,holding up for over a 7 days of usage and 16 hours of GPS tracking,also it includes over 8 different activities on it,like Bicycling/running/swimming/snorkeling and other stuff.
if anyone interested to check it out,I'll drop a link for it.
What's the watch?
I’m currently going into a season of cross country and want a running watch. I don’t want to spend too much, so I was looking more at the garmin forerunner 35 or 45. However, during the track season, I start to do a lot faster workouts, with 400 and even 200 repeats that need timing. Are these entry level garmin watches easy to use at a faster pace like this? Thank you, great video btw!
Thanks Tyler!
We found the Garmins pretty easy but check out our friends at Wareable.com’s full reviews too
Great review! Santa gave me the 245 for Christmas:) I’m using the coach for half marathon
Nice one! Best of luck for the half Carl!
Casio F-91W-1.
When you wear it, it doesn't look like you have a can of tuna strapped to your wrist, it tells you the time, has a 1-hour timer, has an alarm, battery life of about 6-10 years, weighs virtually nothing (21grams), is water-resistant to 30meters and is probably cheaper than the box any of the watches you reviewed came in.
Mine has worked in this capacity for 30 years. In 30 years time, those new running watches will be in a landfill.
I use Fitbit Ionic, no need to run with phone. We just cannot calls. Versa is junk.
Are the heart rate sensors from those watches acurate during runs? I am using Polar H7 chest strap with my phone. I want to play music at the same time track my heart rate.
Generally speaking chest heart rate straps tend to give a slightly more accurate reading than wrist-based heart rate sensors
I use a Timex wrist watch. It has a repeating countdown timer. I set it up for either every 30 seconds or one minute. It beeps for 10 seconds
I'm still using my Tom Tom watch. Gps. Music. Multisport. Linked to strava. A bit dated now. Anyone know if there's any new Tom Tom watches in the pipeline? 🏃♂️⌚😁
They're finished with wearables as far as I know. (pretty sure)
The best cheap option is the Mi Band. $40/Ł35 and it does everything a new runner needs. I got mine more than a year ago and am still plenty happy with it.
I have the garmin 245 and it has navigation and pulse ox also? What's the 945 have that the 245 doesn't? Genuinely asking because I might upgrade if its better
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 and 4 are also great running & multi-sport watches.
Cocoa Liveson agree. My Vivo 3 Music is awesome but had the head that holds the strap on break twice meaning replacement parts.
But for pure running and nothing else think the garmin 235 beats it
Loved the video! My only criticism in the order of seriousness with the watches. I am a pretty serious runner and train with serious runners, and we all find that if you are serious about running specifically, then you don’t need watches which have all those extra widgets. I have had a 235 for a few years now and I’ve carried through sub 15min 5ks. Don’t get a touch screen watch! They never work right in the rain! I would definitely rate the cheaper Garmin watches.
Great video guys keep them coming!
Thanks for watching Lachy!
Before anything ellse, thanks for your videos guys, I love your channel!
And now, a quick question. What's the advantage of a running watch over a smartphone? Some of those watches cost twice as much as my smartphone and any smartphone can track a run with plenty of running apps available both for iOS and Android to choose from. I do want a running watch but I find it hard to convince myself that I need one.
Thanks so much for your lovely words! Some people prefer the convenience of tracking their runs on a watch rather than carrying their phone with them. There are also features on a watch, like wrist-based heart rate data and the Polar Grit X has a power meter on the wrist too, that you wouldn't get from a phone. Hope that helps! (Anna)
they forgot about Garmin 35 which is a pretty solid watch and it’s only £100
We couldn’t cover everything Anna, sorry! Thanks for the suggestion though 👍
The Forerunner 45 in the video officially replaced the 35...although it's a little more expensive (but a lot better)
James Stables i agree but the 35 is a good alternative if you don’t want to splash out. i have the 945
@@stablesjames but did the 245 replace the 645. Guess they're close enough to skip reviewing the older model.
@@nexuspena7448 I think the 245 is an upgrade of the. 235. The 645 precedes the 245 by a few months so I don't think the latter is a replacement for the 645.