Best Running Watch 2026: Perfect for 5Ks and marathons

With a price tag of £629.99/$749.99, the Garmin Forerunner 970 will be a bit too pricey for beginners who just need a simple and affordable fitness tracker to keep tabs on their progress, but if you’re a seasoned runner after a robust wearable that can deliver all of the essential data required to pinpoint areas where you can improve to beat your personal bests, then the 970 is too good to pass up.

Unlike a lot of the Forerunners of old, the 970 boasts a gorgeous AMOLED display. Having the brighter panel means that the screen is just as easy to read outdoors as it is in moments of low light. It also makes data a great deal easier to read on the go without having to defer to your smartphone and the Garmin app.

When it comes to running data, the Forerunner 970 left us wanting for very little. On top of excellent heart rate tracking and the metrics that we’ve come to expect, you can now also dive into your speed loss, running economy and running tolerance. However, it is worth mentioning that running economy and speed loss can only be tracked if you also have the Garmin HRM-600 heart rate monitor in tow, although it’s arguably a pairing worth having if you are invested in reaching your full running potential.

One area where previous Garmin watches tend to fall short against the competition in the realm of smart features, but the Forerunner 970 does some excellent work to plug the gap here. Not only can you now take calls directly on the watch itself via Bluetooth, the redesigned UI feels far more in line with what you’d expect from a modern smartwatch, with easily accessible menus and a health dashboard that lets you know in a pinch whether you need to prioritise rest of exertion.

The watch also features Garmin’s new and improved Gen 5 optical sensor which brings ECG measurements and skin temperature tracking into the mix, both of which are crucial for picking up on any signs of heart arrhythmia and changes to your skin overnight that might indicate larger issues.

For the longest time it was the outstanding Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) that held this spot but that’s changed since the Garmin Fenix 8 hit the scene, bringing much of what made the former so great, but into the Fenix range.

The biggest update is the inclusion of an AMOLED display. While there is a more traditional memory-in-pixel option that offers better battery life, the AMOLED display is easily the more preferable of the two as it makes the watch far easier to read when running in the dark. Speaking of which, the inclusion of a flashlight on the front of the Fenix 8 makes it incredibly helpful when running in areas that don’t see a lot of natural or artificial light, helping you to avoid hazards.

Before you head out on the trail, you can now put down the exact distance that you would like to cover and if anything gets in your way, such as a road closure, then the Fenix 8 will reroute you on the go to make sure that you reach your desired distance. This is a huge boon for anyone training for a marathon, as it keeps you locked in with your goals.

Much like any Garmin watch, the Fenix 8 also boasts stellar heart rate tracking and plenty of metrics to dive into after a workout. The only major setback is that with a starting price of £869.99/$999.99, the Garmin Fenix 8 will be out of the price range for many consumers, but if you can swing it, then you’ll receive one of the absolute best running watches in return.

As much as we love the Garmin Fenix 8, if you’re an ultramarathon runner who needs a long-lasting watch that can actually go the distance, then the Garmin Enduro 3 really is your best bet.

This chunky watch uses traditional wired charging alongside a built-in solar panel to keep the battery topped up, allowing it to run for up to 90 days in smartwatch mode, or 320 hours when GPS tracking is toggled. Whether you’ve got a long hike planned or a race in the great outdoors, the Enduro 3 won’t let you down where battery is concerned.

In fact, the solar charging has now been made more efficient over the Garmin Enduro 2, with the use of Power Sapphire glass lens technology, making better use of those sunny days. When the sun goes down however, the built-in flashlight (which can also be found on the Fenix 8 and the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2) can lead the way.

The trade-off for the Enduro 3’s outstanding battery life is the lack of an AMOLED display, which is where Garmin presents the Fenix 8 as an alternative for those who want the flashier screen tech. If you’re not bothered by all that however and you just want a watch that can keep up, you won’t find a better option than the Enduro 3.

If your budget is tight but you still want a proper running watch that goes beyond simple step counting, the Garmin Forerunner 170 is a compelling pick at this end of the market.

The headline upgrades over its predecessor sit firmly on the software side rather than the hardware. Training Readiness, evening reports, and faster workout shortcuts provide a level of fitness insight you wouldn’t necessarily expect at this price point. The menus are easy to navigate, and the interface will feel immediately familiar to anyone coming from an older Garmin, while first-time buyers won’t feel lost either, thanks to how intuitive the whole experience is.

GPS tracking covers runs, pool swims and indoor gym sessions well, and heart rate readings are reliable across the board. It is worth noting that multi-band GPS support isn’t included here, which is a feature you’ll find on the pricier models on this list, but for everyday training it holds up without issue.

Battery life is the one area where you notice the compromises of a more entry-level device, though 10 days in smartwatch mode is far from a dealbreaker for most people. Opt for the music edition, and you can also expect around 6.5 to 7.5 hours of wrist-based streaming, which is a handy bonus for runners who like to leave their phone at home.

Throw all of that onto the well-established Garmin software ecosystem and you’re looking at one of the most well-rounded options in the sub-£300 end of the market.

Even though Garmin tends to dominate the conversation when it comes to running watches, Suunto has shown yet again that it is a force to be reckoned with in the very well-priced Suunto Run. If you’re after an inexpensive watch that still offers up many of the key features that runners love to have, then you’ll get on well here.

While the watch will only set you back £199, you’re getting a gorgeous 1.32-inch AMOLED display that’s very easy to look at when you’re outdoors. The screen is also a nice size for navigating through menus and reading workout data on your wrist, so there’s a lot to like here on a visual level.

In spite of its use of AMOLED technology, the Suunto Run still manages to beat out a fair amount of the competition on longevity. It’s possible to get up to 12 days of use from a single charge, so if you do wear the watch overnight as a sleep tracker, you won’t have to worry about waking up to a battery warning.

When you are feeling well rested and ready to hit the track, the Suunto Run uses dual-band GPS tracking to build an accurate record of your chosen route. Having GPS tracking onboard also means that you can leave your phone at home, which is helpful for runners who don’t like to be bogged down by extra tech.

When you want to hit the weights or a different type of cardio exercise, you have plenty of other workouts that can be tracked by the Suunto Run, including indoor rowing and swimming. There’s also a built-in music player for listening to audio files offline as you work up a sweat.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is built with fitness-focused users in mind, particularly those who prefer the trail to the treadmill, and its feature set reflects that outdoor ambition at every turn.

The design makes the rugged credentials clear from the off. A titanium body, shockproof case and three chunky side buttons all signal that this is a watch ready to take a beating in the field.

The standout feature is the 1.52-inch AMOLED display, which hits a peak brightness of 5000 nits, the highest of any smartwatch currently on the market. That means reading fitness stats mid-run in direct sunlight is a genuine non-issue, which is exactly what you need when you’re out on an exposed trail.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon Wear Elite chipset keeps Wear OS running without any noticeable slowdown, and hands-free access to the Gemini AI assistant means you can fire off questions without needing to interact with the screen at all.

Workout tracking goes deep, with metrics that adapt depending on the activity selected. New pro workout modes add a trail running profile that supports GPX route following, turn-by-turn directions and elevation tracking, with hydration advice to boot.

Health tracking has also been refreshed this time around. The new Vitals feature hands you broader wellness insights at a glance, and a Heart Health Score gives a quick read on your overall cardiovascular wellbeing. 

Battery life has improved over its predecessor, landing at around two days in our testing, although it still falls short of dedicated endurance wearables if multi-day stamina is your priority.

For Samsung users after a tough, capable and genuinely flexible Android smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is easy to recommend.

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Ask anyone, even runners who are just starting out, and they’ll agree that not all types of running require the same kit. For instance, running on a treadmill is different to running at your local park, which in turn is a world away from trail running. On the latter, you’ll need a wearable that’s not only durable and long-lasting, but also needs a strong GPS connection as well as safety features in case of any trouble. Packing all of those factors and then some is the excellent Garmin Instinct 3.

The big upgrade over its predecessor is the addition of an AMOLED display. This fits in line with Garmin’s current strategy to move on from the low power memory-in-pixel style displays of old (aside from on battery behemoths like the Garmin Enduro 3). Having AMOLED on board makes it easier to read what’s on screen, particularly after the sun goes down, and it’s not a massive knock to battery life either as you can still get up to 18-days of use in smartwatch mode.

When you’re out on the trail, the Instinct 3 benefits from Garmin’s new multi-band GPS technology which allows for a stronger connection and more accurate tracking. At the expense of some accuracy, you can also use the Expedition GPS mode which can extend the duration of tracking by up to several days or even a week.

There’s a built-in LED flashlight on the Garmin Instinct 3 which, while handy for finding things without needing to switch on a light, can also prove essential if you take a wrong turn and need to signal for help.

It is worth mentioning that there is no touchscreen support whatsoever on the Garmin Instinct 3, relegating controls entirely to the physical buttons surrounding the display. During workouts this is less of an issue as you’d want to avoid smudging the screen anyway, but it definitely takes some getting used to when away from the track.

If your budget doesn’t stretch beyond £100/$100, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro is a solid choice, building on what made its predecessor so likeable with a handful of upgrades that turn it into one of the most tempting options at this price. 

The headline change is the display. A bigger, brighter 1.74-inch AMOLED panel makes reading your stats outdoors far easier than before, and it genuinely looks great on the wrist. You get the usual colour options alongside a ceramic case variant that feels properly premium for the price. It’s easily the best-looking Xiaomi band yet.

Health tracking is a strong point. Heart rate readings are reliable, sleep tracking is decent, and blood oxygen monitoring is on board. Built-in GPS holds up well for outdoor sessions, including swimming and cycling, and in our testing it was capable of going toe-to-toe with pricier watches in this area. You also get more than 150 sports modes to choose from, plus training insights like recovery suggestions and training load reports to help you plan your sessions more effectively.

Software is familiar if you’ve used a recent Xiaomi band running HyperOS and paired with the Mi Fit app. Watch faces, music controls and quick notification glances are all present and correct, though the companion app can feel a little messy at times. The deeper sleep insights also don’t stack up against some rivals. For a cheap fitness tracker, however, it’s more than acceptable.

Battery life rounds things off well, with up to 21 days between charges under normal use, dropping to around 8 days with the always-on display active. For most runners operating on a tighter budget, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro holds up incredibly well.

Given that the Coros Pace 3 was an instant hit with our tech experts and an easy option to recommend for runners who wanted something different to the likes of Garmin or Apple, it was always going to be a tough act to follow. However, Coros should be given its due as the more powerful Coros Pace Pro builds upon those foundations and adds a solid amount of extras that any runner can appreciate.

The headline feature here is that the Pace Pro is capable of running for up to 20-days at a time before needing to be charged up. Of course, whether or not you hit that 20-day mark depends on how you use the watch in question, but even when toggling the always-on display, we were still able to get up to six days of use which far exceeds what you’ll get with the Apple Watch Series 11 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

For the runners who like to go beyond the local park and seek out trails that really require some effort to complete, you’ll be glad to know that the Pace Pro includes free downloadable maps as part of its software. It’s a simple case of downloading them via the Coros app and then sending them to the watch, at which point you can get turn-by-turn navigation and even rely on a handy ‘back to start’ feature if you lose your way.

As any runner can attest, having a curated playlist on hand can really make a difference in keeping you motivated through the last couple of laps, which is why it’s great to have offline music playback on the Pace Pro. Admittedly, the set-up is slightly different to what you’ll find on most smartwatches – instead of having a direct link with Spotify or some other streaming service, it’s offline storage for MP3 files which might be preferable to old school runners with a massive personal library of tracks.

Just like with the Pace 3, you get access to dual-band GPS tracking here which not only ensures that you can establish a connection quickly, but that the route tracked will also have accurate data after the fact. Plus, with waterproofing up to 50 metres, the Pace Pro is more than ready for the elements, or for a trip down the local pool if swimming is part of your exercise routine.

While Garmin feels like the default name in the world of running watches, it’s worth remembering that Huawei has been building a serious case for its own lineup, and the Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 keeps that momentum going. This is a fully featured wearable that comes in at a reasonable price to boot.

The headline addition is Huawei’s floating antenna design, which pairs a titanium bezel with a dielectric bezel to give the dual-band GPS a meaningful boost. That boost is real. During testing, the GT Runner 2 maintained accurate tracking through tunnels and dense tree cover, significantly outperforming the Garmin Forerunner 570 on the same routes. For runners who like to go beyond the local park and into environments that can play havoc with a GPS signal, that kind of reliability is a huge selling point.

On the training side, Huawei has built a solid set of running-specific tools into the GT Runner 2, developed alongside professional running team DSM-Firmenich. A new running power metric gives you a different lens for gauging effort mid-run, while lactate threshold detection adds a layer of physiological insight that you would normally expect from a much pricier watch. 

Adaptive training plans and AI-driven coaching suggestions round things out, and a dedicated Marathon mode can be tailored to different race distances for those with an event on the horizon.

Runners are clearly the target audience, but the GT Runner 2 also handles swimming, gym sessions, skin temperature tracking and ECG, so your broader health picture is well covered. 

The 1.5-inch AMOLED display is bright and sharp, protected by tough Kunlun glass, and at just 43.5g the watch is one of the lightest options you will find on this list. Battery life lands at around a week per charge and tops up quickly, so keeping it ready to go is rarely an inconvenience. 

If you want a running watch that gives you plenty to work with without pushing your budget too far, the GT Runner 2 deserves a serious look.

The Coros Pace 4 sits at the more accessible end of the running watch market and does an impressive job of delivering a feature-packed experience without asking too much of your wallet.

Getting to grips with the watch is straightforward, as you have three input methods at your disposal: a touchscreen, physical side buttons, and a rotating crown. There’s also 5ATM water resistance on board, so taking it into the pool for a swim session isn’t a problem.

On the display front, the 1.2-inch OLED screen is a clear step up from the MIP panel found on the Pace 3, offering sharper visuals and vivid colours that are easy to read mid-run. If you’d rather keep the screen lit at all times, an always-on mode is available for exactly that.

Coros quotes up to 19 days of battery life per charge, and while our testing landed closer to 12 days, that’s still a very comfortable margin for most runners who don’t want to be reaching for a charging cable every other day.

Where tracking is concerned, the Pace 4 uses dual-band GPS for tighter and more reliable location data, and you can broadcast live heart rate readings to compatible third-party devices during a workout. Heart rate accuracy held up well during running, though it was less consistent during gym sessions and spin classes. 

There’s also 4GB of onboard storage for music, though only around 1.7GB is actually available, and you can only load your own digital audio files rather than syncing with a streaming service, so leaving your phone behind on a run is possible as long as you connect Bluetooth headphones.

Lightweight, comfortable on the wrist, and sensibly priced, the Coros Pace 4 is a solid first running watch for anyone just getting started.