The 10 best watches for every runner in 2021 – which watch is best to choose for your needs

Did you know that the first wristwatch appeared on the market in 1790? Jaquet-Droz and Leschot were the creators of the wristwatch. A long time has passed since then technology has gone a long way with the development of watches. Now they not only show the time. They also have many other functions that make everyday life easier for many people. These watches can connect via Bluetooth to the phone, so even though the smartphone is in another room and not with us at the moment, we still have access to notifications. Now, running watches are becoming more and more popular, with many practical functions that will help you in your daily training.

Did you know that a running watch can measure your heart rate, body temperature, and the distance you have traveled while running? These are just several of many amenities that these watches have. In this article, we will look at different models and see the best watch for runners in 2021. Thanks to this you will decide what model to choose to suit your needs.

Let’s start with what a running watch is, where it came from and why it is so popular among people around the globe.

What is a running watch?

A running watch is a very convenient device for any runner. It is necessary to start with the fact that such a watch for runners is small and handy. You only need to fasten it on your wrist and enjoy comfortable jogging. What is more, thanks to this watch, you can measure your pulse, temperature, distance traveled, or calories burned. The functions may differ depending on what device you choose for yourself.

How to choose a running watch to suit your needs

The easiest way is to think about your lifestyle. Then check what functions the preferred running watch has. You must check such things before purchasing. Each of us needs something different, and we care about something else. Checking the parameters on the internet is one of the first steps to be taken before making the final choice.

Watches for runners – why are they so popular nowadays?

The answer is simple. Many people want to take care of themselves, introduce various diets in their lives. It is also associated with the desire to run. A watch for runners certainly facilitates daily training and it means that all the most crucial information is always at hand (literally). It is important to remember that such a running watch is most of all intended to monitor daily activity. It is definitely an invaluable device during your everyday training. You can also use it for walks and other physical activities. What can also be seen is that people buy these watches even when they are not training. In other cases, such accessories are used mainly to receive notifications from the phone. They are also used as ordinary wristwatches.  

Now that we have general information about running watches, it is time to look at various models and companies that are specialists in such gadgets. You will see what their functions are and why they are the best products of 2021. If you want one of the best watches, you will choose something for yourself after getting to know these devices. 

1. Garmin Forerunner 945

If you have used a running watch before, you may have heard of this company. If you are a newbie, we will introduce you to it a bit. Garmin is an American company that specializes not only in watches for runners but also in GPS receivers. The firm has been on the market since 1989. Now, let’s move on and take a closer look at the watch because it plays the primary role here.

It is a device that has many functions that will surely please many runners. Let’s start with the fact that it has fundamental functions such as measuring heart rate from the wrist, GPS satellite navigation, and many forms of training to choose from (e.g. running, walking, climbing). In addition, it also allows you to measure the dynamics of running. Thanks to which you can see parameters such as rhythm, stride length, contact time with the ground, or balance. The watch for runners is also equipped with a VO2 max to measure your performance depending on, for example, temperature. Furthermore, you have the efficiency of your body and the effect of the training that has on your body. The training status will show whether you are in top condition or if you have overtrained yourself. The watch also shows the training load, training suggestions, or the time you need to recover from your activity.

The functions of this watch do not end there. It also has a Garmin Coach, i.e. expert advice and training plans tailored to your needs. The battery is also very durable as it can last two weeks with 10 hours of using GPS and listening to music each day. The running watch has a feature that can be useful for any woman, which is tracking the menstrual cycle. Additionally, it is equipped with ‘safety and tracking features‘. This means that in the event of an emergency, the watch will notify the relevant authorities of your location.Thanks to this watch, you can also pay contactlessly for your purchases.

2. Polar Vantage V2

What should be emphasized at the very beginning is that this is a watch that is characterized by its lightness. This aspect is crucial during your daily activities. This model has basic functions such as wrist heart rate measurement, built-in GPS, and a color touchscreen. No one cannot complain about the battery lifetime, because it will withstand 40 hours of continuous training. In battery-saving mode, it can last 100 hours without recharging. The watch also has the function of measuring the efficiency of the body and shows how the last training strained individual systems of your body. You will also find recovery functions, which means that the watch will show you when your body will be ready for the next training session. That is a fundamental function because overtraining is not pleasant for the body. You can also do a leg recovery test. In a few minutes, you will know in what condition your legs are in after training. If you like listening to music while training, this watch is for you. With it, you can browse the playlist or change the volume of the song you are listening to during the activity. The running watch will also show you the intensity of your running sessions, monitor your sleep phases, and show you the results for each segment of your run. Additional advantages are breathing exercises, many sports modes, running route planning, or free training programs tailored to each user.

3. Coros Pace 2

Coros Pace 2 is the perfect model for people who want to focus on running. It is designed primarily with the needs of triathletes and long-distance runners in mind. This watch for runners is ultra-light. That is why it surely will be appreciated by any runner. Interestingly, it does not have a touch screen, but a knob. The knob can be used to jump between different functions. Furthermore, the brightness of the screen adjusts to the environment. The battery can also convince users because it lasts up to 20 days! The watch gives the user a choice. People can choose between 12 different sports modes, including running, swimming, or cycling. It has wrist-based running power calculation and various training plans. The watch is alsowatertight, so you do not have to worry about the activity in the water. Muscle Heatmap is a function that allows you to check which muscles were the most strained during training. As with the previous running watch, this one also has a recovery function that shows the time needed for the body to recover after running. Another practical feature is sleep monitoring, compass, and thermometer. 

4. Suunto 7

Suunto 7 is another addition to our list. It is a watch that is sure to please many users. Like previous models, it has a wrist heart rate measurement. What is more, it’s watertight to 50 meters and has over 70 sport modes! Sleep monitoring will allow you to see how many hours you sleep and how it affects your body. Suunto 7 will also accurately measure your activity during the day and show you how exercise affects your body condition. The watch for runners also has built-in training maps that allow you to choose a good route for everyday running. Thanks to the Google Pay function, you can safely pay with your sports watch. This model is very resistant to all kinds of dirt, water, and shocks. The running watch also has a pedometer and will show the calories burned during daily activity. If you are a fan of listening to music, Suunto 7 will not disappoint you. You can plug in a headset and listen to your favorite music. You can choose songs straight from your wrist.

5. Polar Ignite 2

Polar Ignite 2 is another proposition from Polar on this list. No wonder! This model also surprises with the functions that the manufacturer has equipped this device with. At the very beginning, let’s mention the basic functions that could not be missing, i.e. heart rate measurement, built-in GPS, music, or phone notifications. The visual advantage of this watch for runners is that you can change the colors of the clock face to suit your preferences or the band of the device. Polar Ignite 2 has breathing exercises, weather, and a weekly summary when it comes to training. It has the FitSpark function, which adjusts the training to the state of the body. This model will also divide and show you how you use energy. This means that it will divide energy into sources: proteins, sugars, and fats. The watch also allows you to adjust the training program to your daily activity. The wristwatch also has over 130 different sports modes. Thanks to this, you can choose exactly the one you are doing. Polar Ignite 2 also has swimming functions. It means that it measures style, pace, heart rate, and distance while you are swimming. This running watch is also equipped with a regeneration function.

6. Garmin Forerunner 245

Garmin Forerunner 245 is another offer from this manufacturer. It is equipped with heart rate measurement, notifications from the phone and GPS. This model also has built-in sports modules. It measures your VO2 max and running dynamics. Moreover, the device shows your training status as well as the training effects that the user is doing. As in the case of the previous clock from this company, this one also has a regeneration function. It will let you know after each training how long it takes for your body to rest well enough to train again fully. Battery life is 7 days. The Garmin Forerunner 245 may appeal to women. You ask why? The watch for runners has a feature that allows you to track the menstrual cycle. Thanks to this, you can receive tips on diet and training. You can also record symptoms and monitor your pregnancy. Another useful feature is the security and monitoring feature. This means that when you feel threatened, this feature will send your location to the appropriate services. Garmin Coach will allow you to get expert advice and tailor your training to your needs. The running watch has a feature that can be useful for any woman, which is tracking the menstrual cycle.

7. Suunto 9 Baro Titanium

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium is another model that is high in the ratings of watches popular this year. It has GPS, heart rate measurement, and sleep monitoring. The watch for runners can withstand even the most extreme conditions. This is evidenced, for example, by watertight up to 100 meters. In this model, the manufacturer offers a touch screen. It also has the function of load and regeneration of the body after each training. Thanks to this, you know when you can return to intense activity. Suunto 9 Baro Titanium has over 80 sport modes. Thanks to that everyone will find something for themselves. It is necessary to add that the battery lasts up to 170 hours without recharging. The running watch also has a compass, pedometer and number of calories burned during the training. Additionally, it also measures distance and running speed. Thanks to the application, you can share your achievements and workouts with other users. Connecting to the phone means that messages or calls notification will be received on the watch. 

8. Polar Grit X

Polar Grit X is another modern running watch with functions that may surprise you. At the very beginning, it should be emphasized that the wristwatch is extremely durable and resistant to high temperatures and moisture. In addition, it is ultra-light, which certainly gives it a huge advantage. Various types of straps can be selected for the watch, depending on the preferences of the user. Because the watch for runners will be an everyday element of your outfit, it is worth matching the strap to your clothes. Polar Grit X provides basic functions such as heart rate measurement, weather, GPS, and phone notifications. The running watch will also inform you about the intensity of your training and the number of calories burned. The wristwatch has over 130 sports modules. You can also view your running performance and see how it is changing. What is more, thanks to the GPS function, you can make a route for your daily training. Polar Grit X also has an option to monitor sleep and regeneration, which will surely be useful for every runner. You can also turn on the function of breathing exercises that will allow you to relax and regain peace of mind. Because the watch is watertight, you can use it even while swimming. During this activity, the watch for runners will measure your pace, style, and number of hand movements. Use the Fitness Test to check your condition in only 5 minutes. 

9. Garmin Instinct Solar

Garmin Instinct Solar is another offer from Garmin. The watch may not convince some people with its appearance, but it will surely convince with the functions provided by the manufacturer. The watch for runners has a heart rate measurement, a pulse oximeter, and a stress level measurement. What is more, it has built-in sports modules that are adapted to many different types of sports. This model can also set a route for your training, thanks to which running will be more enjoyable and effective. The running watch can connect via Bluetooth to the phone. Thanks to this, you can receive notifications from other applications, messages, or incoming calls. Certainly, many people will be interested in the solar battery that was added to this model. Thanks to it, the operation of your device without charging is longer. All you need to do is expose your watch to sunlight. Battery life is 24 days, and when charged with solar energy it is 54 days! Garmin Instinct Solar is extremely durable. The design of this running watch followed the American military style. This means that it is resistant to all kinds of damage, high temperature, and moisture. It also has a ‘find my phone’ function and music control.

10. Casio GBD-H1000

Casio GBD-H1000 is a very interesting proposition. Why? First, it contains 5 sensors: altimeter, barometer/thermometer, compass, pedometer and heart rate monitor. These functions alone will surely appeal to many users. This running watch can also impress with its modern and sporty look. Of course, the watch also has the option of connecting to the phone, so you can receive notifications straight on your wristwatch. It is watertight, which means that you can use it not only for activities on land, but also in water. An interesting feature is ‘the lost phone’. This means that when you do not know where you put your smartphone you should click the appropriate button on the watch to trigger the alarm on the phone. We can also check how many calories we have burned during the day. There is also an interesting technology that uses solar energy to extend the operation of the Casio GBD-H1000. It is possible thanks to the solar panels placed in the watch face. It is definitely a very innovative solution. The running watch, like all the others, is equipped with a heart rate measurement, as well as a program that will help adjust the training to the user.

On the market you can find many models and manufacturers who outdo each other in newer and newer functions and design of running watches. No wonder, because as it was mentioned at the very beginning of the article, more and more people use them. Not only for controlling physical activity, but also as an accessory to your everyday outfit. In this article, we looked at 10 models that are the best on the market in 2021. It should be remembered that when choosing the right watch for runners, you should look at the functions that a given product offers. You should also look for opinions about the device you want to buy. It is important to choose a watch that will serve you for a while and you will be happy with this choice.

It is definitely a device that should be included in the equipment of every runner. The watch for runners will certainly facilitate training, control them and adapt to each user. Many running watches have a regeneration function, but even without it, you should remember not to overdo it. You need to give your body time to regenerate and then continue training. For sure every running watch user will confirm that this is a purchase worth making. Even a watch with basic functions will be very useful and you can buy it for 200-600 zlotys.