Best Running Watch 2025: Top Picks for Runners and Athletes

The best running watch in 2025 is the Garmin Forerunner 965. It’s praised for its precise GPS, long battery life, and detailed fitness tracking. Runners also rate it highly for comfort and value. Competing models from Coros, Polar, and Apple are strong alternatives depending on budget and training style.

If you’re hunting for the right running watch this year, you’ll want more than a list of names. In this guide, we’ll compare the top models, highlight their strengths, and give you practical advice on which one suits your runs best.

By the end, you’ll know which watch fits marathon training, casual daily runs, or professional-level workouts. You’ll also see where price, battery life, and features truly matter, without wasting time on specs that don’t.

What’s the Best Running Watch in 2025?

The best running watch in 2025 is the Garmin Forerunner 965. It combines pinpoint GPS tracking, a bright AMOLED display, and long battery life that lasts through marathons. Lightweight and comfortable, it’s trusted by runners worldwide and consistently tops both user reviews and professional rankings.

The Forerunner 965 stands out because it delivers reliable performance in all conditions. Its battery lasts up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours with GPS, making it ideal for both daily training and ultra-distance races. It’s also slim on the wrist, so you’ll barely notice it during long runs.

How to Choose the Right Running Watch

The right running watch balances GPS accuracy, long battery life, comfort, and smart features. If one of these fails, your training suffers. GPS keeps you on track, battery powers your runs, comfort prevents irritation, and smart features connect your workouts to your lifestyle.

GPS Accuracy and Tracking

Without accurate GPS, pace and distance data become unreliable. A watch with poor tracking can overestimate or underestimate mileage, which hurts training results. The best watches use dual-frequency GPS for precise positioning, even in cities or forests.

Battery Life for Long Runs

If your watch dies mid-run, the workout data is lost, and so is your pace guide. For marathon and ultra-distance runners, a long-lasting battery is non-negotiable. One runner reported their watch shutting off at mile 23 of a marathon, erasing their splits and leaving them guessing for the final stretch.

Comfort and Strap Quality

Comfort is as important as function. A watch that digs into your skin or feels too heavy distracts from the run. Lightweight models with soft silicone or nylon straps tend to be best for long-distance training. Choosing the right strap size also prevents chafing and ensures consistent heart-rate readings.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Modern running watches double as fitness companions. Pairing with your phone allows you to sync workouts, receive call or message alerts, and even store music for phone-free runs.

For example, Garmin and Apple let you stream playlists directly from Spotify. Coros and Polar offer simple but reliable syncing to training apps.

Best Running Watches 2025 – Top Picks

The top running watches of 2025 cover every need: Garmin Forerunner 965 is best overall, Coros Pace 3 leads as budget-friendly, Polar Vantage V3 is trusted for marathons, Apple Watch Ultra 2 fits everyday training, and Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 caters to advanced athletes with pro-level features.

Best Overall Running Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 965 earns the top spot. It balances accuracy, battery, comfort, and smart features better than any rival. Ideal for most runners.

Key Features:

• Dual-frequency GPS with excellent accuracy
• 31 hours GPS battery life
• Lightweight design with AMOLED display
• Training readiness and recovery metrics

Best Budget Running Watch

The Coros Pace 3 is the best choice for runners on a budget. It’s affordable yet offers reliable GPS, good battery life, and training features found in higher-end models. Best for beginners or casual runners who want accurate tracking without paying premium prices. Average price range: $229–$249.

Best Watch for Marathon Runners

The Polar Vantage V3 is built for endurance athletes. It offers long battery life, precise GPS, and advanced training data to help pace long runs. Trusted by marathoners and ultra-distance runners, this watch provides up to 40 hours of GPS runtime, so it won’t quit before you do.

Best Watch for Everyday Training

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is perfect for runners who mix training with daily life. It’s lightweight, user-friendly, and integrates seamlessly with the iPhone. It balances performance with lifestyle features, making it great for those who run but also want a smartwatch for everyday tasks.

Best Watch for Advanced Athletes

The Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is for serious athletes. With advanced metrics, robust maps, and pro-level performance data, it supports detailed training analysis. From VO2 max tracking to heart-rate variability, it gives athletes every tool needed to fine-tune training and recovery.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

The best way to compare running watches in 2025 is by looking at battery life, GPS accuracy, and price side-by-side. This quick table shows how the top models stack up, making it easier to spot which one fits your running style, distance, and budget.

Here, you’ll see the numbers clearly laid out without any fluff. This saves you from flipping through endless specs and helps you focus on what truly matters: accuracy, endurance, and value.

Final Thoughts

The Garmin Forerunner 965 stands as the best running watch in 2025. It combines accuracy, comfort, and battery life in a way that suits most runners. Still, the best choice always depends on your goals, budget, and whether you train casually, competitively, or at an elite level.

FAQs

Are Running Watches Worth It in 2025?

Yes, running watches are worth it in 2025. They provide accurate tracking, long-lasting batteries, and training data that helps runners progress. From pacing to recovery monitoring, these watches give clear insights that a basic phone app can’t, making them essential for consistent and data-driven improvement.

Beyond numbers, they help set realistic goals and track progress week after week. Many athletes credit their performance gains to the structure these watches bring into their training.

Can I Use a Running Watch for Swimming or Cycling?

Yes, most modern running watches can be used for swimming and cycling. They come with waterproof designs and multi-sport tracking modes, allowing you to monitor workouts across different sports without needing separate devices.

For triathletes, this feature is a game changer. A single watch can track open-water swims, bike rides, and runs, then combine them into one session. Popular models like Garmin Forerunner 965 and Polar Vantage V3 excel at this.

Do Running Watches Work Without a Phone?

Yes, running watches work without a phone. They come with built-in GPS and storage, so you can track distance, pace, and routes independently. Some models even store music for phone-free runs.

While syncing to a phone app offers deeper analysis, the watch itself handles real-time tracking and post-run summaries just fine. This is ideal for runners who want to train light and distraction-free.

How Long Should a Running Watch Last?

A good running watch should last 4–6 years before performance starts to drop. Battery efficiency, strap quality, and software support all affect longevity. Garmin, Coros, and Polar watches often last longer than cheaper models.

Replacing the strap or updating firmware can extend life, but heavy users may see shorter lifespans. On average, premium models are built to withstand years of consistent training.