Top 10 Best Running Watches for 2020

Polar Vantage V Titan

If you liked the Polar Vantage V running watch series, you have to check out their new addition : the Polar Vantage V Titan watch.  Polar's lightest and most polished watch yet. We listened, and considered it had to be showcased on our Top 10 Best Running Watches for 2020! Let’s go through a few interesting features of this running watch together.

The Vantage V Titan watch is a premium multisport watch for anyone who trains like a pro.

First of all, this watch is not only a GPS running watch, but a multisports watch. It even offers swimming metrics and multisports functions. Polar has worked on this watch so that it is very precise and offers detailed data. Polar Flow is available with the Polar Vantage V Titan watch; it is a training platform where your data is available to evaluate. Also, you can sync your data on other platforms like Strava or TrainingPeaks, that offer a sports community. With that, you can exchange online with others who train like you, and gain more education on the sports you practice and on how to get better results for yourself.

Additionally, the Polar Vantage V Titan running watch offers a new technology to measure your heart rate called Precision Prime. This ensures optimal heart rate tracking and monitoring, for multiple different kinds of training.

Regarding the look of this GPS running watch, it is super sleek with a black band and red inside, as well as black dial and case. The case measures 46mm, which allows you to clearly read the notifications and data you get on your always-on color touch display screen. Finally, the case is made of titanium with a reinforced glass fiber back. And in order to make sure it is super comfortable to wear while running, this watch has a soft silicone band. Durable and nice looking!

Key Features:

• Polar optical heart rate accuracy.
• GPS & barometer.
• Up to 40 hours of training time with GPS active.
• Swimming metrics including swimming style, distance, pace, strokes and rest times.

Retail Price: $599

Available at: Polar.com

Garmin Forerunner 945

Better than ever and more detailed than ever, here is the Garmin Forerunner 945. This running watch will blow your mind!

Available in all black or black and blue, the Garmin Forerunner 945 offers a deep, rich, yet sporty look. This smartwatch is no regular GPS running watch. It excels in the quality of details it provides. Let’s go through a few of these features together!

First of all, the Garmin Forerunner 945 running watch is a lightweight smartwatch equipped with a high performance silicone band. What is even more impressive than its look, is the way it is built and everything it offers. If you like to listen to music while running and training, the Garmin Forerunner 945 running watch allows you to not only sync, but also store up to 1000 songs. Isn’t that amazing?

This smartwatch is great for running of course, but also to track your data and accompany you through many other kinds of sports. 

It actually offers multiple sports app, so you can track your data on almost any kind of training and activity.

Speaking of data, the tracking measures of the Garmin Forerunner 945 are amazing! This running watch is equipped with a feature called V02 max. This attribute indicates and foresees, for you, your expected performance. Therefore, not only can you track your data while training, but you can also plan ahead and have a clear idea of how you will perform. All of this, just by entering some of the metrics your training will contain. Then, you are good to go!

Make sure to check out the Garmin Forerunner 945 smartwatch, as it offers a whole lot. It had to be featured on our Top 10 Best Running Watches for 2020 list, just because it is one of the best, and newest, on the market.

Key Features:

• Adaptive training plans with Garmin Coach
• Multiple sports app built-in your watch
• Three built-in GPS, to have access to the most maps
• Performance indicator with V02 max
• Battery life up to 2 weeks, when in smartwatch mode
• Battery life up to 10 hours, in GPS mode with music
• Sync and store up to 1000 songs
• Contactless payment with Garmin Pay

Retail Price: $599

Available at: Garmin.com

Apple Watch Series 5

Here it is! The Apple Watch Series 5 has arrived, and is better than ever in 2020! The word of honor to describe this running watch truly is : customizable.

Apple has focused a lot on the design of the Apple Watch Series 5. Not only do you get countless options to choose from, in terms of materials and colors, but you can also customize your own Apple Watch. How? Apple has created the Apple Watch Studio; a place where your design dreams can come true, so you can get your perfect running watch.

If all of these look options were not enough, Apple has partnered with Nike to elaborate a beautiful and very sporty Apple Watch Series 5. If you are more into high-fashion, Apple also has an association with Hermes, and has its own Edition watch for the Series 5. Amazing!

Of course, the Apple Watch Series 5 is not all about style, it’s got great technologic features as well. For example, this running watch is equipped with an Always-On Retina display. This display never sleeps, which means you can always see the time on your watch. Also, the Apple Watch Series 5 contains the ECG app, which is made to give you data on your heart rate and rhythm - practical when training. Not only that, but it also is equipped with a GPS, Apple Pay, and much more; Like the Activity rings. These rings are super fun. They show you and track your activity progress, making sure to encourage you to move more and sit less. You also have the opportunity to challenge your friends on how much you move, versus them. 

Some of the great features of the Apple Watch Series 5 are made to make your everyday life sweeter.

Apple Pay is there for easy purchasing options, Siri is your on-wrist assistant and should you choose your Apple Watch with cellular option, you could go phoneless during your trainings. Now, that is great!

Key Features:

• Always-On Retina display
• Advanced workout metrics
• GPS
• Water resistant up to 50 meters
• Activity rings that track your progress and encourages you to move more
• App store directly on your wrist
• Apple Pay for easy purchasing options
• Siri - your on-wrist assistant
• Cellular options that allow you to go phoneless

Available at: Amazon



Suunto 9 Baro

Suunto has raised the bar in terms of quality of running watches. We had to include the Suunto 9 Baro watch on our Top 10 Best Running Watches for 2020, as it is one of the best on the market this year. Let’s see what it offers!

First of all, this watch provides an expertise in running, swimming and cycling. It also has a multisport function, with about 80 different sports modes, already preinstalled on the watch. The Suunto 9 Baro watch is also equipped with a multisports GPS, a barometer, a digital compass and much more. It is lightweight, comfortable to wear - due to its breathable textile strap, which is different than most of the running watches on the market offering a silicone band. The battery life is extended on the Suunto 9 Baro, as this watch has an intelligent battery mode feature, with smart reminders so that you can enjoy your watch for as long as possible. The battery can last up to 120 hours of exercising. 

This amazing running watch is well built, made to be strong and durable. It is made for multiple sports, including difficult trainings by true athletes.

Its case is made of stainless steel and is protected by a Sapphire crystal glass, which is scratch resistant. Regarding its look, the Suunto 9 Baro running watch comes in ten different styles and if that wasn’t enough, you can also customize the look of your watch. Awesome!

Key Features:

• GPS navigation
• Intelligent battery modes
• Over 80 sports modes
• Water resistant up to 100 meters
• Barometer
• Weather functions
• Fused Track
• Digital compass
• Activity tracking including : step counter, calorie burn, on-wrist heart rate, activity targets, etc.

Available at: Amazon

Fitbit Versa Lite Edition Smartwatch

Fitbit is one of the most popular running watches brands. No wonder why Fitbit’s latest device flies off the shelves! Introducing the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition smartwatch. 

Fitbit qualifies the Versa Lite Edition a “versatile and approachable everyday smartwatch”.

 With five color options to choose from, you can really adapt this watch to your style. The Fitbit Versa Lite Edition comes in either charcoal band with silver case, mulberry, marina blue, lilac band with silver case or white band with silver case. The silicone band is designed to be very comfortable to wear and the case is made of aluminum, for maximum durability. Fitbit has focused on designing a bold look for this watch, with vibrant colors. As well, Fitbit offers multiple other brand designs, so you can customize the look of your watch. Why not live 2020 in color with the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition? 

Here are more interesting features about this running watch; First of all, it is equipped with a battery that lasts about four days. Also, it has an easy to use design, focusing on one simple button. To make things easier for your busy self, the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition automatically tracks steps, distance, your calorie burn and every minute that you are active during the day. As well, this smartwatch has a SmartTrack system, detecting the workout you are doing so you don’t have to select it ahead of time. 

Not only that, but this Fitbit also offers a sleep tracking system with personal insights, to make sure you get a better rest. With more accurate data, like calorie burn and heart rate, more features like app notifications, text and calendar alerts, the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition is definitely a smartwatch to consider and this is why it had to be featured on our Top 10 Best Running Watches for 2020.

Key Features:

• Automatic data tracking
• SmartTrack system - to detect the activity you are practicing
• High-resolution touchscreen
• Bold color options in terms of cases and bands
• On-screen dashboard
• App, text, calendar notifications and alerts
• 24/7 heart rate
• More accurate data, like calorie burn
• Sleep tracking with personal insights

Retail Price: $159

Available at: Fitbit.com

Garmin Fenix 6

Garmin, Garmin, Garmin, how not to include a few Garmin watches on our Top 10 Best Running Watches for 2020? We have discussed the Forerunner 945 on this list, and the Forerunner 645 on our 2019 list, now let’s check out the Garmin Fenix 6 watches!

Yes, the Fenix 6 watches come in a few different options; either the Fenix 6, Fenix 6S or the Fenix 6X. As well, some of these options include a Pro & Sapphire Editions and a Pro Solar Editions. Let’s see why you have to consider the Garmin Fenix 6 watch while shopping for a great GPS running watch.

To start, the Garmin Fenix 6 watch comes in three case sizes, either 42mm, 47mm or 51mm. It comes in a multitude of colors options, so you can get the perfect look for your style. All straps are interchangeable, and made of silicone to ensure its super comfortable to wear. 

This Fenix 6 totally customizable, as it even provides Connect IQ Store, helping you to customize the look of your own Garmin display screen.

What is also great about this watch is, that the features you wish for your watch to contain will determine if the Fenix Sapphire or Solar edition is more suitable for you. 

The Garmin Fenix 6 watch makes it easy for you to read and evaluate your training data, with the Garmin Connect app. This app allows you to study your stats and data, as well as track and adjust your goals. Ten amazing sensors are also making this watch super attractive, like GPS, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, Garmin Elevate, etc. If you need more reasons to shop this watch, see all the details it offers right here.

Retail Price: Starting at $599

Key Features:

• Heart rate with Pulse Ox
• Sports app
• Power manager
• Hydration tracking
• Performance metrics
• Up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
• Multi-GNSS support
• Smart notifications
• Garmin Pay
• Safety and tracking

Available at: Garmin.com

Withings Steel HR Limited Edition

For 2020, Withings has launched a new running watch : the Withings Steel HR Limited Edition. This stylish hybrid smartwatch has lots to offer, here are a few features you will love!

First of all, like the name explains it, it is a Limited Edition watch. Which means, if you like it, get your hands on it as soon as possible! 

Withings has created an ideal hybrid smartwatch, stylish yet functional, its new timepiece had a healthy design upgrade.

Talking about design, this running watch comes in two different look options : either black dial and band, with gold case, or blue dial and band with rose gold case. Both beautiful, delicate and trendy, as well as easy to match with any outfit - sporty or dressy.

The case of the Withings Steel HR Limited Edition running watch is made of stainless steel. Its band is made with a genuine Italian leather. Both bringing class, comfort and durability to the watch. Also, this running watch features a multisport and a sleep tracking system as well as a connected GPS. If you wish to wear it during water activities, rest assured this watch is going to survive as it is water resistant up to 50 meters. Finally, no need to worry about charging it all the time as the Withings Steel HR Limited Edition watch has a battery life of up to 25 days. 

What is also great about Withings is that it offers several other products that you can match with your watch to optimize your activity results. For example, Withings has designed a Wifi-Smart Scale. This scale syncs with your phone to send you lots of data, not only your weight, so you can train better and achieve better results.

Key Features:

• Limited edition hybrid smartwatch
• 24/7 heart rate monitoring
• Multisports tracking
• Connected GPS
• Sleep tracking
• Water resistant up to 50 meters
• Battery life up to 25 days

Retail Price: $229

Available at: Withings.com

Timex Ironman Essential 30

Timex has a new running watch in the Ironman collection : the Ironman Essential 30. It includes everything you love about the Ironman sports watches, plus a few more interesting features. Let’s go through some of them together!

This watch is super affordable and is a great option if you wish to keep it simple, while useful, for different kinds of trainings.

The Timex Ironman Essential 30 watch has a 42mm case and a silicone band. The silicone is very soft and smooth, to make it a very comfortable wear. As well, the band is available in durable resin, if you prefer that over the silicone. This watch comes in two different looks, either all black or grey case with black strap.

The design of this watch is qualified by Timex of “bold and modern”. It is made to be easy to use, clear to read and functional at the same time. The digital screen of the dial is made large and has an INDIGLO light-up feature, so that you can clearly see and read the data showcased on your watch. Additionally, the screen has a white reflector display and a night mode so that it is easy to read all detailed data, at all times.

The Timex Ironman Essential 30 is not only a good running watch, it is also a great sports watch for different kind of activities, like swimming as it is water resistant up to an impressive 100 meters. 

Key Features:

• 42mm case
• Silicone band
• Large digital screen
• Water resistant up to 100 meters
• INDIGLO light-up dial, Night-Light with Night Mode
• Two time zone settings
• 24-hour countdown timer
• Customizable alarm

Retail Price: $62

Available at: Timex.com

Coros APEX Pro Premium Multisport GPS Watch

The new Coros APEX Pro Premium Multisport GPS Watch  offers all of the great features of the COROS APEX Pro, plus a lot more. Let’s check some of these features out.

COROS qualifies its new APEX Pro Premium Multisport GPS Watch as their “most versatile watch yet”.

This watch has a silicone band, which is comfortable and easy to wear while training. The glass of the case is Sapphire Crystal, which is scratch resistant. Also, the case is covered with aluminum for more durability.

The Coros APEX Pro Premium Multisport GPS Watch is waterproof up to an impressive 100 meters. It also has a battery life of 30 days, of regular use. If you use it in full GPS mode, the battery life is of 40 hours, or 100 hours in UltraMax mode. What is great about this feature is that you can fully charge your watch in less than two hours, whatever the mode you were using.

Another interesting feature of this running watch is the display. It actually is a touch screen memory LCD. The COROS APEX Pro Premium Multisport GPS Watch is also equipped with multiple sensors, built to help you achieve your goals and track the details of your training. Some of the sensors include an optical heart rate monitor, optical pulse oximeter, compass and more.

This wireless connection running watch also supports many different kinds of workout, like : trail running, GPS cardio, gym cardio, ski touring, etc. Multisports functions so you can vary your activities and accomplish all of your resolutions for 2020!

Key Features:

• Multisports - several supported workouts
• GPS
• Wireless Connection
• Waterproof up to 100 meters
• Battery life of up to 30 days, in regular use
• Pulse Oximeter
• Altitude Advisory
• Touch Screen memory LCD
• Multiple sensors like accelerometer and gyroscope

Available at: Amazon

Misfit Vapor X

The Vapor X is the latest smartwatch from Misfit, it is completely redesigned and very impressive! Here are the deets on this amazing running watch.

Misfit has worked really hard on its newest running watch, so that it performs even better than its last models. This running watch has an extended battery life, up to multiple days depending on usage. It is also Misfit’s lightest watch and it has been re-engineered to adapt better to active people like you.

Claimed by Misfit, the Misfit Vapor X smartwatch will help you “stay connected, active and stand out from the crowd”.

The Misfit Vapor X has a 42mm case, made of lightweight matte-finished aluminum. Its silicone strap is a newly redesigned model called Sport Strap+, made to fit better and includes breathable ridges for maximum comfort. Equipped with Wear OS by Google, this running watch also includes Google Pay for easy payments on the go. Some great new functions also allow you to customize the look of the watch with the help of a few buttons, like the watch faces. Additionally, several interchangeable straps are available. 

Finally, when using it while training, rest assured the Misfit Vapor X watch has a great heart-rate sensor and a standalone GPS to accompany you during your workouts. And, for more fun while training, this smartwatch offers a phone-free music player and an on-display call, as well as notifications.

Key Features:

• Extended battery life
• Lightweight
• Sport Strap+, redesigned to be comfortable and breathable
• Additional pushers for customization
• Wear OS by Google
• Google Pay
• Rapid charging
• Waterproof up to 50 meters
• Multiple sensors : accelerometer, altimeter, ambient light, gyroscope, heart rate, microphone, NFC, Untethered GPS

Available at: Amazon