There are many ways to track your physical activities with smart health connected objects. There is a wide range between fitness wristbands, GPS and other more specialized objects.So which is the best Garmin watch for running?
Selection criteria for a GPS running watch
Compared to a smartphone app, a GPS watch has big advantages for running:
View data on the live screen (stopwatch, distance, pace, heart rate, etc.)
Schedule training and be coached live. It allows you to do cardio workouts, pace, interval training, etc.
Monitor their performance and analyze the evolution of their physical condition (VO2max, training load, etc.).
Follow a route and find its starting point.
A GPS running watch is a great tool for tracking your activities and improving your performance. Afterwards, not everyone has the same goals. Not everyone is looking to gain 10 minutes off their 3:30 marathon record. For some, the simple act of following stats and sharing them on social media will be a source of motivation. It is therefore important to start by defining your needs.
My goal in this article, therefore, will be to present you the best Garmin watch for running , but also to analyze those that offer the best functionality / price ratio.
Over the course of the many tests carried out for several years, I have forged a detailed opinion on all GPS watches for running. So I started with a personal selection of 25 GPS running watches, which I sifted through 80 different criteria.
The hardware: a GPS running watch must be light, with a sufficiently large and readable screen, etc.
The features that interest the runner can range from scheduling training sessions to pairing a power meter, through alerts, physiological metrics (VO2max, recovery, training load, lactate threshold, etc.).
Optical cardio: not all cardio sensors are equally reliable. However, keep in mind that these results are the input data for many physiological algorithms such as training effect and recovery. For intensive training, it will still be better to take a cardio belt in addition. Keep the cardio optic for endurance sessions.
Autonomy is also an important criterion. This article does not specifically deal with ultra-heavy duty GPS watches. But a large autonomy will allow it to be recharged less often.
Comfort: a watch that is too big will tend to topple, which will quickly be painful during a race. It is therefore better to choose a case adapted to the size of your wrist. For sports, a silicone strap is preferable. Now, all recent GPS watches have a quick release system that allows you to replace the straps to adapt your GPS watch to everyday life with a black strap, in leather, or even in metal.
Connected features, which are not specific to running, such as the presence of a music player.
The best Garmin watch for running
The best GPS running watches 2020 Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
Case size: 47x47x14.7mm
Altimeter: baro
Cardio: optical + ANT + / Bluetooth belt
Running power: with specific sensor or HRM-Run / HRM-Tri belt
Autonomy: 36h
My test of the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
This choice may surprise you. Initially, I had the idea to put the Forerunner 945, which is thinner and lighter. But the Fenix 6 Pro deserves the place of best GPS running watch thanks to PacePro. And incidentally, its screen is larger and can display up to 6 data per screen. An additional argument is provided by the improved reliability of Garmin’s cardio optical sensor and a gain in case thickness compared to the previous generation of Fenix 5 Plus.
The Fenix 6 Pro is the GPS watch that brings together the most features, both for training (lactic threshold, aerobic / anaerobic training effect, training load, advanced running dynamics, programming of training sessions, etc) and connected (music player, cartography, weather forecast, etc.). Putting aside the budget issue, this is a GPS watch that is sure to meet all the needs of all runners (and even all athletes).
Its elegant look is usefully complemented by the QuickFit strap replacement system, which makes it easy to switch from silicone to metal or leather.
The best GPS running Garmin watches with the quality / price ratio in 2020
Garmin Forerunner 245/245 Music
Case size: 42x42x12.2mm
Altimeter: GPS
Cardio: optical + ANT + / Bluetooth belt
Running power: no
Autonomy: 24h
My test of the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
Certainly the most popular Forerunner, replacing the world’s best-selling Garmin GPS watch (the Forerunner 235). Neither the best nor the cheapest, it may be the best feature / price ratio. It is equipped with the latest generation of sensors: GPS / GLONASS / Galileo chip, cardio optical sensor and blood oxygenation.
Its features allow it to meet the needs much greater than those of beginners. It therefore integrates physiological metrics and features that were not recently reserved for high-end GPS watches: programming of complex training sessions, compatibility with footpods and cardio belts in ANT + and Bluetooth, VO2max, advanced running dynamics, load recovery. training, route tracking, virtual partner.
Smart notifications, the LiveTrack / SOS function, activity monitoring (body battery, respiratory rate, stress, calories, number of steps, sleep) complete the range. The 245 Music version has a music player compatible with Deezer and Spotify.
Best price Garmin Forerunner 245
The best cheap GPS watch less than $200 in 2020
Garmin Forerunner 45
Case size: 42x42x11mm
Altimeter: GPS
Cardio: optical + ANT + belt
Running power: no
Autonomy: 13h
My test of the Garmin Forerunner 45
This is the entry level for Garmin GPS watches. But in terms of functionality, it’s a bit like the Forerunner 235 (the mid-range GPS watch a few years ago). It is much superior to the Forerunner 35. The round shape and the color display are a big visual improvement.
It is a very compact (11mm thick) and light (36g) watch. It doesn’t just measure distance, pace and heart rate. The VO2max will be a good indicator to follow the progress of the physical condition. The GPS chip is also compatible with GLONASS and Galileo. Complete but easy to use, it is intended for beginners, who will appreciate voice coaching (with Bluetooth headphones) or for a first purchase. LiveTrack allows those around you to track your location and the SOS function will be used in the event of an incident.
Daily activity tracking includes tracking number of steps, calories, stress level, sleep. The body battery will be the indicator that will tell you if it is the right time to go for a run so as not to overexert your body. It receives notifications from a smartphone connected via Bluetooth.
Best price Garmin Forerunner 45
The best GPS running Garmin watches for women in 2020
If the format is an important criterion for you (this is the case for women with a small wrist), here is my selection of 3 GPS running watches for women in a very compact format. Ranking based on budget will allow you to find high-end features with the 1st, down to low budget with the 3rd.
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro
Case size: 42x42x13.8mm
Altimeter: baro
Cardio: optical + ANT + / Bluetooth belt
Running power: with specific sensor or HRM-Run / HRM-Tri belt
Autonomy: 25h
Garmin Vivoactive 4S
Case size: 40x40x12.7mm
Altimeter: baro
Cardio: optical + ANT + / Bluetooth belt
Running power: no
Autonomy: 15h
Garmin Forerunner 45S
Case size: 42x42x11mm
Altimeter: GPS
Cardio: optical + ANT + belt
Running power: no
Autonomy: 13h