So you’re looking to get into running, maybe even training for your first 5K. Even if you just find running to be a great way to jumpstart your day, a running watch designed specifically for runners is the perfect tool to have on your wrist. Yes, these watches do exist—and they offer plenty of benefits to support your training. From tracking pace and distance to mapping out running routes, these watches help you stay on track and measure progress.
There are many beginner-friendly options that balance affordability, functionality, and ease of use. With the right running watch, you can stay consistent and motivated without getting overwhelmed by features you don’t need (yet). Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect one for you.
Why beginners need a running watch
Beginners can greatly benefit from a running watch, as it tracks key metrics like distance, pace, and steps, making it easy to monitor your performance. It helps you set and achieve fitness goals, such as improving your 1K or 5K time, while keeping you motivated with progress tracking and achievement badges. With built-in heart rate monitoring, the watch helps you understand your fitness levels, ensuring you stay in the right zones for calorie burn and cardiovascular health, while avoiding over-exertion. It’s a powerful tool to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Essential features for beginners
If you’re just starting out with running, you’ll want a watch that offers essential features for tracking and reporting your progress.
Step and activity tracking
This feature is found in nearly every smartwatch, from budget to premium models. At a basic level, a running watch offers predefined workouts like walking, cardio, treadmill, and running, with some models distinguishing between indoor and outdoor runs. A running watch can also track other workouts if running isn’t your only activity, including pre- and post-run stretches.
Basic GPS
Running watches with GPS track your location and routes in two ways: built-in GPS and connected GPS. Built-in GPS lets the watch track your running route without needing your phone, while connected GPS requires your phone to track the route, with the watch measuring your metrics. Advanced models may offer detailed running trail maps, but as a beginner, you’ll want to focus on tracking distance and pace. If you prefer to run light, look for a watch with built-in GPS.
Heart rate monitoring
It’s crucial to keep on top of your heart rate as you run. Knowing when you move between heart rate zones helps maintain the right pace and exertion level. Top running watches provide additional details relating to heart rate once the run is over, including your overall fitness level so you can track improvements. Recovery and readiness features also help you determine how well your body recovers and when is the best time to go for a run or take a rest day based on your body’s response to your previous activity, stress, and sleep.
Battery life
Some smartwatches need to be charged daily, which can be a chore if you don’t make it part of your routine. For runners, a watch with longer battery life—lasting several days or even up to a week—is ideal. Tracking a workout like a run, especially when using GPS, will drain a smartwatch’s battery more quickly. A running watch with better battery life overall will ensure you can get through a full day without having to charge it. Some running watches even use solar power as a back-up to keep the watch going. This is a great option for those who run outdoors in sunny climates.
Ease of use
Perhaps most crucial for beginner runners is a running watch that’s easy to use. Chances are, this might be your first-ever smartwatch, too! You want something that’s easy to set up and that can sync easily to your phone and the companion app. The screen should be easy to manipulate using swipes, buttons, and even a digital crown so you have different navigation options based on what’s most comfortable for you.
Easy to read screen
There should be easy-to-read menus without too much clutter, but also an overall clear and easy-to-read display. Look for features like high brightness, measured in nits. This is important for being able to easily read the screen in bright sunlight during an outdoor run. Some have always-on displays that remain on and “wake up” when you raise your wrist to your face without you having to manually push a button. This is useful for runners who want to glance over to see their heart rate zone on the fly. Check to see how easy it is to read and if there’s an option to adjust font size if you want bigger text, especially on running watches with smaller screens.
Fitness app integration
If you use a running app like Strava, Apple Health, Google Fit, or Runkeeper, check that the running watch can sync with it. This would provide the data from this app in the smartwatch’s app and vice versa, giving you a more holistic picture of your health and more details about your runs.
Top smartwatches for beginner runners
Ready to invest in the perfect running watch for beginners to get your journey started? There are some great options from which to choose.
Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner series is a popular one for runners since it’s designed specifically for that activity. While you can track all types of workouts, this line has features that track metrics that runners value. This includes activity profiles for both running and track running, race time predictions and finish time estimates, and personalized guidance.
Using the PacePro program in the Garmin Connect app, you can get GPS-based assistance for selecting the right course in your area or distance. Beginners will love this model because it’s lightweight, easy to use, and one of the more affordable Forerunner options.
Fitbit Charge 5
While it has since been replaced by the Fitbit Charge 6, the Fitbit Charge 5, which was released back in 2021, is still a viable and affordable option. In fact, it’s my favourite in the Fitbit line because of how well it toes the line between smartwatch and activity tracker. It’s slim with a rectangular screen yet still provides plenty of on-screen metrics so you get a smartwatch-like experience.
Runners will love the built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate tracking with low and high heart rate notifications, and comprehensive app. Keep in mind that you need a Fitbit Premium subscription to unlock everything in the app, but it comes with a free trial. And, for basic tracking of runs, you might not need all the extras anyway.
Apple Watch SE
I feel lost if I go a day without my Apple Watch, and furious if I do a workout like a walk or run without it. It becomes a part of you when you have one. However, the full Apple Watch can be a big investment, especially if you don’t use all its features. That’s where the Apple Watch SE comes in as an affordable option that gets you into the ecosystem. It works only with iPhone but offers a seamless experience.
Track your indoor or outdoor runs with a simple tap of the activity button and get all the most important metrics. It’s so easy to use and lets you keep on top of important notifications via a quick glance while you run as well. If you invest in an Apple Fitness+ subscription or leverage the trial period, you might find workouts like Time to Run motivational as well.
Coros Pace 3
Sporting a more rugged look, the Coros Pace 3 is perfect for those who want something that looks more like a digital wristwatch. It has all the usual suspects when it comes to tracking and activities, along with advanced features to work up to as you progress on your running journey. These include breadcrumb navigation to help you stay on course and avoid getting lost on unfamiliar routes, as well as a barometric altimeter for measuring elevation—perfect for tackling hilly terrain, like in the countryside.
The dual-frequency GPS also ensures more accurate GPS positioning and distance calculation. With built-in audio support, you can load a favourite playlist to the watch itself, pair it with wireless earbuds, and leave the phone at home while using music as a motivator.
Amazfit Active
Amazfit is one of those lesser-known brands. But the company’s smartwatches get high marks from reviewers for the features, operation, usability, and value. The Amazfit Active tracks heart rate, has built-in GPS, and is water-resistant down to 50 metres.
What runners will love is the incredible up to 14-day battery life. Having a model like this one that will last longer (naturally, not as long as two weeks with daily GPS while running), you won’t have to charge it as often as others. That’s perfect for someone who wants to go for a lunchtime run and head back to work without worrying that the watch will die before the end of the day.
OnePlus Watch 2R
The great thing about the OnePlus Watch 2R is that while it’s a step-down from the OnePlus Watch 2 (soon to be replaced by the OnePlus Watch 3), it by and large has many of the same core features. This includes incredible battery life, WearOS by Google, a 5ATM and IP68 rating for water resistance, real-time heart rate tracking, and more.
It’s slightly smaller and lighter in weight, which is something runners especially will appreciate. The stunning dial design on the front makes it an attractive watch for everyday wear as well.
Tips for choosing the right watch
Before you make your final decision, consider these tips for choosing the right watch.
Set a budget
Know how much you’re willing to spend and find a running watch that fits within your budget. The good news is that there are models at virtually every price point. If you find, however, that you’d have to make an important concession, consider leaving a little wiggle room to prevent buyer’s remorse in wishing you opted for something one level up.
Choose a watch with features that align with your goals
Runners have different goals. For some, it’s just to be able to complete a 5K. In this case, you want to focus on stats like endurance and maintaining a consistent heart rate zone. For some, it’s about completing a specific distance in a specific time. If so, look for something that can track pace and offers pace predictions. If running is just part of an overall routine, you’ll want one that can track other workouts, too. And, it should have heart rate monitoring to help you keep on top of overall fitness.
Ensure compatibility with your smartphone for seamless syncing
It’s important that you choose a running watch that is compatible with your phone. Third-party running watches from brands like Fitbit and Garmin work with both iPhone and Android. But Apple Watch only works with iPhone. Samsung Galaxy watches work best with Samsung Galaxy phones (though you can pair them with other Android devices). Some brands, like Google Pixel Watch, work with both platforms, but you’ll get specific features only when using it with an Android device, and a better experience with a Google Pixel device. For OnePlus smartwatches, there isn’t a version of the app for iPhone, so it only works with Android devices. Do your research to be sure before buying.
Opt for a lightweight, comfortable design for long-term wear
A crucial but often forgotten feature about running watches is comfort. You want something lightweight so it doesn’t weigh you down while running. It should be comfortable, sitting nicely around your wrist without digging into your skin or wrist bone. Most running watches come with a silicone strap, but if it’s interchangeable, you can look for third-party straps that offer greater breathability or comfort.
Congratulations on your running journey!
Deciding to partake in an activity like running is the toughest first step. Once you get started, you’ll find that it quickly becomes a welcome part of your routine. Your days or weeks won’t feel complete without your run. Having the right running watch to assist on the journey will help with encouragement and tracking progress. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to go with a running watch for beginners that’s simple and easy to use. Once you get more serious about running, you can consider upgrading to a more premium smartwatch. By that time, you’ll know what you like and don’t like, and what features would add more value.
Ready to start your running journey? Check out a collection of beginner-friendly running watches at Best Buy Canada to find the perfect fit for you.
