Coolest and Best Sports Watches
Surely you think like me, the market is saturated with sports watches.
Then Garmin, Polar, Suunto... every year they announce with great fanfare new models that sometimes offer almost nothing new. So, do I buy the previous version?
In short, the commercial strategy of the brands.
But that's not all, every year new brands appear with strange names that offer watches with thousands of functions at ridiculous prices but of questionable quality at least.
Add now the technology that advances at the speed of light and makes them more and more complicated.
And then, models for professionals, amateurs, women , children, specialized in one sport, another, or several, with smartwatch, smart band functions...
In short, choosing the best sports watch is not an easy task. And if you add that they are not cheap and that the best activity bracelets can even serve us, things get more complicated.
If you make the right choice, you will use the multisport watch frequently and the advantages will be innumerable, the main one being taking care of your health. Then lose weight, be more agile, sleep better, improve your fitness, beat your marks...
With this article, I intend to help you choose the best sports watch for you and thus, do my bit so that you achieve everything you set out to do.
At the end of the article, you have some models on sale and the best sellers.
1. The best sports watches
In this section of the article, you have the main characteristics of each model, in which they stand out, and their weakest aspects. It will be up to you to assess the importance you give to its pros and cons to find your best multisport watch.
No 10:Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Running & Activity Tracker
There is no better way to start than with the leading brand in sports watches and a model that was a revolution when it was launched. Yes, I know it's been a long time, but why is it still selling so much?
A Garmin watch at this price is unthinkable. But price alone can't be the reason it's still on the best-seller list.
To begin with, saying that you have a Garmin Elevate optical heart rate monitor and GPS is already a declaration of intent. And if you add to this that it has Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity to connect with the mobile and with external sensors (cadence, speed,...), the possibilities of use increase substantially.
It is a simple watch, easy to use, without too many functions or personalization with so much detail of training, but what it does, it does well. a good choice for those who do not get along very well with technology.
The Forerunner 35 is for running and cycling, so if you want it for another sport it would not be your best option.
It allows advanced training plans at any distance, which you can customize by setting goals for distance, time, pace,..., and receive alerts when, for example, you leave a heart rate zone. A not so positive aspect is that it does not estimate the VO2 max. , very useful to know your state of form.
And that's not all, it has functions of current models such as intensity interval training or Live Track to share your route in real time, very useful for mountain running and cycling .
The GPS is accurate and receives the signal quickly , but its only function is sports, do not expect navigation.
As an activity monitor it has all the metrics except counting the floors you ascend. And as a smartwatch, you can only receive notifications from your favorite applications and read them. You will not be able to listen to music or make payments with Garmin Pay.
Other features
Pros
- Simple and easy to handle
- There is a good quality-price relation
- GPS accuracy and heart rate monitor
- Advanced workouts
- Smartwatch functions are very limited
- Does not offer information on the level of oxygen in the blood
As Huawei was going to stay out of this ranking, it is the only one that I bring you out of the 3 brands that dominate the market and now you will see why.
Within its 15 pre-established sports you will find the most common, although do not expect such precise metrics and as much personalization of training as the sports watches of the leading brands.
If I had to stick with one sport, I would say swimming , where it measures heart rate, counts lengths, calculates distance and recognizes style, in the pool and in open water .
A sports smartwatch has to somehow allow you to measure your fitness to adapt to training, and in that the GT2 Sport has made an effort with the VO2 max metric. In addition , for your well-being, it measures the level of stress , has breathing training (Android only) to relax and identifies up to 6 sleep problems for which it suggests remedies .
In the event that daily activity metrics are important to you, you have all the best activity bracelets.
The functions of the navigation systems are sporty (distance, altitude, race pace and route visible in the App). No maps and tracks, route navigation….
And now we are going to his specialty, that of smartwatch, where it is clear that it is Huawei.
And if you are running enjoying the music you have on the watch (2 GB) and they call you for an emergency? You will be able to answer the call and make the ones you need without having to use your mobile . When listening to music and answering calls , wireless headphones would be highly recommended .
Regarding the notifications, you can read them even if you do not respond, it will help you to know what is happening. It has a payment function in case you want to make a purchase after training.
The Huawei App is not very successful and is not 100% compatible with iOS, nor is the watch. Another thing that could improve is the fluidity of the screen with the changes in functions and data.
Other features
Main positive and negative aspects
Pros
- Answer and make phone calls
- Store and play music
- Measure the level of stress
- Good choice for swimming
- The app is impractical
- It is not 100% compatible with iOS
- The speed when changing records on the screen can be improved
8:POLAR M200 GPS Running Watch
What distinguishes the Polar M200 from other sports watches in this price range is having a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, and GPS with very good precision. .
It is a very simple watch in everything: design, screen, functions..., it is operated exclusively with 2 buttons, but this simplicity does not affect the level of training. Therefore, if you are looking for your first sports watch, think of the M200 as a good solution.
Let's see what can help you the most to know if it suits you.
It has all the sports profiles that the brand, although for some, since it does not have the necessary sensors, the metrics are not very relevant. This is the case in swimming, where nothing is recorded beyond time and calories.
Other features
Main positive and negative aspects
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- advanced workouts
- Accuracy with GPS and heart rate monitor
- quality and cheap
- Simple and easy to use
- Autonomy
- The screen is much better
- Smartwatch functions are very limited
7:Polar M430
The first impression of the Polar M430 can be misleading, the design is not very stylized and perhaps a little rough, and the screen does not seem to be of great quality, but when you use it, it surprises for good.
It is a 100% sports watch with very basic functions as a smartwatch and extensive functions as an activity monitor. Although it has innumerable sports profiles, it is really designed for runners preparing for competitions.
In running training it has metrics and advanced functions such as working on heart rate levels, by intervals, rhythms, different phases... and if you deviate it will notify you. You can set goals and when you break a new record it alerts you to motivate you.
You have specific training programs for tests, 5 km, 10 km, half marathon and marathon, which you can customize in intensity, time, distance, pace...
Its heart rate monitor is the one used by polar in much more current models, and among other things, it is used to carry out reliable fitness tests equivalent to VO2 max. With this information, it will recommend the recovery time, and it will help you to know how your physical condition is evolving and adapt your training and rest periods .
Let's see, it's not a substitute for a personal trainer, that's for sure, but better than training without any plan.
It has an accurate GPS that picks up the signal quickly for sports functions. In navigation it is limited to indicating the location, distance to the destination and an arrow with the direction to follow.
And if it's about seeing your daily level of activity, it does quite well , it incorporates all the metrics of the smart band except counting the number of floors you ascend.
Smartwatch features are sparse and basic, no music or paying with the watch, and you can't reply to notifications, though you can at least read the message . This is where it is weakest, but with the price it has, you cannot ask for much more.
Other features
- Estimate your fitness and recommend recovery times
- Quality and accurate heart rate monitor and GPS
- Advanced running training to prepare for competitions
Cons
- Smartwatch functions are very limited
- The quality of the screen can be improved
6 : Polar Ignites
To start you have more than 100 sports profiles each with multiple types of training and highly customizable metrics (effort level, series and repetitions, phases, exercise combinations, guided...).
Surely you find your sports Well unless you play petanque! Okay, jokes aside, let's see what stands out.
It is a fitness watch, focused on users who want gym training plans with routines and circuits to lose weight, build muscle mass and tone the body.
Do you have a personal trainer? Well, you just found a digital one, the Polar Ignite .
It has the Fitness Test functions to find out your aerobic capacity (VO2 max.) and Training Load to measure the intensity of training, and this is how it analyzes the evolution of your physical form to propose the exercises that help you the most in your goals.
And before going to sleep, the Serene™ function will guide you step by step to perform some breathing techniques that will help you relax your body and mind and rest better .
At night, while you sleep, the Ignite does not rest, the Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stage functions carry out studies of the quality of sleep that not even the best sports watches have.
Finally, it's time for the personal trainer. The FitSpark function, based on all the data it has been collecting , will propose the combinations of strength, cardio and mobility training that are best for you, and to avoid injuries, it accompanies them with animations and a description.
As an activity monitor you have all the usual records except for the floors climbed.
GPS is primarily for sports metrics, yet it still guides you to your destination via on-screen prompts and arrows . You cannot see routes, nor does it have a navigation system.
The only function of smartwatch is to receive notifications but it does not allow to read them.
Other features
Main positive and negative aspects
Pros
- Light, thin and comfortable
- Sleep quality analysis
- Monitoring, evaluation and guidance in training plans, especially fitness
Cons
Very basic smartwatch functions
5:Garmin Vívoactive 4S, Smaller-Sized GPS Smartwatch
This time I bring you the most versatile Garmin multisport watch , designed to compete with smartwatches. A model for all audiences.
It maintains the essence that differentiates Garmin from other brands, the creation and customization of sports profiles for almost any sport . However, do not expect so many metrics or possibilities in the programming of the training sessions.
The results of previous models guarantee their high-intensity training with weights, HIIT or Crossfit, without forgetting cardio, yoga, pilates...
And for those who need a monitor, he has created guided workouts with animations , small dolls that perform the exercise on the screen to guide you.
In the case of yoga, add guided breathing exercises for relaxation to the animations . Also very useful at bedtime, they will help you fall asleep earlier.
Before starting the sports activity, check the amount of energy your body has with the Body Battery function and the oxygen level ( SpO2 and VO2 max.), then program a training according to how you feel.
If you want the Vivoactive 4S for mountain sports, you will have all the precision in meters of elevation gain and altitude, but the GPS navigation functions are basic, it will help you follow the route but without tracks, waypoints or maps.
In relation to your daily activity, it measures all the parameters of the best smartband.
The truth is that as a smartwatch it more than complies, stores (4 GB) and plays music that you can listen to with bluetooth headphones , Garmin Pay function to make payments , receives and allows you to respond to notifications with predefined short messages (Android only), ideal for going out without mobile to play sports .
The screen has a fair quality and brightness for a multisport of this level and the battery if you are not careful with the use of the functions does not last more than 2-3 days.
Other features
Main positive and negative aspects
Pros
BodyBattery function
Breathing exercises for relaxation
has oximeter
Store and play music
Garmin Pay to make payments
Cons
The screen is not the best
The autonomy when using the functions drops considerably
Also read--->Garmin vívoactive 3 Music, GPS Smartwatch Review
4 Garmin Forerunner 735XT
The Forerunner 735XT is a classic in any ranking of the best sports watches, despite being on the market for a few years it is always among the best sellers , and that says a lot.
Let's see why.
It is clear that the price now is an important reason, but you can be clear that you are not going to go wrong if you want the watch for running, cycling, swimming or triathlon , although in these last two sports you will need the sensor HRM Tri sensor or the HRM Swim .
The number of training types, the number of metrics, and the degree of customization are at the level of the most modern watches.
And as you'd expect from a multisport watch for triathletes, you can concatenate the measurements of several sports to keep records of each one of them individually and of the test as a whole.
Although his specialty is the aforementioned sports, you can create a personalized profile for any sport where you can program and analyze advanced training by intervals, in heart rate zones, by blocks, power,... without a doubt, if you are constant you will improve your physical form and your brands in less time .
But not everything is going to be training to compete, if you want results you will have to rest and program training according to the state of your body and the freshness of the muscles.
You do not want to have an overload or worse, an injury?
To avoid this, it measures the lactate threshold (you need a sensor) and the functional threshold power (FTP), estimates the maximum level of oxygen in the blood (VO2 max.) and performs a stress test. And not only that but after each training or competition recommends recovery periods .
In short, more than a multisport watch, it is a physical trainer.
The navigation system is intended to be an aid. Yes you can create or import routes from Garmin Connect and Wikiloc and view them in a basic way because it does not have route navigation with maps.
On a day-to-day basis you will have the most common metrics of activity bracelets with the exception of the floors you climb and you will receive notifications, although you will not be able to interact, but at least it serves to know if it is something important. It does not have the Garmin Pay payment function.
Other features
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Suunto is a Finnish brand specialized in diving instruments and compasses, which competes with Garmin to see who makes the best sports smartwatch for ultra-distance races and triathlons .
Their watches are made with extreme detail and care, to guarantee their robustness, maximum quality and durability , although in this model it is strange that the materials of the strap are not up to the level.
It has 80 predefined sports activities in which you can set goals for time, pace, distance... and specific training sessions for intensity intervals, power levels and heart rate zones.
Suunto 9 has one of the best navigation systems on the market to create and follow routes that will never leave you stranded, a long-lasting battery with adjustable customizable modes for unforeseen events, a highly accurate compass, altimeter and 100-meter submersibility with the guarantee of the ISO 6425 certificate , so it is suitable for diving .
And you may be wondering, how come it doesn't have a barometric altimeter?
The reason, the Suunto 9 Baro , with which you will know the altitude, the atmospheric pressure , the meters of accumulated difference in altitude and the outside temperature, all with the maximum precision. Even, notify you in case of storms.
In short, it would be for mountaineers or other athletes who train at altitude. Also for skiers who will be able to measure the distance of the descent, the average and maximum speed, the slope, number of descents...
A pity that it does not incorporate a pulse oximeter, you will have to settle for the estimate it makes of your level of aerobic fitness (VO2 max.).
In your daily activity it measures calories, sleep quality, number of steps and heart rate, this with less precision than one would expect.
The App is not yet well developed and is not very practical. Although it receives notifications that you can check on the screen, it does not allow any type of interaction. Neither can you listen to music or control what you have on your mobile, or make payments.
Other features
Main positive and negative aspects
Pros
Quality and durability
Battery duration
Great for diving
Great for diving
Cons
The material of the strap is not up to the level
The App is not very practical
The heart rate monitor in a watch of this level would have to be more precise
Garmin vívoactive 3 Music, GPS Smartwatch Review
A few years have passed since the launch of what was Garmin's flagship and one of the brand's greatest leaps in quality. And the fact that many athletes prefer this model over the Fénix 6 has to be for a reason.
It has practically any physical activity you can imagine, from the most popular ones like running, swimming or cycling , to the most exclusive ones like golf, skiing or mountaineering .
And if we're talking about mountains and hiking, I'm not telling you, you'll be able to see routes and tracks on the clock to walk or run, by bike, motorcycle or car. If you're also an adventurer, search Wikiloc for high mountain routes and waypoints and send them to your friends so they can follow you in real time and show off a little while you're at it.
You can customize the workouts as much as you want , distances, times, pulses, repetitions and series, rhythms, power, intervals... Be careful, there are so many options that they can be overwhelming!
But to train like a professional, you need to take care of your health just like them, and in that aspect the Garmin Fenix 5 wants to be the best.
Body Battery function to find out how much energy your body has , stress monitor and relaxation mechanism, respiration rate and hydration, VO2 max estimation... You will have all the information to plan demanding or recovery workouts according to the state of your body.
Logically, no one buys a watch of this level to measure daily activity, but here it was not going to be left behind the best activity bracelets.
In order not to miss anything your friends are doing, receive notifications from practically any application and if you have an Android mobile, respond with predefined short messages .
You can sync it with your smartphone to control music .But, what would you think of listening to music without carrying your mobile? The Fenix 5 Plus has 16 GB to save routes, maps and play music . And that's not all, you can synchronize it and download your songs from Spotify, Deezer...
Do you want to know what else you can do with the Fenix 5 Plus?
In the mountains the level has risen considerably, now you have route navigation on color maps, you can search for and download routes directly from the clock and plan ascents by dividing them into stages.
To improve the analysis of your health status and know your fitness status, insert a pulse oximetry sensor to accurately measure the level of oxygen in your blood (SpO2 and VO2 max.)
The charging port if you don't take care of it and dry it well after swimming, it ends up rusting. I recommend you buy a cap.
Other features
- For any kind of sport
- Advanced healthcare features
- Autonomy
- Navigation systems (Also on maps with the Fenix 5 Plus)
- Multitude of workouts with maximum customization
- Price
- No Wi-Fi connection
- You have to take care of the connection port so that it does not rust
- You will need time to get all the performance
This is the jewel in the Garmin crown , it has it all, design and customization, state-of-the-art technology, sophisticated functions and programs for professionals along with endless advanced performance metrics to train at the highest level . .
The Fénix 6 Pro is essentially like the Fénix 5 Plus that we have just seen, but it introduces a series of very interesting novelties. Let's see the most revolutionary.
It increases battery life up to 36 hours using GPS and has copied from Suunto 9 the customizable battery modes to extend autonomy. Of special relevance for ultra-distance races such as the Ironman.
For runners and cyclists, it incorporates the PacePro, which will mark the pace you are taking considering the unevenness of the route and shows what you should take according to the race plan. It will allow you to define more exhaustive strategies when competing .
And for skiers, it now includes maps of the ski resorts and the difficulty of the slopes .
It also brings news for swimmers, it is capable of accurately measuring heart rate in the water , something that few can achieve without a chest strap.
The maps and routes are better visualized and create layers with several routes so that you can choose the best one according to your level, the weather and the time you have. Another interesting aspect if high mountains and great challenges are your thing, estimate the degree of acclimatization to temperature and altitude .
To continue talking about the mountains, but also for risk and speed sports, you can leave calmly, they have automatic detection and notification of incidents, sending an alert with your location to whoever you have indicated.
Finally, this model incorporates a Wi-Fi connection, very convenient for downloading the records from the clock to the application, since it will be automatic.
It is difficult to find any negative aspect apart from the price, although I do think that the materials and screen are not up to the level. In the end, it is a Garmin strategy to bring out the top model of the range, the Fénix 6 x Sapphire .
Other features
Main positive and negative aspects
Route navigation with color maps
The possibilities and the level of personalization of the training is maximum
For any sport, including high-mountain and risky sports
Battery duration
Cons
Price
The quality of the materials and the glass are not at the level of the watch
You will need time to get all the performance
2. Our recommendations
The first thing I would like to make clear is that each athlete has their own best sports watch, based on the logical premise that nobody wants to spend good money on a watch with functions and possibilities that they will never use.
Therefore, the best a swimmer will be different from the best for a runner. Even among runners, one that runs marathons or ironman would not choose the same multisport watch as another that runs middle distance.
And even more so, if we put into the equation the importance that each one gives to the rest of the smartwatch and activity bracelet functions.
In short, it is a very personal device . But with that said, I'm going to get wet.
My choice is made based on its main features, quality and durability, functionality and ease of use, number of sports profiles, customization and training options, metric accuracy, number of sports watch and smartwatch functions. and smartband.
And of course, most importantly, the price.
The best sports watch: Garmin Fénix 6 Pro
This election has been easy and I think we will agree, he admits few doubts. The Fénix 6 Pro has all the functions that exist in the market and performs them in an exceptional way. As you would expect from Garmin's top watch.
The only question I have is whether the new features it introduces compared to the Fénix 5 Plus really make up for the price increase. Here you will have to assess how important these functions are for the sports you practice and the use you are going to give them.
Of course, it is a watch for professionals or people who spend a lot of time on their physical condition and train as if they were.
It is a great option for any sport and if you frequently use route navigation systems the value it offers skyrockets.
Best value for money sports watch: Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Here I have to admit that the decision has been difficult and for you, unless you are a runner, which then we still agree, it will probably be another.
For me, the fight has been with the Suunto 9 , which is a more up-to-date watch and with a good price considering all the possibilities it offers. But finally I have decided on the Forerunner 735XT because it has practically all the training options in the majority of sports, running, cycling and swimming and, its price is much lower.
Suunto is a Finnish brand specialized in diving instruments and compasses, which competes with Garmin to see who makes the best sports smartwatch for ultra-distance races and triathlons .
Their watches are made with extreme detail and care, to guarantee their robustness, maximum quality and durability , although in this model it is strange that the materials of the strap are not up to the level.
It has 80 predefined sports activities in which you can set goals for time, pace, distance... and specific training sessions for intensity intervals, power levels and heart rate zones.
Suunto 9 has one of the best navigation systems on the market to create and follow routes that will never leave you stranded, a long-lasting battery with adjustable customizable modes for unforeseen events, a highly accurate compass, altimeter and 100-meter submersibility with the guarantee of the ISO 6425 certificate , so it is suitable for diving .
And you may be wondering, how come it doesn't have a barometric altimeter?
The reason, the Suunto 9 Baro , with which you will know the altitude, the atmospheric pressure , the meters of accumulated difference in altitude and the outside temperature, all with the maximum precision. Even, notify you in case of storms.
In short, it would be for mountaineers or other athletes who train at altitude. Also for skiers who will be able to measure the distance of the descent, the average and maximum speed, the slope, number of descents...
A pity that it does not incorporate a pulse oximeter, you will have to settle for the estimate it makes of your level of aerobic fitness (VO2 max.).
In your daily activity it measures calories, sleep quality, number of steps and heart rate, this with less precision than one would expect.
The App is not yet well developed and is not very practical. Although it receives notifications that you can check on the screen, it does not allow any type of interaction. Neither can you listen to music or control what you have on your mobile, or make payments.
The only question I have is whether the new features it introduces compared to the Fénix 5 Plus really make up for the price increase. Here you will have to assess how important these functions are for the sports you practice and the use you are going to give them.
Of course, it is a watch for professionals or people who spend a lot of time on their physical condition and train as if they were.
It is a great option for any sport and if you frequently use route navigation systems the value it offers skyrockets.
Best value for money sports watch:
Here I have to admit that the decision has been difficult and for you, unless you are a runner, which then we still agree, it will probably be another.
For me, the fight has been with the Suunto 9 , which is a more up-to-date watch and with a good price considering all the possibilities it offers. But finally I have decided on the Forerunner 735XT because it has practically all the training options in the majority sports, running, cycling and swimming and, its price is much lower.
The best cheap sports watch: Polar M430
In this section I have not had many doubts considering that it should be a watch with a price of around 100 euros.
It is a watch for runners mainly , the most advanced who compete, and those who train simply to be fit but want to follow a plan and monitor their progress.
In the best sports watches, a quality and accurate heart rate monitor and GPS are essential, and the Polar M430 has them. It is these 2 systems that perform the measurements for the most important functions that every good multisport watch should have.
4. Buying guide for the best sports watch
With this guide I intend that you do not forget any of the main aspects to take into account when buying a sports watch and offer you information and some practical advice to make the right purchase.
But remember, the most important thing is that you think about what you want your multisport watch for, because you don't need the same one to run the San Silvestre Vallecana as you do the Ultra Trail Valle de Tena.
The idea is that you do not spend a fortune on a watch with a multitude of functions and options that you are not going to use, but on one that simply does not limit you in any aspect of your physical activity.
Pulsometer
The options are two:
A good heart rate monitor is essential to know the intensity of the training , to know if you are forcing yourself or, on the contrary, you can demand more of yourself. Therefore, they offer information to measure your performance and thus achieve your goals sooner. They allow you to program workouts in heart rate zones.
In addition, the watches use heart rate monitors for many other functions such as analysis of sleep quality, estimation of the oxygen level (VO2 max.), testing your fitness, calories consumed...
And most importantly, they can detect a cardiovascular problems.
