Best Running Watch Under $500
The best running watch for serious athletes is a matter of choice between Polar and Garmin. Once you’ve made that decision, decide how much you want to spend. In the category of GPS running and multisport smartwatches, all of the models from both brands are solid choices that you’ll be happy with.
If you’re not sure if you’re looking for an Activity Tracker or a Running Watch, this article will help you decide.
If you’re wondering what features are standard with all Activity Trackers and Running Watches we have an article for that too.
There are a lot of recommendations out there for one-off products. I question their motivation, or if the writer’s have ever ran. If you’re serious, I recommend avoiding those. A good GPS running watch, even under $500, is an investment. I have one that’s going on 15 years old and is still useful. You want your investment to be backed by a company that’s invested in it too.
Best Running Watch for Value
If you’re looking for lots of tech for a little money, these are your best bets:
| Watch | Features | Shop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polar M200 |  | Monochrome display OK for swimming Calories VO2max Basic Sleep Monitoring | Check Price |
| Garmin vívoactive 3 |  | Color touchscreen Waterproof to 50m Suggests step-up workout from yesterday Standard 20mm replaceable band | Check Price |
| Polar M430 |  | Monochrome display Waterproof to 30m Additional sleep monitoring features | Check Price |
| Garmin vívoactive 4 |  | New replacement for vívoactive 3 2 sizes, 6 colors Animated workouts on screen Pay from watch | Check Price |
| Polar Ignite |  | Color touchscreen 5 colors Training guide Advanced sleep analysis | Check Price |
| Garmin Forerunner 45 | | Color screen 2 sizes, 5 colors Running and cycling features Tracks indoor workouts too | Check Price |
Best Running Watch for Features
If you’re looking for complete functionality, you’re looking for one of these:
| Watch | Features | Shop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 945 |  | Premium running/triathlon watch Advanced analysis of training and recovery | Check Price |
| Polar Grit X |  | Flagship Polar watch Military-spec durability Designed for all outdoor activities | Check Price |
| Polar Vantage V Titan |  | Measures your training load, as well as your recovery. Running and Swimming built-in Supports over 130 sports Strava integration Waterproof to 50m | Check Price |
| Polar Vantage M |  | Similar to Polar Vantage V, without Strava integration or recovery analysis Waterproof to 30m | Check Price |
| Garmin Forerunner 735XT |  | Supports chest strap heart sensor GPS breadcrumbs Cadence, Stride, Contact Time analysis with add’l sensor Cycling, swimming built-in | Check Price |
| Garmin Forerunner 645 Music |  | Holds 500 songs for Bluetooth earbuds Pay with watch Good for Run, Cycle, Swim, and Gym | Check Price |
| Garmin Forerunner 245 Music |  | Holds 500 songs Advanced running analysis Monitors your training load Good for Run, cycle, swim, gym, indoor and outdoor workouts | Check Price |
Polar vs. Garmin
Both companies are serious about athletes, sports, and performance data. They’ve both developed technology to support getting the right measurements from your body to get the right metrics in front of you. If you’re a runner, cyclist, or swimmer, you’ll be equally as happy with either. It might seem like a Ford/Chevy or Nikon/Canon choice at this point. I’ll try to draw some lines of distinction, but to be clear, there is no wrong choice here.
Polar may have a slight edge for the mainstream sports. The Polar Vantage series, Ignite, and Grit X devices will suggest workouts for you. Those recommendations are based on your workouts yesterday and how well you were able to recharge during sleep last night. That’s pretty cool! They’re also big on importing routes from other services like Strava so you can run other’s routes and share yours. They’ve invested in the science behind sports, and have partnerships with several athletic and sports based institutes and organizations.
Garmin has the edge if you run, cycle, or swim, and also do other activities like golf, hiking, boating, or hundreds of others. Garmin are the GPS group, and their devices will join you on whatever adventure you set out on. Their running performance data are absolutely solid, and you aren’t giving anything up by choosing Garmin.
Another exercise (pun intended) that would be helpful in deciding is to take a look at the apps and websites of each brand. Make sure you’re comfortable using them. And if you have a specific need, make sure it’s supported there.
Accessories and Bundles
Some of the more sophisticated features are enabled through the use of external sensors, like chect starp heart monitors, pedal sensors for your bike, and step sensors for your feet.
If you’re looking for those features, look for bundles. They combine the most common accessories with the watch, often at a reduced price.
About post author
