Best Sports Watch 2021
Feb 18th, 2021
Best Sports Watch 2021 - Forget Traditional Heart Rate Monitors
The best running watches for jogging If you enjoy a lot of running, then we recommend taking a sports watch as your travel companion. It’s a handy accessory for your wrist that allows you to track your running data to develop your stride as well as yourself. However, there are plenty of different wearable technologies on the market to use, so choosing the right travel partner can be difficult. Different models offer a wide range of solutions, sizes and, of course, price ranges. That’s why we’ve put together the best sports watches at several different price points to help you find the best possible choice for yourself. We think the most important features of running watches should be accurate GPS, easy-to-use features, and great partner apps that help us track our performance and stay motivated. More traditional smart watches, such as the Apple Watch 6 , drive this for casual joggers, but if you’re an active runner or aim for a marathon, for example, we recommend models made by Polar, Suunto or Garmin. These are companies that focus primarily on collecting and utilizing running data. Although we have chosen the best of the best, we should also keep in mind our own preference. Some watches on the list may be colorful or otherwise unsuitable for use in a work environment, for example. In addition, new models of sports watches are constantly being released, but we are actively reviewing them in the TechRadar delivery for you. So it’s worth going back to looking at this list and see if the rankings have changed. However, the top ten sports watches at the moment are as follows.
How these devices work
More than one wonders how it is possible that these devices are able to provide the information they give us. Well, the truth is that anything is possible thanks to some of the sensors they are equipped with. In this sense, the pedometer is the protagonist of most devices of this type. A sensor that can detect the movement of the pelvis and body to turn it into phases. In other words, these sensors take a certain amount of movement as a step and set the step as a unit of measurement. Since everyone can have a big step or a step, of course, not everyone travels the same distance with the same number of steps. Therefore, from these steps, the distance traveled is calculated by setting the equivalence by the number of steps that must be performed to travel a meter or a kilometer. It is possible that many of these smart watches or activity bracelets will ask us about the length of the step to determine these correspondences. Other information that will tell you when you start using these gadgets include age, height, weight, and gender. Data used with steps to estimate the number of calories consumed during an activity performed. The pedometer itself also helps to set up hours of deep or light sleep at night. In this case, instead, we also take into account the movements of our body, defining deep sleep as the time we are still and light sleep when we perform certain movements despite sleeping. All of this information is usually available on the device itself, although in many cases it is necessary to download the app to our mobile device and keep both devices in sync in order to see them. As we move into the range, we will find models that include other types of sensors and allow other measurements or obtain certain information such as altitude, atmospheric pressure, heart rate, etc.
Top 10 best sports watches
1. Garmin Forerunner 945
2. Coros Pace 2
3. Garmin Instinct Solar
4. Garmin Fenix 6
5. Coros Apex
6. Polar Vantage V2
7. Polar Grit X
8. Fitbit Charge 4
9. Apple Watch 6
10. Garmin Vivoactive 4
1. Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 offers everything a runner could ever dream of. The complex is thanks to particularly accurate GPS positioning and health data tracking by throwing the best sports watch of 2020. For runners, it provides even more motivation with its separate training tools. A particularly useful addition is monitoring for continuous exertion. The tool that follows last week’s performance encourages you to either go on a training path or alternatively take the evening relaxed. You will also receive information about your recovery, making training more effective and safer than ever. In addition to the training tools, we were convinced of the color charts. While the supplement may seem small, it makes navigating much easier than before. The ease of planning your own interval workouts also deserves overtime. Whether you want to adjust the distance or the time, the capture is effortless. However, not everything can succeed. The Garmin Fenix 6 is a more stylish looking sports watch. However, the Forerunner 945 combines price and training tools in a great way, making it a clear number one on our list.
2. Coros Pace 2
The Coros Pace 2 is a mid-priced running watch with a lightweight design that includes a reasonable amount of features. Weighing just 29 grams, it makes it an unobtrusive accessory. At the same time, however, there are features that are not usually available at such an affordable price. In particular, the advice of an artificial intelligence assistant is worth its weight in gold: the watch hints at the appropriate preparation for different exercises. In addition, it is compatible with heart rate belts from other manufacturers as well as other accessories. GLONASS and Beidu support make GPS positioning excellent. In addition, the watch is receiving GALILEO support with an update to be released. So if you want to stay on the map for tunnels as well as other problem areas, Coros Pace 2 is the answer to your wishes. It automatically calculates the position change as well as the time so that the loop length remains correct throughout the run. However, we were not entirely convinced of the brightness of the screen. Backlighting is needed especially in bright daylight, where reading from the screen can otherwise be challenging. Using light, on the other hand, consumes an otherwise very durable battery unnecessarily briskly. Fortunately, the problem areas are small, so this is a great option for the runner.
3. Garmin Instinct Solar
The Garmin Instinct Solar is an extremely robust deed. In addition to durability, it also shines with its solar-powered display that fills the battery during the day. Thanks to it, you can get used clocks for at least summer time on a weekly basis without a charger. Already, the Garmin Instinct proved to be an excellent smart watch, so the Instinct Solar built on top of it has great starting points. Blood oxygen measurement is an interesting addition to monitoring heart rate and stress levels. As is customary with the manufacturer's products, the Instinct Solar also offers accurate as well as reliable GPS positioning. If you happen to tweak your mind to unfamiliar paths, the TrackBack feature will help you get back to your starting point. Garmin InReach satellite tracking helps in really awkward terrain. The durable construction of the smart watch does not come free. The rugged and bulky structure of the Instinct Solar doesn’t stand out in the face of the appearance competition, but for multi-day off-road events, it’s one of the best options.
4. Garmin Fenix 6
If you’re looking for a top-quality smart watch for a wide variety of needs, the latest version of Garmin’s Fenix range is the best on offer. At the same time, it is the most expensive product on our list. Although in the case of the Fenix 6, the speech turns specifically to training tools, above all it is an equally strong entity. Heart rate measurement is extremely accurate, in addition to which it works even underwater. The GPS connection works at lightning speed and is reliable. Height differences can also be recorded on the watch with amazing accuracy. The battery life does not reach the level of Instinct Solar, but despite this, the Fenix 6 can withstand basic use for a couple of weeks. If, on the other hand, you keep GPS tracking constantly on, you will need a charger after about 36 hours. If the readings seem unnecessarily small, you may want to look at the Fenix 6X. It improves the battery life of the above readings to 21 days as well as 60 hours. The Fenix 6 is simply a top model, but its price is difficult to recommend in many situations. Fortunately, we have already seen some attractive offers so far. It might be worth keeping an eye on various promotional campaigns or even waiting for the Fenix 7 model to be released in 2021. At that point at the latest, the price is likely to fall significantly.
5. Coros Apex
If you’re passionate about running, but the Garmin Forerunner 945 and Fenix 6 are still too expensive, the Coros Apex is probably the best option. At a much cheaper price, it provides a wealth of essential information about your workout. The Coros Apex with its guidance is designed for more serious running use. Want to improve your running speed? Have you trained too much for one week? All the necessary information is available at the touch of a button. GPS positioning with its detailed maps is very accurate and the watch keeps a comprehensive record of your performance. Even tunnels or other blind spots do not pose a problem for satellite positioning. In our review, we also gave a lot of praise for the various map tools. They make it very easy to find new running routes and paths. Just like the top-of-the-line Coros Pace 2, the Coros Apex leaves much to be desired for screen brightness in sunny weather. Fortunately, the backlight helps the problem quite well, allowing you to see the pace, distance, and heart rate while running without excessive battery consumption.
6. Polar Vantage V2
The Polar Vantage V2 resembles the next Polar Grit X in our list in many ways. In both cases, the health information as well as the training features provide a comprehensive user experience. However, the Vantage V2 offers a few little extra stuff that makes it pull a longer neck than the Grit X. The most important innovation is a separate fitness test that provides feedback on maximum oxygen uptake as well as aerobic strength and speed. When the test is performed at regular intervals, you get clear feedback on the development of your condition. Weighing 52 grams, the Vantage V2 is lighter than the 64-gram Grit X. The small weight loss has been successful with material changes. The Vantage V2 has replaced plastic and stainless steel with an aluminum structure. Even though the watch doesn’t look as sturdy, it’s still a durable deed. Both models are practically the same price. If you don’t like the rugged look of the Grit X, our recommendation leans slightly towards the Vantage V2.
7. Polar Grit X
As the name suggests, the Polar Grit X is made to withstand even harsher terrain conditions. In the same category, our number one proposal is the Garmin Fenix 6, but the Grit X is suitable for a larger audience due to its cheaper price. Polar is especially known for its pioneering work in the field of heart rate monitors. So it’s no surprise that Grit X provides very accurate health information. There is also use for the data: the watch reminds you of hydration, the strains of long loops, and the time it takes to recover. With Grit X, you won’t be greedy for miles, but on the other hand, you’ll also get no reason to skip jogging days. You can set required intervals, time challenges and speed goals for training sessions. If you are a competitive runner, you can also use the clock to participate in Strava Live events. All features are virtually identical to the Polar Vantage V2 above. However, the Vantage V2 includes a few more advanced workout programs, which is why we’re barely leaning towards it. However, if you want solid durability for your watch, the Polar Grit X is an option worth considering.
8. Fitbit Charge 4
Fitbit Charge 4 is a good option except for the runner, for whom jogging is part of active daily life rather than accurate statistical analysis. Released in early 2020, the Charge 4 looks almost identical to the previous Charge 3, but has a significant difference from its predecessor: built-in GPS positioning. So with the latest model, you can go for a run without the need for a phone. Although positioning does not maintain the level of tracking accuracy, for most of it it provides sufficiently accurate data. In addition, a separate Fitbit app helps you track both daily and weekly progress. If you are willing to pay a little more, you can get yourself a Fitbit Premium membership. It provides useful home exercises to improve mobility as well as strength. The only real complaint concerns the clock's interface. Fitbit Charge 4 works mainly by pressing and dragging the screen. In everyday use, it’s more than enough, but for example, when running, a physical button would be much smarter than a small icon on the screen swinging due to hand movement.
9. Apple Watch 6
The Apple Watch 6 is at the forefront of our list of the best smart watches , and it doesn't pale in sports use either. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer the same amount of information about training as many competitors, but for fun jogging, it’s more than adequate. In terms of features, the leap to the previously listed Apple Watch 5 is not strange. In any case, a new measurement of blood oxygen content is an interesting addition. It provides interesting information on nocturnal respiration data in particular. After all, it is not as practical as the measurement of maximal oxygen uptake, but the SpO2 measurement is in any case the most interesting novelty of the novelty model. In addition, the display that is constantly on should be appreciated. So you don’t have to wake up the screen or press the buttons repeatedly to see the results during the run. Unfortunately, the Fitness Plus service launched by Apple is not currently available in Finland, which taxes the position of the watch somewhat compared to English-speaking countries. Fortunately, however, the clock provides a comprehensive package of third-party applications. This is why Apple Watch 6: The third-party application support second to none in Finland
10. Garmin Vivoactive 4
Is it a smart watch? Is it a sports watch with built-in GPS positioning? Is it a fashion watch? The Garmin Vivoactive 4 has all three. For the first time in its design, Garmin is going to the fashion side with its designed sports watch, which competes directly with Apple Watch and Android Wear devices. As usual, it has all of Garmin's smart features, including a built-in GPS and heart rate monitor, support for a variety of workouts, and a built-in music streaming option for Deezer and Spotify. Admittedly, the app for listening to music would need small improvements. In addition to these, its battery lasts lightly for five days in normal use and 18 hours with GPS exercises, although the latter reading drops to six hours while listening to music. In terms of design, it has a brushed steel rim and a comfortable rubber strap that can be replaced. Garmin Connect still offers a big slip of variety of display heads and applications, in addition to which the program itself is open to developers. In other words, more is just coming.
All Products