The best running watch will probably always be the Garmin Forerunner. This line is one of Garmin’s oldest and starts at the very basics. Forerunner 55 ($170) to the spenders Forerunner 965 ($500). All have different specifications and features; for example, the cheaper ones have cheaper displays and lack a blood oxygen sensor. However, all have access to multiple satellite systems for precise positioning, as well as access to Garmin’s proprietary training algorithms. Garmin’s suggested workouts are very flexible.
Forerunners also have pretty good longevity, which means you’ll be getting a bargain if you can find last year’s watch on sale (see Precursor 255). However, I think the Forerunner 165 (8/10, WIRED recommends) is a good compromise for most people. It’s on the more affordable side, but it has everything you need, including a bright AMOLED display, an altimeter for more accurate distance measurements, and a blood oxygen sensor. I found the sleep and exercise tracking to be pretty accurate, the battery life is pretty good, and I really like Garmin’s Morning Report, which wakes you up with a summary of your stats from last night—how well you slept, the weather, and how ready you are for the day. The Music version costs $50 more and may be more trouble than it’s worth, but otherwise it’s a pretty solid option for even more advanced runners.
★ Alternative solution: If only Garmin’s Forerunner line weren’t so good! Otherwise, Coros Pace 3 ($229) would be a strong contender for this spot. Because Coros uses a less power-hungry display, the Pace is incredibly light, durable, and comfortable, with a very long battery life; I wore it for two weeks last fall without needing to charge it once. It has dual-frequency GPS that tracked my interval runs seamlessly. (I’m trying to see how long I can keep up with Eliud Kipchoge’s pace, since he one of their partners—the answer is “not too long.”) It does everything the more expensive trackers do, like breadcrumb navigation. However, the 1980s look and darker screen may turn some people off.
