10 Best Running Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a solid choice for runners, offering a range of features that cater to both casual joggers and serious athletes. One of its standout features is the brilliant 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, which is bright and colorful, making it easy to read your stats even in direct sunlight. The combination of touchscreen and traditional button controls offers versatile usability, which is great during intense workouts when touchscreens can be tricky to navigate with sweaty fingers.

The watch is lightweight, which adds to the comfort during long runs or workouts. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, meaning you won’t have to worry about frequent recharging, even on longer training sessions or multi-day events. GPS tracking is highly accurate, thanks to the Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology, which ensures precise positioning in challenging environments. This is a key feature for runners training in varied terrains. Additionally, the heart rate monitoring and advanced training metrics provide valuable insights into your performance and recovery, helping you optimize your training sessions.

With over 30 built-in activity profiles, the watch is versatile enough for various sports beyond running, such as cycling and swimming. Safety features like incident detection and Assistance add a layer of reassurance, making it safer to run alone. On the downside, the watch has a relatively small memory storage capacity of 8 GB, which might be limiting if you plan to store a lot of music or apps directly on the device. Another potential drawback is the reliance on a paired smartphone for some smart features, such as receiving notifications and Garmin Pay contactless payments, which may not be convenient for everyone. Nevertheless, for those who prioritize comprehensive training metrics and accurate tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a robust and feature-rich running watch.

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 46mm) is a versatile smartwatch that fits nicely into the running watch category, especially for those who want more than just basic workout tracking. Its GPS system supports multiple global satellite networks, providing reliable and accurate location tracking during runs. The heart rate monitoring is advanced, with notifications for abnormal readings and additional sensors for ECG and blood oxygen levels, making it a strong tool for health-conscious runners.

Battery life offers up to 24 hours of normal use, which typically covers a full day but may require daily charging if you use GPS and other features extensively. Fast charging is a helpful bonus for quick top-ups. Water resistance rated to 50 meters means it can handle sweat and rain, and even swimming, without worry. Comfort-wise, the watch is lightweight and thin, designed for all-day wear including during sleep, which aids in comprehensive sleep tracking and health monitoring. The always-on Retina display is bright and clear, and durability is improved with a glass that’s twice as scratch resistant as the previous model.

Smart features are robust, including text, calls, music, Siri voice assistant, and emergency detection for falls or crashes, adding safety and convenience. Fitness tracking is enhanced with detailed metrics like heart rate zones and training load, plus integration with Apple Fitness+ for guided workouts. The watch also offers deep health insights such as sleep scores, hypertension notifications, and sleep apnea alerts. The 24-hour battery life may not satisfy ultra-long runs or multi-day adventures without recharging. While it has excellent health monitoring, runners looking for specialized running metrics or a simpler interface might find it more complex than some dedicated running watches. Also, it requires an iPhone to unlock its full potential, limiting usability for non-iPhone users. This makes the Apple Watch Series 11 a strong choice for runners who want a stylish, feature-rich device with broad health tracking and smart connectivity, reliable GPS, and heart rate accuracy, especially for those prioritizing health insights and daily comfort.

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a robust multisport GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the solar charging capability through a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens, which extends the battery life significantly, making it ideal for long adventures without frequent recharges. The built-in LED flashlight is a unique addition, enhancing safety during nighttime activities.

The watch offers advanced health and fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and Pulse Ox for altitude acclimation, although it's not a medical device, so data should be seen as estimates. The new hill score and endurance score features provide valuable insights into your training progress, especially for runners. The display is a 1.3-inch touchscreen housed in a durable 47 mm fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium bezel, offering both resilience and a premium feel.

Navigation is precise, thanks to multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology and preloaded maps for various activities, including golf and skiing. On the downside, the watch is relatively heavy at 73 grams, which might be noticeable during prolonged use. Additionally, the high-tech features and premium build come at a higher price, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. However, for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich multisport watch with excellent battery life and advanced tracking capabilities, the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a worthy investment.