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10 Best Stopwatches 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin® Forerunner® 570, 42mm, Advanced GPS Running and Triathlon Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Training and Recovery Features, Cloud Blue Aluminum with Translucent Whitestone/Cloud Blue Band

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,213
Accuracy
Display
Durability

Most important from
82 reviews

Accuracy
The GPS connection is fast and delivers highly accurate distance, heart rate, and pace readings, outperforming previous models.
Display
The bright AMOLED touchscreen remains easy to read even in direct, bright sunlight.
Durability
Durability is enhanced by the aluminum bezel, making it suitable for frequent outdoor use and daily wear.
Ease of Use
The combination of touchscreen and button controls offers intuitive operation once familiar with the interface.
Additional Features
Personalized coaching plans simplify training by guiding daily workouts and helping users improve without guesswork.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a versatile GPS smartwatch designed primarily for runners and triathletes, offering much more than a basic stopwatch. It provides highly accurate time tracking with built-in GPS and advanced sensors, making it reliable for lap and split timing during training or races. The 1.2-inch bright AMOLED touchscreen coupled with button controls ensures easy readability and operation in various lighting conditions. Durability is enhanced by its aluminum bezel, suitable for outdoor use and daily wear.

Battery life is solid, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 18 hours with GPS active, which is great for long training sessions or multi-day use. It also stands out with personalized coaching plans and training insights based on heart rate variability, recovery, and VO2 max, helping users train smarter and prevent overexertion. Additional features like phone call handling, voice assistant support, and safety tracking add convenience and security, although these depend on smartphone pairing.

However, its complexity and range of features might be overwhelming if you just want a simple stopwatch without extra bells and whistles. The device is designed more for fitness tracking and training support than a pure stopwatch function, so if your focus is solely on timing events without GPS or fitness metrics, simpler models might offer a more user-friendly and cost-effective solution.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,213
Accuracy
Display
Durability

Most important from
82 reviews

Accuracy
The GPS connection is fast and delivers highly accurate distance, heart rate, and pace readings, outperforming previous models.
Display
The bright AMOLED touchscreen remains easy to read even in direct, bright sunlight.
Durability
Durability is enhanced by the aluminum bezel, making it suitable for frequent outdoor use and daily wear.
Ease of Use
The combination of touchscreen and button controls offers intuitive operation once familiar with the interface.
Additional Features
Personalized coaching plans simplify training by guiding daily workouts and helping users improve without guesswork.
#2

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Music on Your Wrist, Whitestone

Rating
9.8
Accuracy
Display
Durability

Most important from
3070 reviews

Accuracy
Wrist-based heart rate monitoring is accurate and locks on quickly, outperforming other wrist sensors, though chest straps remain superior for precise heart rate zone training.
Display
The bright AMOLED screen remains easily readable in both bright sunlight and indoor settings, enhancing usability during workouts.
Durability
The watch excels at tracking a variety of activities from marathons to trail runs with impressive durability and reliable battery life lasting a full day with optimized settings.
Ease of Use
The watch pairs reliably with iPhones, maintaining strong connectivity and seamless syncing with the Garmin app.
Additional Features
Free training plans available through the Garmin app add significant value, even if the app interface seems slightly outdated.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is more than a basic stopwatch; it’s a full-featured running smartwatch that offers precise GPS tracking and wrist-based heart rate monitoring, which help accurately measure pace and distance during workouts. Its bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display is easy to read even in bright sunlight, and you can control it via touchscreen or traditional buttons, adding convenience whether you’re running or resting. The watch supports lap and split times through its multiple built-in activity profiles, including running, which makes tracking different segments straightforward.

Battery life is strong, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours with GPS active, so it can handle long training sessions without needing frequent charges. It’s lightweight and comfortable for daily wear, which is great for continuous use and monitoring recovery. Garmin also adds value with smart features like personalized workout suggestions, music playback without your phone, and safety tracking to alert contacts in emergencies. While not specifically highlighted as rugged for extreme conditions, it is durable enough for fitness use.

This watch is best suited for runners and fitness lovers who want accurate timing plus a range of training insights and smart conveniences all in one device. Some features like music streaming require subscriptions and a compatible smartphone, which adds extra steps to setup, and the many additional features may be more than what users looking for a simple stopwatch need.

Rating
9.8
Accuracy
Display
Durability

Most important from
3070 reviews

Accuracy
Wrist-based heart rate monitoring is accurate and locks on quickly, outperforming other wrist sensors, though chest straps remain superior for precise heart rate zone training.
Display
The bright AMOLED screen remains easily readable in both bright sunlight and indoor settings, enhancing usability during workouts.
Durability
The watch excels at tracking a variety of activities from marathons to trail runs with impressive durability and reliable battery life lasting a full day with optimized settings.
Ease of Use
The watch pairs reliably with iPhones, maintaining strong connectivity and seamless syncing with the Garmin app.
Additional Features
Free training plans available through the Garmin app add significant value, even if the app interface seems slightly outdated.
#3

PULIVIA Sports Stopwatch Timer, Single Lap Split Digital Stop Watch for Sports Kids Coaches Swimming Running, Black

The PULIVIA Sports Stopwatch is a lightweight and compact timer suited for coaches and sports enthusiasts, especially in activities like swimming, running, and team sports. It features laser-tuned accuracy with timing precision to 1/100th of a second, which is reliable for most training needs. The stopwatch offers single lap and split time functions, useful for tracking individual intervals during practices.

A large, clear digital display makes it easy to read elapsed times at a glance, which is helpful in fast-paced environments. Additional features include a calendar and clock with selectable 12/24 hour formats, adding versatility beyond basic timing. The included 47-inch lanyard enhances portability for easy carrying around the neck.

Constructed from nylon material and designed to be small in size, the stopwatch is fairly sturdy and comfortable to hold. The single-lap limitation means it does not track multiple laps simultaneously, making it less suited to users needing advanced multi-lap memory. Its simple design keeps it very easy to operate, making it ideal for beginners or casual coaches. This stopwatch is an accurate, straightforward option with useful extras, suitable for general training rather than highly technical or professional timing scenarios.

Buying Guide for the Best Stopwatches

Choosing the right stopwatch can be crucial for various activities, whether you're timing laps on a track, monitoring your workout, or keeping track of cooking times. The right stopwatch will depend on your specific needs and how you plan to use it. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a stopwatch and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
AccuracyAccuracy refers to how precisely the stopwatch can measure time. This is important because even small inaccuracies can add up over time, especially in competitive sports or scientific experiments. Stopwatches typically offer accuracy in fractions of a second, such as 1/10th, 1/100th, or even 1/1000th of a second. For casual use, such as timing a speech or a workout, 1/10th of a second accuracy is usually sufficient. For more precise needs, like competitive sports or scientific measurements, you might want a stopwatch with 1/100th or 1/1000th of a second accuracy.
Lap/Split TimeLap or split time functionality allows you to record the time for individual segments of an activity without stopping the overall timing. This is particularly useful in sports where you need to track multiple laps or segments, such as running or swimming. Basic stopwatches might only offer a few lap memories, while more advanced models can store dozens or even hundreds of laps. If you need to track multiple segments or laps, look for a stopwatch with ample memory for your needs.
DisplayThe display is the part of the stopwatch where you read the time. A clear, easy-to-read display is crucial, especially if you need to check the time quickly during an activity. Displays can vary in size and clarity, with some offering backlighting for use in low-light conditions. If you have vision difficulties or will be using the stopwatch in various lighting conditions, consider a model with a larger, backlit display.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the stopwatch can withstand wear and tear. This is important if you plan to use the stopwatch in rugged conditions, such as outdoor sports or construction sites. Look for features like water resistance, shock resistance, and sturdy materials. If you need a stopwatch for heavy-duty use, prioritize models that are specifically designed to be durable and resistant to the elements.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how intuitive and user-friendly the stopwatch is. This includes the layout of the buttons, the simplicity of the interface, and how easy it is to start, stop, and reset the timer. If you need a stopwatch for quick, on-the-go timing, look for one with a simple, straightforward design. More complex models might offer additional features but can be harder to use, so consider your comfort level with technology when making your choice.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of a stopwatch. These might include countdown timers, alarms, date and time displays, and even connectivity to other devices. Think about what extra features might be useful for your specific needs. For example, a countdown timer can be helpful for interval training, while connectivity features might be useful for syncing data with a smartphone or computer.

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