Sports watches are specially designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to wear during physical activities. These watches have various features such as GPS tracking, water resistance, heart rate monitoring, and rugged construction to meet the demands of outdoor activities. Many sports watches also offer additional features like music playback and smartphone connectivity.
- 1 Best sport watches for women
- 2 Best waterproof sports watches for women’s
- 3 Different Types of Sport Watches
- 4 Advantages and disadvantages of sports watches
- 5 Sports Watch Buying Guide
- 6 What to Look for in a Sports Watch
- 7 Are more expensive sports watches better?
- 8 Do I need GPS on my sports watch?
- 9 Is water resistance important for a sports watch?
- 10 How do I choose the right size sports watch?
- 11 How do I care for my sports watch?
- 12 What is a sports watch?
- 13 How accurate are sports watches?
- 14 What is the use of sport watch?
- 15 How long do sport watches last?
Sports watches are designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear while exercising. They feature an easy-to-read display, an adjustable strap, and easy-to-use buttons for on-the-go use. These watches can be used for various activities such as running, cycling, swimming and hiking and are a useful tool for tracking performance, setting goals and staying motivated.
When buying a sports watch, be sure to consider your needs and the activities you will be using the watch for. Features you should consider include GPS tracking, water resistance, heart rate monitoring, and durability. Also, consider what type of display you prefer, digital or analog, and pay attention to your budget. Finally, look for a watch that fits comfortably and securely.
The best sports watches to buy in 2023: Our Top Picks
| Men’s Sports Watch Waterproof | Timex Ironman Classic |
| Sport Watch for Boys | Casio EAW-MRW-200H-1BV |
| Digital Sports Watch | Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm) |
| Best Overall Sports Watch | Garmin Forerunner 245 |
| Most Aesthetically-Pleasing Design | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3 |
| Best for Outdoor Trekking | SUUNTO Core |
| The Best Budget Fitness Watch | Michael Kors Dylan |
The Timex Ironman Classic is a well-liked sports watch specifically created for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It presents an array of functionalities such as a 100-lap memory, a 24-hour countdown timer, and a water-resistant build.
Furthermore, the watch boasts of a tough, shock-resistant construction and a user-friendly display, which makes it ideal for outdoor pursuits. The Timex Ironman Classic is offered in various colors and styles, and can be obtained from numerous sporting goods stores and e-commerce websites.
The Japanese brand Casio has created the EAW-MRW-200H-1BV sports watch for athletic and outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts of features like a 100-meter water resistance, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer.
Moreover, the watch is built to withstand shocks and has a sizeable, easy-to-read display, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor pursuits. The Casio EAW-MRW-200H-1BV comes in a black and silver color combination, and is widely available in sports stores and e-commerce platforms.
Top3.Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm)
The technology giant Apple produces the Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm), a smartwatch that is not exclusively intended for sports or outdoor pursuits. Nonetheless, it does provide various health and fitness tracking functionalities.
These include GPS, an altimeter, and a heart rate monitor, as well as the ability to work with a broad range of fitness apps and exercises. Additionally, the watch has a water-resistant build, making it suitable for activities such as swimming and running. The Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm) is obtainable in multiple colors and styles, and can be purchased from authorized retailers and Apple’s website.
The technology corporation Garmin produces the sports watch known as Garmin Forerunner 245, designed explicitly for athletic and outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts of functionalities like GPS, an altimeter, and a heart rate monitor.
Furthermore, the watch is built to withstand shocks and is water-resistant, making it perfect for use in various outdoor activities. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is available in different styles and colors, and can be purchased from Garmin’s website and authorized retailers.
The technology enterprise Samsung produces the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, a smartwatch that is not exclusively intended for sports or outdoor activities. Nevertheless, it does offer various health and fitness tracking functionalities.
These include GPS, an altimeter, and a heart rate monitor, as well as compatibility with various fitness apps and workouts. The watch is also designed to be water-resistant, allowing it to be utilized during activities such as swimming and running.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 comes in a range of colors and styles and is available for purchase from Samsung’s website and authorized retailers.
Top6.SUUNTO Core
The Finnish company Suunto produces the Suunto Core, a sports watch specifically created for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. It boasts of functionalities like an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass.
Furthermore, the watch is designed to withstand shocks and is water-resistant, making it ideal for use during various outdoor activities. The Suunto Core is available in various colors and styles and can be purchased from Suunto’s website and authorized retailers.
Top7.Michael Kors Dylan
Michael Kors, a fashion enterprise, produces the Michael Kors Dylan, a line of luxury watches. Although these watches are not created explicitly for sports or outdoor activities, they have various features like chronograph movements, water resistance, and interchangeable straps.
In addition, the watches have a fashionable and trendy design, making them suitable to be used as a fashion accessory. The Michael Kors Dylan line is available in various colors and styles and can be purchased from Michael Kors stores and authorized retailers.
Promising review: “This Michael Kors watch is probably my favorite watch ever! The contrast between the rose gold stainless steel that frames the face of the watch and the black rubber strap is striking without looking cheap or flashy… I’ve owned and have worn the watch regularly for 1.5 years now and the acrylic crystal dial window remains scratch-free. It’s versatile enough to wear with casual wear or a suit and tie. I’ve received numerous compliments from acquaintances and strangers alike.
Best sport watches for women
8.Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch
Pros
- Versatile
- Accurate
- Very user-friendly
Cons
- Touchscreen needs a hard touch
Fitbit, a technology company, creates the Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch, a smartwatch that primarily focuses on fitness. It offers an array of features to aid users in tracking and improving their fitness and health, which includes GPS, a heart rate monitor, and support for various fitness apps and workouts.
Moreover, the watch has a water-resistant design and a prolonged battery life, making it convenient for use during outdoor activities and throughout the day. The Fitbit Versa 3 Health & Fitness Smartwatch is available in various colors and styles and can be purchased from Fitbit’s website and authorized retailers.
9.Amazfit Bip 3 Smart Watch for Android iPhone
Pros
- Slim, lightweight design
- Good battery life
- Robust tracking capability
Cons
- No GPS functionality
- Screen is not easy to read in bright sunlight
The Huami Amazfit Bip 3 is a fitness-focused smartwatch compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It offers a variety of features aimed at helping users track and enhance their fitness and health, including GPS, a heart rate monitor, and support for various fitness apps and workouts.
The watch is also water-resistant and has a long battery life, making it ideal for use during outdoor activities and throughout the day. The Amazfit Bip 3 is available in various colors and styles and can be purchased from Amazon and other online retailers.
10.Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness
Pros
- Built-in GPS
- Stylish design
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some advanced features require a Fitbit premium account
The Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness tracker is a device created by the company Fitbit, designed to assist users in monitoring their fitness and health. It provides a range of features including GPS, a heart rate monitor, and compatibility with a variety of fitness apps and workouts.
Additionally, the tracker is water-resistant and has a long battery life, making it appropriate for outdoor activities and use throughout the day. The Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness is obtainable in numerous styles and colors, and is available for purchase from both authorized retailers and Fitbit’s website.
Pros
- Running-specific metrics
- Easy-to-read display
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- May be too much functionality for beginners
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a fitness watch crafted by the technology firm Garmin. It is geared towards athletes and outdoor enthusiasts and provides a variety of functions such as GPS, a heart rate monitor, and compatibility with a variety of fitness applications and workouts.
Furthermore, the watch’s water-resistant design and extended battery life make it suitable for use during outdoor activities and throughout the day.
Pros
- Large display
- Integrates seamlessly with iPhone
- Great heart rate monitoring
Cons
- Expensive
- Shorter battery life than some other options
The Apple Watch Series 7 is a high-tech smartwatch that offers a range of features for athletes of all levels. Its heart rate monitor continuously tracks your heart rate and alerts you if it gets too high, too low, or irregular. The set-up is hassle-free and seamless when using it with other Apple products.
Equipped with a GPS system, the watch allows you to track a variety of activities such as running, walking, biking, hiking, and more. It also offers multiple activity tracking modes and sleep tracking to help monitor and analyze your activity and rest data. During testing, the watch received a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for accuracy, and our tester was impressed with the large display and easy-to-navigate functionality.
Aside from fitness tracking, the watch allows for the convenience of taking calls, replying to texts, and streaming music, right from your wrist. It also has a water-resistant design, making it suitable for swimming workouts and resistant to sweat and rain.Although the battery life is only 18 hours, the charging speed has improved from previous versions and can reach a full charge in about an hour. With its sleek and streamlined design, the Apple Watch Series 7 is an excellent option for those looking for a smartwatch that can be worn all day and used for fitness tracking.
Best waterproof sports watches for women’s
13.Timex Mid-Size Ironman Sleek 50
PROS:
- Lap Clock
- Interval Timers
- Convenient to use
CONS:
- Band and Clasp break too easily
Timex is a brand synonymous with watches, and they continue to deliver exceptional timepieces. The Ironman Sleek 50 watch is no exception, making a bold statement with its modern design and sporty accents. The polyurethane strap provides excellent ventilation and flexibility, making it comfortable to wear on a slender wrist without feeling too bulky.
The Sleek 50’s push-button format provides easy access to all of its features, while the INDIGLO function makes the digital display visible at night. This watch makes tracking workouts a breeze, thanks to its training log that records workouts by date, best lap times, and total exercise time. It’s a durable option that doesn’t require GPS, making it an affordable choice for athletes.
14.Casio Women’s GMA-S120MF-2ACR
PROS:
- Speed Indicator
- Analog and Digital Face
- Anti-Slip Buttons
CONS:
- No backlight for the digital display.
The standout feature of this watch is its exceptional durability. Rigorously tested for shock, magnetic and water resistance up to 200 meters, it offers unmatched toughness. The stopwatch function is also highly accurate, capable of measuring time up to 1/1000th of a second.
The watch has a slim profile that is ideal for those with smaller wrists, and it is comfortable to wear without hindering wrist movement. It comes equipped with five daily alarms and an hourly time signal. The auto LED light with afterglow ensures that you can easily read the time, day or night. With the ability to record up to 29 time zones, this watch is a reliable timekeeping companion for any world traveler.
15.Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch
PROS:
- Great fitness features.
- Solid battery life.
CONS:
- Expensive
The Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch is an ideal fitness smartwatch crafted by Fitbit, offering an array of features that facilitate users to monitor and enhance their fitness and health. These features include GPS, a heart rate monitor, and support for various fitness apps and workouts. With a water-resistant design and long battery life, the watch is suitable for outdoor activities and everyday use.
Apart from its fitness tracking capabilities, the Fitbit Sense incorporates stress management tools, an ECG app, and advanced sleep tracking. It is available in multiple styles and colors, and can be purchased from authorized retailers or Fitbit’s website.
Different Types of Sport Watches
There are different types of sports watches, each designed to meet the needs of specific activities and users. Here are some of the most common types:
- Running watches: Designed specifically for runners, these watches often feature GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring and interval timers to help runners track their progress and improve performance.
- Cycling Watches: Cycling watches often have similar features to running watches, but may also include features like cadence sensors and power meters to help cyclists measure their speed and power.
- Swim watches: These watches are designed for use in water and are usually water resistant to at least 50 meters. They may also include features like lap counting and stroke detection to help swimmers track their progress.
- Triathlon watches: Designed for multisport athletes, these watches often include features such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring and water resistance to help athletes track their performance in multiple sports.
- Walking watches: These watches often have features like altimeter, barometer and compass to help hikers navigate their surroundings and track their progress.
- Golf watches: Golf watches often have features like GPS tracking and score tracking to help golfers improve their game and track their performance on the course.
- Adventure watches: Designed for extreme sports and outdoor activities, these watches can include features like shock resistance, compass, and temperature sensors to help users navigate their surroundings and stay safe.
Advantages and disadvantages of sports watches
Advantages:
- Fitness tracking: sports watches offer advanced fitness tracking features such as GPS, heart rate monitoring, step counting, and calorie counting to help you set goals and monitor your progress.
- Durability: sports watches are designed to withstand harsh environments and physical activities. They are often made of durable materials and are water resistant, shock resistant and scratch resistant.
- Convenience: sports watches offer convenient features like stopwatches, timers, and alarms that can help you track your workouts and stay on schedule.
- Motivation: sports watches can help you stay motivated by giving you real-time feedback on your progress and reminding you of your goals.
- Style: many sports watches are stylish and can be worn as a fashion accessory, making them versatile and suitable for everyday wear.
Downside:
- Price: Sports watches can be expensive, especially if they have advanced features like GPS and heart rate monitoring.
- Battery life: many sports watches have limited battery life, which can be a drawback if you plan to use them for long periods of time without access to recharging.
- Complexity: Setting up and using some sports watches can be complicated, especially if they have advanced features that require additional settings.
- Size and weight: sports watches can be bulky and heavy, which may not be suitable for all users, especially those with smaller wrists.
- Accuracy: Some sports watches are not accurate in recording, which can be frustrating for users who rely on them to achieve their fitness goals.
Sports Watch Buying Guide
If you’re interested in a sports watch, there are a few factors you should consider that will help you make an informed buying decision:
- Purpose: Consider what activities you will use the watch for. Different sports watches are tailored for specific activities such as running, cycling, swimming or hiking.
- Features: Look for features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, water resistance and rugged construction. Other features to consider include music playback, smartphone connectivity, and customizable workout programs.
- Display: decide what type of display you prefer, such as a digital or analog display, and whether you want backlighting or high contrast to make it easier to read in different lighting conditions.
- Comfort and fit: make sure the watch fits comfortably on your wrist and doesn’t hinder your movements during exercise. Pay attention to the size and weight of the watch, as well as the materials of the strap and dial.
- Battery Life: Check the battery life of the watch and consider how long it will last with typical use. Some sports watches have longer battery life than others.
- Brand reputation: pay attention to the brand’s reputation and read reviews from other users to make sure the watch is reliable and durable.
- Price: sports watches can vary greatly in price. Therefore, determine your budget and compare different models to find the best deal for your needs.
By considering these factors, you can narrow down your choices and find a sports watch that suits your needs and preferences.
What to Look for in a Sports Watch
Because of their durability, sports watches typically err on the casual side in terms of style, and the more laid-back aesthetic means these watches are more appropriate for the active aspects of your life.
Before you purchase a sports watch of your own, consider what it is that you actually want to get out of your timepiece. Do you want it for diving or swimming? Do you need it to be rugged enough to handle regular weekends in the woods? Or maybe you want something that is simply durable for daily wear to work.
From competitive sports and workouts to diving, travel and adventure, the sports watch is the go-to timepiece when you seek out the rough and tumble. To make sure your sports watch can handle your lifestyle and keep on ticking for years to come, seek out quality construction with these key materials used throughout:
- Mineral crystal or sapphire glass to protect the dial
- Titanium, carbon, solid stainless steel or high-grade plastics for the case
- Rubber, solid stainless steel, or tough leather or canvas for the strap
- Quality shock-absorption system built in
And, in terms of features, these are definitely nice-to-haves depending on your use case:
- Water resistance for swimming or diving
- Luminous hands for better readability, day and night
- Stopwatch (aka chronograph) to time runs or other athletic activities
- Compass points for outdoor navigation
With this criteria in mind, we’ve laid out some of the best sports watches on the market to help guide your purchase. From high-end Japanese-made timepieces to more practical athletic-driven watches, these will suit every need and budget.
Buying a Sports Watch FAQ
Consider your needs and the type of activity you’ll be using the watch for. Some features to consider include GPS tracking, water resistance, heart rate monitoring, and durability.
Think about the type of display you prefer, such as a digital or analog display.
Consider your budget and the price range of the watches you’re interested in.
Look for a watch with a comfortable and secure fit.
Are more expensive sports watches better?
It depends on what you need and what you’re willing to pay for. In general, higher-priced sports watches tend to have more advanced features and may be more durable, but this isn’t always the case. It’s important to carefully consider your needs and compare different models to find the best fit for you.
Do I need GPS on my sports watch?
GPS can be useful for tracking your distance, pace, and route while running or cycling, but it’s not necessary for all sports. If you don’t need GPS tracking, you may be able to save money by choosing a watch without this feature.
Is water resistance important for a sports watch?
It depends on the type of activity you’ll be doing and whether you’ll be sweating or getting the watch wet. If you’ll be doing water sports or exercising in the rain, you may want a watch that is water resistant or waterproof.
How do I choose the right size sports watch?
Consider the size of your wrist and try on different sizes to find the best fit. Some watches have adjustable bands, while others have fixed sizes. Make sure the watch fits comfortably and securely on your wrist.
How do I care for my sports watch?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance, including cleaning the watch and replacing the battery as needed. Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures and try to keep it dry when not in use.
What is a sports watch?
A sports watch is a type of watch that is designed for use during sports and other physical activities. These watches often have features specifically tailored to the needs of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, such as GPS tracking, water resistance, heart rate monitoring, and durable construction.
Some sports watches also have additional features, such as music playback and smartphone connectivity. They are designed to be lightweight and comfortable to wear while exercising, and may have features such as an easy-to-read display, an adjustable band, and buttons that are easy to press while on the move. Sports watches can be used for a variety of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and hiking.
How accurate are sports watches?
Sports watches can be highly accurate, but the level of accuracy can vary depending on the specific model and the features it has. Some sports watches use GPS to track your location and movement, which can be very accurate. Other sports watches use sensors to measure your heart rate, steps, and other metrics, which can be less accurate than GPS. In general, sports watches tend to be more accurate when used for activities that involve more movement, such as running or cycling, and less accurate for activities that involve less movement, such as yoga or strength training.
What is the use of sport watch?
Sports watches are designed to be used during sports and other physical activities. They can be used to track various metrics, such as distance, pace, heart rate, and calories burned, as well as to monitor your overall performance and progress over time. Some sports watches also have additional features, such as GPS tracking and mapping, music playback, and smartphone connectivity, which can be useful for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sports watches can be used for a variety of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and hiking, and can be a useful tool for helping you track your performance, set goals, and stay motivated.
How long do sport watches last?
In terms of total lifespan, most GPS watches are lasting 7+ years. However, ALL GPS watches rely on rechargeable batteries, which do have a lifespan.