Best Smartwatches for Fitness in 2024: Which One Suits Your Training?

Choosing a smartwatch for fitness depends on multiple factors: GPS accuracy, battery life, training metrics, sensor reliability, and ecosystem. This guide breaks down the best options by activity type and budgets, and provides practical advice to match a watch to your goals.

How we evaluated watches

We tested devices across running, cycling, open‑water swimming, and gym sessions. Key metrics were GPS accuracy (compared against dedicated bike computers and chest strap data), heart rate accuracy during intervals, sleep detection, and battery life across long sessions. We also considered app ecosystems for training plans and third‑party integrations.

Top picks by category

Best overall fitness smartwatch

For the majority of users, a balanced watch that blends everyday smarts with solid fitness features is ideal. Look for a watch with accurate GPS, reliable heart rate tracking, and useful recovery metrics.

Best for runners

Runners should prioritize GPS accuracy, cadence and stride length analytics, and support for structured workouts. Watches that support external sensors (foot pods, chest straps) and have a robust running app ecosystem are preferred.

Best for triathletes and endurance athletes

Endurance athletes need multi‑sport modes, excellent battery life, and reliable transition tracking. Look for watches with efficient GPS modes and extended battery options for ultra‑distances.

Best budget fitness watch

Not everyone needs premium sensors. Budget watches can offer good daily step and basic heart rate tracking, guided workouts, and acceptable GPS for casual runners. Expect tradeoffs in display quality and advanced metrics.

Key features to prioritize

1. GPS accuracy: Essential for distance and pace metrics. Differential GPS and multi‑band support help in urban canyons.
2. Heart rate sensor quality: Opt for watches with validated optical sensors and support for external chest straps if you train intensely.
3. Battery life: Consider your longest session. If you run marathons or do long rides, look for watches that can last 10+ hours with GPS.
4. Training features: Interval workouts, VO2 max estimation, recovery time guidance, and third‑party training plans are valuable additions.
5. Water resistance: For swimmers, open‑water tracking and swim stroke detection are musts.

Practical recommendations

If you’re a recreational runner who races occasionally, a versatile watch with good GPS, smartphone integration, and a reliable training app is the best investment. Serious athletes training for multi‑hour events should prioritize battery life and sensor accuracy and be prepared to spend more on higher‑end models. If budget is the primary concern, be realistic about expectations: you’ll get good basic metrics but less polish and less precise sensor readings.

Maintenance and accessory tips

Keep firmware updated — manufacturers often improve accuracy and battery life via software. Use a chest strap for interval sessions if your optical HR struggles. Consider a dedicated charging routine; battery anxiety can interfere with training if you don’t charge consistently.

Closing thoughts

There’s no single “best” fitness smartwatch — only the best one for your priorities. Evaluate your training, typical session lengths, and whether you need advanced metrics before buying. The right watch should improve your training consistency and provide reliable data, not just look good on your wrist.

By Ethan Brooks • 2024-07-21