18 Best Sports Watches in 2024: Your Ultimate Guide
Imagine you’re lacing up your running shoes and are ready to hit the trail. But something’s missing – that trusty companion on your wrist that tracks your every step, heartbeat, and milestone. In 2024, sports watches have become more than just timepieces; they’re personal trainers, health monitors, and adventure partners all rolled into one.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don’t sweat it – we’ve done the legwork for you. After countless miles run, laps swum, and weights lifted, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the 18 best sports watches of 2024.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect match for your active lifestyle.
Contents
- What to Look for in a Sports Watch
- Top 18 Sports Watches of 2024
- 1. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
- 2. Apple Watch Series 9
- 3. Coros Apex 2 Pro
- 4. Polar Vantage V3
- 5. Suunto 9 Peak Pro
- 6. Garmin Forerunner 965
- 7. Amazfit T-Rex 2
- 8. Samsung Galaxy Watch6
- 9. Wahoo Elemnt Rival
- 10. Polar Pacer Pro
- 11. Garmin Venu 3
- 12. Coros Pace 3
- 13. Apple Watch Ultra 2
- 14. Suunto Vertical
- 15. Polar Ignite 3 Titanium
- 16. Garmin Instinct Crossover
- 17. Fitbit Charge 6
- 18. Huawei Watch GT 4
- Comparison Table
- FAQs
- Updates and Reviews
What to Look for in a Sports Watch
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s talk about what makes a sports watch truly great. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for:
- Tracking capabilities: Look for watches that monitor heart rate, steps, sleep, and specific activities like running, cycling, or swimming.
- GPS accuracy: If you’re into outdoor activities, precise location tracking is a must.
- Battery life: Nothing’s worse than your watch dying mid-workout. Aim for at least a few days of battery life, or longer if you’re into ultra-endurance events.
- Durability: Your watch should keep up with your toughest workouts. Water resistance is crucial, especially for swimmers and triathletes.
- Display: Opt for a clear, easy-to-read screen that works well in bright sunlight.
- Smart features: Many sports watches now offer smartphone notifications, music control, and even contactless payments.
- App ecosystem: A user-friendly app can make a world of difference in analyzing your data and setting goals.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – our top 18 picks for 2024.
Top 18 Sports Watches of 2024
1. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
The Fenix series has long been the gold standard for multisport watches, and the 7 Pro doesn’t disappoint. It’s a beast of a watch that can handle everything from ultramarathons to snorkeling.
Key Specs:
- Battery life: Up to 18 days in smartwatch mode, 57 hours in GPS Only mode
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Advanced training metrics including VO2 max and recovery time
- Topographic maps and turn-by-turn navigation
Best for: Serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want the best of the best.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable
- Comprehensive activity tracking
- Excellent battery life
- High-quality maps and navigation
Cons:
- Expensive
- Might be overkill for casual users
- Bulky for some wrists
Price: $899.99
2. Apple Watch Series 9
Apple continues to refine its smartwatch, and the Series 9 is the most fitness-focused iteration yet. It’s the perfect blend of smartwatch features and sports tracking.
Key Specs:
- Always-on Retina display
- ECG and blood oxygen monitoring
- Fitness+ integration
- Water resistance to 50 meters
Best for: iPhone users who want a great all-around smartwatch with solid fitness features.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Comprehensive health tracking
- Huge app ecosystem
- Seamless iPhone integration
Cons:
- Only works with iPhones
- Some may find the square design less appealing
Price range: $399-$499
3. Coros Apex 2 Pro
Coros has been making waves in the sports watch world, and the Apex 2 Pro shows why. It offers premium features at a competitive price point.
Key Specs:
- Battery life: Up to 24 days of regular use, 66 hours of full GPS
- Titanium alloy bezel and sapphire glass screen
- Advanced training metrics including running power
- Offline mapping
Best for: Runners and triathletes looking for a high-performance watch without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Durable construction
- Great value for money
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features compared to some competitors
- Smaller app ecosystem
Price range: $499-$549
4. Polar Vantage V3
Polar has always been a favorite among data-loving athletes, and the Vantage V3 continues this tradition with some significant upgrades.
Key Specs:
- Dual-frequency GPS for improved accuracy
- ECG sensor
- Offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation
- Recovery Pro for balancing training and rest
Best for: Data-driven athletes who want deep insights into their training and recovery.
Pros:
- Highly accurate GPS
- In-depth training and recovery metrics
- Sleek, lightweight design
- Improved battery life over previous models
Cons:
- Touchscreen can be finicky
Price: $599.95
5. Suunto 9 Peak Pro
Suunto’s flagship watch combines rugged durability with a sleek Scandinavian design. It’s a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and adventure racers.
Key Specs:
- Extremely thin and light titanium design
- 40 hours of battery life with the best GPS mode
- 95 sport modes
- Wrist-based heart rate and blood oxygen measurement
Best for: Outdoor adventurers and ultra-endurance athletes.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable yet lightweight
- Excellent battery management options
- Accurate altitude and weather information
- Attractive design
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features
Price range: $549-$699
6. Garmin Forerunner 965
The latest in Garmin’s running-focused line, the Forerunner 965 is a dream come true for serious runners.
Key Specs:
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
- Advanced running dynamics
- Daily workout suggestions
Best for: Dedicated runners looking to improve their performance.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable for long runs
- Excellent training tools and insights
- Bright, easy-to-read display
- Reliable GPS accuracy
Cons:
- Pricey for a running-specific watch
- Some may prefer a more versatile multisport watch
Price range: $499.99-$599.99
7. Amazfit T-Rex 2
Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you – the T-Rex 2 is a rugged, feature-packed sports watch that can hang with the big boys.
Key Specs:
- Military-grade durability
- 24-day battery life
- 150+ sport modes
- 10 ATM water resistance
Best for: Budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts and weekend warriors.
Pros:
- Incredible value for money
- Tough as nails
- Long battery life
- Comfortable despite its rugged build
Cons:
- App could use some refinement
- GPS accuracy is not quite on par with premium models
Price range: $199
8. Samsung Galaxy Watch6
Samsung’s latest offering brings a host of fitness features to the smartwatch arena, making it a strong contender for Android users.
Key Specs:
- Rotating bezel for easy navigation
- Body composition analysis
- Advanced sleep coaching
- ECG and blood pressure monitoring
Best for: Android users who want a fully-featured smartwatch with strong fitness capabilities.
Pros:
- Sleek, traditional watch design
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Smooth performance and user interface
- Good battery life for a full-featured smartwatch
Cons:
- Some features only work with Samsung phones
- Less sports-specific than dedicated fitness watches
Price: $339.99
9. Wahoo Elemnt Rival
Known for their cycling computers, Wahoo’s foray into multisport watches has produced a solid contender with some unique features.
Key Specs:
- Touchless transition for triathlons
- Ceramic bezel
- Integration with Wahoo bike computers
- 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode
Best for: Triathletes and multisport athletes, especially those already in the Wahoo ecosystem.
Pros:
- Excellent for triathlons and brick workouts
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Durable build quality
- Great integration with Wahoo bike computers
Cons:
- Fewer advanced metrics than some competitors
- Limited smartwatch features
Price range: $99-$199
10. Polar Pacer Pro
A no-nonsense running watch that focuses on what matters most to runners – performance and recovery.
Key Specs:
- Lightweight design (41g)
- Running performance test
- Training load and recovery tracking
- Route guidance and back-to-start feature
Best for: Serious runners who want detailed metrics without unnecessary frills.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life (up to 7 days with watch mode)
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Useful training and recovery insights
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features
- Design might be too plain for some
Price range: $279-$349
11. Garmin Venu 3
Garmin’s answer to the lifestyle smartwatch, the Venu 3 blends aesthetics with robust fitness tracking.
Key Specs:
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Body battery energy monitoring
- Sleep score and insights
- Built-in workouts with on-screen animations
Best for: Those who want a stylish smartwatch with serious fitness chops.
Pros:
- Beautiful, easy-to-read display
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Good balance of smart and sports features
- Decent battery life for an AMOLED watch
Cons:
- Less rugged than other Garmin models
Price range: $449.99
12. Coros Pace 3
A multisport watch that punches well above its weight class, offering premium features at a mid-range price.
Key Specs:
- Extremely lightweight (30g)
- Up to 38 hours of battery life in GPS mode
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Water resistant to 50m
Best for: Triathletes and multisport athletes on a budget.
Pros:
- Incredible battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great value for money
- Regular software updates add new features
Cons:
- Basic smartwatch features
- Screen not as vibrant as some competitors
Price range: $229-$269
13. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple’s premium offering for outdoor enthusiasts and endurance athletes, the Ultra 2 is built to withstand extreme conditions.
Key Specs:
- Titanium case and sapphire crystal display
- Up to 60 hours of battery life in low-power mode
- Precision dual-frequency GPS
- Depth gauge and water temperature sensor for diving
Best for: iPhone users who need a rugged watch for extreme sports and adventures.
Pros:
- Extremely durable build
- Bright, always-on display
- Comprehensive safety features
- All the smartwatch capabilities of regular Apple Watches
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only works with iPhones
- Overkill for casual users
Price: $799
14. Suunto Vertical
Designed with vertical sports in mind, the Suunto Vertical is a dream come true for climbers, hikers, and ski mountaineers.
Key Specs:
- Solar charging capability
- Dual-frequency GPS chip
- 3D heatmaps for route planning
- Weather insights and storm alarm
Best for: Mountain athletes and outdoor adventurers.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life, especially with solar charging
- Highly accurate altimeter and barometer
- Robust route planning and navigation features
- Durable yet not overly bulky
Cons:
- Expensive
- Overkill for those not into mountain sports
Price range: $799-$899
15. Polar Ignite 3 Titanium
A sleek fitness watch that focuses on holistic wellness, blending activity tracking with recovery and sleep insights.
Key Specs:
- Vibrant AMOLED touchscreen
- FitSpark daily training guide
- Nightly Recharge recovery measurement
- Serene breathing exercises
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts looking for a balance of performance and wellness tracking.
Pros:
- Slim, attractive design
- Excellent sleep tracking and insights
- Personalized workout suggestions
- Good battery life for an AMOLED watch
Cons:
- Touchscreen can be finicky during workouts
- GPS accuracy is not as strong as some competitors
Price range: $379.75
16. Garmin Instinct Crossover
A unique hybrid that combines the ruggedness of the Instinct series with analog watch hands for a distinctive look and feel.
Key Specs:
- Analog watch hands over a digital display
- Military standard durability
- Up to 28 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
- Multi-GNSS support
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a more traditional watch aesthetic.
Pros:
- Unique hybrid design
- Extremely durable
- Excellent battery life
- Comprehensive activity tracking
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Bulky for some wrists
- Limited smartwatch features compared to other Garmin models
- Analog hands can sometimes obscure digital information
Price range: $499.99
17. Fitbit Charge 6
The latest iteration of Fitbit’s popular fitness band brings more smartwatch-like features to a sleek, minimalist design.
Key Specs:
- Built-in GPS
- ECG app for heart rhythm assessment
- 7-day battery life
- Google integration (Maps, Wallet)
Best for: Those who want comprehensive fitness tracking in a slim form factor.
Pros:
- Slim, lightweight design
- Excellent sleep tracking
- Good value for money
- Fitbit’s user-friendly app and community
Cons:
- Smaller screen than a smartwatch
- Limited onboard music storage
Price range: $159-$179
18. Huawei Watch GT 4
Rounding out our list is Huawei’s latest offering, combining style with substance in a feature-packed smartwatch.
Key Specs:
- Up to 14 days of battery life
- Over 100 workout modes
- TruSeen 5.5+ heart rate monitoring
- Five-system GNSS positioning
Best for: Android users looking for a stylish smartwatch with strong fitness features.
Pros:
- Elegant design options for different tastes
- Impressive battery life
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Good value for the features offered
Cons:
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Apple or Google
- Some features may not work fully with non-Huawei phones
Price range: $269-$349
Comparison Table
To help you quickly compare these top picks, here’s a handy reference chart:
| # | Watch Model | Best For | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro | Multisport athletes | Advanced training metrics | $899.99 |
| 2 | Apple Watch Series 9 | iPhone users | ECG and blood oxygen monitoring | $399-$499 |
| 3 | Coros Apex 2 Pro | Runners/triathletes | Excellent battery life | $499-$549 |
| 4 | Polar Vantage V3 | Data-driven athletes | Dual-frequency GPS | $599.95 |
| 5 | Suunto 9 Peak Pro | Outdoor enthusiasts | Thin titanium design | $549-$699 |
| 6 | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Dedicated runners | Advanced running dynamics | $499-$599 |
| 7 | Amazfit T-Rex 2 | Budget outdoor enthusiasts | Military-grade durability | $199 |
| 8 | Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Pro | Android users | Body composition analysis | $339.99 |
| 9 | Wahoo Elemnt Rival | Triathletes | Touchless transition for triathlons | $99-$199 |
| 10 | Polar Pacer Pro | Serious runners | Running performance test | $279-$349 |
| 11 | Garmin Venu 3 | Lifestyle fitness | On-screen workout animations | $449.99 |
| 12 | Coros Pace 3 | Budget triathletes | Lightweight design (30g) | $229-$269 |
| 13 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Extreme sports (iPhone) | Customizable action button | $799 |
| 14 | Suunto Vertical | Mountain athletes | Solar charging capability | $799-$899 |
| 15 | Polar Ignite 3 | Holistic fitness | FitSpark daily training guide | $379.75 |
| 16 | Garmin Instinct Crossover | Outdoor hybrid watch fans | Analog hands over digital display | $499.99 |
| 17 | Fitbit Charge 6 | Minimalist fitness trackers | Google integration (Maps, Wallet) | $159-$179 |
| 18 | Huawei Watch GT 4 | Android style & fitness | Five-system GNSS positioning | $269-$349 |
FAQs
Q: Do I need GPS in my sports watch?
A: If you enjoy outdoor activities like running, cycling, or hiking, GPS is invaluable for accurate distance and pace tracking. For gym-goers or swimmers, it’s less essential.
Q: How accurate are the heart rate monitors on these watches?
A: Wrist-based heart rate monitors have improved significantly but can still be less accurate than chest straps, especially during high-intensity activities. Many of these watches allow pairing with external heart rate monitors for greater accuracy.
Q: Can I swim with these watches?
A: Most sports watches are water-resistant, but check the specific rating. Watches rated for 50m or more are generally suitable for swimming.
Q: How often do I need to charge my sports watch?
A: It varies widely, from daily for full-featured smartwatches to monthly for some of the more battery-efficient models. Consider your usage patterns and charging habits when choosing.
Q: Can these watches track my sleep?
A: Yes, most modern sports watches offer sleep tracking. However, the accuracy and depth of analysis can vary between models.
Updates and Reviews
We’re committed to keeping this guide current. As new models are released and existing ones are updated, we’ll revise our recommendations to ensure you always have the latest information.
Have you tried any of these watches? We’d love to hear about your experiences. Drop a comment below and let us know which sports watch is your favorite and why. Your insights could help fellow readers make their decisions!