Are you looking for the best fitness tracker for running? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll show you the top 5 fitness trackers for runners.
Running is a great way to get fit and stay healthy. The benefits of running include improved cardiovascular health, increased bone density, and reduced risk of diabetes.
Running also helps reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and increase energy. Many runners enjoy tracking their exercise to improve their fitness levels.
There are many types of fitness trackers out there, ranging from smartwatches to wristbands and even chest straps. Each type has its pros and cons, so it’s important to choose wisely. However, because wristbands are the most popular form, they will be the primary focus of our list. We’ve also reviewed Whoop vs Fitbit, two contenders we really like. In fact, Whoop is what we are using right now – see the bottom of this article to learn more.
Garmin Forerunner 35
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is one of the best fitness trackers for runners available today. It’s designed specifically for running with GPS capabilities. This means that it can accurately calculate your pace, distance covered, calories burned, and more. This is what we thought of this running watch
Pros
- 4 colors available: The Garmin Forerunner is available in 4 different colors, namely black, white, frost blue, and limelight. This means that you can match the watch to your aesthetic.
- Smart notifications: This device can connect to your smartphone, allowing you to receive messages and other notifications. As a result, it is convenient to read messages when running.
- Garmin connect: Get fit as a community thanks to the ability to connect this device to Garmin connect. This feature allows you to easily track progress.
- Sleep tracking: The Garmin Forerunner 35 can help you monitor your sleeping patterns by measuring your heart rate and breathing during the night.
Cons
- A little expensive: The price tag on this product may deter some people who want to buy it. However, if you’re willing to pay the extra money, this is an excellent choice.
Also Available At: Walmart
Fitbit Inspire 2 Health & Fitness Tracker
When it comes to exercise tracking, Fitbit is one of the biggest brands in the industry. Their products have been around for years, and they continue to grow year after year. They make a wide range of fitness trackers. Here are some things we like about the Fitbit Inspire 2:
Pros
- 3 band colors: The Fitbit Inspire is available in 3 different colors, namely black, white, and rose. These options allow you to personalize the look of your device.
- Heart-rate monitoring: The Fitbit Inspire also acts as a heart rate monitor, meaning that you can keep an eye on it both when resting and working out. With this feature, you can better manage your fitness goals.
- 10 days of battery life: This tracker possesses an impressive battery life. This can save you time and money, as you will not need to constantly recharge the device.
- 50 m water resistance: Enabling you to run in the rain, this watch has been built to withstand water.
Cons
- Frequent vibrations: A common problem with this fitness tracker is that it vibrates regularly. We don’t think this is too annoying, but it could be an issue for others.
Also Available At: Fitbit
Amazfit Band 5 Activity Fitness Tracker
Up next, let’s take a look at another great activity tracker, Amazfit Band 5. This wearable tracker is ideal for those who want to stay active throughout the day.
The Amazfit Band 5 is a comfortable and lightweight tool that can assist you in achieving your training plans. It also has Amazon’s Alexa built-in, making it quite versatile. These are some of the most noteworthy features:
Pros
- Reasonable price: The Amazfit Band 5 is one of the cheapest activity trackers available. Therefore, it is an outstanding option for people who want to track their running without spending a fortune.
- 15 days of battery life: The Amazfit Band 5 lasts up to 15 days before needing charging. You can use this tracker for approximately two weeks straight without needing to charge it, meaning you can spend more time running and less time charging.
- Built-in Alexa: The Amazfit band 5 works with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. This means that you can ask questions, providing you with accurate answers immediately.
- Blood oxygen monitoring: Get reliable oxygen level monitoring with this tracker.
Cons
- Unreliable data: The data collected from the Amazfit Band is not always accurate. It has been known to give inaccurate readings. If you plan to rely heavily on the information provided by this tracker, then you should consider investing in something else.
Also Available At: Best Buy
Apple Watch Series 7 Smartwatch
Like Fitbit, Apple is also one of the most well-known activity tracker brands. They’ve been making them for ages and their devices continue to improve every single year. The Apple Watch Series 7 is no exception. Here are some things that we liked and disliked about the Apple Watch Series 7:
Pros
- Tons of designs to choose from: There are tons of design choices available for the Apple Watch Series 7. You can select different strap colors and watch designs. Therefore, you can choose the design that most appeals to you or that best matches your running outfit.
- Waterproof: The Apple Watch Series 7 is waterproof and swim-proof. Consequently, you can use it to track more exercises than simply running.
- Optimized screen space: While other watches have been criticized for their small display size, the Series 7 features a bigger screen. It’s now easier to see all the information displayed.
- Crack-resistant crystal: To prevent you from breaking the screen, this Apple Watch has been made from durable crack-resistant crystals.
- Terrific tracking: Thanks to its GPS technology, the Apple Watch Series 7 tracks your distance, speed, pace, calories burned, and many other activities. You can also connect it to a workout app, called Apple Fitness+, to better track your running or other exercises.
Cons
- Expensive: Although the Apple Watch Series 7 is an amazing product, it does cost quite a bit. If you’re looking for something cheaper, then you should consider checking out the other brands on this list. Many of them are noticeably more budget-friendly.
Also Available At: Apple
Fitpolo Smartwatch
Last but not least, Fitpolo is another brand that makes smartwatches, which can also be used as running trackers. These watches are targeted at women, meaning that they are great for females who enjoy running.
However, they can also be worn by men. This watch contains most of the features of an exercise tracker, along with some other fancy features, such as:
Pros
- GPS route tracker: With the help of the built-in GPS, you can easily track your runs using this tracker. You can see which route you traveled due to this feature.
- Brightness adjustment: Unlike other fitness trackers, this model allows you to adjust the brightness of the screen. So, if you want to run during the day, then you don’t need to worry about getting blinded when looking at the screen.
- USB charging: You’ll find a USB port on this device. With this, you can easily charge the tracker.
- Calorie calculator: You can easily calculate how many calories you burn during your workouts using this tracker. This is a brilliant feature if you wish to lose weight.
Cons
- Targeted at women: Because this tracker is targeted at women, it has some features that cannot be used by men. For instance, it has a menstrual cycle tracker, which women may find useful but men are unlikely to use. Though men can simply ignore these features, some watches may be better suited to them.
Also Available At: Walmart
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know Whether A Running Tracker Is Waterproof?
Most fitness trackers are water-resistant. This means that they can withstand splashes of water without any damage. The best way to tell if a tracker is waterproof is to look at the label.
Some manufacturers include the term “waterproof” on their labels. Other companies simply state that the watch is “water-resistant”
What Are The Best Fitness Trackers For Me?
The best fitness trackers for men and women differ depending on what your needs are. If you have a specific goal in mind, like losing weight or improving your health, then you should choose a tracker that suits your needs.
For more formation on what factors should be taken into account, read our Buyer’s Guide above.
What Else Can You Track?
It’s not just running and moving around that can be tracked these days. In fact, some of the best workout equipment also automatically tracks and updates your workouts. If you are into weight lifting, we’d recommend you check out the Tonal and Tempo, both of which are smart home gyms that track the weight you lift, your movements, and help you improve over time.
Conclusion
When choosing a running tracker, you want to ensure that you get the right fit for your needs. While there are plenty of great fitness trackers available, the following guide will help you find the perfect option for your lifestyle. Here are the factors that you must consider:
- Price
- Battery life
- Durability
- Tracking abilities
- Design
- Waterproof capabilities
- Extra features e.g. sleep tracker
You should determine which factors are most important to you. For a tracker to be worth purchasing, it should contain all the most essential features. Hopefully, these factors will help you to make the best choice.
