So you started running. In order not to stand still and improve results, it is important to track and analyze sports performance. There are quite a few of them, but three are enough to get you started: heart rate, pace and mileage. For beginning runners, the app on your phone will suffice for the first time - it shows your pace and mileage, and you can count your heart rate manually or buy an inexpensive heart rate monitor. But if you understand that you want to develop and progress, participate in competitions and running in general is your sport, you cannot do without a good sports watch.

In order for a new gadget to work for you profitably, before choosing, you should thoroughly understand what one sports watch different from others. Typically, the simpler the model, the fewer functions it has. There are dozens of them in the top models; it remains to be seen how much you need them all. The main functions of a running watch are summarized in the table.

We've sorted out the characteristics. Now you need to understand what the main differences between manufacturers are and how to choose a running watch that is right for you.

First step: decide on the manufacturer. The fact is that each brand uses its own applications that do not work with watches from another brand. And it’s better to keep your sports history in one place throughout your life. Therefore, choose the most convenient and friendly interface: look at the websites of the brands you like, study how they store data, how you can download information from your watch, download applications to your smartphone and computer. Find out which third-party sites can store your data so you don't lose it if you decide to change manufacturers.

Second step: explore the lineup. Each brand has entry-level watches with basic features suitable for beginners, and top-end models for professionals. Beginning runners need to know their mileage, speed and heart rate. This means you need a watch with GPS and a heart rate monitor. The set of these functions is quite enough for training and the first competitions.

More experienced athletes need a higher level. Surely you have already decided what you are interested in - running in the mountains or on asphalt, whether you are going to run in winter, long distances, and so on. In this case, it is important to understand battery life, height measurement, running efficiency, and other useful or necessary options. I can't advise specific model, everyone's running needs are very different, but I can give general advice on the brands I tested.

Let's look at the most popular " three pillars"in Russia - these are Garmin, Suunto and Polar. It is between these producers that the main struggle for the market takes place.

Polar watches have become a favorite among triathlon enthusiasts. The top model of this brand is specifically focused on triathlon. Polar also has a good website and application that allow you not only to conveniently organize data, but also to make videos after training.

It is clear that such a division is very arbitrary. Each brand produces both simple sports watches for beginners and professional models for triathlon and mountain running. Therefore, choose a brand that you are comfortable with and simply like.

The most important indicator of progress is heart rate. This means that the heart rate monitor is the main function of a running watch. There are two main data interfaces used in watches: Bluetooth Smart and ANT+. It is preferable to choose a watch with Bluetooth Smart - this is a newer and more advanced system. This heart rate monitor can be connected to any device that works with Bluetooth. The only thing is that such watches will not support devices with ANT+, this also needs to be taken into account when choosing.

This material has been prepared for those who are just starting their journey in the world of gadgets. If you are already an advanced specialist in this matter, we will be glad to hear your opinion and advice.

Just for you, we've put together a list of the 7 best budget running watches that track everything, not just running, without breaking the bank.

Some time ago smart watch with support for running activity were available only to a select few. And just a little time has passed, and a mere mortal can already afford a running watch. Moreover, the trend is that the more sophisticated the gadget, the cheaper it is.

Now you can buy the simplest and cheapest sports watch, and be sure that it supports goal setting and can track a lot of useful things. For example, with indicators such as heart rate and GPS location, you can train like the professionals.

Thus, there are many models of sports watches for running on the market. affordable price, the functionality of which is in no way inferior to expensive models that are chosen by world sports stars, taking into account the specifics of their activities.

Note: the list is compiled according to the principle from the cheapest models to the most expensive at the time of writing, of course.

Smart and sporty: all in one

GPS: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery: 2 days | Waterproof: Yes

PROS

• Low price

MINUSES

• Bulky
• No heart rate sensor

While there are plenty of interesting sports watches floating around, the Sony SmartWatch 3 is still a serious contender in the world of affordable GPS running watches.

In fact, the fact of longevity in the market modern technologies allows this watch to become affordable.

This stylish smartwatch with a slim body works on... Android based Wear, which means their full functionality in terms of the practical implementation of interactive applications.

The cool thing about SmartWatch 3 is that it has GPS module and smartphone-free playlist support, which means you can go for a run and forget about your phone, literally and figuratively.

Of course, you'll need a smartphone connection to check Google app Maps or view your messages, notifications for which you receive directly on the watch screen.

And since the watch is also waterproof, after a run you can easily run into the shower or swim in the pool, combining business with pleasure.

The only problem that most previous generation watch models face is the need to frequently recharge the battery.

Lots of features at a low price

GPS: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery: 10 hours with GPS | Waterproof: Waterproof up to 50m

PROS

• Good price
• Thoughtful application

MINUSES

• Boring design
• No heart rate monitor

Garmin Forerunner 25 is valued for its affordability and functionality.

Just what you'd expect from Garmin. The manufacturer has packaged this running watch in a case made of premium materials, equipping it with all the necessary functions with the ability to collect high-precision data.

This watch can be paired with a chest heart rate monitor to determine your optimal heart rate zones. In this combination, the device guarantees the most effective training with the achievement of amazing results in a short time.

The watch is offered in compact and wide-format versions with different battery capacities for each of the two options, plus the ability to work up to 10 hours with a working GPS module. Add in up to 10 weeks of activity tracking with all the data you need, and you've got the perfect running device.

This watch also allows you to track your activity level during your walking routine, counting the number of calories you've burned as well as the distance you've walked and tracking your pace. They also tell you at the right moment when you should move a little. As a rule, 250 steps per hour is enough to take a break from the routine and activate your strength to continue working.

The device works perfectly in tandem with the proprietary Garmin Connect app, so you can view your activities or plan new goals and achievements. All data is automatically synced to your personalized Strava and MyFitnessPal apps.

With this GPS watch you won't get lost

GPS: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery: 11 hours with GPS | Waterproof: Waterproof up to 40m

PROS

• Possibility of listening to music
• Route view function

MINUSES

• Not a stylish gadget
• The application is not without bugs

The SF-810 connects to GPS very quickly. They look a little retro, but this does not prevent them from meeting all the needs of a modern user.

Want to know more? Read:

• Sony SmartWatch 4 is a new smartwatch from…
• The best smartwatches of 2019: the best choice that...

Today the buyer has everything to choose from more models heart rate monitors with built-in or remote GPS receiver. Considering that different manufacturers often release devices that are similar in concept almost simultaneously, it can be extremely difficult for the average user to understand them and make the right choice. In this article we will try in simple language to tell about latest models heart rate monitors with GPS from Polar and Suunto.

GPS heart rate monitors fall into two broad categories. Models with built-in GPS sensor and remote sensor. Let's talk about each of these categories in more detail. The first group, as its name suggests, includes all heart rate monitors that do not require additional devices to receive a signal from a positioning satellite. This fact alone is already a strong advantage of all such devices, providing maximum compactness and convenience of the all-in-one format. In addition, purchasing a heart rate monitor in this format will allow you to save significantly, because there will be no need to spend another 10,000 rubles on purchasing a separate GPS sensor.

Some examples of such devices are Polar RC3 GPS and Suunto Ambit. The first heart rate monitor can be called an innovation among devices of a similar format in the Polar line. Regarding this device, we would not say that the first pancake came out lumpy. The heart rate monitor turned out to be quite comfortable and ergonomic. The design largely follows the contours of another new Polar product in recent years - RCX5. The same rectangular screen with the usual buttons, the same laconic and stylish design with chopped shapes. Significant differences are dictated by the presence of built-in GPS, which required slightly increasing the thickness of the case to free up space for the new filling inside. The user of this device is freed from the need to purchase a separate GPS sensor, has the ability to measure speed and distance using the built-in module, and can also safely train in unfamiliar areas, because the “Back to start” function will allow him to record the coordinates of the starting point in the memory of the wrist computer and at any time return to it according to the instructions of the navigator arrow. All other functions that are so familiar to fans of Polar products - precise heart rate monitoring, calculation of calories and individual training zones, programming training according to heart rate, speed or distance parameters - are also available in this model.

However, the time has come to move on to a number of shortcomings, which, alas, this product could not avoid. Let's start with the main one, in our opinion - water permeability. Yes, for the first time you cannot swim in a Polar heart rate monitor; the risk of flooding the mini-USB connector for charging the watch is extremely high. And considering that most of the users of heart rate monitors are active athletes and amateurs who are ready to train both on land and in water, then for them it is more the right choice in this case, the model will be Polar RCX5 GPS. The second disadvantage is the increased energy dependence of the RC3 GPS heart rate monitor on a power outlet or computer. After all, now the GPS receiver and heart monitor share one battery, and if the first one completely uses up all its charge, then the second one will stop working. But it’s immediately worth noting that Polar RC3 GPS has one of the highest performance battery life without recharging. In GPS operating mode, the battery life lasts for 20 hours of measurements. Without it, the heart rate monitor can last up to 30 days.

Let's return to the second model we gave as an example, a heart rate monitor model with built-in GPS - Suunto Ambit. Considering that this
This example of Finnish sports technology is far from the first such product in the Suunto line; the device turned out to be very interesting and successful. What we have? In essence, it is a wrist super-computer that combines a huge number of meters and functions for any type of activity. Externally, the watch looks more like a classic mountaineering “puck”, massive and inspiring respect at first glance. Wide polymer strap, you can hardly call it a strap ;), round dial, reinforced on the front side with four bolts for greater tightness. By the way, the device can withstand immersion to depths of up to 100 m. Impact-resistant glass made of polymer crystal, big numbers on the screen, the ability to change the display background from black to white and back, an exhaustive list of functions for mountaineering, hiking, cardio sports and diving, all this paints a seemingly idyllic picture of a device that will solve all your problems. But, alas, it haunts us here too eternal problem all such devices. In training mode with GPS, its operating time is even shorter than that of the Polar RC3 GPS - 15 hours, but this model provides a tourist version of GPS operation with less frequent satellite signal reception and thus longer battery life. In this version, the operating time of the heart rate monitor in this mode is 50 hours. Without using GPS, charging the watch will also last about 1 month. Other disadvantages include the considerable size of the Suunto Ambit. Although this watch looks very cool on a man’s hand. Otherwise, the heart rate monitor turned out to be almost perfect.

Let's move on to the second category of heart rate monitors with GPS sensors, this time remote. Here, as a rule, everything is much simpler. In the sense that the heart rate monitors themselves remain the same with the usual water resistance, 1.5-year battery life, lightness and compactness, and only the GPS sensors change, the differences between which are minimal. The main ones are battery life, battery principle, size and weight of the sensor. According to the first sign, the model indicators fluctuate between 10-20 hours. Moreover, those that are closer to the lower bar of this gap can boast of an easily replaceable AA battery, more popularly known as a “finger-type” battery. Thus, with a seemingly short battery life, we, on the contrary, get almost unlimited autonomy, limited only by the number of batteries that can fit in our pockets. Such transmitters include models Polar G1, Polar G3. Variations of GPS receivers with a built-in rechargeable battery also have their pros and cons. Firstly, in contrast to the first category, they can last longer on a single charge, up to 15 hours (Suunto GPS Track Pod) and up to 20 hours (Polar G5 GPS sensor). Secondly, they are more compact and lightweight and, thirdly, they record everything more quickly full information about your training with increased processing power of positional processors. Thus, the Polar G5 GPS sensor will not only be able to more clearly receive a signal from the satellite, confidently resisting background interference, but will also record your route of movement for further processing using Google maps on your personal account on the polarpersonaltrainer.com portal. And Suunto GPS Track Pod allows you to record your route, speed, distance and altitude data from satellite data.

Based on the above facts, we would give the following recommendations to those who are now thinking about choosing a new model of a heart rate monitor with GPS. For fans of the Polar brand and lovers of new products, we recommend Polar RC3 GPS, which will certainly delight the owner with interesting functions and novelty. For those who always strive for versatility and want to get a device that covers the maximum user needs in one fell swoop, the Suunto Ambit is best suited. For those who support energy independence and flexibility in their training settings, any version of the Polar heart rate monitor is suitable, compatible with the autonomous GPS sensors Polar G1 (pulse monitor models Polar RS300X GPS, Polar FT60 GPS, Polar FT80 GPS) or Polar G3 (pulse monitor models

Smart watch with heart rate monitor Not uncommon in 2017, almost every smartwatch manufacturer has taken care of a heart rate sensor in their device. This is not surprising; the function is really necessary, and sometimes even critically important, especially for athletes and for people with heart disease. Athletes have a unique opportunity to regulate their training, adjusting to the appropriate heart rate zone depending on the training goal.

Such a huge assortment of smart watches with a heart rate monitor on the market makes the buyer at a loss in choosing, for this, to ease the pain of choice, we have made the TOP 7 smart sports watches with a heart rate sensor.

Herzband Elegance

Editor's rating:

Average price – $70

Estimated life time: 5 days

Herzband is a brand that is confidently gaining popularity in the CIS, it has gained fame for its ability to measure pressure, or rather, calculate it based on heart rate readings. These are the best at the moment.

Design. They have a classic design, a round dial with a mechanical button on the right, a leather strap complements the classic ambiance.

Functionality and characteristics. The display is monochrome and has a fairly low brightness reserve. The controls are convenient, they can be turned on by turning the wrist, but there is no voice control. Receive notifications from all messenger applications. Tracks all physical activity, like any other fitness tracker. They have a fairly low brightness reserve; in sunny weather it will be difficult to make out anything.

Our editorial testing has shown that The watch's heart rate monitor works properly.

Advantages:

• pressure measurement;
• stylish design
• low price

Flaws:

• low display brightness reserve
• no GPS

Verdict: A good option for those looking for a budget option smart watches with a heart rate monitor with a classic design and fitness tracker functionality.

Editor's rating:

Average price – $200

Estimated life time: 25 days

Design and interface.Withings Steel HR has a truly “Swiss” watch design; it is only revealed by a small OLED display, which is designed to show all the watch’s notifications. Using a mechanical button, it switches between Withings Steel HR screens, where you can view your heart rate, steps and calories.

Functionality and characteristics. The main advantage of the watch is its record life time, which is 25 days in active mode, an incredible result for a modern smartwatch. To achieve such results, sacrifices had to be made, and this sacrifice was the display, which received a very small size. But it is worth noting that it copes with all its functions perfectly. Due to the bright backlight, all information is clearly perceived even on a small display.

Another interesting feature is the high water protection, which is 5 ATM. This allows the watch to be submerged to a depth of 50 meters. The watch is equipped with a soft silicone strap, which will allow you to dive with the watch in the pool and at sea.

The “brains” of the device are not too far behind the design and amaze with their functionality. So, they can independently determine what type of physical activity you are currently doing (paired with a connected smartphone), determine the stages of sleep, but without a smart alarm clock.
The operation of the heart rate monitor in the watch quite accurate, but during intense training the data is distorted.

Advantages:

• record life time
• stylish design
• high degree of protection against water

Flaws:

• inconvenient controls
• no GPS
• inconvenient charging
• The heart rate monitor does not cope with intense workouts

Verdict: An excellent option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor and pedometer for those who appreciate classic style and do not like to charge gadgets.

Editor's rating:

Average price – $150

Estimated life time: 11 days

Xiaomi AmazFit Pace is the first smartwatch from the famous Chinese brand, which went on sale quite recently, at the beginning of 2017. They have already gained a lot of fans around the world due to their stylish design and fitness tracker capabilities. IN this review We are interested in precisely these possibilities and in particular the operation of the heart rate monitor.

Functionality and characteristics. Xiaomi AmazFit is not just a smart watch with a heart rate monitor, it is also a good GPS-tracker, capable of tracking your movements. This combination of functionality should be appreciated by lovers of jogging in the fresh air. It should be noted here that when GPS is turned on, battery life is reduced from 5 days to one day, and in domestic use the manufacturer promises work up to 11 days, which is a very impressive indicator with such a display.

Another interesting feature of the watch is the presence of memory - 4 GB, where you can store music that you can listen to using a wireless headset.

Among other things, the watch has standard function tracking sleep, steps, calories burned. Smart alarm clock missing, there is only a regular vibration alarm. Heart rate monitor operation I was very pleased with the series comparative tests with chest heart rate monitors did not reveal any serious errors.

Design and interface. Xiaomi AmazFit Pace boasts a rich display where you can easily view basic data; the brightness is adjusted automatically due to the built-in sensor. At the same time, the display has a number of control disadvantages. First, the gadget does not support voice control, and second, to activate the display you need to press the small mechanical button in the upper right corner.

Like any smartwatch, Xiaomi AmazFit Pace can receive notifications from applications. Unfortunately, this area has not been fully developed. Thus, the “Reply” and “View conversation” functions do not function. The interface is presented only in English or Chinese.

Advantages:

• Availability of GPS
• high quality display
• long life time

Flaws:

• inconvenient display activation
• flawed notification software
• no support for Russian language

Verdict: An excellent option for those who prefer a sporty design and do a lot of outdoor activities.

Average price – $375

Estimated shelf life: up to 4 days

Design and interface. The watch was released in two design options, which are noticeably different, but at the same time quite similar. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a brutal version, similar to what we see on the covers of magazines with harsh models. The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a timeless classic design, smaller than its larger sibling and not as shock and shock resistant, while the Frontier version is MIL-810G protected.

One of the main features and the main control feature of this watch is the “bezel”, this is a rotating ring around the watch, with the help of which gadgets are controlled. This solution turned out to be very successful and simplified interaction with the device by an order of magnitude.

The watch uses a standard strap that can be easily unfastened and replaced with yours. The body is made of high quality 316L steel.

Display with the SUPER AMOLED matrix there are no complaints, all data is readable without any problems in any lighting.

Functionality and characteristics. The watch runs on its own Tizen platform, which is noticeably more convenient Android Wear. There are fewer applications here, but they are quite enough for everyday use.

Like any fitness tracker, the watch can track steps, calories, and sleep. Interesting features include determining the lifting height, as well as the ability to compete with friends in the number of steps. To evaluate all the fitness capabilities of the watch, you need to use the S Health application, which is only available for the Galaxy series from Samsung. Such exclusivity is an undoubted disadvantage of the gadget.

The watch has GPS and Glonass, which can remember your route. Separately, I would like to note that there is a version with LTE, which will allow you to call directly from the watch without a smartphone. A pleasant advantage of the gadget is its long operating time, taking into account the huge number of functions that require battery energy.

The third generation of guiaras has noticeably improved heart rate measurements, which is why the watch is included in our TOP. The heart rate monitor works correctly even during intense movement.

Advantages:

• display
• Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
• convenient control
• MIL-810G protection in Frontier version

Flaws:

• Samsung's proprietary fitness app is only available for the Galaxy series

Verdict: An ideal option for everyday use at work, in the gym, on vacation, if you also have a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung.

Average price – $350

Estimated shelf life: up to 2 days

Polar is the 2nd company from this TOP, which came not from the world of technology, but from the world of sports watches. And this fact significantly influenced the Polar M600 model in terms of functionality.

Design and interface. The design of the watch is sporty and futuristic, the case is made of plastic, there are metal inserts on the sides, and the strap is made of silicone. The design is very much for everyone’s taste and will not appeal to everyone, plus the device is already quite bulky.

The main control occurs through touch screen, there are also two mechanical buttons, on the left there is a “Stop” or “Back” button, below the display there is a button responsible for starting the workout.

Display juicy and bright, but in direct sunlight it is difficult to read data.

Functionality and characteristics. The watch is based on Android Wear, which means that more than 4,000 applications for various purposes will be available to the owner. Fitness capabilities are implemented through Google Fit and a special Polar Flow service, which records all the information about the training performed, and you can also schedule them there. The service is very good and will appeal to many athletes.

Runners and cyclists will appreciate the presence of a full-fledged GPS. Another nice feature of the gadget is that it is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 meters, which is more than enough for a swimming pool.

Due to the 6-LED sensor, the heart rate monitor can compete in accuracy with chest-mounted heart rate meters. During testing, the heart rate monitor did not cause any complaints.

One of the unpleasant features is the short lifespan of the gadget, only 8 hours in training mode and 2 days in normal mode with Android, but with iPhone will only work for a day.

Advantages:

• Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
• proprietary software for sports activities

Flaws:

• design for everyone
• short period of life

Verdict: A good option for professional athletes who need the most functional smartwatch.

Apple Watch Series 2

Average price – $400

Estimated life time: one day

It’s not for nothing that watches from the legendary brand are included in most reviews of smart watches and fitness trackers. Apple Watch Series 2, as a watch with a heart rate monitor, it also did not disappoint.

Design and interface. The design is quite futuristic and not everyone will like it, but at the same time many will find it very attractive. It is presented in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. There are two control buttons on the right side. The number of varieties of straps is amazing in variety; the case itself is presented in the main material options: aluminum, steel, and ceramics. The updated version has quick access To the desired application through a button, this makes the control quite convenient.

Display juicy and bright, all data can be read without any problems in any weather. Worth sensor automatic settings brightness, the operation of which can be adjusted in the settings.

Functionality and characteristics. Apple Watch Series 2 is a true multifunctional machine among smartwatches, which can do almost everything that a modern smartwatch can provide. Briefly by functions:

• Ability to answer calls and receive messages;
• Tracking the physical activity of the wearer;
• Multiple support additional applications from the App Store;
• Measuring calories burned, steps taken, heart rate
• Recording the route traveled using GPS
• Internet access via Wi-Fi

The watch boasts not only ordinary Bluetooth modules, GPS, but also Wi-Fi module, which will allow you to access the Internet directly from the gadget. The gadget is waterproof, it can be used in the pool, and even a separate functionality has been created for this purpose that tracks strokes.

All the perfection of the watch is killed by its lifetime, which is one day, which is an anti-record for this top, and it’s difficult to find smart watches in 2017 who live so little.

The app for measuring heart rate is very primitive and is suitable only for lovers of an active lifestyle, but not for professionals. But it is worth noting that The heart rate monitor works flawlessly. Moreover, an independent scientific study conducted at Stanford showed the error of the heart rate monitor on an exercise bike is only 2%, which is comparable to the electrocardiogram data; for walking, the figure was slightly higher than 2.5%.

Advantages:

• wide selection of applications
• Availability of GPS and Wi-Fi module
• juicy display

Flaws:

• very short period of life
• high price

Verdict: An excellent option for those iPhone owners who require the widest range of capabilities from a smartwatch.

Estimated life time: 9 days in watch mode, 11 hours in training mode with GPS

The ForeRunner series of watches is designed for running, as clearly evidenced by the name of the same name. The Garmin ForeRunner 235 is one of the best value for money running heart rate watches on the market. This model Suitable for both professionals and amateur runners who need much more than the functionality of a regular fitness tracker, but at the same time need a watch for everyday use.

Design and interface. The design of the ForeRunner 235 is made in a sporty style and they will not match a formal suit to emphasize the status of the wearer. But they will fit perfectly into any other wardrobe and not just sports ones.

Display quite large and bright, all notifications and data can be read without any problems, even in the sunniest weather. Management is carried out by 5th mechanical buttons, which is quite convenient in rainy weather. The entire interface is intuitive and does not require much time to understand. Russian language is supported.

Functionality and characteristics. The watch is equipped with GPS and the GLONASS system, which made it possible to introduce a wide range of capabilities; in addition to the classic data on steps, calories and sleep, it offers a number of other options. As they run, they can show an estimated finish time based on their current momentum. They will evaluate the training effect of the lesson. They will predict your best result based on the data already received. They will give recommendations for post-workout rest. Supports cycling training.

Also, many will find it useful to assess VO2 max to assess the effectiveness of the training process in athletics.

Additional amenities include smart notifications and music control on your smartphone. This is also the only smartwatch with a heart rate monitor suitable for this review.

Heart rate monitor operation does not cause any complaints even with intensive training. It is possible to track heart rate zones.

Advantages:

• Availability of GPS/Glonass
• Windows Phone support
• advanced features for running training

Flaws:

• not suitable for a formal suit
• lack of app store and internal memory

Verdict: An excellent option for those who are engaged in professional running training.

Running watches with heart rate monitor perform different functions: for “lazy people” they act as a personal motivator, for professionals they help monitor daily performance, and for beginners - a reason to finally start training. Different gadgets will suit all these people. But how to choose a heart rate monitor for running if there are as many offers on the market as there are cups of water in the ocean? We'll figure out.

Let's discard the unnecessary: ​​6 main characteristics when choosing a watch

In order for a watch to be useful, you need to choose it not according to the rating of the newest or stylish devices. The emphasis should be on needs. Ask yourself: is this gadget needed by a beginner, who only needs to count mileage and heart rate, or by a professional, when speed, navigation, and training modes are important? A beginner will unnecessarily overpay for an unnecessary set of functions, and a master of his craft will not be able to simply monitor his pulse.

So, here is the algorithm that you should follow when choosing a sports watch for running.

1. First, decide on the amount you are willing to allocate to purchase the device. But please note that cheap option It is more suitable for a beginner: it may show the result with an error.
2. Indicate in what types of training the device will be used. This could be fitness, triathlon or amateur jogging in the morning.
3. Decide how often classes will be held: every day or once a week. Consider the time of day: if you run in the evening, it would be more advisable to choose a backlit model.
4. Indicate what is more important: measurement accuracy or compactness of the device? Professionals are advised to pay attention to more bulky options with a chest sensor; amateurs will also use a wristband.
5. For sports under any conditions, it is better to choose a water- and shock-resistant model.
6. Battery life is also important, be sure to read this information, it will be a shame if the battery runs out before the end of the workout.

Additional features that should not be ignored

We've covered the main points, let's move on to additional chips, which will also help you decide on a running model:

• heart rate monitor;
• alerts;
• stopwatch;
• automatic pause;
• ability to connect a headset;

Research was conducted at Stanford University, and this watch showed the smallest error compared to chest sensors. The smart model measures distance, speed, and running pace.

The distinctive features of the gadget are as follows:

• autonomy – 18 hours;
• they not only measure your pulse, but also work like a smart watch: they show notifications that come to your phone;
• there is GPS and Wi-Fi;
• moisture protection up to 50 m;
• Compatible only with iPhones.

Such a device costs $300-700, depending on the color design and model, there are several variations.

Best triathlon watch

Running plays a key role in triathletes' training, but these athletes need equipment that is also suitable for swimming and cycling. Here best choice will be Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR.

This watch is known for its multi-sport capabilities, so it doesn't get any better than this for triathlons. They do not have a chest heart rate monitor, but this device can be purchased additionally and connected via Bluetooth. Suunto Spartan monitors your heart rate continuously, even while swimming and sleeping.

Among the features:

• systems GPS navigation and GLONASS;
• pedometer, heart rate monitor;
• moisture protection at a depth of up to 100 m;
• digital compass;
• 16 hours of operation without recharging.

The price of the device is $522.

The best watches for fitness

If a person is into fitness and it is important for him to monitor his health, calories burned and mileage, it is worth trying the Withings Steel HR. There is a heart rate monitor and various counters to help you with your workouts. The price of such a watch is $200.

The gadget will not cause any inconvenience during training, the display is very compact, and the watch is stylish and comfortable to wear. Battery life is also a strong point of the Withings Steel HR, as much as 25 days “in one go.” In addition, it is suitable for, moisture protection allows you to immerse the gadget to a depth of up to 50 m.

If a person expects to lead healthy image life, to give the body small loads in different areas, the Withings Steel HR is a winner in the rating of fitness watches.