15 Best Sports Watches of 2023

Whether you’re a casual user in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle or an enthusiast looking to reach a new level of fitness, you need a high-quality best sports watch in your workout routine. These timepieces will help you track, monitor, and improve your performance, thanks to their onboard sensors and other special features.

Many sports watches can also guide you through your workouts via on-screen animation — as well as track your sleep and recovery patterns — to help you always feel your best and avoid injuries. They are also excellent smartwatches, which can send you smartphone notifications, offer access to your favorite virtual assistant, and even allow you to control connected home products.

Despite their diminutive size, sports watches can really pack a punch. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrain—hands-free. Important for many users, they’re also capable of compiling a seemingly endless amount of data, including your distance, elevation, pace, cadence, heart rate, recovery time, and sleep quality (to name a few). Below we break down the best sports watches of 2023, including rugged and navigation-rich offerings for backcountry explorers, affordable entry-level models, and sleek options purpose-built for endurance athletes. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

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

Top1.Garmin Forerunner 255 Music

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Garmin hit a home run with the Forerunner 265 with its bright, beautiful AMOLED display and touchscreen, that makes it easy to navigate around the watch when you’re not running. It’s an upgrade to the popular Garmin Forerunner 255 which was previously our best sports watch, and if you’re looking for a bargain, now is a good time to buy the cheaper Garmin, which is on sale at a number of retailers.

During testing, we loved the fact that the Forerunner 265 now gives you the option to purchase two different sizes — 42mm or 46mm. Both have an AMOLED display —the resolution of the Forerunner 265 is 416 x 416 pixels, and 360 x 360 on the 265S. During testing, we found it easy to view the screen in all lights, making it a perfect outdoor running companion.

While the Forerunner 265 costs as much as a new Apple Watch, its in-depth tracking features and better battery life — up to 24 hours when using GPS — make it the choice for serious runners. If you’re on a budget, now is a good time to buy the Forerunner 255, which won the best running watch title in our January 2023 Tom’s Guide Fitness awards because we were seriously impressed with this watch.

Top2.Casio EAW-MRW-200H-1BV

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• Weight: 2.2 oz.
• Battery: Lithium-ion and solar (16 hrs in GPS mode)
• Diameter: 60mm
• What we like: Hard to kill.
• What we don’t: Outdated, heavy, and more expensive than modern options with similar tech.

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without a Casio watch. Known for touting function over fashion, solar-powered batteries, and bulky-yet-tough constructions, Casio is a standard bearer in outdoor watches and has been slowly making the transition into the modern GPS market. Most of their designs still look and feel pretty dated, but the G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 here is fairly competitive with the options above. The watch has great bones with GPS support and six additional sensors, including an HR monitor, barometric altimeter and compass, gyroscope, thermometer, and accelerometer. And importantly, it integrates with Casio’s app to make all this data more digestible.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to opt for the Casio over other watches here is the rugged and shock-resistant case, which you’ll either love or hate. The G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 also features the most impressive water rating on our list (it can handle pressure up to a depth of 200m), which gives even more credence to its bombproof construction. And finally, with a built-in solar panel (a hallmark of Casio watches), it can last for weeks of non-GPS use without needing a charge. But in 2023, most of these features are fairly standard in outdoor watches, and we’re partial to more modern and sleek designs from brands like Garmin, COROS, Polar, and Suunto.

Top3.Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 44mm)

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Display: Just under 2 inches 240×240 pixels | Battery Life (GPS tracking mode): 36 hours | Dimensions: 49 mm | Weight: 41 grams | Water/Dust Resistance: 5 ATM | Band Size: 49mm

The Apple Watch Ultra is the newest sports watch to the game, and could become the most impressive of all options available. The new version caters exclusively to athletes. The 49mm titanium display ensures it can handle varied terrains, while providing you the durability you need on your outdoor excursions.

It also contains the longest lasting battery of all Apple watches, running up to 36 hours on a single charge. And, if you run it in low-power mode, you can extend the operating life to 60 hours.Moreover, the display is robust–being two times brighter than any other Apple Watch display. It features a programmable action button. It allows you to choose quick access to many apps, like Workouts, Backtracks, and much more.

You also receive your choice of bands. Runners will enjoy the thinnest of the group–the Trail Loop Band. There’s also an Ocean Band, designed for recreational diving and water sports. Tying it all together is the watchOS 9. It comes with advanced metrics for stride length, ground contact time, and running power. Overall, it’s Apple’s most complete offering for athletes, allowing swimmers, divers, runners, mountain climbers, and more access to Apple’s most robust tools.

Top4.Garmin Forerunner 245

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Dimensions: 46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4 (mm)Weight: 52gDisplay: 1.3-in, 260 x 260 px MIPGPS: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, SATIQBattery: 20 days/49 hours GPS)Water resistant: Yes, 5ATM

the Forerunner 955 Solar is the best Forerunner to date. It looks good, performs brilliantly, tracks your metrics accurately, and it packages the information in a useful way that can strengthen your training protocol and improve your health and fitness.

Its GPS tools are excellent, with particular emphasis on cycling and running, warning users of upcoming inclines and helping them navigate through adventures off the beaten track. This is supported by Garmin’s multi-band GPS abilities, which the Forerunner can access for pinpoint accuracy.

New features such as Training Readiness and Body Battery help and support recovery effectively, essential for everyone from casual park-runners to high-performance triathletes and ultra-runners. This is all supported by a battery that lasts well, supported by Power Glass solar technology, and loads of storage space for all your favorite music and routes.

Top5.SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3

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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

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Display: 1.2-inch 240×240 pixels | Battery Life (GPS tracking mode): 25 hours | Dimensions: 43x43x10.6 mm | Weight: 62 grams | Water/Dust Resistance: 100m | Band Size: 22mm

The Suunto 9 Peak is the company’s newest GPS sports watch that is also its thinnest, smallest, and toughest model released yet. Despite the thin, sleek, stainless steel design, the watch also has 25 hours of battery life with the best GPS mode enabled and up to 170 hours in Tour mode.

Over 80 sports modes are part of the Suunto fitness experience, including running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and more. 100m water resistance, blood oxygen measurements, a new optical heart rate sensor, and wireless firmware updates are provided in this new Suunto watch. A titanium option, 15% lighter, is also available. Incoming calls, messages, and notifications are provided through your connected smartphone. Connectivity to third-party apps such as Strava, TrainingPeaks, Endomondo, and more are also provided.

Top7.Michael Kors Dylan

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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

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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

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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

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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.

11.Garmin Forerunner 55

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Pros

• Running-specific metrics
• Easy-to-read display
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

• May be too much functionality for beginners

With an update last year, Garmin took their Forerunner 200 series to the next level, tacking on notable additions like a barometric altimeter, triathlon activity mode, and power meter support. As a result, the revamped Forerunner 25 is now a full-fledged multisport watch that gives the COROS Apex 2 a run for its money as our top recommendation of 2023. Comparing the two, the Forerunner 25 boasts better location accuracy by way of dual-frequency GNSS support, features Garmin’s refined ecosystem and high-end training metrics, and comes in two sizes (the 41-mm 255S and 46-mm version here) to cater to a larger audience. But unlike the COROS, it notably lacks both maps and navigation, and you’ll have to spend $50 more for music storage (the Forerunner 25 Music).

The Forerunner 25 is a sweet spot for serious bikers, runners, or triathletes who stick mostly to the frontcountry (no need for maps/navigation) and don’t require a diverse array of activity profiles or super high-end data analysis (such as Garmin’s Training Readiness score). For this audience, stepping down to a cheaper design (like the Forerunner 55 below) will result in a noticeable drop in performance and accuracy, but spending up (for the Forerunner 955, for example) just gives you $150+ in added features that you’re unlikely to use. Added up, if you’re already familiar with Garmin’s user interface, the Forerunner 255 is a worthy alternative to our top-ranked Apex 2. Finally, it’s worth mentioning Garmin’s new Forerunner 265 ($450), which adds a colorful AMOLED display and touchscreen, features like Garmin’s Training Readiness score and Running Dynamics, as well as music storage.

12.Apple Watch Series 7

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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

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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

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PROS:

• Speed Indicator
• Analog and Digital Face
• Anti-Slip Buttons

CONS:

• No backlight for the digital display.

Feature：

• Weight: 2.2 oz.
• Battery: Lithium-ion and solar (16 hrs in GPS mode)
• Diameter: 60mm
• What we like: Hard to kill.

What we don’t: Outdated, heavy, and more expensive than modern options with similar tech.

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without a Casio watch. Known for touting function over fashion, solar-powered batteries, and bulky-yet-tough constructions, Casio is a standard bearer in outdoor watches and has been slowly making the transition into the modern GPS market. Most of their designs still look and feel pretty dated, but the G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 here is fairly competitive with the options above. The watch has great bones with GPS support and six additional sensors, including an HR monitor, barometric altimeter and compass, gyroscope, thermometer, and accelerometer. And importantly, it integrates with Casio’s app to make all this data more digestible.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to opt for the Casio over other watches here is the rugged and shock-resistant case, which you’ll either love or hate. The G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 also features the most impressive water rating on our list (it can handle pressure up to a depth of 200m), which gives even more credence to its bombproof construction. And finally, with a built-in solar panel (a hallmark of Casio watches), it can last for weeks of non-GPS use without needing a charge. But in 2023, most of these features are fairly standard in outdoor watches, and we’re partial to more modern and sleek designs from brands like Garmin, COROS, Polar, and Suunto.

15.Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch

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PROS:

• Great fitness features.
• Solid battery life.

CONS:

• Expensive

The Fitbit Sense 2 is the company’s premium smartwatch that comes with more advanced health and wellness features that the Versa line. Not only does it have an FDA-approved ECG sensor and blood oxygen reading, but the Sense has the ability to measure electrodermal activity and skin temperature, too. Compared to the original Fitbit Sense, the Sense 2 features an upgraded design, interface and EDA sensor, making for Fitbit’s most holistic smartwatch yet.

An update to the stress-detecting EDA (electrodermal activity) sensor plays a large role in the device’s success: now called cEDA (‘c’ for continuous,) the sensor monitors stress levels or heightened responses throughout the day, prompting the user to take action on mood monitoring with Body Response notifications. During testing, we were impressed by the Sense 2’s long battery life and attractive design, as well as the huge number of health tracking options.Like all of the best Fitbits, the Sense 2 has built-in GPS, which allows you to track your runs and rides from the watch itself. The watch connects to the Fitbit app, which allows you to view all of your activities in one place.

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

COMPATIBILITY

There are several important factors to consider before picking out your sports watch, with the most important being phone compatibility. For example, the Apple Watch — a rock-solid contender for the product category’s best — is only compatible with an iPhone. Its competitors from Fitbit, Garmin, and Polar, however, can also play nice with Android phones.

In addition to compatibility, you should also keep design, onboard sensors, display quality, and battery performance in mind. We break these criteria down further below:

Design

Unless you plan to use it only during workouts, a good sports watch should rock a cool design suitable for everyday wear. Having it constantly on your wrist will allow you to take full advantage of its onboard sensors and tech, instead of simply keeping tabs on your pulse at the gym. A sports watch should also be fully waterproof — the higher its rating, the better.

Sensors

When it comes to onboard sensors, every good sports watch should be able to track your heart rate well. Additional features like ECG capabilities and a blood oxygen sensor are becoming increasingly common. A built-in GPS chip for precisely mapping your outdoor exercises is also important. (Save for one product, all our picks have one.)

Display

Of course, the display quality of any sports watch is essential. The best ones have sharp, vibrant panels that are equally great for glancing at your stats during workouts as well as checking emails from work. Combined with the onboard sensors, the screen will impact your timepiece’s battery endurance — products with lower-tech screens typically last longer between charges.

Battery Performance

Depending on your workout routine, consider the battery life of a fitness watch before buying. Every option on this list will deliver at least a full day (or much more) of mixed-use. The latter will include standard smartwatch mode and a workout session of continuous fitness tracking with GPS and other available sensors constantly enabled.After countless hours of activity and months of testing, these are the best sports watches to fuel your workouts right now. Get ready to take your sweat sessions to a whole new level.

Buying a Sports Watch FAQ