Best Running Watches 2026: Complete GPS Watch Buyer's Guide
Expert reviews of Garmin, COROS, Polar, Apple Watch & Suunto for runners
Quick Comparison: Best Running Watches 2026
| Watch | Best For | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 975 | Best Overall | 35 hours | $649 |
| Garmin Forerunner 275 | Best Mid-Range | 24 hours | $499 |
| COROS PACE 4 | Best Value | 45 hours | $249 |
| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Best Beginner | 22 hours | $249 |
| COROS APEX 3 Pro | Best for Ultras | 90 hours | $549 |
| Polar Vantage V4 | Best Training Load | 60 hours | $649 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Best Smartwatch | 24 hours | $849 |
| Suunto Race S | Best Display | 45 hours | $499 |
| Garmin Enduro 4 | Best Ultramarathon | 400 hours | $999 |
| Polar Pacer Ultra | Best Budget Multi | 40 hours | $349 |
Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 975
Editor's Choice for 2026
The Forerunner 975 pushes running watch technology forward with an improved 1.5" AMOLED display, next-gen multi-band GPS, and AI-powered training recommendations. New running dynamics are built directly into the watch.
Key Features: 1.5" AMOLED touchscreen, full maps, AI Training Coach, native running dynamics, Running Power, HRV Status, 35hr GPS battery.
Pros: Best display, comprehensive metrics, excellent GPS, built-in running dynamics.
Cons: Premium price, large for smaller wrists.
Best Mid-Range: Garmin Forerunner 275
The Forerunner 275 brings 975-level features to a more accessible price point with AMOLED display, advanced training metrics, and 24-hour GPS battery.
Key Features: 1.3" AMOLED, Training Readiness, Morning Report, HRV Status, music storage.
Best Value: COROS PACE 4
Best Bang for Your Buck
COROS continues to disrupt with the PACE 4 offering 45-hour GPS battery, AMOLED display, and comprehensive training features at just $249.
Key Features: AMOLED display, 45-hour battery, dual-frequency GPS, Training Load, Running Power, 28g weight.
Best for Beginners: Garmin Forerunner 165
The Forerunner 165 brings AMOLED technology to entry-level with Garmin Coach integration and essential running features.
Best for Ultras: COROS APEX 3 Pro
With 90 hours of GPS battery life, full offline maps, and robust construction, the APEX 3 Pro handles any ultra distance.
Best Training Load: Polar Vantage V4
Polar's flagship delivers the most advanced recovery and training load analytics with improved AMOLED display and dual-frequency GPS.
Best Smartwatch: Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Ultra 3 adds improved running metrics, longer battery life, and satellite messaging. Best for iPhone users wanting both smartwatch and running features.
Best Display: Suunto Race S
Suunto's smaller Race S delivers the stunning AMOLED display in a more compact package with full offline maps.