best-sports-smartwatches

To stay connected during sporting activity and monitor your athletic performance, here are the best sports smartwatches to buy for running, gym, fitness, cycling, swimming and physical activity.

Smartwatches are particularly useful for those dedicated to sports and physical fitness. Thanks to these digital fitness watches you will be able to stay connected with the outside world and accurately measure the various parameters of your performance.

Sports smartwatches feature precise GPS, sensors for accurate statistics (accelerometer, gyroscope, thermometer, barometer, light, oxygen, heart rate) and are also able to monitor sleep, stress, menstrual cycle and breathing.

Thanks to the functions listed above, they are able to define the quality of outdoor activities, but also to formulate statistics for indoor performance. A further use may be that for water sports, both in the pool and in open water , for which reference must be made to the level of impermeability.

As for connectivity, all sport watches interface with the smartphone via Bluetooth, and the Wi-Fi function and the SIM slot can also be useful, to make phone calls without the need for a mobile phone.

The other main features to look at in a fitness smartwatch are the battery life, the recharge time, the presence of the touchscreen, the type of processor, the ability to store songs, the presence of GPS to other satellite tracking systems (Gleans and Galileo), the SOS function and the weather alert .

Finally, a further yardstick for choose the right sport watch , it can be the round or square shape of the display and the possibility of interchanging the straps to adapt the digital watch to any occasion.

So let’s see what the best sports smartwatches currently on the market are, in this buying guide that explains in detail the characteristics of each model and the type of application for which it is suitable.

Garmin Forerunner 945

1. Garmin Forerunner 945

The best sport watch for professional running

  • Great sports features
  • Wi-Fi available
  • Water resistance up to 50 m
  • No touchscreen
  • No SIM slot
  • Short battery life with active GPS

best smartwatch for running is the Garmin Forerunner 945 , also suitable for many other types of sports, there are many features to improve athletic performance, it is resistant and is one of the most accurate on the market.

With a weight of only 50 grams and an ergonomic and modern design, this fitness watch fits a wrist of 130-220 mm in circumference. The circular screen, with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels, is built with Corning Gorilla Glass DX, and a silicone strap. The use of the sports watch is easy and intuitive thanks to the buttons on the side, which allow you to scroll the navigation menu without the touchscreen.

In terms of compatibility, it can be used with both Android smartphone than Apple . Furthermore, despite the lack of the SIM slot, it features both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Through these connectivity settings it will also be possible to take advantage of the Garmin Pay function which will allow you to pay directly with the smartwatch without having to carry any credit card.

The Garmin Forerunner 945 smartwatch is highly customizable and suitable for a variety of sports, including: yoga, Pilates, aerobic, cardio, fitness, running, golf, outdoor activities, swimming and cycling. Some of its most important features are heart rate measurement even in underwater mode, the ability to choose between different types of training (functional, cardio, indoor, etc.), analysis of training intensity and athletic performance.

The Forerunner 945 is also one of the best smartwatches for swimming and diving , with a water resistance of up to 50 meters and the ability to calculate calories burned, heart rate, number of laps taken, speed and timer function.

Battery life is 10 hours when pushed to maximum stress, with GPS and music on all the time. By removing the music, the usage time is extended up to 36 hours.

Apple Watch Series 6

2. Apple Watch Series 6

The best Apple smartwatch for sports

  • SpO2 sensor
  • Altimeter always active
  • Processor speed
  • Battery life hasn’t improved much

 best sport watch is the GPS + Cellular version of the new Watch Series 6. We recommend it to all amateur and semi-amateur sportsmen who own an iPhone and intend to stay in the Apple ecosystem.

Taking the GPS + Cellular version means being able to use it without a smartphone also to make calls and send messages. This is why it is particularly suitable for those who play sports, so that they can leave the smartphone at home in case of preference.

Among the technical specifications we find an S6 processor and the ability to connect to Wi-Fi, even if only in one band. Apple Watch Series 6 is equipped with sensors to improve the performance of the device, including: barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS and beat tracker. An added feature over the 5 series is the blood oxygen saturation sensor.

Another extremely useful feature for lovers of extreme and more demanding sports is the emergency call . The watch is, in fact, able to detect falls and if the protagonist of the accident does not show any signs of movement for more than 60 seconds, an emergency call will automatically start. Emergency contacts will also be able to view the location on the map.

The battery, also given the presence of the always on function, is not very long lasting, barely reaching two days of total use. However, this factor takes a back seat when you take into account all the functions that Apple offers to users, including monitoring the menstrual cycle for women.

App Store, Apple Music (with subscription) and Apple Pay are available. In addition, the sports watch can be connected to smartphone applications such as Yazoo, Water Minder and Enel which suggest the user tips to better enjoy the day from a physical and mental point of view.

Polar Vantage V

3. Polar Vantage V

The best smartwatch for swimming and running

  • Up to 40 hours of autonomy
  • Waterproof up to 50 meters
  • Precise monitoring
  • Fair readability
  • Low brightness

 you are looking for one of the best fitness watches suitable for professional athletes with long battery life and precise and detailed analysis of sports performance, Polar Vantage V is a good choice.

This sports watch has an always on touchscreen display, in Gorilla glass, with a resolution of 240 x 240. The design is rounded and reminiscent of a classic wristwatch. In addition, thanks to the stainless steel case and the reinforced polymer case back, the device is water resistant to 50 meters. The strap is available in 4 colors (blue, white, black and orange) and comes in one size.

The lithium polymer battery (230 math) achieves a life of 40 hours with GPS and heart rate monitor active. Furthermore, GPS is associated with GLONASS technology in order to optimize reception, thanks to the different radio frequency bands. Lower energy consumption is also guaranteed by the presence of Bluetooth Low Energy.

Polar Vantage V can measure running power directly from the wrist, with no need for external sensors in the shoes, which is extremely useful for runners. With regard to swimming enthusiasts, however, the smartwatch automatically detects the swimming style, timing and number of strokes, as well as of course the distance traveled.

By connecting the device with smartphone (both iOS and Android), you will be able to view all notifications without having to stop during sports activities. Messages, calls, emails and events will be available directly on the screen of your sports smartwatch.

The only negative note of this smartwatch for physical activity is the discreet readability due to the small characters and a low brightness. In fact, according to the opinions of users, it takes a few seconds before being able to read the notification well.

Suunto 9 Baro

4. Sagunto 9 Baron

The best long-range underwater sports watch

  • Water resistance up to 100 meters
  • Up to 120 hours of use
  • Display resolution 320 x 320 pixels
  • No PC app available

 you are looking for the best underwater smartwatch with long battery life , extreme accuracy in heart measurement and additional features for mountain sports and hiking, Sagunto 9 Baro may be the device for you.

Compatible with both iOS and Android , it features a 1.4-inch Matrix LED color touchscreen display and three action buttons on the side. The luminaire is made in Finland to be tested to withstand harsh temperatures and conditions. Moreover, thanks to a water resistance of 100 meters underwater, it is one of the best for diving.

The smart battery has four different operating modes (performance, endurance, ultra, custom) that allow you to adapt to the type of training chosen . The maximum use time is reached on the ultra-setting and is 120 hours with modest GPS tracking, ideal for weekend trips.

Speaking of localization, GPS technology is associated with GLONASS and allows the user to transmit the position on two frequency bands . Among the sensors integrated in the smartwatch you will also find the innovative FusedAlti from which the name “Baro” derives. It is able to define the different altitude profiles and warn about possible weather changes, an extremely useful function for those who practice hiking and trekking.

In addition to the standard functions found in the best sports watches such as calorie counts and sleep monitoring, Suunto 9 Baro uses a Optical measuring heart rate monitor . On the back of the device there is, in fact, an LED light with optical sensors that is projected on the skin. The beam of light then penetrates the bloodstream, noting any changes in heart rate and heart rate.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

5. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

The best fitness watch for music lovers

  • Internal memory of 500 songs
  • 5ATM waterproof
  • Compatible with iOS and Android
  • Autonomy of 6 hours with GPS and music on
  • Automatic replies to messages only with Android

 best sports smartwatch for runners, around 300 euros, is the Garmin Forerunner 245, a water-resistant digital watch that can accommodate a large music library.

There is an anti-glare touchscreen display built with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and the metal shell with reinforced polymer, which makes it extremely durable and is 5 ATM waterproof .

The strap is made of silicone, while the screen has a rounded shape with 3 buttons on the left and two on the right, respectively light, movement up and down in the menu, activation of the clock and mode to go back.

A lithium-ion battery is required for ignition, usually included with purchase. Although the battery life is significantly reduced in the case of active GPS and music (6 hours), if it is used to simply detect data on one’s athletic performance it reaches up to 7 days without recharging .
 
Regarding connectivity, Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is compatible with both Android and Apple iOS smartphones, although only with the first operating system is the response with preset messages available. In addition to the Bluetooth function, there is the possibility to connect to Wi-Fi as well.

Thanks to the musical memory, with a capacity of up to 500 songs, you can make physical activity even more enjoyable. Pairing with Bluetooth headphones is recommended for best sound quality.

Among the features included you will find Garmin Coach, with free plans for sports preparation and Training Load to adapt a workout to your fitness. In addition, there is also the SOS request, in case of accidents during the activities, and assistance.

Finally, thanks to the integrated apps you can choose from many activity profiles, select the sport you intend to practice, monitor the menstrual cycle, measure heart rate and oxygen saturation in the blood and the energy level in the body.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

6. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

The best Android smartwatch for sports

  • Remote control of the camera app
  • Off-line listening to Spotify songs
  • All Samsung services integrated
  • Limited app store
  • Wireless charging with smartphone slow
  • Photos cannot be viewed via message

Price 196,90 € Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the best sport watch for Android , aesthetically beautiful and professional, waterproof (5ATM), with the ability to listen to more than 500 songs for free offline (Spotify) and with all Samsung services integrated.

The rounded design is very fine, clean and minimal , with two side keys slightly protruding to the right. Overall, it is suitable both as a smartwatch for physical activity in order to monitor sports performance and for more formal occasions. The colors available are pink, black, silver and dark gray.

The 44mm Super AMOLED display has a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels and is supported by a silicone strap, matched to the color of the dial. Equipped with a 1.15 GHz dual-core Exynos 9110 processor, it supports a 340 mAh battery with a duration of approximately 3 days for sports activities and always on deactivated.

The wireless charging with smartphone is quite slow and comes to be complete after 2 hours (usually one hour). However, you can also recharge it normally through the USB cable provided in the package and overcome the problem of timing.

Among the integrated sensors we find: accelerometer, barometer, HR, brightness and gyroscope. Through them, maximum precision in calculating timing, effort, stress, sleep monitoring and above all heartbeat is guaranteed. If the fatigue levels exceed a certain threshold, the system will suggest breathing and relaxation exercises to regain calm.

Despite being among the best Samsung fitness watches, it connects with both Android devices (from version 5.0 onwards) and iOS (from iPhone 5 to later versions), despite having a more limited number of functions available for the latter. In the case of the Android operating system, functions such as Samsung Pay, Health and Smart things are available.

Among the most innovative functions of this fitness watch we find the possibility of matching the dial to your outfit to take unforgettable photos. In addition, from the notification panel you will see the messages of all the messaging services (not the images received) and you will respond via the small screen of the clock, even while you are practicing sports.

The control panel with the various applications is tidy and intuitive and you can add others through the appropriate store, which however is a bit limited at the moment. In addition, thanks to GPS and the Galileo function you will be able to track your training courses quickly and easily and follow your progress step by step.

Garmin Vivoactive 4S

7. Garmin Vivo active 4S

The best quality-price sport watch for women

  • 5ATM waterproof
  • Animated clips for DIY workouts
  • Integrated GPS
  • Discreet battery with active GPS and music

SEE ON AMAZON

The Garmin Vivo active 4S is the best female fitness smartwatch, especially if you are looking for a highly customizable watch, with many functions to create indoor workouts, and with integrated GPS.

The 40mm display with a 218 x 218 pixel resolution is built with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and coated with fiber-reinforced polymers for added strength. Given the size of the case and the silicone strap, it fits wrists with a circumference between 110 and 175 mm. In addition, it has a waterproof rating of up to 50 meters underwater.

The battery has a good duration in case of use in smartwatch mode (up to 7 days), while it has discrete performance with active GPS and music (up to 6 hours).

Thanks to Garmin Vivo active you can have all the statistics of your sporting activity at your fingertips, without the need to carry your smartphone with you. In addition, in case you are undecided about the workout to do, this fitness smartwatch offers you 20 pre-installed applications with different exercises, with animated demonstration clips for proper execution.

Among the functions offered you will also find the possibility to monitor stress, sleep, body energy, oxygen saturation, menstrual cycle, hydration and heart rate. You can also take advantage of the free Coaching service that will allow you to train for the marathon. If, on the other hand, you want a personalized service for other activities, just download the Garmin Connect application on your smartphone and create your workouts.

Garmin Vivo active 4S is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones and features the innovative Garmin Pay service, capable of using the contactless system directly from your wrist. Inside the smartwatch you will also find Connect IQ Store to download apps and widgets for free.

Among the apps in the store you will also find Spotify with the ability to download up to 500 songs to listen to during your workouts, an important factor for those who use the smartwatch for cycling and do not want to give up background music during sports.

Fitbit Ionic

8. Fitbit Ionic

Best Fitbit sports smartwatch for gym and running

  • Continuous heart rate monitoring
  • Up to 300 songs can be stored
  • Fitbit Coach with personalized video workouts
  • No calls and messages without smartphone nearby
  • Not suitable for open water swimming SEE ON AMAZON

The Fitbit Ionic is one of our favorite gym and running smartwatches , with 2.5GB of storage for music, NFC technology, and good GPS.

The Fitbit smartwatch has a modern and ergonomic design. The strap is available in 4 versions matched to the dial: black and graphite gray, blue gray, earth and arctic gray. The latest colorway is signed by Adidas and comes with a perforated strap that recalls the race bib of the runners.

The display is built with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 3 and has a resolution of 348 x 250 pixels. The brightness that can be increased up to 1000 nits ensures a clear view and good readability even in strong sunlight.

Two features that make it particularly suitable for running are the integrated GPS , which can be used to monitor routes and statistics even without a mobile phone nearby, and Run Detect, for the automatic detection of the start of the run. Geolocation coverage is significantly increased thanks to synchronization with GLONASS satellites.

We find water resistance of 50 meters and an optical HR sensor on the back with red and green LEDs for continuous and precise monitoring of the heartbeat. In addition, oxygen saturation (Sp02 sensor) and other biometric data are also measured.

A lithium-polymer battery, included in the package, is required for operation, and the duration of a single charge is approximately 4 days. Using GPS, music and heart rate measurement at the same time you can still use up to 10 hours, compared to 4-6 hours for other watches.

In addition to the standard functions of counting calories burned, fitness level and speed of pace , we also find the relaxation parameter that recommends guided breathing exercises to get rid of stress and anxiety.

Although it is particularly suitable for gym and running, the same cannot be said for swimming in open water. In fact, Fitbit Ionic is able to monitor performance only with regard to swimming in the pool, because in other cases the GPS loses accuracy.

Suunto 5

9. Suunto 5

Best Mid-Range Multisport Fitness Watch

  • Autonomy up to 14 days
  • 5 ATM waterproof
  • No touchscreen
  • No altimetric barometer
  • Initial configuration mandatory via smartphones ON AMAZON

The Suunto 5 is an excellent smartwatch for fitness and cycling in the mid -price range, especially suitable for men. There’s built-in GPS, good power management, and it’s especially interesting for those who prefer a watch without a touchscreen.

Interesting is the GPS function that allows cyclists and runners to create their own road route , send it to the smartwatch and receive immediate notifications at their fingertips when using it during training.

This Bluetooth smartwatch, with a weight of 66 grams, is extremely resistant and suitable for different weather conditions , also thanks to its water resistance up to 50 meters. The case is in fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate, while the strap is in burgundy / copper-colored silicone.

The display is in color with a resolution of 218 x 218 pixels and although it is not a touchscreen, it is very easy to use thanks to the side keys on the case, to move within the navigation menu.

The rechargeable lithium polymer battery has an autonomy of up to 14 days in simple watch mode and 7 days with active notifications and 24-hour monitoring. By activating, then the GPS during physical activity sessions is reduced to a duration from 20 to 40 hours.

Among the available functions we find Fused Speed ​​which combines the accelerometer with the GPS function, capable of measuring physical statistics , speed and dynamics during running and other outdoor activities with extreme precision . Furthermore, there is the possibility to choose between three satellite connection systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo).

After carrying out the initial mandatory configuration via smartphone, the Suunto 5 will be perfectly usable on its own, both in the physical activity mode and in the measurement of parameters.

Through the notification panel it is possible to view the messages, but not to answer them or phone calls. Among the smart functions of the watch we also find the possibility to share your progress and physical statistics on social media through the smartphone app.

Fitbit Versa 2

10. Fitbit Versa 2

Inexpensive sport watch with integrated Alexa

  • Integrated Alexa
  • NFC with Fitbit Pay
  • Automatic brightness
  • Cannot send voice messages
  • Response to notifications are for Android
  • No GPS

If GPS isn’t an essential factor for you and you prefer other features like the ability to control Alexa devices, listen to music and pay via your watch, then Fitbit Versa 2 is one of the best sports smartwatches you can evaluate.

The color AMOLED touchscreen display has a very good resolution of 300 x 300 pixels. Thanks to the automatic brightness adjustment, it will be readable even in cases of greater sunlight. The design is simple and modern, with a single button on the left side. The silicone band is available in seven different colors and is interchangeable with the other colors provided by Fitbit.

The lithium polymer battery lasts up to 6 days if the always on screen function is disabled. The long life is guaranteed above all by the absence of GPS.

Thanks to the integrated Alexa function you can receive weather information, set alarms and control smart home devices via your fitness watch. In addition, through Spotify and Deezer you can download over 300 songs to listen to during workouts.

With Fitbit Versa 2 you will have sleep and activity monitoring , water resistance up to 50 meters and continuous heart rate detection. According to user evaluations, the statistics reported after sporting activity are thorough and precise, with an accurate calculation of: speed, time, calories burned, change in altitude and heart rate graph.

Compared to its previous edition (Fitbit Versa) you will also find NFC technology to pay with the smartwatch and the ability to view exercises on the screen.

Regarding messaging services, although you cannot send voice messages, through Fitbit you can use the voice function to write the text message and then send it as such or program quick replies (only with Android).

Huawei Watch GT 2

11. Huawei Watch GT 2

Best budget sport watch for battery life

  • Battery life up to 2 weeks
  • Excellent resolution and display brightness
  • No SIM slot
  • Missing store to download apps
  • No display of images received per message

Huawei Watch GT 2 is the ideal model for those looking for the best cheap sport watch, with many multisport functions, accurate statistics and a long battery life. This fitness smartwatch is highly recommended for those who want to boost their physical stats.

In fact, to improve sports performance, the user is offered 15 training modes and a personal trainer with pre-installed courses for advice on performing the exercises. In addition, the GPS geolocation system is associated with GLONASS to ensure greater accuracy in identifying position and movement.

The 46mm AMOLED touchscreen display built in 3D glass, has a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels and a brightness of 1000 nit. The smartwatch is available in 10 different colors to adapt to every need, from a sportier design to a more elegant and perfect one for any occasion.

The battery sets up the intelligent energy saving function offering a duration of up to 2 weeks without the need to recharge, which is reduced to 10 days (compared to 3 days in other smartwatches) if some sports activities are also included. The long autonomy makes it one of the best fitness watches suitable for those who practice hiking or risky sports where it is important to stay in contact with the outside world.

Among the main functions we find the continuous monitoring of sleep , with the possibility of identifying up to 6 common ailments that worsen our rest. Other parameters that are constantly monitored are stress and heart rate with Huawei TruSeen. In addition, you can make a call via smartphone connected in Bluetooth.

Regarding messaging services, although it is possible to read and reply to messages, you will not be able to use predefined replies and not even view the images received on the smartwatch.

Among the sensors of the Huawei you will find SpO2 to measure the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. Moreover, thanks to the formulation of precise statistics it is suitable for both outdoor and indoor training with gym machines. With a water resistance up to 50 meters it is also possible to use it for high intensity water sports.

Garmin Forerunner 45

12. Garmin Forerunner 45

The best budget smartwatch for sports and running

  • Integrated GPS
  • Integrated Connect IQ
  • Good value for money
  • No touchscreen
  • Poor battery life with active GPS

Garmin Forerunner 45 is a smartwatch with GPS , it does not cost much and is an excellent choice in the economic range for those looking for a smartwatch for runners.

It is one of the cheapest smart watches on the market , but it reserves many features for the user, especially for running enthusiasts with 5, 10 and half marathon plans. Inside you’ll also find 12 training modes, including outdoor running, treadmill, cardio and walking.

Through the Garmin Connect application, available for both Android and iOS, you can instantly synchronize all training data and monitor the progress of your sports performance. Instead, with Physio True Up you will be able to send data from one device to another quickly and easily. In addition to the statistics about your workouts, you will also check: sleep, stress, body energy, oxygen consumed and heart rate.

The display with a 42 mm case is backlit and has a resolution of 208 x 208 pixels with excellent color contrast and brightness. The silicone strap is available in 4 colors: black, white, purple and red. On the sides we find a total of 5 buttons that allow simple and intuitive navigation in the menu, even without a touchscreen.

The battery allows a maximum duration of 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours with active GPS. The latter can also be associated with an additional satellite geolocation with Glonass and Galileo.

By Anurag Rathod

Anurag Rathod is an Editor of Appclonescript.com, who is passionate for app-based startup solutions and on-demand business ideas. He believes in spreading tech trends. He is an avid reader and loves thinking out of the box to promote new technologies.