Running watch recommendations?

[ClassicStripe]

Please could you recommend a watch to measure my runs. I've only started in May so it's all new to me :). Is it better to get a Garmin or a smart watch?
Thank you.

Garmin forerunners are very good. I've used an apple watch too which is fine, but battery etc can be an issue. The most basic forerunner (55 model) has nearly all of the features of the more expensive models but is significantly cheaper.
If you get the more expensive one (255 model) you can listen to music on it which is handy if that's something you would pay extra for.

Personally I really like my Garmin. It's a forerunner 45s, got it 4 years ago and wear as my daily watch, including overnight for sleep tracking.
Battery is just starting to need charging every other day if I'm using it for runs or workouts.
I was tempted to get an apple watchhbut they seem to need a lot more charging.
And the garmin has all the smart watch features I would want anyway.

I third Garmin. It might be worth looking on Facebook just in case someone's selling theirs.

I also have Garmin Forerunner 45s.

I use it for runs, walks and cardio sessions. It connects to the garmin app and strava easily. I play music from my mobile via Bluetooth.

I don't have alerts switched on as l don't want to be notified when I'm exercising that someone's messaged

I "fourth" Garmin. I have a Venu 2s and really like it. It's my third different Garmin in probably 15 years, all been really reliable. Had a Vivosport and a Forerunner 15 before.

Garmin all the way. I had to replace mine earlier this year and got the most basic one (FR55?) and it’s fine

Another vote for Garmin!

Thank you. Lots to think about 😀

Do you mind if I join in OP, thinking of getting a Garmin. I've got an Apple watch 7 but I still hate having to charge it daily. I don't want another AW as I've always hated that whatever model I've had.

I've just bought a treadmill to help me in my rehabilitation, currently unfit with achilles issues. I play golf and if I'm going to move away from AW might as well buy that functionality, so that restricts the choices to Fenix 8 or Venu 3S according to Garmin.

I'd like to know if I can control my Apple Music (not listed on Garmin), what about Audible? Can I actually make calls (Garmin only list Android) and reply to anything or is it just incoming? I control my heating and lights from my AW, I guess that sort of functionality isn't included with Garmin which looks like it is for serious athletic types (of which I am not one), but I am looking for better battery life and golf courses.

Garmin have a sale on - https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/c/promotions/holiday-sale-emea/?FILTER_FEATURE_GIFTONSALEEMEA=true&FILTER_FEATURE_GIFTRUNNING=true

Thanks @TigerRag, I've got a discount code through a membership and could get the 'fēnix® 7S Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition' for £580 or the Venu 3S for £380. I've googled the heck out of it but don't feel like I know enough to know if I really want a Garmin.

My screen has scratched on my AW which I hate, I presume that the 'Sapphire' in the Fenix means that that will be more scratch resistant.

Also, I don't like the new AW colours - rose gold isn't me at all so I'd end up buying the titanium one in gold with a metal strap, and I'd still be hacked off at having to charge it every night.

I'll end up not doing anything and continue to moan about my AW7.