Which running watch?

[Watchkeys]

I've been using Strava on my phone, but I'd like to know my heart rate as I'm running, too. I'd rather not wear a chest strap.

Has anybody got any recommendations (or no-nos)? Thank you

Heart rate monitoring v useful for running and exercise in general! It was a game changer for me with running and I still pay heed to it, eg bad days heart rate goes high so I slow down, other times I feel fed up and want to slow down or stop but heart is fine and it’s my head that’s stopping me!

I like garmin as it is good on measuring distance. I have one of the cheapest model (still costly) and was cross to find you can’t ‘programme’ new routes into it for directions (only the higher end models have this functionality, which was unclear from the info).

fitbit is fine too, nicer to wear (I wore it as a watch, don’t wear the garmin as it’s big), cheaper, and the fitbit app is nicer to use than the garmin one. Not good on measuring distance and I disliked the focus on no of steps.

there’re also cheaper brands without a chest strap that am sure are fine too.

I have recently got the Garmin Forerunner 45s.

I only use it for running so have switched off all alerts for phone calls etc

It's easy to use and has Audio Announcements so you know your speed, distance etc.

Can't play music through it so still need your phone

if you have an iphone then the apple watch.
strava works well with it.

you can also download music/podcasts on there and listen without taking the phone.

I love my Garmin Forerunner 945. It has a built-in heart rate monitor... but none of the wrist-based ones are as accurate as a chest strap.

Garmin are reliable and accurate.

A Garmin, without question. Even the most basic Garmins are better than just about anything else out there.
Just go for a Garmin first time and save yourself the hassle of buying an Apple/Fitbit/Suunto and then upgrading to a Garmin later!

I love my garmin venu (I believe there's a venu 2 out now) - it's not too expensive and looks lovely. Wouldn't be without it

I've got a basic (idiot proof) Garmin 35 that does this

I have the Apple watch and use the runkeeper app. They work brilliantly together. The watch will also track other types of workouts.

Apple watch costs double the other brands

It also has more functionality, like making phone calls, playing podcasts, etc.

I had a garmin vivoactive music, I now have a garmin venu 2. Both have the ability to download Playlists from Spotify so I can listen to music without my phone.

i was coming on to say the opposite…I got the Apple Watch mainly so i could have my music and running watch in one device. In theory brilliant…however Strava (and indeed the run tracking app that comes in built) are both way off. I’ve tried calibrating but am still about 1/4km out versus strava on my phone and being obsessive about splits and times, it’s infuriating. I have the gps only version…the cell might be more accurate but it is way more £££. Also, it’s a bit of a pain in the arse having to download music on to my phone then again onto my watch from my phone and it often takes a few attempts. And syncing wireless headphone is a nuisance (although that might be my headphones to be fair). Overall disappointed with Apple Watch for running.

I have a Coros pace 2. It's a pretty niche brand but it works extremely well for what I want. Battery life is insane and it weighs virtually nothing. I have skinny wrists and it fits properly on me.

Garmin is the default option, but don't feel pressured to buy anything super expensive. 99% of runners don't need the bells and whistles of a 945/Fenix 6/7. Even a 245 has more stats and functions than a casual runner requires.

But if you've got the money to spend then go for it, I just don't want you to feel you have to, to get a good watch.

I second Garmin. I have the forerunner 45 s

OP - l think you need to decide what you are going to use it for and then research your options.

I knew mine would just be for running and no other exercise. I also knew l wouldn't wear it when not running so l don't need all the fancy smartphone extras.

Garmin without a doubt. This is what they do

I have a Fitbit Versa 3 and I'm perfectly happy with it. I particularly like the GPS that means I can leave my phone in the car for Parkrun and still track it. It's also waterproof so I can wear it and track swimming.

Garmin Forerunner 645 music. Older model, works well though. Synch to Spotify, track run/hr/cadence/distance/cals etc. When I upgrade I'll go for a model that supports more sports though. It's amazing for bike and running but doesn't work well for strength or rowing machine.

Love my Garmin, am on my third. Have the Garmin 55.