Do you think there are specific running watches for women? Well, maybe brands don’t blatantly market them to women. But the best running watches for women do share some commonalities. The most effective fitness regimens include objectives, and you must monitor your progress to know whether you’ve met them.
Here’s where the fitness tracker and running watches have become a major addition to current training techniques.
They’re not just compact and light. Even basic devices provide access to data visualization and analysis that was previously only available to high-end athletes.
You may dig into the statistics using a running watch, which will let you track your progress, make changes, and discover which techniques are working and which are wasting your time.
Plus, you get to brag about your accomplishments all over the internet, which is a nice bonus. However, it is not as self-indulgent as it seems. Having access to data allows you to make precise comparisons with your peers or social groups. Furthermore, you can participate in online challenges and other activities. A fitness-tracking wristwatch provides access to a large online community, which may be very motivating.
Types of running watches for women (well, anyone)
Basic
Basic running watches come with almost everything you’ll need to get going with fitness data. They’ll usually keep track of how many steps you’ve walked and utilize GPS to monitor your distance and journey. With the advancement of technology, even the most basic versions now include heart rate monitors and some smart notifications. The information is to track your progress and compare it to your objectives.
Mid-range
The technology incorporated into midrange running watches varies a lot. This makes it important to figure out what you want and double-checking the specifications before you purchase. Also, expect GPS functionality and proprietary training applications.
Advanced
Top-of-the-line running watches are jam-packed with cutting-edge technology that will put your whole training regimen to the test. Turn-by-turn GPS navigation, detailed metrics, incredible battery life, and multi-sport capabilities should all be included.
The best running watches for women
1. Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense is the company’s most sophisticated and feature-rich smartwatch to date. It includes EDA and ECG scans (with the Fitbit ECG app) and on-wrist temperature. Plus built-in GPS and NFC and a bright OLED display. All of this is in addition to Fitbit’s all-day activity tracking and sleep scores. Not enough? OK, well, there’s also music playback, streaming, and storage. Furthermore, you can use this for a whopping 6 days between charges.
The Fitbit Sense is an everyday necessity, whether you’re out for a daily run or just getting started with a fitness regimen you’re determined to adhere to. The smartwatch keeps track of your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, speed, and distance so that you can stay on track with your exercise goals. You can run without interruption thanks to that crazy battery life, lightweight feel, and Bluetooth-enabled phone connection.
Why is it on here as the best running watch for women? Well, it also offers menstrual tracking and is lightweight and compact for smaller wrists. There, got the stereotype out the way. You can review other models and the best Fitbits for women here.
Compare prices and choose your favorite supplier from this list:
| Product | Supplier | |||
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Amazon | View offer | ||
| Fitbit Sense 2 | eBay | View offer | ||
| Fitbit Sense 2 | Fitbit | View offer | ||
| Fitbit Sense | Target | View offer |
2. Garmin Forerunner 955
The Garmin Forerunner 955 is easily the best running watch you can buy in 2021 because it has everything. And then some! Including very precise GPS data, useful biometrics, and a plethora of really helpful training tips to make you get the most out of your runs.
The Training Load Monitor is one of our favorite tools since it analyses your training over the previous seven days and informs you if you should ease off to prevent overtraining or propel yourself toward your goals. This, along with the Body Battery feature, determines how well you’ve recuperated from the previous day’s endeavors. This allows you to maximize the effectiveness of every single training run.
The full-color maps make navigating simple on such a small device (compared to a smartphone). The level of customization available is staggering. It’s straightforward to create bespoke interval sessions based on a set distance or time, for example.
Though the Garmin Fenix 7 is might be more elegant in appearance, the Forerunner 955 redeems itself with a long battery life. It is an excellent training tool for dedicated athletes, making it the very top of this list of running watches for women on this list.
3. Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a budget-friendly running watch featuring useful functions. It meets all of the essential requirements for new runners.
For a long time, the Forerunner was the only truly affordable advanced running watch.
Now, Forerunner 55 operates in a highly competitive market. At a little under $200, it’s about the same price as the fantastic Coros Pace 2. Garmin has integrated many important features from its much more costly running watches to counter Coros. It also improved the GPS battery life from 13 hours to 20. However, when not utilizing GPS, its battery life is as impressive.
Additionally, the Forerunner 55 includes race predictions and post-workout recovery recommendations. The Forerunner 45 lacks these features, but the Forerunner 45 Plus, a weird “in-between” model, does.
Garmin’s Track Run sports mode provides accurate distance and speed statistics while running on a track, which is another exciting new option on the Garmin Forerunner 55.
Virtual Run mode lets you use your device to command an avatar in an app like Zwift whilst running on a treadmill – but this relies on the watch’s precise pace recognition, which may vary significantly from the treadmill’s measurements.
Choose from your favorite merchant to buy the Garmin Forerunner 55
| Merchant | |
| Amazon | Buy Garmin Forerunner 55 |
| eBay | Buy Garmin Forerunner 55 |
| Target | Buy Garmin Forerunner 55 |
| Garmin | Buy Garmin Forerunner 55 |
4. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
If you’re not shopping for looks, the Garmin Instinct 2 with Solar charging is another sensational running watch. It’s incredibly durable, comes with safety features, and has reliable GPS. Out of the Instinct 2 models, you can purchase either the Tactical, Standard, or Surf as a Solar smartwatch. Within these options you’ll get a variety of colours from bright and loud to subtle and quiet hues.
Those safety features from Garmin utilize your GPS and emergency contacts you can store in the app and can keep you connect to loved ones during most activities. Speaking of activities and tracking, the Instinct 2 has a huge list of running profiles complete with insightful data like stride length, ground contact time, and Vertical Oscillation and Ratio.
5. Coros Apex
If the Forerunner 945 isn’t within your price range, the Coros Apex is a fantastic option, offering an abundance of useful data about your training to help you progress quickly.
This is a hardcore running watch for the data-obsessed. Do you want to improve your cadence? How about knowing how much training you need to do each week? Everything you need is there at your fingertips.
Everything you need is there at your fingertips. the Intelligent Stride Algorithm will track your cadence and stride length. The device will keep a really accurate record of your route and performance. Even if your run takes you out of satellite range, like when you go through a tunnel or end up somewhere remote.
Particularly pleasing for users are the navigation features, which make it the best running watch for those looking to mix up their workouts and try different routes.
Although it’s great on the whole, the display can be a bit dim in the daytime, similar to the Coros Speed 2. But activating the motion-sense lighting addresses that issue well, giving good views of your pace, distance, and heart rate mid-run without draining the battery much.
6. Polar Vantage V2
The Polar Vantage V2 shares a lot with the Polar Grit X, including a plethora of biometric data and handy training tools on your wrist. But, the V2 has a few tricks. By that, we mean additional features give it the advantage, and thus we coin it the best running watch option for going off-road.
The most significant of them is a new fitness test that calculates your VO2 max, maximal aerobic speed, and power, producing a numerical score. If you repeat the test later, you’ll be able to see how your fitness improved (hopefully) over time.
The Vantage V2 is also a lot less weighty than the Grit X, at 52 g to the Grit’s 64g. The difference in weight is due to the usage of aluminum instead of the plastic case and additional stainless steel in the build. Although it has a less robust appearance, it’s nonetheless a very durable device that can withstand any abuse.
Because the two are mostly identical in price, we recommend the V2 unless you prefer the Grit X’s bulkier appearance (which is a totally acceptable choice).
7. Polar Grit X
And here it is.
As its name implies, the Polar Grit X is designed for elite athletes who want to go off the beaten path. This may be the ideal running watch if you’re searching for a little less expensive option than the Garmin Fenix 6.
Polar is best known for its heart-rate tracking technology, and the Grit X delivers on that promise. Those analytics are put to good with adaptive fueling recommendations to keep you hydrated and prevent bonking during lengthy runs, as well as recuperation insights to help you figure out when and how long to rest for and when to get back out there.
Intervals, timers, and race pace choices are available for training sessions, as well as Strava Live segment assistance if you’re feeling really competitive.
All of those characteristics are offered with the Polar Vantage V2 too, which also has some more sophisticated training options. Still, if they aren’t important to you and you want a more rugged appearance, the Polar Grit X is a good option.
8. Xiaomi Mi Band 7
While some tend to forget, the Mi Band 7 offers a lot of modern fitness and health features. With SpO2 tracking, over 30 fitness modes, and water resistance, this smartwatch competes with the big brands. From running to Zumba, there’s a fitness mode for all hobbies.
Xiaomi’s Mi Band 7 includes a clear AMOLED display with popular Always-On technology. This is ideal for checking your stats and notifications whilst on a run. With a 1.62-inch display (opposed to the Mi Band 6’s 1.56-inch display), it’s large enough to read but small enough to be comfortable when active.
Alongside great health trackers, the Mi Band 7 also analyses your sleep to let you know your sleep time and quality. When it comes to fitness, you need to sleep well to exercise well. The Mi Band 7 helps you improve all aspects of your health for visible fitness results.
Other health and wellness features on this smartwatch include stress monitoring, breathing exercises, personal activity intelligence, and female health tracking too.
This versatile watch retails for approximately $40 when bought new, making it the most affordable running watch on this list by far!
| Product | Supplier |
| Mi Band 7 | AliExpress |
| Mi Band 7 | eBay |
| Mi Band 7 Pro | Amazon |
| Mi Band 7 | Amazon |
9. Fitbit Charge 5
The long-awaited Charge 5 is here and it’s already a favorite. Fitbit’s latest fitness tracker comes with a range of new features and a clear, sleek display. The Charge 5 model falls between the Versa and Inspire lines, so if you want the best of both worlds this is the tracker for you.
This smartwatch offers standard health trackers, as well as an ECG monitor and an EDA monitor too. These high-tech features are great for anyone who wants in-depth fitness metrics whilst out running. You can also access standard GPS features, heart rate monitors, and steps too.
A key feature that the Fitbit Charge 5 offers is the daily readiness score”. This feature assesses your ability to train and allows you to challenge yourself, without risk of injury. This combines sleep quality, heart rate variability, and exercise done recently to paint a picture of your readiness. If you need a rest day, your watch will let you know!
When it comes to sports-optimized design, the Charge 5 is also one of the best. With a lightweight, yet flexible band, this watch is comfortable to wear when running. You can choose from a range of sophisticated colors to make sure this watch matches your running gear too.
Compare prices and choose your favorite merchant in the table below.
| Product | Supplier | |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Amazon | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 4 | eBay | View Offer |
| Fitbit Charge 5 | Fitbit | View Offer |
10. Garmin Forerunner 255
For triathletes looking for an upgrade over the Forerunner 245, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is a good choice. Garmin has raised the price of the 255 series by $50, although some runners may still find the older model more cost-effective.
Each day, your morning report will provide you with a summary of your sleep, HRV, and workouts for the previous day.
Up to 14 days of smartwatch mode battery life and 30 hours of GPS mode battery life.
An integrated triathlon feature and over 30 activity profiles allow you to push your boundaries.
On the race widget, you may plan your strategy with daily exercises, route details, and more.
To achieve your objectives, make use of a comprehensive set of sophisticated metrics and training tools.
Garmin Pay contactless payments can be used on this watch too.
Should A Running Watch Include Incident Detection?
If you’re looking for a running watch, chances are you’re looking for specific features too. While there are a whole host of different features that a running watch should have, a very important one is fall or incident detection. This is a great way to stay safe whilst out on a run.
Incident detection software can work out if you’ve fallen whilst wearing the watch and it will contact emergency contacts to make sure you receive assistance. Many runners love this feature, especially if they run solo as it ensures they can access help if they fall.
Interested in learning more about how this feature works? Find an in-depth review of incident detection here.
Which Watches Offer Incident Detection?
If incident detection is a must-have feature for you, there are some watches you may need to avoid. For example, Fitbit is yet to integrate an incident detection system into their watches.
Instead head for the Garmin watches. These sports-optimized smartwatches feature incident detection, allowing them to compete (and surpass) other big brands such as Apple and Samsung. The Garmin Connect feature can notify selected contacts when the smartwatch thinks you’ve fallen. Your location can also be sent out via the LiveTrack real-time location feature too.
Running watches for women – Who wins?
Ultimately, the most versatile running watches are the best.
Fitbit, Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Coros, and others compete for the title of “best running watch.” Whenever it comes to the innovation and design of running watches, these well-known brands are deadlocked in a figurative race to stay up with each other. This is fantastic news for runners, cyclists, and triathletes since it implies that each new GPS multisport watch generation is better than the last, yet it is also not impossibly expensive.
If you’ve got a male running partner, why not check out the best running watches for him here.
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Last Updated on December 12, 2022
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