Smart watch with heart rate monitor Not uncommon in 2017, almost every smartwatch manufacturer has taken care of a heart rate sensor in their device. This is not surprising; the function is really necessary, and sometimes even critically important, especially for athletes and for people with heart disease. Athletes have a unique opportunity to regulate their training, adjusting to the appropriate heart rate zone depending on the training goal.
Such a huge assortment of smart watches with a heart rate monitor on the market makes the buyer at a loss in choosing, for this, to ease the pain of choice, we have made the TOP 7 smart sports watches with a heart rate sensor.
Herzband Elegance
Editor's rating: 
Average price – $70
Estimated life time: 5 days
Herzband is a brand that is confidently gaining popularity in the CIS, it has gained fame for its ability to measure pressure, or rather, calculate it based on heart rate readings. These are the best at the moment.
Design. They have a classic design, a round dial with a mechanical button on the right, a leather strap complements the classic ambiance.
Functionality and characteristics. The display is monochrome and has a fairly low brightness reserve. The controls are convenient, they can be turned on by turning the wrist, but there is no voice control. Receive notifications from all messenger applications. Tracks all physical activity, like any other fitness tracker. They have a fairly low brightness reserve; in sunny weather it will be difficult to make out anything.
Our editorial testing has shown that The watch's heart rate monitor works properly.
Advantages:
- pressure measurement;
- stylish design
- low price
Flaws:
- low display brightness reserve
- no GPS
Verdict: A good option for those who are looking for a budget option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor that has a classic design and the functionality of a fitness tracker.
Editor's rating:
Average price – $200
Estimated life time: 25 days
Design and interface.Withings Steel HR has a truly “Swiss” watch design; it is only revealed by a small OLED display, which is designed to show all the watch’s notifications. Using a mechanical button, it switches between Withings Steel HR screens, where you can view your heart rate, steps and calories.
Functionality and characteristics. The main advantage of the watch is its record life time, which is 25 days in active mode, an incredible result for a modern smartwatch. To achieve such results, sacrifices had to be made, and this sacrifice was the display, which received a very small size. But it is worth noting that it copes with all its functions perfectly. Due to the bright backlight, all information is clearly perceived even on a small display.
Another interesting feature is the high water protection, which is 5 ATM. This allows the watch to be submerged to a depth of 50 meters. The watch is equipped with a soft silicone strap, which will allow you to dive with the watch in the pool and at sea.
The “brains” of the device are not too far behind the design and amaze with their functionality. So, they can independently determine what type of physical activity you are currently doing (paired with a connected smartphone), determine the stages of sleep, but without a smart alarm clock.
The operation of the heart rate monitor in the watch quite accurate, but during intense training the data is distorted.
Advantages:
- record life time
- stylish design
- high degree of protection against water
Flaws:
- inconvenient controls
- no GPS
- inconvenient charging
- The heart rate monitor does not cope with intense workouts
Verdict: An excellent option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor and pedometer for those who appreciate classic style and do not like to charge gadgets.
Editor's rating:
Average price – $150
Estimated life time: 11 days
Xiaomi AmazFit Pace is the first smartwatch from the famous Chinese brand, which went on sale quite recently, at the beginning of 2017. They have already gained a lot of fans around the world due to their stylish design and fitness tracker capabilities. In this review, we are interested in precisely these capabilities and, in particular, the operation of the heart rate monitor.
Functionality and characteristics. Xiaomi AmazFit is not just a smart watch with a heart rate monitor, it is also a good GPS-tracker, capable of tracking your movements. This combination of functionality should be appreciated by lovers of jogging in the fresh air. It should be noted here that when GPS is turned on, battery life is reduced from 5 days to one day, and in domestic use the manufacturer promises work up to 11 days, which is a very impressive indicator with such a display.
Another interesting feature of the watch is the presence of memory - 4 GB, where you can store music that you can listen to using a wireless headset.
Among other things, the watch has standard functions for tracking sleep, steps, and calories burned. There is no smart alarm clock, there is only a regular vibration alarm clock. Heart rate monitor operation I was very pleased; a series of comparative tests with chest heart rate monitors did not reveal any serious errors.
Design and interface. Xiaomi AmazFit Pace boasts a rich display where you can easily view basic data; the brightness is adjusted automatically due to the built-in sensor. At the same time, the display has a number of control disadvantages. First, the gadget does not support voice control, and second, to activate the display you need to press the small mechanical button in the upper right corner.
Like any smartwatch, Xiaomi AmazFit Pace can receive notifications from applications. Unfortunately, this area has not been fully developed. Thus, the “Reply” and “View conversation” functions do not function. The interface is presented only in English or Chinese.
Advantages:
- Availability of GPS
- high quality display
- long life time
Flaws:
- inconvenient display activation
- flawed notification software
- no support for Russian language
Verdict: An excellent option for those who prefer a sporty design and do a lot of outdoor activities.
Average price – $375
Estimated shelf life: up to 4 days
Design and interface. The watch was released in two design options, which are noticeably different, but at the same time quite similar. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a brutal version, similar to what we see on the covers of magazines with harsh models. The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a timeless classic design, smaller than its larger sibling and not as shock and shock resistant, while the Frontier version is MIL-810G protected.
One of the main features and the main control feature of this watch is the “bezel”, this is a rotating ring around the watch, with the help of which gadgets are controlled. This solution turned out to be very successful and simplified interaction with the device by an order of magnitude.
The watch uses a standard strap that can be easily unfastened and replaced with yours. The body is made of high quality 316L steel.
Display with the SUPER AMOLED matrix there are no complaints, all data is readable without any problems in any lighting.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch runs on its own Tizen platform, which is noticeably more convenient than Android Wear. There are fewer applications here, but they are quite enough for everyday use.
Like any fitness tracker, the watch can track steps, calories, and sleep. Interesting features include determining the lifting height, as well as the ability to compete with friends in the number of steps. To evaluate all the fitness capabilities of the watch, you need to use the S Health application, which is only available for the Galaxy series from Samsung. Such exclusivity is an undoubted disadvantage of the gadget.
The watch has GPS and Glonass, which can remember your route. Separately, I would like to note that there is a version with LTE, which will allow you to call directly from the watch without a smartphone. A pleasant advantage of the gadget is its long operating time, taking into account the huge number of functions that require battery energy.
The third generation of guiaras has noticeably improved heart rate measurements, which is why the watch is included in our TOP. The heart rate monitor works correctly even during intense movement.
Advantages:
- display
- Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
- convenient control
- MIL-810G protection in Frontier version
Flaws:
- Samsung's proprietary fitness app is only available for the Galaxy series
Verdict: An ideal option for everyday use at work, in the gym, on vacation, if you also have a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung.
Average price – $350
Estimated shelf life: up to 2 days
Polar is the 2nd company from this TOP, which came not from the world of technology, but from the world of sports watches. And this fact significantly influenced the Polar M600 model in terms of functionality.
Design and interface. The design of the watch is sporty and futuristic, the case is made of plastic, there are metal inserts on the sides, and the strap is made of silicone. The design is very much for everyone’s taste and will not appeal to everyone, plus the device is already quite bulky.
The main control is via the touch screen, there are also two mechanical buttons, on the left there is a “Stop” or “Back” button, below the display there is a button responsible for starting the workout.
Display juicy and bright, but in direct sunlight it is difficult to read data.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch is based on Android Wear, which means that more than 4,000 applications for various purposes will be available to the owner. Fitness capabilities are implemented through Google Fit and a special Polar Flow service, which records all the information about the training performed, and you can also schedule them there. The service is very good and will appeal to many athletes.
Runners and cyclists will appreciate the presence of a full-fledged GPS. Another nice feature of the gadget is that it is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 meters, which is more than enough for a swimming pool.
Due to the 6-LED sensor, the heart rate monitor can compete in accuracy with chest-mounted heart rate meters. During testing, the heart rate monitor did not cause any complaints.
One of the unpleasant features is the short lifespan of the gadget, only 8 hours in training mode and 2 days in normal mode with Android, but with iPhone will only work for a day.
Advantages:
- Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
- proprietary software for sports activities
Flaws:
- design for everyone
- short period of life
Verdict: A good option for professional athletes who need the most functional smartwatch.
Apple Watch Series 2
Average price – $400
Estimated life time: one day
It’s not for nothing that watches from the legendary brand are included in most reviews of smart watches and fitness trackers. Apple Watch Series 2, as a watch with a heart rate monitor, also did not disappoint.
Design and interface. The design is quite futuristic and not everyone will like it, but at the same time many will find it very attractive. It is presented in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. There are two control buttons on the right side. The number of varieties of straps is amazing in variety; the case itself is presented in the main material options: aluminum, steel, and ceramics. The updated version now has quick access to the necessary applications via a button, which makes control quite convenient.
Display juicy and bright, all data can be read without any problems in any weather. There is an automatic brightness adjustment sensor, the operation of which can be adjusted in the settings.
Functionality and characteristics. Apple Watch Series 2 is a true multifunctional machine among smartwatches, which can do almost everything that a modern smartwatch can provide. Briefly by functions:
- Ability to answer calls and receive messages;
- Tracking the physical activity of the wearer;
- Supports many additional applications from the App Store;
- Measuring calories burned, steps taken, heart rate
- Recording the route traveled using GPS
- Internet access via Wi-Fi
The watch boasts not only the usual Bluetooth and GPS modules, but also a Wi-Fi module that allows you to access the Internet directly from the gadget. The gadget is waterproof, it can be used in the pool, and even a separate functionality has been created for this purpose that tracks strokes.
All the perfection of the watch is killed by its lifetime, which is one day, which is an anti-record for this top, and it’s difficult to find smart watches in 2017 who live so little.
The app for measuring heart rate is very primitive and is suitable only for lovers of an active lifestyle, but not for professionals. But it is worth noting that The heart rate monitor works flawlessly. Moreover, an independent scientific study conducted at Stanford showed the error of the heart rate monitor on an exercise bike is only 2%, which is comparable to the electrocardiogram data; for walking, the figure was slightly higher than 2.5%.
Advantages:
- wide selection of applications
- Availability of GPS and Wi-Fi module
- juicy display
Flaws:
- very short period of life
- high price
Verdict: An excellent option for those iPhone owners who require the widest range of capabilities from a smartwatch.
Estimated life time: 9 days in watch mode, 11 hours in training mode with GPS
The ForeRunner series of watches is designed for running, as clearly evidenced by the name of the same name. The Garmin ForeRunner 235 is one of the best value for money running heart rate watches on the market. This model is suitable for both professionals and amateur runners who need much more than the functionality of a regular fitness tracker, but at the same time need a watch for everyday use.
Design and interface. The design of the ForeRunner 235 is made in a sporty style and they will not match a formal suit to emphasize the status of the wearer. But they will fit perfectly into any other wardrobe and not just sports ones.
Display quite large and bright, all notifications and data can be read without any problems, even in the sunniest weather. Control is carried out by 5 mechanical buttons, which is quite convenient in rainy weather. The entire interface is intuitive and does not require much time to understand. Russian language is supported.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch is equipped with GPS and the GLONASS system, which made it possible to introduce a wide range of capabilities; in addition to the classic data on steps, calories and sleep, it offers a number of other options. As they run, they can show an estimated finish time based on their current momentum. They will evaluate the training effect of the session. They will predict your best result based on the data already received. They will give recommendations for post-workout rest. Supports cycling training.
Also, many will find it useful to assess VO2 max to assess the effectiveness of the training process in athletics.
Additional amenities include smart notifications and music control on your smartphone. This is also the only smartwatch with a heart rate monitor suitable for this review.
Heart rate monitor operation does not cause any complaints even with intensive training. It is possible to track heart rate zones.
Advantages:
- Availability of GPS/Glonass
- Windows Phone support
- advanced features for running training
Flaws:
- not suitable for a formal suit
- lack of app store and internal memory
Verdict: An excellent option for those who are engaged in professional running training.
Sports watches deserve attention because they are not only useful and convenient, but also fashionable. The modern passion for a healthy lifestyle and sports is gaining more and more fans in all corners of the planet. Young people, both boys and girls, want to look attractive and do everything possible for this. Some people eat a balanced diet, others go to the gym. Sport is life, but beginners without special knowledge will need help. Not everyone can do everything they need to do correctly on their own right away.
This is where developers of the latest gadgets come to the rescue, keeping up with the times and surprising the world with technical innovations. Sports watches are, of course, not a new thing on the market, but now there are watches that, along with their usual functions, also have a number of characteristics that are unusual for chronometers.
For example, some of the sports watches can not only count the number of steps taken and track changes in heart rate, but also calculate the effective phase of sleep and wake up its owner with vibration, count the number of calories burned, and much more. Of course, the additional functions of the watch also increase its cost in comparison with other similar devices.
You may ask why those who lead an active sports lifestyle need a sports smartwatch, why is a classic Swiss watch, for example, bad? Owners of classic chronometers will argue that there is nothing more attractive and accurate than a hefty Rolex or Certino. However, such accessories are good in a certain environment, but in the gym they will not only look, at least, strange, but will also create some discomfort for their owner.
A watch designed for sports should have increased comfort, be lightweight, have a durable body and sporty design. And, of course, their most important difference is the set of functions that are designed to help the athlete achieve the desired results.
What are the main functions of a sports watch?
There are quite a few of them, but here are the most common and popular:
- pedometer,
- heart rate monitor,
- all kinds of stopwatches and timers,
- compass and more.
The presence of such capabilities means that these watches are manufactured primarily with an electronic dial, which ensures their increased accuracy and convenience in displaying data.
Sports watch models are constantly being improved. If previously their functions included, at best, a stopwatch and an alarm clock, modern copies can be synchronized with a computer or phone, and with the help of special programs amaze their owners with such characteristics as an optical heart rate sensor, the operation of which is not interfered with by sweat and moisture , or GPS - a navigator that allows you to calculate speed, distance, etc. Considering that sport is a rather complex physical activity that requires taking into account some data to maintain health and well-being.
A variety of color options allows you to choose a device that harmoniously fits into any sporty look; this is why sports watches attract female representatives.
So, let's move on directly to the consideration of sports watch models. And let's start, perhaps, with the most inexpensive ones.
Armitron Sport
This model is unremarkable in terms of its specifications. Here there is, in fact, the chronometer itself and the alarm clock. However, the discreet black case and laconic design will find its fans. The classic black color allows you to safely combine this accessory with any clothing. These watches also have excellent durability, which makes them a suitable participant in our rating, although they are only suitable for fitness fans.
Combined with a low price, which is about 1000 rubles, this watch will appeal to the most unpretentious athlete, or better yet, a swimmer or representative of another sport that necessarily involves water, since its distinctive feature is the ability to dive to a depth of up to 100 m.
Polar watches
The company produces not only sports watches, but also software for them, as well as various accessories. Ask which ones? For example, bracelets with heart rate sensors, multifunctional cycling computers, heart rate monitors, heart rate monitors, etc. The models of sports watches are so diverse that you can find ones suitable not only for running, fitness, swimming and cycling, but even for fans of equestrian sports. No, this is not a typo, but really so.
Polar M400
An excellent option for lovers of fitness, running, and tourism. This sports watch can rightfully be called smart. Using Bluetooth, they are synchronized with gadgets running OSes such as Android, iOS, OS X, Windows. Additional features include a stopwatch, timer, heart rate monitor, compass, thermometer and altimeter. With the help of these sports watches, you can monitor not only physical activity, but also calories burned during training.
Due to the design and available colors of the strap of this device, it is suitable for both men and women. But fans of swimming and other water sports should not look at them, because the manufacturer claims only slight moisture resistance, i.e. they will only withstand rain, or, in extreme cases, a short shower after training.
Among the disadvantages, we can only mention the additional extra steps that this device takes into account during any activity. Although this is a drawback of all modern pedometers. The cost of this option is about 10,000 rubles, while those who value sports get Finnish reliability for such a low cost. Numerous positive user reviews allow us to attract the attention of readers to this particular watch model.
Polar V800
These sports watches are probably one of the most advanced models of Polar brand watches among fans of almost any discipline of international competitions.
They combine versatility and perfect design. Additional functions captivate with variety. This is primarily a GPS receiver, thermometer, activity sensor; in addition, via a Bluetooth wireless channel, you can use a heart rate sensor and a bike sensor with speed and cadence measurement, i.e. cadence rate, as well as a stride sensor.
The watch is available in three colors: ascetic black, as well as black combined with blood red or deep blue.
Another convenience is that you can purchase a basic model to begin with, and additional sensors can be purchased later, depending on what sport their owner prefers.
Those who love sports will appreciate that this watch can synchronize with Apple smartphones and is compatible with many software products, which will allow you to plan your workout in the best possible way.
In addition, sports watches are capable of calculating the level of intensity of the training process, as well as the rate of recuperation and the possibility of resuming activity. But this is not all the abilities of this assistant. Thus, their water resistance allows you to dive to a depth of 30 meters, which means they can be used for swimming. It can also be noted that this sports watch uses scratch-resistant glass.
Of course, such sports watches, even in the basic configuration, cost about 25,000 rubles, but this is justified by the quality and useful additional characteristics.
Casio watches
Now let's talk about sports watches from a company that has also proven itself to be the best in the production of watches and not only sports ones. This is Japanese Casio quality. This company has been on the watch market for a long time and sports watches are not new to them. Here are presented both budget models of the Sport line and the sensational G-shock, the price of which reaches several tens of thousands.
Twin sensor SGW -100 -1V
There is nothing unusual about this watch, just a good set of basic functions:
- stopwatch,
- timer,
- thermometer,
- compass.
This is enough for a sports fan of almost any age due to the low price, about 6,000 rubles. However, the water resistance of 20 bar is noteworthy, which is suitable for diving without scuba gear. This sports watch has a dial protected by scratch-resistant mineral glass, and its case and strap are made of flexible and durable polymer material.
ProTrek PRG 600 1E
For fans of extreme sports, Casio has developed the ProTrek line. Models in this collection have a full set of necessary functions, for example, a thermometer, compass, as well as a barometer and altimeter. The memory of such a chronometer allows you to remember up to 40 notes about relief elevation points and use this information in the future. Separately, it is worth noting the presence of three timers and five alarms, which will allow the owner to plan interval training.
Such a chronometer costs about 30,000 rubles.
GW-3000M-4A
This is a stylish option with a comfortable polymer plastic bracelet in an unusual orange color, a stainless steel case and durable mineral glass. The solar battery allows you to use this sports watch for as long as the athlete’s busy daily routine requires. The neon display provides illumination for some time after exposure to light. The dial contains information such as days of the week with current day display, alarm clock, world time and stopwatch. This watch is water resistant to 10 bar, making it suitable for swimming and other water sports.
Of course, the companies we reviewed are manufacturers and some of the models are not all that could be mentioned in a review of sports watches. Thus, precision sports chronometers from companies such as Adidas, Garmin, and Suunto are widely popular among users.
Garmin Forerunner 920XT
This watch is the most expensive in our rating. Their price exceeds 60,000 rubles. But what is the superiority of this accessory over the already listed models?
Garmin forerunner 920 XT is truly an electronic trainer that will help not only count the number of steps and their frequency, but indicate the number and intensity of strokes while swimming. They will take into account the number of calories burned during the day, as well as the recovery time after physical activity, and predict the result of the competition.
This watch will notify its owner about incoming SMS, and the GarminConnect intelligent system will post data on the owner’s physical activity on social networks. This model can also be combined with other Garmin sports devices. Thus, a speed and heart rate sensor has been created for bicycles, and it is also possible to take into account the amount of pedal press.
The watch model is presented in black-gray, black-blue and white-red colors. The strap is made of soft but durable polymer.
G-shock watch
We should probably complete our watch rating with the popular G-shock today. These sports watches have found their admirers in all age categories of athletes due to their super-durability, specially developed by the company for this brand, relatively inexpensive price and amazing variety of design solutions. They are worn with pleasure by both adult men and boys, who are delighted with the appearance and color scheme. The range of this line is so wide that it is very difficult to understand which ones are right for you. G-shock is one of the few sports watches with a dial that uses hands, which is an unconventional approach to design.
Summarize
The answer to the question of which sports watch to choose depends on the set of functions that you would like to use in the set. After all, for example, a weightlifter will not need a navigator, but a tourist or climber will like a height meter, which is useless for a boxer or, for example, a figure skater. Therefore, we hope that our review will help you in choosing such an accessory.
In the modern world, technical devices are no longer a luxury, but a norm of life and a tool for effectively achieving goals. Sports – both professional and amateur – are a demonstration front for such processes, with the best developments and technologies being squeezed out.
The right sports gadgets are not a whim, but an opportunity to be on the cutting edge, keep up with the flow, save your time and get additional opportunities.
Of course, there’s no point in frantically chasing the latest industry hits. But studying, tracking trends and realizing your own needs through market offers is a completely different matter. So in this article we decided to tell you about the most interesting updates from the world of sports watches. So, the top 5 new products for summer 2018 - let's go!
1. Garmin Forerunner 645 sports watch
Garmin in sports is something like BMW for car enthusiasts: is it really necessary to explain to someone what kind of company it is and what it does? As for models, all runners and triathletes, especially professionals, know about Garmin Forerunner 935 even without us, so let’s not try to discover America. How about something simpler, but with a twist?
Garmin has clearly decided to move towards progress: proof of this is the recently released Vivoactive 3 and Forerunner 645 with the ability to play music. We decided to tell you about the 645s - firstly, they are newer, and secondly, they are more sporty and are perfect for runners.
This model is smaller than the main models sports watches from Garmin, but the transflective display is protected by the third generation of tempered Gorilla Glass 3 and framed by a stainless steel bezel. Everything together looks quite presentable, so there will be no problems with the dress code. Since the 935s, the Forerunner family of sports watches has had an optical heart rate monitor, and the FR 645 is no exception. Heart rate is measured regularly.
The sensors are in perfect order: you have an altimeter, an accelerometer with a gyroscope, a compass, and even a thermometer. With the watch you can swim and dive to a depth of 50 meters. In addition to the usual GPS, navigation via GLONASS satellites is also supported. The proprietary Garmin Connect ecosystem is very pleasant and understandable, through which users have access to detailed reports, customization of workouts with voice prompts, and analytics of activity, sleep and stress levels.
Some nice perks include compatibility with Garmin sensors, ANT+ support, contactless payment using Garmin Pay and, of course, music playback via Connect IQ. Forerunner 645 was released in two versions - regular and music, and the second will allow the owner to load up to 500 songs into memory and listen to them by synchronizing the headphones via Bluetooth.
Cashback – 4,623 rubles.
2. Suunto 3 Fitness sports watch
The Finnish company released two new products this summer, but first things first. Let's start with the one that is a little simpler and much more accessible. Suunto 3 Fitness- this is such a stage of evolution: it is not yet a very familiar smart watch, but it is definitely not a fitness bracelet. And it couldn’t do without unique features.
The Suunto 3 Fitness watch looks neat and concise, but you can’t feel it on your hand at all – 36 g, after all. In terms of materials, everything is standard - polyamide and stainless steel. Water resistance - 30 meters (remember that the company has been producing liquid compasses and dive computers for more than 80 years). In smartwatch mode, the new product lasts 5-6 days, while training with GPS turned on – 30 hours. GPS tracking, by the way, is every second.
The sports content of Suunto 3 Fitness is a little weaker than the top watches from Garmin, Suunto and Polar, but there is a compromise solution that turns the model into an ideal find for ordinary enthusiasts who play sports primarily for the sake of health. In the firmware of the Suunto 3 Fitness sports watch Adaptive training plans are available to users. This means that the watch provides you with a personalized training plan of optimal intensity and duration every week; it is automatically adjusted taking into account your training history, your results and condition.
You can monitor your daily activities and training effectiveness in the proprietary application: there you will find a graph with heart rate zones (based on data from a wrist heart rate monitor), a jogging route, analysis of stages (they are counted automatically and displayed on the map), etc. Here you can select the desired sports preset (there are more than 80 of them), set up interval training with tips, or set goals for the week. The speed and distance when running, even indoors, is recorded by a cadence sensor. Of course, the watch counts steps, calories and distances for you, and also monitors the duration and quality of sleep and your stress and recovery during the day.
Cashback – 2,249 rubles.
3. Suunto 9 Baro sports watch
From a successful test of the pen, we move on to a heavyweight from the Finnish company - Suunto 9 Baro. This model, which arrived in Russia at the end of July 2018, inherited all the best from the Spartan line (especially the Ultra version) and seemed to mark the new flagship series of Suunto - with a generation number, as is customary with the grandees.
The watch has become slightly heavier and now weighs 81 g. The display is color, touch, backlit, made of sapphire glass; control is carried out using 3 buttons. Waterproof up to 100 m. When GPS is turned on, navigation by points, route planning and construction of a return route, distance analysis, etc. are available. The Valencell 1.2 optical heart rate monitor continuously measures your heart rate in real time. The built-in barometric altimeter records ascents and descents, vertical speed and altitude from GPS data, and also allows you to combine this data. In addition, you can always find out the pressure, sunset/sunrise times and receive a storm warning (especially important in the mountains).
Baro 9 inherited these features, but there are two real revolutions. The first is intelligent battery operation modes. In smartwatch mode, the device will live for 7 days, and with GPS turned on – from 25 to 120 hours (!), depending on the selected profile (“Performance”, “Endurable” and “Ultra”). The operating time is displayed on the screen, and there are also tips on how to save charge.
The second know-how is directly related to the first: FusedTrack™ technology helps improve the accuracy of route tracking (especially in rough terrain) and distance, while simultaneously saving battery power when using GPS. The geopositioning module either periodically turns off or operates in ultra-low power consumption mode - thus, the watch will not “die” right at the distance, and the accuracy of your track will not suffer! This is a serious bid for success; market leaders will simply have to respond with something.
Finally, the icing on the cake: for the release of the Suunto 3 Fitness and Baro 9 sports watches, the company developed a new application of the same name, but the Movescount platform is still supported. In the application you can track basic activity, sleep, recovery, load and, of course, plan workouts. The model was developed with the participation of professional athletes and according to their requirements, so all profiles (more than 80) can be customized. Runners, for example, can study pace and compare laps, do interval and multisport workouts by changing modes on the fly, and then analyze pace and power zones.
Cashback – RUB 7,349.
As you already understood from the section dedicated to the Forerunner 645, the 2018 warm season at Garmin turned out to be rich in updates. They even worked on the premium flagship line Fenix 5, turning it into Plus. It would seem that these models are already “stuffed” to the utmost, where else can we go? But no, they got it too, all three of them at once. So what's new?
Phoenix 5Plus and their derivatives look massive and brutal, with the only exception being the S-version. The diagonals have become equal and are now equal to 1.2 inches, but the dial increases from 4.2 cm in 5S to 5.1 cm in 5X. There are a great variety of colors and bracelets, all support QuickFit - technology for quickly changing straps.
The watches of the new series have learned to work with three satellite systems at once (GPS, GLONASS and European Galileo), which means that the accuracy of geopositioning has become higher. Of course, the 5th “phoenixes” retained their calling card - preloaded maps of the Open Street Map format. The sports watch is also ready to offer you a popular route (Trendline technology) and record changes in altitude during training in the form of a diagram (ClimbPro function). You can use these features in any suitable sports profile, but you can always set up your own in Garmin Connect. Detailed analytics of workload, rest and stress levels are also available there.
All this, as you can see, is familiar, plus or minus. And here is the version Phoenix 5X Plus Now it stands out: if the 5 and 5S have a regular heart rate monitor (optical Elevate), then the 5X is equipped with a so-called pulse oximeter. The Pulse OX sensor measures heart rate and blood oxygen saturation as a percentage, which will be especially useful when climbing.
All three models of the 5 Plus family now support Garmin Pay contactless payment technology and connect via Bluetooth to wireless headphones to play music; The memory capacity is 16 GB, it is designed for both tracks and maps. Autonomy depends on the model: miniature Fenix 5S Plus in GPS + music mode will last 4.5 hours, 5X Plus - up to 13 hours, and in energy saving mode they will work up to 70 hours. You can read about the differences between the three models.
Cashback – 7,680 rub.
Let's finish the list with the good old Polar M430. The models are already more than a year old, competitors (and Polar itself) have already released so many things, what does this watch do among the new products, you ask? And we will answer that the M430 is almost a classic, and it’s impossible to go wrong with them. And an update, albeit purely symbolic, happened: the Finns released watches in two new colors - acid green and blue.
For those who don’t follow the arms race at all, let’s briefly tell you what these sports watches can do. Polar started out as a manufacturer of portable heart monitors, so it's not surprising that the Finnish company was the first to develop an optical heart rate monitor comparable in accuracy to a chest strap. The heart rate sensor used in the M430 is similar to the one built into the dedicated OH1; The heart rate chart is built in real time 24/7.
Externally, the model does not stand out in any way - light weight (51 g), simple, discreet design, standard control buttons. But in terms of sensor vision, ecosystem and software capabilities, the M430 has a lot to boast of. On one charge, the watch works for an average of 10 days in smartwatch mode with GPS turned on during training 2-3 times a week; GPS accuracy can be adjusted. The proprietary Polar Flow application allows you to select or customize the desired sports profile (there are about 100 templates in the database), prepare for any race, incl. marathon, distance and draw up a training plan. For in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of training and the body's reaction, indicators such as Running Index (aerobic running efficiency), Polar OwnIndex (VO₂max), sleep quality and recovery time after exercise are intended.
Of course, the Polar M430 is inferior in functionality to many of its competitors, but the price-quality ratio is excellent - we bet you’ll hardly find such a set of stable functions at a more than reasonable price. This is an ideal first watch or compromise on price, especially for runners. You can’t describe everything here, so we advise everyone who is curious to read it review and watch the video above.
Cashback – 2,249 rubles.
Summary
If you play sports, it means you love to compete and win. And the point is not about yourself, your friends or the peloton, but about overcoming, about constant improvement. The main tool for victory is your body and your approach to it, which means that for success there is nothing more important than willpower and timely analytics. For each current goal, you need to choose the right tool to achieve it, and we wish each of you to find yours and make the most of it.
Naturally, you also need to buy wisely. That is why we recommend you a trusted place: in Inspector Gadgets You can buy a product with a cashback of up to 25% (this money is returned to the bonus account and covers other purchases) or even in installments (6 months, 0% overpayments!). Good luck to everyone and new victories!
A healthy lifestyle, excellent physical fitness and active recreation are one of the main world trends of the 21st century. Modern men learn to dress correctly, choose accessories and other items of clothing wisely. A good men's watch plays an important role in individual style. Well-known manufacturers of watch movements respond quite flexibly to market needs and offer humanity products of the highest quality for every taste and type of activity.
This applies equally to men's sports watches. Today there are a great many varieties of this type of product. A watch that is worn every day to the office or to official events may be absolutely not suitable for professional or novice athletes and travel enthusiasts. In everyday life, overly complex mechanisms are rarely used, literally stuffed with a variety of functionality, for example, measuring heart rate, movement speed, distances, water resistance, and so on.
As a rule, choosing a men's watch can be quite difficult, including sports ones. Tourist trips to the mountains, running, swimming, fitness, diving, triathlon and any other sport require the purchase of a specific type of watch. There are more universal options that are purchased not so much to track and improve sports results, but to maintain clothing style.
In any case, to simplify the procedure of going to the store, we will highlight the best brands of men's sports watches in 2020 at very affordable prices, from which you can start, compare options, make the right choice and get satisfaction from the purchase.
RANKING OF TOP 5 BRANDS BEST MEN'S SPORTS WATCHES
One of the best-selling models of digital sports men's watches on the world market. Equipped with a barometer, digital compass, thermometer, stopwatch, altimeter and many other functions. Water resistant up to 100m. The introduction of new technologies has made it possible to achieve up to 90% energy savings compared to previous models. The average price is around $180, which is slightly higher than its competitors, but the fashionable design and quality of this Japanese brand are simply excellent.
Popular men's sports quartz watches from the famous American brand Tommy Hilfiger have a beautiful design and a lot of functionality. The blue strap, stainless steel frame, white and purple inserts highlight the style and modern trends. The watch is waterproof (50m), the model uses a very durable crystal that prevents scratches. Price in online stores is about $80-90.
One of the most affordable quartz sports watches for men. Made of stainless steel, waterproof (30m) and multifunctional, have dual display, support 6-bit synchronization function, equipped with automatic brightness adjustment at night. The matte black color with red accents looks very stylish and modern. Price in online stores is about $80.
Digital men's watches for sporty men at a very reasonable price. Waterproof chronograph (100m) displays dual time and includes a timer and alarm. The black design is quite versatile and suits different clothing styles. The watch costs only a few tens of dollars and is inferior in quality to other models, but it definitely deserves its place in the ranking.
Currently, the brand holds a strong leading position in the sales of budget men's sports watches. Includes a digital display with night light mode, stopwatch and timer. Water resistant up to 100m. The design is neat and discreet. The approximate price in online stores is between $40-50.
Play sports, take care of your health and wear the best men's sports watches from famous brands, the reliability and quality of which have been tested by time. Fortunately, the assortment and wide price range allow you to buy not only overly expensive watches, but also choose a very budget option with a suitable set of functions.
Athletes have to think hard when it comes to choosing a GPS smartwatch for running. These devices are a great support and assistant for runners, tracking distance, pace, heart rate, calories burned and more. But which ones are the best and most suitable?
We have compiled a review of running watches - the top 10 best models with descriptions, characteristics and their pros and cons. Most of them have functions for both running and other sports tracking. With such devices, you can monitor your health, keep data statistics, view your physical activity history and monitor your sleep quality. All of these are smart sports watches with a GPS tracker that you can choose for yourself in 2019.
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus
- Colored topographic maps
- Music player
- Availability of a pulse oximeter
- Accurate measurements
- Large set of activities
- High price
- No signal selection
- Your hand gets sweaty under the silicone strap
- The screen is not touch-sensitive
A sports watch with heart rate monitoring and GPS, as well as color TOPO maps with Trendline calculation of popular routes, the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus. They are designed specifically for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and the built-in heart rate monitor has a pulse oximeter - special technology for determining blood oxygen saturation under heavy loads.
Whether you're in the city or on the highway, your Fenix GPS watch has mapping and navigation features to help you navigate your terrain and stay on course.
5X Plus gives you access to physiological metrics and running dynamics to track training statistics and measure your progress. For added motivation, you can download advanced workouts and training plans using Garmin Connect.
The display here is not touch-sensitive, and navigation through the menu is carried out using buttons.
Sport
The Fenix 5X Plus GPS watch will not only become a reliable partner while running, but also an indispensable assistant if you are into multisport. Special pre-loaded activity profiles in the watch are designed for sports such as:
- Swimming
- A ride on the bicycle
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Boating
- Kayaking
- And much more
Features and sensors
- Multi-network navigation GPS, GLONASS and Galileo
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Compass
- Training history
- Sleep monitoring
- Pulse Ox acclimation sensor
- NFC (Garmin Pay)
- Smart notifications
- Music player
Although the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is an expensive running watch with heart rate and pedometer, it is loaded with top-notch features, offering quality materials and accurate performance data.
And this is the most convenient smart watch with GPS maps, which will appeal to lovers of jogging in unfamiliar and beautiful places.
Price: $814.
- For runners with multisport tracking
- Sports recognition
- Accurate indicators
- Lungs
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Waterproof housing
- Smartphone notifications
- Expensive
- The signal is not adjustable
- Inaccurate performance while swimming
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT Heart Rate Running Watch is the best multi-sport device available. They are designed for athletes who need the challenge of running and accurate training data collected.
The reduced form factor and comfortable strap allow you to wear the device all day long. With automatic data uploading to Garmin Connect, you can share your wins and stats on social media.
The special feature of this sports watch is the button control. For some, this may seem inconvenient, but due to the fact that fingers often sweat during exercise, using the watch becomes more convenient without interacting with the touch screen.
Sport
The Garmin Forerunner 735XT GPS running watch is a great companion that will accurately show steps, calories burned, distance traveled, activity time, as well as speed, heart rate zones and more.
The 735XT also recognizes sports such as:
- Running indoors and outdoors
- Skiing and cross-country skiing
- Rowing
- Hiking
- Power training
- Triathlon
In our opinion, Garmin is the best running watch because it recognizes the types of sports you're doing and also detects your heart rate zones, warning you if your heart rate is too high.
Features and sensors
- GPS/GLONASS
- Garmin Elevate Heart Rate Sensor
- Compass
- Accelerometer
- Weather
- Smartphone music control
- Calendar
- Changing watch faces
- V02 Max
- GPS coordinates
- Possibility of use in the pool and in open water
This GPS sports watch will be your recovery partner with daily activity monitoring that tracks steps, calories and sleep. And smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, and real-time tracking make the 735XT the perfect smartwatch for runners.
Price: $334.
- Good battery life
- Intuitive setup
- Easy to use
- Heart rate tracking while swimming
- Great for running
- Not cheap
- Requires frequent recharging during active use
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is a premium running smartwatch that offers advanced running and multisport training features. They're lightweight, just 49g, and comfortable to wear, so you can wear them happily all day. They are compatible with any QuickFit replacement band.
A built-in barometer provides altitude measurement, while an altimeter and electronic compass will help you navigate the area.
An important feature of this smartwatch for runners is the assessment of training status to determine the level of active load so that the athlete does not become overtired.
Biomechanical measurements such as cadence, stride length, base contact time and balance, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio are key to understanding a runner's form. Because of this, we have included Garmin in our ranking of sports watches with GPS and heart rate monitor.
Sport
- Indoor running
- Outdoor running
- Cycling indoors
- Cycling
- Swimming (in the pool and outside)
- Rowing
- Hike
- Power training
- Triathlon
Features and sensors
- Alarm
- Timer
- Stopwatch
- Barometric altimeter
- Compass
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Thermometer
- GLONASS
- Heart rate sensor
- Phone notifications
- Smartphone camera control
- LiveTrack Security and Tracking Feature
The Forerunner 935 heart rate running watch helps you monitor your training and recovery so you can better prepare for your race or training cycle. Training status is a new performance monitoring tool that automatically evaluates recent training history and performance metrics so an athlete knows whether they are training productively, maxed out, or exceeded their limits.
Price: $334.
- Accurate sensors
- Beautiful and comfortable
- Multifunctional
- Bright and clear display
- Waterproof
- High price
- Short battery life
- Doesn't track sleep
- No support for Android smartphones
- LTE and ECG are useless in our country
Apple Watch Series 4 is a versatile smartwatch for running, everyday use and just for style.
This is an upgraded fourth-generation model with a larger display, improved speaker and an innovative heart rate sensor with ECG reading capability. Although the latter function, along with LTE, does not work in our country.
But even without that, these smartwatches are the best in the wearable device market today, offering a range of accurate sensors for tracking physical activity.
Beautiful appearance, changeable straps, suitable case size (40 mm and 44 mm) with a choice of its color and material give the watch versatility and individuality.
Sport
Smartwatches provide metrics to track health and fitness:
- UV index
- Calories
- Distance traveled
- Pulse
- Number of steps
- Training time
- Physical activity
Features and sensors
- Wi-Fi module
- Positioning using GPS / GLONASS / Galileo / QZSS
- Bluetooth interface
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Electrical pulse sensor
- Water protection 5ATM
- Music player
- Smart notifications
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light sensor
- Gyroscope
- NFC (Apple Pay)
This is perhaps the best GPS tracker watch, offering great looks, slim form factor, light weight and the most advanced technology.
Price – from $406.
- Thin and light
- Especially for fitness
- Accurate indicators
- Choice of interchangeable watch faces
- Receive smartphone notifications
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Nice bright display
- Suitable for both men and women
- No high heart rate warnings
- Limited features for iPhone
- No bezel
When the choice of a sports watch stops at a device with an elegant design, this is also the right decision. Galaxy Watch Active from Samsung offers a super thin and light design especially for outdoor enthusiasts. The appearance has changed due to the absence of the company's patented rotating bezel, which simplified interaction with the display.
A watch with a heart rate monitor and GPS Active is suitable for athletes who like to run, because thanks to a comfortable fit on the hand and low weight, they are practically not felt during training, and durable Corning Gorilla Glass will protect against accidental impacts. You will be able to see data statistics during active activities and then view them in the Samsung Health app
Running is recognized automatically, and you don't need to look for a special section or widget before running to start the workout. Plus, thanks to GPS, you can track your route. In direct sunlight, the information is clearly visible, which is very important for runners who train outside during the day.
Sport
In addition to running, with the Galaxy Watch Active fitness watch, you can also engage in such active activities as:
- Running on a treadmill
- Walking
- Hike
- Cycling (indoors and outdoors)
- Swimming in the pool and outdoors
- Circuit training
- Power training
- Stretching
- Much more
The screens are customizable so that you can easily see the most important data while exercising, such as goal, distance, speed, pace or calories burned.
Features and sensors
- Continuous heart beat reading
- GPS/GLONASS/Beidou/Galileo
- NFC (Samsung Pay)
- Water resistance 5ATM + IP68 / MIL-STD-810G
- 4 GB of internal memory for storing music
- Sleep tracking
- Rewards and motivation
- User Feedback
- Stress tracking feature
- Accelerometer
- Barometer
- Gyroscope
- Heart rate sensor
- Light sensor
The Galaxy Watch Active GPS sports watch is a trusted fitness companion that proactively provides advice to keep you motivated, achieving your goals and setting new challenges to support your healthy lifestyle.
Price: $250.
SUUNTO 3 Fitness
- Light and thin
- Personal planner
- Sleep monitoring
- Smartphone notifications
- Feedback
- Color selection
- Swimming resistance
- No GPS
- Expensive
Suunto 3 Fitness running watch has a built-in personal training plan to help improve your overall fitness. Focusing on your current heart rate, your fitness level and overall training history, the watch automatically creates a personalized weekly plan that details what you need to do. If you have to miss your Saturday run, Suunto will adapt the plan accordingly.
There are a variety of strap colors and case colors to choose from so you can customize this watch to suit your preferences. Both women's and men's models are available for sale.
Sport
Suunto 3 Fitness has built-in modes to track sports such as:
- Swimming
- Bike
- Workouts in the gym
- Much more
As you run, you'll be able to see information on your watch's screen, including speed, pace, and distance based on the accelerometer. Any of your activities will display data on the number of steps and calories burned.
Additionally, sleep quality monitoring and a fitness level indicator influence adaptive training recommendations.
Features and sensors
- Heart rate monitor
- Accelerometer
- Pedometer
- Water resistant up to 30m
- Connected GPS
- Alarm
- Stopwatch
- Timer
- Countdown timer
- Customizable watch faces
- Phone notifications
As a beautifully designed personal training companion and sleek swim and run watch, Suunto 3 Fitness provides personalized training guidance based on your fitness level and adapts to your training rhythms, inspiring you to keep moving.
The Fitbit Versa is a super lightweight running smartwatch with over 15 workout modes. They come in 5 beautiful colors and a slim, user-friendly design. 5ATM water resistance allows you to swim without removing the device from your hand.
By connecting Versa to your smartphone's GPS, you can get more accurate data on the pace and duration of your run. In addition, the watch monitors physical activity throughout the day and provides more than 4 days of battery life.
During your run, the device accurately detects when you pause for a short break.
In addition to automatically recognizing workouts and recording all received parameters during sports, there is the ability to monitor women's health. Periods, cycles and ovulation can be recorded and tracked.
Sport
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Tennis
- Other workouts
Features and sensors
- Sleep phase recognition
- Notifications for calls, calendar events and texts
- 15 training modes
- Storage and playback of more than 300 music tracks
- Bluetooth
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Altimeter
- light sensor
- Heart rate monitor with heart rate measurement 24/7
The Fitbit app provides all the information about the amount of water you drink and your workouts, you can set goals and track all your progress.
Price: $220.
Sports running watches with GPS are designed for both beginners who want to compete for overall fitness, and professionals who set a goal to complete any marathon.
The Polar M430 is capable of working with a chest strap for more accurate heart rate readings, and also has improved indoor activity tracking capabilities so treadmill runners can easily record stats.
Sport
- Indoor running
- Running outside
- Various running modes
- Burning calories
- Active time
- Swimming
- Bike
Features and sensors
- Accelerometer
- Plan of the education
- Recovery program
- Calorie Estimation
- VO2 Max
- Heart rate sensor with 6 LEDs
Whether you're a true runner or training for a marathon, the Polar M430 is the best running watch with GPS. They have a comfortable, breathable band, their screen is easy to read under the sun, and you get useful runner-friendly stats like heart rate, steps, distance, average pace, and speed.