Sports watches in our range are GPS-based smartwatches for running, cycling, swimming, hiking and gym training, made for people who want to track workouts and recovery from the wrist. Garmin makes up most of the selection, alongside Amazfit, Huami and M-TAC. Models run from lightweight trackers to rugged watches with titanium cases.
How to choose a sports watch
Battery life. Think about how long your longest session lasts and how often you want to charge. Models in our range quote anything from about 12 days up to 30 days in smartwatch mode, but continuous GPS tracking shortens that considerably, so ultramarathon runners and hikers should look at the GPS figure as well.
Display size and shape. Most sports watches here have a round face, with screens from about 1.32 inches to 1.75 inches, and a few larger. Resolutions such as 466 x 466 and 480 x 480 pixels give sharp text. A larger screen is easier to read mid-run or with gloves on, while a smaller one sits better on a slim wrist.
Case and strap materials. Cases in our range include stainless steel and titanium as well as lighter polymer options. Titanium and steel resist scratches better for climbing, trail running or daily wear, while a lighter case is more comfortable overnight for sleep tracking. Silicone straps suit sweaty workouts, and most watches accept replacement bands.
Sport modes and navigation. Check that the watch covers your main activity, whether that is swimming, triathlon, golf or trail running. Hikers and runners who explore new routes should look for built-in maps or route navigation, and for multi-band GPS if they train among tall buildings or dense forest.
Phone compatibility and health tracking. Heart rate, sleep and stress tracking are standard on most sports watches, but the companion app decides how useful the data is. Confirm that the app works with your iPhone or Android phone and that it can export workouts to the training platforms you already use.
Sports watch brands we carry
- Garmin: A GPS specialist best known for its Forerunner running watches and Fenix multisport models, with detailed training metrics and recovery guidance.
- Amazfit and Huami: Huami is the company behind the Amazfit brand, which is known for long battery life and a wide choice of sport modes in a lighter watch.
Also in our range: M-TAC.
Sports watches: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sports watch and a smartwatch?
A sports watch puts training first, with built-in GPS, detailed workout metrics and longer battery life. A general smartwatch focuses more on notifications, apps and payments. Many sports watches still show calls and messages from your phone, so the line between the two is blurred.
How long does a sports watch battery last?
It depends on the model and how you use it. Watches in our range quote roughly 12 to 30 days in everyday smartwatch mode. With GPS running continuously, battery life drops to hours or a few days, so check the stated GPS endurance if you train for long periods.
Do I need built-in GPS in a sports watch?
Yes, if you want to track distance, pace and routes without carrying your phone. Built-in GPS records outdoor runs, rides and hikes on the watch itself. Without it, the watch relies on your phone for location, which is less convenient and less accurate for training.
Will a sports watch work with my phone?
Most sports watches from Garmin and Amazfit pair with both iPhone and Android phones through a free companion app. Some features, such as replying to messages, can vary between operating systems. Check the compatibility notes on the product page before you buy.
