Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner, you've probably already been faced with some crucial questions: how to improve your performance, track your progress or avoid injury. Running without precise reference points can quickly become frustrating. That's where the GPS cardio watch comes in. But with so many models available, how do you choose the one that will best meet your specific needs? This comparison is here to help you make the right choice, taking into account the problems encountered by runners.
Our selection of cardio watches for running
Here is our selection of cardio and GPS watches for running:
- Garmin Forerunner 965 A pure top-of-the-range running watch
- Suunto Race an ultra-versatile top-of-the-range watch
- Polar Pacer Pro A watch offering excellent value for money
- Garmin Forerunner 265 A must-have running watch
- COROS PACE 3 the excellent alternative to Garmin
Garmin Forerunner 965: a top-of-the-range pure running watch
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a lightweight, reliable GPS cardio watch, ideal for runners and triathletes looking to optimise their performance. With advanced functions such as training preparation and race power monitoring, it helps you plan your sessions more effectively and make progress while minimising the risk of injury. Its multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology ensures location accuracy even in remote areas, while integrated mapping and personalised morning reports enhance your daily preparation.
Featuring an AMOLED touchscreen and titanium bezel, this watch combines robustness, comfort and an impressive 31 hours' battery life in GPS mode. With practical functions such as notification reception and music management, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is designed to accompany you every day, whether for your training sessions or your most ambitious sporting challenges.
Suunto Race: an ultra-versatile top-of-the-range watch
Suunto Race Titanium is the ideal GPS cardio watch for runners looking to optimise their performance. With the artificial intelligence-based Suunto Coach, your workouts are personalised in real time to maximise your results, and the built-in electrocardiogram ensures accurate monitoring of your heart rate. Its ability to integrate over 95 sports, including running, makes it a versatile choice for varying your sessions.
For runners, the precision of the GPS, combined with the barometer and compass, guarantees reliable navigation, even in the absence of a connection. The 'Little Thumb' function and the map, which can be accessed at any time, make it easy to find your way back, increasing safety and confidence during your outings. The AMOLED touchscreen is easy to read even in bright sunlight, and the ergonomic thumbwheel makes it simple and pleasant to use.
With a battery life of 50 hours in GPS mode and 16 days in smartwatch mode, Suunto Race Titanium will accompany you on your longest runs. Receive notifications and alarms directly on your watch, and track your progress to stay at the top of your game.
Polar Pacer Pro: a watch offering excellent value for money
The Polar Pacer Pro is the ideal GPS cardio watch for runners looking to optimise their training. It offers precise heart rate monitoring with Precision Prime OHR technology and analyses the impact of each session with Training Load Pro, helping you to progress with confidence. The precise GPS and built-in barometer ensure reliable tracking of your routes and the environment.
To improve your performance, the FuelWise function guides you through your refuelling in real time, and komoot guidance lets you personalise your running routes. With a battery life of 35 hours in GPS mode and a durable screen, the Polar Pacer Pro is designed to support runners in their daily challenges.
Garmin Forerunner 265: A must-have running watch
The Garmin Forerunner 265 Music is the perfect GPS cardio watch for runners who want to optimise their performance. Every morning, it provides you with a detailed report on the quality of your sleep and your heart rate, helping you to plan your training more effectively. Thanks to the personalised suggestions, you can adapt your sessions to your state of fitness and progress in complete safety.
Featuring SatIQ technology, it guarantees exceptional GPS accuracy, even in difficult environments, so you can stay focused on your goals. With its AMOLED touchscreen and battery life of up to 13 days, Forerunner 265 Music lets you keep track of your performance while staying connected to your notifications and favourite music, for a motivating workout without compromise.
COROS PACE 3: the excellent alternative to Garmin
COROS Pace 3 is a GPS cardio watch designed for runners who demand precision and performance. With its new dual-frequency satellite chip, it offers exceptionally accurate GPS, whether you're in the city or out in the countryside. Its optical sensor continuously monitors your heart rate, oxygenation and sleep quality, helping you to optimise each training session.
Ideal for runners, it can be adapted to a range of disciplines, including running, cycling and swimming, thanks to its waterproof design. The Training Hub in the COROS application offers personalised programmes and expert advice to help you achieve your goals. Its touch screen, readable even in direct sunlight, and its ability to store music make your sessions more enjoyable.
With a battery life of 38 hours in GPS mode and 24 days in normal use, COROS Pace 3 is a reliable companion for long runs, combining lightness and robustness to support your sporting challenges.
Summary of our comparison of the best running watches
| Model | GPS accuracy | GPS autonomy | Autonomy (connected mode) | Cardio tracking | Watertightness | Multisports | Additional functions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 265 Music | SatIQ, multi-band GNSS | 20h | 13 days | Yes | 5 ATM | 30 disciplines | Music, Notifications, Garmin Pay | 46 g |
| Suunto Race Titanium | SatIQ, multi-band GNSS | 50h | 16 days | Yes, integrated ECG | 100m | 95 disciplines | Electrocardiogram, AI Coaching, Mapping | 69 g |
| Polar Pacer Pro | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | 35h | 7 days | Yes, Precision Prime OHR | 50m | 130 disciplines | Training Load Pro, FuelWise, komoot | 41 g |
| COROS Pace 3 | Dual-frequency GPS | 38h | 24 days | Yes, optical sensor | 5 ATM | Yes, including running, cycling and swimming | Training Hub, Music storage, Night mode | 30 g |
Why use a cardio watch for running?
Using a cardio watch for running allows you to accurately monitor your heart rate, pace and distance in real time. This data helps you to optimise your training, monitor your progress and avoid injury by adapting your efforts to your physical condition. It's an essential tool for improving your performance and achieving your goals more effectively.
How do I choose a running watch?
When choosing a running watch, it's important to consider your specific needs: GPS accuracy, battery life, cardio tracking features, and multi-sport options if you practice several disciplines. You should also make sure that the watch is comfortable to wear, with a screen that's easy to read in all conditions, and that it offers analysis tools tailored to your training goals.
Which brand of watch for running?
The best-known brands of running watches are Garmin, Polar, Suunto and COROS. Garmin is prized for its GPS accuracy and wealth of functions, Polar for its cardio analysis tools, Suunto for its robust watches adapted to endurance sports, and COROS for its excellent autonomy and multi-sport orientation. Each offers models tailored to the needs of runners, from beginners to professionals.
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