Skip to content

The complete circle of your health and well-being

Live Fully. Feel Vital. Every Day

Best Running Watches for Beginners 2025 (Top 10 Picks)

Best Running Watches for Beginners 2025 (Top 10 Picks)

Whether you’re starting your first couch to 5K or building up to your first 10K, tracking your progress is key to staying motivated and improving your performance. And there’s no better tool for that than a good running watch.

But if you’re a beginner, the options can be overwhelming—and expensive. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best running watches for beginners in 2025 that balance price, features, accuracy, and ease of use.

What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Running Watch

Before diving into the list, here’s what makes a running watch perfect for beginners:

  • Built-in GPS for accurate tracking of pace, distance, and route
  • Heart rate monitoring to manage effort and avoid overtraining
  • Simple, intuitive interface
  • Run/walk features or structured training programs
  • Battery life of at least 5+ hours in GPS mode
  • Price range accessible to new runners (typically under $250)

Best Running Watches for Beginners in 2025

1. Garmin Forerunner 55

Price: ~$200
With built-in GPS, wrist-based heart rate, pace alerts, and suggested workouts, the Forerunner 55 is the gold standard for new runners. It’s light, accurate, and doesn’t require a subscription.
📌 Official Garmin Link

2. Coros Pace 3

Price: ~$229
Coros is gaining popularity for their ultra-light, durable watches. The Pace 3 adds dual-frequency GPS for better tracking and a smooth app experience.
📌 Learn more at coros.com

3. Amazfit GTR 4

Price: ~$180
This is a feature-rich, budget-friendly option with dual-band GPS, strong health metrics, and a premium look.
📌 Check specs on Amazfit

4. Fitbit Charge 6

Price: ~$160
While technically a tracker, the Charge 6 includes built-in GPS and excellent heart rate tracking, plus Google Maps and YouTube Music controls.
📌 Fitbit Charge 6

5. Garmin Venu Sq 2

Price: ~$249
A vibrant AMOLED screen, long battery life, and accurate GPS tracking make this a solid choice for those who also care about looks.

6. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

Price: ~$249
If you already have an iPhone, the Watch SE gives you solid GPS, heart tracking, and seamless app sync in a premium build.

7. Polar Unite

Price: ~$150
Polar’s beginner model lacks built-in GPS but syncs with your phone. It shines with guided workouts, sleep tracking, and recovery tools.

8. Decathlon Kiprun GPS 500

Price: ~$100
A no-frills, dedicated running watch with GPS and heart rate tracking. No app sync needed—just you and your run.

9. Huawei Watch GT 4

Price: ~$229
Includes dual-band GPS, training load analysis, VO2 Max, and sleek design. A great option for lifestyle + fitness.

10. Suunto 5 Peak

Price: ~$199
Lightweight with built-in GPS, route navigation, and over 80 sport modes. Ideal for new runners who like exploring off-road.

Do You Really Need a Running Watch?

You can track basic runs with a phone app, but a watch:

  • Keeps you hands-free and focused
  • Offers real-time pacing and heart rate
  • Tracks recovery, training load, and sleep
  • Gives long-term data to stay motivated

If you’re serious about consistency and performance, yes—a watch is absolutely worth it.

FAQ – Running Watches for Beginners

Q: Is GPS necessary for beginner runners?
A: Yes. It helps track distance and pace accurately, even on simple routes.

Q: What’s the best budget-friendly running watch in 2025?
A: The Garmin Forerunner 55 and Decathlon Kiprun GPS 500 are great options under $200.

Q: Can I use a smartwatch instead?
A: Yes, if it has GPS and fitness features. Apple Watch SE or Fitbit Charge 6 are good hybrid choices.

Q: Do I need a subscription?
A: Garmin, Coros, and Polar do not require subscriptions. Fitbit and Apple may need one for advanced metrics.

Verified External Resources

Image suggestion & ALT tag

Image: Close-up of a runner checking their GPS watch mid-run on a sunrise trail
ALT: best running watches for beginners 2025 – GPS watch for new runners

Conclusion

Your first running watch doesn’t need to be fancy—it needs to work, motivate you, and grow with your progress. The best running watches for beginners in 2025 are accurate, beginner-friendly, and budget-conscious.

Pick one that fits your lifestyle, hit start, and begin your journey—one step at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You also may like...