Best Sports Watches for Cycling and Running

Are you looking for a smartwatch for cycling or running? In this blog, we explain which sports watches are best for cycling or running. You’ll also find out what a sports watch needs to offer for these activities.

Which Smartwatch Do I Need for Cycling and Running?

If you’re searching for a smartwatch for running or cycling, there are a few key factors to consider. Personal preference and budget also play a significant role. We’ve created a checklist of points to consider when buying a sports watch for cycling or running.

1. Built-in GPS

It’s wise to choose a watch with built-in GPS for running or cycling. GPS lets you track your route, speed, and pace, providing valuable data. With it built into the watch, you can run or cycle without carrying your phone.

In our top 5 best watches for running and cycling, we’ve only included smartwatches with built-in GPS, as we consider it a critical feature for running, walking, road cycling, and mountain biking.

2. Battery Life

It’s important that your smartwatch lasts a long time, especially during extended sports sessions. If you run for half an hour each morning, this is less critical, but for a full day of intense cycling, a long battery life is essential. A smartwatch consumes a lot of power with GPS and active sensors. Consider your intended use and choose a watch with sufficient battery life.

3. Sensors

It’s worth checking which sensors are included. You don’t always need every sensor. For regular running or cycling, basic health sensors like a heart rate monitor or SpO2 meter are recommended.

Sensors can go further; performance-focused cyclists or runners might opt for watches with cadence sensors and features like auto-pause or recovery times. Evaluate if you really need these features, as premium sports watches with these capabilities can get pricey quickly.

Top 5 Best Sports Watches for Running and Cycling

Now, let’s move on to the top 5 best sports watches for cycling and running. We’ve made a careful selection of smartwatches, each with its own pros and cons, catering to various budgets.

1. Garmin Fenix 7

In short: A highly advanced sports watch with numerous sensors and accurate GPS.

The Garmin Fenix 7 series is Garmin’s latest smartwatch. This is a die-hard sports watch with many advanced features for athletic use. The GPS system on the Garmin Fenix 7 is highly accurate, complemented by a wide array of sensors.

The extensive list of sensors includes a heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, breathing rate, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, and a Pulse Oxymeter. The Garmin Fenix 7 also features software to transform this data into a fully analysable and mappable sports experience.

As a high-end sports watch, it comes with a high price. That’s why we recommend it for regular cyclists and runners who want to maximise their sports experience.

Price: From £619.00

✔️ Many sensors	❌ Large and heavy
✔️ Long battery life	❌ High price range
✔️ Accurate GPS

Check out the straps for the Garmin Fenix 7.

2. Apple Watch (Ultra)

In short: The best option for Apple users

If you’re an Apple iPhone user, the Apple Watch is almost always the best choice. Though not specifically designed for sports, it still offers enough sensors and features for effective data collection. Pair it with an Apple Watch sport strap, and it’s great for running and cycling.

For a true sports watch, Apple now offers a new model: the Apple Watch Ultra. The differences between the Apple Watch and Ultrac include a titanium case, accurate GPS, and longer battery life.

You’ll pay more for the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra compared to similar models from other brands, but if you use an iPhone, it’s worth it. The Apple Watch integrates seamlessly with other Apple products better than most smartwatches.

Price: From £499.00 (Ultra: From £999.00)

✔️ Works well with iPhone	❌ Relatively high price
✔️ Many sport straps available	❌ Not for Android users
✔️ Ultra version for athletes

3. Fitbit Sense 2

In short: Unique sensors and software with a stylish, compact design.

The Fitbit Sense 2, recently released, is already recognised as one of the best watches for average to advanced athletes. Fitbit’s unique software perfectly displays your data. It also features numerous sensors for running and cycling, as well as daily use.

The Fitbit Sense 2 is Fitbit’s top model in its new lineup. For a cheaper GPS-enabled activity tracker, consider the Fitbit Charge 5. However, the Sense 2’s sensors are valuable, including the unique cEDA stress sensor, ECG (heart monitor), and skin temperature sensor.

The design and software are where the Fitbit Sense 2 shines. Unfortunately, you’ll need a Fitbit Premium subscription. You get the first 6 months free, but it costs £79.99 per year after that. You can use the Sense 2 for running and cycling without it, but some features won’t be fully accessible.

Price: From £249.00

✔️ Many & unique sensors	❌ Fitbit Premium subscription
✔️ Stylish design	❌ Available in one size only
✔️ Compact & lightweight

4. Polar Vantage V2

In short: Advanced sports watch with navigation and Fuel Wise

The Polar Vantage V2 is Polar’s premium sports watch, offering numerous great features for cycling or running. Its large, easy-to-use screen works even with gloves, though it’s less ideal for daily wear or small wrists—perfect for sports.

The Polar Vantage V2 not only has a GPS module to track routes and speed but also supports navigation. Love adventurous runs or rides? The navigation keeps you on track effortlessly.

With seemingly endless sensors, the unique Fuel Wise software even tracks when you need to eat to optimise your performance—ideal for long cycling trips. We recommend this watch for dedicated, experienced cyclists or runners.

Price: From £399.00

✔️ Many sensors	❌ Very large & heavy
✔️ Navigation	❌ Not for the average cyclist or runner
✔️ Fuel Wise software

Check out all the straps for the Polar Vantage V2.

5. Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro

In short: The best budget option with GPS and sports sensors

If you’re looking for a budget sports watch for cycling or running, the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro is the best pick. This activity tracker includes GPS to track routes and speed at an extra-low price, perfect for beginner or casual cyclists and runners.

The Smart Band 7 Pro offers basic features like a heart rate monitor, blood oxygen meter, VO2-Max, and sports tracking. Its compact design also boasts long battery life, averaging 7 days with all functions active. It provides sport modes for cycling and running, among 110 total sports.

You won’t find better value for this price; the Smart Band 7 Pro looks good, works flawlessly, lasts long, and includes sensors for solid data during cycling and running. You can also choose from various sport straps for the Smart Band 7 Pro.

Price: From £84.95

✔️ Very low price	❌ Lacks some premium sports watch features
✔️ Good basic data	❌ Not for serious athletes
✔️ Compact & lightweight

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a smartwatch for running or a smartwatch for cycling, our top 5 is a great recommendation. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, there’s always a smartwatch to match your sports routine. Carefully consider which sensors and features you want for cycling or running with a smartwatch. A GPS module is, in our view, a must-have to effectively track your route, speed, and pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best smartwatch for cycling?
The best smartwatch for cycling depends on your sports routine, budget, and personal preference. Check our top 5 to make a choice.

What’s the best affordable smartwatch?
A smartwatch should fit your budget. See the top 5 best affordable smartwatches available now.