In the world of fitness, a running watch is more than just a timepiece. It’s a personal trainer, a motivator, and a record keeper, all wrapped together. However, high-quality fitness gear doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. With careful budgeting and informed choices, you can find a running watch that offers excellent performance without breaking the bank.
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The Best Cheap Running Watches for 2023
Amazfit Bip U Pro
The Amazfit Bip U Pro smartwatch is a versatile fitness companion that offers a plethora of features at an affordable price. With over 60 sports modes, it caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.
The high-precision GPS and GLONASS positioning systems provide accurate tracking for outdoor activities. The watch also includes a built-in Amazon Alexa for hands-free control and convenience. Health monitoring is comprehensive, with blood-oxygen level measurement, 24/7 heart rate tracking, sleep quality, and stress level monitoring.
The PAI™ Health Assessment System transforms complex health data into understandable numerical values. The Bip U Pro is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. However, some users have reported occasional GPS dropouts during runs.
The watch offers a personalised experience with over 50 watch faces, including the option to upload your own photos. Despite its impressive features, the inability to access application data via a computer may be a drawback for some.
Overall, the Amazfit Bip U Pro offers great value for money, combining comprehensive health and fitness tracking with smartwatch functionality.
Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner® 55 is a reliable running watch that offers a robust set of features. It has a built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and a battery life that can last up to two weeks in smartwatch mode. This watch is designed to provide running metrics that help you understand your performance and improve over time.
From a user’s perspective, the Garmin Forerunner® 55 is praised for its user-friendly interface and accurate tracking. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear during long runs. It also syncs seamlessly with the Garmin Connect app, allowing users to analyze their data, join challenges, and even share their progress with friends.
Polar M430
The Polar M430 smartwatch is a top-tier choice for runners seeking more from their fitness devices. Its no-frills retro design is simple, robust, and lightweight, featuring breathable silicon wristbands for maximum comfort. The large, clear, backlit display is easy to read in any light, making it a reliable companion for your runs.
The M430 boasts reliable optical HR tracking and accurate GPS, ensuring your fitness data is precise. The 6-LED optical heart rate technology solution, combined with Polar’s proprietary algorithms, precisely tracks your heartbeats. This watch doesn’t just measure your heart rate; it understands it and provides insightful data for your training.
The advanced training features and running essentials packed into this humble running watch are impressive. It covers the basics, such as pace, time, stopwatch, distance, lap timer, and interval timer. But it doesn’t stop there. The M430 also offers advanced innovative coaching features like the Polar Running Program and Running Index to elevate your running performance.
However, no product is without its drawbacks. The Polar M430’s design may not appeal to everyone, and its one-size-fits-all approach may not suit all wrist sizes. Despite these minor issues, the Polar M430 stands out as a reliable, feature-packed running watch that delivers excellent value for its price.
Features to Consider When Buying a Cheap Running Watch
When shopping for a budget-friendly running watch, it’s essential to consider the following features:
GPS Functionality: This feature is crucial for accurately tracking your distance and pace. All our top picks offer this feature.
Battery Life: A long battery life ensures your watch won’t die in the middle of a run. The Amazfit Bip excels in this category with a whopping 45-day battery life.
Durability and Water Resistance: A good running watch should withstand the rigours of daily use and adverse weather conditions. The Garmin Forerunner 55 and Polar M430 both offer 5ATM water resistance.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities: Look for a watch that can track various metrics, such as heart rate, steps, calories, and sleep. All three watches we reviewed offer these features.
Comparing Top Brands of Cheap Running Watches
Garmin: Known for its high-quality GPS products, Garmin offers reliable and feature-packed watches at an affordable price. The Forerunner 55 is a testament to this.
Polar: Polar watches are user-friendly and reliable. The M430 offers a unique blend of functionality and simplicity, making it a great choice for beginners.
Amazfit: Amazfit offers high-tech features at a budget price. The Bip stands out with its long battery life and comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities.
| Features | Amazfit Bip U Pro | Garmin Forerunner 55 | Polar M430 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £54.00 | £179.99 | £129.50 |
| Design | Lightweight with breathable silicon wristbands | Sleek and stylish | No-frills retro design, lightweight with breathable silicon wristbands |
| Display | Not specified | Round clear display | Large, clear backlit display |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking | 24/7 heart rate monitoring | Advanced Wrist-Based Heart Rate |
| GPS | High-precision GPS | Intergrated GPS | Integrated GPS |
| Sports Modes | 60+ Sports Modes | Built in Sports Apps | Advanced training features and running essentials |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM Water-Resistance | 50m water resistant | Water-Resistant up to 30m |
| Sleep Quality Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Sleep & Activity Tracking |
| Other Features | Blood-oxygen Level Measurement, Stress Level Monitoring, PAI™ Health Assessment System, 50 Watch Faces | Not specified | Running Program & Index, Polar Fitness Test |
Where to Buy Cheap Running Watches
You can find these budget-friendly running watches on online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. Physical stores like Best Buy and sports stores also carry these brands. Always buy from reputable sellers to ensure product authenticity and warranty coverage.
How to Maximise the Use of Your Cheap Running Watch
Once you’ve chosen your watch, it’s time to make the most out of it. Set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions and familiarize yourself with its features. Understand the metrics it provides and how they relate to your fitness goals. If the watch can integrate with other fitness apps, take advantage of this feature to get a comprehensive view of your health and fitness.
- Which of these watches has the best battery life? The Amazfit Bip boasts the longest battery life, lasting up to 30 days on a single charge.
- Can I swim with these watches? The Polar M430 is water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming.
- Do these watches have built-in heart rate monitors? Yes, all three models feature built-in heart rate monitors.
- Which watch is the most affordable? Prices may vary, but the Amazfit Bip is generally the most affordable of the three.
- Can these watches connect to my smartphone? All three watches can connect to your smartphone for data syncing and notifications.
Conclusion
Choosing a running watch doesn’t have to compromise cost and quality. The Garmin Forerunner 55, Polar M430, and Amazfit Bip prove you can find a high-performing, feature-packed running watch on a budget. These watches track your runs and provide valuable insights to help you reach your fitness goals.
Remember, the best running watch is not necessarily the most expensive but the one that fits your needs and lifestyle best. So, strap on your chosen timepiece and let every step take you closer to your fitness goals.