Four Ecosystems, Wildly Different Strengths
The GPS running watch market has consolidated into four main contenders: Garmin, COROS, Polar, and Apple Watch. Each excels at different things, and the "best" watch depends entirely on what you prioritize: training metrics, battery life, smartwatch features, or value.
At a Glance
| Brand | Strength | Weakness | Price Range | Battery (GPS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin | Most features, best ecosystem | Complex, expensive | $200–$900 | 20–60+ hrs |
| COROS | Best battery, best value | Fewer smartwatch features | $200–$500 | 25–140+ hrs |
| Polar | Best training science | Smaller ecosystem, fewer maps | $250–$500 | 20–40 hrs |
| Apple Watch | Best smartwatch, best connectivity | Worst battery, no buttons | $400–$800 | 6–12 hrs |
Garmin: The Feature King
Garmin dominates the running watch market with roughly 60% market share among serious runners (per NPD Group data). The ecosystem is unmatched: Garmin Connect app, Connect IQ app store, training plans, Strava integration, and compatibility with virtually every sensor on the market.
Best for: Data-driven runners who want the most features and don't mind complexity. The Forerunner line is running-focused; the Fenix/Enduro line adds outdoor adventure features.
COROS: The Value and Battery Champion
COROS entered the market in 2018 and has rapidly gained share by offering insane battery life and competitive features at lower prices than Garmin. The COROS PACE 3 offers 95% of Garmin Forerunner 265 features at 60% of the price. Battery life consistently leads the category.
Best for: Ultra runners (battery is critical for 24+ hour events), value-conscious runners, those who want simplicity.
Polar: The Training Science Pioneer
Polar invented the wireless heart rate monitor in 1977 and has the deepest training science heritage. Their Training Load Pro, Recovery Pro, and running power features are best-in-class. The Polar Flow app excels at periodization and training planning.
Best for: Coached athletes, runners who follow structured training plans, those who prioritize training/recovery science over smart features.
Apple Watch: The Smartwatch That Runs
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a legitimate running watch with dual-frequency GPS, 36-hour battery, an Action button, and excellent integration with Apple Fitness+. But it's still a smartwatch first and a running watch second. Battery life is the Achilles heel — most runners need to charge it daily.
Best for: iPhone users who want one device for everything, casual runners who value notification and app access, runners who never go beyond half-marathon distance.
Features That Actually Matter
- Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5): Dramatically improves GPS accuracy in cities, forests, and canyons. Available on Garmin 265+, COROS PACE 3+, Apple Watch Ultra. Worth the upgrade.
- Wrist-based heart rate: All four brands have good wrist HR now. For maximum accuracy, pair with a chest strap (Garmin HRM-Pro Plus or Polar H10).
- Training load / recovery metrics: Garmin "Training Readiness," COROS "EvoLab," Polar "Training Load Pro" — all useful for managing training volume.
- Music storage: Available on Garmin (Spotify/Amazon), COROS (no), Polar (no), Apple (yes). Important if you run without a phone.
- Turn-by-turn navigation: Garmin (on-screen maps), COROS (breadcrumb), Polar (basic), Apple (via phone). Garmin leads by far for navigation.
Recommendations by Budget
Sources & Further Reading
- DC Rainmaker. "GPS Watch Comparison Tool 2025." dcrainmaker.com
- NPD Group. "Sports Watch Market Share Data 2024." npd.com
- The5kRunner. "GPS Watch Reviews and Accuracy Tests." the5krunner.com
- Garmin. "Forerunner Series Comparison." garmin.com
- COROS. "PACE 3 Technical Specifications." coros.com
- Fellrnr. "GPS Accuracy Comparison Tests." fellrnr.com
