Do you ever wonder if you’re getting the most out of your workouts? You push yourself, sweat it out, but how do you really know if you’re hitting your goals? Picking the right exercise watch can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, so many features – it’s easy to get lost!
It’s frustrating when you spend money on something that doesn’t help you. Maybe your current watch doesn’t track your heart rate accurately, or perhaps it’s too complicated to use. You want a watch that makes sense and truly supports your fitness journey, not one that adds to your confusion.
This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great exercise watch and what to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing a watch that fits your needs and helps you reach your fitness dreams. Let’s dive in and find the perfect workout buddy for your wrist!
Our Top 5 Rated Exercise Watch Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Exercise Watch Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin Forerunner 55
Rating: 8.8/10
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a fantastic GPS running watch designed to help you reach your fitness goals. It’s packed with features that make tracking your runs and workouts simple and effective. This watch monitors your heart rate right from your wrist and uses GPS to accurately record your distance, speed, and route. With its long battery life, you can go for up to two weeks without charging in smartwatch mode, and 20 hours in GPS mode, so it’s ready for your longest adventures.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use.
- It tracks your heart rate and GPS data accurately.
- You get suggested workouts that are perfect for your fitness level.
- The battery lasts a really long time.
- It has lots of different activity profiles, like running, cycling, and even Pilates.
- You can customize it with cool watch faces and apps.
- The PacePro feature helps you plan your race day strategy.
- It offers helpful training tools like race time predictions.
- It tracks your overall wellness, like how much you move and your breathing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The PacePro feature doesn’t work with on-device courses.
- The heart rate monitor is not a medical device.
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great companion for any runner looking for smart training tools and reliable tracking. It makes reaching your fitness milestones more achievable and enjoyable.
2. Smart Watch GPS
Rating: 9.2/10
The Smart Watch GPS, with its massive 2.06″ HD AMOLED display, is a powerhouse of features for both men and women. It keeps you connected with calls and messages right on your wrist, tracks over 110 workout modes, and offers advanced health monitoring. Plus, its built-in GPS and 5 ATM water resistance make it ready for any adventure.
What We Like:
- The 2.06″ HD AMOLED display is super clear and bright, even in sunlight.
- You can answer and make calls directly from the watch, which is really handy.
- The built-in GPS is accurate and tracks your runs and hikes well.
- It has over 110 workout modes to track almost any activity.
- Heart rate, SpO2, and sleep are monitored all day.
- The watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, so no worries about rain or sweat.
- The battery lasts a good 7-10 days on a single charge.
- It has a built-in compass and altimeter for outdoor exploration.
- You can customize watch faces, even using your own photos.
What Could Be Improved:
- The water resistance isn’t for swimming or saunas.
- GPS route tracking works best in open areas.
This smartwatch packs a lot of useful features into a stylish package. It’s a great companion for staying active and connected.
3. Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness
Rating: 8.7/10
The Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch in Pink Sand/Copper Rose is your ultimate companion for a healthier, more active life. This stylish watch comes with interchangeable bands to fit both small and large wrists, making it a versatile choice for everyone. It’s packed with features to help you understand your body better and reach your fitness goals.
What We Like:
- The Daily Readiness Score helps you know when to push yourself or take a rest day.
- Built-in GPS accurately tracks your runs, walks, and bike rides without needing your phone.
- With over 40 exercise modes, you can track almost any activity you enjoy.
- Sleep tracking provides a detailed Sleep Profile and daily Sleep Score to improve your rest.
- It helps manage stress with a daily score and guided breathing exercises.
- You can take calls and get notifications right on your wrist.
- The battery lasts for over 6 days, so you won’t have to charge it every night.
- A 6-month Fitbit Premium membership is included, offering personalized insights and advanced features.
- It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, so you can wear it swimming.
What Could Be Improved:
- Google Maps for iOS is coming later in Spring 2023, so it’s not fully available yet.
- Some advanced health metrics require the Premium membership.
The Fitbit Versa 4 is a fantastic smartwatch for anyone serious about fitness and well-being. Its comprehensive features and long battery life make it a top choice for staying motivated and informed about your health.
4. SOCICO Mens Digital Watch Sports Waterproof Outdoor Large Face Military Watches with Stopwatch Back Light Alarm Date Display
Rating: 9.2/10
The SOCICO Mens Digital Watch is a tough and reliable timepiece built for adventure. Its large digital face makes it easy to see the time, date, and other important information at a glance. Whether you’re hitting the gym, hiking a trail, or just going about your day, this watch can handle it all. It’s designed to be waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet.
What We Like:
- The large digital display is super clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
- It’s waterproof, so you can wear it swimming or in the rain without worry.
- It has lots of handy features like a stopwatch, alarm, and backlight.
- The military-style design looks cool and feels really durable.
- Setting alarms is simple, which is great for waking up on time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be a little clearer for some of the advanced features.
- Some users might prefer a slightly slimmer profile for everyday wear.
This SOCICO watch offers a lot of value for its price, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a rugged and functional watch.
5. OCTANDRA Move VeryFitPro Smart Watch HR Heart Rate Sleep Monitor IP68 Waterproof Activity Fitness Tracker Step Counter Pedometer Exercise Running Watch Fitness Watches for Men & Women (ID205L) (Green)
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the OCTANDRA Move VeryFitPro Smart Watch, your new partner for a healthier, more active life. This popular fitness tracker comes in a vibrant green and is packed with features to help you reach your goals. It’s designed for both men and women, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to boost their fitness.
What We Like:
- It helps you power your intentions with breath training and music control.
- The VeryFitPro app makes tracking your fitness easy and syncs with your phone.
- It monitors your heart rate, steps, calories, distance, and active minutes all day long.
- The advanced sleep tracker shows you how well you’re sleeping.
- Choose from 9 different sports modes to understand your workouts better.
- The large 1.3-inch color touch screen is easy to read and use.
- It’s IP68 waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about sweat or rain.
- You get 8-10 days of battery life on a single charge.
- Smart notifications keep you updated on calls and messages.
- It includes useful tools like a stopwatch, alarm, and music control.
What Could Be Improved:
- While IP68 is good, it’s not recommended for beach or pool use.
- The app allows you to select up to 8 activity modes at a time, meaning you can’t use all 9 at once.
The OCTANDRA Move Smart Watch is a great all-around fitness tracker. It offers a lot of value for its features and battery life.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Rated Exercise Watch
Ready to find an exercise watch that fits your active life? We’ll help you choose the perfect one. This guide covers what to look for, what makes a watch great, and how it will help you reach your fitness goals.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an exercise watch, pay attention to these important features:
Heart Rate Monitoring
- Wrist-based: Most watches have this. It’s easy to use.
- Chest strap: Some watches connect to chest straps for more accurate heart rate readings. This is good for serious athletes.
GPS Tracking
- Built-in GPS: This lets you track your runs, bike rides, and hikes without your phone. It shows your distance, pace, and route.
- Connected GPS: Some watches use your phone’s GPS. This saves battery but means you need your phone.
Activity Tracking
- Steps: Counts how many steps you take each day.
- Calories Burned: Estimates how many calories you burn.
- Sleep Tracking: Monitors your sleep patterns. It tells you how long you slept and how well you slept.
- Workout Modes: Many watches have special modes for different activities like running, swimming, cycling, and yoga.
Water Resistance
- Splashproof: Can handle light rain or sweat.
- Swimproof: Can be worn while swimming. Look for ratings like 5 ATM or 10 ATM.
Battery Life
- How long does it last? Some watches last a few days, while others can go for weeks. Think about how often you want to charge it.
Important Materials
The materials a watch is made from affect its comfort and durability.
Watch Case
- Plastic/Polycarbonate: Lightweight and affordable. Good for everyday wear and tough workouts.
- Aluminum: Strong and light. A good balance of durability and style.
- Stainless Steel: Very durable and looks nice. It can be heavier.
- Titanium: The strongest and lightest. It’s also hypoallergenic.
Watch Band
- Silicone/Rubber: Flexible, waterproof, and comfortable. Great for sweating and swimming.
- Nylon: Breathable and durable. Good for active use.
- Leather: Looks stylish but can be damaged by water and sweat.
- Metal Link: Durable and fashionable, but can be heavy and less comfortable for intense workouts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make an exercise watch better or worse.
What Makes a Watch Better:
- Accurate Sensors: Good heart rate and GPS sensors give you reliable data.
- Bright Screen: An easy-to-read screen, even in sunlight, is important.
- Long Battery Life: You don’t want to charge it all the time.
- User-Friendly App: A good app helps you see your progress and understand your data.
- Durability: It should withstand your workouts and daily life.
What Can Make a Watch Lower Quality:
- Inaccurate Readings: If your heart rate or distance is often wrong, the watch isn’t very useful.
- Poor Battery Life: Constantly needing to charge is annoying.
- Confusing Interface: A hard-to-use watch will frustrate you.
- Fragile Build: If it breaks easily, it’s not a good investment.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your watch matters.
For Casual Exercisers
- A watch that tracks steps, distance, and calories is perfect.
- It should be easy to use and comfortable for daily wear.
- Simple sleep tracking can also be helpful.
For Runners and Cyclists
- Accurate GPS is a must.
- Heart rate monitoring helps you train smarter.
- Look for a watch that can track pace, distance, and elevation.
- Long battery life is important for long runs or rides.
For Swimmers
- Water resistance is key.
- The watch should track laps, distance, and stroke type.
- A comfortable, secure band is needed.
For Multi-Sport Athletes
- You need a watch that can switch between different sports modes easily.
- Advanced metrics like training load and recovery time can be useful.
- Durability and good battery life are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in an exercise watch?
A: The most important feature depends on your activity. For runners, accurate GPS is key. For general fitness, heart rate monitoring is very useful.
Q: How accurate is wrist-based heart rate monitoring?
A: Wrist-based heart rate monitors are good for general fitness tracking. For very intense workouts, a chest strap might be more accurate.
Q: Do I need GPS on my exercise watch?
A: If you run, cycle, or hike outdoors and want to track your distance and route, GPS is very helpful. If you mostly exercise indoors, it’s less important.
Q: How long should the battery last on an exercise watch?
A: Battery life varies. Many watches last 5-7 days. Some GPS-heavy watches might need charging every 24 hours, while simpler trackers can last weeks.
Q: Can I wear my exercise watch in the shower?
A: Most exercise watches are water-resistant, but it’s best to check the specific rating. Some can handle showers, while others are best kept dry.
Q: What does “water resistance rating” mean?
A: It tells you how well the watch can handle water. 5 ATM means it can withstand pressure equal to 50 meters deep, good for swimming. 10 ATM is even better.
Q: Will an exercise watch help me lose weight?
A: An exercise watch can help by tracking your activity and calories burned. This awareness can motivate you to move more and make healthier choices.
Q: Can I use an exercise watch with my smartphone?
A: Yes, most exercise watches connect to a smartphone app. This app lets you see your data, set goals, and track your progress over time.
Q: Are expensive exercise watches always better?
A: Not necessarily. The best watch for you depends on your needs. A simpler, less expensive watch might be perfect if you only need basic tracking.
Q: How do I clean my exercise watch?
A: Gently wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. For silicone bands, a little mild soap and water works well.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.