Best bike computers 2023 | Top GPS devices ridden and rated. Garmin hrm run bluetooth

Best bike computers 2023 | Top GPS devices ridden and rated

These are the best GPS bike computers for 2023, based on real-world use by our expert team of road and mountain bike testers.

GPS bike computers enable you to measure your performance, log rides on apps such as Strava and navigate. The majority provide turn-by-turn guidance. Garmin dominates the market, with units ranging from the diminutive Edge 130 Plus to the smartphone-sized Edge 1030 Plus. Wahoo is not far behind, while brands including Sigma and Hammerhead are giving the GPS giants a run for their money with useful features and sharp pricing.

Here is our selection of the best GPS cycling computers. Keep reading for our buyer’s guide to cycling computers.

Best cycling computers 2023 as reviewed by our expert testers

Garmin Edge 1040 Solar

• Navigation: Full colour with turn-by-turn routing and Rapid rerouting
• Training data: A huge number of training metrics including training status and load, VO2 Max and recovery time
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
• Compatibility: ANT, Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, Garmin Varia
• Size: 59×118×20mm
• Screen: 3.5in / 89mm colour touchscreen, 282×470 pixels
• Price: Solar: £629.99 / 749.99 / €749.99 / AU1299.99 as tested (Non-solar: £519.99 / 599.99 / €599.99 / AU999.99)

Garmin’s latest top-end computer has a neat trick – there’s a solar glass screen that can extend your runtime up to an industry-leading claimed 45 hours. We regularly gained 10 minutes per hour of extra charge on summer rides. There’s a non-solar option as well, which costs less.

Size-wise, it’s a large device, a tiny bit larger than the Edge 1030 Plus, but it’s got 64GB of memory, so it can store twice as much data. The Edge 1040 is much more of a training aid than just a ride recorder, so it gives you your training status, recovery time and more. It’s highly configurable and records loads of training stats.

It links automatically into the best-in-class Garmin Connect training infrastructure, giving you route planning using Garmin’s heatmaps from its rider community and lots of post-ride analysis options that others make you pay for. Garmin Connect also enables you to integrate data from Garmin smartwatches, to give you 24/7 fitness and training status analysis.

Latest deals

Hammerhead Karoo 2

• Navigation: Fast rerouting even over complex route networks, on the fly climb profiles
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for non-Di2 electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, navigation, performance monitoring and more
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
• Compatibility: ANT, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, Garmin Varia (but not Shimano Di2)
• Size: 61×101×19mm
• Screen: 3.2in / 81mm colour touchscreen, 480×800 pixels
• Price: £359 / 399 / €399 / AU639 as tested

The Hammerhead Karoo 2 does things a bit differently from other cycling computers. It’s based on an Android operating system, which gives you fast screen response and Android-style fields and gestures. The resolution of the sharp colour touchscreen is also much greater than competitors.

The Karoo 2 is currently the only cycling computer that gives you climb profiles on the fly as you ride, so there’s no need to pre-plan a route to display gradient and distance to the top.

The phone app just passes data back and forward to the Karoo 2 without any user interface and the web app has limited functionality, although it does let you plan or import a route and keeps a record of your rides, routes and workouts. Instead, Hammerhead interfaces to third-party software such as Strava or TrainingPeaks for any more detailed post-ride analysis.

With a high-end processor and screen to run, the Karoo 2’s battery life isn’t great at around eight hours though.

Latest deals

Sigma ROX 11.1 Evo

• Navigation: Limited to a breadcrumb trail, but it does sync with Komoot
• Training data: Over 150 functions
• Connectivity: BLE, ANT
• Compatibility: Heart rate, cadence, electronic shifting, power meter, Smart trainer
• Size: 46.8×66.1×20.8 mm
• Screen dimensions: 1.77in, 128×160
• Price: £249.99 as tested

Sigma may not be as well-known as the likes of Wahoo and Garmin, but its ROX 11.1 Evo is an excellent bike computer, combining a user-friendly interface with riding and training data.

The unit has a 1.77in display, which is smaller than many other bike computers, but this means it sits unobtrusively on your handlebar.

The computer has over 150 operations, including an emergency crash notification feature, and you can save up to 20 profiles to display different information, making it great if you ride across cycling disciplines.

When it comes to mapping, you can upload routes from Komoot in the computer’s smartphone app.

The display only shows a breadcrumb trail, which is fine for road and gravel rides, but not so great for mountain biking.

If simplicity is what you’re after, the ROX 11.1 Evo is a good bet.

Latest deals

Bryton Rider 420T

The Bryton Rider 420T is a competitively priced cycling computer with 77 functions. David Caudery / Immediate Media

• Navigation: No mapping capabilities but can be used with a GPX file for turn-by-turn navigation
• Training data: Speed, distance, heart rate, riding time, power (with a power meter), gradient, altitude, metres climbed, cadence, calories burned and more
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, BLE, USB
• Compatibility: ANT and Bluetooth, heart rate, cadence, speed, power meter and Smart trainer, Shimano Di2, SRAM, eTap, Campagnolo EPS
• Size: 49.9×83.9×16.9mm
• Screen: 58.4mm diagonal (2.3in), 128×160 pixels, grayscale mono LCD
• Price: £190 / 230 / AU340 as tested

The Bryton 420T is a competitively priced cycling computer that comes with a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor included. The computer is also available as a standalone 420E head unit (£104.99).

The cycling computer has an impressive 77 functions, including everything you need for training, such as heart rate and power readings, which it can present as averages and maximums.

The 420T does not have mapping, making it more of a training tool than a computer that will help you explore your surroundings. You can load a GPX to the 420T for basic turn-by-turn navigation.

A claimed 35-hour battery life after a four-hour charge sets the Bryton 420T apart from the competition.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge 530

The Edge 530 is a hugely capable GPS computer in a relatively small package. Matthew Loveridge / Immediate Media

• Navigation: Good, aimed primarily at following courses created in advance, with excellent turn-by-turn instructions and hazard warnings. Non-touchscreen means browsing map is mostly a waste of time
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, navigation, performance monitoring and more
• Connectivity: Micro-USB, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi
• Compatibility: ANT and ANT shifting, power meter and bike trainer, Shimano Di2, Vector power meter, Garmin Varia and Virb
• Size: 85(L)×51(W)×16mm(D, 20mm total including protruding mount)
• Screen: 38×51mm (2.6in diagonal), 246×322 pixel colour screen (non-touchscreen)
• Price: £259.99 / 299.99 / AU499 as tested

The Edge 530 is a hugely capable GPS computer packed with features aimed at serious enthusiast cyclists who want to track their training.

Externally almost identical, the Edge 530 shares almost all of its features with the more expensive Edge 830, but uses external buttons rather than a touchscreen.

As a result, navigating menus and setting up ride profiles can be time-consuming and fiddly, but once you’ve got those sorted it’s very easy to live with.

Navigating pre-planned courses is straightforward and the colour display is crisp and easy to read. With added sensors (available separately or as a bundle with the device), the Edge 530 offers a wealth of performance-tracking data.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge 830

• Navigation: Good, maps and navigation features are easy to understand and it’s relatively simple to program routes. On-device route calculation isn’t great, though
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, navigation, performance monitoring and more
• Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi
• Compatibility: ANT and ANT shifting, power meter and bike trainer, Shimano Di2, Vector power meter, Garmin Varia and Virb
• Size: 48×74.5mm
• Screen: 50×82mm, 246×322 pixels, colour touchscreen
• Price: £349.99 / €399.99 / 399.99 / AU599 as tested

With an impressive array of interesting and useful – if a little clunky at times – features, the Edge 830 is a true class-leading GPS that offers plenty of useful functions above and beyond its competition.

The maps and navigation features are easy to understand and it’s relatively simple to program in routes. On-device route calculation isn’t great, though, and it certainly didn’t live up to Garmin’s claims of riding like a local.

The on-device data and displays are fantastically simple to read when you’re on the move, but it’s certainly worth investing in the additional sensors if you don’t already own compatible ones.

Overall, the Edge 830 has a fantastically diverse feature-set that makes it one of the most comprehensive training and navigating devices money can buy.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has all the trimmings, with a price tag to match. Jack Luke / Immediate Media

• Navigation: Best in class with a faster processor for quick route recalculation
• Training data: A bewildering number of training metrics that can be customised to your heart’s content
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
• Compatibility: ANT, Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, Garmin Varia
• Size: 58×114×19mm
• Screen: 3.5in / 89mm colour touchscreen, 282×470 pixels
• Price: £519.99 / 599.99 / €599.99 / AU999 as tested

The Edge 1030 Plus gives you every single feature you could ever want in a bike computer with the same format, but an updated processor and an improved touchscreen over the now-discontinued Garmin Edge 1030 (although you can still buy this computer if you search around).

Battery life has also grown to 24 hours, though this can be extended to an enormous 48 hours if you run the computer in a stripped-down mode. It’s compatible with Garmin’s Charge power pack and Edge Power Mount if you want even more recording duration.

The SD card slot has been removed, but internal storage has grown to 32GB. The Trailforks trail database is also installed as standard on the unit.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge Explore 2

The Garmin Edge Explore 2 gives you a summary screen at the end of your ride. Warren Rossiter / Our Media

• Navigation: Clear screen with detailed maps, efficient rerouting, climb profiles, heatmaps and high-traffic indicator
• Training data: Live power and heart rate from connected devices, recovery time. Omits the more detailed training data found on other Edge units
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, USB-C
• Compatibility: ANT, Garmin Varia
• Size: 106×56×21mm, 104g
• Screen: 3in / 76mm colour touchscreen, 240×400 pixels
• Price: £250 / 300 / €300 / AU500 as tested

The Edge Explore 2 majors on navigation functionality and strips out most of the training tools offered by Garmin’s higher-priced computers. Its colour touchscreen is bright, with a size midway between the Edge 830 and the Edge 1040. Battery life is around 16 hours.

It’s easy to search for a location and the Edge Explore 2 will use heatmaps to direct you via the most cycled routes. You can overlay maps with a high-traffic indicator based on data from a linked phone, which can also provide weather information. Rerouting is efficient if you go off course.

There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, but rides can be uploaded to Garmin Connect and through to Strava via Bluetooth and your smartphone. You can use the Edge Explore 2 to control a Smart trainer.

This is a good option if you want the cycling computer essentials and don’t need the full suite of training data.

Latest deals

Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS

The Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS computer offers good functionality at a great price. Immediate Media

• Navigation: Good, with turn-by-turn directions and GPS Ally on-the-fly destination finding
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, sunset time, workout counters and more
• Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth
• Compatibility: ANT, Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap
• Size: 42.9×67.8mm
• Screen: 31.7×40.1mm, black/white
• Price: £130 / 150 / AU220 as tested

The Enhanced Super GPS looks a little clunky compared to Lezyne’s ultra-sleek tools and pumps, but it generally works well. The 45-degree X-Lock mount is more secure than Garmin’s, and the wealth of data on offer is impressive.

You can have up to five pages with up to four fields on each, with seemingly every metric imaginable available. Turn-by-turn navigation, Strava Live Segments and incoming call/text notifications? Check, check and check.

Similar to the Elemnt Bolt, you can use the Lezyne app to find a destination and use the computer to navigate to it.

The Super GPS has now been superseded by newer models, but it remains widely available.

Latest deals

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has been updated with a colour screen and USB-C charging. Steve Sayers / Our Media

• Navigation: Colour screen is good for navigation but limited by screen size
• Training data: Over 170 functions
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, ANT
• Compatibility: Apple iOS, Android, wireless training sensors such as power meters
• Size: 47×77mm
• Screen: 55.9mm, 240×300 pixels
• Price: £264.99 / 279.99 / €279.99 / AU419.95 as tested

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2 has it all when it comes to user interface, with all of the set-up done via a Smart app.

It now offers a colour screen, Smart navigation, USB-C charging and improved battery life over the original Bolt.

It syncs seamlessly with most third-party apps and performs well on the bike and on the road, as well as on a Smart trainer.

If you’re looking for a GPS computer to track your performance with over 170 functions and an impressive 15-hour battery life all in a neat, minimalist package, then the Bolt V2 is for you.

You’ll be best off doing your planning before you set out on a ride. The mapping capabilities aren’t as good as on Hammerhead and Garmin computers, but the Bolt is more affordable.

Latest deals

Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2

• Navigation: Larger screen for improved mapping and navigation compared to Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
• Training data: Huge range of training data; easy to configure via Elemnt app and read on Roam’s display
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, ANT
• Compatibility: Apple iOS, Android, wireless training sensors such as power meters
• Size: 90mm x 60mm
• Screen: 68.6mm, 240×400 pixels
• Price: £349.99 / 399.99 / €399.99 / AU599.95 as tested

The Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 takes many of the features of the Elemnt Bolt but puts them in a larger package with a bigger screen for improved mapping and navigation capabilities.

Where’s the Bolt’s display measures 55.9mm (2.2in) diagonally, the Roam ups this to 68.6mm (2.7in). Both offer a 64-colour screen – used sparingly to highlight key training or map details – and USB-C charging.

Like all of Wahoo’s devices, there’s no touchscreen, with the computer operated via a series of buttons and setup coming via the Elemnt app. Configuration is very easy, though, as we’ve come to expect from Wahoo computers.

Screen resolution isn’t as sharp as the Hammerhead Karoo 2 but, as an easy-to-use device with excellent mapping and data options, this is a Smart all-round choice.

Latest deals

Want the latest cycling tech news, reviews and features direct to your inbox?

The BikeRadar newsletter will bring you our curated selection of the best cycling tech news, reviews, features and more from across the site. Just enter your email address below to get started.

Thank you for signing up to the BikeRadar newsletter!

You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information about how we hold your personal data, please see our privacy policy.

Buyer’s guide to GPS cycling computers

GPS cycling computers are now packed with features that improve training as well as navigation. Matthew Loveridge / Immediate Media

In the past, cycling GPS devices were primarily for riders who wanted ‘pure’ navigation and trail guidance.

However, their usage has changed greatly and these devices now combine navigation, regular bike computer functions, connectivity to devices such as heart rate monitors and power meters, and lots else into one unit. The GPS is now just as much a dedicated training tool and ride tracker as it once was a navigation unit.

GPS bike computers are now also hitting price points that rival basic bike computers. Using GPS technology to provide speed and distance information means it’s no longer necessary to use wheel-mounted magnets and sensors, so switching the computer between bikes has never been easier.

The cycling GPS market is dominated by similar brands to the automotive GPS industry. Garmin is the key player, but brands such as Wahoo, Polar, Bryton, Suunto, Lezyne and CatEye also offer GPS-equipped options.

What to consider when buying a GPS device for cycling

Navigation or tracking?

Navigation and mapping is useful for riding near home and bikepacking. Joseph Branston / Immediate Media

Perhaps the biggest question when choosing a GPS unit is deciding whether you want it to guide you on a ride via maps and navigation, or if you simply want it to track your ride and give you the data to look back at after your ride.

Generally speaking, navigational GPS units will cost more because they feature built-in maps, additional storage, navigation software and often a much larger screen to make use of all of this information.

Devices that offer mapping and directional guidance have come a long way. GPS accuracy has greatly improved, guiding you to within one or two metres of a desired location.

Far more tracking GPS units are sold than those that include navigational aids. For most riders, all they want is live ride data with the option to undertake detailed analysis after a ride.

However, they don’t offer nearly as detailed navigational information, and often only offer ‘breadcrumb’ navigation, which overlays a simple line over a blank screen for you to follow.

Connectivity

Mobile phone connectivity is desirable for a number of reasons. The likes of the Garmin and Wahoo offer Bluetooth and ANT connectivity and share information with compatible phones.

Many bike computers now include a giddy array of features when linked up to phones and other sensors, including incoming call and text alerts, tracking which allows your riding buddies or family at home to see your location in real-time, and even which gear you are in with electronic drivetrains.

Bluetooth and ANT cycling computers will link up to external sensors so you can pair them with devices such as heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, speed or power meters, and more. This unlocks a whole host of possibilities and can help you step your training up a notch.

Most high-end cycling computers will also neatly integrate with third-party cycling apps such as Strava, TrainingPeaks and Komoot.

Some will also link with Wi-Fi for automatic uploads, avoiding any need to upload your ride via Bluetooth once you get home.

Cycling computer training functions

The main and most familiar way cycling computers can aid training is by linking up to a power meter or heart rate monitor, providing live data about your power output or heart rate during your ride.

There are benefits and disadvantages to both and many things to consider when deciding whether heart rate or power training is best for you.

Beyond simply providing live readouts for auxiliary devices, some cycling computer brands claim their computers can use this data to establish VO2 max and FTP (Functional Threshold Power), as well as provide insight into needed recovery time and training load.

Various bike computers now come with the option to load workouts and training plans directly onto the computer, making structured training an easier affair.

These plans are either available through brand-specific software (Garmin Connect for Garmin computers, for example) or in some instances through apps such as TrainerRoad and TrainingPeaks.

Some other features available on cycling computers are framed as training tools but are also useful and enjoyable for cyclists who are just out riding for the fun of it. These include alerts signalling how much longer a climb is and live Strava segments introducing some friendly competition against others or your own personal bests.

How does a cycling computer mount to the bike?

Out-front mounts are a popular choice, especially with performance-orientated cyclists. Simon Bromley / Immediate Media

A key factor, but one that’s easily overlooked, is how the device attaches to the bike.

Most GPS units attach to either the handlebar or the stem of the bike. Generally speaking, the more common the brand, the more available mounting options there will be.

Garmin is the leader in this area, with scores of aftermarket mount options allowing you to decide exactly how and where the device sits on your handlebar or stem.

Gamin and Wahoo use mounts that rely on a quarter-turn twist-lock to hold the computer in place. The 90-degree turn makes it easy to fit your computer but also easy to remove when popping into a shop or cafe.

Out-front mounts are a popular choice because they put the computer in front of the bar, making it easier to look at while moving. These mounts also make the cycling computer flush with the bar, giving a cleaner look for the more aesthetically minded.

Screen size and display type

The new version of the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has switched from greyscale to a colour display. Jack Luke / Immediate Media

As a general rule, the larger the screen size, the easier the information will be to read. You’ll also be able to show more information on the screen without having to scroll to another page.

Of course, the downside is that larger units can be cumbersome, crowd your handlebar, and add extra heft – offending the more weight-conscious riders among us.

For performance and general riding, the Garmin Edge 820’s 2.3in (5.84cm) screen has become something of a benchmark. Most newer devices are this size or larger. For those looking for a truly diminutive option, the Garmin Edge 130 Plus would be our first recommendation.

Screen size and resolution are a bigger concern if you want to use a cycling computer for routes and navigation. Here, being able to see waypoints and your desired route is crucial, so a screen size of 2.5in (6.35 cm) or larger is advisable.

Colour displays are becoming the norm, which makes for easy reading, especially with detailed maps.

Some cycling computers still use a greyscale screen, because these can be more readable in bright light, but if Wahoo’s latest Elemnt Bolt is anything to go by this might become less and less common.

Touchscreens are becoming a standard on newer devices too because they help simplify toggling menus and selecting desired data.

Mapping

Early GPS cycling computers offered turn-by-turn navigation via a snail trail (also known as a breadcrumb trail).

Snail trails didn’t really give enough information because they were simply displayed as a single line over a blank screen with no landmarks or surrounding roads detailed, but you could get a fairly good sense of where you were going and were often notified if you drifted off course.

Now, many cycling computers are pre-loaded with in-depth maps that are similar to topographic maps detailing roads, landscape, features, waypoints and any amenities. This is particularly useful for bikepacking but is great even if you’re cycling somewhere unfamiliar on holiday or close to home.

Maps often only cover certain territories. For instance, in the UK, the Garmin 1030 Plus comes pre-loaded with maps for Europe and North America, but you will have to download maps for other regions.

Plenty of computers allow you to sync courses from route-building apps such as Ride With GPS or Komoot, and in some cases let you drop a pin on the computer’s map and will automatically route you to that location.

Battery life

Are you looking to complete long rides, multi-day adventures, or simply want to go out and not worry about having to recharge your device between training sessions?

If any of these sound familiar, it is probably worth seeking out a cycling computer with decent battery life. Many computers will have a claimed battery life of between 15 and 20 hours, but this is of course dependent on use.

External battery expanders can bump up the battery life of your cycling computer if you’re out for a particularly long time.

Alternatives to GPS cycling computers

The Fenix 7 has colour maps that show points of interest and are customisable. Simon von Bromley / Our Media

While this buyer’s guide is dedicated to GPS units, there are viable alternatives to GPS cycling computers in the form of GPS watches and smartphones.

GPS watches

Many of the best cycling watches will record your cycling data much like a GPS cycling computer. They have the added benefit of having built-in heart rate monitors but don’t have the same mapping and navigation capabilities as many cycling GPS computers.

If you do more than cycling – for instance running, swimming or indeed triathlon – GPS watches are a good choice for their versatility. But a major downside to these devices is the smaller screen size, so if you’re planning to keep the device on your bike, you’re better off with a cycling-specific unit.

Smartphones

Smartphones are ideal if you’re looking for a way of navigating around town and don’t want to invest in a dedicated cycling device, or simply dip a toe in the world of GPS navigation and ride recording.

Smartphones can be used with apps such as Strava and might prove just as useful as a cycling computer for casual riding.

There are many smartphone handlebar mounts and cases available to keep your phone safe and secure while riding, but they are likely to be less waterproof than cycling-specific computers. That said, keeping the phone in your or pack remains an option for data collection.

• Whatsapp
• Reddit
• Email to a friend

Best bike computers 2023 | Top GPS devices ridden and rated

These are the best GPS bike computers for 2023, based on real-world use by our expert team of road and mountain bike testers.

GPS bike computers enable you to measure your performance, log rides on apps such as Strava and navigate. The majority provide turn-by-turn guidance. Garmin dominates the market, with units ranging from the diminutive Edge 130 Plus to the smartphone-sized Edge 1030 Plus. Wahoo is not far behind, while brands including Sigma and Hammerhead are giving the GPS giants a run for their money with useful features and sharp pricing.

Here is our selection of the best GPS cycling computers. Keep reading for our buyer’s guide to cycling computers.

Best cycling computers 2023 as reviewed by our expert testers

Garmin Edge 1040 Solar

• Navigation: Full colour with turn-by-turn routing and Rapid rerouting
• Training data: A huge number of training metrics including training status and load, VO2 Max and recovery time
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
• Compatibility: ANT, Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, Garmin Varia
• Size: 59×118×20mm
• Screen: 3.5in / 89mm colour touchscreen, 282×470 pixels
• Price: Solar: £629.99 / 749.99 / €749.99 / AU1299.99 as tested (Non-solar: £519.99 / 599.99 / €599.99 / AU999.99)

Garmin’s latest top-end computer has a neat trick – there’s a solar glass screen that can extend your runtime up to an industry-leading claimed 45 hours. We regularly gained 10 minutes per hour of extra charge on summer rides. There’s a non-solar option as well, which costs less.

Size-wise, it’s a large device, a tiny bit larger than the Edge 1030 Plus, but it’s got 64GB of memory, so it can store twice as much data. The Edge 1040 is much more of a training aid than just a ride recorder, so it gives you your training status, recovery time and more. It’s highly configurable and records loads of training stats.

It links automatically into the best-in-class Garmin Connect training infrastructure, giving you route planning using Garmin’s heatmaps from its rider community and lots of post-ride analysis options that others make you pay for. Garmin Connect also enables you to integrate data from Garmin smartwatches, to give you 24/7 fitness and training status analysis.

Latest deals

Hammerhead Karoo 2

• Navigation: Fast rerouting even over complex route networks, on the fly climb profiles
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for non-Di2 electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, navigation, performance monitoring and more
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C
• Compatibility: ANT, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, Garmin Varia (but not Shimano Di2)
• Size: 61×101×19mm
• Screen: 3.2in / 81mm colour touchscreen, 480×800 pixels
• Price: £359 / 399 / €399 / AU639 as tested

The Hammerhead Karoo 2 does things a bit differently from other cycling computers. It’s based on an Android operating system, which gives you fast screen response and Android-style fields and gestures. The resolution of the sharp colour touchscreen is also much greater than competitors.

The Karoo 2 is currently the only cycling computer that gives you climb profiles on the fly as you ride, so there’s no need to pre-plan a route to display gradient and distance to the top.

The phone app just passes data back and forward to the Karoo 2 without any user interface and the web app has limited functionality, although it does let you plan or import a route and keeps a record of your rides, routes and workouts. Instead, Hammerhead interfaces to third-party software such as Strava or TrainingPeaks for any more detailed post-ride analysis.

With a high-end processor and screen to run, the Karoo 2’s battery life isn’t great at around eight hours though.

Latest deals

Sigma ROX 11.1 Evo

• Navigation: Limited to a breadcrumb trail, but it does sync with Komoot
• Training data: Over 150 functions
• Connectivity: BLE, ANT
• Compatibility: Heart rate, cadence, electronic shifting, power meter, Smart trainer
• Size: 46.8×66.1×20.8 mm
• Screen dimensions: 1.77in, 128×160
• Price: £249.99 as tested

Sigma may not be as well-known as the likes of Wahoo and Garmin, but its ROX 11.1 Evo is an excellent bike computer, combining a user-friendly interface with riding and training data.

The unit has a 1.77in display, which is smaller than many other bike computers, but this means it sits unobtrusively on your handlebar.

The computer has over 150 operations, including an emergency crash notification feature, and you can save up to 20 profiles to display different information, making it great if you ride across cycling disciplines.

When it comes to mapping, you can upload routes from Komoot in the computer’s smartphone app.

The display only shows a breadcrumb trail, which is fine for road and gravel rides, but not so great for mountain biking.

If simplicity is what you’re after, the ROX 11.1 Evo is a good bet.

Latest deals

Bryton Rider 420T

The Bryton Rider 420T is a competitively priced cycling computer with 77 functions. David Caudery / Immediate Media

• Navigation: No mapping capabilities but can be used with a GPX file for turn-by-turn navigation
• Training data: Speed, distance, heart rate, riding time, power (with a power meter), gradient, altitude, metres climbed, cadence, calories burned and more
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, BLE, USB
• Compatibility: ANT and Bluetooth, heart rate, cadence, speed, power meter and Smart trainer, Shimano Di2, SRAM, eTap, Campagnolo EPS
• Size: 49.9×83.9×16.9mm
• Screen: 58.4mm diagonal (2.3in), 128×160 pixels, grayscale mono LCD
• Price: £190 / 230 / AU340 as tested

The Bryton 420T is a competitively priced cycling computer that comes with a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor included. The computer is also available as a standalone 420E head unit (£104.99).

The cycling computer has an impressive 77 functions, including everything you need for training, such as heart rate and power readings, which it can present as averages and maximums.

The 420T does not have mapping, making it more of a training tool than a computer that will help you explore your surroundings. You can load a GPX to the 420T for basic turn-by-turn navigation.

A claimed 35-hour battery life after a four-hour charge sets the Bryton 420T apart from the competition.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge 530

The Edge 530 is a hugely capable GPS computer in a relatively small package. Matthew Loveridge / Immediate Media

• Navigation: Good, aimed primarily at following courses created in advance, with excellent turn-by-turn instructions and hazard warnings. Non-touchscreen means browsing map is mostly a waste of time
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, navigation, performance monitoring and more
• Connectivity: Micro-USB, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi
• Compatibility: ANT and ANT shifting, power meter and bike trainer, Shimano Di2, Vector power meter, Garmin Varia and Virb
• Size: 85(L)×51(W)×16mm(D, 20mm total including protruding mount)
• Screen: 38×51mm (2.6in diagonal), 246×322 pixel colour screen (non-touchscreen)
• Price: £259.99 / 299.99 / AU499 as tested

The Edge 530 is a hugely capable GPS computer packed with features aimed at serious enthusiast cyclists who want to track their training.

Externally almost identical, the Edge 530 shares almost all of its features with the more expensive Edge 830, but uses external buttons rather than a touchscreen.

As a result, navigating menus and setting up ride profiles can be time-consuming and fiddly, but once you’ve got those sorted it’s very easy to live with.

Navigating pre-planned courses is straightforward and the colour display is crisp and easy to read. With added sensors (available separately or as a bundle with the device), the Edge 530 offers a wealth of performance-tracking data.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge 830

• Navigation: Good, maps and navigation features are easy to understand and it’s relatively simple to program routes. On-device route calculation isn’t great, though
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, navigation, performance monitoring and more
• Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi
• Compatibility: ANT and ANT shifting, power meter and bike trainer, Shimano Di2, Vector power meter, Garmin Varia and Virb
• Size: 48×74.5mm
• Screen: 50×82mm, 246×322 pixels, colour touchscreen
• Price: £349.99 / €399.99 / 399.99 / AU599 as tested

With an impressive array of interesting and useful – if a little clunky at times – features, the Edge 830 is a true class-leading GPS that offers plenty of useful functions above and beyond its competition.

The maps and navigation features are easy to understand and it’s relatively simple to program in routes. On-device route calculation isn’t great, though, and it certainly didn’t live up to Garmin’s claims of riding like a local.

The on-device data and displays are fantastically simple to read when you’re on the move, but it’s certainly worth investing in the additional sensors if you don’t already own compatible ones.

Overall, the Edge 830 has a fantastically diverse feature-set that makes it one of the most comprehensive training and navigating devices money can buy.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has all the trimmings, with a price tag to match. Jack Luke / Immediate Media

• Navigation: Best in class with a faster processor for quick route recalculation
• Training data: A bewildering number of training metrics that can be customised to your heart’s content
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
• Compatibility: ANT, Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Campagnolo EPS, Garmin Varia
• Size: 58×114×19mm
• Screen: 3.5in / 89mm colour touchscreen, 282×470 pixels
• Price: £519.99 / 599.99 / €599.99 / AU999 as tested

The Edge 1030 Plus gives you every single feature you could ever want in a bike computer with the same format, but an updated processor and an improved touchscreen over the now-discontinued Garmin Edge 1030 (although you can still buy this computer if you search around).

Battery life has also grown to 24 hours, though this can be extended to an enormous 48 hours if you run the computer in a stripped-down mode. It’s compatible with Garmin’s Charge power pack and Edge Power Mount if you want even more recording duration.

The SD card slot has been removed, but internal storage has grown to 32GB. The Trailforks trail database is also installed as standard on the unit.

Latest deals

Garmin Edge Explore 2

The Garmin Edge Explore 2 gives you a summary screen at the end of your ride. Warren Rossiter / Our Media

• Navigation: Clear screen with detailed maps, efficient rerouting, climb profiles, heatmaps and high-traffic indicator
• Training data: Live power and heart rate from connected devices, recovery time. Omits the more detailed training data found on other Edge units
• Connectivity: ANT, Bluetooth, USB-C
• Compatibility: ANT, Garmin Varia
• Size: 106×56×21mm, 104g
• Screen: 3in / 76mm colour touchscreen, 240×400 pixels
• Price: £250 / 300 / €300 / AU500 as tested

The Edge Explore 2 majors on navigation functionality and strips out most of the training tools offered by Garmin’s higher-priced computers. Its colour touchscreen is bright, with a size midway between the Edge 830 and the Edge 1040. Battery life is around 16 hours.

It’s easy to search for a location and the Edge Explore 2 will use heatmaps to direct you via the most cycled routes. You can overlay maps with a high-traffic indicator based on data from a linked phone, which can also provide weather information. Rerouting is efficient if you go off course.

There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, but rides can be uploaded to Garmin Connect and through to Strava via Bluetooth and your smartphone. You can use the Edge Explore 2 to control a Smart trainer.

This is a good option if you want the cycling computer essentials and don’t need the full suite of training data.

Latest deals

Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS

The Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS computer offers good functionality at a great price. Immediate Media

• Navigation: Good, with turn-by-turn directions and GPS Ally on-the-fly destination finding
• Training data: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gears (for electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, sunset time, workout counters and more
• Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth
• Compatibility: ANT, Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap
• Size: 42.9×67.8mm
• Screen: 31.7×40.1mm, black/white
• Price: £130 / 150 / AU220 as tested

The Enhanced Super GPS looks a little clunky compared to Lezyne’s ultra-sleek tools and pumps, but it generally works well. The 45-degree X-Lock mount is more secure than Garmin’s, and the wealth of data on offer is impressive.

You can have up to five pages with up to four fields on each, with seemingly every metric imaginable available. Turn-by-turn navigation, Strava Live Segments and incoming call/text notifications? Check, check and check.

Similar to the Elemnt Bolt, you can use the Lezyne app to find a destination and use the computer to navigate to it.

The Super GPS has now been superseded by newer models, but it remains widely available.

Latest deals

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has been updated with a colour screen and USB-C charging. Steve Sayers / Our Media

• Navigation: Colour screen is good for navigation but limited by screen size
• Training data: Over 170 functions
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, ANT
• Compatibility: Apple iOS, Android, wireless training sensors such as power meters
• Size: 47×77mm
• Screen: 55.9mm, 240×300 pixels
• Price: £264.99 / 279.99 / €279.99 / AU419.95 as tested

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2 has it all when it comes to user interface, with all of the set-up done via a Smart app.

It now offers a colour screen, Smart navigation, USB-C charging and improved battery life over the original Bolt.

It syncs seamlessly with most third-party apps and performs well on the bike and on the road, as well as on a Smart trainer.

If you’re looking for a GPS computer to track your performance with over 170 functions and an impressive 15-hour battery life all in a neat, minimalist package, then the Bolt V2 is for you.

You’ll be best off doing your planning before you set out on a ride. The mapping capabilities aren’t as good as on Hammerhead and Garmin computers, but the Bolt is more affordable.

Latest deals

Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2

• Navigation: Larger screen for improved mapping and navigation compared to Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
• Training data: Huge range of training data; easy to configure via Elemnt app and read on Roam’s display
• Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, ANT
• Compatibility: Apple iOS, Android, wireless training sensors such as power meters
• Size: 90mm x 60mm
• Screen: 68.6mm, 240×400 pixels
• Price: £349.99 / 399.99 / €399.99 / AU599.95 as tested

The Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 takes many of the features of the Elemnt Bolt but puts them in a larger package with a bigger screen for improved mapping and navigation capabilities.

Where’s the Bolt’s display measures 55.9mm (2.2in) diagonally, the Roam ups this to 68.6mm (2.7in). Both offer a 64-colour screen – used sparingly to highlight key training or map details – and USB-C charging.

Like all of Wahoo’s devices, there’s no touchscreen, with the computer operated via a series of buttons and setup coming via the Elemnt app. Configuration is very easy, though, as we’ve come to expect from Wahoo computers.

Screen resolution isn’t as sharp as the Hammerhead Karoo 2 but, as an easy-to-use device with excellent mapping and data options, this is a Smart all-round choice.

Latest deals

Want the latest cycling tech news, reviews and features direct to your inbox?

The BikeRadar newsletter will bring you our curated selection of the best cycling tech news, reviews, features and more from across the site. Just enter your email address below to get started.

Thank you for signing up to the BikeRadar newsletter!

You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information about how we hold your personal data, please see our privacy policy.

Buyer’s guide to GPS cycling computers

GPS cycling computers are now packed with features that improve training as well as navigation. Matthew Loveridge / Immediate Media

In the past, cycling GPS devices were primarily for riders who wanted ‘pure’ navigation and trail guidance.

However, their usage has changed greatly and these devices now combine navigation, regular bike computer functions, connectivity to devices such as heart rate monitors and power meters, and lots else into one unit. The GPS is now just as much a dedicated training tool and ride tracker as it once was a navigation unit.

GPS bike computers are now also hitting price points that rival basic bike computers. Using GPS technology to provide speed and distance information means it’s no longer necessary to use wheel-mounted magnets and sensors, so switching the computer between bikes has never been easier.

The cycling GPS market is dominated by similar brands to the automotive GPS industry. Garmin is the key player, but brands such as Wahoo, Polar, Bryton, Suunto, Lezyne and CatEye also offer GPS-equipped options.

What to consider when buying a GPS device for cycling

Navigation or tracking?

Navigation and mapping is useful for riding near home and bikepacking. Joseph Branston / Immediate Media

Perhaps the biggest question when choosing a GPS unit is deciding whether you want it to guide you on a ride via maps and navigation, or if you simply want it to track your ride and give you the data to look back at after your ride.

Generally speaking, navigational GPS units will cost more because they feature built-in maps, additional storage, navigation software and often a much larger screen to make use of all of this information.

Devices that offer mapping and directional guidance have come a long way. GPS accuracy has greatly improved, guiding you to within one or two metres of a desired location.

Far more tracking GPS units are sold than those that include navigational aids. For most riders, all they want is live ride data with the option to undertake detailed analysis after a ride.

However, they don’t offer nearly as detailed navigational information, and often only offer ‘breadcrumb’ navigation, which overlays a simple line over a blank screen for you to follow.

Connectivity

Mobile phone connectivity is desirable for a number of reasons. The likes of the Garmin and Wahoo offer Bluetooth and ANT connectivity and share information with compatible phones.

Many bike computers now include a giddy array of features when linked up to phones and other sensors, including incoming call and text alerts, tracking which allows your riding buddies or family at home to see your location in real-time, and even which gear you are in with electronic drivetrains.

Bluetooth and ANT cycling computers will link up to external sensors so you can pair them with devices such as heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, speed or power meters, and more. This unlocks a whole host of possibilities and can help you step your training up a notch.

Most high-end cycling computers will also neatly integrate with third-party cycling apps such as Strava, TrainingPeaks and Komoot.

Some will also link with Wi-Fi for automatic uploads, avoiding any need to upload your ride via Bluetooth once you get home.

Cycling computer training functions

The main and most familiar way cycling computers can aid training is by linking up to a power meter or heart rate monitor, providing live data about your power output or heart rate during your ride.

There are benefits and disadvantages to both and many things to consider when deciding whether heart rate or power training is best for you.

Beyond simply providing live readouts for auxiliary devices, some cycling computer brands claim their computers can use this data to establish VO2 max and FTP (Functional Threshold Power), as well as provide insight into needed recovery time and training load.

Various bike computers now come with the option to load workouts and training plans directly onto the computer, making structured training an easier affair.

These plans are either available through brand-specific software (Garmin Connect for Garmin computers, for example) or in some instances through apps such as TrainerRoad and TrainingPeaks.

Some other features available on cycling computers are framed as training tools but are also useful and enjoyable for cyclists who are just out riding for the fun of it. These include alerts signalling how much longer a climb is and live Strava segments introducing some friendly competition against others or your own personal bests.

How does a cycling computer mount to the bike?

Out-front mounts are a popular choice, especially with performance-orientated cyclists. Simon Bromley / Immediate Media

A key factor, but one that’s easily overlooked, is how the device attaches to the bike.

Most GPS units attach to either the handlebar or the stem of the bike. Generally speaking, the more common the brand, the more available mounting options there will be.

Garmin is the leader in this area, with scores of aftermarket mount options allowing you to decide exactly how and where the device sits on your handlebar or stem.

Gamin and Wahoo use mounts that rely on a quarter-turn twist-lock to hold the computer in place. The 90-degree turn makes it easy to fit your computer but also easy to remove when popping into a shop or cafe.

Out-front mounts are a popular choice because they put the computer in front of the bar, making it easier to look at while moving. These mounts also make the cycling computer flush with the bar, giving a cleaner look for the more aesthetically minded.

Screen size and display type

The new version of the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has switched from greyscale to a colour display. Jack Luke / Immediate Media

As a general rule, the larger the screen size, the easier the information will be to read. You’ll also be able to show more information on the screen without having to scroll to another page.

Of course, the downside is that larger units can be cumbersome, crowd your handlebar, and add extra heft – offending the more weight-conscious riders among us.

For performance and general riding, the Garmin Edge 820’s 2.3in (5.84cm) screen has become something of a benchmark. Most newer devices are this size or larger. For those looking for a truly diminutive option, the Garmin Edge 130 Plus would be our first recommendation.

Screen size and resolution are a bigger concern if you want to use a cycling computer for routes and navigation. Here, being able to see waypoints and your desired route is crucial, so a screen size of 2.5in (6.35 cm) or larger is advisable.

Colour displays are becoming the norm, which makes for easy reading, especially with detailed maps.

Some cycling computers still use a greyscale screen, because these can be more readable in bright light, but if Wahoo’s latest Elemnt Bolt is anything to go by this might become less and less common.

Touchscreens are becoming a standard on newer devices too because they help simplify toggling menus and selecting desired data.

Mapping

Early GPS cycling computers offered turn-by-turn navigation via a snail trail (also known as a breadcrumb trail).

Snail trails didn’t really give enough information because they were simply displayed as a single line over a blank screen with no landmarks or surrounding roads detailed, but you could get a fairly good sense of where you were going and were often notified if you drifted off course.

Now, many cycling computers are pre-loaded with in-depth maps that are similar to topographic maps detailing roads, landscape, features, waypoints and any amenities. This is particularly useful for bikepacking but is great even if you’re cycling somewhere unfamiliar on holiday or close to home.

Maps often only cover certain territories. For instance, in the UK, the Garmin 1030 Plus comes pre-loaded with maps for Europe and North America, but you will have to download maps for other regions.

Plenty of computers allow you to sync courses from route-building apps such as Ride With GPS or Komoot, and in some cases let you drop a pin on the computer’s map and will automatically route you to that location.

Battery life

Are you looking to complete long rides, multi-day adventures, or simply want to go out and not worry about having to recharge your device between training sessions?

If any of these sound familiar, it is probably worth seeking out a cycling computer with decent battery life. Many computers will have a claimed battery life of between 15 and 20 hours, but this is of course dependent on use.

External battery expanders can bump up the battery life of your cycling computer if you’re out for a particularly long time.

Alternatives to GPS cycling computers

The Fenix 7 has colour maps that show points of interest and are customisable. Simon von Bromley / Our Media

While this buyer’s guide is dedicated to GPS units, there are viable alternatives to GPS cycling computers in the form of GPS watches and smartphones.

GPS watches

Many of the best cycling watches will record your cycling data much like a GPS cycling computer. They have the added benefit of having built-in heart rate monitors but don’t have the same mapping and navigation capabilities as many cycling GPS computers.

If you do more than cycling – for instance running, swimming or indeed triathlon – GPS watches are a good choice for their versatility. But a major downside to these devices is the smaller screen size, so if you’re planning to keep the device on your bike, you’re better off with a cycling-specific unit.

Smartphones

Smartphones are ideal if you’re looking for a way of navigating around town and don’t want to invest in a dedicated cycling device, or simply dip a toe in the world of GPS navigation and ride recording.

Smartphones can be used with apps such as Strava and might prove just as useful as a cycling computer for casual riding.

There are many smartphone handlebar mounts and cases available to keep your phone safe and secure while riding, but they are likely to be less waterproof than cycling-specific computers. That said, keeping the phone in your or pack remains an option for data collection.

• Whatsapp
• Reddit
• Email to a friend

We break down the top sports watches on the market, including durable backcountry-focused designs, sleek multisport trackers, and elegant models for daily use

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us.

Despite their diminutive size, sports watches can really pack a punch. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrain—hands-free. Important for many users, they’re also capable of compiling a seemingly endless amount of data, including your distance, elevation, pace, cadence, heart rate, recovery time, and sleep quality (to name a few). Below we break down the best sports watches of 2023, including rugged and navigation-rich offerings for backcountry explorers, affordable entry-level models, and sleek options purpose-built for endurance athletes. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

Best All-Around Sports Watch

Garmin Forerunner 255 (350)

Weight: 1.7 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (30 hours in GPS mode)Diameters: 41, 45.6mmWhat we like: Hits a sweet spot of price and features, along with Garmin’s premium accuracy and ecosystem.What we don’t: Lacks the long battery life, titanium bezel, and topographic maps of the Coros Apex 2.

We get the question all the time: What sports watch should I buy? In our opinion, the best sports watch (for the majority of those who ask) isn’t the most expensive option, the one with the most features or activity modes, or even the watch that your favorite pro athlete wears. The best sports watch is the one with features you’ll use—not too few, not too many—in addition to an intuitive user interface, strong battery life, and accurate tracking. With this in mind, the Garmin Forerunner 255 is our top recommendation, with a Goldilocks design that hits a sweet spot for most runners, swimmers, bikers, hikers, nordic skiers, and more. And true to its versatile intentions, the 255 comes in two sizes (the 41-mm 255S and 46-mm version here), a variety of colorways, and with the option of music storage for an extra 50 (the Forerunner 255 Music).

With an update last year, Garmin took their Forerunner 200 series to the next level, tacking on notable additions like a barometric altimeter, triathlon activity mode, dual-frequency GNSS, and power meter support. The result is a full-fledged multisport watch that was impressive enough to oust the Coros Apex 2 from the top of our list. Comparing the two, the Forerunner 255 has slightly better accuracy (especially helpful in cities or areas with a lot of overhead coverage) and offers helpful daily features like GarminPay; on the other hand, the Apex 2 has a significantly longer battery life, a more durable titanium-alloy bezel and sapphire-glass screen, and includes on-screen topographic maps (the 255 only features simple breadcrumb navigation). In the end, we think the Forerunner is still the best fit for the everyday athlete looking for a sports watch, but the Apex 2 is still a better pick for those with serious backcountry intentions. Finally, it’s worth mentioning Garmin’s new Forerunner 265 (450), which adds a colorful AMOLED touchscreen display and a few more features that will appeal to data-hungry athletes, including Garmin’s Training Readiness score and Running Dynamics.See the Garmin Forerunner 255

Best Backcountry-Ready Sports Watch

Garmin Fenix 7 (700)

Weight: 2.8 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (57 hrs in GPS mode)Diameters: 42, 47, 51mmWhat we like: Durable construction and the best in mapping and navigation.What we don’t: Expensive, heavy, and overkill for casual users.

Garmin’s Fenix 7 undoubtedly is expensive, but it’s hands-down the best backcountry-ready sports watch collection on the market. With a number of variations (including three sizes and Solar and Sapphire models), the powerhouse line boasts top-notch build quality and durability, a crisp and easy-to-read screen, accurate tracking for a wide array of activities, and enough advanced metrics to satisfy even the most discerning athletes. Importantly, the Fenix 7 offers far and away the best available watch-based mapping: You get preloaded maps (including detailed contour lines, trails, and geographic place names) and extensive navigation tools for activities ranging from hiking and mountaineering to trail running and skiing. And the 7 now features a touchscreen (this was one of our only gripes with the 6 Pro), quite literally putting all of these features right at your fingertips.

The biggest downsides of the Fenix 7 are cost, complexity, and weight. have been increasing in general, but the 700 MSRP for the base 7 puts it out of reach for many people (the Solar version is 800, while the Sapphire Solar is 900). over, the tech is overkill for someone just looking for the basics like distance covered, elevation gain, and heart rate. Finally, even in the smallest “S” form, the Fenix is on the bulky and heavy side, and you will feel the extra heft during activities like running, mountain biking, and XC skiing. For a step down in features, we also really like the Coros Apex 2 (below)—and it’s still a top-performer for backcountry use, with incredible battery life, a plethora of activity modes, and decent maps and navigation (for just 349). But if you’re a backcountry adventurer looking for the best of the best, the Fenix is our top choice. Of note: Within this category, it’s also worth checking out the Garmin Epix, which offers a similar feature set with a high-end AMOLED screen.See the Garmin Fenix 7

Best Feature-Rich Multisport Watch

Garmin Forerunner 955 (500)

Weight: 1.8 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (42 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 46.5mmWhat we like: High-end sensors and features in a lightweight, sport-specific build.What we don’t: Only comes in one size; less durable than the Fenix.

Garmin’s Fenix 7 is hard to beat for backcountry exploration, but the Forerunner 955 is a top-notch sports watch for serious and data-hungry athletes who like to stick a little closer to home. You get a very similar feature set, including multi-Band GNSS support, a barometric altimeter and compass, optical heart rate monitor and pulse oximeter, music storage, and great navigation with preloaded topographic, road, and trail maps. But what stands out about the Forerunner is its size: While the 2.8-ounce Fenix can feel overly bulky for activities like running and swimming, the sleek 955 clocks in at only 1.8 ounces. It all adds up to a premium watch that’s purpose-built for triathletes, runners, cyclists, and others focused on traveling fast and light.

The Forerunner 955 gets our glowing recommendation for frontcountry use, but it’s certainly not as versatile as the Fenix. Durability falls short with less rugged materials (Garmin uses a lightweight polymer bezel rather than the Fenix’s steel or titanium) and a lower water rating (5 ATM vs. 10)—we’ve used our Forerunner a lot in the mountains and it’s riddled with scratches. What’s more, despite the stated numbers, the 955’s battery life doesn’t measure up to that of the Fenix or Coros Apex 2. But it’s nevertheless one of the most featured sports watches for activity-specific tracking, and you get considerably more capabilities than with the value-oriented Apex 2. Finally, the 955 also comes in a solar version for 100 more, and Garmin now makes the Forerunner 965 (600), which features a colorful AMOLED display and offers a few more frills, including built-in Running Dynamics.See the Garmin Forerunner 955

Best Budget Sports Watch

Coros Pace 2 (200)

Weight: 1.2 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (30 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 42mmWhat we like: A sleek multisport watch with great battery life for just 200.What we don’t: No-frills feature set and not intended for backcountry use.

Despite its diminutive size, it’s hard to overlook Coros’ budget-friendly Pace 2. This watch has a lot going for it for the price: It clocks in at just 1.1 ounce on our scale (with the nylon strap) and has such a low profile that we often forget we’re wearing it, which is a nice change of pace from a bulky and heavy model like the Fenix above. Battery life also is impressive (30 hrs in GPS mode and 20 days with regular use), and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more affordable watch with a built-in barometric altimeter and multi-GNSS support. And finally, with a firmware update in the spring of 2023, you can now upload tracks to the Pace and follow them via breadcrumb navigation—a truly unheard-of feature at this price point. All told, for budget shoppers or athletes who don’t need the best of the best, the Pace 2 delivers in spades.

All that said, it’s important to recognize the Pace 2’s limitations. Most significantly, Coros very intentionally designed this model for frontcountry activities like road running, biking, and pool swimming—it doesn’t even feature modes like hiking, skiing, and climbing. And its construction follows suit: the plastic build won’t hold up to major impacts (nor is it a very stylish option for everyday wear), and the small digital dial is difficult to use with gloves on. Water resistance is also average at just 5 ATM, and unlike many offerings, you don’t get music capability. But we’ve found the Pace 2’s GPS tracking, mileage, and elevation to be fairly consistent with high-end Garmin watches, which is flat-out impressive given the price. If you don’t mind the no-frills design, Coros’ entry-level Pace is a reliable and affordable companion for daily workouts.See the Coros Pace 2

Best Sports Watch with Everyday Appeal

Garmin vívoactive 4 (300)

Weight: 1.8 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (18 hrs in GPS mode)Diameters: 40, 45mmWhat we like: Great styling and feature set for everyday use.What we don’t: Not as accurate as more performance-oriented models and average battery life.

Sports watches are designed to look good during a workout, but they don’t always make the cut for wearing to work. Most users will find that models like the Garmin Fenix 7 above and Instinct 2 below are simply too bulky for everyday use, and sleek options from Coros are fairly limited when it comes to convenient extras like contactless pay, music, and health monitoring. The Garmin vívoactive 4 listed here strikes an excellent middle ground, with an elegant exterior and two sizes to choose from (the 40-mm vívoactive 4S and the 45-mm version linked here), in addition to a very capable set of features, including multi-GNSS support, a compass and barometric altimeter, 15 sport modes (but no triathlon setting), and Garmin’s most sought-after Smart features.

However, despite being similar under the hood to some of the best performance watches here, the vívoactive’s software falls short. During our testing, its accuracy faltered while tracking steeper trail runs, and we’ve found the distance and elevation data to be less consistent even than the cheaper Pace 2 above. Further, we simply don’t love a touchscreen for outdoor use (it can be tedious to use in rain and snow), and the vívoactive’s battery life isn’t a standout. But the Garmin is stylish and comfortable enough for daily wear (even in professional settings) and, true to its casual intentions, includes a host of on-screen workouts including yoga, pilates, and mindful breathing sessions. In the same category, it’s also worth checking out Garmin’s Venu 2 Plus (450), which features a bright AMOLED display (similar to that of the Apple Watch), additional music storage and activity profiles, and a more modern interface.See the Garmin vívoactive 4

Best Solar-Powered Sports Watch

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (350)

Weight: 1.9 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion and solar (48 hrs in GPS mode)Diameters: 40, 45, 50mmWhat we like: Modern features combined with a rugged build and long battery life.What we don’t: Small monochrome screen; no maps/navigation or music storage.

With a rugged aesthetic and bare-bones black-and-white display, the Instinct Solar has long been considered Garmin’s function-first watch for the outdoor and tactical crowd. That is, until a recent update gave it a new lease on life, infusing the dated design with a solid group of modern features that bring it up to speed with many watches here. The main talking point is still the inclusion of solar charging: In sunny conditions, the Instinct 2 Solar runs for up to 48 hours in GPS mode (surpassing most models by over 10 hours) and has virtually unlimited power in smartwatch or expedition GPS modes—assuming it sees three hours of sun a day. Only the Garmin Enduro (not listed here) has more impressive battery specs, but it’ll cost you almost twice as much as the Instinct 2 Solar and lacks the rugged, backcountry-ready build.

As we touched on above, the second generation Instinct is an impressive update that tacks a host of multisport and everyday features onto the outgoing design, including activity profiles, power meter support, and contactless pay. It’s not Garmin’s most premium or featured offering by any means (the Forerunner 955’s sleek build and music storage makes it a slightly better multisport option, while the Fenix offers full mapping capabilities for serious backcountry enthusiasts), but the chart-topping battery life and low price are hard to beat. If you have a tendency to lose charging cables or lack the discipline to consistently charge your watch (our Forerunner 945 needs a power boost at least once per week), the do-all Solar is hard to beat. Finally, the newest version comes in 40, 45, and 50-millimeter sizes (the 2S, 2, and 2X, respectively) and a variety of different colorways, making the watch accessible to a larger audience.See the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Best of the Rest

Coros Apex 2 (349)

Weight: 1.5 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (45 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 43mmWhat we like: Ridiculously good battery life, premium materials, and on-screen topographic maps for just 349.What we don’t: Not a great fit for cyclists; lacks some of Garmin’s modern touches.

In just a few years, Coros has gone from unknown entity to household name in the sports watch world. The Apex 2 is their leading mid-range model and packs in a surprising amount of features for the price, including touchscreen navigation, a titanium alloy bezel and sapphire glass screen, multi-GNSS support, eight different sensors (including a pulse oximeter), and music storage. The interface has a clear prioritization of sport-specific tracking (you get over 25 modes ranging from XC skiing to triathlon) that pairs seamlessly with a smartphone app, and the color display is easy to navigate with just two buttons and one dial. Most notably, battery life is best-in-class—our Apex 2 consistently outlasts our Garmin Forerunner 945 by a sizable margin. And although the watch only comes in one size, it hits a sweet spot at 43 millimeters and has been a great fit for both our male and female testers.

When friends ask us what sports watch to buy, we generally waver between recommending the Apex 2 and the Forerunner 255 above. The Forerunner wins out for most, but the Coros is the better watch for adventure-minded folks who will appreciate its longer battery life, topographic maps, glove-friendly operation, and more durable—and premium—materials. Keep in mind that the Apex doesn’t include modern frills like live tracking, contactless payment, or music streaming, and is definitely not the best choice for cyclists—it’s not compatible with ANT sensors, lacks a mountain bike activity mode, and has a clear prioritization of running metrics. And we just can’t get behind the velcro watch Band, which proudly reads #exploreperfection (you can purchase a silicone Band for an extra 29). But if you need a long-lasting and durable watch for your mountain escapades, the Apex 2 is a very worthy option and a full 350 less than the Fenix 7 above. For a step up, Coros also offers the Apex 2 Pro (449), which includes a larger display, longer battery life, and dual-frequency GPS for better location accuracy. See the Coros Apex 2

Suunto 9 Peak Pro (549)

Weight: 2.3 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (40 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 43mmWhat we like: Compatibility with a wide range of sensors; sleek design is great for everyday use.What we don’t: No multi-Band GNSS support or music storage.

Suunto has a reputation for reliable products and accurate tracking, but their watches have fallen short of late in terms of modern touches like Smart features and convenient app support. The 9 Peak Pro all but brings the Finnish company up to speed, with bluetooth connectivity for a range of sensors, third party app support, Strava Live Segments integration (allowing you to race against your PR and the KOM), and a faster and more intuitive user interface. It also features Suunto’s innovative Snap to Route setting, customizable data screens, and a built-in running power meter, which has become a popular feature in watches of late. And with a slim profile and sleek stainless steel frame (a titanium version is also available), the 9 Peak Pro is easily one of the best-looking sports watches here—we have no qualms wearing it as our daily driver.

But despite the Pro version’s improvements over the standard 9 Peak design, it still lags behind premium watches from both Garmin and Coros. Unlike most models that were released last year, the 9 Peak Pro does not feature multi-Band GNSS, translating to less overall tracking accuracy, especially when traveling around tall buildings or trees. What’s more, the 9 Peak Pro still does not accommodate music storage (you can, however, use the watch to control your phone’s media), and the screen feels dimmer than most sports watches we’ve tested. But if you’re partial to Suunto and like the idea of integrating your watch with a variety of different sensors and apps, this is undeniably their best offering to date. It’s also worth noting that Suunto still makes the 9 Peak (419), but it’s a fairly large step down from the Pro in terms of battery life, user interface, GPS accuracy, battery life, and more.See the Suunto 9 Peak Pro

Polar Grit X (430)

Weight: 2.3 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (40 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 47mmWhat we like: Durable build, large assortment of multisport settings, and super accurate HR monitor.What we don’t: Firmware needs fine-tuning and battery life is middling for daily use.

Polar might not be a household name like Garmin or Suunto, but their sports watches hold their own in a competitive market. The Grit X here is their most premium multisport offering, designed as a rugged alternative to their Vantage V2 and landing in between the Fenix 7 and Apex 2 above in terms of features, accuracy, and price. With a stainless steel bezel, Gorilla Glass touchscreen, and fairly streamlined build, the Grit X is durable yet sleek, and you get great tracking with multi-GNSS support and a plethora of multisport settings. Heart rate accuracy is top-notch and on par with most chest straps, sleep tracking and training stats are reliable, and Polar offers a running power metric that is best-in-class. Finally, the Polar Flow app is intuitive and can be viewed both on a phone and via a desktop computer.

Despite all of its strengths, however, the Polar Grit X simply isn’t as fine-tuned as other models here. While battery life in GPS mode is fairly standard (note: you’ll have to pause your tracking to view it), the Grit X lacks power-saving features and must be charged every few days even when used without GPS (by contrast, our Coros Apex 2 can last weeks). Further, the Grit X disconnects from your phone during an activity (read: no text alerts) and makes it impossible to access the compass function unless you’re actively tracking. Finally, the navigation tools are extremely basic, and you don’t get added Smart features like music support or contactless pay. But for endurance athletes looking for a hardwearing watch with a top-of-the-line wrist-based HR monitor, the Grit X is nevertheless a great offering at a reasonable price. It’s also worth checking out Polar’s new frontcountry-oriented Pacer Pro, which, for 100 less, offers most of the same features in a sleeker design.See the Polar Grit X

10. Apple Watch Ultra (799)

Weight: 2.2 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (up to 36 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 44mmWhat we like: A serious sports watch with the added bonus of Apple’s seamless UI and app support.What we don’t: No navigational features; relies heavily on the touchscreen (not ideal for inclement weather).

For years, the Apple Watch sat on the fringes of the sports-watch world, offering just enough features to appease Apple devotees but never enough to warrant attention from the wider fitness community. Until the Ultra. With the release of the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple has made a solid entry onto the scene with a GPS-equipped sports watch that can hold court with premium designs from Garmin, Coros, and Suunto. Unlike previous models, battery life is now up to speed—Apple claims the Ultra will last for the length of an average Ironman—and updated activity profiles display all the advanced metrics an athlete might desire. Rounding out its new outdoor FOCUS, the Ultra also features a unique emergency siren for help in search-and-rescue scenarios. Tack on essentials like reliable multi-GNSS support, barometric altimeter, and water resistance to 100 meters, and Apple’s newest watch is definitely worthy of attention.

We’re big fans of the Apple Watch Ultra for athletes who log most of their miles in the frontcountry, and its user interface and health tracking platforms are a solid cut above the rest. But the Ultra still falls short for backcountry use: The watch features nothing in the way of navigational features, and—despite the addition of the “Action” button and a larger rotating crown for use with gloves—relies heavily on the touchscreen, which will be a big hangup for those who regularly get out in precip or cold conditions. But for a daily training tool with a class-leading user experience, it doesn’t get much better. If you want to cut costs in half, it’s also worth noting that the Apple Watch 8 (399) features the same updated software that make the Ultra a reliable training companion, but notably lacks the Ultra’s longer battery life, emergency siren, and glove-friendly buttons.See the Apple Watch Ultra

Garmin Forerunner 55 (200)

Weight: 1.3 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (20 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 42mmWhat we like: A simple and affordable watch with all the benefits of the Garmin ecosystem.What we don’t: No barometric altimeter or compass and low-resolution display.

We could wax poetic about anaerobic thresholds, wrist-based fitness coaches, and unlimited battery life, but let’s face it: most of us use our watches to track daily workouts and not much else. If you’re new to fitness tracking or aren’t necessarily tech-savvy, you can save a lot of money by opting for a simplified design, and the good news is that these models are easier to use too. Along with the Coros Pace 2 above, Garmin’s Forerunner 55 is one of our favorite basic sports watches, with an eye-catching aesthetic, bluetooth connectivity that makes it easy to upload your workouts and get firmware updates, and access to Garmin’s top-notch ecosystem. And the 55 tacks a variety of features onto the older 45, including running track mode, women’s health tracking, Live Track PacePro, increased battery life, compatibility with Connect IQ, and more.

The Forerunner 55 is a close competitor to the aforementioned Pace 2 (including an identical price) but falls short in a few key areas. Most notably, the Coros features a barometric altimeter and compass (giving you real-time access to data like elevation gain/loss during an activity and better tracking in the mountains), longer battery life, a higher-resolution display, and the ability to upload.gpx tracks to follow during your activity. Despite these shortcomings, however, the Forerunner still has a lot going for it, and particularly for those that value a sleek user interface and top-notch app support, health monitoring (the Garmin has a better HR monitor and offers more accurate sleep tracking), and plan to stick to the lowlands. And if you want premium extras like a barometric altimeter, more durable Gorilla Glass screen, and compatibility with external sensors like footpods and heart rate monitors, you can bump up to the Forerunner 255 for 150 more.See the Garmin Forerunner 55

Coros Vertix 2 (700)

Weight: 3.1 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (140 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 50.3mmWhat we like: Incredibly durable; great at altitude and in extreme temperatures.What we don’t: Falls well short of the Garmin Fenix 7.

With a steep price tag and rugged, mountain-ready build, it doesn’t take more than a quick glance to see that the Coros Vertix 2 goes head-to-head with our top-ranked Garmin Fenix 7. This is Coros’ premium offering, equipped with all the sensors we look for in a high-end watch (including a barometric altimeter and pulse oximeter), a battery life of 140 hours in GPS mode (the Garmin’s is 40), and great performance in extreme temperatures and at altitude—including SpO2 alerts that help you monitor your blood oxygen levels. To add to its already-impressive durability, the Vertix 2 comes in a Pelican-style hard case, and the rest of the design follows suit with a sapphire glass screen and a titanium bezel and cover. Coros even added a touchscreen, which is especially helpful when using mapping and navigation features. Plus, the large dials are a breeze to operate with gloves on.

Coros’ update to the Vertix 2 included a price increase and a number of noteworthy additions. You now get music and preloaded maps (two key features the first iteration lacked), but these improvements have their caveats. To start, Coros does not include location names on their maps, and you don’t get turn alerts or turn-by-turn navigation. Second, the watch does not offer Spotify, Apple, or Pandora support, making the music feature a bit clunky. Finally, for those who use ANT sensors, it’s important to note that the “2” is not compatible (it supports bluetooth accessories only). The Vertix 2 certainly is a nice choice for Coros devotees looking for a rugged watch to take into extreme environments, but the Fenix 7 is the better all-around design, especially if you plan to use music and mapping functions (not to mention, the Garmin is offered in three sizes in addition to a few solar-powered variations, while the Coros comes in just one model and size). See the Coros Vertix

Suunto 5 Peak (199)

Weight: 1.4 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion (20 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 43mmWhat we like: A well-rounded and reliable watch at an affordable price point.What we don’t: Entry-level models from Coros and Garmin have a bit more to offer.

The 5 Peak is Suunto’s entry-level sports watch, featuring breadcrumb navigation, heart rate monitoring and training metrics, and more than 80 activity modes, along with a sleek exterior. than most watches here, the 5 Peak toes the line for both outdoor and training use: The rugged stainless steel bezel, long battery life, and decent navigation features are great for backcountry exploration, and you get solid data collection capabilities for activities like running, cycling, and swimming. At 200, it checks in at the same price as similar designs like the Coros Pace 2 and Garmin Forerunner 55, but keep in mind the 5 Peak does lack a competitive battery life and sensor set (including a barometric altimeter and pulse oximeter).

If you’re considering a Suunto watch for fitness tracking, your decision will likely come down to the 5 Peak and the higher-end 9 Peak. Priced at 419, the 9 Peak offers a huge boost in features, including a touchscreen display, pulse oximeter, greater position accuracy via a barometric altimeter and compass, and longer battery life. It also has an innovative Snap to Route setting, which keeps your track aligned to preloaded routes (tracks can jump around with a bad signal) and is especially helpful when you need highly accurate speed and distance data for activities like road races. But the 5 Peak will save you a considerable amount of cash, and its feature set is all most athletes need. That said, the entry-level pieces from Coros and Garmin have a lot more to offer.See the Suunto 5 Peak

Casio G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 HR GPS (399)

Weight: 2.2 oz.Battery: Lithium-ion and solar (16 hrs in GPS mode)Diameter: 60mmWhat we like: Hard to kill.What we don’t: Outdated, heavy, and more expensive than modern options with similar tech.

This list simply wouldn’t be complete without a Casio watch. Known for touting function over fashion, solar-powered batteries, and bulky-yet-tough constructions, Casio is a standard bearer in outdoor watches and has been slowly making the transition into the modern GPS market. Most of their designs still look and feel pretty dated, but the G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 here is fairly competitive with the options above. The watch has great bones with GPS support and six additional sensors, including an HR monitor, barometric altimeter and compass, gyroscope, thermometer, and accelerometer. And importantly, it integrates with Casio’s app to make all this data more digestible.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to opt for the Casio over other watches here is the rugged and shock-resistant case, which you’ll either love or hate. The G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 also features the most impressive water rating on our list (it can handle pressure up to a depth of 200m), which gives even more credence to its bombproof construction. And finally, with a built-in solar panel (a hallmark of Casio watches), it can last for weeks of non-GPS use without needing a charge. But in 2023, most of these features are fairly standard in outdoor watches, and we’re partial to more modern and sleek designs from brands like Garmin, Coros, Polar, and Suunto.See the Casio G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 HR GPS

Sports Watch Comparison Table

Watch Price Weight Battery Diameter(s) ABC Music Touch

Garmin Forerunner 255	350	1.7 oz.	30 hours	41, 45.6mm	Yes	No (available)	No
Garmin Fenix 7	700	2.8 oz.	57 hours	42, 47, 51mm	Yes	Yes (storage)	Yes
Garmin Forerunner 955	500	1.8 oz.	42 hours	46.5mm	Yes	Yes (storage)	Yes
Coros Pace 2	200	1.2 oz.	30 hours	42mm	Yes	No	No
Garmin vívoactive 4	300	1.8 oz.	18 hours	40, 45mm	Yes	Yes (storage)	Yes
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar	350	1.9 oz.	48 hours	40, 45, 50mm	Yes	Yes (control)	No
Coros Apex 2	349	1.5 oz.	45 hours	43mm	Yes	Yes (storage)	Yes
Suunto 9 Peak Pro	549	2.3 oz.	40 hours	43mm	Yes	Yes (control)	Yes
Polar Grit X	430	2.3 oz.	40 hours	47mm	Yes	No	Yes
Apple Watch Ultra	799	2.2 oz.	36 hours	44mm	Yes	Yes (storage)	Yes
Garmin Forerunner 55	200	1.3 oz.	20 hours	42mm	No	Yes (control)	No
Coros Vertix 2	700	3.1 oz.	140 hours	50.3mm	Yes	Yes (storage)	Yes
Suunto 5 Peak	199	1.4 oz.	20 hours	43mm	No	Yes (control)	No
Casio G-Shock Move GBDH2000	399	2.2 oz.	16 hours	60mm	Yes	No	No

Sports Watch Buying Advice

Sports Watch Features

Activity Tracking and Analysis One of the primary and most sought-after features of a sports watch is the ability to track and analyze your activities, whether you’re hiking, running, biking, swimming, skiing, and more. Within each mode, a watch will record your GPS track by collecting waypoints at a set interval (usually every second, or less in battery-saving modes), which translates into information such as distance, elevation, pace (current and elapsed), and cadence—and the list goes on. In most cases, you can view this information both during your activity (on your watch) or via an app on your phone once you’re finished.

As a general rule, entry-level watches like the Coros Pace 2 stick to the basics with fairly limited data points meant for sports like road running and cycling. Spending more gets you greater access to information for a wider range of activities (high-end designs like the Suunto 9 Peak Pro have over 80 sport modes, including paddleboarding, golfing, and indoor climbing). And interestingly, accuracy is pretty similar across the board. For example, the budget Coros Pace 2 is known to provide equally reliable GPS tracking data (like distance and pace) as a watch like the Garmin Fenix 7, which costs over three times as much.

Along with tracking activities, many athletes use their sports watch to collect body-related data to aid in training. A watch is a rather impressive tool in this regard—it’s able to synthesize data gathered by the optical heart rate monitor and pulse oximeter (usually only available in premium designs) and combine it with activity tracking stats to provide information such as training load, training effect, altitude acclimation, sleep quality, and more. These measurements will help you know how hard you worked, how much recovery time you need, and what to aim for during your next workout. Further, a good number of watches now feature training plans for a variety of sports, providing alerts and audio prompts based on your pace, heart rate, functional threshold power (biking), and more. The Garmin Fenix 7 even provides animated pilates, yoga, cardio, and strength workouts on its high-resolution screen. If you want to use your watch as a personal trainer, look for a high-end model that includes a pulse oximeter and prioritizes multisport features (Garmin watches excel here).

Maps and Navigation Many (but not all) of the watches here include some navigational features. Like a standard GPS device, these watches allow you to upload and follow.gpx tracks (also known as breadcrumb navigation), pinpoint your location on a preloaded map or track, record your route in order to retrace your steps, and even view your surroundings. With the most basic navigation, you’ll see a simple line with waypoint marker on an otherwise blank screen, while the most premium outdoor watches feature preloaded color topographic maps with detailed contour lines, geographic place names, and more. Models like the Garmin Forerunner 955 even include maps for over 2,000 ski resorts and 42,000 golf courses.

Most users will find their watches’ navigational features helpful for following a preset route or retracing their steps on a breadcrumb trail. Many watches use alerts to tell you when you’ve gotten off track (this is super helpful and limits how often you need to look at your watch), and you can also use the “back to start” feature to navigate back to your original starting point. advanced users will appreciate the detailed topographic mapping of premium watches, which provides helpful insights into the terrain, including expected elevation change if you’re off-trail or considering a different route. If you plan to use your watch for complex backcountry navigation (i.e., in lieu of a GPS device or smartphone with mapping app), we recommend looking for premium mapping tech like that on the Fenix 7 or Forerunner 955. If you commonly travel with another device or don’t intend to venture too far into the backcountry, you can get away with more basic navigational tools.

Weather Forecasting In the past, one of the primary features of an outdoor watch (often referred to as an altimeter watch) was its ability to predict weather through changes in air pressure. This capability is still present in most modern smartwatches and uses the same age-old technology of a barometric altimeter. The Coros Vertix 2, for example, provides a weather forecast based on the most recent six hours of air pressure and includes a storm alert feature when it senses a drastic change. In addition to air pressure, many watches are able to measure ambient air temperature (we find this feature works best when you remove the watch from your wrist) and can determine sunrise and sunset based on your GPS location. If you’re headed to the mountains and want a watch with weather forecasting capabilities, make sure you select one with a barometric altimeter (most models here—but not all—have this feature).

Health Monitoring With built-in heart rate monitors and pulse oximeters, modern sports watches are able to provide users with a wealth of health data. By combining data from your workouts with stats like heart rate (active and resting) and blood oxygen saturation, you can have access to some very in-depth information, including respiration rate, sleep quality, energy and stress levels, recovery time, and more. The most premium watches can even track your hydration and offer insights for women regarding their menstrual cycles. Your watch’s app is integral to its health monitoring ecosystem, with helpful alerts, extra data points, and detailed graphs that allow you to track your stats over a given time frame. Garmin and Apple are clear leaders in this department (the Apple Watch Ultra even includes an electrocardiogram), while Coros’ offerings fall notably short—their interface lacks the synthesis we see from more premium brands, sticking to the basics like exercise time, steps, heart rate, and VO2 max.

Smart Features Sports watches are essentially miniature computers, and most can connect to your smartphone via bluetooth. This capability allows you to treat your watch like a mini phone, receiving texts, rejecting and responding to phone calls with an automatic text, purchasing goods via contactless pay, accessing your calendar, and more. One of the most sought-after Smart features on a sports watch is the ability to play or control music: some watches can store songs (the Garmin Forerunner 955 fits up to 2,000) so you can work out without your phone, while others allow you to control music playing from your phone. Many of today’s watches also have the option for virtual coaching or preloaded workouts (including yoga, pilates, and more). High-end watches from Garmin (and of course Apple) tend to excel in Smart features, while entry-level models like the Coros Pace 2 feature only the bare minimum (no music or contactless pay, for example).

Clock Features Lest we forget, a sports watch does offer a host of clock features as well. In terms of telling time, sports watches are fairly advanced as they’re able to connect with satellites in real time: you get GPS time sync (helpful when you’re out of service), automatic adjustment for daylight saving time, and the ability to determine sunrise and sunset. You’ll also find common features such as a timer (many have interval timers), stopwatch, alarm clock, and more.

Sports Watch Sensors

GPS and Multi-GNSS Support Sports watches have undergone a massive evolution in the last decade or so, and the vast majority (and every model on our list) are now equipped with GPS. Built-in GPS allows a watch to determine your location at any moment in time, which has virtually endless applications in terms of activity tracking, navigation and mapping, data collection, and more. Whether you use your watch to log mileage and elevation gain, want to pinpoint your location on a map, or get from point A to point B, you’re putting GPS to work.

While every watch here connects to the United States’ 31 GPS satellites, many premium designs use additional networks as well, including Russia’s GLONASS, the European Union’s Galileo, and China’s BeiDou. The ability to connect to more satellites is often referred to as multi-GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) support and translates to better accuracy and availability. Most users can get away with standard GPS, but those traveling in remote areas or under heavy cover will appreciate the better connectivity of watches equipped with multi-GNSS.

It’s also worth mentioning multi-Band GNSS here (also known as dual-frequency GPS), as it’s become a staple of GPS technology in the past few years. Watches with multi-Band GNSS not only connect to multiple networks, but they are able to use two different frequencies to connect to each network. The result is a quicker connection and even greater position accuracy, especially in areas lacking a clear view of the sky (like tall buildings, canyons, or trees). We’ve found this video from Garmin to be particularly helpful in understanding multi-Band GNSS.

Barometric Altimeter and Compass The majority of sports watches also come with a built-in barometric altimeter and compass, commonly referred to as ABC (altimeter, barometer, and compass). The altimeter and barometer (working together, these are often referred to as the barometric altimeter) provide a measurement of air pressure, which is helpful both for predicting weather changes and providing accurate altitude information and ascent/descent data. A compass further aids in location accuracy and navigation and is especially helpful when you’re at rest or moving slowly (GPS struggles in these cases). Combined with GPS, a watch’s barometric altimeter and compass can piece together the most accurate data, and it’s something most performance-oriented users won’t want to go without—just make sure to calibrate these sensors every so often.

Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Monitor Most watches have an optical heart rate monitor, and a number of premium designs also include a pulse oximeter (also known as a blood oxygen sensor). Optical heart rate monitors measure the speed of your blood flow (i.e., your pulse) by shining a light through your skin and provide a wealth of data regarding resting heart rate, fatigue and recovery, aerobic versus anaerobic state, and more. A pulse oximeter sensor, on the other hand, looks at the color of your blood to measure its oxygen saturation (SpO2) as a percentage—a healthy number is about 95 to 100%—which can be helpful for those with health issues or athletes pushing their limits in terms of cardio or altitude.

You can expect high-end watches to have the most accurate sensors, but the truth is that no watch-based pulse oximeter or heart rate monitor is entirely reliable. In fact, companies like Garmin and Apple clearly state that their sensors are not intended for medical use, as they can easily be thrown off by minor details like how tightly you wear your watch, where you place it along your wrist, or inconsistencies like hair or freckles (Suunto has a helpful guide on how to get the most accurate reading). If you have a particular need for accurate blood oxygen saturation or heart rate numbers, it’s a good idea to opt for a dedicated pulse oximeter (these generally attach to your finger) or chest strap instead.

Other Sensors In addition to those mentioned above, there are a few other sensors to have on your radar. Most sports watches will include an accelerometer and gyroscope, which help to measure speed, whether you’re moving forward or backward, your body’s orientation (upright, seated, lying down), step count, and more. Thermometers are also common and can measure both skin temperature (helpful for health data and menstrual cycle tracking) and ambient air temperature. And the list goes on, including skin conductance sensors, proximity sensors, brightness sensors, and more. In general, the more sensors on the watch, the more accurate your data will be. You can also purchase additional sensors separately, like the running-specific Stryd power meter or a bike cadence sensor, and pair them with your watch for even more data collection.

Power Source and Battery Life

Like a smartphone, most GPS-enabled watches rely on rechargeable lithium batteries. These batteries charge quickly (the Suunto 9 Peak Pro refuels in just 1 hr), and their lifespan seems to improve with just about every new release. Using the Garmin Fenix as an example, the old 5X maxed out at 20 hours in GPS mode, while the latest 7 has jumped to 40 hours. In addition, most watches offer various battery-saving modes: you can shut down sensors (such as GPS or the pulse oximeter) for a longer lifespan (up to 40-50 days for some watches) or use “expedition mode” to cut down on how often the watch tracks your location (keep in mind, this will affect recording accuracy). While not every user will prioritize battery life in their purchase, this is an important consideration for those logging long days (e.g. ultramarathoners) or tracking extended backcountry trips (the Coros Apex 2 is one of the best performers).

Some sports watches also come with built-in solar panels, which can go a long way towards keeping your watch running. Garmin’s Instinct 2 Solar is our favorite model in this category, featuring a lifespan of up to 370 hours in GPS mode and unlimited power in expedition mode. Of course, a watch’s ability to charge via the sun does depend on the intensity and duration of the rays, which makes a solar watch a great pick for sunny desert environments but not the best choice for socked-in mountain landscapes. But the good news is that you can always fall back on the lithium ion battery, which can be quickly and easily charged via a power bank in the field.

Materials and Durability

We see a lot of variation in terms of the type of materials used to build a watch, including the lens, bezel, case, and strap. A watch’s materials have a number of implications, including fit and finish (how “premium” the watch feels), durability and water resistance, weight and size, price and more. In general, the most durable and high-end watches here will feature sapphire crystal or Gorilla Glass lenses, stainless steel, carbon, or titanium bezels (rugged watches like the Garmin Instinct might also feature a polymer bezel), and silicone straps. These watches are incredibly scratch- and shatter-resistant and can take a true beating, but you’ll pay for it with heavier and bulkier builds and big price tags.

On the other hand, mid-range and entry-level watches like the Coros Pace 2 feature standard mineral glass (or even polyamide) lenses and more plastic throughout. A watch’s materials are also a great way to determine what it’s made for: durable materials indicate a watch that will withstand the rigors of hiking, mountaineering, and climbing, while less durable (but potentially lighter) materials are best for activities like road running, cycling, and strength training.

It’s also worth understanding your watch’s level of water resistance, which is directly tied to its standard of materials and construction. Most manufactures list an ATM rating for their products, which, in the case of the picks above, ranges from 5 to 10 and specifies how much water pressure a watch can withstand. A watch with a 5 ATM rating, for example, can handle pressure up to a depth of 50 meters, while a watch with a 10 ATM rating can handle pressure up to 100 meters in depth. Keep in mind that this number indicates pressure, not depth—for example, showering or certain swimming motions can replicate the amount of pressure you might experience 50 meters beneath the surface. If you plan to swim with your watch, we recommend a model with a rating of 10 ATM or above, and divers should opt for dive-specific models like the Garmin Descent. That said, for the standard user (including swimmers), any watch above is sufficiently water-resistant.

Sports Watch Size and Weight

Since you’ll be wearing it for extended periods, the physical size and heft of a sports watch is an important consideration. Above, we provide details on each watch’s diameter and weight (including the strap), and manufacturers will often list the height of the watch as well. Many of the more rugged models here tend towards the bulky end of the spectrum, and designs like the Casio G-Shock Move GBD-H2000 look and feel overly large on small- to average-sized wrists. Even sleeker designs like the Suunto 9 Peak Pro and standard Garmin Fenix 7 take up quite a bit of real estate and can be uncomfortable for active pursuits such as running, XC skiing, or swimming. The good news is that there are a number of trimmed-down models, including the 1-ounce Coros Pace (42mm) and the smaller Garmin Forerunner 255S (41mm). You do sacrifice a little screen size, durability, and often some battery life in going with the smaller and lighter variations, but the tradeoff in comfort will be well worth it for some.

Sports Watch Displays

A sports watch’s display is another important consideration. These range in terms of size and resolution, and you’ll find both monochrome and color versions in the list of picks above. For example, the premium Garmin Fenix 7 has a 1.3-inch-diameter, 260 x 260-pixel-resolution color display, while the highly practical and rugged Instinct 2 Solar has a 0.9-inch-diameter and 176-square-pixel monochrome display. On the far end of the spectrum are brilliant AMOLED displays, most common in the smartwatch world and epitomized by the clear and colorful Apple Watch Ultra. For the most part, you can expect the most high-end watches to include large, high-resolution, and colorful displays, which can be especially helpful if you’re doing a lot of wrist-based navigation and tracking or plan to look at your watch a lot throughout the day. If you use your watch simply to collect data to then assimilate on your phone or computer, you can get away with a smaller or lower-quality display.

Buttons, Dials, and Touchscreens

Depending on the make and model, there are a variety of ways to toggle settings and switch between modes on a sports watch, including side buttons and dials and even touchscreen functionality. Feature-rich designs like the Fenix 7 have five buttons, while watches from Coros feature just two dials/buttons. In the end, the choice will come down to personal preference. For example, we love the simplicity of our Coros Apex 2, but Garmin devotees will likely want to stick with the Garmin interface, and there’s bound to be a learning curve no matter what you choose. For outdoor use, we tend to stay away from touchscreens, as water can interfere with this technology and make it hard to swipe precisely while in motion (buttons are much better for that). Plus, we like the versatility of being able to operate our watch with gloves on. That said, if you’re planning to use your watch for a lot of navigation or simply like the tech for daily use, the touchscreen capability can be nice.

Smartphone Apps

One of the most used features of a sports watch is not actually the watch itself, but its corresponding smartphone app. Here’s how it works: a user records their activity with their watch, uploads the data and track to their phone via bluetooth, and is then able to access easy-to-digest charts, maps, tracks, comparison tables, health details, and more on the phone’s screen. Apps can also be helpful during the activity, whether you’re wanting to share live tracks from the field or follow a prescribed workout. And the list goes on: you can export your data to your favorite training app (think Strava and TrainingPeaks), transfer music (via Spotify and Apple Music, for example), and even get motivated by suggestions and training plans smartly engineered based on your stats.

Garmin has long been an industry leader in terms of app functionality and performed head and shoulders above the rest throughout our testing. First off, they have an entire app (Connect IQ) dedicated to customizing the watch, including downloading watch faces, tweaking settings, and syncing apps like Spotify and Trailforks. Their interface is also accessible both on your smartphone and via an internet browser on your desktop (Coros’ is limited to the app), which gives you even more versatility. And to add to their dominance, Garmin has successfully created an active online community, where you can follow friends, select challenges, and share your results. And a last note: before you buy, make sure your phone and watch are compatible. For example, Garmin watches can only be paired with phones that use an Apple or Android operating system.

Memory and Storage

While not everyone will need to pay attention to storage and memory, these are important numbers if you’re looking to get a lot out of your watch. With more capacity, you can record multiple tracks between syncs, upload maps and tracks, and store hours of songs and podcasts. The Garmin Fenix 7, for example, comes with 16 gigabytes of memory that can handle up to 2,000 songs and thousands of maps and GPS routes. On the other hand, our Garmin Forerunner 255 has no music storage and can only store running data for a limited time before it must be transferred over to the app. But if you’re syncing your watch with your phone after each activity, it’s likely you don’t need to worry about storage.

Firmware Updates

As we see with smartphones, manufacturers will periodically roll out firmware updates for their watches. These updates can range from simple bug fixes to full revamps—for example, one of Coros’ latest updates available for all of their models included features like a track run setting, more precise time metrics (up to 0.01 seconds), and new map layer options. We really love this part of sports watch design, as it means that you can essentially stay up-to-date on the latest features without having to buy a new watch. To update your firmware, simply connect your watch to your phone’s app, and the download will start via bluetooth.

Sports Watch Accessories

Sports watches are incredibly capable devices, but if you’re serious about activity tracking, you’ll probably want to tack on an accessory or two during your workout. Chest heart rate monitors are one of the most popular external sensors—these provide more accurate data than even the highest-end optical heart rate monitor. Runners will also want to consider a footpod or power meter, which collect standard metrics like pace and distance, along with running dynamics like stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time (and even fatigue and wind). If you plan to use additional sensors, it’s a good idea to confirm that a watch is compatible before purchasing (most here are, with the exception of the Casio G-Shock Move GBD-H2000). Further, most watches can be used with accessories from other brands—for instance, Garmin designs pair easily with the Stryd footpod.Back to Our Top Sports Watch Picks Back to Our Sports Watch Comparison Table

Garmin HRM-Dual vs HRM-Run vs HRM-Tri. Where are the differences?

Garmin has several chest straps for measuring heart rate in the range. These include the Garmin HRM-Run, Garmin HRM-Tri and Garmin HRM-Dual. HRM stands for Heart-Rate Monitor for each product. But where are the differences between the devices. Let’s have a look at the belts in comparison.

Differences of the Garmin chest straps

However, there are important differences, which are also responsible for the quite large price difference.

Weight, dimensions and belt length

In the basic version the HRM-Run and HRM-Tri are identical. Both have a module weight of 49 grams and dimensions of 29.4 x 51.4 x 8.5 mm. This makes the two very compact.

The belt of both can be freely adjusted between 60 and 142 cm.

The Garmin HRM-Dual stands out a bit here. The chest strap is a bit heavier and a bit more bulky. The module weighs 54.4 grams and measures 62 x 34 x 11 mm.

With the HRM-Dual the belt can also be adjusted freely. But only within the range of 63.5 to 132 cm.

Thus the HRM-Dual does not perform as well in comparison. This is also the case with the functions, as you will see in the course of the test.

Connectivity. Bluetooth and ANT

Connectivity is a very relevant point for the use of chest straps. This does not only apply to Garmin models.

Bluetooth is not the standard here. Only the HRM-Dual offers you the possibility to use the chest strap via Bluetooth. The other two, HRM-Run and HRM-Tri, can only be connected via ANT.

If you want to connect your chest strap as with your smartphone or generally via Bluetooth, you have to use the Garmin HRM-Dual. This is also the cheapest model of the three. It offers only a few functions, but this is sufficient for most of them.

ANT has the disadvantage that not every device supports this connectivity. You should check this before buying a Garmin HRM-Tri or HRM-Run. Especially Garmin watches are of course optimized for use with the two. But not all of them either.

Swimming (Waterproof)

The two more expensive ones, HRM-Run and HRM-Tri, are waterproof up to 50 meters (5ATM). The cheaper HRM-Dual is only waterproof up to 10 meters (1ATM).

However, only the Garmin HRM-Tri is suitable for use in swimming pools. For the other two, the manufacturer points out that the units are not suitable for chemicals in the swimming pool.

There are also differences in the functions. Because only the Garmin HRM-Tri is optimized for swimming. Thus, the device has a non-slip design and can collect statistics for swimming and offer them for evaluation.

If you want a chest strap for professional swimming, the HRM-Tri is your choice. The device is generally optimized for triathlon.

Running

As you can guess from its name, the Garmin HRM-Run is optimized for running. But the same applies to the HRM-Tri.

Through the optimizations you get statistics and evaluations of your runs. So you can analyze them and improve your running techniques.

Step frequency, step length, vertical movement and balance of the ground contact time are recorded.

But you should also make sure that you use it with a compatible device from Garmin.

If you want a chest strap for (professional) running training and do not need swimming options, the HRM-Run is your choice.

Battery life

• Garmin HRM-Dual: 42 months (3.5 years)
• Garmin HRM-Run: 12 months
• Garmin HRM-Tri: 10 months

Which Garmin HRM chest strap is the best?

You can get the best Garmin chest strap with the HRM-Tri. However, this is only usable with ANT. However, the device offers you a great added value. You get statistics about your runs and swims. If you have a Garmin watch, then you will have a great time here. In this case, I recommend the HRM-Tri.

Garmin HRM-PRO Review

My Garmin HRM-PRO Review strap cost me 130 (£120). Why was I crazy enough to spend all that money on a heart rate strap? Is it really that good?

Here is a quick summary review of the HRM-PRO and if you want more details, tips, discounts and unusual insights then scroll further down. Enjoy!

Garmin HRM-PRO Verdict

Garmin HRM-PRO Review. Summary

Garmin HRM-PRO Review

This will be my go-to heart rate strap for the foreseeable future.

Do you need a heart rate strap that can do lots of clever things like simultaneously pair to Zwift and or your Polar Vantage V2, give you waking HRV over BLE in the morning, cache your swimming HR, help produce running power, give you running dynamics and record your gym classes with your watch left in the locker room? Me? I want a heart rate monitor that accurately records heart rate! We’ll both be happy with the HRM-PRO and we’ll both be poorer as it is the most expensive and most featured chest strap HRM ever made. Maybe I could get the exact same HR accuracy from one a third of the price but you will not be able to get this same feature set elsewhere at ANY price. In that sense the HRM-PRO is unique and that’s why you have to stump up the cash.

I will be using the HRM-PRO alongside my Forerunner 945/955 and I know that every advanced feature will ‘just work’.

Like you, I know that, to varying degrees, I will use every feature it supports and so, in a perverse way, it’s actually good value. Perhaps you have an ageing HRM-TRI? if it’s anything like mine, by now it will be looking worse for wear after years of usage (see images below). This will be a great upgrade for you…just because you can.

At an rrp of 130/£120 you should expect at least 3 years of use from this with over 10 hours a week typical usage.

• Perfect triathlon watch for Garmin Fenix/Forerunner owners
• Caching works great for gyms and swimming
• Running dynamics can be enlightening
• Will enable FREE running power on a top-end Garmin watch
• Great connectivity for Zwift and more
• Price
• 1-year battery life
• Might flip when doing tumble turns in swimming
• Strap design could be improved (anti-slip, more or larger sensing pads)
• Cannot be used to record a workout on Garmin Connect without a watch
• ‘Only’ 2x BLE Connections
• H10 over BLE is more accurate for waking HRV usage but lacks integration with Garmin cache and running dynamics

Garmin HRM-PRO Review – Background

The HRM-PRO is an evolution of Garmin’s HRM-TRI, HRM-RUN and HRM-SWIM chest strap heart rate monitor products from 2015 and is intended to be suitable to the rigours of most sports and is especially suited to each triathlon sport

Garmin HRM-PRO vs HRM-Tri – What’s New?

Superficially, the HRM-PRO appears identical to the HRM-TRI/HRM-RUN with the same strap and pod – albeit a yellow one. Whilst the form might be the same it has new features and tech inside.

• 1 hour/day sports usage gives a 12-month battery life (up from 10 months, HRM-TRI, down from 2.5 years on HRM-DUAL)
• 2 concurrent Bluetooth (BLE 5.0) connections, like on HRM-DUAL, for HR and HRV
• Supports Physio TrueUp
• Firmware can be managed in Garmin Connect Mobile and shows battery status
• Stand-alone activity monitoring (steps, all-day heart rate, calories and intensity minutes)
• Skiing Dynamics

Don’t forget, you still get these features as found on the HRM-DUAL, HRM-TRI, HRM-RUN

• ANT transmission
• Running Dynamics
• Advanced HR Features (some Firstbeat features, like LTHR, depend on HRV and other features depend on LTHR…)
• Watch-in-the-bag workout support, workout caching

Garmin HRM-PRO – What are the use-cases?

What do all those features actually mean for your day-to-day training?

For the time being, this product is primarily aimed at triathletes although if you are runner it will give you what you need and if you do sports where you leave your watch by the sidelines for safety reasons, like soccer or for gym classes, then it’s good for you too.

• Pool Swimming – Neither BLE nor ANT transmits more than an inch or so in water but by wearing the HRM-PRO your Garmin Forerunner 935/945 or Fenix 6 is able to display HR when you are resting between efforts and will download the entire HR track to your watch at the end of the workout. Potentially this is MUCH more accurate than using optical HR, the main downside for men being that a thin chest strap like the HRM-PRO might flip when you turn. The other downside is that the HRM-PRO is not specifically built to withstand pool chemicals, that said I used the HRM-TRI for pool swimming for years and it was fine although you might want to consider the HRM-SWIM for pool use – I find it digs into my skin though.
• Running with efficiency – whilst your existing Garmin watch almost certainly calculates cadence internally, the HRM-PRO will give you extra running dynamics efficiency metrics called VERTICAL OSCILLATION (VO) and GROUND CONTACT TIME (GCT) as well as some ratios based on that data. VO and GCT are key markers of running efficiency and lowering both WILL make you run faster but exactly how you do that is another topic. A: ‘Running faster’ is a good method to improve those metrics
• Open Water Swimming (OWS) – The HRM-PRO is perfect for caching HR data in OWS. A niche downside is that users of FORM Swim Goggles (H.U.D.) need HR from a Garmin wristwatch to display live HR when swimming. That’s fine but it would be nice if the HRM-PRO data overwrites the oHR track at the end of the workout, which it currently doesn’t (Oct 2020).

• Outdoors Cycling – It’s great for cycling although it would be nice if it could produce cycling cadence like the Wahoo Tickr X. Although if you are spending 130 on a chest strap I suspect you can afford a bike cadence sensor or power meter!
• Indoors Cycling – With your Garmin watch connected by ANT you still have two spare BLE channels to pipe your HR data to Zwift and ‘somewhere else’. The latest Wahoo KICKR has 3x BLE channels, maybe Wahoo knows something that Garmin doesn’t?
• Running with power – couple the HRM-PRO with a Garmin watch that has a barometer and then download Garmin’s Running Power CIQ app and you’ve got a ‘free’ running power meter. Contrast to STRYD which takes into account live wind and doesn’t need GPS.
• Indoor running – As with indoor cycling, you have the extra channels perhaps for your treadmill display and for Zwift.
• Team Sports Gym Classes – You start your workout on your Garmin watch (only a Garmin watch) and then leave it at the side. Your cached HR data is updated on your watch at the end.
• Triathlon/Duathlon – You only need this one product to cover every triathlon/duathlon environmental and technical hurdle.
• Sports Labs – Detailed HRV data is accurately captured at exercise levels of exertion. Most lab equipment I’ve seen will only pair over BLE and hence the HRM-PRO is supported for this.
• Sleep capture – Sure it will work. As much as I love chest straps, eventually, the HRM-PRO will become uncomfortable when worn at night
• Pairs to your favourite smartphone app – yes probably. It will pair to regular sports apps and also special apps for HRV.
• Keep your Garmin activity stats updated without the need for a Garmin watch. (You NEED a watch to record a workout)
• Works with many apps and with the Apple Watch.

Garmin HRM-PRO Review – Accuracy

Here’s the bit where I tell you this is super accurate and that it’s not worth testing. I did test it…a lot and 7 outdoors examples from my Swim/Bike/Run testing are shown below. I had one specific problem that occurred several times where the cached HR data was not correctly retrieved to a Garmin Forerunner 945 giving the appearance of multiple dropouts. I generally have few issues with chest straps – just lick it and wear it and all should be good if you are one of the unlucky ones then try this guide.

Note: Wiggle replaced my original strap which started to produce spikes at the start of workouts

Note: The most accurate strap for HRV purposes is the Polar H10 when connected with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The H10’s strap has a greater sensor contact area and slips less. BLE reduces data packet loss.

Garmin HRM-PRO Review – App Setup

Existing Garmin Conenct users (that’s everyone reading this) will experience ZERO surprise at how the HRM-PRO is paired to the app, although it may have been a surprise that it could be paired at all. It’s nice that the app let’s you update firmware and show the current battery status. It’s also nice that you can press the button to sync today’s data. Wait a minute. What button? The one in these images, that’s what button. Hmmm. If you can shed any insight on that I’d be grateful.

Garmin HRM-PRO Specifications

Garmin HRM-PRO Specifications
Unit dimensions (LxWxD):	60.0-142.0 x 3.0 x 1.2 cm
Weight:	59g
Module size:	29.4 x 51.4 x 8.5 mm
Module weight:	49g
Size adjustment:	Bi-fold
Sizing range:	60.0-106.0 cm; 60.0-142.0 cm with optional strap extender
Battery:	CR2032
Battery life:	12 months (Tri training 1 hour per day)
Water rating:	5 ATM
Operating temperature:	-10°C – 50°C
Radiofrequency/protocol:	2.4 GHz ANT wireless communications protocol; Bluetooth Wireless Technology 5.0
Range:	3m
System compatibility:	ANT, Bluetooth

Battery

CR2032 – install it with the ‘’ side facing out toward you.

The battery will likely exceed the 12 months of one hour per day usage stated by Garmin. It remains to be seen if, like the HRM-TRI, some users will find that replacement batteries do not perform well. Although I must point out here that not all CR2032 batteries are the same. Some have more juice squeezed into them, so don’t buy one of those cheap ones. They’re cheap for a reason.

When changing the battery, do NOT lose or damage the circular rubber ‘O’ ring seal – be VERY careful how you re-assemble the HRM-PRO. Tighten one screw sensibly then tighten the one diagonally opposite, then the other two. Tighten them all a little more, in turn, and repeat until sensibly tight.

Garmin HRM-PRO Review – Some Interesting Bits

The original HRM-TRI had a small non-slip area around the sensing pad. This has now been removed and may impact performance when used in the pool, although I’ve not noticed any difference. The sensor area itself is the same size, maybe a tad smaller.

Polar would argue that their H10 strap (not pod) is superior and I would agree. Their strap has 4 (not 2) sensor pads and additional rubber nobbly bits to stop slippage. Polar’s clasp mechanism, whilst slightly more cumbersome, will never come undone (Polar H9 is different) – see what I mean in the next two images.

Note that the Polar strap does not more accurately record any single heartbeat but rather the strap’s construction better ensures that no beats are missed due to strap movement.

Garmin HRM-Pro vs HRM-Tri vs HRM-Run vs HRM-Dual Compared – Which is the best heart rate monitor for Garmin

In my opinion, the Garmin HRM-PRO is the best strap on the market right now. But it’s expensive and that extra expense gets you features you might not want and a battery life that many other straps will beat. However some of the lesser branded straps can be rubbish and you might be saving a few bucks to give yourself more hassle down the line with one of those, so these are the ones I recommend as alternative chest straps.

• Polar H9 – Fine for BLE/ANT usage
• Polar H10 Review – Fine for BLE/ANT usage, sends cached HR to the Polar Beat app for watch-free workouts
• Garmin HRM-TRI – No BLE but fine for triathlon usage.
• Garmin HRM-DUAL – Better battery life.
• Garmin HRM-RUN – No BLE but fine for running dynamics
• Wahoo Tickr Gen 2 (2020) – Fine for BLE/ANT usage and Garmin running dynamics
• Wahoo Tickr X Gen 2 (2020) – Fine for BLE/ANT usage
• Garmin HRM-PRO – check several retailer in your country here.

Garmin HRM-PRO – Futures

The HRM-PRO will likely have a retail life of 5 years (to 2025) and will be firmware updated periodically. Expect also to see a revamped HRM-RUN at a lower price point in 2021 but perhaps not a revamped HRM-SWIM, which doesn’t need BLE. Never expect to have the ability to record a workout to Garmin Connect without a Garmin watch.

Expect to have any bugs promptly fixed and expect to see skiing dynamics soon.

Buy Garmin HRM-PRO – Prices, Discounts Availability

The price of this will fall by /£/Eu40 as the months and years progress, indeed in Oct2020, you can already buy one for 30/£20 less than the rrp at Wiggle. Longer-term, the best deals you will get are when you buy this bundled in with a high-end Garmin.

The current rrp is US 130, Eu130, £120.

Reader-Powered Content

This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love which is this site and I appreciate everyone who follows, subscribes or Buys Me A Coffee ️ Alternatively please buy the reviewed product from my partners. Thank you! FTC: Affiliate Disclosure: Links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

thoughts on “ Garmin HRM-PRO Review Discounts ”

You mention the cached data from OWS doesn’t overwrite the WHR data; that’s sorta true and sorta not. What happens is the downloaded cached HR data is appended at the end of the FIT file. So FIT file analysis tools that look at the every-second data packets in the FIT file (like DCR’s Analyzer), will only see the WHR data; but Garmin Connect and Strava seem to know to use the appended HR data at the end of the fit file, if it’s there, and that’s what they display in their graphs. What’s really useful, is if you export the activity as a TCX file from Garmin Connect, Connect seems to make the strap data the primary HR source in the generated TCX file. So you can then compare that TCX file to the original FIT in something like DCR’s Analyzer, to see a direct comparison of WHR and cached HR strap data, all recorded on just one watch.

thank you for highlighting that. they’ll be stored as two separate tracks no? (yes the strap data will be appended at the end as normal) you mention strava. is that because your strava data comes from GC or do you directly upload. I’m wondering if all data sent from GC behaves in the way you describe. all that said, i need an easier way with the flick of a switch

I did a fair bit of experimenting with how the cached HR data is stored with the HRM Tri (I was keen to see how good my Fenix 6X Pro Solar’s WHR was when I got it); so far the the HRM Pro seems to behave the same way. I found that you will get two separate activities stored, if you save the activity (with WHR data only) and sync with Connect, then download the HR data from HRM Tri/Pro to the watch, that seems to save the activity with the strap HR data as a new activity in Connect (when synced again). If you download the HR data from HRM Tri/Pro as you save the activity on the watch (or at least before you sync with Connect), then there’s only one activity synced to Connect; that single activity will display the strap HR data in preference to the WHR data. It was only when I dug through the data of two activity files, one with WHR data only and one with WHR and cached strap data, using fit2tcx.runalyze.com/temp/, that I noticed the WHR data was stored with the every-second ‘packets’ and the cached HR data was appended in a big lump at the end of the fit file (so both sets of HR data were in the same single FIT file). I have Connect directly upload to Strava. What I don’t know is if Connect passes the original FIT file to Strava or whether it sends a processed file. I’ve never tried a direct upload of an OWS activity (with WHR and downloaded strap data) to Strava, so that would be an experiment worth doing to see if Strava does ‘read’ the appended HR data, or whether it’s getting the equivalent of the TCX file from Connect (the TCX seems to have the WHR data ‘removed’ and replaced with the strap HR data). I’m not sure you’re going to get that ‘flick of a switch’ functionality though, unitil someone creates a fit file comparison tool that can correctly read the appended strap HR data. Garmin, quite understandably, configures Connect (and the watch for that matter) to display the strap HR data whenever it is available, as that is assumed to be the superior HR data.

i’ll ask the fit file repair tool developer. he will be aware of this, not sure if his tool can do this (a first!! it can do everything else)

actually, reading again closely what you wrote it mostly matches my understanding. however. my assumption is that the appended data has the same timestamps (or equivalent as strap data has no absolute timestamp) as those from whr/ohr. but that when it is read the strap OVERWRITES the whr in the app/pc software. when the data is overwritten in connect there is, therefore, no option to pass the whr/ohr data anywhere else from connect. the flick of a switch could “easily” be on the import i guess whr/ohr could be stored separately as a developer field of some sort (and physically appended on the end of the file)

The appended data doesn’t overwrite the WHR data when uploaded to Connect. If you download the original FIT file from Connect and then compare it to the TCX file from Connect, then compare the files in the DCR Analyzer, the HR plots are different (FIT file is still WHR, but TCX is downloaded HRM Pro/Tri). If you view that FIT file in https://fit2tcx.runalyze.com/temp/ it’s like staring into the Matrix (film), as you can see the numbers cascading down you screen as you scroll. Once you scroll past the every second data packets with the GPS position data you get to the end of the file with the appended strap data (you won’t find that appended data in a fit file where the HR strap data is recorded live; but only when you download cached HR data). That appended strap data seems to be broken in to sections of a few minutes; each section starting with a time stamp (format is yyyy-mm-ddThh:mm:ssZ), followed by a series of HR data rows, each row presumably a HR data packet for every second after the time stamp. So that appended data should be easy to read and reference, if the FIT file reading software knows what to look for and do with it (Garmin Connect does).

Design/durability should get 50% tops. The wahoo pod with quarter turn battery cover is significantly better (seals nicely, possible to remove and replace battery without extra tools except a coin, even during a run or long race if needed) and even the old HRM run model with the easily replaceable strap is better (though you also run the risk of stripping the stupid screws on battery changes). The straps wear out and get sweaty/smelly after a year or so, and the when you start getting spikes/dropouts it’s better to buy a 10 replacement strap than spend 130 on a new combined pod/strap. People should call Garmin out on their BS and not buy this product to convince them to stop the planned obsolescence game.

i agree with the planned obsolescence comment. as you can see from the photo of my hrm-tri above, it’s pretty disgustingly dirty but really has survived 2 battery changes (one short-lived, the other seems more permanent) i agree with the easier access to batteries existing in other brands’ models (H10 is even better) and i agree the screws are a wee bit small on the garmins BUT (you knew that was coming ) I would definitely rate the garmin as more durable than wahoo as the wahoo does not have wr50. indeed swimming will almost certianly break the wahoo (if done a couple of times…i tried…it did).

The pod incorporated into the strap is still my biggest gripe. I went through 2 HRM-Tri over a period of 3 years and the strap was the point of failure on each occasion. It is such a waste to have to discard a perfectly good device because a strap costing £20 max consistently fails. If it was a removeable design I’d jump at it considering the features.

The battery cover on the Tri (and I expect on the Pro) is rubbish. The whole thing is a flawed design. Strap and sensor should be separate. Battery cover should not require screws. I had a Tri damaged as it took in water. Another one would only connect to the watch once and then I had to remove cover/battery and connect again. Garmin stated that you must not tighten the screws too much or too little. As if one can tall what that really means. Thankfully they replaced the strap on both occastions. How can it be cheaper for them to replace the whole unit because of their flawed designs?

I guess most people can’t be bothered to ask for a replacement. We should all do that to force improvements to the product. if there is a separate pod then the connectors become corroded. I don’t think there is a perfect design. FWIW I like the hrm-tri/pro design (yes they are the same) tightening: you need to make it TIGHT after ensuring the o-ring is undamaged and properly in place. otherwise it will leak and ruin the innards, which i’m guessing is what happened to you. You also should tighten the screws as i say in the post above, it does make a difference.

Thank you for the review but the 90% for build quality is a joke, no offence. It seems the exact same design as HRM-TRI, which usually fail after you replace the battery. The design is absolutely terrible! For the same reason, the price should get something like 30% since you would need to buy a new one every 1-2 years. Since Garmin is not considering doing anything about it in newer products even though the issues are well known for a while, I think it’s fair to say that it is part of their business plan when it comes to chest straps: have people buy one every 1-2 years… Even if they replace a few out of warranty for a few people living in the US, it’s still worth all the extra money they make for those that will buy a couple more before they give up and switch to another brand. In my case, I’m definitely switching to a Polar H10.

yes, a few people do agree with what you say. however, my experience and opinion are that the build quality is good. who make a better build quality hrm? not wahoo. probably only polar do. i think you really have a gripe with the design rather than the build quality maybe? also, in my opinion, the all-in-one design has its annoyances but my experience with the hrm-run pods was that, fairly often, the pod-to-strap connectors would corrode…that cant happen on the hrm-pro/tri and yes it IS stupidly expensive.

My Polar’s Chest Strap Replacement lasted 5 months. Press Stud is always ripping from base. Not sure whether replacement I bought from amazon was faulty, because original lasted 3 years. I just got HRM-PRO (quite an opposite to Spiros, haha), so I am curious how it will perform.

maybe i’m lucky. i don’t keep them especially clean. maybe NOT washing them makes them last longer? yuk. i put them in bags to go swimming with other stuff, so they get thrown about a bit. not too much but some. i’m skinny, maybe not being so big puts less pressure on the strap?

I think not washing them is a key. Previous one lasted 3 years and broke down once I started washing it. However, I always followed their instructions (max 40 degree, no fabric softener), so I don’t know