Articles by Courtney Lynch

Whether you’re a new runner, a budget shopper, a casual runner, or a seasoned expert, there are plenty of smartwatches to choose from. You’ll also find that many of the best running watches are also some of the best Android smartwatches you can buy. If you want a well-rounded experience that caters to your affinity for running, you’ll have a wide range of options available to you. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music continues to be the best running watch overall with solid battery life, tons of advanced features, and accurate tracking.

Best overall: Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

If you’re a runner of any kind, chances are you’ve heard a thing or two about the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. It’s been around for two years, but this is one of those running watches that ages gracefully. Newer models continue to come out — from Garmin as well as other top brands — but the Forerunner 245 Music continues to be a go-to choice for many running enthusiasts.

As the name suggests, one of the st…

Wearable companies may slash their prices occasionally but Prime Day is the perfect opportunity to score an unbeatable deal on a smartwatch, like the Garmin Vivoactive 4, for example. This watch is more than a year old now, but it’s still a solid option for fitness enthusiasts. What’s more, this is just one of many Prime Day Android smartwatch deals that might catch your eye.

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 was initially released with a hefty price tag of $349.99, but you can get it for nearly half-off at $189.99 on Prime Day. See? This deal truly is unbeatable. As Garmin has rolled out some new watches in recent months, prices for the Vivoactive 4 models have hovered closer to $300. If you’re not fixated on having the newest smartwatch on the market, this one is a great place to start. It comes with a wide array of features that’s ideal for both beginners and experienced smartwatch users. Not to mention that you won’t have to spend a fortune, either.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 | $160 off at Amaz…

Best answer: No. There are better options available by now, including two successors that offer premium designs and more features. However, if you don’t mind having an older wearable, you might be happy with the original Samsung Galaxy Watch. You can also get the more updated Galaxy Watch Active 2 for a similar price.

Should you buy a Samsung Galaxy Watch in 2021?

When deciding whether you should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch in 2021, be sure to think about what features are essential to your purpose. If you’re a fan of a more traditional aesthetic, then it makes sense that you’re interested in the classic look of the Galaxy Watch.

Although, if you’re more interested in the perks under the hood, you might want to think twice about buying it. Don’t forget that the Galaxy Watch 3 is available now as well. It’s a newer and more refined version of the original. It also packs in plenty of health/fitness perks that the original Galaxy Watch omits.

If you’re interested in a health/f…

All the features you need

Fitbit Charge 4

$100 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Activity/sleep tracking
Active Zone Minutes
SpO2 monitoring
Seven days of battery life

Cons

Not very stylish
Lacks color display

If you’re on the hunt for a fitness tracker that’s packed with all the features you need for a great wearable experience, you should consider the Fitbit Charge 4. It comes with onboard GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, a week of battery life, Fitbit Pay, and more.

Stylish, but slightly lacking

Fitbit Luxe

$150 at Fitbit

Pros

Heart-rate monitoring
Activity/sleep tracking
Active Zone Minutes
SpO2 monitoring
Attractive, versatile design

Cons

More expensive
Shorter battery life
No GPS or NFC

When you’re seeking a tracker that prioritizes style over features, the Fitbit Luxe might be what you’re looking for. It’s slim, sleek, and has a gorgeous AMOLED display. If you’re not bothered by the shorter battery life or the lack…

Affordable and efficient

Fitbit Inspire 2

From $86 at Amazon

Pros

Activity/sleep tracking
Heart-rate monitoring
Active Zone Minutes
10 days of battery life
Automatic exercise recognition

Cons

No GPS or NFC
Not the most attractive design
Not quite as advanced as the Luxe

The Fitbit Inspire 2 is nearly a year old, but it’s still one of the most budget-friendly and efficient trackers on the market. You get an amazing 10 days of battery life and all of the Fitbit staples, including activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, Active Zone Minutes, and more.

Fancier and pricier

Fitbit Luxe

$150 at Best Buy

Pros

Activity/sleep tracking
Heart-rate monitoring
Active Zone Minutes
Automatic exercise recognition
SpO2 and skin temperature readings

Cons

No GPS or NFC
Expensive for what it is
Half the battery life of Inspire 2

If you’re searching for a fitness tracker that prioritizes fashion while still doing an excellent job of monitoring key aspects of your ov…

Ideal running companion

Garmin Forerunner 245

$220 at Amazon

Pros

Built-in GPS
Lightweight design
Advanced running metrics
Training status, load, effect
Pulse Ox & Body Battery

Cons

Lacks altimeter
No Garmin Pay
Music version costs more

If running is your true passion, you can’t go wrong with this GPS running smartwatch. In addition to advanced running dynamics, this model also offers extensive training features, a Pulse Ox sensor, Body Battery energy monitoring, and more.

Perfect lifestyle watch

Garmin Vivoactive 4

From $264 at Amazon

Pros

Built-in GPS
Pulse Ox & Body Battery
Garmin Pay
Two size options
Music comes standard

Cons

Lacks advanced running dynamics
Shorter battery life in GPS mode

For those who like doing many sports rather than just one, the Vivoactive 4 will serve you well. It’s equipped with over 20 sport modes, after all. You also get two size options, a touchscreen, an altimeter, and Garmin Pay.

Garmin Forerunner 245 vs….

When you’re a dedicated runner, having the right accessories can make or break your workout experience. With exciting new changes such as the upcoming release of Android 12, who wants to leave their phone behind? If you’re searching for the best phone armband for running, we’ve got you covered. No matter what type of phone you have, you’ll be able to find a product that offers the protection you need. While you’re at it, check out our roundup of the best headphones for runners, too!

Premium quality

Tribe Water Resistant Phone Armband

Staff Pick

Want an affordable armband that’s made of premium-grade quality materials? This phone armband from Tribe Fitness is the perfect solution. Its no-slip design, weatherproof and water-resistant technology protects your phone from rain and sweat. There’s also a reflective strip to ensure safe running at nighttime. All of these reasons make it one of the best phone armbands for running.

$13 at Amazon

One size fits all

Trianium Water …

Make sense of your health

Fitbit Sense

$290 at Amazon

Pros

Onboard GPS
ECG, EDA, skin temperature sensors
Active Zone Minutes feature
Advanced heart rate technology
6-day battery life

Cons

LTE connectivity is not an option
Previous Fitbit bands aren’t usable

When you’re looking for a smartwatch that will help you stay on top of your health, you can’t do much better than the Fitbit Sense. You’ll have advanced heart rate technology, a handful of important sensors, stellar battery life, and a free Fitbit Premium trial.

Stay connected at all times

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

From $330 at Amazon

Pros

Onboard GPS
Optional LTE connectivity
Military-grade durability
Two size options
New health/fitness features

Cons

More expensive
Battery life could be better

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a nice improvement from its predecessor. Users will have onboard GPS, optional LTE connectivity, seamless smartphone notifications, mobile payments, and some new health/fitness fe…

Impressive Android watch

Garmin Venu 2

$400 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Pulse Ox & Body Battery
New sleep score & fitness age
Unstoppable battery life
Two size options

Cons

No LTE connectivity
Insanely expensive

If you’re worried about whether the Garmin Venu 2 will measure up to the original, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It now comes in two sizes, offers double the battery life, and gets a handful of new features. As long as you’re willing to pay for it, there are plenty of goodies to go around with this new smartwatch.

Ideal for iOS users

Apple Watch Series 6

From $329 at Amazon

Pros

GPS, HRM, NFC
Optional LTE connectivity
Blood oxygen monitoring
Always-on altimeter
Two size options

Cons

Poor battery life
Not for Android

Those who are already committed to using Apple devices will benefit from the Apple Watch Series 6. It’s got some new features, including native sleep tracking. You’ll also have the option to use the always-on display fea…

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a great fitness smartwatch for active individuals with all the improved health and fitness features it has to offer. For that reason, you’ll want to be sure you choose the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 sport band for your needs. After all, the material and fit will make a world of difference in your workout experience. We’ve rounded up some of the best options for you to choose from. Keep in mind that the 41mm watch takes a 20mm band while the 45mm watch takes a 22mm band.

Waterproof bliss

Wonlex Silicone Watch Band

Staff Pick

Sweat and water are two elements that are all but unavoidable when exercising. These waterproof silicone bands from Wonlex will provide your wrist with maximum breathability, thanks to the unique multi-hole design. No matter what type of sports you’re playing, this band will keep your wrist dry and comfortable. For these reasons, it’s our top fave for best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 sport bands.

$7 at Amazon (22mm) $12 at Amazon…