Skip to content
  • Register
    • We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

    GPS Running Watch?

    Posts: 17 Member
    edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
    I'm considering a new running watch (under $200) I want GPS for distance/pace and heart rate. I'd love more opinions on what you like and don't like.

    Iphone: This is what I usually use. Works great but is bulky to keep with me. No heart rate. I already own so cost now is free.

    Fitbit Surge: I have one and don't really like it because of syncing issues. Needs a new band so cost now is $20. Works great sometimes, frequently won't sync my runs to STRAVA. Sometimes syncs, but hours after I run. Very frustrating to loose a run.

    Garmin Forerunner 35: Cost $130. Tracks heart rate and GPS. Great reviews.

    Apple Watch Series 2: Cost $200 for the older series 2 on Amazon. Many more features then the Garmin. Battery life with GPS is concern.

    Fitbit Versa: Cost $180. Great reviews. Will it have the same sync issues as my Surge?


    I don't really need or want a smart watch to wear all day. Just to track my runs.

    Welcome!

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register

    Replies

    • Posts: 1,921 Member
      I'm brand loyal to Garmin as they tend to be among the most dedicated exercise wearables and focus on the enthusiast audience. Fitbit plays as more a general fitness/general audience and iPhone seems to be more about overall functionality rather than depth of function.
    • Posts: 3,237 Member
      I have an iPhone, Apple watch, Fitbit Versa (has a Surge), about 17 Garmin devices.

      If you want a training device, I strongly suggest Garmin. There are a couple of minimally featured Forerunner models in your price range. I’d also consider the Vivoactive line - which is a lot of bang for the buck in terms of features. Newer models were on sale in your price range recently-older models or refurbished will definitely be in your price range.

      Older Apple watches lack the battery to do long runs (which may not be an issue depending on how long you run).

      The Fitbit Versa uses connected GPS-which means it uses your phone’s GPS. So you’ll need your bulky phone with you.

      You can also use a phone app (like Runkeeper or Strava or any or a number of others) is an option and most will connect to a BT heart rate monitor (perhaps a Wahoo Tickr which will also broadcast in Ant+ and connect to your Garmin when you get one).
    • Posts: 5,650 Member
      Can you pinpoint the sync issues you have with your current fitbit? I'd hate to see whatever is causing that problem be a problem for a potentially new device.
    • Posts: 17 Member
      jjpptt2 wrote: »
      Can you pinpoint the sync issues you have with your current fitbit? I'd hate to see whatever is causing that problem be a problem for a potentially new device.

      It's been an issue for a long time, and with my previous phone. Googling I've found I'm not the only one with this problem with surge and iphone, but I have not found a solution.
    • Posts: 3,237 Member
      IThinkICan_Dejay wrote: »
      show previous quotes

      It's been an issue for a long time, and with my previous phone. Googling I've found I'm not the only one with this problem with surge and iphone, but I have not found a solution.

      I would encourage you to review the Fitbit forums for similar complaints on the Versa prior to considering that as an alternative.

    • Posts: 35,719 Member
      edited January 2019
      I have a Garmin 225, absolutely love it!

      https://www.dcrainmaker.com/blog
    • Posts: 412 Member
      I have a Garmin Vivoactive 3, and I have zero complaints. Has worked a treat for me since I've had it, which is roughly 8 months now.
    • Posts: 955 Member
      You should be able to find a Garmin Forerunner 230 or a Vivoactive 3 for that price. They'll just work and keep working
    • Posts: 3,771 Member
      I have a Garmin 35. It is my daily wear watch as well as my running watch. It is a good one.
    • Posts: 10,968 Member
      No question, get a Garmin if you're a runner.
    • Posts: 17 Member
      edited January 2019
      It’s over my Budget but after looking at options online I’m thinking about a Garmin Instinct That or a Forerunner 35 for half the price.

      Tried to go look in stores yesterday at Garmin’s- found that they frequently are order only. If in store they are boxed and not available to handle before purchasing.

      I went to three different running specialty stores, REI, and Academy. 😡
    • Posts: 35,719 Member
      IThinkICan_Dejay wrote: »
      It’s over my Budget but after looking at options online I’m thinking about a Garmin Instinct That or a Forerunner 35 for half the price.

      Tried to go look in stores yesterday at Garmin’s- found that they frequently are order only. If in store they are boxed and not available to handle before purchasing.

      I went to three different running specialty stores, REI, and Academy. 😡

      My husband is a reluctant runner, I got him the Garmin 35, it's pretty decent.
    • Posts: 919 Member
      I love my garmin, don’t remember which one it is but it’s really old and still does a wonderful job!
    • Posts: 194 Member
      Loved my Garmin forerunner for years. Splurged on a Garmin 735xt as I want to start swimming :) Either way - Garmin is the brand for me
    • Posts: 17 Member
      I ran a sub 2 hour half yesterday; a PR by almost 15 minutes! I rewarded myself by ordering a Garmin Instinct today.
    • Posts: 78 Member
      Garmin
    • Posts: 47 Member
      If it’s for run or walk you really can’t go past Garmin
    • Posts: 9,248 Member
      Another Garmin fan here. In addition to making great products they also have a website, Gamin Connect, that allows you to track workouts over time, connect with other runners etc.
    • Posts: 32 Member
      The dcrainmaker blog mentioned above is the go-to source for runners gear comparison. He’s the man.
    • Posts: 10,968 Member
      IThinkICan_Dejay wrote: »
      It’s over my Budget but after looking at options online I’m thinking about a Garmin Instinct That or a Forerunner 35 for half the price.

      Tried to go look in stores yesterday at Garmin’s- found that they frequently are order only. If in store they are boxed and not available to handle before purchasing.

      I went to three different running specialty stores, REI, and Academy. 😡

      REI will pull one out of the box and let you play with it.

      They'll also let you return it for a full refund for any reason, even "I didn't like the color."
    • Posts: 379 Member
      edited February 2019
      Another Garmin fan here. I used to have Fitbits, but when I got serious about running (okay, jogging in my case), I felt like my Fitbit just wasn't precise enough.

      Plus the navigation on the Garmin helps me keep from getting lost. ;)

      (Side note, also looking for Garmin connect folks to ... well, connect with. I really use that motivation...)
    • Posts: 35,719 Member
      kodiakke wrote: »
      Another Garmin fan here. I used to have Fitbits, but when I got serious about running (okay, jogging in my case), I felt like my Fitbit just wasn't precise enough.

      spoiler alert, running and jogging are the same thing... if both feet are off the ground, you're running... otherwise you're walking.
    • Posts: 15,487 Member
      edited February 2019
      I've been wanting to upgrade my Garmin, but the Garmin I have just keeps going and going. Using the Forerunner 35 for over 4 years.

      When this one dies I will upgrade to the latest Forerunner.
    • Posts: 1,425 Member
      edited February 2019
      All the runners I know are huge brand loyal Garmin people. They are a bit pricey.

      I have been using a TomTom Spark 3 for 2 years now and love it. The GPS is VERY accurate (I compare it to other people in my running group with high end Garmins). You can upload music on the watch and sync it to wireless headphones. It also works as a daily tracker (sleep, calories, steps) but I don't use it for that. It does everything I need for a more affordable price.
    • Posts: 1,579 Member
      I had a fr35, loved it and still have it as a back up. Does everything you might need as a casual runner, found the gps far more accurate than fitbit ionic.
      I now have a vivoactive 3, which is an even better fit for me, but I'm marathon training and also do a lot of other activities so found the upgrade useful
    This discussion has been closed.

    Welcome!

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register

    Quick Links

    Categories