The 4 Best Fitness Trackers for Running
We looked at fitness trackers for running using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
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Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker Top pick | running |
| 2. Garmin Vivosmart 5 | running |
| 3. Amazfit Band 7 | running |
| 4. Garmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch |
Key specs: Built-in GPS with real-time pace, 7-day battery (5-6 hours with GPS active), Google Maps and Wallet integration.
- Built-in GPS with real-time pace
- 7-day battery (5-6 hours with GPS active)
- Google Maps and Wallet integration
- 40+ exercise modes with automatic recognition
- 50-meter water resistance
Strengths
- Built-in GPS means no phone required for accurate route and pace tracking
- Heart rate accuracy improved noticeably over the Charge 5 in steady-state runs
- Daily Readiness Score gives a useful go or rest signal after hard training days
- Fitbit's app remains the most polished for visualizing weekly running trends
Limitations
- GPS running continuously cuts battery life to 5-6 hours from the rated 7 days
- Most advanced metrics require a Fitbit Premium subscription
- Screen is small for checking pace mid-stride compared to a running watch
2.Garmin Vivosmart 5
Garmin · Best for running
Key specs: Body Battery energy monitoring, Connected GPS via phone, Up to 7 days battery life.
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Connected GPS via phone
- Up to 7 days battery life
- Animated on-screen workouts
- No subscription required
Strengths
- Body Battery gives runners a clear number for how much they have left to train on
- No subscription needed to unlock any feature, unlike Fitbit or Whoop
- Comfortable, low-profile band that most testers forget they're wearing overnight
- Battery consistently lasts a full week of daily runs with connected GPS
Limitations
- No built-in GPS, so accurate route tracking requires carrying a phone
- Touchscreen can misregister taps mid-run when sweaty
- Smaller third-party app ecosystem than Fitbit or Garmin's own watch line
3.Amazfit Band 7
Amazfit · Best for running
Key specs: 18-day battery life, 1.47-inch AMOLED display, 120 sports modes.
- 18-day battery life
- 1.47-inch AMOLED display
- 120 sports modes
- Alexa built-in
- 5 ATM water resistance
Strengths
- 18-day battery means far fewer mid-training-block charging interruptions
- AMOLED display is bright and legible in direct outdoor sunlight
- 120 sports modes cover running, trail running, and treadmill separately
Limitations
- Connected GPS only, so a phone is required for accurate route mapping
- Zepp companion app is less polished than Fitbit's or Garmin Connect
- Band material shows wear faster than pricier competitors after months of sweat
Strengths
- Built-in GPS for pace and distance
- Bright AMOLED touchscreen
- Garmin Coach training plans
- Long battery for a GPS watch
Limitations
- Pricier than basic trackers
- Music needs the Music version
- Bulkier than a band
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.