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Best Cheap Watch For Running (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for a watch to wear while running but don't want to break the bank, you're in luck. There are plenty of inexpensive options out there that can still provide the necessary features to help you track your workout. Before making a purchase, it's important to consider a few factors to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

First, think about what features you need in a running watch. Do you want GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, or just a simple stopwatch? Consider your budget and what features are most important to you. Additionally, think about the watch's durability and water resistance. Running can be tough on a watch, so it's important to choose a model that can withstand the wear and tear.

If you're not sure where to start in your search for a cheap running watch, here are a few questions to consider:

– What is the battery life like? Will it last for long runs or do you need to charge it frequently?

– Is it comfortable to wear while running or does it feel bulky and cumbersome?

– Are the numbers and display easy to read while on the move?

– Does the watch have any extra features, like sleep tracking or smartphone connectivity?

By answering these questions and doing a bit of research, you can find an affordable watch that suits your needs and helps take your running to the next level.

10 Best Cheap Watch For Running

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for tracking fitness activities and monitoring heart rate during exercise.
2
It is ideal for runners and multisport athletes looking for a lightweight GPS watch with wrist-based heart rate monitoring.
3
The product is ideal for athletes who want to track their running and triathlon activities with LTE connectivity and bundled earbuds.
4
Ideal for runners who want detailed training stats and on-device workouts, as well as essential smartwatch functions.
5
Ideal for keeping women warm in cold weather with a stylish and comfortable acrylic watch hat.
6
It is ideal for tracking running metrics such as speed, distance, pace, and calories burned.
7
Ideal for runners who want to track their GPS location, heart rate, and fitness progress during their workouts.
8
The product is ideal for keeping young boys' heads warm in cold weather.
9
Ideal for keeping kids warm during cold weather.
10
The product is ideal for keeping one's head warm and protected from cold weather.
The product is ideal for tracking fitness activities and monitoring heart rate during exercise.
It is ideal for runners and multisport athletes looking for a lightweight GPS watch with wrist-based heart rate monitoring.
The product is ideal for athletes who want to track their running and triathlon activities with LTE connectivity and bundled earbuds.
Ideal for runners who want detailed training stats and on-device workouts, as well as essential smartwatch functions.
Ideal for keeping women warm in cold weather with a stylish and comfortable acrylic watch hat.
It is ideal for tracking running metrics such as speed, distance, pace, and calories burned.
Ideal for runners who want to track their GPS location, heart rate, and fitness progress during their workouts.
The product is ideal for keeping young boys' heads warm in cold weather.
The product is ideal for keeping one's head warm and protected from cold weather.

1. Garmin Forerunner 35 Watch, Black (Renewed)

The Warm fitness tracker is designed to help you keep track of your heart rate, activity level, and progress towards your fitness goals. With 24/7 heart rate monitoring, you can see your heart rate throughout the day and night, without needing an additional strap. The device also features helpful vibration alerts that notify you of running prompts, activity tracking milestones, smart notifications, and virtual pacing progress.

The updated high-resolution display is perfect for indoor and outdoor viewing, making it easy to see your stats at a glance. The device also offers smart connectivity, with auto-uploads, smart notifications, live track, music controls, and automatic software updates. Whether you're a serious athlete or just looking to stay active, the Warm fitness tracker has everything you need to reach your goals.

Pros

  • 24/7 heart rate monitoring lets you track your heart rate all day and night
  • Vibration alerts notify you of running prompts, activity tracking milestones, smart notifications, and virtual pacing progress
  • Updated high-resolution display is perfect for indoor and outdoor viewing
  • Smart connectivity offers auto-uploads, smart notifications, live track, music controls, and automatic software updates

2. Polar Vantage M Gps Heart Rate Watch.

The Polar Vantage M is an exceptional fitness tracker that provides up to 30 hours of training time with GPS active. It is a durable and waterproof watch that can withstand your toughest training and grueling races. With its Polar Precision Prime Sensor Fusion Technology, the Vantage M offers accurate optical HR monitoring for 130+ sports, including swimming and cycling. The device automatically syncs training data to Strava, TrainingPeaks, and other compatible apps.

The Vantage M is the ultimate fitness and biking activity tracker, separating cardio, muscle, and perceived load. It provides a comprehensive view of how your training sessions strain your body. Additionally, the device can monitor your recovery level and provide insights into your sleep to prevent overtraining or injuries. With customizable fitness band options, you can tailor your lightweight Vantage M with replaceable wristbands of multiple colors.

The Polar Vantage M is more than just a swim, bike, or run watch. Together with the whole Polar ecosystem, it forms a complete training solution for a pro athlete's training. Whether you're a professional athlete or someone who wants to stay fit, the Polar Vantage M is an excellent investment that meets all your training needs.

Pros

  • Provides up to 30 hours of training time with GPS active
  • Durable and waterproof watch that can withstand tough training and races
  • Accurate optical HR monitoring for 130+ sports
  • Automatically syncs training data to Strava, TrainingPeaks, and more
  • Monitors cardio, muscle, and perceived load
  • Provides insights into recovery level and sleep to prevent overtraining or injuries
  • Customizable fitness band options

3. Garmin Lte Smartwatch With Earbuds Bundle.

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE GPS Watch comes with a charging/data cable and Wearable4U Black EarBuds with Charging Power Bank Case. With LTE connectivity (requires a subscription plan and connectivity to Category M1 LTE network), this watch enables phone-free safety and tracking features. You can use features like LiveTrack and Assistance Plus, which connects you to the Garmin IERCC, a professional 24/7 emergency monitoring and response center (Assistance Plus is not available in all markets where Category M1 LTE network connectivity is available). Additionally, you can receive messages from fans during your race. This watch is perfect for triathlon training, as it comes with activity profiles for cycling, triathlon, pool and open-water swimming, track running and more. You can easily switch sports with a single button press, and track your performance measurements adjusted for heat and altitude. This watch also allows you to predict your race finish time, monitor heart rate (this is not a medical device) underwater, and much more. With built-in mapping, you can easily navigate through city streets or densely covered trails. You can create courses in our Garmin Connect app, so you’ll never run out of places to run. Garmin Pay contactless payments let you pay for purchases on the go. The Wearable4U Ultimate Earbuds + Power Pack comes with Wearable4U Power Bank 1500 mAh and Wearable4U Bluetooth EarBuds Pro. With this 2 in 1 EarBuds + Power Pack, you can keep your watch charged at all times and enjoy your music during sports activities.

Pros

  • LTE connectivity allows for phone-free safety and tracking features
  • The watch comes with activity profiles for various sports and training modes
  • Built-in mapping helps to navigate through city streets or densely covered trails
  • Garmin Pay contactless payments allow for easy on-the-go purchases
  • The Wearable4U Ultimate Earbuds + Power Pack is a great addition to the product

4. Garmin Forerunner 745: Gps Smartwatch For Runners

The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a smartwatch that can track your swim, bike and run activities accurately using multiple satellite systems. With preloaded activity profiles, you can switch up your workout routine easily, including running, triathlon, multisport, cycling, pool swimming, track running and more. The watch can also provide on-device daily workout suggestions for running and cycling based on your current training load and vo2 max. You can sync indoor or outdoor workouts to your device from Garmin Connect or other apps (when paired with a compatible smartphone) such as TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad, to get training guidance. The watch also analyzes advanced running, cycling and swimming dynamics to help you reach your race potential. You can sync the watch with music streaming services (premium subscription required) such as Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify and store up to 500 songs on your wrist. With Garmin Pay contactless payments (with a supported payment network), you can leave your cash and cards at home and pay for purchases on the go. The Forerunner 745 has a battery life of up to one week in smartwatch mode, 6 hours in GPS mode with music, and up to 30 hours in Ultratrac mode. The package includes the Forerunner 745, USB cable, and documentation.

Pros

  • Accurately tracks various activities using multiple satellite systems
  • Preloaded activity profiles for various activities
  • Provides on-device daily workout suggestions based on training load and vo2 max
  • Syncs with Garmin Connect and other apps for training guidance
  • Analyzes advanced running, cycling and swimming dynamics
  • Syncs with music streaming services and stores up to 500 songs
  • Has Garmin Pay contactless payments
  • Long battery life

5. Ezon Men's Gps Running Watch – T031b01

The GPS running watch is an essential tool for any athlete looking to enhance their running performance. This watch calculates your running pace and distance automatically, enabling you to keep track of your progress and stay motivated. The LED backlight feature illuminates the display for full visibility at night or in dark conditions.

The battery life of this watch is impressive, with up to three months in standby mode and up to six hours in GPS mode. Additionally, this GPS running watch is water-resistant up to 50m/165ft, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not for diving.

Pros

  • Calculates running pace and distance automatically
  • LED backlight feature for full visibility at night or in dark conditions
  • Impressive battery life of up to three months in standby mode
  • Water-resistant up to 50m/165ft

Cons

  • – Not suitable for diving

6. Polar Unisex's M430 Gps Running Watch, Black, One Size

The Polar M430 is a wrist-based heart rate monitor that uses a six LED solution to accurately measure heart rate. It also features integrated GPS with A-GPS data that predicts the position of the GPS for greater accuracy. The device also comes with a built-in accelerometer for indoor activities, making it a versatile tool for tracking progress.

The M430 offers enhanced training features, including the Polar fitness test, a personalised running programme, and a running index that can be accessed via Bluetooth. This makes it a great tool for runners who want to track their progress and set goals.

The device is water-resistant and can track activity and sleep 24/7. It also comes with vibrating alerts and smart notifications, making it runner-friendly. The data can be synced to the Polar flow app automatically via Bluetooth, allowing users to easily track their progress over time.

Pros

  • Accurate heart rate monitoring with six LED solution
  • Integrated GPS with A-GPS data for greater accuracy
  • Built-in accelerometer for indoor activities
  • Enhanced training features, including Polar fitness test and personalised running programme
  • Water-resistant and tracks activity and sleep 24/7
  • Vibrating alerts and smart notifications for a runner-friendly experience
  • Data can be synced to Polar flow app automatically via Bluetooth

7. Carhartt Unisex Child Acrylic Watch Cold Weather Hat, Carhartt Brown, 2-4t Us

The Carhartt Stretchable Rib Knit Hat is a high-quality headwear that is perfect for any outdoor activity. Made in the USA using imported parts, this hat is designed to provide maximum comfort and warmth to the wearer. It features a soft and stretchy rib knit material that is both durable and stylish. The classic design of this hat is perfect for both men and women, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

The wide fold-up cuff of this hat provides extra warmth and coverage, while the Carhartt brandmark label on the front adds a touch of style. The stretchable rib knit material ensures a snug fit for all head sizes, making it a great gift for anyone.

Whether you're going for a run, working outside, or just need a warm and stylish hat for everyday use, the Carhartt Stretchable Rib Knit Hat is a great choice. It is available in a variety of colors to match any outfit or personality.

Pros

  • Soft and stretchy rib knit material
  • Wide fold-up cuff for extra warmth and coverage
  • Carhartt brandmark label adds a touch of style
  • Made in the USA using imported parts
  • Available in a variety of colors

8. Timberland Men's Stripe Watch Cap, Navy, One Size

The Timberland Double Layer Knit Beanie is the perfect accessory for anyone looking for a stylish and practical way to keep their head warm during cold weather. This beanie is made using a double layer knit construction that provides excellent insulation, ensuring that your head stays warm and comfortable even in the coldest temperatures.

The beanie also features a Timberland woven label on the brim, which adds a touch of style to the overall design. The label is made using high-quality materials that are designed to last, ensuring that your beanie looks great for years to come.

The Timberland Double Layer Knit Beanie is available in a range of colors, so you can choose the one that best matches your personal style. It is also designed to be one size fits all, so you can be sure that it will fit comfortably and securely on your head.

Pros

  • Double layer knit construction provides excellent insulation
  • Timberland woven label on brim adds a touch of style
  • Made using high-quality materials that are designed to last
  • Available in a range of colors to match personal style
  • One size fits all design ensures a comfortable and secure fit

Best Cheap Watch For Running FAQs

Are there any affordable GPS running watches?

Yes, there are several affordable GPS running watches available in the market. Garmin Forerunner 35, Polar M200, and Amazfit Bip are some of the popular options that offer GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and other features at a reasonable price. These watches are ideal for runners who want to track their distance, speed, and pace accurately without breaking the bank.

The Garmin Forerunner 35, for instance, is priced at around $170 and comes with a built-in GPS, wrist-based heart rate monitor, and smartphone notifications. It also tracks your steps, calories burned, and sleep, making it a versatile fitness tracker. The Polar M200, on the other hand, costs around $150 and offers GPS, heart rate, and personalized training guidance. It also has a waterproof design, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.

The Amazfit Bip is another affordable GPS running watch that costs around $80. It has a long battery life of up to 45 days, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and other features such as notifications, sleep tracking, and weather updates.

Overall, if you're on a budget and looking for a GPS running watch, there are plenty of options available that offer great value for money.

Can I find a reliable running watch for under $50?

Yes, it is possible to find a reliable running watch for under $50. There are many brands and models available in the market that offer basic features such as a stopwatch, timer, and alarm at an affordable price point. It is essential to do some research before purchasing a running watch to ensure that it meets your specific needs and requirements. Some factors to consider include the watch's durability, battery life, water resistance, and ease of use. Reading customer reviews and checking the warranty and return policy can also help you make an informed decision. While a budget-friendly option may not have advanced features like GPS or heart rate monitoring, it can still provide accurate data and help you track your progress during workouts. With careful consideration and research, you can find a reliable running watch that fits your budget and fitness goals.

What are the best cheap watches for running?

When it comes to finding the best cheap watches for running, there are a few key features to consider. First and foremost, the watch should be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of constant movement. It should also have a reliable GPS system to accurately track your distance and pace. Additionally, a watch with a heart rate monitor can help you stay within your target heart rate zone during your runs.

One affordable option is the Garmin Forerunner 35, which offers GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and smartphone notifications. Another option is the Timex Ironman Classic 30, which has a durable design and multiple interval timers for training. The Casio W800H-1AV Classic Sport Watch is also a popular choice for its affordable price and basic features like stopwatch and alarm.

Ultimately, the best cheap watch for running will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's important to consider what features are most important to you and choose a watch that fits within your budget.

What features should I look for in a budget-friendly running watch?

When searching for a budget-friendly running watch, there are a few key features you should consider. First, the watch should have GPS tracking to accurately measure your distance and pace. This will help you track your progress and set goals for your runs. A heart rate monitor is also important, as it can help you adjust your intensity and stay within your target heart rate zone.

Another feature to consider is battery life. You don't want to have to charge your watch after every run, so look for a watch with a battery life that will last at least a few days. Water resistance is also a plus, as it will allow you to wear the watch in all weather conditions and even during water-based activities.

Lastly, consider the user interface and ease of use. You don't want to spend valuable time fiddling with your watch during your run, so look for a watch with intuitive controls and a clear display. Overall, a budget-friendly running watch should provide accurate tracking and useful data without breaking the bank.

Where can I buy affordable running watches?

If you're looking to buy an affordable running watch, there are a few options you can explore. First, consider checking out online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy, as they often offer competitive prices and deals on fitness watches. You can also visit the websites of fitness brands such as Garmin, Fitbit, or Polar, as they often have sales or discounts on their products.

Another option is to look for refurbished or pre-owned watches. Many retailers and online marketplaces such as eBay or Craigslist offer gently used running watches at a lower price point. Just be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable seller to ensure the quality of the product.

Finally, consider waiting for seasonal sales or shopping during major holidays such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Many retailers offer discounts and promotions during these times, making it a great opportunity to snag a new running watch at a more affordable price.

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