
As a dedicated runner, finding the perfect training partner to help you reach your goals can make all the difference.
A GPS running watch can be that indispensable companion, providing invaluable insights into your training progress.
In this article, we'll introduce you to the top GPS running watches for 2023.

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## Garmin Forerunner 965

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a cutting-edge GPS running watch designed for professional and amateur runners and triathletes alike. Offering advanced features, improved battery life, and seamless connectivity, the Forerunner 965 is set to revolutionize the way athletes train and track their progress. With its comprehensive suite of training metrics and multisport capabilities, it's a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their performance and push their limits.

---

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## Garmin Forerunner 955

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is a top-tier GPS running watch tailored for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. With advanced training metrics, comprehensive navigation features, and an impressive battery life, it is the go-to choice for those seeking in-depth data analysis and reliable guidance during workouts and races.

---

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  src="/blog/2023-running-watches/fr265.webp"
  alt=""
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/>

## Garmin Forerunner 265

The Forerunner 265 is an upgrade from the 255, offering additional features such as advanced sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and improved training analysis. This mid-range GPS watch is ideal for runners seeking a balance between affordability and functionality, helping them optimize their training and recovery.

---

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  src="/blog/2023-running-watches/fr255.webp"
  alt=""
  width="240"
  height="240"
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/>

## Garmin Forerunner 255

The Forerunner 255 is a solid entry-level GPS running watch, perfect for beginners looking to track their progress and improve their performance. With essential features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and basic training metrics, the 255 offers great value for those just starting their running journey.

---

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## Garmin Fenix 7x

The Garmin Fenix 7 is a rugged multisport GPS watch designed for athletes who demand top performance and durability. With an array of advanced features, including running power metrics, full-color mapping, and extended battery life, the Fenix 7 is perfect for outdoor adventurers and endurance athletes seeking a reliable training companion.

---

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## Garmin Epix 2

The Garmin Epix 2 is a high-end adventure watch with a stunning AMOLED touchscreen display. It offers comprehensive navigation tools, extensive sport profiles, and advanced training metrics, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes looking for a cutting-edge wearable to elevate their training experience.

---

<Image
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## Coros Apex 2

The Coros Apex 2 is a sleek and reliable GPS watch designed for runners and multisport athletes. With a focus on battery efficiency and accurate data tracking, the Apex 2 offers essential training metrics, navigation capabilities, and a comfortable design, making it a great option for everyday training and competition.

---

<Image
  src="/blog/2023-running-watches/apex2pro.png"
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/>

## Coros Apex Pro 2

The Coros Apex Pro 2 builds upon the success of the Apex 2, featuring a more rugged design, improved battery life, and advanced training analysis. This GPS watch is perfect for trail runners and ultra-endurance athletes seeking a durable, high-performance wearable to support their ambitious goals.

---

<Image
  src="/blog/2023-running-watches/peakpro.jpeg"
  alt=""
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  layout="fixed"
/>

## Suunto 9 Peak Pro

The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is a premium GPS watch designed for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. With its impressive battery life, accurate GPS tracking, and advanced training metrics, the 9 Peak Pro is a reliable companion for those pushing their limits in extreme environments and challenging races.

---

<Image
  src="/blog/2023-running-watches/gritxpro.png"
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## Polar Grit X Pro

The Polar Grit X Pro is a rugged multisport GPS watch that excels in outdoor environments. With its advanced training and recovery features, robust navigation capabilities, and durable design, the Grit X Pro is an ideal choice for athletes seeking a dependable wearable to help them conquer new challenges.

---

## Polar Pace Pro

<Image
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  alt=""
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The Polar Pace Pro is a versatile running watch designed for athletes who value accurate data and actionable insights. With advanced features such as running power metrics, training load analysis, and heart rate monitoring, the Pace Pro offers the tools necessary to optimize performance and reach new milestones.

---

## Comparison table

<Table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>-</th>
      <th>Garmin FR 965</th>
      <th>Garmin FR 955</th>
      <th>Garmin FR 265</th>
      <th>Garmin FR 255</th>
      <th>Garmin Fenix 7X</th>
      <th>Garmin Epix 2</th>
      <th>Coros Apex 2</th>
      <th>Coros Apex Pro 2</th>
      <th>Suunto 9 Peak Pro</th>
      <th>Polar Grit X Pro</th>
      <th>Polar Pacer Pro</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Price</td>
      <td>600$ / 650E</td>
      <td>500% / 550E</td>
      <td>450$ / 500E</td>
      <td>350$ / 350E</td>
      <td>900$</td>
      <td>900$</td>
      <td>400$</td>
      <td>550$</td>
      <td>550$ / 500E</td>
      <td>530$ / 530E</td>
      <td> 330$ / 330E</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Release Date</td>
      <td>March 2023</td>
      <td>April 2022</td>
      <td>March 2023</td>
      <td>June 2022</td>
      <td>Jan 2022</td>
      <td>Jan 2022</td>
      <td>Nov 2022</td>
      <td>Nov 2022</td>
      <td>Oct 2022</td>
      <td>Oct 2021</td>
      <td></td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Map</td>
      <td>yes</td>
      <td>yes</td>
      <td>Breadcrumb style</td>
      <td>Breadcrumb</td>
      <td>yes</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>Breadcrumb</td>
      <td>Yes</td>
      <td>Breadcrumb</td>
      <td>Breadcrumb</td>
      <td>Breadcrumb</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Satelite</td>
      <td>MULTI-FREQUENCY POSITIONING</td>
      <td>MULTI-FREQUENCY POSITIONING</td>
      <td>MULTI-FREQUENCY POSITIONING</td>
      <td>Multi-Band only</td>
      <td>MULTI-FREQUENCY POSITIONING</td>
      <td>MULTI-FREQUENCY POSITIONING</td>
      <td>Multi-Band only</td>
      <td>MULTI-FREQUENCY POSITIONING</td>
      <td>Multi-Band only</td>
      <td>Multi-Band only</td>
      <td>Multi-Band only</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Battery in days</td>
      <td>23</td>
      <td>15</td>
      <td>13</td>
      <td>14</td>
      <td>28 </td>
      <td>16</td>
      <td>17</td>
      <td>30</td>
      <td>21</td>
      <td>7</td>
      <td>6</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Battery in GPS in hours</td>
      <td>31</td>
      <td>42</td>
      <td>20</td>
      <td>30</td>
      <td>90</td>
      <td>42</td>
      <td>45</td>
      <td>75</td>
      <td>40</td>
      <td>40</td>
      <td>35</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Screen type, resolution and diameter</td>
      <td>AMOLED 454X454 1.4”</td>
      <td>MIP 260x260 1.3”</td>
      <td>AMOLED 416x416 1.3”</td>
      <td>MIP 260x260 1.3”</td>
      <td>MIP 280x280 1.4”</td>
      <td>AMOLED 416x416 1.3”</td>
      <td>MIP 240x240 1.2”</td>
      <td>MIP 260x260 1.3”</td>
      <td>MIP 240x240 1.3”</td>
      <td>MIP 240x240 1.2”</td>
      <td>MIP 240x240 1.2”</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Music</td>
      <td>mp3, spotify, Deezer, Amazon music</td>
      <td>mp3, spotify, Deezer, Amazon music</td>
      <td>mp3, spotify, Deezer, Amazon music</td>
      <td>Optional mp3, spotify, Deezer, Amazon music</td>
      <td>mp3, spotify, Deezer, Amazon music</td>
      <td>mp3, spotify, Deezer, Amazon music</td>
      <td>mp3</td>
      <td>mp3</td>
      <td>No</td>
      <td>No</td>
      <td>No</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Weight in grams</td>
      <td>53</td>
      <td>52</td>
      <td>47</td>
      <td>49</td>
      <td>96</td>
      <td>76</td>
      <td>53</td>
      <td>66</td>
      <td>64</td>
      <td>79</td>
      <td>41</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Size in mm</td>
      <td>47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2</td>
      <td>46.5 x 46.5 x 14.4</td>
      <td>46.1 x 46.1 x 12.9</td>
      <td>45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9</td>
      <td>51 x 51 x 14.9</td>
      <td>47 x 47 x 14.5</td>
      <td>43.0 x 42.8 x 12.8</td>
      <td>46.1 x 46.5 x 14</td>
      <td>43 x 43 x 10.8</td>
      <td>47 x 47 x 13</td>
      <td>45 x 45 x 11.5</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</Table>



Stryd and Coros Pod 2 are two pods that track a variety of running metrics, including pace, distance, and cadence.
Both devices are designed in a way that helps runners improve their performance and monitor their progress.
On top of that the devices also provide more accurate pace and distance since normally GPS can have a lag and using a running pod can eliminate that delay.

Coros POD2 can be used only with Coros watches, while Stryd can be used with pretty much all popular brands including Coros or even without watch ( smartphone ).

In the table bellow you can see what are the metrics you can collect with having watch and a watch + pod:

<Table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Metric</th>
      <th>Coros ⌚︎ Only</th>
      <th>Garmin ⌚︎ Only</th>
      <th>Coros ⌚︎ + POD2</th>
      <th>Garmin ⌚︎ + Stryd</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <th>Distance</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Pace</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Effort pace</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Power</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Cadence</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Stride length</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Stride height</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Stride ratio</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Ground contact time</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Leg Spring Stiffness</th>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Vertical Oscillation</th>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Temperature</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Elevation gain</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>L/R balance</th>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Air power / resistance</th>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>⛔️</td>
      <td>✅</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Price</th>
      <td>-</td>
      <td>-</td>
      <td>99$</td>
      <td>269$</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</Table>

As you can see the main difference is Stryd measures running power while coros pod
2 is using effort pace, a new metric invented by Coros which tries to simplify pace
while taking into account many other factors like grade.<br />
The other difference wich I really like is the Stryds ability to detect head-wind and see how much of your energe is wasted to overcome it.

So which device is better for you?<br />
That depends on your watch: if you have a Coros one, Coros Pod 2 is a cheaper option, otherwise, Stryd is much better from a compatibility point of view and can be used even when you change your watch ( or without one ).



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After years of rumours, Pixel Watch is finally here. Let’s see if matches the high expectations.

Firstly, this is a review from sport / runner perspective, and I will focus mainly on that side of the watch and trying to answer most important question for me: can this watch provide me with accurate data and help me train.

## Overview

The watch is pretty small, slick and very minimalistic, it's barely noticeable on my wrist, here are quick specs:

- size: 41mm diameter, 36 grams without band
- display: 1.2 inches, 450x450 pixels AMOLED, protected by gorlila glass 5
- water resistance: 50M / 5ATM
- price:
  - $349 / 379 € / £ 339 for WiFi only
  - $399 / 429 € / £ 379 for WiFi + LTE

<img
  src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/fenix-vs-pixel.png"
  style={{ maxWidth: "100%" }}
  alt=""
/>
<br />

## Sport and Running

Pixel Watch utilizes Fitbit for sport and exercise, it comes with 40 sports modes, like Run, Bike, Swim and a few others like Yoga and Functional training, unfortunately, there is no Triathlon yet.

The data which you can see and track on the watch during a run is quite limited, you have only 1 screen with the option to configure 4 fields with the fallowing options: distance
, elapsed time, heart rate, pace, pace avg, calories burned, steps, elevation, elevation gain and active zone minutes.

If you want to see any other data-field during exercise there is a way to do that, you need to swipe right, and you can see the rest of data in a list manner, but that is kind of difficult to do when you are running.
I personaly would love adding option for multiple configurable screens like Garmin or any other sport watch.

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  src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/run-screen-goals.png"
  alt=""
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  height="300"
/>
</GridLayout>

There is an option to set a goal, like distance, time or calories but not for interval training or structured workouts, I couldn’t find any other application that supports this functionality.
On top of that external sensors are not supported natively and you have to use an external app, at least in that case there are a few options, but more on that later.

So the watch can collect your data like GPS and HR, but is it accurate, lets's find out:

<br />
## Accuracy

For accuracy testing and comparison I did a few runs with Garmin Fenix 7, a smartphone which support dual-frequency satellite and the Pixel Watch.

### GPS

#### Interval Run

All devices seems to cut corners, but the pixel watch does not look worse than my Garmin and smartphone.

<a
  href="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct--cut-corners.png"
  target="_blank"
>
  <img
    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct--cut-corners.png"
    style={{ maxWidth: "450px", width: "100%" }}
    alt=""
  />
</a>

Here the pixel is the closes to the path I actually took, I did not run on the street.

<a href="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct-streets.png" target="_blank">
  <img
    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct-streets.png"
    style={{ maxWidth: "450px", width: "100%" }}
    alt=""
  />
</a>

My smartphone is way off, and the Garmin is showing the right path, the Pixel is between and eventily down the road, the Garmin and the Pixel aligned.

<a href="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct-streets-2.png" target="_blank">
  <img
    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct-streets-2.png"
    style={{ maxWidth: "450px", width: "100%" }}
    alt=""
  />
</a>

And between the buildings the Pixel is again the most accurate one.

<a href="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct-buildings.png" target="_blank">
  <img
    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/map-run-20-oct-buildings.png"
    style={{ maxWidth: "450px", width: "100%" }}
    alt=""
  />
</a>

### Heart rate

for that comparison I used Garmin Fenix 7 with Polar H9 chest strap.

#### Interval Run

<a href="/blog/pixel-watch-review/HR-run-20-oct.png" target="_blank">
  <img src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/HR-run-20-oct.png" width="100%" alt="" />
</a>

Apart from the very beginning where is kind of normal for optical heart rate sensors to struggle for the first few minutes, the rest of the time it matches the chest strap.
In general, I am pretty happy and even surprised with the accuracy. Obviously there are differences of few beats here and there but that’s totally acceptable, the whole trend is pretty equal with my chest strap.

#### Long steady run

<a href="/blog/pixel-watch-review/HR-run-22-oct.png" target="_blank">
  <img src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/HR-run-22-oct.png" width="100%" alt="" />
</a>

As always if you want to have better HR you need to connect external chest strap, which Pixel Watch does not support out of the box, but on that read next part.

### External sensors:

As I said external sensors are not supported by Fitbit app, but you can use one of the folling apps to achieve that:

- [adidas Running](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.runtastic.android): can connect to Heart Rate sensor
- [Sporty Go!](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.qooapps.sportygo&hl=en_US&gl=US): can connect to Stryd & Heart Rate sensor however it's not free. In my research I found that is probably the best Wear OS app for running right now, it also provides customisable data screens and can sync with Strava.

If you want to check more details about graphs and maps here are links to comparison data sets:

- [Interval running](https://analyze.dcrainmaker.com/#/dcc/2ae85812-59a6-4fb9-59b2-93027c804e55)
- [Long run](https://analyze.dcrainmaker.com/#/dcc/cbf4f40d-007b-467a-4d22-6d86139cd4a1)

<br />

### Other sport metrics

Here is a list of stuff that I expect from a running / sport watch:

- **VO2max score**: yes, it's called Cardio Fitness and can be found in Fitbit's smartphone app.
- **Training Load and Status**: no available at the moment, probably the best way is to sync your runs with 3rd party platform like TrainingPeaks.
- **Daily readiness**: there is a functionality which tell you how ready you are for your day, but it is part of Fitbit Premium ( Google is giving you 6 months for free)

<br />
## Wellbeing

on the well-being side, the pixel watch provides quite a lot of useful features, mainly via the Fitbit app:

- **Daily readiness score**: uses your Fitbit data to assess whether you're ready to workout or should prioritize recovery, it's a score from 0-99 and takes into an account: sleep, HRV and recent activity.
- **Sleep tracking**: I find Fitbit to have one of the best sleep tracking devices, and this seems to match my other fitbits, the watch will provide you with sleep stages, sleep quality score and sleep time.
- **HRV**: overnight measurements on your HRV, later can be seen in the fitbit app.
- **Resting Heart Rate**: measures your heart rate during rest ( mainly sleep )
- **ECG app**: it requires an extra app, unfortunately, I couldn’t test it since it is not supported in my country

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    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/fitbit-integration-hr.png"
    alt="Pixel Watch App Drawer"
    layout="fixed"
    width="300"
    height="300"
  />
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    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/fitbit-integration-sleep.png"
    alt="Pixel Watch Google assistant"
    layout="fixed"
    width="300"
    height="300"
  />
</GridLayout>

<br />
## App ecosystem

Apart from the fitness app, Wear OS is the second-best watch operation system after Apple’s one. There are plenty of apps in Google Play Store.

- Strava - you can use it directly from your wrist without the need for a phone
- Music: Spotify, Youtube Music, Shazam and plenty more apps for music, or just to use the watch as a media controller
- You can send and reply to messages in most of the apps.
- You can make phone calls
- You can use the watch as a camera remote.
- Google Wallet for payments
- Google Home for managing your smart home devices
- Google Maps for navigation in the city and Komoot for trails.
- Google Assistant for speaking to someone when you are bored.
- Huge variety of watch faces and pretty much anything you want.

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  columns={{ xs: "1fr", md: "auto auto" }}
  rowGap="space040"
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    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/app-drawer.png"
    alt="Pixel Watch App Drawer"
    layout="fixed"
    width="300"
    height="300"
  />
  <Image
    src="/blog/pixel-watch-review/google-assistant.png"
    alt="Pixel Watch Google assistant"
    layout="fixed"
    width="300"
    height="300"
  />
</GridLayout>

<br />
## Battery

First of all, this is a smartwatch which runs a full functional operation system, similar to Apple Watch OS, having this kind of OS means you can’t expect the watch to last for longer, here is how the battery works for me:

- During **day** is around 3 to 5% per hour
- During **sleep** is around 2.5-3% per hour, or around 20% per night
- During **exercise** with GPS: 14-18% per hour

So it is exactly the same as google advertise it: **up to 24h**, which means you have to charge it every day.
Charging times are pretty good though, and they are what Google says as well: 30 minutes to 50%; 80 minutes to 100%.

<br />
## Conclusion

The Pixel Watch works well for me, I am very happy with the GPS and HR accuracy. The battery is not great and I need to charge it every day but that is the cost of having a full-featured smartwatch. Wellbeing functions are really good. The only real downside is the lack of a good running app that supports training plans and structured workouts, which honestly can be sorted by some smart developer, and it's just a matter of time.

If you are a very active runner or biker who trains and follow training plans, I would not recommend the watch at this point, for the rest, that is a very decent first smartwatch from Google and probably the best Wear OS watch till now.


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