Women's Sports Watches We Also Tested

We tested 13 sports watches, but only 11 earned a spot on our final list of recommendations. Although these options didn't score well enough, we still think they have some features that are worth mentioning.

• Mastop's Solar-Powered Sports Watch features a solar battery, which means you never have to plug it in. But the band is stiff and fairly uncomfortable, and the buttons are cumbersome and quite difficult to use.

• Fitbit's Sense 2 Smartwatch is very lightweight and barely noticeable, with a silicone band that is soft and easy to clean. It's also water-resistant and comfortable but the step counter appeared to be off. Certain arm movements were assumed to be steps, and this affected our total count each day.

Where We Stand

After four weeks of testing 13 sports watches during exercise and everyday activities, Fitbit's Versa 3 Smartwatch was the clear winner for its versatility, accuracy, features, and durability. As we continue to test sports watches, we will update our list of recommendations if we notice anything that has not yet been reported here.

What to Look for When Shopping for Women’s Sports Watches

• Metrics: The range of metrics you can monitor with a sports watch is immense. On basic models, you’ll find stats like time, pace, and distance. And on advanced watches, you’ll find data for altitude acclimation, training load, and sport-specific dynamics. This data can help you and your coaches evaluate training sessions, biomechanics, and running form, Roche says. Of course, more in-depth data isn’t always better, and you should choose a watch that tracks the metrics you care about most.

• Battery Life: If you plan to wear your sports watch every day or frequently use GPS functions, make sure the watch features a long-lasting battery. Using GPS tracking will greatly reduce the battery life, hiking expert Wesley Trimble says. Frequent recharges can be a hassle, though they aren't as tedious if you only plan to wear your watch during workouts.

• Water Resistance: Many sports watches are water-resistant or waterproof, such as Amazfit's GTR3 Smart Watch, but some can handle submersion better than others. Be sure to note how water-resistant a watch is before taking it in the shower or for a dip in the pool.

• Price Point: Sports watches exist across all price points, and it's important to remember that a larger investment doesn’t always make for a better watch. Look for one that does everything you need it to do, and avoid paying for features that don’t matter to you.
  

How We Tested the Women’s Sports Watches

To find the best women's sports watches, we tested 13 options from top, trusted fitness tech brands. During our rigorous testing process, we evaluate each watch based on these key attributes:

• Ease of Use: If your sports watch is cumbersome and complicated, you likely won't wear it. In testing, we first take note of how easy the initial setup process is, including the watch itself as well as any third-party connectivity. Then, we wear each device to track daily activity and at least one three-mile run. For watches that are activity-specific, such as hiking or golfing, we also participate in that activity. Throughout testing, we assess how streamlined and simple it is to use each of the watches' unique features and tracking.

• Features: We take note of each of the watches' unique features and spend time evaluating them. For example, if a watch offers sleep tracking, we wear it to bed. And for watches that offer water resistance, we wear them in the shower, rain, and pool. As we test each one, we assess how well the features work and how accurate we perceive them to be.

• Accuracy: During testing, we perform two accuracy tests: one to test step-counting functionality and another to evaluate distance measuring, if offered. We also consider whether the tracker is reliable in tracking different activities. We prioritize options that are precise and accurate throughout testing.

• Battery Life: To assess the battery life, we track how long it lasts with regular use. We also record how long the battery takes to reach a full charge. Sports watches earn high scores if the battery life accurately reflects the manufacturer's claims.

• Comfort: We also considered how the watch feels on our wrists during extended periods, as well as during sleep (if applicable). We take note of any pinching, tugging, digging, or general irritation. We carefully select options that feel effortless and don't distract us from workouts or daily activities.

• Value: Once the testing is complete, we assess the value of the watch to determine if its price is reflective of its features. We also note whether we would be willing to pay that price to purchase the sports watch and recommend it to a friend or family member. We give high value scores to watches that we think have a fair price, considering each of the above key categories.

Our Experts

To choose the best women’s sports watches, we first asked a running coach and a hiking expert for their professional opinions on which features every sports watch should have. These are the experts who offered advice and input:

• Megan Roche, Strava running coach and five-time national ultrarunning champion

• Wesley Trimble, hiking expert and communications and creative director for the American Hiking Society

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best sports watch for me?

When deciding on a sports watch, consider your fitness goals, budget, and what you hope to accomplish with the watch. A sports watch is an investment in your health, but you don't want to break the bank to purchase one. Instead, choose one that gives you the fitness data you want.

What are the benefits of sports watches?

You can use a sports watch to time your workout intervals, track your pace, and see how much distance you’ve covered on a run, bike ride, or swim. This helps you get a better understanding of your overall fitness, Trimble says. Meanwhile, GPS functionality can help with navigation and tracking distances. Plus, many higher-tech options will track your heart rate, sleep quality, and stress levels, too. Fortunately, you can easily find one that’s as high- or low-tech as you want it to be.

How do I care for my sports watch?

You should first check the watch’s instruction manual to see if the manufacturer has specific cleaning instructions for the device. In general, if your watch is water-resistant or waterproof, you can clean it with warm water and soap. If your sports watch is not water-resistant, use an alcohol wipe or a disinfecting wipe. If the watch has a leather band, wipe it off with a dry cloth or paper towel.

How much does a quality sports watch cost?

You can expect to pay between $57 and $500 for a quality sports watch. If you're looking for a sports watch with basic tracking features—like step count, calories burned, and distance traveled—you'll likely be satisfied with the functionality of a budget-friendlier watch. But if you want a watch with higher-end features, like built-in GPS functionality or more detailed analytics about performance and recovery, you may want to invest in a pricier option.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and Verywell Fit fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be a good investment for her readers. Christine has tested multiple accessories, including GPS watches, running jackets, shoes, belts, and water bottles, plus leggings, hats, and more. For this article, she looked over the test results to help compile our top picks.