Are you passionate about sports? If you swim, run, cycle, or even do trail running and hiking, one item has become essential during your sports activities: the smartwatch. It can provide you with a wealth of data that will allow you to analyze and improve your performance. How to choose the best smartwatch in 2025? Where to buy it at the best price? We'll explain.
Why use a smartwatch for sports?
A smartwatch dedicated to sports offers functions that will allow you to measure your heart rate, the distance covered during your activity thanks to the integrated GPS, calories burned, but it can also provide you with information on your sleep, your stress, oxygen saturation and many other data.
The advantage of exercising while equipped with a smartwatch is that this object will turn out to be a real sports coach. It will allow you to know if you have made progress, but also to identify weak points in order to offer personalized training. The connected watch is aimed at both beginners and experts.
The essential criteria for choosing the right connected watch in 2025
To choose the right connected watch in 2025, it is essential to focus on certain essential criteria. The main one is above all the watch's battery life. Ideally, you should choose one that will allow you to use it for several days without having to recharge it. Also check that the sensors are sufficiently precise according to your needs. More precision will ensure better health monitoring. Remember to focus on the sports functions that the models offer. These must correspond to the activities you practice and your level. Finally, one last important point: make sure that your watch is compatible with your smartphone's OS as well as the applications that are offered.
To have the right smartwatch on your wrist for sports, depending on your profile, here is our advice.
Which smartwatch if I'm new to running?
If you've just started running, we recommend opting for watches that offer essential features that combine good value for money. You can choose the Garmin Forerunner 55 with built-in GPS. This model is simple and intuitive. It offers heart rate monitoring, training guidance, and a battery life of up to 2 weeks (in watch mode). The Coros Pace 2 is lightweight, accurate, and offers a simple interface and excellent GPS. Its battery life can last up to 20 days. You can also go for the Polar Pacer, ideal for runners with its clear interface and intuitive app.
Which smartwatch should you choose for trail running and hiking in the great outdoors?
For trail running and hiking, you need to choose a smartwatch with a very precise GPS, that is robust and that offers long battery life and a barometric altimeter. We recommend the Garmin Fenix 7 or Fenix 7 Pro (multi-band GPS altimeter, barometer, topographic mapping). Battery life in watch mode can be up to 18 days and 57 hours in GPS mode. A solar version offers better battery life. It will be ideal in the most extreme environments thanks to its resistance.
The Coros Vertix 2 offers a battery life of up to 140 hours in standard GPS mode and integrated mapping. Very resistant in the mountains, in cold and wet conditions, it will be perfect for both trail running and mountaineering. Finally, the Suunto Vertical is ideal for outdoor adventures (85 hours of battery life in performance mode, dual-frequency GPS, free offline maps).
I'm on a budget, which smartwatch model should I choose?
For beginners and occasional athletes on a budget, we recommend the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 or the Huawei Watch Fit 2, ranging from 80 to 120 euros. Models that offer the essential features, all at an affordable price.
If you are a trail and more regular running enthusiast on a small budget, we recommend the Coros Pace 2 (lightweight, good battery life, accurate GPS, trail/swimming/running/cycling functions, Stryd compatible). If your budget is between 230 and 280 euros, the Garmin Forerunner 255 will appeal to athletes who practice trail running and the Polar Pacer Pro will interest those looking for a good running/trail compromise.
As you will have understood, choosing your connected watch for sport in 2025 involves taking several criteria into account. But thanks to our advice, you will definitely find the one that will correspond to your profile and your budget.
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