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Track Steps, Sleep, and More With Our Top Editor-Tested Women’s Sports Watches

These devices will keep your workouts and wellness on track

fitbit versa 3

Verywell Fit/Alexander Huang

Whether you’re a casual runner or a multisport athlete, a sports watch can be a useful addition to your fitness routine. The best women's sports watches are not only designed to withstand the wear and tear of your favorite activities, but they’re also often packed with features that make it easy to collect health and fitness data daily. Sports watches also can provide motivation, accountability, and helpful feedback, says Megan Roche, Strava running coach and five-time national ultrarunning champion.

When looking for a sports watch, consider how you will use it and which metrics you're interested in monitoring. To help you make this decision, we spoke with experts on what key features to look for when shopping. Then, we tested 13 expert-approved sports watches at home, making sure to include devices that offer a wide variety of functionality at varying price points. We evaluated each device for its ease of use, features, accuracy, battery life, comfort, and value. Another reason to trust us? A RRCA-certified run coach from our Review Board reviewed this article for accuracy and how to find a high-quality sports watch for every activity.

Best Overall

Fitbit Versa 3

Fitbit Versa 3

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Accuracy
    5/5
Pros
  • Versatile

  • Accurate

  • Very user-friendly

Cons
  • Touchscreen needs a hard touch

Key Specs

Battery Life: 3 days | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 1.59 x 1.59 x 0.49 inches

Who It's For

Best for exercisers of all levels who want to gather a lot of basic health and fitness data.

Why We Love It

With an exceptional design, fit, and performance, Fitbit's Versa 3 is an easy pick for our best overall women’s sports watch. Whether you're running on the trails or using your balance board, the watch will monitor your activity. Right off the bat, we were impressed with the easy setup and user experience. The Versa 3’s widgets also are very intuitive and simple to navigate, and you can seamlessly change the settings right on the display.

The watch also has a clean design and smooth, comfortable band that makes it easy to wear for workouts or all day, if you like. We also appreciate the built-in GPS functionality, so you don’t have to bring your phone on runs, walks, or bike rides. And once you’re finished with your workout, you can view a workout intensity map on the Fitbit app. We also love that this pick is smartphone-compatible, so you can use it to keep up with messages, emails, and more while on the go.

Potential Flaws

  • One minor annoyance that we noted is that the touchscreen sometimes required a hard poke to wake up. However, if it’s an issue, the display can be set to always on or motion-activated.

Most Valuable Insight

“This watch is very user-friendly and has a very comfortable, sleek design. I like that I can use it for a variety of different workouts or to track stats like step count, as well as sleep and heart rate data.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Fitbit Versa 3 sports watch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Best Budget

Amazfit Bip 3 Smart Watch

Amazfit Bip 3 Smart Watch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Accuracy
    4/5
Pros
  • Slim, lightweight design

  • Good battery life

  • Robust tracking capability

Cons
  • No GPS functionality

  • Screen is not easy to read in bright sunlight

Key Specs

Battery Life: 7 days with heavy usage; 14 days with normal usage | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 1.73 x 1.43 x 0.37 inches

Who It's For

Best if you need a durable and accurate watch that performs like higher-end watches, but at a more affordable price.

Why We Love It

Amazfit's Bip 3 Smart Watch combines durability, water resistance, and extensive activity tracking—all within a budget-friendly price range. With 60+ sports modes, it provides essential metrics like steps, pace, and distance, along with detailed insights related to heart rate and sleep quality. It's also smartphone-compatible, so you can get text and phone notifications without looking at your phone.

During testing, we found the watch to be remarkably lightweight and comfortable when worn for various activities, casual wear, and even while sleeping. The slim design, robust features, accuracy, and user-friendly interface create an experience reminiscent of high-end options, including the Apple Watch. This watch even surpasses some pricier watches in battery life, lasting seven days with heavy usage. And though it doesn’t have name-brand recognition, it is a comfortable, versatile option that doesn't have a big price tag.

Potential Flaws

  • The biggest difference in terms of functionality is the Bip 3’s lack of built-in GPS.
  • We noticed that the screen is a bit harder to read in bright sunlight compared to other options.

Most Valuable Insight

“I was really impressed with this watch’s comfort, ease of use, and long battery life. I’m not sure if it will be as durable as other high-end watches, but it’s a nice, entry-level option for those who want a robust fitness tracker and aren’t ready to commit to an Apple Watch or similarly expensive option.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Amazfit Bip 3 Smart Watch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Best for Beginners

Fitbit Charge 5

Fitbit Charge 5

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Ease of Setup
    4.1/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.6/5
  • Accuracy
    3.7/5
Pros
  • Built-in GPS

  • Stylish design

  • Easy to use

Cons
  • Some advanced features require a Fitbit Premium account

Key Specs

Battery Life: Up to 7 days | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 1.45 x 0.9 x 0.44 inches

Who It's For

Best for those new to exercising or fitness trackers, who will benefit from the simplicity and ease-of-use of this watch.

Why We Love It

Fitbit's Charge 5 is a fitness tracker that offers everything you’d want in a sports watch, too. And because it’s not as complicated to use as your average smartwatch, it’s an outstanding option for beginners. The easy-to-use watch tracks your pace, calories burned, sleep quality, and heart rate—all displayed on the clear, colorful screen. We appreciate that it's easy to set up and use daily, like other Fitbits we tested.

Highlighting its versatility, the watch features built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts and reviewing route maps via the Fitbit app. Plus, it's water-resistant up to 164 feet, so you can use it to track your swimming workouts. During testing, we were also impressed with the up to seven-day battery life. Comfortable for all-day and night wear, this smartphone-compatible watch ensures you stay connected with text and call notifications even during workouts.

Potential Flaws

  • While the tracker does provide advanced features like music streaming and workout suggestions, accessing these requires a premium Fitbit membership. Still, we found that the Charge 5 caters to beginners by offering basic tracking functionalities without the need to pay for the membership.

Most Valuable Insights

“This is a great option for those who want the sports watch functionality without the sporty look. I love how it’s very easy to use and comfortable to wear, and the long battery life means I can go several days without even having to think about charging it.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Best for Running

Garmin Forerunner 55

Garmin Forerunner 55

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Running-specific metrics

  • Easy-to-read display

  • Lightweight and comfortable

Cons
  • May be too much functionality for beginners

Key Specs

Battery Life: 10 days in smartwatch mode; up to 20 hours in GPS mode | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 1.65 x 1.65 x 0.46 inches

Who It's For

Best for runners who want to track all their stats, including distance, pace, heart rate, and more.

Why We Love It

Garmin’s Forerunner 55 boasts a lightweight feel and sleek design, making it an ideal choice not only as a running watch but also for comfortable all-day wear. During our testing, the watch proved to be straightforward to set up and use. The initial setup impressed us with prompts featuring helpful tips and advice for how to get started with the device—offering a truly user-friendly experience.

If you love to delve into your stats, this watch offers personalized guidance and suggested workouts tailored to your training history and fitness level. The clear, customizable screen lets you easily view the most crucial stats aligned with your running goals. Another cool feature is the recovery time predictor, which we found to be extremely accurate, prompting us to consider necessary rest days. Beyond running, the device also tracks stats for a variety of cross-training activities, such as cycling, swimming, hiking, HIIT, and Pilates.

Potential Flaws

  • With five different buttons, the watch can feel a bit overwhelming at first and may have too much functionality for a beginner.

Most Valuable Insight

“I’ve been using Garmin devices for many years, so I trust their high-quality, durable products. This version of the Forerunner is lightweight, comfortable, easy to read, offers GPS tracking, and has an impressive battery life, so it really meets runners’ needs and preferences.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Best High-Tech

Polar Vantage M GPS Watch

Polar Vantage M GPS Watch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Accuracy
    5/5
Pros
  • Built-in GPS

  • Accurate, reliable data

  • Excellent battery life

Cons
  • Face may be too large for smaller wrists

Key Specs

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours in GPS mode; 10 days in regular mode | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 98 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: ‎5 x 3.8 x 3.3 inches

Who It's For

Best for detailed metric tracking for over 130 sports.

Why We Love It

Providing detailed metrics for more than 130 sports, Polar's Vantage M GPS Watch is more advanced than the average sports watch. It also offers classic activity-tracking features that make it easy for you to keep tabs on your heart rate, sleep quality, and daily activity. We were particularly impressed with how easy it was to set up using prompts on the display. Although the watch has five buttons, we found them to be very intuitive and straightforward to use.

A slim, lightweight design and super soft band ensure comfort throughout the day. We also love that the waterproof watch is equipped with a long-lasting battery, built-in GPS, and smartphone compatibility. The Training Load Pro feature breaks down workouts by cardio load, muscle load, and perceived load, offering accurate and valuable workout and recovery insights.

Potential Flaws

  • Even though the wide display is crisp and easy to read, the face may actually be a bit too large if you have very small wrists.

Most Valuable Insight

“This is a great option for multisport athletes who like to get feedback on their workouts, as well as sleep data, to help fine-tune their performance. The battery life is superior to similar watches with built-in GPS, and that’s a big selling point for me as an endurance athlete and coach.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Polar Vantage M GPS Watch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Best Low-Tech

Timex Women's Ironman 30-Lap Watch

Amazon Timex Women's Ironman 30-Lap Digital Quartz Mid-Size Watch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Accuracy
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Customizable alarms and timers

  • No battery to charge

  • 30-lap memory recall

Cons
  • No connectivity, GPS, or heart rate tracking

Key Specs

Battery Life: 2+ years | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 328 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: None | Size: 3.5 x 3 x 2.5 inches

Who It's For

Best if you prefer a no-frills sports watch that’s dependable and budget-friendly.

Why We Love It

Timex's Ironman 30-Lap Watch is a dependable choice for athletes of all levels, offering budget-friendly, water-resistant, and easy-to-use features. Delivering everything expected from a basic sports watch without complicated functionality, we found it remarkably simple to set up and use, thanks to intuitive buttons. The durable, comfortable strap and clear, crisp display add to its appeal.

In addition to being a convenient wristband stopwatch, this pick records splits during track workouts or races, saving them for you to review post-workout. And with a non-rechargeable (but replaceable) battery lasting up to two years, you can bid farewell to the hassle of constant charging. We also love that the backlit display ensures visibility in low-light conditions, and the water-resistant capability of up to 330 feet makes it suitable for swimming.

Potential Flaws

  • This watch does not offer smartphone connectivity, heart rate tracking, or a GPS.

Most Valuable Insight

“Timex’s Ironman is a classic, tried-and-true sports watch. It’s very simple and straightforward to set up and use. I like to use a basic watch like this for running races because I can use it to time my splits, and I don’t have to worry about the battery dying or inaccurate data due to unreliable GPS tracking.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Timex Women's Ironman 30-Lap Digital Watch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Most Stylish

Withings Hybrid Smartwatch

Withings Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Accuracy
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Looks like a normal watch

  • Impressive battery life

  • Water-resistant

Cons
  • No built-in GPS

  • Display screen is small

Key Specs

Battery Life: Up to 25 days | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 15.63 x 4.8 x 2.01 inches

Who It's For

Best for health and fitness tracking in style.

Why We Love It

Although it looks like a regular watch, Withings' Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch goes beyond aesthetics, tracking metrics for over 30 sports. Its durable and water-resistant design ensures versatility on the trails, in the pool, or wherever your next workout takes you. During testing, this stylish smartwatch proved to be accurate in recording steps, calories burned, sleep, and heart rate. It also boasts an impressive battery life of up to 25 days.

This pick not only offers essential sports watch features, but also provides vibration and smartphone notifications for calls, texts, and selected apps, so you can stay connected on the go. Beyond its functionality, Withings’ striking design caters to those seeking a sports watch that seamlessly integrates into everyday style.

Potential Flaws

  • One trade-off for a discreet watch with a traditional face is that the embedded display screen is very small, so the data shown is limited. To view your complete workout stats and really analyze them, you have to use the accompanying Health Mate app.
  • You also need to have your phone for GPS connectivity during outdoor workouts.

Most Valuable Insight

“This watch is so elegant-looking, and I was pleasantly surprised by its functionality, performance, and ease of use. I wouldn’t necessarily want to wear it when doing a long run, but it’s a nice option for those who want to track their daily activity and don’t want to wear a sporty-looking watch.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Withings Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Best Waterproof

Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch

Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Built-in GPS

  • Easy-to-read display

  • Excellent battery life

Cons
  • Doesn’t come with instruction manual

Key Specs

Battery Life: Up to 21 days | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.42 inches

Who It's For

Best for swimmers, sweaty exercises, and all-weather runners who need a durable design and long-lasting battery life.

Why We Love It

If you need a waterproof watch for tracking swim workouts or wearing in the shower or in the rain, Amazfit's GTR 3 Smart Watch is a durable, versatile option. With over 150 sports modes and built-in GPS, it can measure metrics like steps, pace, calories burned, distance, and more. In testing, the watch was also easy to pair with an iPhone, and the simple two-button design made it straightforward to use daily.

The watch’s sleek, lightweight design and classic, elegant round screen add to its overall appeal. We also like that the display is clear, crisp, and easy to read. Despite its slim body, the watch has a powerful battery that can last up to 21 days with regular use. We also appreciate the accuracy of the watch’s advanced functions, including sleep monitoring and heart rate tracking. And because it's smartphone-compatible, you can use it to keep up with your notifications while on the move.

Potential Flaws

  • When unboxing, we were surprised to discover that the watch, unlike others we tested, didn’t come with an instruction manual. However, the setup was simple using the app, and a user guide is available online if needed.

Most Valuable Insight

“This watch is easy to use and has lots of advanced features, making it a good option for both beginners and more experienced athletes. I don’t know of another smartwatch at this price with this much functionality and such an impressive battery life.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Best for Triathlons

Garmin Forerunner 945

Garmin Forerunner 945, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with Music, Black

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Extremely versatile

  • Good battery life

  • Wide range of functionality

Cons
  • A bit heavier and bulkier than other options

Key Specs

Battery Life: 10 hours in GPS mode; 2 weeks in smartwatch mode | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.54 inches

Who It's For

Best triathlon watch for tracking a wide range of activities with in-depth metrics.

Why We Love It

Garmin’s Forerunner 945 Smartwatch stands out as an all-in-one solution, offering a wealth of in-depth metrics that make it feel like a mini-computer on your wrist. Despite its extensive features, we found it remarkably straightforward to set up and use, building on our experience with other Forerunner devices. Beyond delivering basic performance data like pace, distance, and heart rate, this watch takes analysis to the next level.

Performance monitoring features, including VO2 max, training load focus, recovery time, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects, set this watch apart. It even boasts onboard color maps for outdoor workout guidance. And the watch also provides a body battery score based on activities and recovery times. We found this, along with the device’s accurate sleep tracking, to be invaluable measures of fatigue. Overall, this is a great option for triathletes and fitness enthusiasts who like to analyze their health data.

Potential Flaws

  • Of course, the extensive functionality and very large display make for a heavier watch, and the 945 feels a bit bulkier than other options we tested. However, we found that the larger size was worth it to have a wide range of features and easy-to-read data.

Most Valuable Insight

“I would recommend Garmin’s Forerunner 945 to friends and family who participate in a variety of activities and really like to geek out over their metrics. For a casual runner or walker, it might be way too much functionality and not worth the hefty price tag and size.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Garmin Forerunner 945 sports watch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Best for Hiking

Polar Ignite 2 Smartwatch

Polar Ignite 2 Smartwatch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Has a hiking mode

  • Easy-to-read display

  • Very accurate

Cons
  • May be too much functionality for beginners

Key Specs

Battery Life: Up to 5 days in regular mode; 20 hours in GPS mode | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 98 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: Yes | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: ‎1.69 x 1.69 x 0.33 inches

Who It's For

Best for hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts who will appreciate reliable GPS tracking.

Why We Love It

Polar's Ignite 2 Smartwatch is a reliable hiking GPS tracker that combines style with functionality. Unlike bulkier alternatives, this watch is lightweight and comfortable for long-haul hikes. And, despite its sleek look and feel, the watch also offers robust functionality, including GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep pattern analysis, and more.

The large, color touchscreen display is easy to read—even in bright sunlight—making it a nice choice for hikes, runs, and walks in the daytime. Plus, its durability, accuracy, and consistent GPS signal set it apart. Unlike some sports watches we've tested, it didn’t lose its signal, even on wooded trails. We also love that the tracker uses sleep data for recovery insights and suggests adaptive training activities, adding a personalized touch to your fitness routine.

Potential Flaws

  • With all of these high-tech, advanced features, this watch may be too complicated and pricey for beginner or casual users. But we think you can't beat this pick if you're a serious hiker or outdoor adventurer.

Most Valuable Insight

“This watch is very accurate and durable for hiking and other outdoor adventures. Yet it’s also sleek and comfortable, even for casual wear and while sleeping.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, Verywell Fit product tester

Polar Ignite 2 Smartwatch

Verywell Fit / Christine Luff

Best for Golfers

Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch

Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Accuracy
    4/5
Pros
  • Very accurate

  • Easy-to-read color display

  • Stylish, lightweight design

Cons
  • Band gets sweaty

Key Specs

Battery Life: Up to 10 days in smartwatch mode; 15 hours in GPS mode | Water-Resistant: Yes, to 164 feet | Heart Rate Tracking: No | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Size: 43.4 x 43.4 x 11.7 mm

Who It's For

Best for golfers of all levels who want a functional, stylish, and accurate watch that can be viewed easily even in the brightest of conditions.

Why We Love It

With its lightweight design, precise accuracy, and sunlight-readable color display, Garmin’s Approach S42 Watch is not only perfect for the golf course but also boasts a stylish look suitable for the clubhouse. In testing, we found it easy to set up and use. And we appreciate how simple it is to track shot distances and measure distances to the green. Plus, the display features razor-sharp graphics and stats that are visually clear, even in bright sunlight.

Boasting an impressive battery life, this pick proves invaluable during extended hours on the course. In addition to golf game stats, the versatile Approach S42 can monitor various health and fitness metrics, including steps, sleep data, heart rate, and stats for other workouts. You can also receive smartphone notifications, including texts, calls, and app alerts, ensuring you stay in the game without reaching for your phone.

Potential Flaws

  • The watch band, while comfortable, sometimes gets a bit sweaty and irritating. But you can always swap it out for a more exercise-friendly band if desired.

Most Valuable Insight

“This watch is very durable and accurate, and I appreciated its ease of setup and intuitive use on the golf course. The big numbers mode when playing golf makes it easy to get your distance to the green.” —Angelique Hurgill, Verywell Fit product tester

Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch

Verywell Fit / Angelique Jurgill

Compare

Setup Comfort Ease of Use Accuracy
Fitbit Versa 3
Best Overall:
Fitbit Versa 3
4 4.5 4.5 5
Amazfit Bip 3 Smart Watch
Best Budget:
Amazfit Bip 3 Smart Watch
4.5 5 4.5 4
Fitbit Charge 5
Best for Beginners:
Fitbit Charge 5
5 4.6 3.7
Garmin Forerunner 55
Best for Running:
Garmin Forerunner 55
4 5 4 4.5
Polar Vantage M GPS Watch
Best High-Tech:
Polar Vantage M GPS Watch
4.5 5 4.5 5
Amazon Timex Women's Ironman 30-Lap Digital Quartz Mid-Size Watch
Best Low-Tech:
Timex Women's Ironman 30-Lap Watch
5 4 4.5 4.5
Withings Steel HR Hybrid Smartwatch
Most Stylish:
Withings Hybrid Smartwatch
4.5 5 4.5 4.5
Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch
Best Waterproof:
Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch
4.5 5 4 4.5
Garmin Forerunner 945, Premium GPS Running/Triathlon Smartwatch with Music, Black
Best for Triathlons:
Garmin Forerunner 945
4.5 5 4 4.5
Polar Ignite 2 Smartwatch
Best for Hiking:
Polar Ignite 2 Smartwatch
4 4.5 4 4.5
Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch
Best for Golfers:
Garmin Approach S42 GPS Golf Smartwatch
4 4 4 4

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.
sports watches

Verywell Fit/

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 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.