Finding the best sports watch with HRM is a fantastic addition to your exercise gear, especially for tracking performance.
By continually monitoring your heart rate, you’ll be able to know when you’re in the optimal zone for fat burning.
Also, it can be a convenient feature to help keep track of your overall health.
Comparison Chart
Best Sports Watch with HRM: Brief Reviews
1. Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch is sleek and stylish with plenty of functional features.
Not only is it a valuable tool for tracking your heart rate, but it also offers intelligent technologies.
Review
Let’s look at some of the most impressive components of the Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch.
- Suggested Workouts and Coaching
What makes this watch unique is that it takes an innovative approach to train.
You’ll receive personalized daily training guidance, including run recommendations of various intensities.
The watch takes your fitness level, training history, and recovery time into account when developing personal plans.
As an added benefit, you’ll also have access to Garmin Coach, which are adaptive training plans.
Within these regimens, you’ll have guidance from expert coaches to help you achieve your highest goals.
All of the workouts you select will automatically sync to your watch.
- Integrated Sports Apps
If you’re looking for a way to change your workout routine, this watch can help.
You’ll be able to switch through different activities, such as track running, stair-steppers, cycling, swimming, and more.
What’s more, you can easily engage each activity profile to track your performance.
- Built-In GPS
By far, the most notable aspect of this smartwatch is its built-in GPS function.
While running, the watch tracks your movements to provide accurate workout stats.
It is ideal for runners because it monitors your pace, intervals, and total traveled distance.
- Measures Running Dynamics
If you are someone who enjoys using running accessories, such as monitoring equipment, this feature is useful.
By measuring running dynamics, the watch can provide you with exciting metrics.
With this, you will be able to track anything from ground contact time and balance to stride length and cadence.
- Training Measurements
There are several measurements the watch acquires about your training performance.
It will track your VO2 max to analyze your performance, as well as your blood oxygen saturation through the pulse ox sensor.
Moreover, it analyzes training mode, training status, recovery time, and the effects of specific training exercises.
- Extended Battery Life
Compared to other fitness trackers, you will find that this watch has amazing battery life.
When using it in smartwatch mode, you can get up to seven days of battery life before needing a recharge.
Alternatively, using the device in GPS mode will give you up to 24 hours’ worth of battery life, which is really impressive.
- Comfortable Design
Another impressive feature of this smartwatch is the design of the wristband.
It is made from comfortable materials that withstand wear and tear over extended periods.
You will also find that the soft plastic adapts to your wrist contours, making it feel more low-profile.
If you are used to thick and bulky watches, this model is a considerable upgrade.
For as much tech as it has inside, it feels lightweight and non-intrusive while hiking, running, swimming, or doing other activities.
- Smartphone Syncing
It is important to have a smartwatch that connects with your smartphone for notifications and ease of use.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch provides notifications straight to the watch when they come in on your phone.
Even better, you will have access to safety and tracking features that allow you to send your location to emergency contacts.
With the Connect IQ Store feature, you can download different apps and widgets, such as the Starbucks app to make purchases.
Another convenience in the Garmin Connect App is that it lets you track and share your fitness progress with others.
The thriving online community is a great way to meet like-minded people and work together to achieve each other’s fitness goals.
Pros:
- High-resolution display
- Lightweight
- Gorilla glass screen
- Holds up to 500 songs
Cons:
- Music apps require premium memberships
- Music cuts in and out using Bluetooth headphones
2. Huawei Watch GT 2 Bluetooth Smart Watch
Another impressive smartwatch option, the Huawei Watch GT 2 Bluetooth Smart Watch has a modern and practical design.
With its streamlined interface, it tracks many important metrics to help you make the most of your workouts.
Review
Let’s review some of the most impressive components of the Huawei Watch GT 2 Bluetooth Smart Watch below.
- HUAWEI Kirin A1 Chip
Thanks to the HUAWEI Kirin A1 chip, you’ll have an extended battery life, allowing you to make the most of the device.
On average, your new watch should last up to one week before needing a charge, which is optimal for high-performance athletes.
- AMOLED Display with 3D Glass Screen
The overall quality of this smartwatch is something to make a note of, as it features an AMOLED display.
You’ll find that this technology offers an incredible crisp resolution, showcasing colors and digits with ease.
Also, the 3D glass display allows you to read metrics more efficiently and have adaptive touch responses.
- Full Fitness Trainer
The primary feature of this watch that makes it optimal is its fitness training.
There’s no doubt you will like that it offers 15 individual workout modes paired with professional training courses.
All of the workouts are preinstalled on the watch, too, allowing you to navigate from one routine to the next.
- Dual Positioning Systems
Not only does the Huawei Watch GT 2 Bluetooth Smart Watch feature GPS, but it also has GLONASS.
When these technologies work together, you will get to enjoy more reliable tracking and positioning data.
Basically, your watch will attract signals from more satellites, ensuring your position is as accurate as possible.
- Sleep Tracking
You’d be surprised to know that this unit can also track your health even when you’re not working out.
The integration of TruSleep 2.0 ensures that all aspects of your resting are analyzed.
You’ll have a better understanding of your sleeping patterns to help you acquire a more peaceful rest.
- Bluetooth Connectivity
As with most modern smartwatches, this device allows users to connect directly to their smartphones.
With Bluetooth, you can quickly receive notifications from your phone to your watch and access music.
It’s also important to note that your stats are directly sent to your phone for you to look at.
Pros:
- Impressive battery life
- Intuitive and detailed apps
- Attractive and bright display
- Pairs with Bluetooth headphones easily
Cons:
- Bulkier than expected
- Inaccurate heart rate measurements
3. Garmin Venu Sq GPS Fitness Smartwatch
The Garmin Venu Sq GPS Fitness Smartwatch is another impressive option from Garmin designed for all fitness enthusiasts.
This incredibly attractive and wearable device has plenty to offer, from heart rate monitoring to smartphone pairing.
Review
There are several key features you will love with the Garmin Venu Sq GPS Fitness Smartwatch, including:
- Stress and Mindfulness Tracking
You’d be surprised to learn the number of health concerns that can arise from stress.
With the use of this watch, you’d be able to track your mindfulness and stress throughout the day.
If your body stats suggest you are in a high-stress situation, you will receive a notification to begin a mindful breathing exercise.
- Body Battery Monitoring
One of the more unique aspects of this device is its body battery monitoring.
Throughout the day, you are likely to have sections of peak activity and others where rest is necessary.
Your smartwatch will alert you to these cycles so that you can find the best times to rest and do activities.
- Menstrual Cycle Tracking
This feature is ideal for women because it allows you to log and track menstruation’s physical and mental symptoms.
By adding data into the Garmin Connect app, the smartwatch will notify you about your upcoming cycles.
There’s also plenty of information available about training and nutrition during your period.
- Hydration and Respiration Tracking
Two other unique features of the Garmin Venu Sq GPS Fitness Smartwatch are its hydration and respiration tracking.
You’ll be able to log your daily fluid intake and adjust hydration goals based on how much sweat you lose during workouts.
With respiration tracking, the device determines how you breathe throughout the day, even while sleeping.
- Advanced Sleep Monitoring
This smartwatch takes sleep tracking to the next level with its advanced sleep monitoring.
You will have a complete chart explaining how well you sleep, including your sleep cycles and respiration data.
There’s plenty of valuable information to help you make the most of your rest using the pulse ox monitor.
- Heart Rate Monitoring
As expected, this smartwatch is natively designed to track and monitor your heart rate throughout the day.
It continually samples your heart rate and provides alerts if there is a significant rise or drop even as you rest.
This feature is ideal for monitoring how well your body is performing while working out.
- Versatile Design
The versatility of this smartwatch cannot be understated, especially for multi-sport athletes.
It’s great to use for generic exercises but can also be helpful for swimming and other marine activities.
In fact, even while golfing, it will be able to keep track of your athletic performance.
Pros:
- Clear display
- Useful body battery feature
- Helpful for tracking running
- Comfortable silicone band
Cons:
- Laggy interface
- Low-powered battery
4. Coros APEX Pro Premium Multisport Watch
The Coros APEX Pro Premium Multisport Watch is for everyday athletes looking to track their performance.
With its integrated heart rate monitoring, there are a few impressive features built into the device.
Review
Let’s look at some of the more unique components of the Coros APEX Pro Premium Multisport Watch.
- Premium Quality
The overall build quality of this smartwatch outperforms expectations.
For one, it boasts a titanium alloy bezel with a high-quality sapphire glass screen.
It is also designed to offer up to 100M of waterproofing, making it ideal for various activities.
- Improved Battery Life
Compared to other smartwatches, this device is said to have the longest-lasting battery.
The watch lasts up to 30 days or 40 hours if using GPS mode using the standard functions.
When entering UltraMax GPS mode, its battery life is extended to 100 hours.
- Touchscreen Display
Fortunately, adjusting the menus and functions of your watch is effortless with this model.
It is a touchscreen display, allowing you to manage data viewing options, navigation tracking, and more.
- 24/7 Monitoring
There are a couple of features that will be continually monitored throughout the day.
You’ll have regular blood oxygen monitoring paired with heart rate monitoring.
Whether you’re working out in hot or cold weather, the watch is designed to continue tracking metrics.
- Altitude Mode
This watch is one of the most impressively designed for hiking and trail running enthusiasts.
With the help of Altitude Mode, it monitors your acclimatization and provides regular evaluations.
You will then receive alerts to when you should start and stop climbing, as well as when it’s time to descend.
- Water-Resistance
Water resistance is essential, especially for people who enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.
The Coros APEX Pro Premium Multisport Watch is designed for all activities, whether wet or dry.
The watch features 100M waterproofing, sealing the interior components when exposed to humidity and moisture.
Also, the comfortable band is made from high-quality silicone, which helps keep away moisture.
After working out, you’ll find that sanitizing the smartwatch is significantly easier than with other materials.
- Enhanced Digital Knobs
When in harsh, cold climates, it can be challenging to use touchscreen devices with gloves.
Fortunately, you won’t find that a problem with this smartwatch.
This device is equipped to handle all types of weather, even when it comes to extreme cold.
You’ll find an enhanced digital knob with two buttons on the side to help you adjust its functions, even with gloves.
- Included Power Bank
As an added benefit, every order comes with a unique power bank and an added carabiner.
You can quickly connect the power bank to your belt loop or backpack to have backup power at the ready.
- Readable Metrics
When you download the APEX Pro app, you will have access to the tracked metrics on your device.
You can review your anaerobic and aerobic activity as well as VO2Max, Lactate Threshold, and more.
This data is essential for creating adequate workout plans to achieve peak performance.
Pros:
- Incredible battery life
- Seamless iPhone pairing
- Useful for chest-mounted HRMs
- Great durability
Cons:
- Confusing controls
- Lower-quality user interface
5. SUUNTO 5 Lightweight and Compact GPS Sports Watch
There’s no doubt that the SUUNTO 5 Lightweight and Compact GPS Sports Watch is a stylish and functional piece of equipment.
With activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and GPS, it has many high-end features.
Review
Let’s get into some of the most spectacular features of the SUUNTO 5 Lightweight and Compact GPS Sports Watch.
- Adaptive Training Guidance
When you power up the smartwatch for the first time, you will find over 80 sports modes to track your exercise.
Each model comes with adaptive training guidance, helping create custom seven-day training schedules.
- Customizable Sports Modes
Along with the personalized training advice, every user has the opportunity to adjust the 80 sports modes in the watch.
Regardless of the sport you’re participating in, you will be able to acquire relevant statistics.
The tracked stats will then be transferred to your smartphone and analyzed for further personalized workout advice.
- Daily Activity Tracking
With the help of the built-in tracking feature, the smartwatch is able to monitor several things in your daily life.
One of the most unique is stress tracking, which relies on your heart rate measurements.
As your heart rate fluctuates throughout the day, the watch alerts you if you’re experiencing high levels of stress.
- Sleep Tracking
Another helpful feature you’ll be able to review with the SUUNTO 5 Lightweight and Compact GPS Sports Watch is sleep.
While wearing the device at night, it monitors the number of times you’re restless as well as your heart rate.
Using this data, you can make conclusions about when you’re most at rest and your general sleep habits.
- Intelligent Battery Modes
One of the more unique aspects of this watch is its battery modes, allowing you to preserve a single charge.
You can determine which functions you want the device to use to either preserve battery life or track more metrics.
- Connectivity
It’s easy to pair your new smartwatch with your smartphone and sports apps.
When you download the Suunto app, simply access sports communities, unlock training analyses, and receive unique guidance.
- Water Resistance
Opting for a smartwatch with water resistance is essential for many reasons.
This device is rated for up to 50M, which is great for most marine activities like swimming.
However, we don’t recommend it for special water activities like snorkeling.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Adequate heart rate monitor
- Flexible and comfortable band
- High-quality warranty
Cons:
- No music functionality
- Limited backlight options
Final Verdict
The best sports watch with HRM is undoubtedly the Garmin Forerunner 245 Running Smartwatch.
You’ll like that it has plenty of incredible features, including GPS guidance and personalized training regimens.
It also has one of the most stellar designs, making it more comfortable and lightweight to wear for extended periods.