How to choose the right sports watch?

Sports watches

Sports watches come in all shapes and sizes. Nearly every athlete wears one on their wrist. The type you need depends on your activities and goals. If you're just start running, you might be looking for a simple model. If you're an experienced athlete, chances are you are looking for something with more technological features. Not sure which sports watch to buy?

We'll help you with your decision.


Sportwatch and heart rate monitors (35 products)

The options are extensive when you're looking for a new sports watch. of cours, you want one that measures what you want to know about your performances and health. Additionally, it has to last as long as possible. There are several aspects to consider when choosing a sports watch. 

  • The purpose. Do you want a watch to track your daily activities and overall health? Then you don't need one that's too complicated and expensive. Are you training specifically for a certain goal? Then it's useful to choose a watch that also accurately measures your activities. 
  • The appearance. It's okay if you want an appealing watch. Do you prefer a subtle watch with a smaller screen, or would you rather have a larger one to clearly read all the data? Additionally, you can choose between a silicon or nylon strap. 
  • The price tag. Sports watches come in all price ranges. The price is closely related to the functionalities. The more accurate and comprehensive the data, the more expensive the watch. 

Unfortunately, we can't provide a straightforward answer to that. What may be the ideal sports watch for one person, may be not enough for another. Everything depends on the sport you practice and the intensity of your activities. 

Runners are best suited with a watch that accurately measures data such as distance, speed, heart rate, stride length, and calories. A good GPS function may also be essential. Especially if you frequently venture into the woods or remote trail paths, accurate navigation is indispensable. 

For swimmers or triathletes, there are waterproof sports watches that also have specific technology to register swimming techniques. 

Also, consider the intensity of your workouts. If you're a recreational athlete who just enjoys stretching the legs, you probably won't need to worry about your VO2-max, lactate threshold, endurance score, or hill score. However, as a competitive athlete, these data points can be valuable. 

Most sports watches do measure your heart rate at the wrist. Wrist measurement is less accurate than measuring at heart level. So if you want precise heart rate monitoring, you can opt for a chest strap. It's easy to connect it to your sports watch, so you can control your heart rate while running. Do you find a chest strap uncomfortable? Then the Wahoo band is an ideal alternative. You can wear it around the arm. 

    Buy your sports watch or accessories online at Runners' lab  

    In the Runners' lab webshop, you easily order your sports watch or accessories online. Do you want some extra advice or information about the functionalities of a sports watch? Ask our Live WhatsApp team. Would you first try and look at the watch before buying it? Visit one of our Runners' lab stores. Our advisors help you in your choice.