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Best Smartwatch for Runners and Other Fitness Enthusiasts

June 10, 2021 *

Runner’s World noted that high-end, feature-packed smartwatches generally cost a few hundred dollars. At the same time, they encourage runners to consider buying one. After all, these handy devices can monitor training progress, keep their owners connected on the road, and even help lost runners find their way home.

Are Smartwatches Worth the Money for Runners?

The expense of a new smartwatch for runners mostly means that the owners will expect to enjoy the investment for several years. Fitness enthusiasts should take their time comparing various smartwatches to choose the model most likely to keep them satisfied. Also, since runners take their smartwatches outside when they train or compete, they should consider buying a protection plan to keep it in tip-top condition.

Compare a Variety of Top Smartwatches for Runners

To understand what to look for in a runner’s smartwatch, look at some top choices.

Garmin Forerunner 945: Pricey but Packed With Features and Performance

At $499, some people might consider the Garmin Forerunner 945 fairly expensive. Still, TechRadar ranked it as their top overall choice for a runner’s smartwatch. Some of its primary benefits include accurate biometrics and GPS, a full-color map display and a great battery life.

Some useful features of the Forerunner 945 include:

Monitor training load: This keeps track of the past week’s training and figures out if it’s time to push harder to improve or to dial back to recover.
Check body battery: This feature checks how well the wearer has recovered from exertions on the previous day in order to plan for more effective training sessions in the future.

Even though the features and performance of this watch make it a great choice for serious runners, the bulky design isn’t very stylish.

Coros Apex: Mid-Priced Smartwatch With a Clean Design

Some retailers offer the Coros Apex for $299, so it’s considerably cheaper than the Garmin Forerunner 945. It’s a bit more stylish and offers an intuitive interface and a good companion app for phones. The screen’s a little hard to read in daylight conditions without using the backlight button, and using the backlight can drain the battery faster. Still, serious runners with modest budgets should find the Coros Apex satisfying.

Fitbit Charge 4: Entry-Level Watch With a Good GPS and Battery Life

For only $99, the Fitbit Charge 4 should satisfy beginning runners. Some key benefits include a decent battery life, a built-in GPS, and of course, the cheaper price. It’s also lightweight, small, sleek and offers plenty of tracking tools for casual runners. Users mostly control this device with taps on the screen, and when running, this can prove a little tougher than having button controls.

Should Runners Buy an Extended Warranty for a Smartwatch?

Anybody who buys a smartwatch to complement physical activity should probably consider getting a protection plan. Typical problems that smartwatch owners might experience over time include exposure to moisture, batteries failing to hold a charge and connectivity issues. At the same time, manufacturer warranties may only last a few months. Plus, they usually only cover defects and not issues that arise due to accidents.

Upsie has already discussed many reasons for buying a smartwatch extended warranty. Specifically, Upsie’s direct sales model keeps prices low while offering the best customer service and benefits. For instance:

Upsie protects its customers against such common accidents like exposure to moisture and drops. They will even repair cracked screens affecting the functionality of your watch.
They offer a choice between two- and three-year warranty terms.
Smartwatch protection is available for new and refurbished smartwatches bought within the past 60 days.
Upsie customers can call claims 24-7, and they can choose local or mail-in repairs from certified techs.

How to Buy an Upsie Protection Plan for Smartwatches

Get started by visiting the Upsie smartwatch extended warranty page. Select the model and price paid and then view transparent prices and plan details. Then buy the warranty online and follow instructions to register the device.

Upsie makes it simple and affordable to buy smartwatch protection plans online. Besides offering extended warranties for smartwatches, Upsie also covers other electronics, like phones, computers, tablets and accessories.