As it can not be otherwise, in RUNNEA, once again, we put the focus on the most frequent queries that come to the editorial staff of our loyal followers. The doubts are about the following topic: Heart rate monitor vs smartwatch: Which watch to buy for running? In the following lines we try to answer the question.
Thus, the idea of this post is none other than to explain the main differences between one and the other type of product in order that the final decision of the popular runner is made with the article that best suits your training needs and lifestyle. Of course, always with Running shoes on. Read carefully!
Heart rate monitor vs smartwatch, main differences
When choosing between a heart rate monitor or a smartwatch, the first thing to consider is what you want to use the device for. Obviously, Heart Rate Monitors & Sports Watches watches with GPS are more focused on sports, while Smartwatches are more oriented to adapt to an active lifestyle. So the main differences we can establish between one and the other are:
Functionalities
Regarding performance, smartwatchesincorporate heart rate measurement with ECG (electrocardiogram) based on electrical signals, whileheart rate monitors base their system on the measurement of LED lights. That said, the accuracy of smart watches is higher than heart rate monitors, and in fact many heart rate monitors integrate the ECG system to improve accuracy and thus improve performance.
Battery life and autonomy
As a general rule, heart rate monitors incorporate a long battery life, which significantly increases their performance by activating the GPS tracking mode to measure and record all training metrics. For their part, the autonomy of Smartwatches is more limited when it comes to taking action and activating sport modes.
Design and resistance
In design, heart rate monitors feature a more compact, robust and resistant design, capable of adapting to the most demanding workouts. While smartwatches, their design is lighter and easier to wear on the wrist all day long.
GPS heart rate monitors recommended by RUNNEA
Undoubtedly, the campo of Heart Rate Monitors & Sports Watches with GPS focused on training for runners is a whole universe in itself. The positive thing about the whole thing is that the extensive and varied range of products presented by the different brands offers us the possibility of choosing between an endless number of models, according to parameters of functionality and performance; dimensions and weight; prices; and even colors. As an example, here is RUNNEA' s recommendation with these three heart rate monitors.
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar, the version with solar charging function of the recently landed Garmin Fenix 7 It is the top of the range GPS sports watch of the American firm, oriented to outdoor sports practice that includes the latest technology to effectively and accurately monitor the different metrics of your workouts.
Outstanding functions of the Garmin Fenix 7 Solar
- Inclusion touch screen
- Battery life up to 22 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
- Navigation Sensors: GPS, GLONASS and Galileo
- ABC sensors with barometric altimeter, compass (three-axis electronic), accelerometer, gyroscope and thermometer
- Pulse oximeter and wristheart rate sensor
Garmin Forerunner 245
Garmin s successful Forerunner family continues to add to its legacy with this new device, the Garmin Forerunner 245. A heart rate monitor that incorporates some of the most advanced training features to give you personalized, quality feedback. Thanks to a running metric that carefully collects the different data of your stride, ground contact time or vertical ratio, among others. In addition, this device also has a Music version, so you can enjoy your favorite sport to the beat of the music.
Outstanding features of the Garmin Forerunner 245
- Evaluates your physical condition and recommends different periods of rest and/or recovery.
- Long battery life, up to 24 hours in GPS mode
- Optical heart ratemeasurement sensor
- Advanced running dynamicsdata, find out how you run and how to improve
Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro is one of the Finnish brand's high-end GPSHeart Rate Monitors & Sports Watches and one of the most awarded. Its main hallmark is that it is a training device with a long battery life with its 3 intelligent battery modes and an autonomy that can reach up to 120 hours, activating its ultra mode. Features that optimize this watch for all your most demanding workouts and long distance, being ideal for outdoor activities, but with more than 80 sport modes.
Highlights of the Suunto 9 Baro
- FussedTrack: the motion sensor works in unison with the GPS to provide greater accuracy in the route to follow and distance.
- Climbing: tracking of the effort made climbing in the mountains, up hills or even running up stairs.
- Track: automatic lap information that takes into account the location and analyzes the characteristics of the track.
- Weather: outdoor weather data and warnings for outdoor sports.
Polar Pacer Pro
The Polar Pacer Pro offers advanced features for the most demanding runners who want to improve their sports performance. The purpose that Polar seeks is that the athlete finds in this sports watch the perfect ally to optimize each training session, which will lead him to exceed their sporting goals however high they may be.
Polar Pacer Pro features
- High-speed processor
- Komoot technology, which allows the runner to keep track of his or her route without any loss of data
- Incorporates an ultra-thin Gorilla Glass 3.0 lens, ensuring strength and durability
- Polar Precision Prime: evolved sensor with 10 LED lights to ensure more accurate heart rate monitoring
- Power alerts and reminders
- Multisport profile with up to 130 sport disciplines, including swimming and triathlon metrics to record all competitive transitions.
Polar Vantage v2
One of the latest releases from the Finnish brand, and whose new update makes the Polar Vantage v2 a lighter and more resistant GPS sports watch, but also more accurate. It includes more than 130 sport profiles and with the latest generation Polar Precision Prime technology, optical measurement sensors from the wrist ensure accurate heart rate monitoring. It comes with compass and barometric altimeter.
Outstanding features of this renewed Polar Vantage v2
- Leg Recovery Test: gives you information to know if your legs are in optimal condition to face another workout.
- Hill Splitter: accurate performance metrics on uphill and downhill sections.
- Sleep Plus Stages: provides information on the quality of your rest and sleep, among others.
Smartwatches, selection of the RUNNEA team.
More of the same with smartwatches. There are plenty of good ones to choose from. In RUNNEA we recommend these options, although, of course, you have plenty of them:
Apple Watch Series 7
The latest update of the most anticipated smartwatch of the moment is here, we are talking about nothing more and nothing less than the new Apple Watch Series 7. With a resistance never seen before, it lands on the market with significant improvements that translate into a sports experience without limits; all this, of course, without sacrificing the precision and design quality so recognized by the manufacturer.
Apple Watch Series 7 highlights
- New fast charging system
- Improved healthfunctionalities
- Multisport profiles
- Water resistant up to 50 meters deep
Amazfit GTS 3
The most attractive point of this Amazfit GTS 3 is its best value for money, because it includes a number of very useful features to integrate it into a more active lifestyle. With a lightweight design and its custom dials, the Amazfit GTS 3 features more than 150 sport modes and 8 of them are intelligently recognized.
Amazfit GTS 3 highlights
- Fully submersible
- 150 sportmodes, 8 of them with smart recognition
- 100 different watchfaces
- TrainingSense algorithm, which evaluates specialized data about your performance
- Capable of keeping track of your blood oxygen, heart rate, stress levels, and sleep
- Menstrual cycle tracking
Fitbit Versa 3
The Fitbit Versa 3 is designed to improve your quality of life by monitoring fitness and health with detailed analytics. Connect it to the Fitbit app and manage your stress levels, check the health metrics dashboard, review your notifications and talk to your voice assistant. With improvements over its predecessor, there is no doubt that this smartwatch is a great option.
Fitbit Versa 3 highlights
- Built-inGPS
- Waterproof up to 50 meters in water
- More than 20 exercise modes
- Includes a personalized daily recovery level
- Smart alarm clock
Garmin Venu 2
The Garmin Venu 2 has landed on the market. This time, it has been renewed and from Garmin have placed special emphasis on improving GPS sensors and health monitoring and exercise functions. All this in order to help you better understand what's going on inside your body.
Highlights of the Garmin Venu 2
- Health Snapshot feature, for heart rate, pulse oximetry, respiration and stress.
- Monitoring of your body's energy levels so you know the best times for activity and rest.
- Menstrual cycle monitoring, hydration tracking, respiration tracking and advanced sleep monitoring.
- Animated training sessions on screen
- 25 sports apps
Huawei Watch GT Runner
Huawei Watch GT Runner will capture all your attention and interest, because it is presented as another of the training devices aimed 100% at the runner. Functionality and performance, yes, and it is one of its arguments in favor; but also design, because this Huawei Watch GT Runner model presents an avant-garde and modern design.
Outstanding features of the Huawei Watch GT Runner
- Faster search speed and satelliteconnection, so positioning is not only faster but also more accurate
- Monitoring with greater accuracy in recording heart rate from the wrist, and even in high-intensity training sessions.
- Running Index, a function with which you can quantify and evaluate your level and capacity more accurately, thanks to the HUAWEI TruSport Scientific Running Program.
- Receive suggestions on the intensity of aerobic and anaerobic sessions, fatigue levels, and even recovery times.
- Altered heart rate notification, all-day blood oxygen recording, sleep monitoring and evaluation, as well as period management
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