Running watches at the cheaper end of the market come with plenty of functionality that may fit you needs.
The more expensive watches have more features and functionality and are (generally) more accurate. But if you want basic features it is possible to buy a running watch for less than $100
This guide will give you a good overview of the best running watches under $100.
Table of Contents
Buyers Guide
This buyers guide is essentially a list of features that you can get on a running watch. It might help you decide which features you need and which you’d be happy no to have.
Distance and Time
Basic watches without GPS have a go at tracking distance by using other sensors. So you don’t need to have a GPS receiver built in to get a rough idea of how far you have run.
All the watches in this price range are capable of tracking time..
Price
How much you pay will largely dictate what features you get. As you go further up the price range you should expect to get better accuracy. These devices are packed with electronic sensors that do all the tracking of various things.
The companies that make watches costing $500 and up save their better sensors for their high end watches. Not an unreasonable thing to do I guess. But if one watch is 10% less accurate than the next, does that really matter in the long run?
Battery Life
Ask anyone whos been wearing a running watch for a few years and battery life will be quite high on the list of priorities. I love my Garmin Forerunner 235, it wasn’t a cheap. But its got the point where I need to charge it between every run I do.
So seriously do the manufacturers take battery life on higher end watches. They include a low usage feature on the GPS to save the battery life.
You may not be running an ultra and you probably don’t want to take an external battery with you on a 10k training run. But battery life is one characteristic that should still be high on your list of requirements.
What does the watch sync with?
If its not on Strava it didn’t happen, or at least that’s how the saying goes. Don’t presume that every watch at this end of the market will sync with Strava. If that isn’t a priority for you your options are widened somewhat.
They all sync with an app on your phone. This is what you need to be able to track your runs, map your progress and plan for the future.
Heart Rate
Heart rate is a key indicator of fitness over time. If you run the same route once or twice a week you get a pretty good idea of where your fitness is just by looking at your average heart rate. It maybe wont get lower and lower over time as you get fitter. There will be days when its above what you would expect for reasons you don’t understand.
There is endless discussion over the accuracy of optical sensors in running watches. I think it is true that they are not as accurate as a heart strap, but does that matter? If you’re a casual runner and you only give heart rate a passing glance. The optical sensors in these watches are more than adequate.
Oxygen Saturation Detection
Oxygen saturation detection measures the amount of oxygen being carried around in the blood. Its amazing to find this feature in a watch costing less than $100. It’s a point in time measurement and not something that will necessarily help you track and improve your running. It is a measurement used by medial professionals in relation to many things including the treatment of Covid-19. And that’s why I mention it here, be safe out there!
GPS
A running watch doesn’t need to have GPS but it’s a very nice thing to have. There’s great satisfaction to be had by looking at a little line overlayed on a map at the end of a run. Checking the time for each of those miles (or k’s) is a good way to spend some time and to get an idea of where your running is at.
I’m not saying you’ll regret getting a watch that does have a GPS sensor, but you might..
Other Considerations
You’ve got a good idea of the features you want in a watch that will allow you to track your running and fitness. There are some non-running related things to consider.
Lightweight
You may not want a large slab of plastic on your wrist when you go for a run. There are some watches in this category that are slim, slender and sleek looking that will fit your needs.
Ease Of Use
It isn’t easy to make something technical easy to use. If you remember VCR’s from the 80’s you’ll know what I mean.
How Robust
If you fall over and land on your wrist (not sure how that would happen but I’m sure It has), there may be an advantage to buying a watch at this end of the market. Should you fall over on your wrist and land hard. Your $50 running watch will likely be as damaged as a watch costing $500 and up would be.
Waterproof
Some of these watches are designed to be used when swimming and some are not. All are splash proof. Which one you get is down to your requirements.
Conclusion: Best Running Watches Under $100
Cheaper running watches can have all the sensors you consider important to you.
They are probably less accurate but consider heart rate. If your watch always measures your heart rate at 5 to 10% lower or higher that is actually is does that matter? Its always measuring you, so as long as its consistently 5 to 10% lower or higher you’ll still be able to track your progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheaper running watches good?
Just because a running watch is less expensive does not mean that it will be any better or worse than a more expensive running watch. Running watches range in quality from excellent to awful, and sometimes they’re just okay.
What is important to you? Is the look of the watch important? Does it have to be water proof, or do you want something that can last through multiple marathons.
Do cheaper running watches have GPS?
Some do and some do not, just like more expensive running watches. Running watch GPS is not going to be as accurate as a standalone GPS unit, but for most people it will work just fine. The most important thing is that you are able to track your distance and pace during your runs. Running watches with GPS tend to cost more than non-GPS running watches.
What is a GPS running watch?
Buying a GPS running watch will allow you to track your distance, pace and other stats while you’re out on a run.
GPS running watches tend to be more expensive than non-GPS running watches.
Do cheaper running watches have heart rate monitors?
Some do and some do not. If you would like to monitor your heart rate while you’re out on a run, make sure that the watch you are interested in has one.
What are running watches with mileage trackers?
Running watches with mileage trackers allow you to keep track of how far and how many miles you have travelled during your runs.
Do budget running watches connect to Strava?
Not all of the cheaper running watches connect to Strava. If you do use Strava , make sure that the watch you are interested in has a strong Bluetooth signal so it can easily connect to your phone and upload your data.
Are Garmin Running Watches better than other brands?
Garmin make very good running watches. It is one of the most popular and most recommended brands for running watches. Some of them are pitched at the entry level with the Forerunner 35, although they are a little more expensive than other brands.
They also make watches at a higher price point, such as the Forerunner 935. Garmin Running Watches are good because they can connect to heart rate straps that you wear on your chest while running.
The watch then uses this information instead of the optical heart rate monitor on the watch itself.
Which $100 Running Watch is suitable for Men?
Most running watches are unisex, so they will be appropriate for either male or female runners.
How much do GPS watches cost?
GPSRunning Watches can cost from $40 up to several hundred dollars.
A variety of running watches can be used while running. GPS-enabled watches are typically less than $200, whereas those with a simpler design might start at around $100 and go up to about $500.
Running watches with more advanced features are often pricier.
How much should I spend on a running watch?
How much you will pay for a running watch depends on your needs. Running watches with extra features will cost more, while cheaper models are good for beginners and can also be used to monitor performance over time.
Running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. To run effectively, its a good idea to be able to track your progress, pace and distance as well as heartrate.
What is the best cheap runners watch?
This depends on what you want from the watch. Running watches can be used to track heartrate, pace, distance and the amount of calories you burn during a run.
Some models also come with features that make it easier to use them as an everyday watch, such as reminders about upcoming events like appointments and texts or calls from your phone.
How do I choose my first running watch?
What features are most important to you? Running watches can be used to track your pace, distance and heartrate while running.
What should I look for in a cheap runners watch?
There are two main aspects that make up a good running watch: The accuracy of the GPS tracking system and a range of features to help you get the most out of it.
How long does a budget GPS watch battery last?
This will vary depending on the watch type, but usually lasts between 3-8 hours.
What do cheaper running watches do?
Quite often more than you might think. Running watches come in a range of prices, just like any other sporting equipment.
Which entry level watch is best for fitness?
If you intend to use your watch for more than running, look for one that has a good range of features to help you track all areas of your fitness like heart rate, GPS, pace and time.
Running watches can be used to monitor fitness training (not just running) and can really help you get the most from your workouts.
