Whether you’re a novice runner, an occasional runner, a long distance runner or a marathon runner, a running watch is a great tool that can help you track your progress.
Check out our useful guide below, which highlights the six best running watches for women and highlights our top three choices. Finding a running watch will be a walk in the park!
Things to Consider
Think about the following things as you decide which running watch will work best for you:
- Where You’ll Use It. Are you looking for a watch that you will only use for runs, or do you want something that will work well as both running watch and everyday watch?
- Features. Some come with a full mapping system, GPS, heart rate monitor and all of the bells and whistles. These are great, but it also means that the cost will be higher. Decide what your price range is and see what types of features come with a watch at that price. If you have doubts about a running watch and you are very serious about your running goals, then we say go for the gold. It will be worth the investment in the long run.
Top 6 Running Watches for Women Table
Picture | Name | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Garmin Forerunner 235 | $$$$ | 4.6 |
![]() | 2. Timex Women's T5K8139J "Ironman" Watch | $$ | 4.5 |
![]() | 3. Garmin Forerunner 735XT | $$$$ | 4.3 |
![]() | 4. Timex Unisex T5G841 1440 Sports Digital Watch | $$$ | 4.3 |
![]() | 5. Garmin Forerunner 310XT Waterproof Running GPS | $$$ | 4.2 |
![]() | 6. Armitron Sport Women's 45/7037WHT Sport Watch | $ | 4.2 |
What Running Watches Do for Runners
These watches are specifically designed for those who want to keep track of and improve their running goals. Some are equipped with built-in heart rate monitors and GPS systems, while others focus on tracking your times, pace, cadence (the number of times your feet strike the ground) and help you keep a record of your runs. Or all of the above! They can be a very powerful and effective tool, especially for competitive runners who are constantly trying to improve their times and techniques.
Check out our top choices below.
Top 3 Best Running Watches for Women
1. Garmin Forerunner 235

The Garmin model has everything a runner needs.
You’ve got the GPS system, you’ve got the accelerometer to track distance and pace, it keeps a personal record of your achievements and progress and has heart rate monitor. You can set it to alert you either with vibrations or audible sounds once you reach certain goals.
You can also sync it with your phone and it will upload your running data to Garmin Connect IQ.
Track your runs live with LiveTrack, which is great if you’re out running alone and you want someone else to have the option to see where you’re at – a bonus safety feature.
This is the ultimate watch and it definitely earns its spot as the best running watch for women.
2. Timex Women’s T5K8139J

Another great running watch is the Timex T5K8139J Ironman Digital Display. If you’re in need of a watch that will help you count laps, whether on the track, around the block or even in the pool, this is the watch for you.
The buttons are easy to use and it comes with a stopwatch training log to help you track you’re your progress and a 30-lap countdown feature.
If you’re looking for a watch that isn’t overly complicated and will help you time yourself, this is a great option.
3. Garmin Forerunner 735XT

The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is another great watch that features GPS tracking. You can track your time, distance, pace, heart rate and even your elevation!
It’s great for those who, in addition to running, also enjoy other sports such as cycling and swimming (it’s pressure-resistant under water up to 50 meters).
The ANT+ sensors that it’s equipped with can help you track your speed and cadence. You can even track your weight, body fat, body water etc. and all data can easily be transferred to Garmin Connect.
Although this watch is a larger in size, the display easy to read. It’s a great piece of gear for any runner.
A running watch is a great addition to your gear if you are serious about getting the maximum results out of your runs. Whether you prefer a simple timer or a full-equipped watch that will track your results, your location, heart rate and a variety of other info, use the guide above to help you compare and contrast products. You’ll have no problem finding the best women’s running watch!