Sports watches have gone from niche products to global necessities over the last decade, with individuals across a spectrum of fitness goals keen to track personal progress. 

Many searching for a new sports watch face the same issue: today’s oversaturated smartwatch market makes narrowing down your ideal device virtually impossible. This is especially true for beginners.

Here, you’ll discover why certain watches suit particular people and which features to look out for, as well as a quick rundown of the industry’s best watches for those on strict budgets.

Do you need a smartwatch to track fitness progress?

If you’re eager to track accurate, consistent and in-depth fitness data, you’ll need a sports watch.

Yes, modern smartphones trace general information, like step counts and calorie burn estimates – but these limited tracking features pale in comparison to contemporary wrist-worn options.

For beginners, using smartwatches means less second-guessing of potentially inaccurate data on your phone. Meanwhile, experienced athletes can gain a deeper understanding of where to improve; these watches cater to those invested in intricate fitness details.

So, while a watch is not absolutely necessary to track your headway, it unlocks a new wave of tools and accuracy unattainable via smartphones.

Smartwatches in 2025: Which features matter most?

Smart fitness watches have developed significantly over the last decade. 

They now comprise key features tailor-made to fitness tracking – and in the same way that every serious bettor compares high-value odds across the best sports betting websites, virtually every committed athlete owns some form of sports watch. 

But, for everyone interested in purchasing a smartwatch, understanding which features actually matter to you is key. Here, we explore the most pertinent fitness-focused sports watch accoutrements…

• Heart rate monitor: Sports watches support simple beats-per-minute tracking during exercise and at rest, while others deliver comprehensive ECG and blood pressure functionality. Certain devices can keep tabs on heart arrhythmias, too. 

• Step counting: Because of their positioning on your wrist, smartwatch pedometers are generally more accurate than those found on smartphones. A vital feature for all involved in standing sports.

• Calorie burn: See exactly how many calories you burn during exercise – with resting metabolic rate (RMR) also available. 

• GPS: Particularly poignant for runners, hikers and all who engage in outdoor sports; GPS tracking allows emergency services to assist during an accident. You can even instruct your watch to automatically call for help should you fall. If you’re building up from the basics, this guide for amateur runners on training like a pro shows how to turn GPS and pacing data into smarter sessions.
• Battery: There is no benefit to owning a smartwatch packed with fancy trinkets if battery life is poor. Be sure to compare the time between charges before deciding on a product. 

Best fitness watches available now

From extreme sports to casual park walks, these smartwatches will allow you to track your progress during all forms of exercise.

The all-rounder…

• Apple Watch Series: Beginners should look to the simple yet refined SE, while mountain climbers, hikers and watersport enthusiasts can avail of the Apple Watch Ultra. For an in-between option, consider the standard ‘Series’ line. 

Best for battery…

• Garmin: Choose the Garmin Forerunner 55 for entry-level features (heart rate and GPS tracking). For endurance exercise, Garmin’s Enduro range fits the bill.

Budget-friendly option…

• Amazfit Bip: Your budget-focused option; supports essentials such as heart monitoring, blood oxygen data and GPS tracking.

Expensive excellence…

• Coros Vertix 2: Over 140 hours in battery life, offline support, various sports modes and holistic sports and wellbeing information; the gold standard in sports watches.

Smash your fitness goals daily 

No matter which device you choose, adding a smartwatch to your fitness regimen is never a backwards step. 

Evaluate which features will have a tangible impact on your progress. By tallying up what really matters to you, you’re best placed to make an informed purchase – followed by consistent activity logging for as long as you want.