GPS Watch Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Multisport Watch? [Updated 29 December 2017]

Date Posted:30 December 2017 

GPS Watch Buying Guide: How to choose the best multisport watch
 
A multisport watch is a watch that is designed to be used for more than one sport. Usually, it will feature a specific app or data fields for running, biking, swimming, and more. Most multisport watches nowadays have GPS technology to accurately track your location, distance, speed, and pace.
 
Knowing your fitness data not only lets you know how you’re doing as far as performance is concerned, it also is a great motivator. Simply knowing whether you’re hitting your goals or not will let you know if you’re on the right track, or perhaps you need to try a different approach on the way you train.
 
You can choose a multisport watch that can also be your daily activity tracker. Like fitness bands, there are multisport watches that can count your steps, monitor your sleep, and alert you if you’ve been idle for a certain period of time.
 
Moreover, since a lot of fitness enthusiast and athletes like to stay connected, many multisport watches have now become ‘smart watches’ too. You can be pair them with your smartphone via Bluetooth Connectivity to receive calls, texts, emails, and social media notifications.
 

What GPS technology is for?

What GPS technology is for?

GPS technology will give you the most accurate look at how far you’ve gone and how fast you’re going during your workouts. It will track your position anywhere on the planet and lets you overlay your travel movements on a real-time map so that you can create running routes. These metrics give you real-time insight into your performance.
 
Some high-end GPS watches even include built-in barometric altimeter that will tell you changes in elevation. These is really useful if you’re doing a lot of off-road running or cycling, or hiking since it lets you measure just how high you’re able to climb during each and every training session.
 

How to choose the best multisport watch?

How to choose the best multisport watch?

With the huge number of multisport watch to choose from, this buying guide will help you break down the process so it wouldn’t be too overwhelming. Depending on your personal fitness goals and feature requirements, we can point to which watch would be best fit your need.
 
Here are a few important things to consider before you purchase a multisport watch.
 
 

What sport activities will you use it for?

What sport activities will you use it for?

It's important to think about the activities where you will use your watch and ensure it has compatible features.
 

Swim, bike, run, and other activities

For basic running, biking, swimming and other sports, you can use the following multisport watches. All of these include a GPS and accelerometer to accurately measure your movements.

TomTom Runner 3, TomTom Adventurer, Garmin Vivoactive HR, Garmin Vivoactive 3

 

For multiple sports, triathlon and outdoor navigation

For triathletes and multisport competition, every second counts. Speed is the name of the game and so even the amount of time and effort in switching the mode on your watch is critical.
 
The watches below feature a ‘multisport mode’ that will let you easily and quickly switch from one sport mode to another. Switching to the specific sport mode you’re in will let you measure and display data fields and information that is relevant to a certain sporting activity.
 
These multisport watches also include navigation features to you check where you are, or how you can get back to where you started. These are mostly available on watches marketed to trail runners, such as the watches below.
 

Suunto Ambit3 Vertical, Garmin Forerunner 920XT, FR 735XT, FR 935, Fenix 3, Fenix 3 HR, Fenix 5, Fenix 5S, Fenix 5X

 

For pool or open water swimming

When choosing a multisport watch, you would probably want to know its water resistance rating to determine if it can withstand the water sport activity you will be performing.
 
Watch
Water Rating
Pool Swimming
Open Water
50m
Yes
No
50m
Yes
Yes
100m
Yes
Yes

 

Would you like to have a heart rate monitoring?

Would you like to have a heart rate monitoring?

Heart rate monitor (HRM) allows you to measure how hard your heart works in beats per minute (BPM). Traditionally, heart rate monitor come in straps that you have to wear on your chest.
 
However, a lot of multisport watches already feature wrist-based optical HRM which does the same job. In most cases, these watches also give you the option to pair it with a separate HRM chest-strap via Bluetooth Connectivity or ANT+ Connectivity if you wish to.
 
Below are the multisport watches that feature a wrist-based optical HRM:
 
 

Would you use it as your daily activity tracker?

Would you use it as your daily activity tracker?
 
Many people would love to have a versatile multisport watch that they can use as a day-to-day watch and have it as their daily activity tracker as well. Most models of multisport watches are now designed to include this feature and do it more accurately thanks to their built-in GPS.
 
You no longer have to wear a separate fitness band for tracking your daily steps, stairs climbed, calories burned, and monitoring sleep. It lets you just have one device for your workouts, training sessions, and 24/7 daily fitness tracking.
 
You can upload your data wirelessly with the device’s auto-sync feature so viewing your personal stats on a compatible sport app is a breeze.

 

What advanced metrics do you like to track?

What advanced metrics do you like to track?
 
A few GPS watches offer more advanced measurements. These include:
 
HR Max: Maximum heart rate (HR Max) is the highest number of times your heart will beat in a minute when you're going all out at your most intense work out level. Your HR Max is unique and depends on your genes and how old you are.
 
Why is it important? Your maximum heart rate dictates the ranges for all the other zones in heart rate training. The more accurately you know your HR Max, the more accurate your sport zones, and accurate sport zones equal more effective workouts.
 
Heart Rate Zones: Different devices give them different labels but they break down like this:
 
  • Recovery training (60% of MHR)
  • Endurance base training (65-70% of MHR)
  • Aerobic capacity training (75-82% MHR)
  • Anaerobic threshold training (82-89% MHR)
  • Maximum aerobic training (89-94% of MHR).
Having your heart rate zones estimated gives you a far better shot at getting the workout effect you really want to achieve.
 
Cadence: This is the number of steps you take per minute, counting both feet. This helps determine if you have the proper running form. Quicker cadence and shorter stride length result in less impact at the ankles, knees and hips. The reduced degree of impact may help reduce injury risk. Experts believe that a running cadence of 180 steps per minute is the sweet spot for optimum running efficiency.
 
Stride Length: This is how far you travel with each left and right step. The higher your cadence, the shorter your stride length. A shorter stride can help avoid overstriding, which can lead to injury.
 
Vertical Oscillation: One measure of this optimum running efficiency is called vertical oscillation and shows the degree of 'bounce' in your running motion. Measured at the torso, it tells you how much distance you are travelling up and down with each step in centimeters.
 
In the case of GPS running watches, this tends to be a sensor built into the heart rate chest-strap. The idea is that the less bounce, the less energy is wasted going up and down, and the more efficient the runner is being. Another advantage of lower vertical oscillation is that it typically means less stress on the lower body at impact.
 
VO2 Max: This describes the maximum rate (in milliliters per minute) at which you can bring oxygen into your body, transport it to your muscles and use it for efficient aerobic energy production. The more oxygen you’re able to consume, the more power you can generate and the faster you can run during a race.
 
The higher your VO2 max is, the better the body can deliver oxygen to your muscles helping you to run longer and harder. Low VO2 max scores represent poor fitness levels, and higher VO2 max scores indicate greater performance capacity.
 
Ground Contact Time: Ground Contact time is the amount of time (milliseconds) your foot maintains contact with the ground rather than flying through the air. It’s connected to a running style that includes faster cadence and shorter stride length.
 
Generally, runners have ground contact times of 160-300 milliseconds while professional runners have shorter ground contact times—200 milliseconds or less.
 
Lactate Threshold: Your lactate threshold is that specific level of effort or pace when fatigue accelerates. It’s the single best determinant of your endurance performance capacity.
 
According to Garmin, the threshold for experienced runners should be 90% of their maximum heart rate. For average runners, it's below 90%. This data is important because it can indicate how much you have left in the tank, whether that's in a race or during an intensive training session.
 
Recovery Time: The length of recovery period that your body takes to in response to training and the replenishment of vital resources. After each workout, your device reveals the number of hours before you will be back near 100% and capable of performing a hard workout or running a race.
 
The calculation is produced and personalized using a unique digital model of your physiology. Recovery time ranges up to 4 days. Keeping track of your recovery levels will reveal when training hard will be beneficial and ensure your work is rewarded with the results you expect.
 
Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC):  It’s the period of time after your workout session when your body will continue to use oxygen at a higher rate than it would otherwise at rest.  Other calls it as the ‘afterburn’.
 
During a physical activity, we burn calories to fuel our muscles, but when we're done, we keep on burning, firing and flaying more fat than we would normally at rest. It's depends to what our bodies need to recover from the hard work they've just done.
 
Watch
HR Max
HR Zones
Cadence
V02 Max
Vertical Oscillation
Ground Contact Time
Stride Length
Lactate Threshold
Recovery Time
EPOC
TomTom Runner 3
No
Yes
Yes - External
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
TomTom Adventurer
No
Yes
Yes - External
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Garmin Vivoactive HR
No
Yes
Yes - External
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Yes
Yes
Yes - External
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Suunto Ambit3 Vertical
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Garmin Forerunner 920XT
Yes – with HRM-Run
Yes – with HRM-Run
Yes – with HRM-Run
Yes – with HRM-Run
Yes – with HRM-Run
Yes – with HRM-Run
Yes – with HRM-Run
No
Yes – with HRM-Run
No
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes
No
Garmin Forerunner 935
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes
Yes
Garmin Fenix 3
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
No
Garmin Fenix 3 HR
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes
No
Garmin fenix 5/5s/5X
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes – External
Yes
Yes

 

How much battery life would you need?

How much battery life would you need?
 
Battery life is important when training or competing in any sport. Here’s a battery life comparison table for the following multisport watches.
 
Watch
Battery Life (Watch Mode)
With GPS Mode On
With Garmin UltraTrac™
TomTom Runner 3
25 days
11 hours (GPS) 9 hours (GPS + HR)
N/A
TomTom Adventurer
25 days
24 hours (Hiking mode), 11 hours (GPS) 9 hours (GPS + HR), 5 hours (GPS + HR + Music)
N/A
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Smartwatch mode: Up to 8 days
GPS mode: Up to 13 hours
N/A
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 7 days
GPS mode: Up to 13 hours
N/A
Suunto Ambit3 Vertical
14 days in time mode
10h battery with 1 sec-GPS accuracy
15h battery with 5 sec-GPS accuracy
100h battery with 1 min-GPS accuracy
N/A
Garmin Forerunner 920XT
 
Up to 24 hours
 
Up to 40 hours
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 11 days
 
Up to 14 hours
 
Up to 24 hours without wrist heart rate
Garmin Forerunner 935
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 2 weeks
 
Up to 24 hours
 
Up to 60 hours without wrist heart rate
Garmin Fenix 3
Smartwatch mode: Up to 2 weeks
 
Up to 20 hours
 
Up to 50 hours
Garmin Fenix 3 HR
Smartwatch mode: Up to 2 weeks
 
Up to 16 hours
 
Up to 40 hours
Garmin fenix 5
Smartwatch mode: Up to 2 weeks
 
Up to 24 hours
 
Up to 60 hours without wrist heart rate
Garmin fenix 5S
Smartwatch mode: Up to 9 days
 
Up to 14 hours
 
Up to 35 hours without wrist heart rate
Garmin fenix 5X
Smartwatch mode: Up to 12 days
 
Up to 20 hours
Up to 35 hours without wrist heart rate
 

Comments (57)

Watch for Navy Training

By: on 24 May 2018
Hi, I've decided to start the application process to join the Navy, so I need a watch that I can use the data to excel. I've just signed up for 2 half marathons, and am starting swimming for my training. I also work out at the gym, but that is mostly weight and strength training. Trying to work out which watch might be most beneficial to aid me in improving and excelling with running and swimming. Cheers!

Active Stride Response
Hi. I would look at the Forerunner 935 as well as the Fenix 5 range depending if you need outdoor features like the barometer and long battery life ect. Hope that helps! Personally I like the Fenix 5 with the long battery life and good looks.

Suunto or Garmin 935 or 645music

By: on 2 May 2018
Hello, I m looking for a new gps multisport and saw that SUUNTO Spartan Trainer Wrist HR Black is not so bad. But vs a Garmin 735 / 935 or 645 don t know the best and precise one in termes of running, bike function. Tkx.

Active Stride Response
Hey, Personally I lean towards the Forerunner 935 as it has all the multi-sport functions in a very slim watch (645 doesn't do triathlons). Suunto would be a great option as well. They also come with an added 24m warranty as opposed to Garmin with 12m. Regards, Henry

Watch for triathlon - just starting out

By: on 25 April 2018
Hi Can you recommend a watch suitable for triathlon. I’m not tech savvy so I need something easy to use, I don’t need a lot of gadgets and Id like to keep the price reasonable. Need to time speed, laps, distance, HR etc and to wear as my daily watch to replace my Fitbit Alta HR. Thanks

Active Stride Response
Hi, Ok. the best multi-sport unit would be either the Garmin Forerunner 735xt or the 935 (newer version) They both do Run, Swim, Bike and have a simple interface to use. If you are after a bit more battery life then the Fenix 5 would be a good option as well :) Regards, The Active Stride Team.

Best watch for trail runs and gym

By: on 20 April 2018
Hi, I am haviving a lot of trouble deciding on a watch. I am looking at a watch for running and trail runs (sometimes 21km possibly a marathon in the future). I think having some sort of mapping system on the watch would be and advantage. I also do a boxing/high intensity fitness classes several times a week and like to know how hard I have worked during these classes. My Garmin Vivoactive hr (18months old) just died. It used to work well although it didn’t have gps. I really want the heart rate in the watch too. I have been looking at the Suunto - but find the app very hard to navigate and the ambit has external heart rate it think. And also the Garmin 935 looks ok but I wondered if the 645 would be better as it has music storage on the watch. Can you offer any advice?

Active Stride Response
Hi, Both the Forerunner 935 and 645 are great options. If multisport (trialthon and the ability to change sports mid activity) is a big deal then the 935 would be the best option out of both watches. If you like the music storage then the 645 is an easy choice. Battery life on the 935 will be better for those longer training sessions but both will be able to get you through a marathon in the future. Another device that is worth checking out would be the Fenix 5x as it offers nearly double the battery life of the 935, has wrist based HRM and it also has topo maps as well! Give us a call on 07 3040 5978 if you have any more questions :)

Better watch for running and biking

By: on 11 April 2018
Hi, i am having a big doubt between this two models - Garmin Vivoactive 3 or Suunto Ambit3 Sport, do You have any tips? I will use it mostly for running and biking.

Active Stride Response
Hey! I would personally go with the Vivoactive 3 due to the wrist based heart rate, Garmin, pay and colour screen as well. If you like the longer battery life and the 24 month warranty on the Suunto then the Ambit 3 sport is a great option as well. For running and biking the vivoactive 3 is also lighter and is simpler to use. Call us on 07 3040 5978 if you have anymore questions.

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