7 Best Running Watches Under $100 | Updated!!!

Most of the running watches are pretty expensive and hard to afford. But it’s also crucial to track your pace, distance cover, speed, and calories burned during running.

You can’t perform an effective jogging activity without a perfect running watch.

Do you have a tight budget? Don’t worry; in today’s article, we will bring some best running watches available for under $100.

Note: A low-budget smartwatch doesn’t mean low quality. If you pick a trusted brand device, you don’t need to worry about it.

Our Recommendations 

Check Out: Best Outdoor Watches Under $100

7 Best Running Watches Under $100

• Fitbit Charge 4
• Amazfit Band 5
• Xiaomi Mi Band 6
• Fitbit Inspire 2
• Amazfit GTS 2 Mini
• Garmin Forerunner 35
• Samsung Fit 2

Fitbit Charge 4 (Winner)

Specifications

OS	Fitbit OS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.57 inches, Monochrome OLED, Touchscreen
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	7days+
GPS	Yes

Fitbit trackers are the best multi-sports devices that come with advanced fitness tracking features. Especially for runners, Fitbit devices are best because they also have a built-in GPS.

Fitbit Charge 4 is at the top of our list with a built-in GPS to measure your pace, speed and distance. There are few advanced sports modes that help you to track your hiking, cycling, swimming, and more.

But in this device, you can’t get an AMOLED display. Instead, there is a monochromatic (black and white) display.

Why Fitbit Charge 4 is Best For Running?

This budget-friendly watch comes with built-in GPS, which is a big plus. GPS watches are considered to be best for running, hiking and cycling, etc.

Secondly, this fitness tracker offers an Active Zone Minute that helps you to better understand your heart rate zones and fats you burn in a specific activity. Active Zone Minute is a period spent in cardio and fat-burning activities. So greater the number of Zone Minutes more will be your performance.

This feature helps you check how much calories or fat you burned during your running or any other activity. 

Charge 4 will track stress during your whole day, and you can see your stress management score in the Fitbit app. It also suggests many exercises that lower your stress.

During running, you can also enjoy music because the Fitbit Charge 4 can control Spotify.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Active zone minutes
NFC
Long lasting battery
Built-in GPS
[/i2pros][i2cons]Lack of color display[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Amazfit Band 5 (Runner-up)

Specifications

OS	Proprietary – Amazfit OS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.1 inch 126×294 pixels resolution AMOLED
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	15 days
GPS	No built-in GPS

This is the powerful competitor of Xiaomi Mi band 6 that offers premium features for just $31. Compared to Fitbit Charge 4, this fitness tracker comes with an AMOLED display that helps you to easily read the dial under direct sunlight.

Amazfit Band 5 is packed with more advanced features including, a Blood pressure monitor, Sleep monitoring, Multi-sports tracking, Pedometer, and especially Alexa voice assistant.

I appreciate Amazfit for adding Alexa assistant to such an affordable tracker. With just a single voice command, you can set alarms, calendars, control your smart home devices, and get weather updates.

Does Amazfit Band 5 is Best For Running?

You will be well aware of Amazfit, the brand that launches outstanding multi-sports watches and never compromises the quality of the device.

To support the athletes, Amazfit band 5 comes with a PAI health assessment system that gives you one score based on your global physical health. So, whether you perform running, cycling, hiking, or any other physical activity, Amazfit Band 5 combines their results and gives you one score.

During running, Amazfit Band 5 measures all aspects related to running. You need to bring your phone along with you to track distance and speed as there is no built-in GPS.

Apart from this, 11 built-in sports modes track different physical aspects during activities, like heart rate, calories burned, and more, and give you a score.

There are many other fitness tracking features like Menstrual cycle tracking, stress tracking, sleep monitoring, elevation tracking, and more.

I’m satisfied with the battery life of Amazfit Band 5 that offers 15-days of long-lasting battery.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Affordable price
Easy to use a device
GPS
Built-in Alexa
PAI health assessment
Long battery life[/i2pros][i2cons]Few sports modes
Small text on dial[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Read More: Best Smartwatch For Badminton Players

Xiaomi Mi Band 6

Specifications

OS	Proprietary OS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.57 inches, AMOLED, 450nits Touchkey
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	14-19 days
GPS	No built-in GPS

Xiaomi always tries to make the most accurate fitness tracker under the best budget. Mi band 6 is the latest Xiaomi flagship with some updated features that aren’t present in its predecessor.

There is no significant difference between Amazfit Band 5 and Mi Band 6, but you can see the main difference here. 

This fitness tracker comes with an AMOLED display with more bright colors and a natural tone. Mi Band 6 is extremely comfortable because of its lightweight. And there are 30+ watch faces available; few of them are customizable. So you will not get a chance to complain about the display.

Does Mi Band 6 Track Run?

I love this device because it automatically tracks Running and other such outdoor activities. And just like Fitbit Charge 4, it offers a built-in GPS to track all the aspects of running.

You can also track walking, elliptical, cycling, treadmill, rowing match, and all related activities. This time Xiaomi adds 19 new fitness modes in Mi Band 6 that track high-intensity interval activities.

Another exciting thing is its highly detailed insights in the Mi fit app. It shows you how to effectively perform different activities via animations. You can also track your activities in real-time using this app.

Finally, Mi Band 6 offers 14 Days of long-lasting battery life in normal mode and 5 days with heavy use. The battery life is similar to Amzfit Band 5.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Built-in GPS
SpO2 tracking
AMOLED display looks cool
Easy to use
Solid fitness tracking[/i2pros][i2cons]Mi Fit app a bit messy looking
Can’t acheive accuracy at high intensity
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Fitbit Inspire 2

Specifications

OS	Fitbit OS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.4 inches, OLED, Touchscreen
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	10 days+
GPS	No

Here comes another Fitbit tracker under $100 that offers spectacular functionality. You will be thinking about the difference between Charge 4 and Inspire 2.

There is not much of a big difference between both Fitbit devices except GPS. Inspire 2 doesn’t offer built-in GPS. But the rest of the activity tracking features in Inspire 2 are cool.

Here you will get more tools for better sleep, and you can unlock further by purchasing Fitbit premium subscription. 

Does Fitbit Inspire 2 Track Run?

Fitbit Inspire 2 comes with 20+ Goal-based activities that allow you to track your running and other activities in real-time. And you can check their detailed stats on the Fitbit app.

Secondly, here you will again get Active Zone Minute features which are useful for runners. You can get accurate calories or fat burning scores during your run or any activity.

Inspire 2 is pretty similar to the Fitbit Charge 4, including; stress management, menstrual health tracking, sleep tools, and sports modes.

Here you will have 10 Days of battery life, which is enough to track your activities for a long time.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Light weight tracker
Automatically tracks certain activities
Comes with one year of Fitbit Premium
Slim design[/i2pros][i2cons]No GPS
Lack of color display[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Amazfit GTS 2 Mini

Specifications

OS	RTOS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.55 inches AMOLED
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	12 days (Typical usage) 7 days (heavy usage)
GPS	Yes

GTS series is one of the most successful and best running watch under $100. You will find very impressive smartwatches in this series. The GTS 2 Mini is the best budget watch that you can also use to track running.

The watch featured a curved glass with a thin design that looks so comfortable. Like other Amazfit watches, GTS 2 Mini also has an AMOLED display with a dozen widgets and watch faces.

There are many advanced fitness tracking features, including 

• PAI health assessment
• SpO2 tracking, blood oxygen tracking
• Real-time heart rate monitor
• Real-time sports modes 
• Breathing exercises
• Sleep tracking
• Female cycle tracking and more.

With built-in Alexa, you can ask any question, set alarms, get translations, create shopping lists, check weather updates, and control smart home devices.

How is Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Best for Running?

Amazfit GTS 2 Mini comes with 70+ built-in sport modes that also include running. This smartwatch supports industry-leading in-depth tracking of heart health, so during running it will track your heart health and calories burned more accurately.

After performing running, you can also test your SpO2 level by holding your arm still. Apart from this, the watch allows you to track stress levels after any physical activity. 

This affordable device can last for 14 days under normal smartwatch mode and 21 days in basic usage. You will never get such long-lasting battery life in any other smartwatch under $100.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Built-in GPS
70 sports modes
light weight and sleek design
Good battery[/i2pros][i2cons]Strap is cheap
Basic functionality[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Garmin Forerunner 35

Specifications

OS	Garmin OS
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.4 inches, Transflective (MIP) LCD
Internal Storage	N/A
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	9 days
GPS	Yes

Garmin watches are most famous among athletes, outdoor lovers, runners, hikers. These watches rocked over the entire market. Because of their high durability and premium quality, Garmin watches are pretty expensive.

Garmin Forerunner 35 is the best budget GPS running watch that offers high-end features, including an accelerometer that tracks high-intensity workouts like GYM and hiking.

Just like Fitbit Charge 4, Forerunner 35 lacks a Color display. But the display looks sleek, elegant, and feels more comfortable.

Functions Design For Runners

Forerunner 35 records your run data, including speed, distance, and pace, and is compatible with heart rate monitors. The Advance AutoLap function automatically sends an alert and displays the time obtained for each lap as soon as you complete a kilometer. 

Similarly, the Virtual PacerTM function allows you to compare your current pace with that set as a goal in real-time. If you’re more of a pretentious runner, Forerunner 35 comes with Interval Training so that you can do repetitions even off the track.

Because of the accelerometer, this watch is perfect for indoor activities like a treadmill. There are also sport profiles that complement your physical preparation, such as cycling (both indoors and outdoors) and cardio workouts in the gym.

And the best part is, Garmin Forerunner comes with Garmin Connect that shows you highly in-depth stats of your every physical activity.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Best for outdoor purpose
Durable body
Strong GPS
Long battery life
Affordable device[/i2pros][i2cons]Strap can be a little annoying
Lack of color display[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Samsung Fit 2

Specifications

OS	Tizen
Compatibility	Both iOS and Android
Display	1.1 inches, AMOLED, Touchscreen, Touchkey
Internal Storage	4 GB
IP Rating	50m
Battery Life	15 days
GPS	No

This one is the Final device on our list, and Galaxy Fitness trackers are more advanced trackers that automatically start tracking your every activity.

Fit 2 is pretty similar to Mi Band 6 and Amazfit Band 5, and you will also get an AMOLED display with little curved edges. You will have 70 different watch faces; pick one that matches your style and needs best.

This lightweight Galaxy tracker efficiently tracks your fitness day and night. With just one glance at your wrist, you can monitor workouts, sleep patterns, and different notifications from smartphones.

How It Tracks Running?

Samsung Fit 2 will automatically detect and track your walk, run, treadmill, and such activities. During these activities, it also detects your heart rate and calories burned. Although there is no built-in GPS so you can use your smartphone, to detect the distance cover, etc.

Install the Samsung Health app to monitor your stress level on your Galaxy Fit2 so you can practice breathing exercises when you are under stress.

Galaxy Fit 2 has excellent battery life that lasts between 12 to 14 days so that you can measure your activity non-stop without any stress.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Affordable fitness tracker
Automatically track running
Decent design
Long battery life
Smooth screen[/i2pros][i2cons]No GPS
Night mode detecting is bad
[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Which One Is The Best Running App?

To track your running in the right way, you need to install the best running app. The app tells you how much you need to run daily according to your height, weight, gender, etc. It also lets you set goals and it tells you to run up to a specific distance to achieve your goal.

You can also sync the calories and fat burning data with the running app and monitor the number of fats burned during each run. Here are the most famous running apps that everyone can use.

Runkeeper

Runkeeper is your best companion that allows you to set running goals, train them with customized training plans, track real-time pace, average pace, and overall progress.

Not just that, that app also monitors the number of calories burned and shows you in-depth data via pie charts, graphs and numbers.

You can also look into the map and discover new routes for running. I think this one is the best app for beginners that shows all the data that you need.

Map My Run

This app also measures the essential running aspects including, pace, distance, calories burned, time, etc. But this time, the app gets data from your fitness tracker and monitors your heart health during running.

Apart from this, Map My Run allows you to enter the food consumption and track the distance logged. This will automatically detect your run type, whether on a treadmill, jogging, hiking, or on a trail.

Nike Run Club

Here comes with a most advanced app which is your perfect running companion and offers guided runs. You can set different goals, and the app will track your pace, locations, distance, heart rate, elevation, and mile splits.

The other thing in this app is sharing your progress and stats in the runner community to get motivation. You can also see the progress of other people, challenge them and beat their record.

Final Words

You can’t perform effective running without a smartwatch or fitness tracker. The Fitness tracker will track your data through sensors and sync it to the app to see all the insights.

All the devices mentioned above are smartwatches For Running Under $100. So pick that one which meets your need.

Check Out: Best Smartwatch Under $50