Running watch instead of holding your phone - which one should I get?

The main thing is to figure out if you're ready to pay for cellular service on the bracelet or if GPS with Bluetooth sync after your workout is enough for you. If you're going for "smart" watches with a modem, that's extra cost on top of both the device itself and your carrier's plan. A lot of people think that's overkill: a GPS bracelet that saves your route and metrics is enough, and you can sync it through your phone at home or in the office.

Battery life is another important thing. Watches with constant GPS hold a charge for a day or two, three at most, and that's with relatively short runs. If you run often and for long distances, you'll need to charge every day or two. Bracelets are simpler: many of them work for a week without connectivity, and they last even longer on GPS. Try on different models before you buy, because how comfortable they are to wear is really individual - some people find them cutting into their wrist, others find they slip.

And one last thing - check compatibility with your phone and ecosystem. Apple Watch only works with iPhones, everything else is more universal.

Don't go for cheap fitness trackers with GPS - half of them pick up signal like a shovel, and you'll end up running all over the map in zigzags. I've tried different options and here's what I noticed: if you actually want to ditch your phone, you need a device with its own GPS module and ideally battery life for at least a few hours, otherwise it'll drain fast on long runs. The screen matters too - in sunlight, half the models just turn into black rectangles. My advice: stick with proven brands that specialize specifically in sports rather than trying to do everything.

How long are you willing to run without recharging? That's important because battery is the main enemy of running watches, and even top models with GPS drain the charge like crazy if you turn tracking on full power. I'd suggest not chasing the brand name and instead look at the actual battery life in GPS mode and how convenient it is to sync through an app afterward, because if the watch dies halfway through your run then it's basically useless.

Another thing people rarely mention is the weight and how tight the strap is. When you're running with a watch on your wrist for hours, it feels completely different than in everyday life when you carry your phone in your pocket - your hand gets tired and chafed if you don't get the fit right. You should try it on in a store or get it with a return option.