Best GPS Running Watch: Garmin Forerunner 220

Garmin Forerunner 220 GPS Running Watch

Picture taken from Amazon product page

The Garmin Forerunner 220 GPS watch is, in my opinion, the best GPS watch you can own at the moment. This watch has it all in terms of features:

Specs

  • Great GPS with reliable signal
  • High-res color display
  • Capable of tracking your running distance, your pace, and (with monitor accessory), your heart rate
  • Decent battery life (10hrs with GPS on, 6 weeks without)
  • Memory can store up to 200 hrs of activity or 15-25 runs depending on average length
  • Interval training capabilities
  • Has an accelerometer for tracking indoor distance, saving the need for the foot pod accessory
    • I run outside almost exclusively so I have not tested this feature yet – no comment
  • Calorie count – based on heart rate

The watch also has some connection options for tracking performance, PR’s and all that. It automatically uploads your performance to the Garmin Connect application for live tracking and social sharing.

I don’t care so much about the social sharing features, there are an overwhelming number of ways to do this these days, but in terms of functionality, this thing is rock solid, and reliably consistent. And it doesn’t need your phone to work!

Design / Ergonomics

This is the best looking GPS watch out there, bar none. It has a nice, large (but not too large) face that’s easy to read in all lighting conditions. It’s low profile, not too bulky and sits close to your wrist, no protruding angles, or oversized buttons.

Most GPS running watches I’ve owned were one thing and one thing only, a running watch, a single use device. They are usually so bulky and unattractive that you wouldn’t want to be caught out and about wearing them in public casually.

The Garmin Forerunner is the exception to the rule, this thing is fashionable enough to wear any time of day or night, no matter the setting or your attire. I might not wear it with my suit, but business casual, absolutely. Very versatile device that you’ll find yourself reaching for no matter the occasion.

Ergonomically, the watch is very comfortable, even for all day wear, or on long runs of over 2 hours, or marathon meets. There are no sharp edges or pieces to catch on loose clothing. The whole design is tight, and sits flush.

Whether your a coach or just a runner, this watch is superb, and I don’t think you can find a better option out there at the moment.

If you’re interested in reading more reviews or buying the watch, you can check out the different options on Amazon.

This post contains an affiliate link(s). If you end up purchasing a product after clicking the link, I will get a small percentage of the sale. Thanks in advance for helping me out! My reviews are always unsponsored, and entirely my opinion based on actual experiences.

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