Watch or fitbit?

[ElizaDolittle]

Dear All,

Which smart device in terms of fitbit or watch do people find best for running? I have a fitbit alta which is generally good for my activities, but I can't see the face when the sun is out when running.

I'm wondering about getting a Garmin watch having just cracked 5k and planning to persevere,

Many thanks

[sTrongFuse Graduate10]

I started out just using an app on my phone, but then treated myself to a Garmin vivoactive 3. Chose it largely on the fact that of all the smart watches I looked at, for those within my budget it was the one that looked most like an actual watch. Having read the reviews after I bought it, and based on my experience with it over the past 6 months, I have to say it does everything I'd ever need it too and more.

I didn't get the music version, but I can control the music app on my phone (which I never run without in case of emergency) from it via the bluetooth connection, which is a nice touch. Heart rate, GPS all good. V02Max is a complete mystery to me, as it seems to think I've got progressively unfitter, but given that I never even knew about it before I got my watch, I don't worry too much (all the other metrics have gone in the right direction).

So, yes, I can definitely recommend it.

[Knittingrunner Graduate10]

I started out with a Fitbit Blaze but like you I couldn’t read it in the sunshine. So I got a Garmin Forerunner 235 from Amazon as that seemed to be the best for running. Not as pretty as the Fitbit but it gives me everything I want and more. I can see my pace, distance and my husband can track me on Livetrack when I’m running on my own. I can also see text messages too. It does a load of other stuff on the app too which is interesting too. I only use it when I’m running or walking as I have watches which are prettier and a small Fitbit to track my steps.

Hope that helps.

[Katiepops Graduate10]

I have a Garmin Forerunner 35. It’s not too big but does everything I need. Links to Strava or whoever and is simple to use. Ok for the bike too, walking or cardio workout but no use for swimming if you have triathlon dreams. Got in the amazon prime sale a while back. It’s kind of just above Garmin entry level so not too pricey in the watch scale!😊

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Katiepops]

Me too - very pleased with it .

[Clairecandothis Graduate10]

I have a polar m600 which I got 2ndhand mainly because I wanted to follow a polar training plan and it uses heartrate and zones to train in. The plan downloads to the watch and each of my runs tell me what zone to do and for how long. It is really easy to read and I use it for normal wear too. It has sleep monitoring and progress but some of the more advanced polar watches have recovery times and data on them too. But for the price I paid and my overall personalised training plan it has been great for me.

[Trazj]

I bought a fitbit ionic and apart from initial teething troubles about where to situate it and how tight it needed to be I find it excellent. Tracks the route with internal gps no need for the phone and logs my HR really accurately. I can see it in sunlight as well so pretty pleased with it.

[ElizaDolittle]

Thank you all for your comments, all very helpful and comprehensive. I think I'll go for the Vitoactive 3 as I think it will meet my needs and it seems to be available at John Lewis for £160 which in the scheme of things seems reasonable.