Best triathlon watch
What triathlon watch should I buy? Read our buyer’s guide to see a breakdown of the top watches on the market right now.
(This post contains affiliate links. For more information see our disclosure here).
Why do I need a triathlon watch?
You do not need a watch to complete a triathlon. However, the ability to track your workouts and analyze important metrics will help keep you motivated to keep training hard.
You can use many sports watches to track how far you run or cycle in training. The benefit of a triathlon watch is that you can measure your effort in all three legs during a race. This means you will be able to pace yourself and finish the race more quickly.
The best triathlon watch will be waterproof, durable, and capable of recording a range of metrics. These can include pace, heart rate, cadence, recovery time, and training load. It should also have a multi-sport mode to make transitioning between the legs of a race easy. Some watches also incorporate fitness tracker features such as sleep tracking and a step counter.
Whilst many triathlon watches come with a built-in heart rate monitor, they are generally not as accurate as a chest-strap monitor. If you want the best heart rate data, check out our buyer’s guide to the best heart rate monitors for triathletes.
How do i choose the best triathlon watch?
To choose the right watch, you need to decide what the key features are that you need. If you just want to track your distance and speed, save yourself some money and go for an entry-level watch. If you want to start taking a more scientific approach to your training then you will want a watch that records a range of different data.
These are the main features you should look for when choosing the best triathlon watch for you. The more money you are willing to pay, the more of these features a watch is likely to have.
| Must have | Great to have | Nice to have |
|---|---|---|
| Basic data (speed/time/distance) | GPS | Step counter |
| Waterproof | Built-in heart rate monitor | Sleep tracking |
| Durable face and band | Comprehensive data (training load, VO2 Max) | Bluetooth |
| Long battery life | Maps | Phone notifications |
| Comfortable | Multi-sport mode | Music |
| Contactless payments |
Best Triathlon watches
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Specs
- Weight: 50g
- Watch size: 47x47x13.7mm
- Display size: 30.4mm
- Lens material: Gorilla Glass
- Bezel material: Fibre-reinforced Polymer
- Battery life: GPS with music - 10 hours. GPS without music - 36 hours. Smartwatch mode - 2 weeks.
(Image credit: Garmin)
Pros
- Loads of training metrics
- Lightweight design
- Full-color maps with route guidance
- Music & Garmin Pay
Cons
- Expensive
- Cannot record HR underwater
- Plastic casing
- Strap can be difficult to remove
This is the best watch for triathletes on the market right now. It can track every metric you could possibly want, is lightweight and thin, and will last a long time between charges.
Design
This is a good looking watch that has a lightweight and slim build, at just 50g. The silicone strap is very comfortable and secure, but this can make taking it on and off more difficult. A plastic casing isn’t as premium looking as stainless steel, but it gives it a more sporty look. The Gorilla Glass lens helps to keep scratches away.
Battery
The battery will last 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, 36 hours in GPS mode, or 10 hours in GPS mode with music. You won’t have to charge it often unless you’re listening to music in every workout.
Features
It does come with a hefty price tag, but for this you are getting a smartwatch and a triathlon watch in one. The Forerunner 945 is designed to be worn 24/7 while tracking your heart rate, steps, calories, and sleep. During a triathlon, one button press will switch seamlessly from swim to bike, to run. You can also purchase a quick-release kit to easily transfer the watch from your wrist to the bike.
If you’re looking to improve the way you train by using data, this is the watch for you. For example, Training Status and Training Effect metrics let you know how your fitness is progressing. Similarly, by looking at your Training Load and Stress Score, you can make sure you avoid overtraining.
The ability to listen to music without bringing your phone is an amazing feature. You can store up to 1000 songs on the watch and use a streaming service, such as Spotify or Deezer. Connect it to your Bluetooth headphones for an ideal set up for running.
Don’t worry about safety if you’re leaving your phone at home, assistance and incident detection features can send your location to your emergency contacts. You can leave your wallet at home too, Garmin Pay allows you to use the watch to make contactless payments.
Full-color maps allow you to plan a route and follow the navigation. Alternatively, you can use the Garmin suggested routes to find the best local paths. Just key in the distance you want to go and the watch will plan a route for you.
Similar Models
If you’re willing to forego some of the newest features, you can save some money by going for the previous model, the Forerunner 935. You lose out on the music, payments, and navigational mapping, but the 935 is still a very impressive triathlon watch.
Verdict
In summary, this is an incredible watch packed full of useful features and training analysis. This combined with a lightweight and attractive design makes this the best triathlon watch on the market. You will be able to seriously improve the way you train by utilizing the performance metrics.
Specs
- Weight: 83g
- Watch size: 47x47x14.7mm
- Display size: 33.02mm
- Lens material: Gorilla Glass
- Bezel material: Stainless Steel
- Battery life: GPS with music - 10 hours. GPS without music - 36 hours. Smartwatch mode - 2 weeks. Battery saver mode - 48 days.
(Image credit: Garmin)
Pros
- Attractive design
- All the newest Garmin features
- Pace Pro & ClimbPro
- Great battery life
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Expensive
This is another quality watch from Garmin. For a slightly higher price than the Forerunner 945, you get a more rugged watch with all the same features, plus a longer battery life. The Fenix is built for the outdoors, whereas the Forerunner is built for triathletes and runners.
There are a variety of different versions, so it can be confusing to decide which one to go for. Essentially, the 6 is the standard model, the 6s is a smaller model, and the 6x is a larger model. With each of these models, you can go for a Pro version, which comes with additional features like maps, music, and Wi-Fi.
Design
The build is slightly thicker and heavier than the Forerunner at 58-93g, depending on the exact model you go for. The stainless steel casing makes it smart enough for the office and sturdy enough for triathlon training. However, the size does mean it can be harder to remove your wetsuit during a race.
Battery
The battery level is the same as the Forerunner, however, you can turn off any settings or sensors you don’t need to extend the battery during exercise. In battery saver mode the watch can last an incredible 48 days. You get more control over the battery life with the Fenix 6.
Features
The Fenix 6 comes with lots of Garmin features, such as Body Battery, Pulse Ox, and the new Pace Pro. This gives you grade-adjusted pace guidance, allowing you to plan the ideal pacing strategy for a hilly route. Similarly, ClimbPro shows real-time information about current and upcoming climbs. For triathletes looking to execute a pacing strategy during a race, these features will prove extremely useful.
Unlike the Forerunner 945, the Fenix 6 can read heart rate from your wrist during a swim. Most people probably don’t use a chest strap when swimming, so this could provide some valuable insights into your swim training.
It comes with all the smartwatch features like text alerts, music storage, and Garmin Pay. It also features animated cardio, strength, yoga, and pilates workouts, which you can view on the watch screen.
Similar Models
As previously mentioned, this watch is very similar to the Forerunner 945. There are lots of different versions of the Fenix 6 so you can choose the one that suits you best. If you love the design but not the price tag, the Fenix 5 will save you some money if you’re willing to sacrifice some of the newest features.
Verdict
In short, the Fenix 6 has all the features you would want to improve your triathlon training, and an attractive design for everyday wear. If you want a watch you can wear for work and training, you won’t get better than the Fenix 6. If the size puts you off, the Forerunner 945 offers many of the same features in a smaller package.
Specs
- Weight: 72g
- Watch size: 50x50x16.5mm
- Display size: 35.56mm
- Lens material: Mineral Glass
- Bezel material: Stainless Steel
- Battery life: Performance mode - 25 hours. Ultra mode - 120 hours
(Image credit: Suunto)
Pros
- Long and intelligent battery life
- Durable
- Accurate GPS
Cons
- Bulky design
- Navigation could be easier
With strong competition from the likes of Garmin, Suunto have shifted focus from adding new features to improving the most important aspects of a sports watch. These are battery life, accurate GPS, and reliability. The Suunto 9 is the best triathlon watch if you want a long battery life.
Design
The watch is quite bulky at 16.5mm thick and weighing 72g. This could make it difficult to remove a wetsuit while wearing it. It has a stylish but rugged design that doesn’t look too dissimilar from a regular watch. The silicone strap is interchangeable so you can choose a comfortable one for you.
Battery
This is a watch built to go the distance, being able to track exercise for an impressive 120 hours on a single charge. Unlike other brands, the Suunto 9 doesn’t have to compromise on GPS accuracy to maintain this long battery life. It does this by using data from the compass, gyroscope, and accelerometer to fill in any GPS gaps. The battery will last for 25 hours with all the features being utilized.
It also uses a battery life management system to make sure the watch lasts as long as you need it. You can choose from three battery modes, each with different settings, which tell you before an activity how long the watch will last. This is an excellent tool for those racing long-distance triathlons.
Features
The optical heart rate sensor provides activity-tracking 24/7 and holds up remarkably well compared to chest straps. The watch also provides a variety of useful data such as heart rate zones, cadence, stroke efficiency, recovery time, and training load.
During a race, a single button press is all that’s needed for transitions. The navigation is not very intuitive so it may take some time before you are familiar with how the menus work.
Similar Models
The Baro version uses a barometer to measure ambient air pressure, and produce more accurate altitude information. This can be useful for triathletes but is more aimed at hikers who want to predict weather patterns. The Spartan Sport is the previous model with a slightly reduced battery life and fewer features.
Verdict
The Suunto 9 has a durable design and a range of useful features. It isn’t as easy to navigate as a Garmin, but the battery life beats any other watch. If you often participate in long or even multi-day events, this is the watch for you.
Specs
- Weight: 55g
- Watch size: 46x46x11.9mm
- Display size: 30.4mm
- Lens material: Sapphire Glass
- Bezel material: Titanium Alloy
- Battery life: Full GPS mode - 35 hours. UltraMax mode - 100 hours. Watch mode - 30 days
(Image credit: Coros)
Pros
- Great value
- Measures heart rate underwater
- Easy to navigate
- Long battery life
Cons
- Turn dial can be sensitive
- No music or payments
The Coros Apex is the best triathlon watch for people who want all the features of a top-of-the-line watch without the high price tag. With an attractive and unique design, ultra-long battery life, and loads of training metrics, this is a great value triathlon watch.
Design
It has a lightweight and slim design at just 55g. The silicone strap is comfortable and can be changed to any suitable strap you like. There is just one button and a dial, which is similar to the Apple Watch. As a result the user-friendly interface is easy to navigate, although it can be tricky to twist the dial while running.
Battery
The Apex has a great battery life, especially for the small size. The 46mm watch provides 35 hours of exercise tracking in GPS mode, or up to 100 hours in UltraMax mode. This mode uses a stride algorithm and motion sensors to keep tracking GPS while saving power.
Features
Unlike many similar watches, the wrist-based heart rate monitor still works underwater. Consequently, you can use it to structure your swim workouts more effectively. It can also track open-water swimming and has an easy to operate triathlon mode.
There is lots of valuable training analysis like VO2 max, recovery advisor, and training load. A particularly useful feature is the stamina level, which notifies you if you are overtraining. In addition, it comes with all of the standard fitness tracker features like sleep and step tracking, plus phone alerts. However, you cannot use it to play music or make payments.
Similar Models
For even less money, the Coros Pace remains a great triathlon watch. You lose the more expensive build and some battery life, but still get a ton of useful training metrics and an accurate GPS.
Verdict
In summary, this is a great value triathlon watch with almost all of the useful features of a high-end watch for a fraction of the price. It is simple to navigate and the battery life is very impressive. If the Garmin price tag puts you off, the Coros Apex could be the best triathlon watch for you.
Specs
- Weight: 45g
- Watch size: 46x46x12.5mm
- Display size: 30.4mm
- Lens material: Hard-coated PMMA laminated lens
- Bezel material: Stainless Steel
- Battery life: Training mode - 40 hours. Watch mode - 7 days
(Image credit: Polar)
Pros
- Slim lightweight design
- Measures heart rate underwater
- Affordable
- Customizable multisport options
Cons
- Doesn't have all the newest metrics
- Notifcations aren't great
- No music or payments
Polar are renowned for their high-quality heart rate monitors and this watch utilizes their new Precision Prime sensor. If you want a watch that can accurately record you heart rate whether you are swimming, cycling, or running, the Vantage M2 is for you.
Design
The sleek design is very comfortable and looks good on smaller wrists. At just 45g, this is one of the lightest watches on the market. There are a variety of strap colors you can choose from if black doesn’t excite you.
Battery
In training mode, the watch will last 40 hours between charges, or 7 days in watch mode. This puts it about on par with most of the other watches on this list.
Features
The watch has multisport recording capabilities, allowing you to select component activities to create a custom exercise. This is obviously useful in triathlon, as you can choose swim-bike-run. It also allows you to easily record other events like a duathlon or aquathlon.
The Vantage M2 helps you improve your swimming by providing numerous metrics. It can track your heart rate, stroke efficiency, swimming style, plus all the basics like pace and distance. In addition, it can calculate your running VO2 max, and show you how much strain your training is putting on you.
It also comes with lots of smartwatch features such as sleep, calorie, and step tracking, plus phone notifications. The notifications are not very well displayed, however, and you miss out on music and contactless payments.
Similar Models
A more advanced model of this watch is the Vantage V2, which adds a built-in power meter, recovery tracking capabilities, and a longer battery life. It also uses metal casing and a touch screen face. These features are impressive but we feel the Vantage M2 provides better value.
Verdict
The Vantage M2 is a very impressive triathlon watch, especially given its low price point. With a lightweight slim design, accurate heart rate sensor, and a range of training metrics, this watch will satisfy almost all triathletes. Whilst the Vantage V2 is a superior watch, you get almost all the same features here for a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for one of the best triathlon watches for under $300, you won’t get much better than this.
Specs
- Weight: 45g
- Watch size: 44x13mm
- Lens material: Acrylic
- Case material: Resin
- Battery life: 10 years
(Image credit: Timex)
Pros
- Never needs charging
- Reliable stopwatch
- Cheap
- Durable and waterproof
Cons
- Only measures time
- No GPS
- No heart-rate
Some triathletes aren’t fussed about recording their heart rate or analyzing training metrics. If you want a simple stopwatch that is cheap and durable enough to last through years of triathlon training, look no further than the Timex Ironman Classic.
Design
It is lightweight at 45g, has a durable resin band, and is waterproof up to 100 meters.
Battery
With a battery life of up to 10 years, you won’t need to worry about it not being charged before a long workout.
Features
It doesn’t have a long list of features but what it can do it does very well. It comes with a stopwatch, lap timer, alarm, and backlight. If you want to know your speed when cycling or running, you’ll have to look for a watch with GPS capabilities.
Similar Models
Timex also offer GPS triathlon watches if you want a watch that can do more. The Ironman R300 comes with GPS, wrist-based heart rate, and even has guided workouts. It doesn’t match up to the other watches on display here, but is a great triathlon watch for a low price.
Verdict
This is a no-frills watch for people who just want to know how long they spend exercising. You can rely on the ultra-long battery life and durable design to carry you through a triathlon.
What is the best triathlon watch?
| Name | Price band | Watch Size | Weight | Display Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 945 | $$$ | 47x47x13.7mm | 50g | 30.4mm |
| Garmin Fenix 6 Pro | $$$$ | 47x47x14.7mm | 83g | 33.02mm |
| Suunto 9 | $$$ | 50x50x16.5mm | 72g | 35.56mm |
| Coros Apex | $$ | 46x46x11.9mm | 55g | 30.4mm |
| Polar Vantage M | $$ | 46x46x12.5mm | 45g | 30.4mm |
| Timex Ironman Classic 100 | $ | 44x44x13mm | 45g | – |
All of the watches outlined above are quality products that can help you improve in triathlon. The best watch for you will depend on what your goals are and how much you are willing to spend.
For us, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is the best of the bunch because of its lightweight design and impressive list of features. However, if you are looking to save some money, the Coros Apex or Polar Vantage M offer great value at their price points.
Email: contact@smarttriathlete.com