Image: MomJunction Design Team
There’s no denying that participating in a triathlon can give you an adrenaline rush. It pushes your limits and tests your boundaries. And one of the most effective ways of staying competitive during the race is to keep track of time, since every second counts. The best triathlon watches are specifically designed to help you monitor crucial stats such as your race time, recovery time, speed, heart rate, and other key information that affects your performance.
These high-performance watches also facilitate smoother transitions between running, cycling, and swimming, making them the perfect companion for your race. If you have a triathlon coming up, make sure to buy a top-tier triathlon watch that’s durable, stylish, and rich in features. Check out our roundup of the best-selling triathlon watches and be better prepared for your race than ever. We also provide you with a buying guide to help you select the right one.
Top Picks
7 Best Triathlon Watches In 2024
1. Best Feature-Loaded:Garmin Forerunner 945 Triathlon Smartwatch
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 1,662 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
Truly a game-changer, this lightweight triathlon watch is smart and advanced. Take your music wherever you go, as you can sync your Apple Music or Spotify playlist to it. With a built-in, colorful map, you can now see wherever you are going, even on rocky hills or in a densely populated city. Equipped with performance monitoring, it can accurately calculate the maximum oxygen consumption rate (VO2 max) and regulate the heat and value. This watch comes with extra features like training load focus, recovery time, GPS, and more. This running cadence tracking watch also tracks stride length, ground contact time and balance, vertical oscillation, etc. For more information about this Bluetooth smart watch, click this review video showcasing a tester’s experience.
Specifications:
- Lens material – Gorilla glass 3 + DX coating
- Display size – 1.2″ (30.4 mm) diameter
- Display resolution – 240 x 240 pixels
- Weight – 1.7 oz / 50 g
- Battery life – Up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, up to 10 hours with GPS and music, and 36 hours with GPS mode and without music
Pros
- Lightweight
- Can store up to 1,000 songs on the device
- Can be connected to Bluetooth headphones
- Bluetooth enabling feature allows you to receive texts, emails, and social media updates
- Sends real-time location to emergency contacts
- Garmin Pay option available
- Aerobic and anaerobic training effects available
- Allows you to create your own custom workouts or download free ones on the phone
Cons
- Does not feature swimming trackers
- Some users noted that the phone and Bluetooth connectivity wasn’t up to mark.
"Its advanced intuitive nature helps me keep track of various activities, providing accurate GPS and heart rate. Additionally, with features like Spotify and sleep analysis, it comes in handy for my daily routine. Its extended battery life also minimizes the frequent charging needs."
2. Best Flexible, Hinged Bands:Garmin Forerunner 920XT Watch
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been training your whole life, this watch by trusted brand Garmin will come in handy either way. It features a sleek body with flexible, hinged bands so you can train all day with your new workout partner. It is enabled with features like running metrics, VO2 max tracking, speed, heart rate, recovery rate, and audio cadence alerts. This watch also comes with swimming metrics, like measuring your distance, pace, stroke count, and stroke rate. Just connect it to your phone and receive live updates like texts, emails, and other notifications. With this smartwatch, you also get to be part of the Garmin Connect community where you can plan and share your training with others like you. Check out this review video showcasing a tester’s experience to learn more about the high-performance watch.
Specifications:
- Lens material – Chemically strengthened glass
- Display size – 1.1″ x 0.8″
- Display resolution – 205 x 148 pixels
- Weight – 2.1 oz / 61g
- Battery life – Up to 40 hours in UltraTrac mode, up to 24 hours in training mode, and up to 4 months in watch mode
Pros
- Live tracking available
- High-resolution color display
- Can track steps, sleep, and calories
- Rest timers for pool tracking
- Includes vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and action camera
Cons
- Does not have a wrist based heart rate monitor
"What stands out the most is this watch's seamless integration with its app and GPS�it makes the tracking process a breeze. Its heart rate accuracy is also spot on and offers extensive customization, making it a reliable companion for my triathlon training."
Did you know?3. Best With Lap Memory: Timex Ironman Classic 30 Watch
The 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory and 24-hour countdown timer feature sets this classic Timex watch apart from other conventional triathlon watches. It has a large five-button display, a lightweight frame, customizable modes, and a top pusher for recording lap splits, making it suitable for physically intense activities such as races or triathlons. The watch also has an adjustable and durable resin strap that can accommodate wrist circumferences up to eight inches. Moreover, you can also go swimming and snorkeling while wearing this watch, as it is water-resistant up to 100 meters.
Specifications:
- Lens material – Acrylic lens
- Display size – 1.4”
- Weight – 22.68 g
- Battery life – Ten years
Pros
- Supports three time zones
- Built-in calendar
- Customizable alarm
- Easy-to-read digital dial
- Has an orange nightlight
- Affordable price
Cons
- The backlight may be dimmer than expected
- Might be slightly smaller than expected
"I've found this watch genuinely durable after testing its water resistance and decade-long battery life in various conditions. It may not be stylish, but is definitely functional and user-friendly, especially with the multiple alarm options."
Garmin Forerunner 945 Triathlon Smartwatch Best Feature-Loaded | Garmin Forerunner 920XT Watch Best Flexible Hinged Bands | Timex Ironman Classic 30 Watch Best With Lap Memory | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Black | White/Red | - |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required |
| Weight | 1.8 ounces | 2.08 ounces | - |
| Dimensions | 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.54 inches | 0.5 x 1.9 x 2.2 inches | 6 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Band Material | - | - | Resin |
| Item Shape | - | - | Round |
| Weight | - | - | 0.8 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,662 | 535 | 4,294 |
| Price | $424.14 | $164.99 | $35.99 |
4. Best Waterproof:Coros Pace 2 Multisport GPS Watch
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 598 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
Made proudly in the United States, this one goes down in the book of the best triathlon watches. The triathlon race timer can record performance metrics related to swimming, cycling, and running. This cycling power meter watch is also ideal for outdoor activities such as mountain bike riding as it provides accurate elevation readings while in motion. It boasts an impressive battery life of 30 days and has GPS, GLONASS, and BDS working simultaneously to ensure that your location is tracked accurately. Take a look at this video to get more information on the product.
Specifications:
- Lens material – Aluminosilicate glass
- Display size – 1.2”
- Display resolution – 240 x 240 pixels
- Weight – 1.6 oz. / 48 g
- Battery life – Up to 25 hours in full GPS mode and up to 30 days for regular use
Pros
- Records heart rate, post-training statistics, calorie count, and intensity minutes
- Accurate elevation readings for cyclists
- Available in 3 different strap colors
- Automatically adjusts altitude
- Waterproof
- Sync data to phone feature available
Cons
- The screen may be prone to cracks
- Hate rate may not be accurate
"This watch's intuitive interface and effortless synchronization are a boon for tracking my workout analyses, though I wish the real-time updates were a bit faster. Also, its lightweight design feels almost discreet on my wrist, making those long-haul exercises and races comfortable."
5. Best Waterproof:Suunto 9 Baro GPS Sports Watch
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 575 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
If you thought that a sports watch couldn’t get any better, you have to look at this time-tested one. Regardless of what activity you are engaged in, this advanced sports watch provides statistics for over 80 sports and multisport events. Keeping durability in mind, this GPS-tracking triathlon watch comes with a silicone strap, a digital touchscreen display, and a glass fiber bolted shut with polyamide, and the entire watch is waterproof.
Specifications:
- Lens material – Sapphire crystal
- Display size – 1.97 inches
- Display resolution – 320 x 300 pixels
- Weight – 2.86 oz / 81 g
- Battery life – 25 hours to up to 120 hours of recording time with GPS tracking on
Pros
- Suunto app available for training analysis and support
- Connects to smartphone to receive texts, calls, and notifications
- Comes with GPS and motion sensor data
- Tracks sports activity, daily activity, and sleep
- Water resistant up to 100 meters
Cons
- Some may find it bulky.
"The durable yet lightweight design effortlessly keeps up with my daily activities, be it cycling, running, or hiking. It seamlessly syncs with my phone and makes the navigation a breeze, plus, has an extended battery life."
Did you know?6. Best Accurate Readings:Polar Vantage V – Premium GPS Multisport Watch
Cycle, run, and swim with this reliable and accurate synchronizing multisport watch by your side. This ultra-efficient heart rate monitoring tri watch has other professional features like prime sensor fusion technology, recovery rate, phone notifications, integrated GPS and barometer, and touch display. Moreover, it is an open-water swim watch that works well underwater with accurate swim metrics like heart rate checks, swimming styles, distance, swimming pace, strokes, and more.
Specifications:
- Lens material – Gorilla glass lens
- Display size – 1.2”
- Display resolution – 240 x 240 pixels
- Weight – 2 oz. / 59 g
- 40 hours of battery life in training mode and up to seven days of battery life in watch mode with continuous heart rate tracking
Pros
- Measures running power from the wrist
- Route guidance available
- Monitors sleep cycle
- Can be connected to smartphone
Cons
- Some users noted that the Bluetooth connection wasn’t stable.
"I've started using this watch during marathon preparation and it has performed better than my expectations. Its flexible waistband makes it comfortable to wear and has shown incredible accuracy in heart rate and sleep tracking. Also, its unobtrusive design offers a decent look."
7. Best With HRV Status: Garmin Forerunner 255 Smartwatch
Featuring over 30 activity profiles including triathlon, swimming, and more, the Garmin Forerunner watch makes it easy to keep track of your health and fitness levels. It has a heart rate variability (HRV) tracker, which tracks, records, and showcases your heart rate, recovery time, and more, enabling you to keep an eye on your overall health. In addition, it also has a built-in calendar and a race widget, an additional feature that helps you plan your race-day strategy. The high-end watch also lets you create custom workouts using the Garmin Connect smartphone app.
Specifications:
- Lens material – Gorilla glass 3
- Display size – 1.3”
- Display resolution – 260 x 260 pixels
- Weight – 1.7 oz / 48.1 g
- Battery life – up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode
Pros
- Daily workout suggestions and morning reports
- Connects to smartphones for safety tracking and contactless payments
- Supports multi-band GPS
- Durable silicone band
- Available in multiple colors and sizes
Cons
- May not be suitable for smaller wrists
- May not be beginner-friendly
"This feature-rich sports watch has been a valuable gadget to manage my active lifestyle. Though a bit hefty, it's robust and comfortable. Its battery life and screen quality are also quite impressive."
How To Choose The Right Triathlon Watches?
Take a look at these pointers to choose the right triathlon watch that is best suited to your needs.
- Comfortable fit: Training for a triathlon is no child’s play. It takes hours of practice, and you need a watch that sits comfortably on your wrist. Find one that has flexible silicone straps and a smooth body. Avoid watches that are bulky and heavy, and instead, look out for watches that are lightweight yet firm.
- Durable: There are no brownie points for guessing this one. One of the most important things to keep in mind while choosing a triathlon watch is judging how durable and long-lasting it is. Ensure the triathlon watches have a rugged design, with strong tempered glass or a crystal lens. Some are even made with titanium to make them more long-lasting. Another key feature to look out for is that the watch is waterproof, so you can use it while swimming and track your moments there too.
- Battery life: As we have already established, your triathlon watch spends a lot on your wrist being active. Hence, you need one that will last you as long as your practice sessions do. A triathlon watch’s average battery life is anywhere between 6-8 hours, with features like GPS being turned on. Some even go up to 20-24 hours and longer. Make a choice depending on how long your triathlon race will last.
- Smooth transitioning: A good watch can easily transition between the various sports you choose to play. While switching between different sports, you might have little to no time to press buttons, and hence a triathlon watch needs to be able to transition without you pressing too many buttons. Most triathlon watches come with a single button that allows you to move from one sport to the other. Some even come with a triathlon mode that doesn’t require you to press a button to switch between sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a touchscreen triathlon watch better than a triathlon watch with buttons?
Touchscreen triathlon watches are more aesthetically pleasing than triathlon watches with buttons. However, triathlon watches with buttons are more beginner-friendly.
2. How can I test triathlon watches?
One of the best ways to test a triathlon watch is by running on different track lengths with varying degrees of difficulty and comparing the data.
3. How should I maintain a triathlon watch?
You may follow these steps to take care of your watch: avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures; use a soft, dry cloth to clean the watch; avoid using harsh cleaners or chemicals; check the watch’s seals and gaskets for damage; replace the battery regularly.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, a writer and reviewer, is experienced in reviewing electronic products. He does extensive research to deliver the most popular and reliable products for his readers. After analyzing the comfort, durability, and other handy smartwatch features, Wedetso suggests some of the best triathlon watches that could help you keep track of crucial factors like heart rate, speed, race duration, etc. He also guides you in choosing a suitable watch as per your preference.
The Bottom Line
Apart from helping you make a fashion statement, the best triathlon watches can also help you win races by keeping track of your time, speed, and heart rate when participating in a triathlon. When you plan to buy this device, ensure it has a long battery life and is water-resistant and durable. Further, choose a watch with a GPS function, as seen in the Garmin Forerunner 945 Triathlon Smartwatch, good Bluetooth connectivity, and an easy touch interface that displays crucial data when you are on the track. You may also consider a watch like the Timex Ironman Classic 30, which offers a comfortable fit with its adjustable straps and allows you to seamlessly transition from one sports mode to another.
Infographic: How To Use A Triathlon Watch Properly?
A triathlon watch is an essential companion for athletes participating in multi-sport events, offering a range of features such as GPS tracking, swim metrics, and advanced performance monitoring. However, it is important to use it properly to avoid electrical mishaps and protect the watch from damage. Check out the following infographic to learn how to use triathlon watches correctly.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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