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The best multisport smartwatches for athletes who can't sit still
The best multisport smartwatches keep up with even the most active athletes. If one activity isn’t enough, shop our picks below for a device that can track even more.
Buying the right multisport watch for your needs
To be clear, the wearables market doesn’t strictly define the multisport smartwatch. However, for the purposes of this list, we only consider watches with a specific multisport mode to be multisport watches.
In other words, some watches can track everything from running to skiing to tai chi. But not every watch allows athletes to start a singular workout involving multiple activities (for example, a triathlon). Many watches require users to switch modes mid-activity and save each sport as a unique file. We’re not counting those. Keep this distinction in mind when shopping and consider the following:
- Built-in GPS: Accurate GPS is critical for runners, cyclists, and hikers alike. The odds are that if you identify as a multisport athlete, you participate in various activities that benefit largely from reliable onboard GPS.
- Long battery life: Similarly, no one wants a dead device miles away from home. Multisport watches are for athletes who rarely take a break, and rarely have time to worry about charging up, so look for one with a long-lasting battery.
- Sport modes: Variety is key. Zero in on devices with plenty of workout modes to track a wide range of activities. In addition to a dedicated multisport mode, some devices offer a specific triathlon mode.
- Durability: You’ll also want a watch that can handle the elements, whether you’re crossing a channel or climbing up cliffs. The best multisport watches offer rugged designs and notable water resistance.
- Health tracking: Finally, those calories aren’t burning themselves. Keep an eye on your well-being and various health measurables throughout your training with advanced sensors and dedicated health features.
The best multisport watches
- Garmin Fenix 7 Series: The best multisport watch Garmin has to offer, this is an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink device for athletes who want the top tier in fitness tracking.
- Garmin Forerunner 945: At a little lower price point, the Forerunner 945 is Garmin’s best multisport watch for runners, particularly triathletes.
- Coros Vertix 2: A solid Fenix 7 alternative, the Coros Vertix 2 is a powerful device, but only for wrists big enough to wear it.
- Suunto 9 Baro: The Suunto 9 Baro is the best multisport watch from Suunto, boasting a durable build and plenty of useful features.
- Polar Vantage V2: Polar’s top smartwatch, the Vantage V2 supports over 130 workout modes plus unique training and recovery features.
- Polar Vantage M2: A bit pared down compared to the Vantage V2, this budget option from Polar offers multisport mode at a lower price point.
Garmin Fenix 7 Series: The best multisport watch from Garmin
Garmin has always been a leader in the sports watch realm, and the Fenix series represents the best of what Garmin has to offer. In short, the Fenix 7 Series continues to raise the bar with a new touchscreen display and staggering battery life. It also opens the door to new shoppers with tons of sizes and color options.
In addition to solar charging and GPS, the Fenix 7 series offers accurate fitness tracking and robust health monitoring. Garmin also added the ability to edit most watch functions from the Garmin Connect companion app, simplifying users’ experience. Fans will find all the best tools the company offers, including PacePro, real-time stamina, Health Snapshot, Body Battery, and much more. Assuming you can stomach the high price tag, you’ll get an excellent all-around multisport watch with this pick.
Check out our full review to learn more about the Garmin Fenix 7.
Garmin Forerunner 945: The best Garmin multisport watch for triathlon runners
For runners and triathletes specifically, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is the cream of the crop. Like the Fenix 7, it features Garmin’s PacePro and ClimbPro modes, training load focus stats, heat and altitude acclimation, and of course, Body Battery, all-day stress tracking, a pulse oximeter for SpO2 readings, Garmin Pay, music storage, and more. You can also track swimming, which is essential for triathlon athletes.
On the other hand, it isn’t quite as durable as the Fenix line. It doesn’t offer solar charging and skips out on a few performance metrics and activity profiles. Simply put, the Fenix 7 series is the way to go if you want the best Garmin has to offer. The Forerunner is a great, well-rounded device for a little less cash. Unless you are a very active outdoor enthusiast, it is probably more than capable of keeping up with your needs.
Don’t miss: The best Garmin watches you can buy
Coros Vertix 2: The best multisport watch from Coros
Another alternative to Garmin’s Fenix lineup is the Coros Vertix 2. A pricey device, the Vertix 2 offers offline maps, dual-GNSS, running power metrics, and impressive two-month battery life. It also has an ECG feature, heart rate variability monitoring, and a new optical heart rate sensor. Unfortunately, we found the sensor to be hit-or-miss during testing.
On top of a host of fitness tracking tools, the Coros Vertix 2 boasts smartwatch features, plus onboard music storage and Wi-Fi support for software updates. It also features the biggest display ever on a Coros device which brings us to another point. The Vertix 2 is a very big device. Unlike the Fenix 7 series, it doesn’t offer any size variants for smaller wrists.
Check out our full review to learn more about the Coros Vertix 2.
Suunto 9 Baro: The best option from Suunto
Known for build quality and Finnish design, Suunto watches are popular among outdoors enthusiasts and professional athletes. The Suunto 9 Baro is our pick for the best multisport watch the company offers. It’s a tough, bulky device with water resistance to 100 meters. It packs many fitness features, including more than 80 activity tracking modes.
The Suunto 9 Baro also offers an altimeter and barometer for onboard weather forecasts. It also provides GPS battery-saving modes for when you can’t make it home to juice up. However, there is no wireless payment system available on this watch. That means you’ll need to pack a wallet if you make any mid-activity pit stops. Finally, while it offers a heart rate monitor, it does not feature ECG, SpO2, or BIA sensors.
Polar Vantage V2: The best Polar watch
Polar’s top running watch, the Vantage V2, is the company’s premium multisport smartwatch. It’s loaded with all the basics, including over 130 workout modes, GPS, heart rate monitoring, music controls, and notifications. Additionally, it offers customizable dashboard views, advanced features for tracking energy and fuel, and turn-by-turn navigation. Like most feature-packed multisport watches, this list could go on and on.
New standout features include running and cycling performance tests and a leg recovery test. These let you customize training sessions and determine how prepared your body is for the next workout.
Read more: The best Polar watches you can buy
Polar Vantage M2: A solid budget option from Polar
For the average person, the Vantage M2 watch offers everything you need at a lower price. It’s a particularly solid choice for road runners and a good budget option with plenty of training features. The watch features a multisport mode and an impressive list of sports profiles. Plus, it offers plenty of workout feedback to keep you busy.
Compared to higher-priced options from Polar, the Vantage M2 features buttons for user interaction rather than a touchscreen. It also doesn’t pack as many features, as it is a budget option. For example, you won’t find the same advanced training or recovery tools as you’ll find in others.
