Forerunner 45

I've really liked all of my Garmin watches! Check out anything from the Forerunner line, like the Forerunner 55. And highly recommend getting a refurbished/used one to save money, if that's an issue for you. You can get the 55, 45, or 35 for a pretty good deal refurbished/used.

I would look for a used or refurbished Garmin Forerunner 35 or 45 (whatever you can find for cheapest). Also just to note, GPS is what allows watches to accurately measure distance and pace, so you’ll want a watch either GPS. However for the ultimate cheapest option, if money is really limited, consider just using a running app on your phone instead.

You're welcome! And yeah I agree, using a phone is super cumbersome. Having a watch is so much more convenient! Even though they can be pricey, I think they're a good investment. And the longevity of Garmin Forerunner watches is quite good in my experience. And also they stay fairly valuable as long as they still work, so if you eventually decide to upgrade to different model, you can still sell your old one!

My Forerunner 45 from 2018 is still going strong too! Though I use Smashrun, not Strava.

45s>265>epix pro gen 2>instinc 3 45>vertical 2>255>enduro 3. That was my way. After couple years can say- 255/955 mips are one of best ever for lot of sports and mip lovers, their amoled sibilngs are also great. Instinct 2,3 also great rugged tanks. A little smaller screen for me (like 6-8 metrics for one screen during runs, ins.can go up to 4-5). F7 pro or 7x for bigger wrist, epix pro gen 2- fanstastic options but bulkier- just dont swim with them because buttons can get smooshy (mine did!). Flash and newest opt.hr great! Dont like too bright screens on vx1 and 970, and lame battety. Now enduro 3 comes in a way. It is truly fantastic. Smaller wrist about 17.5cm and it is not heavy like epix pro gen 2 47mm. Battery is 40days with little sun a day and 1h of gps 6 times a week. Crasy. Didnt now what to except, many here adore it, but now- I am one of them.

I went from a 45 to a 245 to now the 955. I love the 955. I did wait until it went on sale for $350usd.

Garmins are the gold-standard, ime. They hold a charge well and last forever. I sometimes still use my Garmin 45 from a decade ago and it works perfectly. My advice is go with a Garmin Forerunner and if you want cost savings, get a refurbished one. Garmin's are one of the few things that I've owned that really do hold up well.

Garmins are the gold-standard, ime. They hold a charge well and last forever. I sometimes still use my Garmin 45 from a decade ago and it works perfectly. My advice is go with a Garmin Forerunner and if you want cost savings, get a refurbished one. Garmin's are one of the few things that I've owned that really do hold up well.

LOL - they do have a lot of options. I've stuck to the Forerunner series because I don't need to show off and all I do is run so I don't need all the extra fancy :D IMO - a lot of that is for someone like my nephew who does Ironmans. But the forerunner has more than enough for my needs :)