Forerunner 55

Seconding the used Forerunner 55- it does all that I need it to

Correction: As a forerunner 55 user, it does get call alerts and texts alerts on the watch. You don't have to set that up though. I set mine up to get them when I configured the watch and was prompted to do so, and I'm a bit ambivalent on whether that's nice or not. I do like to see if a text is something I actually want to pull my phone out for, but I also get annoyed with it when people are texting me while I'm actually running.

Garmin Forerunner 55 is perfectly adequate and cheaper

My watch is a Forerunner 55. It has everything I need, and what’s important is that I actually use every feature it offers. The big question is are you really going to use all those fancy unnecessary features or not?

I have been using Garmin for over 10 years and recommend it over an apple watch. I was teasing a friend about him using an apple watch and convinced him to get a Garmin. My perspective is that Apple (and other smart watches) do everything pretty good. But Garmin (and possibly other running watch brands) do sports amazingly well, and everything else okay. So if you are focusing on running I would recommend getting a running specific watch. Other Garmin Pros that Apple cant do: * Has physical buttons for laps, start/stop/ light * Does instant pace/ HR distance really well * Easy to format to not get notifications to focus on running Edit * I forgot one of the best parts. I charge my Garmin once a week. Apple watch battery life is a day at max.

I would look at their website for specifics. But I think the 55 would be a good choice to start with.

Forerunner 55 for the absolute basics. Forerunner 165 is the cheapest with a AMOLED screen. Forerunner 255, 265, 955 and 965 are just discontinued. In my opinion 955 is the most value for money as it includes mapping. 965 is the same watch as the 955, but with an AMOLED screen. If you don’t need mapping, then go for the 265. It is the same as the 965, but without maps. So if you can find a 955 that would be your best bet in my opinion. Forerunner 570 and 970 introduce unnecessary features, such as microphone & speaker, sapphire glass, shiny metal bezels all of which add nothing to running but do increase the price.

I love how simple my Forerunner 55 is - very few distractions (I also dumped my apple watch). I just hate that it looks cheap, which is why I’m debating getting something else.