Apple

10 of the best running watches in the UK

Newsflash: Running is hard. Unless you’re one of those rare and confusing individuals who just gets up and runs for miles, the act of hauling yourself up from the sofa and pounding the pavement for more than a few minutes is tough. This is why those who commit to this torturous hobby do everything they…

Published 6 years ago in
10 of the best running watches in the UK
Newsflash: Running is hard. Unless you’re one of those rare and confusing individuals who just gets up and runs for miles, the act of hauling yourself up from the sofa and pounding the pavement for more than a few minutes is tough.This is why those who commit to this torturous hobby do everything they can to make it more bearable. Runners will often spend big on the comfiest trainers and snazziest leggings, all in the pursuit of a less painful experience.

SEE ALSO: 10 of the best smart scales in the UK for 2020

We’re not going to pretend that splashing out on all the best gear is going to instantly transform you into an elite athlete, but it could make a real difference. You can check out this website if you’re interested in learning more about these devices and their various accessories too – https://mobilemob.com.au/. Take running watches for example: These clever little devices are designed to optimise and personalise your training to improve your performance. Sounds helpful, right?

Some of the most basic running watches provide data on your step count, calorie burn, and distance travelled. The more advanced models can monitor your sleep, record your heart rate, and even track your running route so you can later analyse your elevation, speed, and much more. All of this data provides a clear picture of your masochistic practises.

Listen, we’re not suggesting that you start running regularly, because frankly that sounds like a lot of work. However, if you’re determined to get out there, you might as well make it easy on yourself. Get all the gear and have no idea, so at least you’ll look good when you’re crawling on your hands and knees. Plus, you’ll be able to measure how quickly you were running before you passed out.

We know this is all very persuasive and you’re probably sold on the idea of a running watch. That’s great, but which model will work best for you? It’s a tricky question that we have attempted to answer by tracking down some of the best options from top brands like Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple. Whether you’re just starting out or training to be the best, there should be something on this list for you.

These are the best running watches for 2020.

Best for multiple sports

The Good

Heart rate tracking • Receive texts, emails, calls, and social media alerts • VO2 max estimate • Race predictor • Recovery advisor • Multisport feature

The Bad

Pricey • Limited smart features

The Bottom Line

Great running watch for users who want to focus on sport and don’t require the smart features of Apple or Fitbit.

Garmin Forerunner 735XT

The multisport feature provides a seamless transition as you move between activities.

  • Battery life: 5 days
  • Weight: 45.4 grams
  • GPS: Yes
  • Water resistant: Yes
£299.99 from Amazon

The first name that comes to mind when you think about running watches is Garmin, and that’s because the brand has a number of great devices for runners of all abilities.

The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is probably your best option if you like to do more than just run, because of its automatic multisport feature that provides a seamless tracking transition as you move from the pool to the bike and from your bike to the track. The Forerunner 735XT is compatible with workouts for running, cycling, and pool swimming, meaning it’s perfect for triathletes.
When it comes to running specifically, this watch provides detailed information on stride length, ground contact time, and much more, presenting a clear picture of your style. This sort of detail could make all the difference.
 

Best for sleep tracking

The Good

Heart rate monitoring • Daily workout guidance • Nightly recovery measurement • Not too pricey

The Bad

Battery life could be better • Some connection issues reported

The Bottom Line

A running watch that cares about your recovery as well as your workout.

Polar Ignite

Follow your sleep stages and get detailed insights into your bedtime behaviour.

  • Battery life: 5 days
  • Weight: 35 grams
  • GPS: Yes
  • Water-resistant: Yes
£199.50 from Amazon

Polar is not as famous as brands like Garmin and Apple, but it’s definitely something to consider if you run regularly.

The Polar Ignite fitness watch comes with advanced wrist-based heart rate monitoring, integrated GPS, personalised daily workout guidance, and a nightly recovery measurement. This last feature is what sets this device apart from the competition, as the sleep tracker monitors your sleep stages and gives you feedback and a numerical sleep score. Recovery is important, guys.
The integrated GLONASS tracks your speed, distance, and route, with the FitSpark training guide offering ready-made on-demand workouts that match your recovery and readiness.
 

Best for apps

The Good

ECG feature • Always-on Retina display • Band colours • Running apps

The Bad

Sleep tracking

The Bottom Line

The Series 5 goes further than any smartwatch has gone before and should appeal to even the most hardcore runners.

Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch offers a wide range of dedicated running apps.

  • Battery life: 18 hours
  • Weight: 36.7 grams
  • GPS: Yes
  • Water-resistant: Yes
£399 from Amazon

The Apple Watch Series 5 might not be specifically designed for runners, but it’s so advanced that it can get the job done.

You get access to a wide range of health and fitness features as well as dedicated running apps. No other device can really compete with this selection, and the likes of Strava, Runkeeper, and Nike+ Run Club can really help you to stay on top of your objectives.
This device is also a great option for runners due to its ECG, fall sensing, and emergency calling capabilities. If the watch detects something unsettling, it will let you know. Getting a warning like this from your watch could potentially save your life.
The always-on Retina display lets you see these all-important stats at a glance on the run without having to twist and hold your wrist in position, which is useful when you’re running hard.

Best for performance data

The Good

Rugged design • Detailed performance data • Three-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter • Smart notifications

The Bad

Expensive

The Bottom Line

This is just about as good as it gets, but it will cost you dearly.

Garmin Fenix 6

Performance data includes training load balance, training status, and running and cycling dynamics.

  • Battery life: 120 days
  • Weight: 81.6 grams
  • GPS: Yes
  • Water-resistant: Yes
£475 from Amazon

The Garmin Fenix 6 multisport watch offers cutting-edge design and performance, and it’s just about the best running watch that money can buy.

It’s contoured for a seriously comfortable fit, with easy-to-access features that include enhanced heart rate monitoring, built-in activity profiles, VO2 max estimates, and much more. Plus, you can even get performance metrics and training load balance readings to see how you’re progressing (or not).
Satellite navigation and tracking functions combine with a three-axis compass and barometric altimeter to give you reliable readings even when you’re running off-road. No other running watch on this list can off

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Apple

Samsung taking market share from Apple in U.S. as foldable phones gain momentum

Samsung introduced two folding phones in July that are garnering praise on social media and putting pressure on Apple to deliver new types of iPhones…

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The iPhone 16, almost a year later

Apple’s innovations with the 16 series overall this year boil down to a new button, some AI features, and a faster chip. There are a few other enhancements, but the three mentioned are the most important selling features for me. And since these also came to both the Pro and the standard 16 series, I’m

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The iPhone 16, almost a year later

Apple’s innovations with the 16 series overall this year boil down to a new button, some AI features, and a faster chip. There are a few other enhancements, but the three mentioned are the most important selling features for me. And since these also came to both the Pro and the standard 16 series, I’m falling in love with the regular 16 much more than I expected.

Over the years, I’ve used every iPhone type except for the older iPhone 12/13 minis. I’ve mainly stuck with standard-sized Pro phones over the years for that extra zoom lens, but with the power of computational photography, I’ve found this less of a necessity since Apple started using its Fusion Camera tech. There’s no doubt the dedicated lens is better, but the iPhone 16’s 5x zoom can provide pretty darn good results.

After the iPhone event last year, I decided to mainly use the iPhone 16 Pro Max since the review unit I was provided came in the stunning Desert colour, but also because it’s technically the best iPhone on paper. However, after spending more time with a basic iPhone 16, I can say that the larger and heavier Pro Max isn’t for everyone, and it actually might not even be for me.

Even with the Titanium frame, the Pro Max is large, and all the extra screen, battery, and camera power amount to lots of weight resting on your pinky. On paper, the 227g Pro Max doesn’t seem significantly heavier than the 170-gram iPhone 16, but after holding both for weeks, I can say for sure that most of the time I’m a lot more comfortable using the smaller phone. It’s easier to reach around with my thumb and doesn’t put as much pressure on my pinky. This all sounds dumb, but after using the heavier phone, I could feel its impact on my pinky. Is it a big deal? No, but it was something that was weighing on my mind (and pinky) a lot. Even as I write this, I’ve had both phones in hand and every time I use the Pro Max for a prolonged time, I feel it.

When it comes down to it, I like using the regular iPhone every day simply because it’s more convenient to hold. I know that seems crazy considering how many things really separate the two phones, but most of the time, I’m using my phone to search the web, browse social media, or watch YouTube, and

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South Africans can now buy Apple, Alphabet shares as digital tokens on Luno

From early August, Luno, a cryptocurrency and digital investment platform, will allow its users in South Africa to invest in tokenised stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), making global equities like Apple and Alphabet accessible for as little as R20 ($1.13). The move positions Luno as a multi-asset investment platform and marks what it says is

Published 1 month ago in
South Africans can now buy Apple, Alphabet shares as digital tokens on Luno

From early August, Luno, a cryptocurrency and digital investment platform, will allow its users in South Africa to invest in tokenised stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), making global equities like Apple and Alphabet accessible for as little as R20 ($1.13). The move positions Luno as a multi-asset investment platform and marks what it says is a first-of-its-kind offering in South Africa’s fast-evolving financial landscape.

Tokenised stocks are digital representations of real shares, backed 1:1 by actual securities. By enabling access via rands, Luno is removing longstanding barriers such as currency conversion costs, high fees, and trading-hour restrictions for retail investors in emerging markets.

“Until now, access to global financial markets has been locked behind red tape and legacy systems,” said Christo de Wit, Luno’s country manager for South Africa. “With tokenised stocks, we are offering South African investors easy access to global investments any time of the day or night.”

The platform will support over 60 U.S. companies and market indices, including Apple, Alphabet, NVIDIA, and the S&P 500. These tokenised products are made available through partnerships with infrastructure providers like Kraken’s xStocks and Backed Finance, which Luno says will ensure regulatory compliance, secure custody, and alignment with global financial standards.

How Luno tokenised stocks work

Customers can start investing with as little as R20 ($1.13), even in companies like Apple and Google. Instead of paying nearly R4,000 ($226) for a full Apple share, they can buy just a piece. These tokens are digital versions of real stocks, and customers trade them through blockchain. 

“This represents a fundamental shift in how we think about investing,” explained de Wit. “We are not just digitising old processes, we are reimagining what is possible when you combine improved technology with investor needs.”

Launched in 2013, Luno has grown to become one of Africa’s leading crypto exchanges, but now it’s adding tokenised stocks and ETFs. South Africa remains one of the continent’s most active crypto markets. Over 5 million South Africans are estimated to own crypto, with digital asset ownership expected to grow by nearly 8% annually through 2031.

Luno competes with platforms like VALR, Binance, AltcoinTrader, and wealthtech apps like EasyEquities and Satrix that focus mainly on traditional stocks and ETFs. 

Still, the expansion into tokenised equities could bring Luno under closer scrutiny. As digital tokens backed by real-world financial instruments, these offerings may fall within capital market regulations, including investor protection and transparency requirements. South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is already in the process of licencing crypto asset providers and building a clearer framework for digital securities.

Mark your calendars! Moonshot by TechCabal is back in Lagos on October 15–16! Join Africa’s top founders, creatives & tech leaders for 2 days of keynotes, mixers & future-forward ideas. Early bird tickets now 20% off—don’t snooze! moonshot.techcabal.com

Sakhile Dube Associate Reporter

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Crypto summer on 1xBet: iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and other gadgets in the draw

Updated 18 July 2025 at 10:54 IST The rapid pace of cryptocurrency adoption has a significant impact on our daily lives. While in 2010, paying for two pizzas with bitcoins was a meme within the geek community, today you can use digital coins in online stores like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Shopify, as well as deposit

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