Want to know which is the best triathlon watch on the market? Need to add some tech to your training? Care for something more sport orientated than a FitBit?
Table of Contents
Introduction to Triathlon Watches
2023 is an exciting year for triathletes. With the latest technology and advancements in the field, there are now more choices than ever when it comes to finding the perfect triathlon watch for your needs.
From basic features such as timekeeping and tracking distance to advanced features such as GPS mapping and heart rate monitoring, there’s something out there for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the seven best triathlon watches available in 2023 so you can find the one that suits your goals and budget best
My Favourite Triathlon Smartwatch
Features and Benefits of Triathlon Watches
Using a dedicated triathlon watch can offer several benefits for triathletes.
Key Features
- Multisport Tracking: Triathlon watches are specifically designed to track and record data for all three disciplines—swimming, cycling, and running—in a single device. They allow you to seamlessly transition between sports and provide accurate metrics for each activity.
- Advanced Metrics: Triathlon watches offer a wide range of metrics tailored to each sport. You can track distance, pace, speed, cadence, heart rate, power output, stroke count, and more.
These metrics provide valuable insights into your performance, allowing you to analyze and improve your training and race strategies. - Transition Assistance: Triathlon watches often include features to help streamline transitions. They can provide alerts or countdown timers to keep you on track during the transitions between swimming to cycling and cycling to running.
This ensures you stay focused and make smooth transitions, saving you precious time during races. - GPS Navigation: Most triathlon watches come with built-in GPS, which enables accurate tracking of your route and distance. This feature is particularly beneficial during open water swimming, where it can help you stay on course and measure your swim distance.
It also provides mapping and navigation functions for cycling and running, allowing you to explore new routes and avoid getting lost. - Training Analysis: Triathlon watches typically sync with smartphone or computer apps, enabling you to analyze your training data in detail. These apps often offer comprehensive analytics, such as workout summaries, training load assessments, recovery suggestions, and even personalized training plans. By reviewing your data, you can identify areas for improvement, track your progress, and adjust your training accordingly.
- Performance Monitoring: Triathlon watches allow you to monitor your performance in real-time during training sessions and races. You can keep an eye on your pace, heart rate, power output (for cycling), and other metrics to ensure you stay within your desired intensity zones. This feedback helps you pace yourself effectively and optimize your performance.
- Goal Setting and Motivation: Many triathlon watches enable you to set goals, whether they’re time-based, distance-based, or performance-oriented. By having clear goals and tracking your progress, you can stay motivated, challenge yourself, and celebrate your achievements along the way.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Heart rate monitoring is a crucial tool for training and performance optimization. Triathlon watches often include built-in optical heart rate sensors or can be paired with external heart rate straps. Monitoring your heart rate during workouts helps you gauge your effort levels, track your fitness adaptations, and prevent overtraining or undertraining.
- Compatibility with Accessories: Triathlon watches are typically compatible with various accessories, such as cycling power meters, foot pods for running cadence, and even external sensors for swimming. This allows you to gather additional data and fine-tune your training based on specific metrics.
- Timekeeping and Watch Functions: Finally, let’s not forget that triathlon watches serve as reliable timekeeping devices. They provide accurate time, countdown timers, alarms, and other watch functions that come in handy during training and daily life.
Remember, while a dedicated triathlon watch can be a valuable training tool, it’s essential to choose one that suits your specific needs and budget.
Consider factors such as battery life, water resistance, compatibility, and the features most important to you as a triathlete.
Benefits of Wearing a Triathlon Watch:
- Improved knowledge of training load and intensity
- Increased motivation to reach goals
- Helps monitor progress over time
- Easily track overall performance
- Ability to create customized training plans
- Automated recovery assessment to help optimize recovery time
The Best 7 Triathlon Watches on the Market
We looked at the market and based on specific criteria selected the best triathlon watches available right now.
These criteria were: design and display, features and functionality, compatibility and Integration, battery life and charging, price and value.
1. Garmin Forerunner 945 – A Comprehensive Multisport Watch
Design and Display
The Garmin Forerunner 945 sports a sleek and professional design that strikes a balance between functionality and style.
Its round, robust build ensures durability and includes a color display that is easy to read even in bright outdoor conditions.
The watch is available in different color options, allowing users to choose a design that suits their preferences.
Features and Functionality
The Forerunner 945 is packed with features that cater to the needs of triathletes and endurance athletes.
It offers advanced multisport tracking, accurately capturing data for swimming, cycling, and running activities. It includes built-in GPS with mapping functionality, providing precise navigation during outdoor workouts and races.
The watch also boasts an extensive range of training metrics, including VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and advanced running dynamics. Additionally, it supports smart notifications, music storage, Garmin Pay, and even onboard maps.
Compatibility and Integration
The Forerunner 945 is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring seamless integration with popular smartphone operating systems.
It works in conjunction with the Garmin Connect app, which allows users to sync their data, track their progress, set goals, and join challenges.
Furthermore, the watch supports third-party app integration, giving users access to additional functionalities and customization options.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Forerunner 945 is its impressive battery life.
It offers up to 2 weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode, making it ideal for extended training periods and even multi-day events.
In GPS mode, the watch provides up to 36 hours of battery life, ensuring it can withstand long-distance races without running out of power. When the battery eventually runs low, the Forerunner 945 comes with a proprietary charging cable that quickly replenishes its battery.
Price and Value
While the Garmin Forerunner 945 falls into the higher price range of triathlon watches, its extensive features, reliable performance, and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious triathletes and endurance enthusiasts.
The watch’s comprehensive data tracking, advanced training analysis, accurate GPS, and long battery life provide exceptional value for those seeking a top-of-the-line multisport watch to support their training and racing ambitions.
TIP: If the price is putting you off, go for the Garmin Forerunner 745 – Everything you need but cheaper.
2. Suunto 9 Baro – Stands its Ground with Ease
Design and Display
The Suunto 9 Baro features a robust and durable design, built to withstand the demands of triathlon training and racing.
It has a sleek and stylish appearance with a stainless steel bezel and a high-quality silicone strap.
The watch incorporates a clear and easy-to-read color display, providing excellent visibility even in bright sunlight.
The intuitive interface and well-placed buttons allow for effortless navigation through the watch’s functions.
Features and Functionality
The Suunto 9 Baro is packed with features designed to meet the needs of endurance athletes.
It offers accurate GPS tracking, providing detailed data on pace, distance, and routes. The watch includes advanced training metrics such as heart rate monitoring, training load analysis, and recovery tracking. It also offers barometric altitude measurements, weather functions, and a digital compass.
The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and triathlon events.
Compatibility and Integration
The Suunto 9 Baro is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to sync their data and access additional features through the Suunto app.
The app provides comprehensive analysis of workouts, including detailed maps, training insights, and performance trends.
The watch also supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, enabling easy pairing with external sensors like heart rate monitors or cycling cadence sensors.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Suunto 9 Baro is its exceptional battery life.
It offers up to 120 hours of continuous GPS tracking, making it suitable for ultra-distance events and long training sessions.
The watch utilizes intelligent battery modes that automatically adjust power settings based on activity and allow users to extend battery life on the go. It can be conveniently charged using a USB cable.
Price and Value
The Suunto 9 Baro falls into the higher price range of triathlon watches, reflecting its advanced features and durability.
It is an excellent investment for serious endurance athletes who require long battery life, accurate tracking, and comprehensive training metrics.
The watch’s rugged design, extensive feature set, and compatibility with the Suunto app provide great value for triathletes seeking a reliable and performance-driven companion for their training and racing endeavors.
3. Polar Vantage V2 – Expensive, But Worth It
Design and Display
The Polar Vantage V2 showcases a sleek and modern design with a lightweight and comfortable build, ideal for long training sessions and races.
It features a round color touchscreen display that offers crisp visibility of data and metrics.
The watch is crafted with high-quality materials and comes with interchangeable silicone straps, allowing users to customize their style and ensure a secure fit during activities.
Features and Functionality
The Polar Vantage V2 is packed with advanced features tailored to meet the needs of serious athletes.
It offers accurate GPS tracking, providing detailed information on pace, distance, and routes. The watch includes comprehensive training metrics such as running power, recovery insights, and training load analysis.
Additionally It also offers advanced sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and integrated sports profiles for various activities.
The watch is water-resistant and supports swimming metrics, making it suitable for triathlons.
Compatibility and Integration
The Polar Vantage V2 is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to sync their data and access additional features through the Polar Flow app.
The app provides in-depth analysis of workouts, including training plans, performance trends, and personalized feedback.
The watch also supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, enabling easy pairing with external sensors such as heart rate monitors or cycling power meters.
Battery Life and Charging
The Vantage V2 boasts impressive battery life to support long training sessions and races.
It offers up to 40 hours of continuous GPS tracking, ensuring it can handle extended activities without needing a recharge.
The watch utilizes a magnetic charging cable, providing convenient and hassle-free charging.
Price and Value
The Polar Vantage V2 falls into the higher price range of triathlon watches, reflecting its advanced features and performance capabilities.
It is a valuable investment for dedicated athletes seeking accurate tracking, comprehensive training metrics, and personalized insights.
The watch’s sleek design, extensive feature set, and compatibility with the Polar Flow app make it a compelling choice for triathletes who prioritize data-driven training and value the overall performance and quality of their training companion.
4. Polar Grit X – Outdoor Ruggedness
Design and Display
The Polar Grit X is a ruggedly designed watch that features a colorful touchscreen display with an intuitive interface. It is waterproof up to 100m and has an integrated GPS for tracking location.
Features & Functionality
The Polar Grit X offers numerous features such as a built-in altimeter, barometer and compass, plus activity and recovery tracking for more than 130 sports.
It also includes advanced training tools and provides real-time performance feedback.
Compatibility & Integration
The Polar Grit X is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and can be integrated with third party services such as Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Apple Health.
Furthermore, it also supports data sharing via the Polar Flow app.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Polar Grit X is impressively long at 14 days in regular use mode or 40 hours in GPS mode.
Charging
The device charges quickly via USB-C port and takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge.
Price & Value
The price of the Polar Grit X is reasonable considering all its features and functionality.
For those who are looking for a feature-packed smartwatch that can stand up to tough conditions, it’s definitely worth the investment.
5. AmazFit T-Rex Pro – Combining Versatility and Functionality
Design and Display
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro has a rugged, sporty design that is both stylish and durable. It is made of advanced nano-tech materials with reinforced stainless steel bezels and a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display. The 1.3 inch AMOLED display is bright and clear with vivid colors for an immersive viewing experience.Features and Functionality
This watch includes 14 sports modes to track over 70 sporting activities such as running, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, and more. It also includes built-in GPS/GLONASS navigation and real-time heart rate monitoring to help you stay on top of your performance goals. Plus, it has a respiration rate tracker to help you keep track of your breathing levels during workouts.Compatibility and Integration
This watch is compatible with both Android 5.0+ and iOS 10.0+, so you can easily sync your data between devices. It can also integrate with popular fitness apps like Strava™ or Google Fit™ for even more customization options. Additionally, its Bluetooth 5.2 technology allows you to connect your headphones or other audio devices wirelessly for music playback while exercising outdoors or at the gym.Battery Life
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro boasts up to 20 days of battery life on a single charge in normal usage mode – perfect if you don’t always have access to a charger! You can also extend its battery life up to 30 days by activating Ultra Battery Mode which limits certain features in exchange for increased runtime.Charging
Charging the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is fast and easy thanks to its magnetic charger which snaps securely into place on the back of the device. A full charge takes only 2 hours – great for when you need some extra juice in a hurry!Price and Value
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro provides tons of features at an affordable price point making it an excellent value for money buy! With its rugged design, long battery life, comprehensive tracking capabilities, and smart integration features – this device is sure to give you all the tools necessary to reach your fitness goals without breaking the bank!
6. Coros PACE 2 Multisport GPS Watch – Advanced Performance Tracking Technology
Design and Display
The Coros PACE 2 Multisport GPS Watch boasts a sleek and modern design that is both lightweight and comfortable for extended wear during training and racing.
It features a round color display with crisp resolution, providing clear visibility of data in various lighting conditions.
The watch is designed with a durable build and includes interchangeable silicone straps, allowing users to personalize their style and ensure a secure fit.
Features and Functionality
The Coros PACE 2 Multisport GPS Watch offers a wide array of features designed to cater to the needs of multisport athletes.
It provides accurate GPS tracking for activities such as running, cycling, and swimming.
The watch includes advanced metrics like heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, and training load analysis, helping athletes track their progress and optimize their performance.
It also offers customizable data screens, interval training modes, and the ability to create and follow personalized workouts.
Compatibility and Integration
The Coros PACE 2 Multisport GPS Watch is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing seamless integration with popular smartphone platforms.
It can be paired with the Coros app, which provides detailed analysis of workouts, tracks progress, and offers personalized training plans.
The watch also supports synchronization with popular fitness platforms such as Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Relive, allowing users to easily share and analyze their training data.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Coros PACE 2 Multisport GPS Watch is its exceptional battery life.
It offers up to 30 hours of continuous GPS tracking, ensuring it can handle long-distance races and extended training sessions without running out of power.
The watch utilizes a magnetic charging cable, providing convenient and hassle-free charging.
Price and Value
The Coros PACE 2 Multisport GPS Watch falls within the mid-range price category, offering a competitive balance between features and affordability.
It provides a comprehensive set of features for multisport athletes, including accurate GPS tracking, advanced training metrics, and long battery life.
The watch’s durable design, compatibility with popular fitness apps, and reasonable price make it a valuable choice for athletes seeking a reliable and feature-rich multisport GPS watch.
7. Apple Watch SE – Best Triathlon Watch Alternative
While not specifically designed for triathlons, the Apple Watch SE has gained popularity among triathletes due to its versatility and wide range of features.
It offers GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, swim tracking, and a variety of fitness apps. The watch also integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Smartwatches for Athletes
I have an Apple watch, why should I get a dedicated Triathlon multisport watch?
While the Apple Watch offers a range of features and functionality, a dedicated triathlon smartwatch provides specific features tailored to multisport activities.
This includes seamless transition tracking, extended battery life for endurance events, advanced training analysis, specialized GPS and navigation, compatibility with accessories, higher water resistance, and a race-focused mindset.
Investing in a dedicated triathlon smartwatch can enhance your triathlon training and racing experience by providing accurate metrics, race-specific features, and comprehensive insights to optimize your performance in the sport.
How long is the battery life, and will it last through my training and races?
Endurance is crucial in triathlons, so understanding the battery life of the watch is essential to ensure it can track your activities throughout your training sessions and races without running out of power.
Is the watch compatible with my existing accessories or sensors?
Many triathletes use external sensors like cycling power meters or running foot pods. Ensuring compatibility with these accessories is important to gather accurate data and utilize the full capabilities of the watch.
Does weight play a significant role?
Weight can flex its muscles in certain aspects of triathlon, but its importance likes to play hide-and-seek, depending on the person and their fancy goals.
- Comfort: A lighter watch may offer greater comfort, especially during long training sessions and races. A heavy watch can potentially become cumbersome and uncomfortable, particularly during the running portion of a triathlon. However, the weight of a watch is just one factor contributing to overall comfort, and personal preference can vary.
- Aerodynamics: In cycling, aerodynamics can be crucial for achieving optimal speed and efficiency. A heavier watch may have a negligible impact on aerodynamics, but if you’re concerned about minimizing drag during the cycling leg, you may prefer a lighter watch or consider other aerodynamic factors like your helmet, clothing, and body positioning.
- Performance Impact: The weight of a triathlon watch is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on your overall performance in terms of swimming, cycling, or running. Factors such as training, technique, fitness level, and equipment choices (e.g., bike, shoes, clothing) typically have a more significant influence on performance outcomes.
Ultimately, while weight can be a consideration when choosing a triathlon watch, it is often a secondary factor compared to features, functionality, accuracy, and overall suitability for your training and racing needs.
It’s recommended to prioritize the features and performance capabilities of the watch over its weight alone.
Finding the Best Triathlon Watch for You
You may want to compare the top 3 triathlon watches and then make your decision. I have compiled a basic table to compare the features and help you make a decision.
Please note that the features and specifications provided here are based on general information and may be subject to change or vary based on specific models or software updates.
I recommend that you visit the respective manufacturers’ websites or consult with authorized retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date information before making a purchase decision.
Let’s Recap the Top 3 Multisport Watches
Here are three highly regarded triathlon watches:
Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is widely considered one of the best triathlon watches available.
It offers a comprehensive range of features, including multisport tracking, advanced metrics, GPS navigation, and extensive training analysis.
It has a long battery life, accurate heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with external sensors.
The Forerunner 945 also provides music storage, Garmin Pay, and smart notifications.
It excels in its ability to seamlessly track and analyze data across swimming, cycling, and running, making it a top choice for serious triathletes.
Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro is a robust and durable triathlon watch designed for endurance athletes.
It boasts an exceptional battery life, allowing for long training sessions and even ultra-distance events. The watch features multisport tracking, accurate GPS navigation, advanced training metrics, and customizable sports modes.
The Suunto 9 Baro also includes a barometer for accurate altitude information and weather tracking.
Its rugged build and reliable performance make it a popular choice among triathletes who demand durability and reliability in their training and races.
Polar Vantage V2
The Polar Vantage V2 is a high-performance triathlon watch known for its precise tracking and extensive training analysis capabilities.
It offers multisport tracking with accurate metrics for swimming, cycling, and running.
The watch provides detailed data on running power, recovery tracking, and advanced sleep monitoring.
With built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with external sensors, the Vantage V2 offers comprehensive insights into your performance.
Its lightweight design, long battery life, and Polar’s well-regarded training platform make it a top contender for triathletes looking for advanced training analysis and performance optimization.
Conclusion
My advice is to begin by asking yourself why you need the watch and exactly what features you want. The reason for this is that it is easy to get distracted with sales pitches and marketing gimmicks.
If you seek a smartwatch that enhances your triathlon training and racing, opting for a dedicated device is paramount. However, ensure that it truly fulfills its purpose rather than creating a mere illusion of assistance.
Let me know your thoughts and choices in the comments below!
