1/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR MULTITASKERS: Motorola Moto 360 Sport

Call it overkill, but we enjoyed the computer-like capabilities of the Moto 360. For instance, thanks to built-in wifi, we were able to set work reminders while walking back from the shower by simply speaking into the watch face, leaving us feeling like extras in a sci-fi running flick. But the smartwatch is also a reliable training partner, thanks to onboard GPS and tracking apps like Google Fit. Battery life was abysmal, though, lasting only four hours. We also missed sport-specific options, like a lap button to quickly record splits during an interval workout. ($300; amazon.com)

FOR MOUNTAIN GOATS: Suunto Ambit3 Vertical

2/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR MOUNTAIN GOATS: Suunto Ambit3 Vertical

While few of us may dream of conquering Mont Blanc, the Ambit3 Vertical is the tool we’d take along if we tried. Beneath its brightly colored shell, it has insanely technical features for high-altitude running. The enormous, crisp white display shows maps of an intended climb, and the watch delivers subtle vibrations whenever wearers veer off course. A finely tuned barometric altimeter verifies elevation, while both GPS and Russian GLONASS satellite reception render better accuracy and acquisition time. Our testers especially loved how it answers the age-old question “Are we there yet?” ($469; amazon.com)

FOR THE BASICS: Soleus GPS Pulse + HRM

3/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR THE BASICS: Soleus GPS Pulse + HRM

Our testers—especially women—balked at the clunky design but appreciated the long battery life (12 hours). The GPS distance and pace was as accurate as anything we tried, and the heart-rate sensor surpassed those of most units—possibly because the unique design places the optical pulse sensor inside the user’s wrist, where capillaries are closer to the surface. We didn’t mind that the unit is only water-resistant (don’t wear it swimming). While software can automatically transfer a run to Strava, we encountered troubles when downloading data after a run to use on other popular tracking and coaching apps. ($200; amazon.com)

FOR PODCAST LOVERS: TomTom Spark Cardio + Music

4/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR PODCAST LOVERS: TomTom Spark Cardio + Music

A combination support vehicle and party wagon, the Spark tracks distance and heart rate, all while beaming music and audio content to wireless earphones. Testers found the joystick-style buttons easy to mash with sweaty fingers, but complained that the battery lasted just over five hours. It is a lot of hardware, but with a 24-hour activity and sleep monitor, rough distance tracking indoors (for treadmill running), and swimming tracker, the only thing you need to bring to the party are Bluetooth earbuds. ($249; amazon.com)

FOR RACERS: Garmin Forerunner 235

5/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR RACERS: Garmin Forerunner 235

Whether deep in the mountains of Vermont or in the urban canyons of Boston, we got a satellite lock quickly with the Forerunner 235. It gathers pings from both the GPS and GLONASS constellations of satellites, strengthening its signal in challenging situations. The wrist-based heart-rate monitor was the only unit that worked perfectly for all our testers, regardless of skin tone, hair, or body shape, and special algorithms in the watch suggested how long we should rest before our next hard workout. Testers raved about the ease of wirelessly uploading runs and all-day activity stats to iOS and Android phones, and syncing with Strava, MapMyFitness, and Endomondo. No watch is better at getting friends to support you or rivals to hate you. ($330; amazon.com)

FOR STAYING CONNECTED: Samsung Gear S2 with 3g Connectivity

6/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR STAYING CONNECTED: Samsung Gear S2 with 3g Connectivity

Some of us run to escape the daily clatter. But for those who prefer to stay plugged in at all times, this diminutive wristwatch secretly packs a tiny 3G phone and messaging app. Case in point: When running long, one tester easily called her babysitter using the speakers and microphone. The watch is bolstered with onboard GPS and supports apps like Nike+ to record your distance. ($299 plus wireless contract & activation fee; samsung.com)

FOR LONG RUNS: Epson Runsense SF-810

7/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR LONG RUNS: Epson Runsense SF-810

The Runsense SF-810 is maddeningly nonintuitive to operate, but its long battery life makes it worth the effort. In testing, we got 20 hours, which meant we weren’t nursing a charge from the car cigarette lighter on our way to the starting line. The Runsense also has an accurate wrist-based heart-rate sensor and a built-in sensor to measure stride length and cadence. Though Epson includes Bluetooth for uploading workouts, the software to sync with popular apps proved fussy. ($300; amazon.com)

FOR PENNY PINCHERS: Pyle GPS Sports Watch

8/8

Photograph by Matt Rainey
FOR PENNY PINCHERS: Pyle GPS Sports Watch

We bought this cheap GPS watch online for much less than MSRP, and while it wasn’t overly impressive, it delivered on the basics. It locked onto satellite signals pretty easily, and distance readings were close enough to pricier competitors’ (pace, oddly, was displayed in miles per hour rather than minutes per mile). Battery life was average (eight hours), but the Bluetooth download process was such a hassle that we resorted to the old pencil-and-paper approach to logging our runs. ($148; amazon.com)