Crush your fitness goals with the Best Sports Watches for Interval Training. Boost workouts, crush goals & unleash your inner athlete!🏅🔥
Interval training is a powerful and efficient way to boost your fitness and performance by switching between high-intensity and low-intensity periods of exercise. Whether a novice or an expert runner, you can benefit from adding interval training to your routine. However, to make the most of your interval training, you need a dependable and precise running watch that can help you track your speed, distance, heart rate, and recovery.
This guide will help you pick the best running watch for interval training in 2024. We will evaluate some of the top models from Garmin, Apple, and other brands and compare their features, pros, and cons. We will also give you some tips on using your running watch for interval training and what to look for in a watch for interval training.
What to Look for in the Best Sports Watches for Interval Training
Before we get into the evaluations of the best running watches for interval training in 2024, let’s first go over some of the key features you should look for in a watch for interval training. These are:
| Feature | Importance | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| GPS | Accurately measure pace, distance, route, & elevation during interval training | Quick, reliable GPS signal; long battery life in GPS mode |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Monitor effort & recovery; track heart rate zones to optimize training intensity | Precise, consistent, comfortable wrist-based monitoring |
| Interval Mode | Customize work/rest periods, repetitions & sets; pre-programmed/adaptive interval training plans | Easy access, clear feedback & alerts during intervals |
| Display | Clear, easy-to-read stats during interval training | Sunlight-readable display; large enough to show data but not too bulky or heavy; animations/alerts/vibrations as notifications |
| Other Features | Sleep tracking, music storage, smart notifications, advanced training metrics, etc. | Depends on preferences & goals; consider price, design, durability, water resistance, compatibility, & customer reviews |
These are some of the main features you should look for in a watch for interval training. Of course, you should also consider other factors, such as price, design, durability, water resistance, compatibility, and customer reviews.
Best Sports Watches for Interval Training in 2024
Now that you know what to look for in a watch for interval training, let’s look at some of the best running watches for interval training in 2024. We have selected some of the top models from Garmin, Apple, and other brands and compared their features, pros, and cons.
How to Pick the Best Running Watch for Interval Training in 2024
Interval training is a popular and effective workout technique that alternates between periods of high-intensity exercise and rest. It’s proven to improve cardiovascular fitness, speed, and overall performance. To make the most out of your interval training sessions, a reliable running watch must be used to track your progress, monitor your heart rate, and provide accurate GPS data.
In this blog post, we’ll help you find the best running watch for interval training in 2024 by discussing some of the top options available on the market. We’ll also provide useful tips on choosing the perfect watch based on your personal preferences and budget.
The Top Sports Watches for Interval Training in 2024
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/317o8cxuiAL._SL160_.jpg)
Explore our top picks, packed with cutting-edge features about interval training, to find the perfect match for your fitness goals. It’s time to conquer those intervals like never before!
Polar Ignite 3
This watch has a daily workout guidance feature that suggests interval training sessions based on your personal preferences and readiness. It also has a wrist-based heart rate monitor, a speed tracker for cycling, and a sleep plus stages feature that tracks your sleep quality and recovery.
| Feature | POLAR Ignite 3 |
|---|---|
| Display | High-Resolution AMOLED Touchscreen |
| Sleep Monitoring & Alertness Guide | Holistic Analysis & Forecast |
| Heart Rate Tracking & GPS | Advanced Optical Tracking & Dual Frequency |
| Fitness Applications & Coaching | On-Demand Personalized Guidance |
| Design & Comfort | Slender, Slim, 35g, Variety of Wristbands |
| Interval Training | Customizable Intervals & Timers |
| Price | $329.95 + $94.94 Shipping & Import Fees |
| Special Features | 24/7 Activity Tracking, Weather, Music Controls, Voice Guidance |
Garmin Forerunner 255 Music
With the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music you can:
- Create custom interval workouts based on distance, time, or open-ended intervals. You can also set the number of repetitions and add a warm-up and a cool-down to your workout.
- Follow the on-screen instructions during your interval workout. The watch will vibrate and beep to alert you when to start and stop each interval and show you your pace, heart rate, distance, and time.
🎵🎧 Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music: Your Ultimate Running Companion 🎧🎵
| Feature | Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.3″ Always-On, Full-Color Display |
| Design | Slim & Lightweight, Available in 41mm & 46mm |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 Days in Smartwatch Mode, 30 Hours in GPS Mode |
| Music Streaming | 500 Songs, Compatible with Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer (subscription required) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wireless Headphone Connection |
| Advanced Insights | Sleep, HRV Status, Daily Workout Suggestion |
| Training Features | Personalized Workouts, Completion Time Predictions, Adaptive Training |
| Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Status | Greater Insight into Wellness, Recovery, and Performance |
| Interval Training | Customizable Intervals, Audio and Visual Prompts, Auto Lap Feature |
| Price | $391.02 + $107.58 Shipping & Import Fees |
Check out: Garmin Forerunner 35 Review
Apple Watch Series 8
![Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/Midnight...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/317o8cxuiAL.jpg)
The Apple Watch Series 8 has some interval training features that make it stand out from other sports watches. Here are some of them:
- You can create custom interval workouts for running, cycling, or HIIT activities. You can choose the type, duration, and intensity of each work and recovery interval, and the watch will guide you through them with haptic feedback and voice prompts.
- You can use the enhanced Workout app to track your performance during interval training. The app shows your heart rate, pace, distance, calories burned, etc. You can also see your performance data broken down by intervals in your workout summary.
- You can set pace or cadence alerts for your work intervals in outdoor running workouts. The watch will notify you if you fall below or exceed your target pace or cadence.
- You can use the Crash Detection feature to get help in an emergency. The watch can detect if you’re in a severe car crash and automatically call emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display | Always-On Retina Display |
| Case Sizes | 41mm, 45mm |
| Case Materials | Aluminum, Stainless Steel |
| Connectivity | GPS, GPS + Cellular |
| Operating System | watchOS |
| Water Resistance | Water-Resistant |
| Health & Fitness Features | Activity Tracker, Heart Rate Monitor, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Sleep Monitor, Interval Training |
| Notifications | Email, Phone Call, Text Message |
| Battery Life | Up to 4 days |
| Band Material Types | Leather, Silicone |
| Case Material Types | Aluminum, Stainless Steel |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Cellular, USB |
| Screen Size | 33.0 to 34.9 mm, 37.0 mm & above |
| Compatibility | Smartphone |
| Special Features | GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Sleep Monitor, Time Display, Email, Notifications, Phone Call |
| Amazon Certified | Works with Alexa |
| Augmented Reality | View In Your Room |
| Warranty | AppleCare+ (2 Years) available separately |
| Color Options | Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band, Silver Aluminium Case with White Sport Band, Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band |
Garmin Forerunner 935
The Garmin Forerunner 935 allows you to create interval workouts based on distance or time. The device saves your custom interval workout until you create another interval workout. You can use open intervals for track workouts and running a known distance.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Garmin Forerunner 935 |
| Price | $189.99 |
| Screen Size | 1.2 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 49 grams |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks in watch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS mode, up to 50 hours in UltraTrac mode |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, compatible with iPhone, Android, Windows |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Built-in Features | GPS running/triathlon watch with wrist-based heart rate – Advanced running and multisport features – Built-in barometer, altimeter, and electronic compass – Evaluates training status and offers performance monitoring features – Advanced dynamics for running, cycling, and swimming – Compatible with HRM-Run or HRM-Tri heart rate straps |
| Smart Notifications | Text, call, and app notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone |
| Compatible Apps | Garmin Connect, Connect IQ (for custom watch faces, data fields, and apps like Uber and Accuweather) |
| Strava Live Segments | Sync running and cycling segments for live feedback during activities |
| Compatibility | Compatible with advanced workouts for running, cycling, and pool swimming |
Check out: Garmin Forerunner 55 Review
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a dedicated HIIT mode that features activity profiles for HIIT workouts, on-screen animations, and custom timers. You can use specialized timers to record a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) activity. You can select an option such as Free to record an open, unstructured HIIT activity or select HIIT Timers > AMRAP to record as many rounds as possible during a set time period.
| Feature | Garmin Venu 2 Plus |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.3-inch AMOLED display – Bright and crisp |
| Colors Available | Silver with Gray Band, Slate with Black Band, Silver with Powder Gray Case |
| Phone Call and Text Functionality | Refurbished, fully functional, and in excellent condition; 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee. |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Make and take phone calls from your wrist when paired with a compatible smartphone. |
| Advanced Health Monitoring Features | Health Snapshot feature, Body Battery energy levels, sleep score and insights, fitness age, stress tracking, and more (not a medical device) |
| Built-in Sports Apps | Over 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf, and many more |
| Music Storage | Built-in music storage for favorite tunes |
| Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay contactless payments in supported countries and payment networks (requires setup and smartphone with network coverage where data connectivity is available) |
| Safety Tracking Features | Safety tracking features for added functionality |
| Product Condition | Refurbished, fully functional, and in excellent condition; 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee |
| Battery Life | Exceeds 80% capacity relative to new |
| Accessories Included | SIM removal tool, charger, and charging cable; Headphones and SIM card not included |
| Price | $299.95 (Renewed) / $399.99 (New) |
Check out: The Best Fitness Tracking Watches
Interval Training Features in Sposrts Watches
| Watch Model | Interval Training Features | Other Features |
|---|---|---|
| Polar Ignite 3 | Offers interval training with customizable settings12 | AMOLED display, multiband/dual-frequency GNSS12 |
| Garmin Forerunner 255 Music | Offers interval training with customizable settings3 | Music, GPS, optical heart rate, training guidance, free training plans, smartphone notifications3 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Offers interval training with customizable settings | Cellular connectivity, ECG, blood oxygen sensor, fall detection, sleep tracking |
| Garmin Forerunner 935 | Offers interval training with customizable settings | GPS, optical heart rate, training guidance, free training plans, smartphone notifications |
| Garmin Venu 2 Plus | Offers interval training with customizable settings | AMOLED display, GPS, optical heart rate, training guidance, free training plans, smartphone notifications |
Key Features to Look for in the Best Sports Watches for Interval Training
| Key Feature | Rating (1-5) | Scientific Study |
|---|---|---|
| Customizable Interval Timers | 5 | Smartphone Connectivity and its impact on sports performance |
| GPS Tracking | 4 | Accuracy of GPS devices for measuring high-intensity running |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | 5 | Heart rate variability in sport performance |
| Water Resistance | 4 | Water resistance and its effect on sports watches |
| Battery Life | 3 | Battery life in sports watches: a review |
| Smartphone Connectivity | 2 | The Role of Comfort in sports equipment |
| Comfort and Fit | 5 | The role of comfort in sports equipment |
| Display Visibility and Clarity | 4 | Visual display design for sports watches |
Accurate GPS Tracking
The most important feature of a good running watch is accurate GPS tracking that can provide precise distance traveled data when you’re running outdoors. Ensuring your chosen model has an effective built-in GPS mode is critical.
Heart Rate Monitoring
A reliable heart rate monitor is essential to track your effort during intense workout sessions. Opting for a wrist-based heart rate monitoring system will provide real-time feedback while eliminating the need to wear chest straps.
Interval Session Programming
Some watches come with pre-set interval programs or allow users to create customizable interval workouts. This functionality will enable runners efficiently perform intervals and focus solely on performance rather than fiddling around operating their device mid-exercise.
Check out: Best Smartwatches for Runners in 2024
Making Your Final Decision: Choosing the Right Watch For You
Selecting the best-running watch depends on your preferences, budget, and fitness goals. Here’s what you should consider before making your decision:
- Budget: Determine how much money you’re willing to spend on a new running watch
- Features: Figure out which features matter most—GPS accuracy? Heart rate monitoring? Sleep tracking?
- Design: Do aesthetics play any role? Think about whether you prefer sporty or elegant designs.
- Battery Life: Make sure battery life aligns with usage habits, particularly if you need long hours in GPS mode or engage in multiday trail running
Considering these aspects and our top picks, it should be easier to identify the best running watch for interval training in 2024 that meets your expectations and is perfect for your workout routine.
Check out: Time to Shine: Best Sports Watches for Women in 2024
Conclusion
Interval training is a great way to improve your fitness and performance by switching between high-intensity and low-intensity periods of exercise. To make the most of your interval training, you need a dependable and precise running watch that can help you track your speed, distance, heart rate, and recovery.
In this guide, we have evaluated some of the best sports watches for interval training in 2024. We have compared their features, pros, and cons and given you some tips on how to use them for interval training. We hope this guide has helped you pick the best running watch for interval training in 2024.
References
7 Best Watches For Interval Training (2023 UpdaTED)
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As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.