Mark Greene
As an athlete you cannot afford to lose track of your performance; doing so would essentially be going blind. Whether you are running, swimming, cycling, golfing, or engaging in any athletic activity, it is important to keep track of how you perform. This can be your pace, distance covered, number of strokes, heartbeat rate, and so much more. One easy way to keep track of your performance is using a triathlon watch.
Triathlon watches are designed to monitor your overall performance depending on your specific sport. However, their capabilities vary from brand to brand, and you should settle for nothing than the best. This is why we have come up with a list of the best triathlon watches for 2020.
The Best Triathlon Watch
   1. Our Pick: Garmin Forerunner 235
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Good-looking and lightweight
- Multi-purpose use
PROS
- Easily visible in the sunlight
- Battery lasts for 9 days on smartwatch mode
- Comes with a GPS mode
- Keeps comprehensive track of your performance
- Compatible with most smartphones
- Comes with a biking bundle
CONS
- GPS mode quickly drains the battery
DETAILS
Garmin is the most popular brand for triathlon watches and emerging athletic technology in general. The Garmin Forerunner 235 is one of its best watches yet and our personal favorite. It is built to keep track of your performance whether you are running, swimming or cycling, and it sports extra features that will come in handy.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Track and Record Keeping
This watch’s primary purpose is to keep track of your performance when training. It is primarily built for runners. It measures aspects such as your running pace, distance covered, and even heartbeat rate. However, it also works for swimmers and cyclers – in fact, it comes with a complete biking bundle for cyclers.
- GPS and Smartwatch Modes
This watch also doubles up as a smartwatch. It is compatible with a wide range of smartphones and relays notifications for incoming text messages, emails, calls, and calendar reminders, among others – you don’t have to stop what you are doing to use your phone; just glance at the watch on your wrist.
Additionally, the watch also comes with a GPS mode that keeps track of your whereabouts and gives directions to help you find your way around unfamiliar places. Â Â Â
- Long Batter Life
The Garmin Forerunner 235 runs on a high-powered battery that lasts longer than most. However, the battery life depends on how you use it.
The battery lasts for up to 9 days in plain smartwatch mode – remember in this mode it still keeps track of your activities and other vitals such as heartbeat rate. However, the batter life is highly diminished in GPS mode as it lasts only 11 hours.
- Sunlight-visible
Finally, the screen on this watch is not only large enough but also sunlight-visible so you can easily keep track of your performance without having to pose for shade. It also comes with a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP).
        2. Premium Pick: Garmin Forerunner 35
  PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Affordable
- Great quality considering the price
PROS
- Premium quality at an affordable price
- High-resolution display
- Built-in GPS for comprehensive tracking
- Comes with a bike bundle
CONS
- Short battery life; this depends on how you use it
DETAILS
Garmin certainly excels when it comes to quality, but that doesn’t mean that all its watches are on the higher end of the price range. The Garmin Forerunner 35 is one of the most affordable triathlon watches in the market. It also delivers on quality and functionality – in this case you get more than you bargain for.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Tracking
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is designed for runners. It tracks every important aspect of running including the distance covered, your pace, and even heartbeat rate. These records are also stored for future reference thanks to the transflective memory-in-pixel feature. Â
- Built-In GPS
The watch also comes with an in-built GPS necessary for keeping track of aspects such as distance covered. The GPS is so powerful that it even works under tree cover, so you are covered no matter where you train.
- Smartphone-Compatible
This watch is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones. To this end, it relays notifications for calls, messages, emails, and other updates from your phone. It also enables auto-uploads and even allows you to control music and other activities on your phone.
- High-Resolution Display
A high-resolution display measuring 0.93 by 0.93 inches enables you to get all readings on your Garmin Forerunner 35 watch anywhere, even outdoors under the sun’s glares.
- Vibration Alerts
You will also get vibration alerts for new milestones, running prompts, and virtual pacing progress to keep you updated on your performance.
           3. Best Value: Garmin Forerunner 935
  BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Lightweight
- Sleek look
- Premium quality
PROS
- It keeps comprehensive track of your performance
- Built for a wide range of sports
- Compatible with many sports apps
- Comes with a high-precision in-built GPS
- Compatible with smartphones
- Has a long battery life
CONS
- Is on the higher end of the price range
DETAILS
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is as best as triathlon watches come. It sports every feature needed by athletes all in one neat package. It is built not only for runners but also swimmers, cyclers, golfers, and many other athletes. In some aspects it outdoes the Garmin Forerunner 235, and this is reflected in its higher price.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Tracking
Nothing goes unnoticed with this triathlon watch on your wrist. It takes count of every step you make, distance covered, speed, cadence, pace, number of strokes, and so much more. It also read your heartbeat rate without the need for a chest strap.
- Multi-Sport Use
This watch is primarily built for runners but it also works perfectly for a range of other sports including cycling, paddling, skiing, and even golfing.
- Long Batter Life
The battery on this watch lasts for over 10 days when in ordinary use, which is much longer than most triathlon watches can claim. It also lasts for over 24 hours when on GPS mode, which is more than double the average of most other watches.
- Compatible with Biking Accessories
As mentioned, this watch is also perfect for cycling – it is even compatible with a range of biking accessories. You can also get a complementary quick-release kit to transfer it from your wrist to the bike while cycling.
- Compatible with Third-Party Accessories
The Garmin Forerunner 935 is designed for serious athletes. To this end, it is capable of downloading data over Wi-Fi to third-party apps that enable greater tracking, recording, and analysis of your performance data. This means that you can get greater leverage over your data and use the analysis to improve performance.
- Compatible with Smartphones
This watch is also compatible with all iOS and Android smartphones. As such, it enables notifications for calls, text messages, emails, calendars, and so much more. You can also use it to control a variety of apps.
- In-Built GPS
Finally, this watch comes with a high-precision GPS that works anywhere. The GPS also aids with collecting more accurate data. However, it places great strain on the battery.
4. Suunto 9
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Packed with the best features
PROS
- Looks sleek and compact
- Has a sapphire touch-screen glass
- Comprehensive data tracking
- Supports up to 80 different sports
- Water resistant
CONS
- It is larger than the average triathlon watch
- All these features make it quite expensive
DETAILS
One of Suunto’s best triathlon watches so far, the Suunto 9 is designed primarily for runners, and especially long-distance endurance runners. That said, it also works perfectly for swimmers and bikers. It is packed with some of the best and latest features.
Key Features
- Fused Track Technology
Nothing gets by this watch as it tracks every aspect of your training: cadence, pace, distance, recovery periods, heartbeat rate, and so much more. The Suunto 9 Baro version also comes with a barometer that gathers data related to elevation. This data is combined and can be downloaded for extensive analysis afterwards. Â
- Multi-Sport Capabilities
Albeit this watch is primarily built for runners, it is also popular across many other sports including swimming, paddling, and skiing, among others – it comes with profiles for over 80 different sports.
- Incredibly Long Batter Life
The Suunto 9 takes the trophy when it comes to battery life. It goes for weeks in its plain mode. Even better, it lasts anywhere from 25 to 120 hours in ultra-GPS mode, which is more than any other watch can claim. This is certainly impressive, but you should note that it disables some features to pull this off.
- Intelligent Battery Mode
The long battery life is made possible by an intelligence battery mode feature. When enabled this mode balances activities on the watch to prioritize features that you need most while deactivating the rest for a balanced, optimal performance. It also enables charging reminders so that your watch doesn’t shut down unexpectedly.
- Touch-Screen Interface
This watch sports a 320×300 pixel touch-screen. The screen displays all data in incredible clarity and is sun-light visible. It is also highly responsive, so you don’t have to worry about making wrong commands. The buttons on the side can also be used to navigate and make commands if the touch-screen is ever compromised.
- Smooth and Sleek Appearance
The watch features a compact build that speaks volumes about the power it holds within. It features a silver stainless-steel bezel, polymer body reinforced using glass fiber, and a sapphire glass screen. It is certainly not small, but this is understandable considering everything it has to offer. It also comes in black and white colors. Overall it looks good enough even for casual wear.
- Water-Resistant
This watch is water-resistant down to 100 meters. It also retains all its capabilities below the water surface, including GPS navigation and touch-screen responsiveness. This makes it excellent for swimmers.
5. Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Premium quality
- Advanced features
- Multi-sport use
PROS
- One of the best GPS capabilities
- Comprehensive tracking
- Compatible with smartphones and PCs
- Compatible with many third-party apps
- Water resistant
- Long battery life
- Easy to personalize for casual and professional wear
CONS
- It is quite expensive
DETAILS
If you are familiar with the Garmin Fenix 5 then the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus will push the limits for what you consider impressive. This watch takes everything that its predecessor have to offer to the next level. It is packed with a range of the latest features that athletes in diverse fields will find handy.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Tracking
Few triathlon watches can keep track of your performance better than the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. It tracks all the usual data including speed, distance, strokes, and so much more. It also goes a step further to measure the level of oxygen in your blood thanks to a wrist-based sensor called Pulse Ox. Indeed, this is the perfect triathlon watch for the data-savvy athlete. Â
- Compatible with Third-Party Apps
All this data would be useless if you wouldn’t act on it. This is why this watch is compatible with a wide range of third-party apps that enable you to not only store and view your data but also analyze it. As such, you can easily monitor your strengths and weaknesses and come up with a strategy to overcome the latter.
- Compatible with Smartphones and PCs
This watch is also compatible with all iOS and Android smartphones. It enables push notifications for incoming calls, emails, text messages, and so much more. You can also use the watch’s interactive interface to control some of the apps on your phone.
Most notably, however, this watch is compatible with Mac and other PCs. This enables it to synchronize music and is capable of playing up to 500 songs in offline mode. It is also Bluetooth enabled, so you can connect your headphones and enjoy your favorite music as you train – its Bluetooth feature is also reliable unlike the case with most other triathlon watches.
- Impressive GPS Capabilities
The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus watch comes with an advanced in-built GPS tracking system that will put most other watches to shame.
For starters, this GPS can track your movements and keep record of your most popular trails for future reference. It can also suggest new territories in your location based on your preferences or going by trails most frequented by locals. And, if the GPS ever breaks down while you are in rugged areas or large cities, there is a backup feature that accesses Galileo satellite to replace the GPS.
- Great Battery Life
Considering all the features that this watch has to support, you have to admit that its battery packs a lot of juice. It lasts for up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and about 8 hours in GPS and music modes.
- Water-Resistant
This watch is also water resistant up to 100 meters; it also performs just as well under water as it does above.
6. Polar Vantage V
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Multitude of the latest technologies
- Running power meter
PROS
- Keeps comprehensive track
- Features a recovery tracker
- Has an interactive touch-screen
- Has a moderately long battery life
- Packs a classic appearance
CONS
- Is not compatible with smartphones
DETAILS
The Polar vintage V is Polar’s best multi-sports triathlon watch so far. It is an upgraded version of previous version in every aspect: batter life, tracking and record keeping, and even looks. It is primarily built for runners but also comes in handy in cycling.
Key Features
- Running Power Meter
The most notable feature on the Polar Vintage V is its running power meter technology. It is a significant achievement as most triathlon watches require additional devices to work this feature.
The running power meter keeps comprehensive track of your performance on the track: distance covered, pace record and variations, number of steps taken, heart rate, and so much more. The technology is so good that it makes this watch ideal for pro-athletes.
- In-Built GPS
This watch also comes with an in-built GPS that will track you anywhere in the world. The GPS is also strong enough to work under heavy tree cover and aids the running power meter make accurate records.
- Recovery Pro
The running power meter on this watch comes with a complementary technology known as Recovery Pro. This technology measures your recovery between training sessions so that you can take notes and know what to do to improve your performance.
- Long Batter Life
The battery on this watch has more juice compared to previous versions on Polar Vintage watches: 40 hours to be precise. The battery may also last longer depending on how you use it.
- Interactive Touch-Screen
Operating this watch is easy as it has an interactive touch-screen that enables quick access to a variety of features. It also has five buttons on the sides that you can use in lieu of the touch-screen.
- Classic Look
This watch looks like the classic wrist watch complete with simple straps and a round face. It looks just like another watch at a glance, so you can wear it everywhere including for casual and professional occasions.
Triathlon Watch Buying Guide
These are the factors to look out for when shopping for a triathlon watch to ensure that you get your money’s worth:
- Multi-Sport Capabilities
The ideal triathlon watch should be capable of supporting a wide range of sports and host all the required features to switch from one sport to another. Triathlon watches that are limited to one sport are limited in terms of features and capabilities as well.
- Compatibility
Triathlon watches are much more helpful when they are compatible with other devices and third-party applications. For instance, watches that are compatible with smartphones make it easy to pick calls, read messages, and get access to other important features and notifications on your phone – for instance, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus offers access to music playlist for you to listen to as you train.
Your triathlon watch should also be compatible with third-party athlete training apps. These apps pack more capabilities when it comes to tracking, recording, and analyzing data so that you can get a clearer picture of your performance. To this end, the watch should also support data transfer.
- Features
There are common features that every triathlon watch should have such as GPS and tracking capabilities. However, a watch that features extra features offer greater capabilities, so be sure to review all available features.
- Battery Life
Most triathlon watches have short battery life capacities, and this is very inconveniencing when exercising for long terms. A respectable triathlon watch should store power for at least 5 days in plan mode and 10 hours in GPS mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all triathlon watches water-resistant?
A: No, but most are. Usually every triathlon watch that supports swimming is water-resistant. However, the level of water-resistance varies from one watch to another.
Q: What is the average battery life of a triathlon watch?
A: Usually the average triathlon watch will retain power for about one week when in smartwatch mode. The GPS mode requires a lot of power and most watches last only a few hours. However, high-end watches are capable of lasting a couple of days under GPS mode.
