I Tested the Top 5 Running Watches | Marathon Prep

With a goal to run a marathon in 2023, I need a sports watch that will be the best tool for marathon training. I compared these top 5 running devices: Apple Watch Ultra vs Garmin Forerunner 965 vs COROS Apex 2 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Watch5 vs iPhone 14 (+ Polar H10 Heart Rate Strap). I decided to test the most popular devices in categories like distance/pacing accuracy, battery life, health features, display & design, price and more!
** Affiliate/Discount Links **
Polar H10 HR Monitor: amzn.to/45ykBS0
Apple Watch Ultra: amzn.to/3zVgmSw
Apple Watch Series 8: amzn.to/3HoMema
Garmin Forerunner 965: www.playbetter.com/products/g...
Garmin 965 on Amazon: amzn.to/3q69iQG
Coros Apex 2 Pro: www.playbetter.com/products/c...
Apex 2 Pro on Amazon: amzn.to/3BXuivB
** Watch More Videos **
I Wore 18 Fitness Trackers... This One's Best!: • I Wore 18 Fitness Trac...
I Wore 22 Sleep Trackers... This One's Best!: • I Wore 22 Sleep Tracke...
My Plan to Run a Sub-5 Minute Mile @ 200 lbs: • My Plan to Run a Sub-5...
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** Timecodes **
00:00 - Top 5 Running Watches
00:37 - Sleep Tracking
01:55 - Track Run Test
06:11 - Payments & Apple Pay
06:45 - Battery Update
07:11 - Tall Buildings in Manhatten Run
09:10 - WSH Clear Skies Run Test
12:27 - Treadmill Run Test
13:01 - Strength Training Workout
14:13 - Battery Update #2 & Charging
14:53 - Design & Form Factor
16:14 - Display Brightness
16:35 - Price and Value
17:35 - Extra Features
18:30 - Best Watch for Marathon Training
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[@ShervinShares]

** Watch More Videos ** I Wore 18 Fitness Trackers... This One's Best!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5STameFgamXfK8 I Wore 22 Sleep Trackers... This One's Best!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3_Sinyjg9x-hZI My Plan to Run a Sub-5 Minute Mile @ 200 lbs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raDUgHiji5uqjKc

[@user-wn8kf6zy3j]

you're trying so hard to be sponsored by apple

[@Enemy-kl3lx]

Don't know exactly what it is about this entire channel but something's off. Great ideas for videos and good production values but still something seems phony, secretly sponsored and kind of elitist. Please take a look at different long form reviews on either of these watches and don't base your purchase decision solely on this video, it's quite superficial!

[@ShervinShares]

@@Enemy-kl3lx i wish i was secretly sponsored!!! we're burning cash on camera equipment and not making enough money to pay it all back

[@radek2960]

Apple meň. Amatér

[@nickbickley5784]

I think you have too much time on your hands 👍

[@Mister_flyhon]

Nah that’s crazy props to you😂

[@nickbickley5784]

@@Mister_flyhon 😂😂

[@DeanoDrives]

🎉😂

[@aeredpillmedia6290]

💀💀💀

[@isitlina]

good one 🤣

[@johnwayne3491]

The run accuracy is the main test I wanted to see. Thank you !

[@therealowenharvey]

Been watching you for awhile. I like how consistent you are and your videos are a lot of fun. Keep grinding Shervin🤙🏼

[@fulldaywork4200]

I had a fenix 5 and now I currently own a Forerunner 965 and its just perfect.

[@jujuimm]

the problem with wearing 4 watches is that on each wrist, only one of them will be really well positioned, which is one finger above the wrist. You can't compare very well like that. The ideal would be to test 2 at a time. But still, great video!

[@filipnessler2132]

On the Garmin, you need to run a few laps first and then the gps and distance will match the track

[@kylemillard7294]

Does it automatically detect when you’re at a track?

[@jamiebg3952]

@@kylemillard7294 no but you can use the hotkey change sport to switch to the run track activity.

[@Mister_flyhon]

@@kylemillard7294probably not quite sure 👍

[@matez8355]

@@kylemillard7294 there is a track run option which does this mentioned sync after a lap

[@muyayoknrio]

The new update of garmin includes a database of tracks, removing theoretically the need to calibrate a new track. Garmin does not detect that you are in a track automatically, you need to select track-mode when starting your activity. I do a "run" activity home-> track + a "track run" activity for the wo + another "run" activity back home 🤦🏻‍♂ A lot of room for improvement there still 😅

[@SuketuPatel]

Shervin doing all the tests that we didn’t think we needed - another great video 👏🏽💯

[@ShervinShares]

Thank you Suketu!!! Always honored when you comment

[@bgoldsmith]

Honestly, I can't thank you enough for this video! Thanks man!!!!

[@drewg2676]

As someone becoming more interested and invested in my health I am looking forward to seeing your upcoming videos training for a marathon. I'd love to be able to run one at some point so seeing that process for you would be great! Keep up the awesome videos bro

[@ShervinShares]

Drew thank you! What have been the first steps you’ve taken in investing in your health?

[@fernandoeguia9997]

thanks dude, i just ran my 2nd half marathon and just signed up for my first full marathon in about a year

[@2NormalHuman]

on Galaxy Watch 5 when you are in the middle of a workout you can click the mechanical back button to get to the pause workout screen

[@twoodcc]

Good luck with your training! Looking forward to the updates!

[@edcodes9167]

Fast becoming one of my favourite KZbin channels! Keep the content coming!

[@ShervinShares]

Thank you! Means a lot!! What kinds of videos do you want to see me make next??

[@Mister_flyhon]

@@ShervinSharestesting shoes pls❤

[@wizettv3531]

Wow, this video is exactly what i was for looking for ! Nice vid man

[@waddyhirshy2989]

I have used the Apple Watch ultra for about half a year. I have ran extensively with it, tracked skiing, used it for music, and surfed about 60 days wearing it. I use it for gym workouts etc. I have never had the issues that you had in this video. Glad they fixed the software by the time I started to use it.

[@RMILLSMMA]

Another great video. For me I've got a Garmin Fenix for my fitness tracking and a Galaxy watch for my general 'smart watch'. Seems to work well. These videos always make me miss New York. 🗽

[@TischTosh]

Yes I do this too.

[@marcrtaylor]

You can get the GPS to lock on the Samsung before you start an activity. Go to the activity tile, go to run and before you select it it will. Begin getting a lock and heart rate. Status is show at the top.

[@dirtydirtsgt4751]

I would love to see this video again but with a newer generation of these watches, especially the galaxy watch 6 since they added a lot of things missing on the watch 5 like track run, entering threadmill distance to calibrate, better gps and hr , brighter display etc.

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

I am happy with the FR 965. The big screen, Great battery time, all health/sport metrics, less thickness of the case then the Ultra & Epix.

[@mssluo]

Great video!! Thank you!!

[@clarity2115]

This is great, thanks!

[@Dii86]

Thx for the review

[@billigerfusel]

First Sport watch test that was actually really good. Shitton of work. Thanks.

[@patrickw89]

Love your work Shervin! Great Video! 😊

[@ShervinShares]

Thank you Patrick!!

[@ciprigeorgiu]

@shervin: What is the name of the app you use it to the gym on the Apple Watch Ultra?

[@annehinrichs22]

Samsung has both a track mode and a function to start your workout only after detecting gps location! (These might have both been added after an update a couple months ago so maybe they weren't available at this time.) The track mode is crazy accurate, you can set which lane you are using and it tracks distance flawlessly, like to within a meter of the finish.

[@lukeapplegate2169]

Hey Shervin, Great video as always! I had a similar issue with the awu. I was doing my first 70.3, I pressed the action button before entering the water. I got 25 mins in before I realised it was still paused, it had also recorded wayy more distance than I had swam. 2.6km instead of 1.9km. A bit disappointing as I wanted to look over the data after the race and see what my pacing was like. I’ve now picked up a 955 and unfortunately won’t be using the awu in a race anymore 👎🏻

[@TTtruth1]

Nice vid dude!

[@Midlifesports]

Great vid, should of included the full ecosystem/app etc. I have a fenix 7 currently, which is my 3rd Garmin. I have just done a 50km trail ultra and training for my first marathon in sept, so battery life, maps and metrics are key for me. Subbed as love the content!

[@467076]

Music? I need music. I just want to not carry my phone with me. The jumping around in my pocket annoys me.

[@finnjacobs]

4:53 i think you can actually long press the bottom button on the samsung watch when doing a work out to quickly pause it

[@Privado834]

Shervin! Miss you bud. Enjoying all this dope content my man.

[@ShervinShares]

Broooooo hope you’re doing well

[@patsparks8731]

Great Video! Love all the testing you did. One more thing about GPS accuracy and very tall buildings is that in a more open sky location, generally you can get data from more satellites which can improve accuracy. This is because you can access multiple GPS tracking system standards (GLONASS,Galileo, etc) this improves accuracy(sorry for dorking out, I’m an Electrical Engineer). Battery life is hugely important to me so I went with the COROS BTW…as I hate having to constantly recharge. I like the Apple but having more functionality is taxing on the battery life and they just haven’t gotten there yet. Thanks for posting this great video! New sub here!! 👍

[@snkrs-wrld123]

Great video! What is your opinion about the Garmin forerunner 45?

[@RobertBruno]

Great video! If you are training Garmin all the way! The data you can get from it blows away anything else. Especially if you pair it with a Garmin chest strap (HRM Pro) or running pod. Apple Watch is great for a smart watch but I didn’t like having to go into 4 different apps to get data.

[@r0sco_1]

Yeah I was surprised he didn't mention the mountain of Running metrics that you get on the Garmin to help you run more efficiently.

[@markstreff3215]

Thank you!....watching the watch video..Have a great weekend!

[@ShervinShares]

haha yes thank you!

[@runningataltitude3361]

You totally nailed it with the Apple Watch Ultra. They need to have 1 button for start and stop.

[@maximilianschenzle5158]

They do. You can activate it in the settings on your iPhone. You need to press the corwn and the side button simultaneously

[@jonathantimm4645]

I have been using the Apple Watch Ultra and Epix 2 for my training I have been using the Runna app and currently am loving it. Currently trying to improve my half marathon time and so far I am seeing results after 6 weeks of training with 6 more to go. It is very difficult to decide which watch to primarily use to train.

[@Scalawagabond]

Same! 😂 I think of the AWU as just a mini cell phone during my run and is my Stryd device, Garmin is my workout ecosystem because of cycling and the use of training peaks.

[@nish663]

I am not going to say that this is the most representative, with the right comparisons, but I do appreciate it nonetheless.

[@tec2224]

The coros does have a touchscreen. Great video though it’s awesome to see these kinds of test!

[@mejusthappyrobot1008]

very helpful video! thank you

[@ShervinShares]

Thank you! What future content do you want to see??

[@mejusthappyrobot1008]

@@ShervinShares love to watch what you do to train for the marathon... thinking about doing one myself but don't know how to prepare

[@PlayBetterGO]

Great video! Some of us are also training for a marathon! We got this 💪

[@ShervinShares]

Yes let’s gooooo

[@mickliq]

You should try the Samsung GW5 running Strava. I find it much more accurate and easier to control.

[@zauberzunge9469]

Garmin is the best for training! The AI Couch is grate the Batterie life is good too .. all the data u get is crazy

[@CalisthenicRunner]

Weirdly happened to my Apple ultra the last 2 days, the action button didn’t work (both Apple fitness app & the workoutdoors app). It fixed after I restart the watch, another solid video and good luck with your marathon training. Had garmin for years just switch to Apple ultra and done London marathon with my Apple Watch with the workoutdoors app, pretty happy with it. 👌🏼

[@cgarrett1974]

When in the gym, you can broadcast the garmin HR via ANT+ so it should work with the treadmill.

[@Atarashifatan]

About the music part If you're using iphone, playing from spotify with airpods, can you control the music thru the apple watch? if yes. then does that also drain battery much?

[@kevin.o]

You are going to blow up with these kinds of videos - way to go Shervin! What happened to your barefoot shoes though? Did you stop wearing them?

[@michaelcook477]

Enjoy the work you are doing! Staying real and being empirical is a great angle. My family are all in with Apple, and would love to get your take on the Apple Fitness+.

[@kevinbunn2555]

This is not empirical data. First off he has heavily biased toward Apple products if you've watched any of his videos. He also as a Tennessee to knock anything that has anything to do with competitive companies against Apple. That's why in this video you see him choosing a different category other than smart watches to give that appearance. Further empirical data has a LARGE sample size. In these videos he's only doing one and done's. That's a single sample of each category that's not scientific. I get it this is a simple video to give you a very broad idea but it is not empirical

[@rogmachado]

Hi, Which app are you using in your Apple Watch for strength training?

[@hughrouse3961]

Hey Shervin, Great Video. I used both the Garmin and the AW SE. I find the Garmin is slightly ahead with its plans and pacepro etc and use it more for races. I like the AW for training as it my iphone on my wrist and its easier to dip in and out of spotify. Does the AW have anything like Pacepro and also what is the best app for training with apple. There own default app or Nike Run Club which seems to be popular however has its limitations for viewing and editing workouts. Cheers.

[@triman82]

Hi there, I have a question about Apple Watch. Is there a way to measure rest time while doing intervals on the track with the Apple Watch ultra (using the action button)? I understand that I can set an interval workout with the workout app, but sometimes I just want to freestyle a workout. Right now when I press the lap button within the stopwatch app, it will only show me the total elapsed time. Is there a way to see how much time has passed since I pressed the lap button so I know when to start my next interval?

[@rifleman542]

thanks a ton for doing this, this is really useful information, I think the people were looking at you because they thought probably you were blind because of the black glasses and walking with the wheel

[@Ariegi854]

Amazing comparison, I am very impressed.

[@user-ps6uh9qk2t]

Have you tried the Withings’ watches? Scale? BP cuff?

[@DalakusRex]

I watch you tests and find them far better than most out there. stupid question -you are wearing a watch upper on the hand than normal. will that impact gata gathering?

[@nelsonsze4599]

HI, what's the name of workout app for apple watch? thanks

[@scurvychef2]

Dying when I saw you had a HR strap too. I can’t imagine the looks you got?! Haha

[@stizic]

great video

[@nicholas5396]

What GPS settings did you use on the Garmin for the tests in the city?

[@marcelfromme]

Did you already test a Suunto watch? I use them for more than 8 years now an am really happy with it. Since 2 months I use the Suunto Race, fantastic watch!

[@Jess-xr1gp]

Your video quality is 100%!

[@ShervinShares]

Thank you Jess!! What video should I make next?

[@Jess-xr1gp]

​@@ShervinShares Best gadgets for people just starting their fitness journey

[@steviegreenfield353]

Thanks for a very enjoyable to watch video. Those watches are too expensive for me! My last watch was an old Ironman.

[@ShervinShares]

Thanks for watching!

[@dblissmn]

Hard to imagine a better combination of platforms to test! Much appreciated. Maybe the Ultra button problem is a software issue? Seems to me that lately every Apple product I've touched has been class-leading on hardware, if only they'd have someone else do the software.

[@brennonjacobson6262]

Are you running a Watch OS beta? I run 4-6 days a week with the Apple Watch Ultra since it came out and I’ve never once had stop/start issues with the action button.

[@paulenta8840]

I have been using a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 for my runs. You can see if the watch has a GPS signal before you start a Workout. On my runs the distance always was nearly spot on.

[@fernandobarros7164]

I use the 5 one and I think it is very accurate I really dont know why it worked so bad on the video. Maybe because he did not put it around his wrist

[@joshsat9106]

same even in swims its pretty accurate. no idea why its so bad in this video.

[@fratini.]

@@fernandobarros7164 The position on the wrist can completely ruin the measurements. Other major problems are if the software is up-to-date and if the Galaxy Watch is being used with a more recent Samsung phone. I have the Watch 4 and have no problems at all. It's not the most accurate watch in the world but does a decent job.

[@binarysun_]

Streaming music on the AWU is hefty! Started a long run at 79% battery. After 1.45h of running it warned me with 5% left. So streaming music on the AWU better bring your phone for streaming

[@DeeKay1911]

Amazing test - I have been running with the Ultra A LOT this spring and never seen the freeze? Might be something with the track mode? That isn’t available in Denmark

[@DeeKay1911]

Are you on beta software? Somethings off with your device. I haven’t even seen it once

[@libbygarza9554]

Would love to see how distance affects data I run with garmin and my friend runs with apple. Our laps sync up beautifully for the first 8 mi but after that they really start going far apart. I’ll finish with my garmin saying we did 13 miles and hers will say we did 13.52 Would be interested to see how the corps/garmin/ultra perform on a longer run

[@pebbles4xo]

Is your Coros Apex Pro 2 a mint green color? I can’t seem to find it online.

[@Loc1792]

Great video!! Garmin has the daily suggested workout and the Garmin coach for marathons prep. Would have also liked to see the pixel watch and fitbit sense 2 in this video too..

[@ShervinShares]

Yes I’ve had them on and see it. But never actually used it! Maybe in future videos I’ll include those

[@luqeckr]

​@@ShervinShares the daily suggested workout really helped me a lot in my daily training. Of course i have to use the sleep tracking to make it suggest better. It give me training base on training load and my sleep quality.

[@insertrandomnamehere764]

Coros also has a fitness "coach". Its not quite as good as Garmin but it does have way more options of training plans.

[@edismehmedali4666]

Love the shout out for The Quantified Scientist 👍🏻

[@ShervinShares]

He’s great!

[@danielbazinga]

Doesnt the apple watch use the GPS metrics from the iphone if it is connected ?

[@josedecendra814]

Great video!! Loved it! The 4 watches is the only thing I sleep with these days… 😢😢😢 🤣🤣🤣

[@ShervinShares]

HAHAH glad I made ya laugh!

[@josedecendra814]

@@ShervinShares keep up the great work! Favorite KZbinr these days!!💪🏻💪🏻

[@rwcons1390]

I use KZbin playlist with premium and Bluetooth headphones for running. Is there a way i can do that with one of these watches?

[@manthansureshavhad9381]

What is that thing in your hand which has wheels? I mean what do you use it for? (I'm asking since I have no idea regarding the same, not trying to be rude)

[@cgarrett1974]

Also for thr garmin you are missing the pace pro feature and course creator. These are key.

[@Tizianv]

Why did you not use the Galaxy Watch5 Pro? But great video thanks for sharing :)

[@alikhamis5475]

At the end the measuring wheel is the most accurate

[@missbutts85]

I still have my series 7. Ultra too big for me. Probably upgrade to whatever comes out this year. Would like to see what your training plan looks like. I’m just getting into running. Hoping to run a half next year

[@vpnconsult]

For running a switch to a garmin 265 would be sweet.

[@missbutts85]

@@vpnconsultI looked at it but I do so much outside of running on my watch so it’s not worth it to me to switch.

[@kunalmatt2840]

It’ll be great if Rob could analyze your HR data. That would give an idea of accuracy on different skin tones and hair.. hope this one’s coming out soon

[@wayne1516]

Can you do a sleep stage study with Garmin with Firstbeat Analytics like fenix latest firmware VA apple ? Pretty please :)

[@KapoorAri]

how did you measure the actual sleep times in the beginning?

[@muyayoknrio]

The only thing I would put the apple watch (ultra) ahead of garmin as training device is the LTE Being able to go out on a run without carrying your phone, yet being connected, is something I would love garmin to include Aside that, as sport-watch, garmin is better in everything Nice video, thanks for your review ;)

[@zappin6062]

Small detail - but don’t worry about having the watches too close, this won’t impact GPS performance! They can’t interfere with each other. Compass, maybe, depending on magnets in the chargers or bands.

[@jpod]

Can you run a marathon and listen to music with Apple Watch, will the battery last, it would suck to lose your marathon tracking just because you wanted to listen to music and not bring your phone

[@rafaeldesousa6022]

I know it might be a little late for this comment but i believe for the apple watch ultra you need to double press the action button to start the workout. they use it as a "accidental touch protection" feature

[@SaltyandSprinkles]

Love my Coros

[@gagause]

Hey, bro, I was in doubts about buying iWatch Ultra and just you gave me this impulse to finally take it )) do not betray us - this lovely watch and me ))❤

[@ShervinShares]

Hahaha Apple Watch or ☠️ ✊

[@gagause]

@UCv9ingiPmqKs6ejZV2Pt6Dw 2 answers from you today (the first one in Strava) - I feel so good 😊

[@rubinhermann1674]

If you use the apple watch Ultra as a comparison, which is a top of the range watch, you need to compare it to the Garmin Fenix ranges as that will be in the similar price range have the full Garmin feature range.

[@qwer55555555]

for this kind of comparation it makes no difference. Fenix is more rugged with MIP screen. all the gps, OHR etc. stuff is exactly the same as FR965

[@jakobbury5661]

I really like the Garmin (have the forerunner 165)

[@praneelthakur8332]

This channel is very underrated

[@dhalsimtate]

what about your sub 5 min mile goal? are you still planning to get it?

[@georgev5766]

I do triathlons and found that Garmin is very good. However, the whole watch experience is my Apple Watch. Aside from the battery, it just does everything.

[@ShervinShares]

i'm starting to understand why

[@kylecameron9772]

I have the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. I'm training for a marathon and I don't really like it at the moment. It's a jack of all trades and master of none. It's good enough I think. But the heart rate sensor feels like its wrong sometimes by a lot. It measures sleep but sometimes the sleep score it gives me isn't that accurate. But as a general smart watch, for the dollar you probably won't get better. Taking phone calls on it is cool. It measures my steps and stress and sleep and workouts. But I find myself longing for one that can link up to a chest strap and give me a better break down of data while i'm running. The Garmins, the Polars (and even the apple watch) seem to be kings of this.

[@costalesds]

Which app are you running on Apple watch ultra.

[@randywatson341]

I have OCD . . I don’t mean clinically, but like personality-wise I get bugged by little things. And for that kind of personality, the lightness of the watch and smoothness of the band is a big deal. I love the Garmin for that reason, I actually forget I’m wearing it. Not just the lightness but there’s something about the band that’s smoother. Not sure if it’s a softer silicone or smoother edges, but it’s the most “airy” watch i’ve ever had. There are actually times when I think I forgot to put it on, and I have to look at my wrist to see that it’s there. Something to consider for other crazy people like me.

[@NoahCBanks]

Great video brotha! The Galaxy ranked so low 😂 Pumped to watch your marathon prep journey

[@ShervinShares]

🤣 thanks Noah! We’ll have to run or workout together soon!

[@greggrodgers6875]

I believe the classic fitbit does the trick

[@BluudiixD]

When you use the samsung watch 6 atleast, you can pause the running by press and hold a little on the back button, very easy. dont know if the 5 has it tho.

[@stefancokeman]

Great video. I would have gone with the Apple Watch Ultra. I have it, works flawless every day. Action button is always working for me. When I run on a treadmill I use a Stryd connected to my AW since it got better accuracy 💪🏻⌚️❤️

[@stefaniesmith7117]

Good to know Stryd works well! On my Garmin, I can easily adjust the treadmill distance after I complete the run. AW, no ability to change the distance that I’m aware of. I will have to check out Stryd as an option.