Don't fall for the Oura Ring 4 upgrade — the Ring 3 has the same sleep tracking tech and is $150 cheaper

From Oura to Garmin, Eight Sleep and Apple I've tested my fair share of sleep trackers over the past few months, but the one I always recommend to friends looking to optimize and learn more about their ZZZs for a reasonable price? It's the Oura Ring.
While no sleep tracker is 100% accurate every night, in my experience the Eight Sleep Pod 4, aka our best smart bed of the year, and Oura Ring provide the most reliable data.
I began tracking my sleep with the Oura Ring 3 at the start of this year and have recently upgraded to the Oura Ring 4. While there are noticeable improvement (like the Ring 4's more durable finish), if you're using the ring purely as a sleep tracker, I recommend saving your pennies and opting for the previous generation while stocks last. Here's why...
While the underlying sleep tracking tech remains the same, the key updates Oura has introduced with the fourth generation ring revolve around improved battery life and sensor accuracy, and a redesign focused on comfort and better durability.
The Ring 4 also introduces "Smart Sensing" technology and a wider size range. Oura Ring's "Smart Sensing" is powered by an advanced algorithm that works alongside the research-grade sensors within Oura Ring 4 to respond to each member's unique finger physiology, including the structure and distinct features of your finger (i.e. skin tone, BMI, and age).
Battery life has also been improved with the Oura Ring 4. Oura Ring 3 claimed to last up to seven days between charges, though in my experience and that of our other reviewers, four to five days is a more accurate battery life window. However, I have used the Oura Ring 4 for four days and it has 48% charge remaining, suggesting it will power through eight days.
Finally, the Oura Ring 4 has a more robust titanium design. I noticed the Oura Ring 3 start to scratch within the first few days of wearing it, so this is certainly a welcome upgrade.
Oura Ring 3: was from $299 now from $199 at OuraThe Oura Ring 3 was released in 2021. It comes in two styles — heritage (a plateau design) and horizon (sleek circular design). In current sleep sales, there's $100 off the Oura Ring 3 while stocks last.
Oura Ring 4: from $349 at Oura The Oura Ring 4 replaced the Ring 3 as of October 2024. This new-and-improved smart ring is available in six different smooth metal finishes including (in ascending price order) silver, black, brushed silver, stealth, gold and rose gold and additional ring sizes from 4 to 15 rather than 6 to 13. Prices start from $349 and reach $499.
If you're looking for a comprehensive sleep tracker but don't want to splash more than $300, here's why I recommend you shop the Oura Ring 3 over the Oura Ring 4, after testing both myself...
With $100 off all sizes now, you can get the Oura Ring 3 for between $199 and $349 (was $299 to $449). The Heritage style Oura Ring 3 is $199 in silver and black and $279 in stealth, and the Horizon design is $249 in black, $279 in stealth and brushed titanium and $349 in gold.
Meanwhile the Oura Ring 4 sits at MSRP of $349 in silver and black, $399 in brushed silver and stealth, and $499 in gold and rose gold.
No matter the model or color you're going for, you'll end up paying at least $150 more for the Ring 4. Add on top Oura's subscription fee ($5.99 per month or $69.99 per year) and this sleep tracker becomes a significant financial commitment.
For me, the difference in sleep tracking functionality between Gen 3 and Gen 4 doesn't quite justify the $150 price difference. So, to save cents where you can I recommend shopping the Ring 3 while stocks last.
While it is now a popular all-round health tracker worn by wellness enthusiasts, the Oura Ring has its roots in the sleep tracking market and has proved itself as a comprehensive snooze gadget.
The Oura Ring 3 might not be the newest, most advanced sleep tracker on the market after being around for the best part of four years, but it still gives a reliable picture of how well you sleep each night.
It keeps tabs on how long it takes for you to fall asleep, how long you spend in each sleep stage, how long you sleep overall and how 'efficient' your sleep has been. The Oura Ring 4 is said to be built with more accurate sensors, but there are no new metrics covered in your nightly sleep report.
I've observed similar discrepancies in time spent asleep when comparing data given by the Eight Sleep Pod 4 smart mattress cover with that from both the Oura Ring 3 and Oura Ring 4.
Between the Ring 3 and the Eight Sleep Pod I observed a discrepancy of between 16 and 44 minutes in time spent asleep. With the Ring 4 and Eight Sleep Pod, the discrepancy was between 11 and 36 minutes.
Even with the latest wellness tech, measuring exact sleep time at home is a difficult task as you're literally in an unconscious state. Considering the differences in sleep time mentioned above are only a matter of minutes, I recommend the more affordable Ring 3.
While one of the key upgrades between the two rings is focused on comfort, I haven't noticed a major difference between the two rings. Both are comfortable overnight. Sitting on your finger rather than your wrist, I find the Oura Ring more comfortable overnight compared with wrist-worn trackers that can feel claustrophobic in bed.
In fact, the Oura Ring 3 is slimmer than the Ring 4 in the size I wear (size 9). The Ring 3 measures 2.57mm thick on the sides and 2.97mm thick on the "top" compared to 2.88mm all the way around with the Ring 4, so it feels less clumpy on your finger.
In terms of durability, if you're wearing the ring purely as a sleep tracker, the Oura Ring 3 won't tarnish in bed. It is only likely to scratch if you're wearing it as an all-day health tracker.
Having tested both the Oura Ring 3 and Ring 4, it's clear to see the Ring 4 is an upgraded, more durable product with longer battery life and more accurate biometric sensors. However, if you want an excellent smart ring for sleep tracking, you're in capable hands with the Oura Ring 3, which you can buy right now for $150 less.

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Tom's Guide

32 minutes ago

• Tom's Guide

No smart watch could make me switch from Oura — here's why

I have tracked fitness metrics for years and have used my fair share of the best fitness trackers from Apple Watches, Fitbits and now the Oura Ring. I went in skeptical when I first got the ring six months ago because I just didn't know what to expect. But I can say with absolute certainty this is the best purchase I have made. Smartwatches, of course, have their place and are great for some people. For example, the Garmin Vivoactive 6 is suitable for intense training, while the Apple Watch Series 10 is ideal for everyday wear. But what about the distractions and comfort? I often feel like, although they are smart (duh), smartwatches are trying to do too much. But with the Oura Ring, there is an element of calm. It knows what it is, what it's for, and does it well with impressive accuracy. I use the Oura Ring 3 Heritage version. This iteration of the ring features a flat edge on the top side, which I believe enhances its sleek appearance. I use it to track workout metrics, sleep, and recovery. It does everything you could need and more for a fraction of the price of the Oura Ring 4. I'm sure most people will agree with me here when I say that one of my pet peeves is being in a conversation with someone and they can't look away from their phone. They pick it up after every notification, or scroll whilst nodding along with what you're saying.... only to lift their head and ask "sorry, what was that?" Perhaps I'm being cynical, but it's the one thing that gets under my skin. But now it's not the phone causing the distraction — it's the smartwatch. Now I can be in a conversation with someone, and their stare is fixed to their wrist as their finger swipes and types across the screen. Somehow it seems less overtly rude than being sat with an electronic brick in your hands, but it's still annoying. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Okay, so rant over. But do we really need a screen strapped to our wrists? My answer is no. This is where my love of the Oura Ring comes in. As far as fitness trackers go, it is pretty discreet. I have the Oura Ring 3 in the Heritage design, and I find it goes well with the rest of the jewelry I wear on a daily basis. I choose to wear the ring on my index finger, and it never gets in the way of what I am doing. The only time I take the ring off is when I'm cooking. It is equipped to deal with every situation, and being waterproof, I can wear it in the shower, in the pool (to track swimming sessions), or while washing the dishes. It is so comfortable I don't even realise I'm wearing it anymore. I love that even though, yes, I wear it 24/7 (with a 40-minute break once a week for it to charge), I am not tethered to a screen. I write about tech for a living, so of course, I love getting to know all of the new advances, but I cannot stand when tech takes over. I am a firm believer that tech should enhance your experience and not distract. That's exactly what the Oura Ring does. The Oura Ring 4 is the newest model of the fitness tracker. In this version, the sensors on the inside of the ring are flat and do not cause indentations in the finger. The ring connects to the Oura app to deliver personalized feedback and daily metrics. I used to push myself far too hard. Between working out, working, and other life stuff, I wouldn't give myself enough time to rest and recover. While I knew this was the case, I didn't realise how bad it was until I started using the Oura Ring. Oura forces you to prioritize recovery. This is how you get your scores to be the best they can be. But how does the ring know when you are run down? It takes your temperature while you sleep using the sensors. This is how the cycle tracking is able to be so accurate. But It also lets me know when I need to take a step back because I'm about to get sick. When I got the flu, before any symptoms set in, the ring was a reminder to tell me that there were signs of strain on my body and to take it easy. This meant I was able to shake it off far quicker than usual and avoid any unnecessary strain. Okay, so the elephant in the room. Yes, a smart watch can do more. It can store music, be used for payments, receive texts and calls — the list goes on. But my argument is, why do we need that when we have our phones? I understand that on workouts, it's easier to tap your wrist to start and stop, but daily, I much prefer what Oura can offer. And that offering is silence and zero distraction.

CNN

5 hours ago

• CNN

The best running watches of 2025, tried and tested

The best running watches we tested Best running watch: Coros Pace 3 Best affordable running watch: Amazfit Active 2 Best advanced running watch: Suunto Race While older wearable running devices displayed the basics, such as time, mileage, pace, and heart rate, the best running watches offer all that and more. The latest running gadgets provide valuable insights into your overall stats, sleep and recovery, and stress levels, and they even offer personalized training plans if you're gearing up for a race. Casual runners and marathon finishers alike can benefit from a running watch since most modern wearables learn your habits in a personal way. They track your routines from working out to sleeping, and remind you when it's time to lace up your shoes or take a rest day. The devices learn what effort loads are just right or when you could push yourself a little harder. Some apps even let you note which running sneakers you were wearing so you can keep track of how many miles they've covered. Most running watches also connect to a smartphone app to provide easier-to-read information following your workouts. Some apps are easier to use than others, which can make a big difference as you start tracking your workouts. The testing for this guide was a joint effort by writer Ellen McAlpine, associate editor Jillian Tracy and senior testing editor Rick Stella, who all hit the road and trails running in 11 different watches from top brands like Coros, Garmin and Apple. Thousands of steps, dozens of miles and some slightly embarrassing watch tans later, we've arrived at the finish line of testing. Here's what to know about the best running watches of 2025. Coros Pace 3 The Coros Pace 3 is easy to set up, comfortable to wear and offers loads of insights. While it does have a learning curve, it was simple enough to figure out and use. It also is lightweight, has a solid battery life and comes in at a midrange price point that makes it well worth the spend. Amazfit Active 2 The Amazfit Active 2 was impressive given its $100 price. The watch itself has a wide range of features, shows you loads of stats (even if they're not all necessary) and connects to an intuitive and well-designed smartphone app in which you can access detailed insights. If you're a beginner runner or just working with a tighter budget for your running gadgets, this is a great option to strap on. Suunto Race The Suunto Race is a treat to use with a modern display, great app experience and modes to support all kinds of runners. It's not as lightweight as other watches we tested, and not all runners will need the array of features it offers, but the Suunto Race feels perfectly luxe for its price tag. The Coros Pace 3 soared above the rest when it came to ease of use, price and GPS accuracy. It utilizes a dual-GPS frequency connection that handles well when running through major cities like New York and Philadelphia. Other watches we tested had some wonky routes when searching for signal among the skyscrapers but not the Pace 3. Maps showed straight lines and clear paths that aligned with each city's grid system. We found there was a bit of lag time when connecting to GPS after sitting still for a while (like at a desk or before moving around in the morning). It took roughly five to seven seconds for the watch to connect to a GPS signal. While this is longer than other watches, the Pace 3 connects to GPS ahead of you starting your run. Others we tested searched for a strong signal during the run, which sometimes left the first half mile inaccurate. This was not an issue with the Pace 3. The Pace 3 has a 1.2-inch display that's easy to read both indoors and in direct sunlight, making it simple to check while logging miles on bright days. A flick of the wrist brightens the screen (it has an always-on display that dims when you're not looking at it) and provides you with quick insights into stats like your heart rate, pace, distance and elapsed time. Another plus is that the watch weighs just 30 grams when paired with the nylon band. It has a 'barely there' feel, and the nylon material was particularly comfortable. It's easier to get a custom fit with the wraparound band over a silicone option too. The Velcro was stable, and while McAlpine, who tested this watch, was nervous about the fabric being irritating and itchy after sweating with it on, she was pleased to find it never did. The Coros app is also easy to use and a great hub of information if you're looking to review your stats. The app even uses your data to create training plans that can be downloaded onto your watch and enabled while running. It's a great option for those looking to get across the finish line for their next race. Additionally, the device can track up to 27 different types of workouts aside from running, including things like snowboarding or hiking. For less than $250, the Coros Pace 3 packs in practically everything you could hope for in a running watch. It's easy to set up, use and manage. While Coros claims the battery life lasts for up to 15 days with regular use and up to 38 hours in continuous GPS mode (hello, ultramarathoners), in our testing the watch had roughly 11 days of battery if used for an approximately 30-minute run each day. Still, 11 days is a long time, and with the Coros Pace 3, you're getting top-of-the-line features at a very reasonable price tag. This is about as good a value in the running watch market as you'll find. The Amazfit Active 2 is the best watch you've likely never heard of. The brand first launched in 2015, and the devices it offers are as good as options from top brands, though Amazfit is far more affordable. At just $100, the Active 2 did almost everything watches from Coros, Polar and Garmin did. You can't download music to the device, and the bands were incredibly frustrating to change, but those cons feel nit-picky after seeing everything else the wearable did. The Active 2 has over 160 workout options for you to track, making it an inclusive fitness tracker beyond its running watch capabilities. That said, the running features it has were standouts in testing. Not only was the GPS tracking accurate but it fared well on city streets and had no lag time to connect. This Amazfit wearable gives quick access to data like your pace, distance, elapsed time and heart rate at a glance. While that's standard among running watches, what impressed us most was the display clarity, no matter the sunlight. The 1.32-inch display has 2,000 nits of brightness, which made it very easy to read during testing. The battery life of the Active 2 was almost too good. Even when we finished testing the watch, we could hear it buzzing as texts or calls came in, letting us know it was, in fact, still alive and well. The brand lists the battery life as up to 10 days with regular use, and our testing found that to be the case. We'd be remiss if we didn't spotlight the Zepp app, which is what your Amazfit watch connects to. Zepp is ahead of the game when it comes to detailed insights and AI utilization. You can take a photo of your plate at dinner, and the Zepp AI will roughly determine the caloric intake of your meal. You also get quick access to what the app calls your Core Metrics. These range from your resting heart rate to your mental recovery, which you can log through guided meditations and breathwork sessions. The details you can find through Zepp are those you might get from a subscription model, though you're not paying for anything extra. The premium version of the Active 2 is the same watch but with a sapphire-glass screen that's slightly more durable, and it includes both a silicone and leather band (if you want a more lifestyle aesthetic when you're not running). The premium option only costs $20 more. For less than $150, no matter which model you buy, the Amazfit Active 2 is a do-it-all device that's as reliable as it is affordable. Of the watches we tested, the Suunto Race had one of the most user-friendly and modern-feeling displays. The Suunto Race was released in 2024, so it makes sense that it has a more updated feel compared with other running watches. The corresponding smartphone app has a welcoming design and smartly recaps your training, overall progress and recovery efforts. We also loved the simple three-button layout of the watch, including the center button with a rotating crown that makes it easy to scroll through stats, splits and control panel options. Part of what makes the Suunto Race great is that it's so much more than a running watch. With sport modes for feats like trail running, open-water swimming and cycling, the Race also embraces less common activities like hunting, mermaiding, cricket and even chores. It's a great option for those who enjoy a range of activities and appreciate having data to support each one. The battery life is also strong. Between workouts and daily wear, you can get a solid week out of the Suunto Race. The brand promises up to 50 hours of charge in performance mode and 200 hours in tour mode, which feels accurate given that, when Our tester, Jillian Tracy, took the watch off to test other models, it sat on her desk still more than a third charged after over a week of inactivity. Though she didn't need the advanced map tracking for our runs up and down city blocks, they are helpful if you plan to embark on trail runs or explore paths in unfamiliar areas. In addition to tracking run stats, the Suunto Run also has optimized features for swimming and cycling, like stroke efficiency and interval guidance, which makes it a good option for runners who might also want to dabble in triathlon training. It also tracks health metrics, including those for sleep, recovery and daily calorie burn. Though we loved the robust set of features and user-friendly layout of the Suunto Race, one of its major downsides is its size. Tracy has small wrists, and the high-definition AMOLED screen on the Suunto Race took up the entire top of her wrist. While it makes your stats easier to see at a glance, the stainless steel watch face is heavy for a running watch, weighing in at 2.93 ounces. It's not so heavy that it's unstable or feels insecure (it does have a solid watch band), but it's bulky enough that it might feel uncomfortable to wear daily. If we could have the features of the Race in the compact design of the Suunto Run (more on that model below), this would be a near-flawless watch. Some users also lament that, unlike other lifestyle watches from brands like Apple or Garmin, the Suunto Race can't do contactless payments or download offline music, which, for $400, are features some might feel are nonstarters. The testers for this piece hit the road and trails to log miles and evaluate each running watch before, during and after each run. Here's what we considered as we tested each model. Tracking and GPS accuracy GPS: Each watch we tested has GPS connectivity. We noted whether the watch used assisted GPS (A-GPS) or a single- or dual-frequency GPS, as well as. how many of the five major satellites each device can access simultaneously. Then, after each run, we checked the accuracy of the distance measured and mapped-out routes. Stats and data: We reviewed the information and insights each watch offered, including personal tracking insights and the statistics it showed during and after runs. We also reviewed each device's connected smartphone app and what the user experience was like. Functionality and fit Band options: Testers wore each watch for multiple days, paying attention to how comfortable the watch band was to wear, work out in and sleep in. We looked at how many band options were available for each model and whether different materials and sizes were available. Weight: You want your running watch to pack in features and tech, not extra weight, so we ranked how heavy each watch was compared with other devices tested and noted if it felt heavy on the wrist. Tracking beyond running: The best running watches go far beyond the miles you've covered. Through testing both the devices and connected apps, we reviewed what tracking the watch was able to provide. This ranged from sleep tracking and blood oxygen stats to effort loads and training plans. Other features Battery life: We noted how long the battery lasted for each watch after regular daily use. Since most of the watches we tested also offer sleep tracking, we wore each watch overnight to see how comfortable each was to wear while sleeping, and we reviewed our sleep insights in the morning. Music: Some GPS running watches offer music-downloading capabilities. We noted whether or not the wearable had this feature. Whether you're looking for a watch that handles the basics or you're gearing up for your next race and want to get serious, there's a running watch that gets the job done. After all, technology has come a long way, and the market for wearable devices is vast. From bare-bones options to detailed insights, you'll be able to find what you need if you know where to look. 'Without a doubt, accurate GPS tracking is the most important feature when looking for a running watch,' said Elaina Raponi, a certified National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) running coach and four-time marathoner. 'This is essential because accurate GPS gives athletes feedback on their distance and pace — arguably the two most important metrics when running.' In our testing, we quickly realized that not all GPS watches are created equal, and an unstable GPS connection can make a huge difference in what your run ends up looking like in tracking. It's also important to consider other statistics and sensors, especially when training for a big race or coming back from injury. 'If you're someone who trains using heart rate zones, an accurate heart rate sensor can be an important feature,' Raponi said. She notes that wrist-based heart rate monitors aren't as precise as chest straps, so if heart rate training is your top priority, you might want to pair your watch with a chest strap for more accurate data. Raponi also suggests considering your device's battery life against your training and overall running goals. 'If you're training for shorter distances like 5Ks or 10Ks, battery life is usually less of a concern, but if you're racing longer events like ultramarathons, you want a watch with a longer battery life — ideally one that can last through several hours of running without needing a recharge.' You should also consider what else a wearable tracks. If you're looking to get sleep insights, discover new running routes or want access to training plans, certain watches have connected apps that provide exactly this. Some come with paid subscriptions to access additional features, while others offer everything you need when you buy the watch. Suunto Run Sport Watch The Suunto Run is a straightforward and super-lightweight watch designed specifically for runners. It has a lot of the same great elements we loved in the Suunto Race but offers a shorter battery life and a less robust set of features. You can tell right away that the Suunto Run is a watch made with runners in mind. Though it has 34 sport modes — including ones for swimming, yoga, tennis and cycling — most are geared toward run-specific tasks like trail running, track running, marathon training and treadmill workouts. Like the Suunto Race, the Run only has three buttons, one of which is the rotating crown button, making it easy to browse your training and daily stats. The three-button design is easy to use and understand, but it might take a minute to feel fully confident using it to navigate the watch's features, especially if you're transitioning from another watch brand. Suunto's Run watch is very beginner-friendly, has an attractive display and a touchscreen watch face, if you'd prefer to navigate without buttons. Part of what keeps the Suunto Run so lightweight is the textile Velcro-like strap. While Tracy had no issues with the watch staying secure on her wrist during runs or daily wear, she wished that the wristband felt a little more luxe for $249. When you unbox the watch, you need to attach the wristband yourself, which was easy enough to do, but it's just one more hurdle that slows down the initial setup process. Plus, if the strap gets wet from sweat, weather or swimming, it will eventually dry out, but if you want to keep wearing it in the meantime, you'll have to deal with a slight damp feeling on your wrist. Tracy also wished the battery life were a bit longer. With 20 hours of battery life in performance mode and up to 40 hours in power-saving mode, the Suunto Race will get you through a workout or two on top of daily wear, but you'll still need to charge it every two to three days, depending on how often you plan to use it. Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch Light and low-profile, the Garmin Forerunner 265S is fully capable of tracking your progress, training plan, recovery and vital performance stats, but the five-button layout overcomplicates this small watch. We preferred the sleeker design interfaces offered by other brands at the same or a lower price. Despite the fact that Tracy is a regular Garmin user, she found the five-button design on both Forerunner models she tested to be difficult to navigate. The up and down toggles that control the main navigation are on the left side of the watch, which, for right-handed users, means you have to awkwardly reach over the top of the watch to use them. The array of small buttons just seemed to overcomplicate the navigation and made it harder to quickly toggle between displays while in motion. Tracy preferred the more streamlined two-button design on her personal Garmin Vivoactive watch to the layout of the Forerunners. Garmin's interface is not the warmest design we've seen either, and for constant use, we had to charge it more than we'd like. But when it comes to tracking stats and staying on top of training, the Garmin Forerunner 265S packs a lot of features into a small design. Though you have to program workouts and view more detailed stats in the Garmin app (which is not our favorite interface to use), there's no denying that anyone from beginner runners to daily drivers prepping for a race will be able to benefit from Garmin's expansive and smart tracking. However, for a lower or similar price, you can get comparable benefits from our top Coros or Suunto picks. Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Running Watch The Forerunner 165 Music encompasses the classic and quality build we've come to expect from Garmin watches. Like the Forerunner 265S, the 165 Music is packed with features in a small, easy-to-wear design, but the interface doesn't feel the most modern. Many of the issues we had with the Forerunner 165 Music were the same as those we shared in regards to the Forerunner 265S: small, cramped buttons; shorter battery life than other watches; and a slightly outdated app experience. Compared to the Forerunner 265S, the 165 Music is made more with runners in mind, with fewer multi-sport training and tracking options for things like cycling, water sports and leisure activities. You also won't get access to as in-depth health stats or training plan options, but if you want something to catalog your runs and progress, there's probably no reason to splurge on the Forerunner 265S over the 165 Music. Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker The Fitbit Charge 6 is a more affordable running watch option, but it just wasn't as impressive as we'd hoped. It's easy to navigate, but the setup was a bit of a pain. The Fitbit Charge 6 has the smallest watch face of any of the running watches in our testing pool, which made it hard to check multiple stats while running. It was easy to start, pause and stop workouts, and the streamlined design is lightweight on the wrist. You don't get the same insights as other options we tested, though, and for a $160 device at full price, you're not getting the same insights you'd get from a running-specific watch. This Fitbit device is a better fit for someone looking to track varying workouts or steps, and it works well as a sleep tracker. Also, you need a Google account to set up the Charge 6 (or any other Fitbit device), which is kind of annoying and specific. You also have the option to subscribe to Fitbit Premium, which gives you further insights into your activity data for $10 per month. Polar Pacer GPS Sport Watch While it offers lots of tracking and training insights, the Polar Pacer is a bit clunky and has some issues connecting to a GPS signal while running through major cities. Polar watches feel like they're designed for intense training, and the Pacer was no exception. While this running watch provided insights and tracking stats, it was almost overwhelming. The watch itself is a little clunky to use and bulkier than other options we tested. The GPS connectivity struggled while running through city streets, resulting in post-run maps that looked comparable to a toddler trying to write their name. The Pacer does announce when it successfully acquires a signal, so if you're in a city and heading toward a park where the skies are clearer, you can opt to start running once the signal has been established. Plus, it'll alert you if the watch loses signal while you're on the move. You'll get some of the deepest sleep and recovery insights from this watch, though, which can be especially helpful as you navigate a training block. Consistent wear of your Polar watch will allow it to build baseline levels for your sleep, cardio load and recovery capabilities, giving you a personalized experience. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) The most basic Apple Watch model on the market, the SE, works great as a smartwatch, but it isn't the best running watch. Read our review After training for the New York City marathon with this wearable last year, McAlpine knows how tricky it is to use the Apple Watch SE for running. Especially compared with the other running watches on this list, it isn't ideal for runners who want deep, accurate and consistent stats. You'll get the basics, like your distance, pace and heart rate, but you won't find your recovery levels, the sleep monitoring isn't great and the battery only lasts up to 18 hours, so you have to charge the device daily. If you're looking for an all-around affordable smartwatch, it's a good buy, but a running-specific watch is a better option for those whose Strava kudos keep them going. Apple Watch Series 10 The Apple Watch Series 10 is a more capable wearable than the SE above, but it still has the same single-day battery life that only makes it a viable option for those who tend to run shorter our review The Apple Watch Series 10 isn't a running-specific watch on par with others in our testing pool, but it does offer a deep well of tracking capabilities that may suffice for more casual users (or those who prefer the Apple ecosystem and like its powerful smartwatch features). It has reliable and fast GPS syncing, in-depth fitness data that's easy to view while running and a unique health-tracking system that compiles other info like sleep insights, calories burned, rest and recovery stats, and more. The biggest knock on the Series 10, versus the rest of the product pool at least, is its 18-hour battery life. It's not a problem for those who run shorter distances, but for anyone training for a marathon (or anything longer, like a triathlon or ultra), it may not perform as well as they need. If you're serious about running, there are several other watches in this price range that are better. Apple Watch Ultra 2 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 may be too bulky and heavy for long-distance runners, but its 36-hour battery life does bode well for those logging several miles. This is perfect for trail runners or anyone who needs something more our review The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a very similar experience to the Series 10, but the biggest difference lies with its battery, which offers 36 hours of run time as opposed to 18. This makes a big difference for long-distance runners, though we still don't recommend it over our top picks for those who are more serious and dedicated to the sport. However, if you absolutely need to have something Apple on your wrist, this is a fine choice (albeit an expensive one). Apple markets it as its rugged adventure watch, meaning it's heavier and larger than the Series 10, but it's also a bit more capable, plus its case is made of durable titanium. It has a brighter backlit display and is water-resistant up to 100 meters (including compatibility for recreational scuba diving to 40 meters). Its larger size also makes it easier to read while active. It's around $800, though, which doesn't exactly scream 'value' when sitting next to competitors like Suunto, Coros or Garmin. The following FAQs were answered by four-time marathoner and NCCP-certified running coach Elaina Raponi. Which running watches are waterproof? Which running watches are waterproof? Most running watches are water-resistant, with the average depth of resistance being up to 50 meters. Some watches, which have triathlon-training capabilities, will be waterproof for open-water swimming and training. Of the watches in our testing pool, the Coros Pace 3, both Garmin watches, the Amazfit Active 2, both Suunto watches and all the Apple Watches listed above have been designed for wear during water activities. You'll want to note that some fitness trackers, like the Apple Watch line, have a water lock built into the device. You'll need to enable this feature to keep your device safe while in the water. How accurate are running watches at measuring distance? How accurate are running watches at measuring distance? A GPS watch's accuracy is dependent upon the GPS signal it's connected to and what type of access it has to GPS satellites. 'GPS watches are typically pretty accurate when it comes to measuring distance and can track your run within a small margin of error,' Raponi said. However, according to Raponi, running on trails in forests with dense tree coverage, or in a city with tall buildings, a running watch might occasionally lose GPS signal. 'This happens because the watch has to 'guess' your position when the satellite signals are weak or blocked,' she said. 'This is why many runners will manually lap their watch during races where they anticipate accurate GPS being a concern.' What temperature range are running watches effective in? What temperature range are running watches effective in? To get the most accurate temperature range for your running watch, you can check the brand's website or your device's user manual. Extreme temperatures outside of the range of your watch lists could affect performance or battery life, Raponi said, adding that 'for the vast majority of runners, the normal temperature ranges they train in won't be an issue.' For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain their professional insight. Elaina Raponi, four-time marathon runner and NCCP-certified running coach with TeamRunRun CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products in our testing guides and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors with many years of testing experience who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately and speaking about the pros and cons of each item. For this article, updates writer Ellen McAlpine, associate editor Jillian Tracy and senior testing editor Rick Stella, who are all experienced runners, tested a range of running watches to determine which wearable is worth buying.

Engadget

9 hours ago

• Engadget

The Morning After: Can the golden Trump Phone actually be made in USA?

When the Trump family announced its debut into the glitzy world of phone carriers with Trump Mobile, it came with a phone, too: a not-gold slab called the T1. The biggest heady claim (beyond the fact that its sole $47.25 plan would be 'true value') is: how can any modern smartphone claim to be made in the US? Alex Cranz takes Trump Mobile's sales pitch to task. While we know a lot of the specs, there's no reference to a processor — and that's because practically all smartphone processors are not made in the US. That's just the start. — Mat Smith Get Engadget's newsletter delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! A SpaceX Starship vehicle has exploded yet again, and this time, the incident occurred before it even took off. NASASpaceflight captured the event in a livestream, wherein you can see the spacecraft (Ship 36) suddenly explode into a fireball after the company tested its forward flap and just before it was supposed to conduct a static fire test. The company said it was due to a 'major anomaly'. Yeah, I'd agree. Continue reading. There's a 1-800 number you can text for ChatGPT images OpenAI has decided that there are not enough ways to generate sloppy AI images with ChatGPT. It announced that users can tap into the image generator by texting 1-800-ChatGPT on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp chatbot is "now available to everyone." Anyone? Continue reading. Framework's latest repairable laptop is a smaller 12-inch model, with the same modular features of its predecessors. With a bright plastic build, it's aimed at students, and there's a lot to like. According to Engadget's Daniel Cooper, it's a little too expensive, especially in the face of the cheap (and disposable) laptops it's looking to supplant. Continue reading. It doesn't look like the usual Garmin affair. The fitness tracking company is getting into bed. Literally. The Index Sleep Monitor offers week-long battery life with continuous pulse ox tracking for monitoring your blood oxygen saturation while you sleep. Garmin's tracker is worn on the upper arm and tracks multiple metrics, including skin temperature, light, deep, and REM sleep stages as well as variations in heart rate and breathing. Skin temperature tracking provides a clearer understanding of how your sleep environment impacts the quality of your sleep, even identifying potential illnesses based on your body temperature. It also features menstrual health tracking, with skin temperature changes useful for tracking cycles. Continue reading.