As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
Are you considering purchasing a smartwatch compatible with Strava? If you’re a fitness enthusiast who enjoys using the Strava platform for tracking your activities like running and cycling, then you’re in luck! Finding the perfect smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with Strava can enhance your fitness experience significantly. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of top brands such as Garmin, Amazfit, Apple, Samsung, Polar, Fitbit, and Huawei, all of which offer smartwatches that work harmoniously with Strava.
Whether you’re an avid athlete or just someone who enjoys staying active, these smartwatches can provide comprehensive fitness tracking functionalities, making them a great addition to your workout routine. And don’t worry, I’ve also included budget-friendly options for those who prefer a more affordable route without compromising on quality.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Garmin Forerunner 245 Music | Check Price | |
 | Amazfit GTR 3 | Check Price | |
 | SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4 | Check Price | |
 | Apple Watch Series 7 | Check Price | |
 | Fitbit Sense | Check Price |
Best Watches for Strava Reviews
With this comprehensive list, you can easily find the best smartwatch to complement your Strava experience and take your fitness journey to new heights. Let’s explore the options and make the most informed decision to support your active lifestyle!
1. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music stands out as one of the finest running watches compatible with Strava. As a dedicated runner myself, I can vouch for its exceptional performance. Over the past year of using this watch, I have been thoroughly impressed by the wealth of data it provides for my runs, all at a very reasonable price point.
Setting up its integration with Strava was a breeze. I simply downloaded the Garmin Connect app on my smartphone and synced it with my Strava account. Since then, all my run data seamlessly transfers from Garmin Connect to Strava without a hitch.
One of the best aspects of this Garmin watch is its versatility across both iOS and Android smartphones. I have an iPhone 11, and it works flawlessly with it, so if you’re an iOS user, rest assured that this watch will meet your needs.
Beyond its Strava compatibility, the Forerunner 245 Music enhances the enjoyment of my runs by supporting various music apps like Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music. With a substantial 3.5GB of inbuilt storage, I’ve stored up to 500 songs without filling it up. Listening to my favorite tunes via Bluetooth headphones makes my runs even more enjoyable, although it’s worth noting that using the watch for music does impact its battery life significantly.
Additionally, the watch boasts essential features like heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and a stress monitor. Safety-wise, it comes with an incident detection feature, ensuring added peace of mind during outdoor activities. The inbuilt GPS is a valuable feature for accurate tracking, and its Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures durability and longevity.
All in all, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a fantastic companion for runners who seek reliable Strava compatibility and a wide range of features to enhance their fitness journey. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or a fitness enthusiast, this smartwatch offers an excellent blend of functionality, convenience, and affordability.
2. Amazfit GTR 3
The Amazfit GTR 3 emerges as the most budget-friendly running watch on our list, yet it certainly doesn’t compromise on Strava compatibility and performance. Initially intended as a gift for my brother, I ended up keeping it for myself due to its impressive features and affordability.
Operating on the Zepp watch OS, connecting it to Strava was a simple process – all it took was downloading the Zepp app from the Play Store or App Store, followed by syncing my Zepp account with Strava. Ever since, the two apps have flawlessly synchronized my health data without any issues.
This watch caters to both Android and iOS users, just like the Forerunner 245 Music, but it lacks internal storage for music. Therefore, if you wish to listen to your favorite tunes during runs, you’ll need to carry your cell phone with you.
Nonetheless, what amazed me most about the Amazfit GTR 3 is its exceptional ability to track runs. To ensure its accuracy, I conducted several side-by-side tests with my Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, and I was pleasantly surprised by the consistent and almost identical results presented by both watches.
One of the standout features of the Amazfit GTR 3 is its convenient One-Tap health measurement. By simply tapping the watch, it tracks your breath per minute, stress levels, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation. This comprehensive health check is incredibly convenient as it condenses multiple measurements into a single tap, streamlining the process and providing a mini body checkup-like experience.
Despite its affordable price tag, the Amazfit GTR 3 encompasses nearly all the features found in the Forerunner 245 Music, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective yet efficient smartwatch with seamless Strava compatibility. If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable and feature-rich running companion, the Amazfit GTR 3 could be the perfect fit for you.
3. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 stands out as the top Strava compatible Samsung watch, utilizing Google’s Wear OS while retaining the familiar interface of previous Samsung watches.
Setting up the Galaxy Watch 4 with Strava was a seamless process for me. I simply installed the Samsung Health app on my smartphone and initiated sharing between the two accounts. Once connected, Strava effortlessly retrieved my run data from the Samsung Health app without any disruptions.
The accuracy of its activity tracking impressed me, and with over 90 sports modes in the exercise list, I found it exceptionally versatile. The watch even automatically detected my cycling and running activities, eliminating the need to manually activate the sports mode each time I went for a run.
Similar to the Forerunner 245 Music, the Galaxy Watch 4 boasts 16GB of internal storage, allowing me to download my favorite songs from Spotify or my smartphone. Thanks to its built-in speaker, I could play music directly on the watch itself. However, I noticed that the speaker’s volume was less powerful when outdoors, impacting the clarity of the music. Nevertheless, indoors, especially in my bedroom, I enjoyed clear and loud playback.
Beyond its music capabilities, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers additional features that enhance its functionality. With an inbuilt microphone and LTE connectivity, I was able to make and answer calls directly from the watch. Although the speaker’s volume was a bit low outdoors, the microphone effectively captured my voice, allowing seamless conversations without the other person even realizing I was using a smartwatch.
Moreover, this smartwatch packs a range of impressive features, including an ECG monitor, fall detection, WiFi connectivity, 50m water resistance, and an IP68 dust rating, further boosting its appeal and utility.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 stands as a remarkable smartwatch choice for Strava enthusiasts. Combining its Strava compatibility, accurate activity tracking, ample internal storage, and a plethora of useful features, it undoubtedly offers a well-rounded and advanced wearable experience. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a tech-savvy individual, this smartwatch is sure to cater to your diverse needs.
4. Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the latest offering from Apple that seamlessly works with Strava. Just like the other watches on this list, connecting your Strava account to the Apple Health App enables you to view detailed activity information on your Strava profile.
The Series 7 boasts the ability to automatically detect cycling and running activities, similar to the Galaxy Watch 4. Additionally, it comes with both WiFi and LTE connectivity options, allowing you to stay connected wherever you go.
With its inbuilt microphone and speaker, you can easily make and receive calls directly from the watch. This feature, combined with various health trackers such as ECG, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress tracking, and SpO2 measurement, helps you keep a close eye on your overall well-being.
Apple proudly claims that the Series 7 features the largest display among all Apple watches, providing ample space for conveniently replying to text messages from your wrist. In fact, if you’re an iPhone user, this watch becomes an excellent choice if you wish to reply to messages quickly and effortlessly.
Similar to the Forerunner 245 Music and Galaxy Watch 4, the Series 7 is equipped with fall detection capabilities. In the event of a hard fall during your run, you can rest assured that help will be on the way, and thanks to Apple’s most crack-resistant display ever, the watch can endure even the toughest impacts.
If you’re a fan of Apple products and desire a feature-rich smartwatch that works flawlessly with Strava, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the ultimate choice. It not only offers an array of cutting-edge features but also seamlessly integrates with Strava, making it an ideal companion for fitness enthusiasts and iPhone users alike. Without a doubt, this smartwatch earns the title of being the best choice for those seeking a top-notch Strava-compatible watch.
5. Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense is the latest Fitbit smartwatch that seamlessly works with Strava. To get started, you simply need to connect your Fitbit account to your Strava account, and you’re good to go. However, do keep in mind that only new activities will be automatically shared, and older activities won’t be transferred. But don’t worry; you can still sync your old Fitbit activity data with Strava by referring to the Fitbit and Strava sync article on Strava’s official website.
Beyond its fitness tracking capabilities, the Fitbit Sense excels in various health tracking features. Like the Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, this smartwatch includes an ECG monitor, making it a valuable tool for monitoring your heart health. Additionally, it boasts a stress tracker, sleep tracker, and a 24/7 heart rate monitor that can detect irregularities in your heart rhythm and promptly alert you.
A standout feature of the Fitbit Sense is its compatibility with both Alexa and Google Voice Assistant, a rare combination found in smartwatches. Alongside the inbuilt speaker and microphone, you can enjoy not only listening to music on the watch but also answering phone calls directly from your wrist.
With a 50m water-resistant rating, the Fitbit Sense can effortlessly track your swimming exercises, making it an ideal companion for your aquatic sessions.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Fitbit Sense is that it offers an array of impressive features without bearing a hefty price tag. It strikes a perfect balance between affordability and functionality. Furthermore, its activity and exercise tracking capabilities are known for their accuracy, ensuring you get reliable data to support your fitness journey.
If you seek an affordable everyday smartwatch that flawlessly syncs with Strava and offers an abundance of useful features, the Fitbit Sense is a fantastic choice. Its versatility, combined with accurate tracking capabilities, makes it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable fitness companion without breaking the bank.
Final Verdict
Indeed, you can utilize Strava without the need for a smartwatch. By simply downloading the Strava app on your smartphone, you can leverage your phone’s built-in GPS and sensors to track your running and cycling activities effectively.
However, it’s important to note that while the app can track your distance and pace during workouts, it won’t be able to monitor crucial body health parameters such as heart rate and VO2 max. If you are genuinely committed to your cycling and running endeavors and wish to have a comprehensive understanding of your fitness progress, I highly recommend investing in a smartwatch.
A smartwatch offers a multitude of advantages, including the ability to monitor and analyze various health metrics, providing valuable insights into your performance and well-being. With features like heart rate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, and other health trackers, a smartwatch can significantly enhance your fitness tracking experience. So, if you’re serious about optimizing your training and achieving your fitness goals, a smartwatch can be an invaluable tool to complement your Strava app and elevate your overall fitness journey.