Best Watches For CrossFit 

CrossFit's dynamic and multifaceted nature demands specialized gear to ensure athletes can track their performance accurately. With the rapid advancements in fitness technology, there's now an array of fitness watches tailored specifically for CrossFit. These devices offer features like heart rate monitoring, auto-exercise recognition, and sleep tracking, all crucial for those intense workout sessions. In 2024, the market is flooded with options, making it a challenge to identify the best fitness watch for CrossFit enthusiasts.

This article aims to guide you through the top watches available, considering various needs and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned CrossFit athlete or just starting your fitness journey, our detailed rundown will help you find the perfect watch to optimize your training regime. From the Garmin Fenix series to the Apple Watch, and other notable mentions like the Garmin Venu, we'll delve into the unique features and benefits of each device to help you make an informed decision.

• Why CrossFit Requires Specialized Watches
• Key Features to Look for in a CrossFit Watch
   1. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
   2. Apple Watch Ultra 2
   3. Polar Vantage V3
   4. Garmin Forerunner 955
   5. Suunto 9 Baro
   6. Fitbit Versa 4
   7. Garmin Venu 3
   8. Whoop Strap 4.0
   9. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
   10. Garmin Epix (Gen 2)
• Clash of the Titans: A Showdown of Top CrossFit Watches
• Game-Changing Features in CrossFit Watches
• FAQs
• Conclusion

BEST FOR HARDCORE CROSSFITTERS AND MULTI-SPORT ENTHUSIASTS

BEST FOR RUNNERS INTEGRATING CROSSFIT INTO THEIR REGIME

★★★★
Affordable yet robust with multiple GNSS support and superior durability, ideal for budget-conscious hikers looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank

BEST FOR LIFESTYLE-FOCUSED INDIVIDUALS

★★★★☆
Offers endless battery life in smartwatch mode, advanced health, and fitness tracking with solar charging, perfect for ultra-endurance athletes needing a reliable and long-lasting companion.

BEST FOR APPLE ECOSYSTEM USERS LOOKING FOR ADVANCED TRACKING

★★★★★
Offers extreme battery life and comprehensive health metrics with an intuitive interface, making it ideal for ultralight backpackers and long-distance hikers prioritizing endurance and reliability.

BEST FOR OUTDOOR CROSSFIT ENTHUSIASTS AND ADVENTURERS

BEST FOR DATA-DRIVEN ATHLETES FOCUSING ON RECOVERY AND PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION

BEST FOR HIGH-END PERFORMANCE SEEKERS

★★★★☆
High-end navigation, excellent battery life, and compact lightweight design, catering to multi-day hikers and mountaineers requiring precise and continuous performance.

BEST FOR ATHLETES NEEDING HIGH DURABILITY AND PRECISION 

BEST FOR BUDGET-CONSCIOUS FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS

BEST FOR ANDROID USERS SEEKING A COMPREHENSIVE FITNESS SOLUTION

Display Size: 1.3” (33.02 mm) diameter
Display Resolution: 260 x 260 pixels
Material: Power Sapphire™ lens, titanium bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case with titanium rear cover
Built-in Flashlight: Variable intensities with red safety light and strobe mode

Short review

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is an exceptional multisport GPS smartwatch, perfect for hardcore CrossFitters and multi-sport enthusiasts. With a robust design incorporating a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire™ solar charging lens, it offers up to 22 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, ensuring it remains powered through the toughest training sessions. This watch boasts advanced HR monitoring via wrist-based sensors and chest strap compatibility, ideal for optimizing performance during high-intensity CrossFit workouts.

Among its standout features are multi-sport capabilities, allowing seamless tracking and transition between activities like running, biking, and swimming. The built-in flashlight enhances visibility during early morning or late-night sessions, adding to its versatility and safety. Designed to withstand extreme conditions with a rugged titanium bezel and reinforced polymer case, the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro proves itself a durable companion for any fitness regime. This watch ensures you stay ahead in training with its comprehensive health metrics and performance insights, making it the ultimate fitness watch for CrossFit in 2024.

✅ You Monitor Your Health Closely - Provides comprehensive health features such as wrist-based heart rate, sleep tracking, Pulse Ox, and stress tracking, giving you a complete overview of your health.

✅ You Track Multiple Sports - Supports a wide array of sports, including CrossFit, swimming, and trail running, making it versatile for various workout regimes.

❌ You are On a Tight Budget - It is a high-end device with a premium price tag, which might not be suitable for those looking for a more affordable fitness tracker.

Case Material: Titanium
Display: Always-On Retina display, up to 3,000 nits
Connectivity: GPS + Cellular
Health Features: ECG, Heart Rate Zones, Blood Oxygen monitoring
Durability: MIL-STD 810H compliant, IP6X dust resistance
Battery Life: Up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode)

Short review

The Apple Watch Ultra 2  is a stellar choice for CrossFit enthusiasts in 2024. Featuring a rugged titanium case and a comfortable Blue Alpine Loop, it stands up to the rigors of intense workouts. Key features include high-precision dual-frequency GPS, comprehensive health tracking including ECG, heart rate zones, and advanced multisport capabilities. Its seamless iOS integration offers a smooth user experience for those already in the Apple ecosystem.

Advantages are its exceptional battery life, lasting up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode), and its environment-friendly carbon neutral status. The customizable Action Button enhances usability, allowing quick access to essential functions. Ideal for Apple ecosystem users looking for advanced tracking, the watch also features extensive safety measures like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS. With water resistance up to 100 meters, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is perfect for both land and water-based CrossFit workouts.

✅ Battery Life is a Priority - Up to 36 hours of battery life (72 hours in Low Power Mode) ensure long-lasting performance through multiple workouts.

✅ High-Precision GPS is Important - Dual-frequency GPS provides accurate data for precise tracking of distance and pace.

❌ Frequent Upgrades Annoy You - Apple's frequent updates might make the watch feel outdated sooner.

Display Size: 1.3 inches
Display Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels
Display Type: AMOLED touchscreen with Always-On mode
Weight: 57 grams (including wristband)
Battery Life: Up to 43 hours in performance training mode
Water Resistance: WR50 (up to 50 meters)

Short review

The Polar Vantage V3 sport watch is a top-choice fitness watch designed specifically for CrossFit athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Key features include military-grade durability, dual-frequency GPS, and a precise heart rate monitor utilizing advanced Polar Elixir™ biosensing technology. This rugged and innovative smartwatch delivers comprehensive training insights with features like Training Load Pro™ and Recovery Pro™, making it perfect for high-intensity CrossFit workouts.

The extended battery life ensures that it can keep up with any intense training regime, boasting up to 43 hours in performance training mode. The offline maps and turn-by-turn guidance powered by Komoot, are ideal for athletes needing reliable navigation during outdoor training sessions. Furthermore, its superior build quality, AMOLED display, and the ability to track over 150 different sports cement it as the best fitness watch for robust training environments. The Polar Vantage V3 is undoubtedly crafted for those who demand precision and durability.

✅ You prioritize health metrics and recovery- With advanced biosensing technologies like SpO2, optical heart rate monitoring, and wrist-based ECG, the Vantage V3 offers comprehensive health and recovery insights. This is crucial for optimizing your CrossFit training, monitoring recovery, and understanding how your body responds to high-intensity workouts and rest
✅ You need long battery life for extended training sessions - The Vantage V3 offers up to 43 hours of battery life in performance mode and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode

❌ You expect medical-grade ECG functionality - While the Vantage V3 offers wrist-based ECG measurements, it is not intended for medical use, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need medical-grade ECG functionalities, you should look for specialized medical devices instead.

Special Features - PacePro™ Feature; Grade-Adjusted Pace; VO2 Max; Performance Condition; Sync Training Plans; Visual Race Predictor; Track Running; Daily Suggested Workouts; Wrist-Based Running Dynamics; Wrist-Based Running Power; Endurance Score; Real-Time Stamina

Short review

The Garmin Forerunner® 955 is an exceptional GPS running smartwatch tailored for triathletes, ensuring you're equipped with the best features for your CrossFit workouts in 2024. Key features include multi-sport tracking and advanced running dynamics, which are ideal for triathlons and other high-intensity training sessions. This smartwatch is known for its features like exceptional GPS accuracy and an extensive feature set that includes heart rate monitoring, built-in sports apps, advanced health metrics, and real-time stamina tracking.

This watch is ideal runners who also integrate CrossFit into their fitness regime, providing the perfect balance of endurance monitoring and diverse activity tracking. It also supports comprehensive health monitoring features like HRV status, sleep tracking, and Body Battery™ energy monitoring. With up to 15 days of battery life, customizable data pages, and music storage, the Forerunner 955 stands out as a top choice for fitness enthusiasts aiming to elevate their training sessions.

✅ Battery life is a priority for you - If you’re tired of constantly charging your smartwatch, the Forerunner 955's long battery life will be a blessing. It provides up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, 42 hours in GPS mode, and 80 hours in UltraTrac mode, ensuring you can track your workouts without frequent recharges.

✅You want a durable, lightweight design -Weighing just 52 grams and built with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 DX and fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, the watch is both lightweight and durable. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of top-tier CrossFit workouts without getting in the way of your performance.

❌ You don't require high-end performance metrics - If your focus is on basic fitness tracking rather than detailed performance analysis, the Forerunner 955’s high-end metrics may be unnecessary.

Display: 1.34-inch matrix display with a resolution of 320 x 300
Battery Life: Up to 120 hours in exercise mode, 14 days in time mode
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Material: Bezel made of stainless steel, glass of sapphire crystal, case of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, and strap of silicone

Short review

The Suunto 9 Baro is a top contender among the best fitness smartwatches for CrossFit in 2024. Featuring long battery life with up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking, and accurate barometric altitude readings, it stands out for its exceptional endurance. The watch is built with robust materials like stainless steel and sapphire crystal, ensuring durability in varied environments.

This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor CrossFit enthusiasts and adventurers who require reliable tracking and performance. With over 80 sport modes, intelligent battery management, and weather functions, the Suunto 9 Baro meets the demanding needs of intense training sessions. Additionally, the wrist heart rate monitor provides precise data without a chest strap, enhancing workout convenience. Integration with the Suunto app allows for seamless fitness tracking and community engagement, making this watch a comprehensive tool for serious athletes

✅ You need comprehensive health tracking - This model features wrist heart rate monitoring, stress and recovery tracking, sleep analysis, and daily activity logging, helping you manage your overall health efficiently. It's excellent for CrossFit athletes who require detailed insight into their physical well-being.

✅ You engage in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) -With interval training support and guidance during exercise, the Suunto 9 Baro is well-suited for HIIT. It allows you to set up intervals and receive real-time feedback, ensuring that your workouts are as efficient and effective as possible.

❌ You prefer a lightweight fitness tracker - At 81 grams, the Suunto 9 Baro might feel bulky during workouts

Sensors: Multi-path optical heart rate sensor, red and infrared sensors for SpO2 monitoring, altimeter, 3-axis accelerometer, ambient light sensor, NFC, vibration motor, speaker, microphone, WiFi (deactivated, cannot be turned on), device temperature sensor (skin temperature variation available in the Fitbit app).

Short review

The Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch stands out for its rich feature set tailored for CrossFit enthusiasts, all at a notable price point. Key features include GPS for precise outdoor activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate monitoring to keep an eye on your cardiovascular health during intense workouts. With over 40 exercise modes, it seamlessly covers a wide range of fitness routines for comprehensive tracking.

This smartwatch excels in sleep tracking and provides stress management tools, making it invaluable for understanding your rest and recovery needs. Its user-friendly interface ensures that you can easily navigate through various fitness metrics and health insights. Additionally, the Versa 4 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and offers on-wrist notifications, keeping you connected during your exercise sessions. Ideal for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts, the Fitbit Versa 4 delivers robust functionality in a sleek, lightweight design, making it a top choice among the best smartwatches for CrossFit in 2024.

✅ You need detailed exercise tracking - With 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking, this smartwatch is designed for fitness enthusiasts who want comprehensive tracking options. From HIIT workouts to CrossFit routines, the Fitbit Versa 4 covers a wide range of exercises, helping you monitor every aspect of your fitness regime.

✅ You like on-wrist notifications - On-wrist Bluetooth calls, texts, and app notifications allow you to stay connected without needing to constantly check your phone.

❌ You use an older smartphone - Compatibility is limited to devices running iOS 15 or higher, and Android OS 10 or higher. If your smartphone does not meet these OS requirements, you will face issues with syncing and utilizing the full range of the watch’s features, making it less practical for you.

Memory Storage Capacity: 8 GB
Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
GPS: Built-in GPS
Screen Size: 1.4 Inches
Shape: Round
Display Type: AMOLED (optional always-on mode)
Connectivity Technology: Wireless (Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi)

Short review

The Garmin Venu 3 stands out as a premier choice for CrossFit enthusiasts in 2024. Boasting over 30 built-in sports apps, this smartwatch offers unparalleled versatility for diverse high-intensity workouts. Its sleek design, which includes a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen and a durable silver stainless steel bezel, seamlessly blends with both gym attire and everyday wear.

The comprehensive health monitoring features, such as Body Battery™ Energy Monitoring and Sleep Coach, provide invaluable insights into your overall well-being, helping you optimize performance and recovery. With wrist-based heart rate monitoring, the Garmin Venu 3 ensures you stay within your ideal HR zones throughout your fitness routines. Ideal for lifestyle-focused individuals, this smartwatch combines modern aesthetics with robust functionality, making it more than just a fitness tracker—it’s a sophisticated companion for both health and style. Whether you're hitting CrossFit workouts or managing daily activities, the Garmin Venu 3 is designed to elevate your fitness journey and keep you connected.

✅ You need detailed health insights - This smartwatch offers advanced health monitoring features like Body Battery™ Energy Monitoring, Sleep Coach, and Stress Tracking. These insights help you understand your body's readiness for exercise, optimizing your CrossFit training and recovery by showing when you are at peak performance energy levels

✅You require a durable watch for tough workouts - Designed with a stainless steel bezel and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3, the Garmin Venu 3 is built to withstand rigorous CrossFit workouts

❌ You are an iPhone user looking for seamless integration - While the Garmin Venu 3 is compatible with iPhone, some advanced features like on-wrist texting and viewing images from notifications are exclusive to Android users. This might be a drawback for those seeking a fully integrated experience with Apple's ecosystem.

Upgraded Sensor Configuration: Includes 5 LEDs (three green, one red, and one infrared) and 4 photodiodes for improved accuracy in heart rate measurements.
Battery Life: Approximately 5 days on a single charge.
Sleep Coach with Haptic Alerts: Vibrations wake you up at the optimal time based on sleep needs and cycles.

Short review

The WHOOP 4.0 is an good choice for CrossFit athletes in 2024. It offers advanced recovery metrics and 24/7 wearability, making it perfect for those who need to keep a constant eye on their performance. This fitness tracker excels with its in-depth analytics, focusing on aspects like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and overall wellness. Data-driven athletes will find its continuous monitoring of physiological data—such as heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and blood oxygen levels—particularly valuable for optimizing recovery and performance.

The WHOOP app provides personalized, science-backed recommendations by logging daily activities, diet, and stress levels, making it easier to understand and improve recovery metrics. Its unique on-the-go charging ensures you never miss a beat. Additionally, the supportive community of fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes adds an extra layer of motivation and insight, making the WHOOP 4.0 not just a tracker, but a comprehensive tool for achieving peak fitness.

✅ You seek continuous, comprehensive health monitoring - WHOOP 4.0 provides 24/7 tracking of vital health metrics like heart rate, SPO2 levels, skin temperature, and sleep patterns. Its advanced sensors and algorithms make it ideal for those who want a deep, continuous understanding of their overall health and performance, including strain, recovery, and daily activities.

❌ You need a device with a visual display - WHOOP 4.0 lacks a traditional display, which means you can’t view real-time data directly on the device. If immediate feedback and on-device data visualization are crucial for your workouts and daily activities, you might find this feature lacking and prefer a watch with a screen.

Operating System: Wear OS Powered by Samsung
Memory Storage Capacity: 16 GB
Special Feature: Heart Rate, Body Fat, Breathable
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
GPS: Yes (GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo)
Display Technology: Super AMOLED

Short review

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a standout choice for CrossFit enthusiasts in 2024, offering advanced features to enhance your fitness journey. Equipped with a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor, it provides detailed insights into body fat and skeletal muscle, essential for optimizing workouts. Running on Wear OS, it seamlessly synchronizes with Android devices, delivering a comprehensive tracking experience.

Its personalized heart rate zones allow you to tailor your training sessions precisely, while advanced sleep coaching helps improve recovery by analyzing sleep patterns. The watch tracks over 90 exercises, including automatic recognition for activities like running and cycling. Its large, high-quality display and durable Sapphire Crystal glass make it both functional and stylish, capable of enduring intense CrossFit sessions.

Combining holistic health tracking with powerful fitness tools, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is perfect for athletes seeking a versatile and robust fitness solution.

✅ You want automatic exercise detection - The watch’s ability to automatically recognize and record select workouts, including running and cycling, ensures you never miss out on logging your activities. This feature is especially convenient for those who frequently change their routines or for CrossFit athletes who engage in diverse types of exercises

✅You appreciate a customizable design -With the ability to easily switch bands and customize watch faces, this smartwatch caters to both functional needs and personal styles. The ease of switching bands makes it versatile enough to move from intense workout sessions to casual outings or professional settings seamlessly

❌ You rely heavily on non-Samsung devices - The smartwatch performs best within the Samsung ecosystem and might not integrate as seamlessly with non-Samsung devices.

Display Size: 1.3” (33.0 mm) diameter
Display Resolution: 416 x 416 pixels
Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode): Up to 16 days (6 days always-on)
Water Rating: 10 ATM
Connectivity Technologies: Bluetooth®, ANT+®, Wi-Fi®

Short review

The Garmin Epix Gen 2 is a premium active smartwatch designed for CrossFit and diverse training needs in 2024. Featuring a vibrant 1.3” always-on AMOLED display, this smartwatch offers a high-resolution screen that ensures visibility even under bright sunlight. Its multi-sport tracking capabilities include preloaded activity profiles for HIIT, strength training, running, swimming, and more, making it perfect for varied CrossFit workouts.

One of its unique points is its extensive feature set, encompassing health and wellness monitoring, GPS navigation, animated workouts, and Garmin Coach adaptive training plans. The black titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens guarantee durability during intense fitness sessions. With up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, you can train without frequent recharging.

Perfect for high-end performance seekers, the Garmin Epix Gen 2 provides advanced metrics such as VO2 Max, real-time stamina, and recovery time, helping athletes optimize performance. This watch is indispensable for fitness enthusiasts aiming for peak physical condition.

✅ You want a durable smartwatch - Constructed with a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens, this watch is built to withstand tough CrossFit workouts and outdoor adventures. Its rugged design ensures longevity, allowing you to focus more on your performance rather than worrying about damaging your gear.

✅You prefer visual workout instructions -The Epix Gen 2 features animated workouts for cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates directly on the watch screen. These easy-to-follow animations provide clear instructions, making it easier for you to maintain proper form and maximize your workout efficiency.

❌ You are on a tight budget - The Epix Gen 2 comes with a premium price tag that might not be suitable for everyone. If you're looking for a budget-friendly fitness watch, there are more affordable options that still offer essential features for CrossFit training.