Running GPS Watch vs Heart Rate Monitor: Which Should Beginners Buy First?

The Runner’s Gear Dilemma

Running watch vs heart rate monitor comparison hero image

When you’re just starting to run, the sheer number of gear choices can be overwhelming. GPS running watches, chest heart rate straps, optical heart rate monitors, basic sports watches… the question beginners with a limited budget ask most often is: “Which one should I buy first?” This article will help you sort it out.

First, Understand: What Data Do You Actually Need?

Different devices provide different data, so first think clearly about your needs:

Data	Purpose	Which Device?
Distance and pace	Know how far and how fast you’ve run	GPS watch
Real-time heart rate	Control training intensity	Heart rate monitor/chest strap
Cadence	Improve running efficiency	Most GPS running watches
Route tracking	Analyze your running routes	GPS watch
Heart rate variability (HRV)	Monitor recovery status	Advanced smartwatches

Advantages of GPS Running Watches and Who They Suit

Main Features of GPS Running Watches

Real-time display of distance, pace, and time
GPS route tracking (viewable on Google Maps)
Cadence detection (most models)
Optical heart rate (most models, moderate accuracy)
Training analysis (advanced models)

Runners Who Should Choose a GPS Running Watch

Goal-oriented: You have specific pace or distance targets
Race-focused: You need precise per-kilometer split pacing
Route explorers: You enjoy recording the routes you’ve run
Data analysts: You enjoy reviewing your training data afterward

Popular GPS Running Watches in Taiwan

Entry level (NT$3,000-6,000):

Brand/Model	Battery Life	Key Features
Garmin Forerunner 55	20 hours	Lightweight, training suggestions feature
COROS PACE 3	38 hours	Excellent value, extra-long battery life
Polar Pacer	35 hours	Excellent heart rate analysis

Mid-range (NT$6,000-12,000):

Brand/Model	Battery Life	Key Features
Garmin Forerunner 265	24 hours	AMOLED screen, training load analysis
COROS APEX 2	75 hours	Extra-long battery life, great for trail running
Apple Watch Series 9	18 hours	Multi-functional, best iOS integration

Types of Heart Rate Monitoring Devices

Type 1: Chest Heart Rate Straps (Most Accurate)

Devices like the Garmin HRM-Run and Polar H10 detect the heart’s electrical signals via electrode pads (the same principle as an ECG).

Advantages:

Highest accuracy (close to medical-grade ECG)
Can provide advanced running metrics like cadence and vertical oscillation (HRM-Run model)
Compatible with any GPS watch (ANT+ or Bluetooth connection)

Disadvantages:

Inconvenient to wear (must be strapped around the chest)
Electrode pads need to be moistened to work properly
May slip during intense movement

Taiwan price: NT$1,500-3,500

Type 2: Wrist-Based Optical Heart Rate (Convenient, Moderate Accuracy)

Most mid-to-high-end GPS running watches have a built-in optical heart rate sensor (OHR) that detects blood flow changes beneath the skin of the wrist.

Advantages: No extra device needed, convenient
Disadvantages: Larger margin of error during high-intensity exercise, especially with significant arm movement while running

Type 3: Armband Heart Rate Sensors

Devices like the Polar Verity Sense and Wahoo TICKR FIT clip onto the upper arm, offering accuracy between chest straps and wrist-based monitors.

Advantages: More accurate than wrist-based, more convenient than chest straps
Taiwan price: NT$2,000-3,500

A Decision Tree for Beginners

Scenario 1: “I just want to know how far I’ve run”

→ Buy an entry-level GPS running watch first (Garmin Forerunner 55 or COROS PACE 3)
→ Both models include optical heart rate, which is more than enough functionality for a beginner

→ Buy a chest heart rate strap + a free heart rate monitoring app first
→ Chest straps offer the highest accuracy and can be paired with a phone app, so you don’t necessarily need a GPS watch right away

Scenario 3: “My budget is under NT$3,000”

→ Use your phone (free GPS app) + a heart rate strap first
→ Adidas Running, Nike Run Club, and the Garmin Connect app all offer free GPS tracking
→ Save up and upgrade to a GPS watch later

Scenario 4: “I already have an Apple Watch/Samsung Galaxy Watch”

→ Use what you already have for now — no need to buy anything else immediately
→ The running features on modern smartwatches are already sufficient for beginners
→ Once you start training seriously, consider upgrading to a dedicated running GPS watch

Feature Comparison: Which Features Actually Matter?

Features beginners use most (make sure your device has these):

GPS distance tracking
Real-time pace display
Stopwatch/timer
Heart rate (optical is fine)

Useful mid-level features:

Cadence display
Training plans (e.g., Garmin’s Coach feature)
Post-workout analysis (VO2max estimation)

Advanced features (beginners don’t need these yet):

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis
Running power
Terrain navigation
Sleep tracking (smartwatches only)

Purchase Priority Recommendation

Clear recommendation: beginners should buy a GPS running watch first — there’s no need to buy a separate heart rate strap.

Reasons:

Distance and pace are the most important training data for beginners
Entry-level GPS running watches already have built-in optical heart rate, which is accurate enough for beginners
Chest straps are better suited to advanced runners who need more precise heart rate training data

Suggested budget allocation:

NT$5,000-6,000: COROS PACE 3 (top value pick)
NT$7,000-9,000: Garmin Forerunner 255
NT$10,000+: Garmin Forerunner 265 or Polar Vantage V3

Conclusion

Gear is a tool — training is what actually matters. The most important thing for beginners is to “start running,” not to own the best equipment. An NT$5,000 entry-level GPS running watch paired with a serious training plan is far more effective than an NT$20,000 top-tier watch paired with irregular training. Choose equipment that fits your budget and has functionality that’s good enough, and put the money you save into a good pair of running shoes — that’s the investment that’s truly worth making.