The Best Hyrox Watch For Your Next Race: Rated & Reviewed
- Harry Smith
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
Want to improve your next Hyrox race time or take your training to the next level? You might be missing out on a simple yet immensely powerful tool on your wrist! Using a watch for Hyrox racing or training can help you gain the edge by providing real-time performance metrics, precise pacing guidance, and crucial recovery insights tailored to the unique demands of this hybrid sport..
Here is our guide to the best Hyrox watches on the market at the moment. We've highlighted key features, what you need from a Hyrox Watch, how to get the most from your Hyrox Watch and how you can use your Hyrox Watch to improve your training.
Our Top Picks:
The Hyrox Demands: What Your Watch Needs to Handle
Hyrox is a hybrid sport. It's not just running, and it's definitely not just CrossFit. It's a carefully crafted combination of eight functional fitness exercises, each followed by a 1km run. This constant switching between disciplines creates a unique challenge, demanding a watch that can keep up.
Think about it: one moment you're pushing a heavy sled, your heart rate spiking, the next you're trying to maintain a steady pace on the run. Then it's into the SkiErg, requiring a different kind of power output and cardiovascular demand.
This constant fluctuation requires a watch with precise workout tracking. It needs to accurately capture your heart rate during those high-intensity bursts and maintain accuracy during the steady-state running segments. GPS accuracy is paramount for those kilometers, ensuring you're hitting your splits and pacing effectively.
But it's not just about tracking. Hyrox is brutal. Your watch needs to be tough enough to withstand the punishment. We're talking sweat, potential impacts, and maybe even a few scrapes during those burpees or sled pushes. Comfort is also key. You don't want a bulky, uncomfortable device hindering your movement during dynamic exercises.
And then there's the duration. Hyrox races can be long, often lasting well over an hour, and training sessions can be even more extended. Your watch needs the battery life to match, ensuring it doesn't die halfway through your workout or, even worse, during the race itself.
Beyond the workout itself, a good Hyrox watch should be a powerful tool for post-workout analysis and recovery. It should provide insights into your training load, helping you avoid overtraining. It should track your recovery time, ensuring you're adequately rested before your next session. And it should monitor your sleep and stress levels, providing a holistic view of your preparation.
Finally, consider the race day environment. When your heart is pounding, your lungs are burning, and your focus is razor-sharp, you need a Hyrox watch with an easy-to-read display and intuitive controls. Fumbling with buttons or squinting at a tiny screen is the last thing you need.
What to Look For in a Hyrox Watch
So, what exactly should you look for in a watch for Hyrox? Let's break down the essential features:
Advanced Heart Rate Monitoring: Optical heart rate sensors have come a long way, but for the most accurate readings during intense Hyrox workouts, a chest strap is still the gold standard. Consider watches that support both. Understanding your heart rate zones is crucial for effective Hyrox pacing.
Multi-Sport Modes and Custom Profiles: A watch that can seamlessly transition between running, rowing, skiing, and other activities is essential. Even better is a watch that allows you to create a custom "Hyrox" profile, combining all the disciplines into a single workout.
GPS Accuracy and Reliability: Accurate distance tracking is vital for the running segments. Look for watches with multi-band GPS for improved accuracy, especially in challenging environments.
Activity-Specific Metrics (beyond the basics):
Running Dynamics: Cadence, stride length, and vertical oscillation can help you improve your running efficiency for those crucial kilometers.
Power Metrics (Rowing/SkiErg): While not all watches offer direct power measurement for rowing and skiing, some can integrate with external sensors for this data.
Strength Training Tracking: Rep counting and set tracking can be helpful for the strength components of your Hyrox training.
Durability and Materials: Look for watches with sapphire glass for scratch resistance, stainless steel or titanium bezels for added protection, and robust strap materials that can withstand sweat and abrasion.
Battery Life: Consider both "GPS mode" battery life (for workouts) and "smartwatch mode" battery life (for everyday use). You need enough juice to cover your longest training sessions and the race itself.
Smart Features and Connectivity: Notification alerts, music control, and NFC payments can add convenience to your training and race day. Integration with training platforms like Strava and TrainingPeaks is also a plus.
Recovery and Wellness Metrics: VO2 Max estimation, training load tracking, "body battery" or similar energy level monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring are all valuable tools for preventing overtraining and optimizing your recovery.
What watch is best for HYROX?
Here are the top contenders for the best HYROX watch on the market – each a powerhouse of features and durability, proven to excel for athletes pushing their limits in this unique hybrid sport.
The Garmin Fenix Series & Epix Series
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Garmin Epix Pro 2
These represent the pinnacle of Garmin's multisport watch offerings, often setting the benchmark for the industry. The Fenix series is renowned for its ultra-rugged build, featuring robust materials like stainless steel or titanium bezels and often sapphire glass, providing exceptional scratch resistance – a critical factor when dealing with sled pushes or burpee broad jumps.
Their battery life is legendary, capable of lasting weeks in smartwatch mode and days even with continuous GPS tracking, ensuring they'll never quit on you during a long training day or race.
As a Hyrox watch, the Fenix and Epix truly shine with their extensive sport profiles. You can track virtually any activity, from dedicated running and indoor rowing (often integrating with rowers for power data) to weightlifting with rep counting. More importantly, they offer advanced performance metrics like Training Status, Training Load Focus, and Recovery Advisor. These metrics provide a deep dive into how your body is adapting to training, helping you avoid overtraining and ensuring you're primed for peak performance on race day.
The Epix series further enhances this with a vibrant, always-on AMOLED display, making data easier to read at a glance, even in challenging lighting conditions, though often with a slight trade-off in ultimate battery longevity compared to the Fenix's MIP display. Their multi-band GPS offers superior accuracy, crucial for precise distance tracking on the 1km runs, whether indoors on a track or outdoors.
The Garmin Forerunner Series (e.g., Forerunner 965, Forerunner 970)
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin Forerunner 970
While traditionally geared towards runners and triathletes, the higher-end Forerunner models have evolved into formidable multisport watches that are exceptionally well-suited for Hyrox.
The Forerunner 965 boasts a stunning AMOLED display, offering excellent readability and a more dynamic user experience than the Fenix's MIP screen, all while maintaining impressive battery life for its class.
The recently introduced Forerunner 970 further refines this with potential upgrades in lens material, a built-in flashlight, and even ECG capabilities, bringing it closer to the premium feature set of the Fenix/Epix line in a lighter package.
What makes these particularly appealing for Hyrox is their lighter form factor compared to the Fenix, which can feel less cumbersome during dynamic movements. Yet, they retain Garmin's industry-leading GPS accuracy, comprehensive multisport profiles, and the full suite of advanced training and recovery metrics found in their premium counterparts. Features like "Training Readiness," "HRV Status," and "Acute Load" help you understand your body's daily capacity, guiding your training intensity. While slightly less rugged than a Fenix, they are still highly durable and water-resistant enough to handle the rigors of Hyrox.
Coros Pace and Vertix
Coros Pace 3
Coros Vertix 2S
Coros has rapidly carved out a niche as a strong contender, particularly appealing to endurance athletes who value exceptional battery life and reliable data.
The Coros Pace 3 is a marvel of efficiency, offering an incredible feature set for its accessible price point and remarkably lightweight design. It provides precise GPS, optical heart rate monitoring, and a comprehensive suite of running and multisport metrics. Its strength lies in its simplicity of use and a robust focus on training load and recovery analysis through the Coros app, which is intuitive and insightful. While lacking some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it delivers core Hyrox functionality exceptionally well.
For those demanding even more, the Coros Vertix 2 or 2S steps up the game. These are true outdoor adventure watches, boasting insane battery life (often measured in weeks even with significant GPS use), dual-frequency GPS for unparalleled accuracy in challenging environments, and a robust, premium build often featuring titanium and sapphire glass. The Vertix series excels in providing detailed performance data, including running power direct from the wrist, and advanced navigation features. Their larger, more rugged design makes them incredibly durable for intense Hyrox training and races, resisting bumps and scrapes with ease.
Polar Vantage V3 and Polar Grit X2 Pro
Polar Vantage V3
Polar Grit X2 Pro
Polar has long been a pioneer in heart rate monitoring and training load science, and their flagship watches continue this tradition with a strong emphasis on physiological insights and recovery.
The Polar Vantage V3 and Grit X2 Pro feature Polar's cutting-edge Elixir biosensing platform, offering advanced heart rate accuracy and even ECG capabilities for deeper heart health analysis. Their recovery tracking is arguably among the best, with features like Nightly Recharge and Sleep Plus Stages providing granular data on your sleep quality and autonomic nervous system recovery – vital for Hyrox athletes who push their bodies to the limit.
Both models offer robust GPS, comprehensive multisport profiles, and clear AMOLED displays (on the latest versions like V3 and X2 Pro). The Grit X2 Pro, in particular, is designed for rugged outdoor adventures, offering exceptional durability and mapping capabilities, which can be useful for planning outdoor runs in your Hyrox training. Polar's Training Load Pro helps you understand the strain of different types of workouts (cardio, muscle, perceived load), allowing for more intelligent periodization in your Hyrox preparation. While their app ecosystem might feel less sprawling than Garmin's, the quality and depth of their core training and recovery metrics are outstanding.
Apple Watch
Apple Watch Ultra 2
For the Hyrox athlete who also values seamless integration with their digital life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a compelling proposition. It combines the world's most advanced smartwatch features with a surprisingly robust and capable fitness tracker. Its large, bright AMOLED display is a joy to read, even mid-workout, and the customizable "Action Button" can be configured for quick access to your Hyrox workout profile.
The Ultra 2 offers excellent GPS accuracy (including dual-frequency GPS) and surprisingly good heart rate tracking for an optical sensor. It supports a wide array of workout types, and its growing app ecosystem means you can often find third-party apps specifically tailored for Hyrox tracking or advanced data analysis. Its titanium case and sapphire front crystal provide enhanced durability compared to standard Apple Watch models, making it more suitable for the Hyrox environment. While its battery life, though significantly improved over other Apple Watch models, still doesn't match the multi-week endurance of dedicated sports watches like Garmin or Coros, it's more than sufficient for a Hyrox race and daily training with regular charging. Its strong smart features, including calls, messages, and Apple Pay, add a layer of convenience that others can't match.
Choosing your Hyrox timepiece is a deeply personal decision, balancing the technical capabilities with your budget, aesthetic preferences, and how you integrate technology into your overall training philosophy. Each of these watches offers a unique blend of features designed to empower you on your journey to conquer the Hyrox arena.
Check out our feature comparison of all these Hyrox Watches below.
Watch Model | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro / Epix Pro Gen 2 | Garmin Forerunner 965 / 970 | Coros Vertix 2 / 2S | Coros Pace 3 | Polar Vantage V3 / Grit X2 Pro | |
Primary Use Case | Premium Multisport/Adventure | Advanced Running/Multisport | Ultra-Endurance/Adventure | All-Rounder/Running | Data-Driven Recovery/Multisport | Smartwatch/Fitness |
Display Type | MIP / AMOLED (Epix) | AMOLED | MIP | MIP | AMOLED | AMOLED |
Glass Material | Sapphire | Gorilla Glass | Sapphire | Mineral Glass | Gorilla Glass (V3) / Sapphire (X2 Pro) | Sapphire |
Bezel Material | Stainless Steel / Titanium | Polymer / Titanium | Titanium | Fiber Glass | Aluminum / Stainless Steel | Titanium |
GPS Accuracy | Excellent (Multi-Band) | Excellent (Multi-Band) | Excellent (Dual-Frequency) | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent (Dual-Frequency) |
Max GPS Battery (hours) | 57-122+ (Fenix) / 31-42 (Epix) | 23-31+ | 117-140+ | 38 | 61-80+ | 12-36+ |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM | 5 ATM | 10 ATM | 5 ATM | 5 ATM / 10 ATM (X2 Pro) | 100m (10 ATM) |
Advanced HR Metrics | Yes (HRV, Training Readiness) | Yes (HRV, Training Readiness) | Yes (HRV, Training Load) | Yes (HRV, Training Load) | Yes (Nightly Recharge, HRV) | Yes (HRV, Temp, ECG) |
Multi-Sport Profiles | Extensive & Customizable | Extensive & Customizable | Extensive & Customizable | Extensive | Extensive & Customizable | Good (via apps) |
Strength Training Tracking | Yes (Rep Counting) | Yes (Rep Counting) | Yes | Basic | Yes | Yes (via apps) |
Mapping | Full Color Topo Maps | Full Color Topo Maps | Full Color Topo Maps | Basic Breadcrumbs | Full Color Topo Maps | Full Color Topo Maps |
Music Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NFC Payments | Yes (Garmin Pay) | Yes (Garmin Pay) | No | No | No | Yes (Apple Pay) |
Approx. Weight (g) | 53-89 | 53-64 | 77-89 | 30-35 | 52-79 | 61.4 |
Price Tier | Premium | Mid-High | High | Mid | High | Premium |
Here are some watches that stand out as excellent choices for Hyrox athletes:
Garmin Fenix Series / Epix Series: These watches offer a comprehensive suite of features, including detailed sports profiles, exceptional battery life, advanced training metrics (training readiness, stamina, recovery advisor), mapping capabilities, and multi-band GPS. They're built for the most demanding athletes.
Specific features to highlight: Multi-sport profiles, durability, detailed performance metrics, sophisticated recovery insights.
Considerations: Price, potential for being overkill for some.
Coros Pace 3 / Vertix Series: Coros watches offer a fantastic balance of performance and value. They boast strong battery life, accurate GPS, excellent training analysis features, and a lightweight design. They're often more budget-friendly than top-tier Garmins.
Specific features to highlight: Focus on training load and recovery, ease of use, robust build quality for the price.
Considerations: Fewer "smart" features than some competitors.
Polar Vantage Series / Grit X Pro: Polar watches excel in providing in-depth recovery and training load analysis. Features like Nightly Recharge and FuelWise offer valuable insights into your body's response to training. They also have strong heart rate accuracy.
Specific features to highlight: Recovery Pro, Training Load Pro, orthostatic test integration, comprehensive sleep tracking.
Considerations: Interface might be less intuitive for some, app ecosystem might feel smaller.
Apple Watch Ultra: The Apple Watch Ultra offers a compelling blend of advanced fitness tracking and excellent smart features. It has a large, bright display, a robust build for an Apple Watch, and potential for third-party Hyrox apps.
Specific features to highlight: Dual-frequency GPS, Action Button, excellent app ecosystem, seamless integration with iPhone.
Considerations: Battery life still lags behind dedicated GPS watches for multi-day training, relies heavily on iPhone connectivity.
Selected Amazfit or older Garmin models): If you're new to Hyrox or on a tight budget, these watches provide essential tracking features at a lower price point. They're a great way to get started without a major investment.
Specific features to highlight: Basic heart rate, GPS, and activity tracking.
Considerations: Limited advanced metrics, shorter battery life, less robust build.
Hyrox Watch Features
Choosing the right watch goes beyond just comparing features. Here are some other factors to consider:
Budget: Price is a significant factor for most athletes.
Personal Preferences: Do you prefer a large or small display? Buttons or a touchscreen? What about the overall aesthetic?
Existing Ecosystem: Are you already invested in a particular brand's ecosystem (e.g., Garmin Connect, Polar Flow)?
Comfort and Fit: If possible, try on different watches to see how they feel on your wrist.
Your Hyrox Goals: Are you a casual participant or aiming for the pro division? Your goals will influence the level of data and features you need.
How To Set Up Your Watch For Hyrox
Once you've chosen your watch, take the time to learn how to use it effectively. Here are some tips for maximizing its potential for Hyrox:
Customize Activity Profiles: Set up a specific "Hyrox Race" or "Hyrox Training" profile on your watch, tailoring the data fields to your needs.
Use Data for Pacing: Leverage your heart rate zones, power data (if available), and split times to develop a smart race-day strategy.
Leverage Recovery Metrics: Pay close attention to your sleep scores, "body battery," and recovery time to prevent overtraining and ensure optimal adaptation.
Integrate with Training Platforms: Sync your watch data with platforms like Strava or TrainingPeaks for deeper analysis and coaching insights.
Regular Software Updates: Keep your watch firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
Your Hyrox Journey, Enhanced by Technology
The best Hyrox watch isn't just a gadget; it's an investment in your Hyrox journey. It's a tool that empowers you to understand your body better, train smarter, and perform stronger. It provides the data you need to make informed decisions, optimize your pacing, and recover effectively. So, choose wisely, train hard, and embrace the challenge. The arena awaits.
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