RunMaya, lead editor
Former 400 m runner turned marathoner. Runs the track tests and writes most of our sensor guides.
About · our testers
The People Who Sweat-Test Every Watch
No lab coats. Just eight everyday athletes with day jobs, early alarms and training plans, wearing two watches at a time so you don't have to buy both.
Run
SwimTom, swim tester
Masters swimmer and open-water regular. Counts lengths by hand to check every watch.
LiftPriya, strength tester
Powerlifter and physiotherapy student. Our toughest critic of wrist heart rate under load.
HikeGareth, trail tester
Long-distance walker who has hiked the Pennine Way twice. Lives for battery tests.
How we stay independent
We buy most watches at retail price. When a brand lends us a unit, we say so in the review and return it after testing. No manufacturer sees our verdict before it's published, and no one can pay to appear on our board. If we ever add affiliate links, they'll be clearly labelled and will never change our ranking.
How we test
Each watch gets at least six weeks of real training, worn alongside a rival and a Polar H10 chest strap. We check distance on a certified track and measured loops, count pool lengths by hand, and keep a simple diary: was it readable, was it comfortable, did it help? Then we sit down together and argue until we agree.
Want to suggest a watch for our next round? Write to the coaching desk.