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10 Best Triathlon Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,368
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
166 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life holds up well with normal use, lasting around 16 to 18 hours and fully recharging in less than two hours, which supports daily tracking and quick turnarounds.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Health tracking features, including heart rate and sleep monitoring, are noticeably improved and work seamlessly with the phone's health ecosystem.
Connectivity
The device connects effortlessly to the phone, updates smoothly, and delivers great value for its price point.

The Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm GPS) is a solid choice for those interested in a versatile multisport smartwatch, including triathletes who want a reliable fitness partner. It offers good battery life with about 18 hours of use and fast charging, which is convenient for daily tracking and quick turnarounds between workouts. Its GPS capabilities include support for multiple satellite systems (L1 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS), which helps with accurate location tracking during swims, bikes, and runs. The heart rate sensor is advanced, providing high and low heart rate alerts and irregular rhythm notifications, contributing to safety during intense training. While it tracks a variety of workouts and offers an always-on display for easy data viewing, it does not have a specialized multisport mode that automatically switches between activities, which some dedicated triathlon watches provide.

Water resistance is suitable for swimming, but it’s not designed for deep-water or prolonged submersion activities. Durability is enhanced with crack-resistant Ion-X glass and an aluminum case, making it fairly sturdy for everyday use. Its connectivity options (Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi) keep you connected with your iPhone for calls, messages, and music, but cellular connectivity requires a higher-tier model.

The Apple Watch SE 3 effectively combines fitness tracking with smart features, though triathletes seeking more specialized, rugged devices with longer battery life might find it somewhat limited.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,368
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
166 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life holds up well with normal use, lasting around 16 to 18 hours and fully recharging in less than two hours, which supports daily tracking and quick turnarounds.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Health tracking features, including heart rate and sleep monitoring, are noticeably improved and work seamlessly with the phone's health ecosystem.
Connectivity
The device connects effortlessly to the phone, updates smoothly, and delivers great value for its price point.
#2

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
166 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life reliably supports about 16 to 18 hours of typical use, with a full charge achieved in under two hours, making it suitable for most training days.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Health tracking features, including heart rate and sleep monitoring, have noticeably improved in accuracy and responsiveness compared to earlier models.
Connectivity
The watch pairs seamlessly with iPhones, offering smooth app transitions, easy updates, and versatile notification management.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is a solid choice for triathletes who want a smartwatch that covers most essential needs without overwhelming complexity. Its battery life offers about 18 hours of use, which should get you through most training days but might require charging before longer events. The watch is water resistant, making it suitable for swimming and transitions in triathlons. It features built-in GPS with multiple satellite systems (L1 GPS, Galileo, QZSS) that provide good location accuracy for running and cycling routes.

Heart rate monitoring is reliable with a second-generation optical sensor and supports alerts for unusual heart rates, which is helpful for tracking your fitness and health. It also supports multisport workouts, though it may not have advanced triathlon-specific data fields that dedicated triathlon watches offer. The always-on display helps you check your stats easily during activities without raising your wrist. In terms of durability, the aluminum case and crack-resistant front glass offer reasonable protection for everyday and sports use, but this watch may not be as rugged as some specialized triathlon models built for extreme conditions.

Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and seamless integration with iPhone, allowing you to stay connected for notifications, music, and calls during workouts. The Apple Watch SE 3 is well suited for triathletes seeking a versatile, user-friendly fitness watch with good health tracking and smart features. However, athletes looking for longer battery life or more specialized triathlon metrics might find it somewhat limited.

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
166 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life reliably supports about 16 to 18 hours of typical use, with a full charge achieved in under two hours, making it suitable for most training days.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Health tracking features, including heart rate and sleep monitoring, have noticeably improved in accuracy and responsiveness compared to earlier models.
Connectivity
The watch pairs seamlessly with iPhones, offering smooth app transitions, easy updates, and versatile notification management.
#3

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
166 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports a full day with typical use, and a full charge takes less than two hours.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Upgraded heart rate and sleep tracking provide more accurate and comprehensive health monitoring than previous models.
Connectivity
Seamless integration with iOS ensures all calls, texts, and notifications come through reliably.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is a versatile smartwatch that offers solid features for fitness enthusiasts, including those interested in triathlon training. Its battery life supports about 18 hours of typical use, which should get you through a full day but may require daily charging if used heavily. The watch includes built-in GPS with support for multiple satellite systems (L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, QZSS), providing reliable location tracking for outdoor activities like running and cycling. Heart rate monitoring is well-covered with notifications for high, low, or irregular rhythms, and the second-generation optical sensor improves accuracy during workouts.

Multisport modes are available through the Workout app, which tracks various exercises and provides real-time metrics, although it’s more general than some specialized triathlon watches that automatically switch between swimming, cycling, and running segments. Water resistance is included, making it suitable for swimming, but Apple doesn’t specify a dive rating, so it’s best for surface swims rather than deep water. The watch is built with durable materials including crack-resistant glass and an aluminum case, good for active use but less rugged than some dedicated triathlon models designed for rough conditions.

Connectivity is excellent with fast Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and LTE options, allowing you to stay connected without your phone nearby. Features like the always-on display and fast charging add convenience for daily wear and quick power-ups. While the Apple Watch SE 3 excels at fitness tracking and smartwatch functions, triathletes looking for advanced multisport transitions and longer battery life during extended races might want to consider specialized triathlon watches. It remains a strong choice for those who want a capable, stylish smartwatch that supports a broad range of health and fitness tracking with seamless iPhone integration.

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
166 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life comfortably supports a full day with typical use, and a full charge takes less than two hours.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Upgraded heart rate and sleep tracking provide more accurate and comprehensive health monitoring than previous models.
Connectivity
Seamless integration with iOS ensures all calls, texts, and notifications come through reliably.

Buying Guide for the Best Triathlon Watches

Choosing the right triathlon watch can significantly enhance your training and performance. A triathlon watch is designed to support you through swimming, cycling, and running, providing valuable data and insights to help you improve. When selecting a triathlon watch, it's important to consider various specifications that align with your training needs and goals. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to choose the best fit for you.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the watch can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for triathletes who may be training or competing for extended periods. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days. If you participate in long-distance events like Ironman, look for a watch with a longer battery life, ideally over 20 hours in GPS mode. For shorter events or daily training, a watch with 10-15 hours of battery life may suffice.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the watch can withstand water exposure. This is essential for swimming segments of a triathlon. Watches typically have water resistance ratings measured in meters. A rating of 50 meters is generally sufficient for swimming, but if you plan to dive or swim in deeper waters, consider a watch with a 100-meter rating or more. Ensure the watch is specifically designed for swimming to avoid any damage.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy determines how precisely the watch can track your location and distance. This is important for monitoring your performance in cycling and running. GPS accuracy can vary based on the watch's technology and the environment. Look for watches with multi-satellite support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for better accuracy. If you train in urban areas or dense forests, a watch with advanced GPS features will provide more reliable data.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring tracks your heart rate during activities, helping you manage your effort and optimize training. Watches can have wrist-based sensors or require a chest strap for more accurate readings. If you prefer convenience, a wrist-based monitor is suitable, but for more precise data, especially during intense workouts, a chest strap is recommended. Choose based on your training intensity and need for accuracy.
Multisport ModeMultisport mode allows you to switch between different sports (swimming, cycling, running) seamlessly during a triathlon. This feature is important for tracking your performance across all segments without manually changing settings. Ensure the watch has an easy-to-use multisport mode that can be customized to your specific training and race needs. This will save time and provide comprehensive data for analysis.
DurabilityDurability refers to the watch's ability to withstand tough conditions and regular use. Triathlons can be demanding, so a durable watch is essential. Look for watches with robust materials like stainless steel or reinforced plastic, and features like scratch-resistant screens. If you train in harsh environments or have a rigorous training schedule, prioritize durability to ensure your watch lasts longer and performs reliably.
ConnectivityConnectivity options, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allow the watch to sync with other devices and apps for data transfer and analysis. This is useful for tracking progress, setting goals, and sharing results. If you use training apps or like to review your performance data on a computer or smartphone, choose a watch with strong connectivity features. This will enhance your training experience and provide more insights.

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