Best smartwatches for cycling 2024: how to choose the right wearable for your riding

The best smartwatches can be used to track all of your exercise and recovery as well as offering a host of other functions

Image shows a rider using a wearable device.
(Image credit: Future)

The continued evolution of the smartwatch means that, today, they can match many of the features found in the best cycling computers. And while they may lack the convenience of a head unit when it comes to navigating a route on two-wheels, they make up for it with their ability to track and record your activities, record your heart rate, monitor your sleep and suggest recovery times. It’s like having a coach on your wrist.

In a similar fashion to bike computers, the best smartwatches can be paired with training peripherals such as power meters and heart rate monitors , which allows for full data recording and analysis. The decision to opt for a smartwatch over a computer may then come down to whether you want to reap the benefits of 24-hour monitoring.

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.