Half marathon training is no easy feat. It’s taxing on your joints, requires proper nutrition, and the right gear. I’m used to tracking my runs on a workout app, but when I decided to train for my first half marathon, I knew that wasn’t going to cut it.
As runs get longer, whipping my phone out from a running belt is a hassle when constantly checking pace and the route. Plus, after learning about the benefits of Zone 2 cardio training, I wanted a piece of tech that could tell me exactly how hard my heart was working. I knew it was time for a fitness tracker.
As a WH editor, I’ve gotten to try out a handful of running watches, ranging in price anywhere from $100 to $600. One model especially stood out to me for its budget price tag, intuitive user experience, and high-quality features: the Amazfit Active 2. After running over 100 miles with it in two months, here’s why the Active 2 made me put my watch four times the price in a drawer and never turn back.
Amazfit Amazfit Active 2 Smart Watch
| Size | 44 mm |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 10 days |
| Stats Tracked | Heart rate, sleep, steps, calories |
| Water-Resistant | Yes |
| Activities | 160+ |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
How The Amazfit Active 2 Performed
Throughout my half marathon training, my Active 2 accompanied me on an eight-, 10-, 12-, and finally, the big 13.1-mile run. I never once had to worry about a hiccup with battery life or stats tracking, and I came to anticipate the friendly buzz I got from the watch as I completed another mile.
Having all my stats displayed in the moment was super helpful as a reminder to slow down and pace myself on easy runs, but the data it stored (and then promptly uploaded to Strava) helped me adapt my training, set goals, and make sure I was staying on track. When it came time for race day, I hit go on my watch with full confidence that it would track my miles without a problem.
SHOP THE AMAZFIT ACTIVE 2
How It Works: It’s super user-friendly.
The biggest reason I made the switch to the AmazFit Active 2 is that it’s intuitive to learn and much simpler to use than other running watches I’ve tried. Plus, it has a sleek touchscreen like Garmin and Fitbit.
There are only two buttons on it compared to four or five on other watches I’ve tested, leading to a lot less confusion. To start an activity (over 160 activities to choose from!), all you have to do is hit the lower button, select the kind of workout you’d like to track, and hit go. The top button pauses and resumes an activity while also pulling up other options on the screen (like stop and navigation) for when you need them. The main display screen is also customizable, so you can go with a design that is easiest for you and prioritizes the data you want to see.
SHOP THE AMAZFIT ACTIVE 2
Features: It does everything a premium watch can do.
The AmazFit Active 2 tracks all the stats you’d expect from a more premium watch. It accurately tracks pace and mileage, heart rate, and sleep data (BTW, it’s comfortable to sleep in). You can also link to third-party apps like Strava for auto-uploading (because Strava or it didn’t happen!) and maps for GPS directions for navigation back to your starting point on a run. To see all your data, download the Zepp app on your smartphone.
There’s an app library where you can find shortcuts to things like a stop watch, music connectivity, the weather (the last thing you want on a run is to get caught in a storm), and a specialized AI run coach plan to generate training plans for upcoming races. Text notifications and calls also pop up on the screen for easy viewing while gliding through the streets, but you can also easily find them in the notification center by dragging down from the top. It truly works like a phone, and it’s the only watch I haven’t had to turn to the user’s manual for.
SHOP THE AMAZFIT ACTIVE 2
Battery life: It can last up to 10 days.
For the two months I’ve been wearing the Active 2, I have rarely had to charge it. This could partly be because I’m not someone who wears a fitness watch 24/7 (though AmazFit makes a leather strap that could go with your day-to-day attire), so I wasn’t putting too much demand on the battery outside of my workout hours. But, even with near-daily workout tracking, the battery rarely dipped below 50 percent before I decided to plug it in again—it charged right up in under an hour. AmazFit says the battery can last up to ten days, and they’re not lying. Even on two-hour runs, I barely notice a dent in the charge.
SHOP THE AMAZFIT ACTIVE 2
What’s Tricky About The Watch
The most challenging thing about the watch is the strap, which folds inside the other band instead of fastening on top like most watches. It has a sleeker look, but it makes it hard to adjust your watch to the perfect length, which actually matters quite a bit if you’re using it on a run or during a workout.
You need to leave a little bit of room when tightening the silicone strap so that you can fold it back under, but that requires some guesswork. There were definitely a few runs where my band felt too loose or too tight, which required some more adjusting.
SHOP THE AMAZFIT ACTIVE 2
Final Verdict: The AmazFit Active 2 Is Definitely Worth A Try
Let’s face it: Running watches can get really expensive. At this price point, the Active 2 should be a serious contender, especially for anyone new to fitness trackers. It was exactly what I needed to train for my first half marathon. But with all the features it offers, I’m confident it will be critical in training as I take on my first marathon too.
Amazfit Amazfit Active 2 Smart Watch
| Size | 44 mm |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 10 days |
| Stats Tracked | Heart rate, sleep, steps, calories |
| Water-Resistant | Yes |
| Activities | 160+ |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
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Olivia Luppino is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. She spends most of her time interviewing expert sources about the latest fitness trends, nutrition tips, and practical advice for living a healthier life. Olivia previously wrote for New York Magazine’s The Cut, PS (formerly POPSUGAR), and Salon, where she also did on-camera interviews with celebrity guests. She’s currently training for the New York City marathon.
