Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, hiker or swimmer, a smartwatch with built-in GPS can take your training to the next level. GPS watches allow you to accurately track your outdoor activities without needing to bring your phone.
They record key metrics like distance, pace, speed and elevation gain. Many also offer advanced training features like suggested workouts, recovery tracking and performance measurements.
With so many GPS sport watches now available from brands like Garmin, Apple, Fitbit and more, it can be tough to decide which is right for you.
To help, I’ve tested and reviewed the top smartwatches with GPS to highlight the best options for every sport and budget. Read on for my picks for the overall best GPS sport watch along with top choices for runners, triathletes, cyclists, golfers and outdoor adventurers.
The 8 Best Smartwatches with GPS
Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 955
With its bright screen, long battery life and plethora of training features, the Garmin Forerunner 955 is the best GPS sports watch for serious athletes. It provides extremely accurate tracking for running and cycling along with advanced metrics like VO2 max, training load focus and race predictor. The watch also offers excellent smartwatch capabilities like phone notifications, on-board music storage and Garmin Pay contactless payments.
For runners specifically, it includes features like PacePro which offers stride-by-stride guidance for hitting your target pace. It also gives you detailed insights into your training status, recovery time, sleep quality and more to help optimize your performance. With up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or up to 42 hours in GPS mode, it’s built to last through your most grueling workouts and races. If you’re looking for the ultimate GPS running watch, the Forerunner 955 should top your list.
Best for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 255
For runners looking for an accurate and affordable GPS running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 255 hits the sweet spot. It provides detailed running metrics like pace, distance, cadence and stride length along with advanced features like race predictor and VO2 max estimation.
The Forerunner 255 also offers handy safety and monitoring tools like incident detection, which sends your location to emergency contacts if you take a bad fall.
With up to 14 hours of GPS battery life, it holds up well for long runs and marathons. And it offers smartwatch capabilities like phone notifications, Garmin Pay and the ability to download music for phone-free running.
Overall, this smartwatch for running gives runners all the key metrics and features you need in a slim and lightweight design. It’s the best GPS watch for runners who want great tracking without paying a premium.
Best for Cyclists: Wahoo Elemnt Rival
Serious cyclists will love the Wahoo Elemnt Rival for its ability to pair seamlessly with sensors to give you all the data you need for training and races.
It integrates with power meters, speed sensors, cadence sensors and heart rate monitors to provide comprehensive insights into your cycling performance. The watch also offers turn-by-turn navigation to guide you on new routes.
Additional cycling-specific features include Cliplaps, which lets you automatically track laps at predefined points, and integrated Strava Live Segments for monitoring your progress on popular routes in real-time.
With up to 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode, it has incredible staying power. And the bright, color screen is easy to see in sunlight. For cyclists who want a GPS watch tailored specifically for riding, the Wahoo Elemnt Rival is the clear choice.
Best Battery Life: Garmin Fenix 7X Solar
For athletes who need ultra-long battery life for endurance challenges, the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar is the clear choice. It can last up to 5 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 73 hours in GPS mode.
The solar charging lens allows you to extend battery life even further by capturing the sun’s energy during outdoor workouts.
In addition to phenomenal battery life, the Fenix 7X Solar provides ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer and compass) plus robust outdoor recreation apps for climbing, hiking, skiing and more.
It also offers topo maps, trail running Vo2 max, pace guidance and advanced training tools. The rugged, durable build holds up to the most demanding adventures. For extreme endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers and expeditioners, the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar is unbeatable.
Best Battery Life Runner-Up: Coros Vertix 2
For runners and adventurers seeking an alternative to Garmin, the Coros Vertix 2 provides exceptional battery life at a slightly lower price point.
It lasts up to 140 hours in full GPS mode and can extend up to 60 days with additional power management options. The Vertix 2 offers advanced running metrics like VO2 max, training load, recovery time and race predictor to help optimize your performance.
Built rugged, it’s ideal for ultrarunners and trail runners with features like track back routing and navigational SOS.
The Coros Vertix 2 gives you an amazing blend of long battery life, robust training features and outdoor navigation at a reasonable price. It’s a compelling choice for endurance athletes seeking relief from constant charging.
Best for Golfers: Garmin Approach S62
Packed with over 42,000 pre-loaded golf courses and precise shot tracking, the Garmin Approach S62 is a golf lover’s dream.
It provides exact yardages to greens, hazards and doglegs for each hole to help you strategize your shots. You can also track and analyze each shot, checking distance, accuracy, location and club used. Additional handy features include a virtual caddie for advice on each hole, AutoShot round analyzer and a drag-and-drop scorecard.
With a premium titanium bezel and leather band, the Approach S62 even looks like a high-end timepiece when off the course.
The vibrant color touchscreen is easy to use and see in sunlight. For golfers seeking the ultimate golfing companion, the Garmin Approach S62 is unmatched.
Best Smartwatch Hybrid: Garmin Venu 2 Plus
For athletes seeking a robust smartwatch with GPS capability, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a great choice. With its bright AMOLED display and sleek stainless steel bezel, it looks like an Apple Watch or Fitbit Versa.
But it offers much more robust GPS tracking and training features tailored for sports like running, biking, swimming and golf.
The Venu 2 Plus provides typical smartwatch functions like app notifications, contactless payments and voice assistance along with downloadable music storage.
But it also gives you advanced metrics for your workouts like VO2 max, training status/load, heart rate variability and more. The Venu 2 Plus artfully balances capable GPS sport tracking with an attractive smartwatch design.
How to Choose the Right GPS Sports Watch
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which GPS sports watch fits your needs and budget. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a GPS watch for running, cycling, golf and more:
Sports Tracking
Think about which sports you want to track and look for a watch that offers activity profiles, metrics and data relevant for those sports. Most track running and cycling, but features like open water swim tracking, climbPro for climbing, and ski profiles are less common.
Battery Life
Battery life varies widely amongst GPS watches from 10 hours to over 100 hours. Consider your training volume and scope to choose reasonable battery life. Plans for ultramarathons and backcountry adventures call for maximum battery, while an hour run or ride daily may only require 10-15 hours.
Accuracy
The best GPS watches offer accuracy within a few meters to precisely track distance, pace, speed and elevation data. Look for watches that leverage multi-satellite systems for improved accuracy in challenging conditions.
Training Features
Top GPS watches provide training-specific features like VO2 max estimate, training status/load, recovery advisor, race predictor and more. Choose a watch with advanced metrics relevant to your goals.
Smartwatch Capabilities
Many leading GPS watches also offer smartwatch features like phone notifications, contactless payments and music storage. Decide if you want just GPS tracking or a multifunctional hybrid.
Display Quality
Opt for a watch with a display that’s readable in all light conditions and from multiple angles. Color touchscreens offer greater visibility for data and menus.
Durability
Leading GPS sport watches have durable materials like metal or high-grade polymer bezels to withstand rugged use. Look for water, shock and scratch resistance minimums based on your sport’s environment.
Data Ecosystem
Pick a watch that integrates smoothly with the platforms you use for aggregating and analyzing data, like Strava, TrainingPeaks, Apple Health, etc.
Price
GPS watch prices span from $200 to $1,000+. Determine how much you’re willing to spend for the features that best match your goals and training habits.
Summing up
My picks offer the best combination of accuracy, features, usability, durability, value and ecosystem based on my extensive hands-on testing. I’m confident they provide the capabilities serious athletes need to track performance and reach new levels. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or competing to podium, using a GPS sports watch gives you the data to improve.
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