Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, tracking your running progress is essential to achieving your fitness goals. GPS running watches are an excellent tool to help you monitor your performance, track your pace, distance, and heart rate, and set new personal records.

GPS running watches are designed to provide you with accurate data on your runs, making it easier to analyze your progress and adjust your training as needed. These watches use advanced GPS technology to track your location and movement, providing you with real-time data on your pace, distance, and elevation.

When shopping for a GPS running watch, it’s essential to consider factors such as battery life, water resistance, and compatibility with your smartphone or other devices. You’ll also want to look for watches that offer features such as heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and customized training plans.

At the end of the day, the right GPS running watch can be a game-changer for your training routine. It can help you stay motivated, set new goals, and achieve your best performance yet. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to choose a watch that fits your needs and preferences.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various GPS running watches to help you find the one that’s right for you. We’ll cover the features you should look for, the pros and cons of different models, and our top picks for the best GPS running watches on the market.

Best GPS Running Watches

We have researched and tested various GPS running watches to bring you the best options available on the market. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, a GPS running watch can help you track your progress and improve your performance. In this roundup, we have selected the top GPS running watches based on their accuracy, features, and overall value. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best GPS running watches.

Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS, Features Glonass and Galileo, Heart Rate Monitoring and 3-Axis Compass, Graphite Instinct Graphite

If you’re in the market for a GPS running watch that can withstand tough environments, then the Garmin Instinct is worth considering.

Pros

• Built to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters)
• Multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) support helps track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
• Monitors estimated heart rate, activity and stress; trains with preloaded activity profiles

Cons

• The display is not as high resolution as some other GPS running watches on the market
• The watch face is relatively large and may not be comfortable for those with smaller wrists
• The battery life in GPS mode is shorter than some other GPS running watches

We’ve found the Garmin Instinct to be a reliable and durable GPS running watch. The watch is built to withstand tough environments, making it ideal for outdoor running. The multiple global navigation satellite systems support helps to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone, which is a great feature for trail runners. The watch also monitors estimated heart rate, activity, and stress, which is useful for tracking fitness progress.

One potential downside to the Garmin Instinct is that the display is not as high resolution as some other GPS running watches on the market. The watch face is also relatively large, which may not be comfortable for those with smaller wrists. Additionally, the battery life in GPS mode is shorter than some other GPS running watches, so if you’re planning on using the watch for long runs, you may need to recharge it more frequently.

Overall, we would recommend the Garmin Instinct for runners who are looking for a durable GPS running watch that can withstand tough environments. The multiple global navigation satellite systems support and heart rate monitoring make it a great choice for trail runners and fitness enthusiasts alike.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4 40mm Smartwatch

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that doubles as a fitness tracker, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a great option. With its advanced features, you can easily track your daily workouts, monitor your heart rate, and even analyze your body composition.

Pros

• The Galaxy Watch 4 is the first smartwatch to offer body composition data right on your wrist. You can get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate, and Body Mass Index.
• Advanced sleep tracking allows you to monitor your sleep and SpO2 levels continuously. Wake up feeling refreshed and recharged.
• Accurate ECG monitoring allows you to take care of your heart and keep an eye on possible atrial fibrillation. Share personalized readings with your doctor using the Samsung Health Monitor app on your compatible Galaxy phone.

Cons

• The battery life is not great. It lasts less than a day if you use it moderately.
• The Galaxy Watch 4 is quite expensive compared to other smartwatches on the market.
• The screen is quite small, which can make it difficult to read text and view images.

The Galaxy Watch 4 is a great option for anyone who wants a smartwatch that doubles as a fitness tracker. With its advanced features and accurate monitoring, you can easily track your daily workouts, monitor your heart rate, and analyze your body composition. While the battery life is not great and the watch is quite expensive, the benefits of the Galaxy Watch 4 make it a worthwhile investment.

Fitpolo Fitness Tracker

If you’re looking for an affordable GPS running watch, the Fitpolo Fitness Tracker is worth considering.

Pros

• The 1.8-inch TFT-LCD full touchscreen is a great breakthrough in button touch fitness watches, making it easy to navigate.
• The watch is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, so you can receive alerts of calendar, SMS, incoming calls and SNS on the watch.
• The Fitpolo Fitness Tracker offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, which can help you adjust your lifestyle for better health.

Cons

• The watch only supports 9 sport modes, which may not be enough for some users.
• The watch may not be as durable as some higher-end GPS running watches.
• The watch may not have as many features as some higher-end GPS running watches.

We’ve been using the Fitpolo Fitness Tracker for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its features and performance. The watch is easy to use and navigate, thanks to its full touchscreen. It’s also compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, so you can receive alerts and notifications on your wrist.

The heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking features are also useful for those looking to improve their health. The watch is also IP68 waterproof, so you can swim with it without worry.

However, the watch only supports 9 sport modes, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the watch may not be as durable as some higher-end GPS running watches. Lastly, the watch may not have as many features as some higher-end GPS running watches.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable GPS running watch with some useful features, the Fitpolo Fitness Tracker is worth considering.

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch

This GPS running watch is a great investment for anyone looking to take their training to the next level.

Pros

• The AMOLED touchscreen display is bright and easy to read, with traditional button controls for added convenience.
• With up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, you won’t have to worry about constantly charging your watch.
• The training readiness feature helps you determine when you’re primed for a productive session, so you can crush your goals.

Cons

• The watch is quite expensive, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
• The music app can be difficult to use and download music.
• Some users have reported issues with the heart rate monitor, which can be inaccurate compared to a chest strap.

We highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch for anyone serious about their training. The colorful AMOLED touchscreen display is a standout feature, and the training readiness feature is incredibly helpful for determining when to push yourself and when to take it easy.

The watch is also incredibly versatile, with over 30 built-in activity profiles including running, triathlons, cycling, and open-water swimming. And with multi-band GPS and wrist-based running power, you’ll get a more complete picture of your training than ever before.

One potential downside is the price – the watch is quite expensive compared to some other GPS running watches on the market. However, we believe that the features and functionality make it well worth the investment.

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their training to the next level.

Conclusion

It’s clear that these devices are indispensable tools for individuals serious about their fitness goals. From seasoned athletes to beginners embarking on their fitness journey, GPS running watches offer a wealth of features designed to enhance performance and track progress effectively.

Whether it’s the rugged reliability of the Garmin Instinct, the advanced capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, or the affordability of the Fitpolo Fitness Tracker, there’s a GPS running watch to suit every need and budget. These devices provide users with real-time data on pace, distance, heart rate, and more, empowering them to optimize their training and achieve their fitness goals.

In conclusion, investing in a GPS running watch is a smart decision for anyone looking to take their running or fitness routine to the next level. With the right watch on your wrist, you’ll have the tools you need to track your progress, stay motivated, and ultimately, reach new heights in your fitness journey.