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10 Best Gps 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 (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,172
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
14359 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is a notable downside, often struggling to last more than a day with regular use, particularly with extensive fitness and heart tracking.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The watch's heart health tracking is impressive, continuously monitoring heart rate and sending alerts for unusual heart rates.
Connectivity
Users appreciate the seamless connectivity with iPhones, allowing them to see texts, accept or decline calls, and check notifications without pulling out their phones.
Activity Tracking
Fitness tracking is comprehensive, covering workouts like running, cycling, swimming, and more, and integrating well with Apple Fitness+ for guided workouts.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a robust feature set for a GPS watch, making it a versatile companion for fitness and daily use. Its built-in GPS ensures good accuracy for outdoor activities such as running and cycling. The battery life might not be the longest in its category, typically lasting up to 18 hours with regular use, which means frequent charging could be necessary for heavy users or multi-day tracking. Durability is a strong point, with 50m water resistance making it swim-proof and capable of withstanding various environments.

The heart rate monitoring is precise, providing valuable health insights and notifications for irregular heart rhythms or unusual heart rates. Connectivity is seamless with iPhones and other Apple devices, thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, although it may be less convenient for Android users. Its user interface, powered by watchOS, is intuitive and user-friendly, with customizable watch faces and a responsive touch screen. Activity tracking is comprehensive, covering a wide range of workouts and daily activities, and it integrates well with the Apple Fitness+ service for more detailed insights and guided workouts.

Mapping and navigation features are present, but they are more limited compared to some specialized outdoor-focused GPS watches. However, it supports essential navigation tasks for urban use. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) excels in providing a balanced mix of fitness, health tracking, and smart features, making it ideal for users who are integrated into the Apple ecosystem and seeking a reliable, all-around GPS watch.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,172
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity

Most important from
14359 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is a notable downside, often struggling to last more than a day with regular use, particularly with extensive fitness and heart tracking.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The watch's heart health tracking is impressive, continuously monitoring heart rate and sending alerts for unusual heart rates.
Connectivity
Users appreciate the seamless connectivity with iPhones, allowing them to see texts, accept or decline calls, and check notifications without pulling out their phones.
Activity Tracking
Fitness tracking is comprehensive, covering workouts like running, cycling, swimming, and more, and integrating well with Apple Fitness+ for guided workouts.
#2

Garmin fēnix® 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED, Sapphire, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Long-Lasting Battery Life, Dive-Rated, Built-in LED Flashlight, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Pebble Gray Band

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Durability
User Interface

Most important from
1489 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is truly remarkable, lasting over 30 days without activities or Bluetooth, making it perfect for long-term use without frequent charging.
Durability
The 51mm size strikes a great balance between ruggedness and wearability; it looks tough but becomes comfortable after just a few hours of use.
User Interface
Learning to use the Garmin ecosystem unlocks its full potential, making it a standout choice for athletes who want detailed workout tracking without daily recharging.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a robust multisport GPS watch designed for athletes and outdoor adventurers who need reliable performance and durability. Its 1.4-inch bright AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens ensures clear visibility even in tough environments. The titanium bezel adds strong protection, making it well-suited for rugged use. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours when using GPS continuously, which means less frequent charging for long trips or extended activities.

GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology, along with built-in sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter, providing precise navigation and effective mapping features such as dynamic round-trip routing. The watch supports various sports and training tracking with advanced metrics, including real-time stamina and heart rate monitoring, plus it offers health insights like sleep quality and recovery scores. Connectivity features are strong, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a built-in speaker/mic allowing calls and voice commands even offline.

The 40-meter dive rating and metal buttons make it suitable for water sports including scuba diving. On the downside, the watch’s features and data accuracy are best for fitness and wellness rather than medical use, and some health functions like Pulse Ox and ECG are region-restricted. It also weighs around 102 grams, which might feel a bit heavy for casual users. This watch is an excellent choice for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a durable, feature-packed GPS watch with excellent battery life and advanced training tools.

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Durability
User Interface

Most important from
1489 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is truly remarkable, lasting over 30 days without activities or Bluetooth, making it perfect for long-term use without frequent charging.
Durability
The 51mm size strikes a great balance between ruggedness and wearability; it looks tough but becomes comfortable after just a few hours of use.
User Interface
Learning to use the Garmin ecosystem unlocks its full potential, making it a standout choice for athletes who want detailed workout tracking without daily recharging.
#3

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

Rating
8.8
Durability
Battery Life
User Interface

Most important from
14131 reviews

Durability
The watch impresses with its durability, lightweight feel, and a nicely sized, scratch-resistant screen that holds up well to everyday wear.
Battery Life
Battery life stands out as phenomenal, comfortably lasting up to two days on average use, with fast charging reaching 80% in about 30 minutes.
User Interface
The bigger, brighter display is sharp and easy to read even in direct sunlight, enhancing usability across all lighting conditions.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Health and fitness tracking is advanced and reliable, featuring smooth heart rate monitoring, ECG, sleep tracking, and thoughtful additions like sleep apnea detection.
Connectivity
The integration with the iPhone ecosystem is seamless, enabling quick access to messages, calls, and Siri updates without needing to pull out the phone.
other
Comfort is a highlight, with a slimmer, lighter design and breathable bands that stay comfortable during workouts, office hours, or outdoor activities.

The Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm GPS model) is a strong choice for people looking for a smartwatch that combines accurate GPS tracking with a wide range of fitness and health features. It has built-in GPS supporting multiple satellite systems (L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, BeiDou), which helps provide reliable location tracking for activities like running, hiking, cycling, and swimming. Battery life offers up to 18 hours with normal use and an extended 36 hours in low power mode, along with fast charging that reaches 80% in about 30 minutes. This means you can quickly recharge and keep it going through your day. Its durability is solid, featuring water resistance up to 50 meters and dust resistance (IP6X), making it suitable for swimming and outdoor use.

Heart rate monitoring is advanced, using both electrical and optical sensors for ECG readings and real-time heart rate notifications. It also tracks sleep, respiratory rate, and offers health alerts, which is handy for users focused on wellness. Connectivity options are robust, including Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE (on cellular models), and Ultra Wideband for precise device finding. The always-on Retina display is bright and sharp, making it easy to see your stats and maps in various lighting conditions. Activity tracking covers a broad set of workouts and customizable rings that motivate you to stay active. Safety features like fall and crash detection provide extra peace of mind.

A potential drawback is the battery life, which, while good for a smartwatch, is shorter compared to some specialized GPS watches designed for ultra-long outdoor adventures. Also, this watch works best paired with an iPhone, so non-Apple users might find it less convenient. The user interface is intuitive and integrates tightly with Apple’s ecosystem, making it easy for iPhone owners to use. The Apple Watch Series 10 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users who want a stylish, durable, and health-focused GPS watch with strong smart features, especially if they already use Apple devices.

Rating
8.8
Durability
Battery Life
User Interface

Most important from
14131 reviews

Durability
The watch impresses with its durability, lightweight feel, and a nicely sized, scratch-resistant screen that holds up well to everyday wear.
Battery Life
Battery life stands out as phenomenal, comfortably lasting up to two days on average use, with fast charging reaching 80% in about 30 minutes.
User Interface
The bigger, brighter display is sharp and easy to read even in direct sunlight, enhancing usability across all lighting conditions.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Health and fitness tracking is advanced and reliable, featuring smooth heart rate monitoring, ECG, sleep tracking, and thoughtful additions like sleep apnea detection.
Connectivity
The integration with the iPhone ecosystem is seamless, enabling quick access to messages, calls, and Siri updates without needing to pull out the phone.
other
Comfort is a highlight, with a slimmer, lighter design and breathable bands that stay comfortable during workouts, office hours, or outdoor activities.

Buying Guide for the Best Gps Watches

Choosing the right GPS watch can significantly enhance your outdoor activities, fitness routines, and even daily life. GPS watches come with a variety of features that cater to different needs, whether you're a runner, hiker, cyclist, or just someone who wants to keep track of their location and fitness metrics. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your lifestyle.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy refers to how precisely the watch can determine your location. This is crucial for activities like running, hiking, or cycling where knowing your exact position can impact your performance and safety. GPS accuracy can vary based on the number of satellites the watch can connect to and the quality of its GPS chip. For casual use, a standard accuracy is sufficient, but for serious athletes or adventurers, higher accuracy is essential.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is important for long activities or trips where you might not have access to charging facilities. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the watch and its settings. If you plan to use the GPS watch for extended periods, look for models with longer battery life or power-saving modes.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the watch can withstand physical stress, such as impacts, water exposure, and extreme temperatures. This is particularly important for outdoor enthusiasts who might encounter harsh conditions. Watches with higher durability ratings are typically made from robust materials and have features like water resistance and shockproof designs. Choose a watch that matches the intensity of your activities.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring tracks your heart rate in real-time, providing valuable data for fitness and health. This feature is important for those who want to optimize their workouts or monitor their health. Heart rate monitors can vary in accuracy and comfort, with some using optical sensors and others using chest straps. Consider your comfort and the level of detail you need when choosing a watch with heart rate monitoring.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the watch's ability to sync with other devices and apps, such as smartphones, fitness trackers, and online platforms. This is important for those who want to analyze their data, share their progress, or receive notifications. Connectivity options can include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+. Choose a watch that offers the connectivity features you need to integrate with your existing devices and apps.
User InterfaceThe user interface is how you interact with the watch, including the display, buttons, and touch screen. A good user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, which is important for quickly accessing features and data during activities. Displays can range from simple monochrome screens to high-resolution color touchscreens. Consider how easy the watch is to use and whether the interface suits your preferences.
Activity TrackingActivity tracking includes features that monitor various physical activities, such as running, cycling, swimming, and more. This is important for those who want to keep detailed records of their workouts and progress. Activity tracking can vary in detail and accuracy, with some watches offering advanced metrics like VO2 max and others providing basic step counts. Choose a watch that offers the level of activity tracking you need for your fitness goals.
Mapping and NavigationMapping and navigation features help you find your way and plan routes. This is crucial for hikers, cyclists, and adventurers who need reliable navigation tools. Features can include preloaded maps, route planning, and turn-by-turn directions. If you frequently explore new areas or go on long trips, look for watches with comprehensive mapping and navigation capabilities.

FAQ