$229
Buy on Amazon$254 $350
$799 $999
GPS watches have become essential tools for athletes, adventurers, and everyday users who need precise tracking, smart features, and durability. Unfortunately, with so many options at various price points, it can get overwhelming. That’s where we come in! Whether you’re looking for an affordable option, a feature-packed powerhouse, or something that balances both, we’ve rounded up the best GPS watches to suit any budget.
Our top watch recommendation is the Forerunner 255. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, try the Coros Pace 3. If you have some money to spend and want the most features, go for the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar.
Choosing the Right GPS Watch for You
When selecting a GPS watch, consider these factors to find the best fit:
- Budget – Determine how much you’re willing to spend and what features you need.
- Battery Life – Long battery life is crucial, especially for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers.
- Durability – If you plan to use your watch for rugged outdoor activities, choose a model with water resistance and a tough design.
- Health Tracking – Look for features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management.
- Smart Features – If you want notifications, music storage, or contactless payments, ensure the watch supports them.
The Best Overall Watch
Garmin Forerunner 255
The Garmin Forerunner 255 offers an excellent combination of price and performance, making it the best all-around GPS watch. After hours of painstaking research, this is the watch I ended up purchasing and I love it! Highlights include:
- Multi-band GPS (uses multiple satellite signals for more accurate location tracking) for high accuracy
- Up to 30 hours of battery life in GPS mode
- Advanced training metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and recovery insights
- Music storage (on the 255 Music model) and Garmin Pay support
- Built-in running dynamics and race prediction
- Triathlon mode for multi-sport tracking
- 5ATM water resistance for swimming and water activities
For runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts who want great GPS accuracy and premium features at a mid-range price, the Forerunner 255 is a fantastic option.
However, there are two things to note. First, Garmin has updated its Forerunner 200 series to the Forerunner 265. So, the Forerunner 255 might start getting phased out eventually (we just don’t know when). The Forerunner 265 includes more features and an OLED screen, but it is also a couple hundred bucks more expensive. Here’s the link if you’re interested. Second, adding music storage on the watch costs an extra 100 bucks (you can decide if that’s worth it).
Best Budget GPS Watches
For those looking for solid GPS performance without breaking the bank, these watches deliver great value.
Coros Pace 3
I wanted to recommend the Coros Pace 2 because it was cheaper, but Coros has stopped manufacturing them. Here’s why the Coros Pace 3 is a standout option:
The Coros Pace 3 is an excellent budget-friendly GPS watch, particularly for runners and triathletes. The bummer part of the deal is that the Pace 3 is $229 while the Pace 2 was originally listed at $179. Still, the Pace 3 offers:
- Lightweight design (just 30g with a nylon band)
- Accurate GPS with Dual-Frequency (GPS technology that uses two frequencies for more precise location tracking, even in challenging environments)
- Up to 38 hours of battery life in GPS mode
- Advanced metrics like running power and cadence
- Water resistance up to 5 ATM (50 meters)
- AI-powered training plans to improve your performance
With its impressive accuracy and long battery life, the Coros Pace 3 is a great pick for cost-conscious athletes who still want premium tracking features. For serious runners, this is the best budget GPS watch, offering better battery life, lightweight design, and advanced running metrics compared to the Garmin Forerunner 55.
Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an entry-level GPS watch that offers solid performance at an affordable price. Key features include:
- Built-in GPS with accurate distance tracking
- Smart coaching and daily suggested workouts
- Heart rate monitoring and basic health tracking
- 20-hour battery life in GPS mode
- Customizable watch faces and widgets
This watch is ideal for beginner runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-use, reliable GPS watch without extra frills. This watch is a great choice for beginners, and significantly cheaper than the Coros Pace 3. However, those looking for more advanced running insights and better battery life may prefer the Coros Pace 3.
Best Feature-Packed GPS Watches
For those who want the most advanced features, these two watches stand out with their cutting-edge technology and premium capabilities.
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar
The Garmin Fenix 7X Solar is one of the most feature-rich GPS watches available, offering:
- Solar charging for extended battery life (up to 136 hours in GPS mode with solar)
- Multi-band GPS with support for all major satellite systems
- Advanced sports metrics, including VO2 max, altitude acclimation, and real-time stamina tracking
- Topographic maps, ski maps, and built-in navigation tools
- 10 ATM (100 meters) water resistance for swimming and diving
- Touchscreen and button options for easy use in extreme conditions
Designed for serious adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts, the Fenix 7X Solar is the ultimate GPS watch for those who demand the best.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s most advanced smartwatch, featuring:
- Dual-frequency GPS for improved accuracy
- Bright 3,000-nit display for readability in any conditions
- Depth and dive tracking (WR100 water resistance)
- Advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen, and heart rate monitoring
- Seamless integration with iOS and Apple services
- Emergency SOS and fall detection for added safety
- Customizable action button for quick access to key features
With a focus on adventure, fitness, and everyday usability, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a top-tier option for Apple users who want both performance and smartwatch capabilities.
Conclusion
The best GPS watch for you depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable option, the Coros Pace 3 is the top choice for budget-conscious runners, while the Garmin Forerunner 55 is great for beginners. For those who want the most advanced features, the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar and Apple Watch Ultra 2 deliver cutting-edge technology. If you’re looking for the best balance of features and price, the Garmin Forerunner 255 stands out as the ideal choice.
No matter your fitness level or adventure style, there’s a GPS watch made for you. Whether you’re chasing marathon goals, exploring the outdoors, or simply staying active, the right watch will keep you on track and help you smash your goals!
