From affordable, understated innovations to help boost fitness, to high-tech navigation tools that can pinpoint your location on a rock face, the feature and functions on the best GPS watches will help you get more out of your outdoor adventures.
If you've not invested in one yet, you might be unsure if you actually need a GPS watch for hiking, but it's fair to say these progressive bits of tech are peaking the interest of all levels of adventurers – from neophytes to seasoned mountaineers. If you are on a strict budget, you might want to check out our best cheap GPS watches.
Currently using your phone to navigate? GPS watches are your best battery saver, and can record your route at the same time creating a neat digital log of your trip to refer back to. There's also real-time tracking, to help pinpoint distance travelled and elevation – some models even boast an SOS siren in case you find yourself in distress.
With calorie and sleep-tracking capabilities, you can optimize recovery between big days out, and use heart and blood oxygen monitors to improve your base fitness.
Like most technical gear, one watch won't suit everyone, so before you choose, consider what activities you'll use it for – running, hiking, biking, multisport? – and what you're willing to spend.
I put these GPS watches through their paces, wearing each one day and night for two weeks, taking them out regularly on the trails and monitoring downtime tools at home. Read on to find my pick of the best GPS watches worthy of your consideration.
The quick list
This list lets you quickly compare our top-rated GPS watches with one another, and lets you easily jump down the page to our full reviews
A light, super accurate GPS watch packed with training tools for dedicated runners wanting to smash their personal records. It's lighter and more affordable than a Garmin Fenix.
Want a rugged GPS watch for about $200? This is the one for you, with OLED display and battery life of up to 45 days. It's exceptional value for money.
A feature-packed watch for new and intermediate level athletes, with super-accurate GPS, tools to help you train more effectively, and solid battery life. Everything is clearly laid out for beginners.
The Fenix 7 Pro's new heart rate monitor and training tools will help take your running to the next level. I particularly appreciate how easily it integrates with TrainingPeaks for guided workouts.
A GPS watch specially designed for outdoor adventures with super-fast GPS lock and excellent mapping. There are lots of third-party apps available to turn it into your perfect hiking companion.
An extra rugged Garmin watch with dual-band GPS that proves its worth in the wild. The increased screen size lets you see far more data at a glance than the original Garmin Instinct 2.
With a super tough build, extra long battery life and improved location tracking, the Vertix 2S is the ideal companion for climbers.
Heading on a multi-day event? The Enduro is the watch for you, lasting up to 150 hours in GPS tracking mode. The built-in LED flashlight is an excellent safety feature.
The Polar Vantage V3 is a great choice for the gym, supporting a huge range of indoor sport profiles. I also particularly like the strap, which is perforated for breathability.
A great middle ground between a smartwatch and a dedicated sports watch, the Garmin Venu 3 builds on the success of its predecessors with a new Sleep Coach tool and improved heart rate sensor
The best GPS watches we recommend in 2024
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The best GPS watch overall
The Garmin Forerunner 955 doesn't look flashy, but it's the best GPS running watch you can buy right now. For me, the biggest selling point is the incredibly accurate multi-band GPS, which can be set to switch to single-band mode in areas with good reception to conserve battery life. During a pre-measured 10km run, it was accurate to within a couple of meters despite the route taking me through two long tunnels.
The Forerunner 955 includes all of Garmin's latest tools as standard, including heart rate variability, training readiness, real time stamina, and much more. It gives you a truly comprehensive picture of your current fitness level, the impact of your workouts, and how you can adapt your training plan to achieve your goals.
Unlike its predecessor, the Forerunner 955 features both a touchscreen and buttons, but it's still extremely tough and so light that you'll easily forget you're wearing it (which is particularly important at night when it's tracking your post-workout recovery).
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 955 review
The best value GPS watch
The Amazfit T-Rex 2 is less than half the price of some of its main rivals, but doesn't skimp on features, build quality, or accuracy.
In terms of design, it doesn't look that different to 2021's T-Rex Pro, but there are some smart changes like a new metal bumper to protect the 'start' and 'back' buttons. The real differences are on the inside, where there's a new higher-capacity battery that delivers up to 10 days of performance in regular heavy usage, or up to 45 days in power-saver mode (far more than most of its rivals).
It boasts a great-looking OLED display as well, and its multi-band GPS with support for all the major satellite systems locks on quickly to track your outdoor activities. Biometric monitoring is excellent too (and even tracks naps).
My only real complaint was that the automatic workout detection didn't always detect when I'd started a run, meaning my training session wasn't logged. Provided you can remember to start tracking manually and you're willing to try something different to Polar, Garmin, and Coros GPS watches, you'll be very satisfied with the Amazfit T-Rex 2.
Read our full Amazfit T-Rex 2 review
The best GPS watch for new runners
The Forerunner 265 is a great choice for beginner and intermediate level runners and triathletes thanks to its super accurate GPS, great looking screen, and accessible design that makes even the more advanced training tools easy to understand and use. It's very similar to the Forerunner 255 that launched in 2022, but with a new AMOLED touchscreen that makes it brighter, bolder, and easier to use.
Despite its modest price, the Forerunner 265 has an impressive set of sensors under the hood, and its GPS outshone most other sports watches I've trialled this year. On my pre-measured 5km course, it plotted the route to within five meters, which is remarkable considering it's on roads rather than a track. It also gives you wrist-based running metrics, such as ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and cadence so you can see how your form changes as you fatigue, plus heart rate, speed, and elevation. Everything is presented neatly and clearly, with the upgraded screen making graphs easy to interpret at a glance.
The only real downside is that the Forerunner 265 doesn't support full maps, which seems like a shame. There are basic navigation tools, but for really exploring new areas you'll be better off upgrading to the Forerunner 955 or 965.
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 265 review
The best GPS watch for advanced runners
If you're interested in taking your running, cycling, swimming or hiking to the next level, the Fenix 7 Pro is the best GPS watch for you. It's very similar to the original Garmin Fenix 7, but with an upgraded heart rate sensor, an incredibly handy flashlight, and a handful of extra tools to help you train more effectively.
There are all the training tools a runner could wish for, including the ability to easily import workout plans from services like TrainingPeaks, wrist-based running dynamics, and a variety of tools that put your biometric data into a context that's easier to understand. For example, the new Endurance Score features uses various sources of long and short-term data to assess your ability to sustain long efforts, and see your progress over time
GPS proved particularly accurate, and during an intense indoor cycling interval session, I found that changes in heart rate were detected by the Fenix 7 Pro's updated sensor almost as swiftly as a chest strap heart rate monitor.
During my test I found that the watch's blue backlight tended to make colors look a little muddy, particularly when navigating using the watch's on-board maps and GPS, but that's a fairly minor complaint. If you'd prefer to have a watch with an OLED display, take a look at the Garmin Epix Pro, which is otherwise nearly identical.
Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 Pro review
The best GPS watch for hiking
When it comes to sheer versatility, it's hard to beat the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It's impressive out of the box, with a great suite of fitness tracking tools and super accurate GPS, but I found it really came into its own when kitted out with third-party apps like AllTrails and Komoot for finding and following routes.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 looks identical to its predecessor at first glance, but its screen is significantly brighter, offering improved visibility in bright sunshine on the trail. Its multiple microphones are designed to compensate for wind noise when you're making a call (possible without a phone if you have a data plan), and there's an excellent digital compass installed by default.
There's also a new processor, which not only makes the overall experience of using the watch faster and smoother, but also facilitates Apple's new double-tap gesture. Hold the watch up and tap your index finger and thumb together twice to perform whatever action is currently displayed on the screen. I found it extremely helpful, particularly if you're carrying something in one hand and want to accept a call or dismiss a notification.
The limiting factor for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is battery life. Apple itself says the watch should last around 36 hours in typical use, and you can eke it out further through careful use of power-saving options and limiting use of certain functions, but for extended camping trips, you might prefer something less flashy and power-hungry.
Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review
The best GPS watch for camping
The Instinct 2X takes one of the most likeable GPS watches in Garmin’s range and brings it up to date with a bigger screen, a bright flashlight, multi-band GPS powers and a battery life that goes for weeks. If you like the idea of having a bigger, more rugged Instinct 2 then you’ll have a lot of time for what the Instinct 2X is packing.
In my tests, the newly added multi-frequency GPS really did deliver the improved accuracy you need in places like tall, wooded areas. I used the Instinct 2X alongside the Forerunner 965 and found data by large was very consistent, and the metrics attached to that improved positioning data. It uses more power, but is worth it when you're out exploring, and battery life is still excellent with it enabled.
The new flashlight, accessed via the top left button, is more than just a gimmick, offering a surprisingly bright light to work by. I only wish the Instinct 2X had a higher screen resolution for more detail and proper support for mapping to help me navigate in the wild.
Read our full Garmin Instinct 2X Solar review
The best GPS watch for climbing
The Coros Vertix 2S is the best GPS watch for climbing, particularly if you're headed outdoors to do so. Not only does it offer multiple climbing modes, it features an updated location tracking algorithm to help pinpoint your location on the rock face where other watches may fail. It's a boon for runners too, and during my testing it proved accurate.
The Vertix 2S (a successor to the excellent Vertix 2) also has an upgraded heart rate monitor with additional LEDs and light sensors to more accurately track biometric data, providing improved fitness and recovery metrics in the Coros app.
This is a chunky GPS watch, but not excessively heavy, and it's seriously tough. With a resin case, titanium bezel, and sapphire crystal glass over the lens, it won't be easily scuffed or scraped when you're on the crag. For full peace of mind, you can even clip it into the Coros Vertix 2 Carabiner (sold separately) and hang it from your harness instead.
Read our full Coros Vertix 2S review
The best GPS watch for ultra marathons
The Garmin Enduro 2 was built with ultra-runners in mind, which means it's also a superb GPS watch for hikers. If you're embarking on a multi-day event, this watch's huge solar cell means there's no need to worry about charging it regularly, even when you're using GPS tracking for hours at a time.
You're also getting all the advanced training tools you'd expect from a top-tier Garmin watch, including real-time stamina monitoring, race time predictions, detailed recovery metrics, heart rate variability, training readiness, and a remarkably detailed breakdown of your performance after each training session and event.
The built quality is extremely solid as well, and the chunky titanium bezel gives it a real premium feel. This is a GPS watch that gets you noticed, in a good way (it even has a built-in flashlight).
The biggest downside in my opinion is the price. This is one of Garmin's most expensive watches, and although it's easy to see why, it's worth taking a good look at the Polar Grit X Pro and Amazfit T-Rex 2 before dropping all your cash on it. The original Garmin Enduro came in a slightly cheaper steel edition, but this time it's titanium all the way.
Read our full Garmin Enduro 2 review
The best GPS watch for the gym
The Vantage V3, launched in spring 2024, is a lightweight a comfortable watch that's particularly well suited to gym workouts thanks to its huge array of indoor exercise profiles, and extra sweat-resistant design. During testing I was pleasantly surprised at how many indoor options were available, including dedicated modes for Les Mills workout classes. When things heat up, the fully perforated band allows sweat to evaporate easily, preventing stickiness and skin irritation.
The Polar Vantage V3 excels outdoors too, with some of the most accurate GPS tracking of any watch I've tested. I wore it on a half marathon, which was logged with impressive accuracy, despite a route that wound between tall buildings and passed through a steep-sided gorge.
All your workout and recovery data is synced with the Polar Flow app, which is a data nerd's dream come true. The home screen presents you with an easily digestible overview of your daily fitness stats, but tap on any of the figures and you'll be presented with incredibly granular detail about your sleep, activity, and overall health.
The only real downside (and it's a minor one) is that the screen doesn't always seem to wake automatically when you raise your wrist, so I had to press a button to illuminate it manually. Other than that, it's a very likeable GPS watch that's easy to recommend.
Read our full Polar Vantage V3 review
The best mid range GPS watch
If you've found yourself torn between a fancy smartwatch and a dedicated sports watch, then the Garmin Venu 3 may well be the choice for you. It's stylish and sleek, with a built-in microphone that our reviewer found surprisingly useful. You can use this to answer calls from your phone, and also access your phone's voice assistant.
The Garmin Venu 3 has an AMOLED touchscreen display that's seriously bright and responsive, with no lag. It's a shame there's no built-in app for using it as emergency flashlight, but you can get third-party apps for this via the Connect IQ store. There's also no built-in LED flashlight, but that's not surprising considering just how slim and light the watch is.
The Venu 3 is one of Garmin's smallest watches to have its own GPS receiver, something that can make a serious difference when tracking activities out and about. We found it locked on quickly and was very accurate at tracking distances. There's also support for a huge range of sports, from walking to cross-country skiing. It doesn't have the feature set of one of the company's heavy-duty sports watches, but it's more than enough for beginner and intermediate athletes, and even supports imported workout plans from places like TrainingPeaks.
The Garmin Venu 3 was the first watch to offer the company's new Sleep Coach tool, which can track naps as well as night time rest and offer personalized advice.
It also comes in a smaller size (the Venu 3S) ideal for those with slimmer wrists.
Read our full Garmin Venu 3 review
Meet the expert
Cat has been testing GPS watches for years, having previously worked as fitness editor for Advnture's sister site TechRadar, and can usually be found running or hiking with one on each wrist (though she hasn't resorted to ankles yet).
How we test GPS watches
We test each GPS watch for at least two weeks so the watch and its companion app have time to build up a full picture of our health and fitness. We wear each watch day and night so we can assess its sleep and recovery tools, and compare its results against those from a Withings Sleep Analyzer sleep tracker.
To test each watch's GPS, we take it for several runs and walks in a variety of locations, including built-up areas, open fields, and wooded areas that present a challenge of satellite navigation. We also take each watch on a pre-measured route to see how accurately it records distance.
To test the accuracy of each GPS watch's heart rate monitor, we put it to the test in a series of intense interval training sessions and compare its results to those from a chest strap heart rate monitor, which serves as a benchmark.
For more details see how Advnture tests products.
How to choose a GPS watch
All of the best GPS watches share some common, basic features, including time, pace, distance and workout tracking. But that’s where the similarities end. Every GPS watch is slightly different based on its feature package, battery life and intended end-use, so it’s important to understand the features you want and need in order to maximize a watch and get the most out of it.
What's your budget?
The first thing to consider when buying a GPS watch for trail running, hiking or general outdoor adventures is the price range of watches and your budget. There are generally three price ranges that watches fall into: basic ($150 and below), mid-range ($200-$350) and high-end ($350 and higher). Many mid-range and high-end watches have accessories that are sold separately, but for the purposes of understanding your own budget and what you’re willing to spend, those three categories are good guidelines.
How much should you spend? Only you can decide that, but without trying to sound cliché, you get what you pay for. In other words, a basic-level watch will offer limited overall functionality, while a high-end watch will offer a lot more sports-specific features.
How smart do you want it to be?
While almost any GPS watch will provide you with real-time pace, distance and elapsed time data, mid-range and high-end watches will also offer features like heart rate monitors, built-in workouts, touch-screen interfaces, waterproof construction (instead of just water-resistant), mapping features, elevation data, auto-pause function, temperature, barometric pressure, calorie burning and a variety of training functions.
Some watches have very good music-playing capabilities, but most have no music functions at all. Battery life is another one of the key factors to consider as it can vary greatly among watches. Other key features to be aware of include the ability to upload data and cross-analyze it with previous workouts or adventures, download and interface with other apps, and sport-specific workouts.
What activities will you use it for?
Do you want a GPS watch for one sport or one activity? Some watches offer functionality for one main end-use, but have limited features for other sports. For example, a GPS watch built for road and track running might not have as many specific features for trail running.
Some watches that excel as hiking or adventure watches will suffice for trail running but not as well for runners who are primarily focused on marathon training.
Some watches are touted as “multisport” watches with triathlon-oriented features for swimming, biking and running, including workouts and special bike-mounting accessories.
While some basic functions can overlap to other activities, the more specific your needs are, the more you have to look for those features when you’re shopping for a watch.
FAQs
Do I need a GPS watch?
While at one time GPS watches were the reserve of the professional sports person or adventure guide, the availability, affordability and myriad features they can now offer have widened the appeal.
As well as helping keep you on course in the wild, tracking routes, distance and elevation, they can help you make the most of your fitness sessions and optimize recovery time.
They can act as a navigation guide, and are also good safety tools, some having SOS capabilities. Check out our feature, Do you really need a GPS watch for hiking?, to help you decide if it's time to invest.
Do GPS watches work without a phone?
The most innovative GPS watches can do an awful lot without a phone. With a GPS receiver it can track your runs, bikes and hikes by communicating with satellites to work out your location.
Navigation capabilities can vary greatly with price. More budget-friendly options will track your path and allow you to retrace your steps. Some allow you to download areas of maps for offline, phone-free use. Higher up the price ladder, you can create routes on another device, then sync with your phone. Some watches allow you to fully program in routes without a phone involved.
There are some watches, however, that do not have a GPS receiver built-in and rely on a phone connection for GPS data.
What's the difference between a GPS watch and cellular watch?
Essentially, the main difference between a GPS and a cellular watch is that a cellular watch allows you to make calls, send messages and even lets you steam music directly from your wrist without connecting to your phone.
A GPS watch uses a network of satellites to pinpoint your position, while a cellular watch can use mobile networks too.
A GPS should cost you less than a cellular watch, and it should also give you a longer battery life. You’ll need to pair it to your smart phone if you want to activate cellular features.
Can GPS watches be tracked?
Most GPS devices use satellites to receive location information only. But you can enhance the safety of your adventures by using a companion app to share your location in real time with others.
How accurate is a GPS watch?
To find the best GPS watches and the best cheap GPS watches, we put them to the test on runs and hikes in locations that can prove challenging for satellite navigation – including wooded and built-up areas. We also test the accuracy of the heart rate monitors, comparing results to those from a chest strap heart rate monitor.
