Global positioning system (GPS) watches have surged in popularity over the last decade. Thanks to technological improvements, dropping prices and a growing focus on health and fitness, the market is now flooded with advanced models catering to all types of users.
Industry statistics tell the story of this rapid growth. The global GPS watch market was valued at $3.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at 13% CAGR through 2026 according to Mordor Intelligence.
With so many options now available, we want to help you zero in on the perfect GPS watch to match your budget, features and performance needs. We‘ve compiled the latest ratings and recommendations across five categories:
Overview of Top 5 GPS Watch Picks
| Watch | Best For | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Fenix 7 | Overall Performance | $699+ | Rugged build, multi-band GPS accuracy, extensive activity profiles |
| Coros Vertix 2 | Outdoor Sports | $699+ | Ultra long battery life, dual-band GPS, offline maps |
| Garmin Forerunner 955 | Running | $499+ | Advanced run metrics and training tools, touchscreen interface |
| Amazfit T-Rex 2 | Budget Buy | $229+ | 24-day battery, 10+ sport modes, rugged design |
| Apple Watch Ultra | Smartwatch Capabilities | $799 | Leading health sensors, largest display, titanium case |
Below we break down the key strengths of each watch and ideal usage scenarios based on in-depth testing and reviews. Let‘s dive into the details!
Garmin Fenix 7 – Best Overall
Price: $699+
Ideal for: All-around GPS watch with all the bells and whistles
The Garmin Fenix 7 further cements the Fenix series‘ status as the pinnacle GPS watch you can buy today. It builds on previous generations with improved dual and multi-band frequency support for better accuracy under tree cover or in urban areas.
Across the board, independent testing from experts like DC Rainmaker confirms the Fenix 7 models nail activity tracking. It adds profiles for new sports like gravel biking while custom workout options and advanced insights like training load focus make it perfect for anyone striving to improve fitness.
The Fenix 7 sticks to Garmin‘s signature rugged aesthetic with a stainless steel or titanium bezel options and stays comfortable thanks to its light 22g weight. Battery life also impresses – lasting up to 37 hours in full GPS mode. For the ultimate no-compromises sports watch, the Fenix 7 is extremely tough to beat.
Key Specs:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full GPS Battery Life | Up to 37 hours |
| Water Rating | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
| Display Size | 1.3" / 1.4" options |
| Display Type | Memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| GPS/Navigation | Multi-band, multi GNSS |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Size | 47mm x 47mm x 15mm |
| Weight | 72g (titanium), 79g (stainless steel) |
Pros
- Benchmark GPS/activity tracking accuracy
- Rugged, premium construction
- Huge range of activity profiles
- Leading training tools/insights
- Up to 37 hours GPS runtime
Cons
- Expensive
- Overkill for more casual users
Coros Vertix 2 – Best for Outdoor Sports
Price: $699
Ideal for: Outdoor adventures, off the beaten track exploration
Billed as an "Adventure Smartwatch", the Coros Vertix 2 is purpose-built for sportsmen and women who like to wander far from civilization. It doubles down on the original Vertix formula by significantly boosting battery life up to a staggering 140 hours with GPS enabled.
This huge battery allows you to keep tracking even on multi-day treks or climbs. The Vertix 2 also packs offline Topo maps for over 2,000 ski resorts across 40 countries – handy for when you leave cell service behind.
Despite the upgrades, Coros has kept size and weight impressively low at just under 60g. It retains the durable titanium alloy case along with a scratch-proof DLC-coated sapphire crystal lens that will stand up to years of adventures ahead. For backcountry athletes or serious adventurers, the Vertix 2 promises peak performance come rain or shine.
Key Specs:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full GPS Battery Life | 140 hours |
| Water Rating | 15 ATM (150 meters) |
| Display Size | 1.4" |
| Display Type | AMOLED |
| GPS/Navigation | Dual-band positioning |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Size | 51mm x 51mm x 15.9mm |
| Weight | 58g |
Pros
- Class-leading 140 hour battery life
- Ruggedized design ideal for outdoor abuse
- Packed with navigation features
- Accurate activity tracking
Cons
- High price tag
- Overkill if not utilizing all navigation features
Garmin Forerunner 955 – Best for Runners
Price: $499
Ideal for: Run tracking, marathon & training
The recently launched Garmin Forerunner 955 iterates on the flagship running watch formula by adding a responsive touchscreen while boosting GPS performance. It‘s packed with the advanced metrics serious runners need – like training load focus, recovery time, race predictor and more.
In testing, runners praised the 955‘s ideal balance of a slim profile with a screen large enough to review data mid-run. At just 49g it won‘t weigh you down but still lasts up to 15 days between charges in smartwatch mode.
For those after more custom insights, the 955 also supports third-party running power, cadence and other sensors to capture an unprecedented amount of data. Whether you‘re fine-tuning your form or have your sights set on new PRs, the Forerunner 955 has all the tools to help achieve it.
Key Specs:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full GPS Battery Life | 42 hours |
| Water Rating | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Display Size | 1.3" diameter |
| Display Type | Memory-in-pixel (MIP) |
| GPS/Navigation | Multi-band, multi GNSS |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Size | 46.5mm x 46.5 mm x 14.5mm |
| Weight | 49g |
Pros
- Advanced running metrics
- Slim and light
- Easy-to-use touchscreen
- Top battery life
Cons
- Touchscreen isn‘t glove friendly
- No integrated music storage
Amazfit T-Rex 2 – Best Budget GPS Watch
Price: $229.99
Ideal for: Affordable with solid fitness tracking
You don‘t need to spend big dollars to access decent GPS tracking and activity profiles these days. With the capable Amazfit T-Rex 2, you can keep tabs on all the essentials for under $250.
Despite the budget price tag, the T-Rex 2 doesn‘t look or feel cheap. Its rugged angular case and always-on AMOLED display resemble far pricier Garmin or Coros watches. You also get an accurate BioTracker sensor suite monitoring heart rate, blood oxygen, stress and more.
While hardcore athletes may want more granular insights, the T-Rex 2 perfectly meets casual users needs. Over 15 sport modes, route logging and syncing strava make capturing everything from runs to rides or swims a breeze. For the price, it packs a heck of a lot in.
Key Specs:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full GPS Battery Life | 24 days |
| Water Rating | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
| Display Size | 1.39ʺ AMOLED |
| Display Type | Always-on display |
| GPS/Navigation | Quad satellite systems |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 BLE |
| Size | 47 x 47 x 12.65mm |
| Weight | 60g |
Pros
- Excellent value
- Premium style and rugged build
- Activity tracking meets most needs
Cons
- Stats less comprehensive than premium watches
- Syncing accuracy occasionally off
Apple Watch Ultra – Most Versatile Smartwatch
Price: $799
Ideal for: Premium smartwatch with fitness focus
The Apple Watch Ultra takes the winning formula of the Series 8 model and tailors it for extreme activities. It amps up the durability with a aerospace-grade titanium casing and sapphire crystal display. Apple has also extended battery life to a claimed 36 hours.
While the near $800 price tag scares some off, there’s tremendous versatility on offer here. You get all the leading health sensors we’ve come to expect from Apple Watch, along with adventure-centric additions like the 86dB siren and depth gauge for diving.
For iPhone users wanting the ultimate accessory, Apple doesn’t disappoint. The Apple Watch Ultra offers the complete package with smooth connectivity, an ocean of apps at your fingertips and top-tier activity tracking credentials. It adeptly balances between fitness tracker and cutting-edge smart device.
Key Specs:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full GPS Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Water Rating | WR100 |
| Display Size | 1.92” |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED Always-On |
| GPS/Navigation | Dual-band GPS |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular |
| Size | 49 x 49 x 14.4mm |
| Weight | 61.3g |
Pros
- Premium titanium case
- Leading app and accessory ecosystem
- Top-tier health & fitness sensors
Cons
- Shorter GPS runtime than rivals
- Much costlier than other smartwatches
Key Factors in Choosing a GPS Watch
All these watches promise excellent activity tracking, but which one is right for your specific needs? Here are some key considerations when evaluating options:
Battery Life
Check claimed battery runtimes, both in daily smartwatch mode and with GPS tracking enabled. Think about your typical usage – is it daily step counting or multi-day adventures off the grid? The better the battery efficiency, the more flexibility you‘ll have.
Display
Do you want an always-on, full color touchscreen? Or are physical buttons easier to operate mid-workout? Readability under direct sunlight is also useful for sports watches. Larger displays show more data simultaneously too.
Size and Weight
Lighter, more compact watches tend to be more comfortable for all-day wear. But those with bigger batteries and screens appeal during intensive outdoor activities. Gauge the right balance for your purposes.
Activity Tracking
Determine what sports you want to track and if a watch offers appropriate settings. For example, look for swim tracking for the pool, advanced run metrics if you run marathons etc. The more flexible, the better for tracking different activities.
Smart Features
Consider smartwatch capabilities too. Do you want notifications, contactless payments or phone integration? This increases the functionality and value beyond just fitness tracking. Define if these conveniences matter.
Price
Finally, set a budget and aim for the best combination of features, design, battery life and tracking accuracy. More data insights and premium construction costs more but today‘s budget watches still deliver on essentials.
Take the Next Step in Your Training Journey
Modern GPS watches now deliver such a wealth of insights and data that they’re no longer just toys for pro athletes. Accurate tracking, extended battery life and full-fledged smart features are available at multiple price points today.
Hopefully this guide has given you a headstart in finding the right companion for your fitness journey. We consider the Garmin Fenix 7 as the pinnacle GPS sports watch money can buy right now. But runner-focused picks like the Forerunner 955 or great budget value from Amazfit‘s T-Rex 2 gives it a run too depending on needs and budget.
Whatever GPS watch you land on, wear it consistently! Monitoring your activity and analyzing the feedback over time is invaluable. As fitness trackers get ever more intelligent, they unlock real insight into how our bodies respond to strain and recovery. Your watch will quickly become your most trusted training partner along the path of continual self-improvement.
