If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our product reviews.
Last Updated Jan 4, 2024
Monitoring progress and performance is crucial for honing our skills as runners. However, determining the ideal GPS watch for running can be daunting.
That’s why we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to assist you in finding the BEST GPS watch for running that caters to your specific needs. We provide in-depth reviews for each option, ensuring that, by the time you reach the end of this article, you’ll clearly understand which GPS watch is the right fit for you.
At Trakkit GPS, we guarantee an enlightening experience as we showcase our top seven picks, highlighting their distinctive features and specifications. Stay tuned and get ready to explore our carefully curated selection!
In a hurry? Check out our Quick Preview below:
Quick Preview: Our Top 7 Picks
| Product Name | Review | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Apple Watch Ultra | Jump to Review | $749.00 Buy Now | 4.7 stars (175 ratings) |
Apple Watch SE (2022) | Jump to Review | $257.43 Buy Now | 4.6 stars (1,139 ratings) |
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar | Jump to Review | $514.98 Buy Now | 4.7 stars (987 ratings) |
Garmin Forerunner 45s | Jump to Review | $129.99 More Info | 4.5 stars (6,853 ratings) |
COROS PACE 2 | Jump to Review | $199.00 Buy Now | 4.5 stars (2,227 ratings) |
EZON GPS Running Watch | Jump to Review | $55.99 Buy Now | 3.2 stars (58 ratings) |
Garmin Forerunner 965 | Jump to Review | $599.99 Buy Now | 4.7 stars (80 ratings) |
Why Trust Us?
At Trakkit GPS, we pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the GPS technology field. Choosing the best GPS watch for running is a personal decision driven by individual preferences and requirements. Thus, we undertake rigorous testing of each product and provide unbiased reviews to help you make an informed decision. Our review process is based on:
- First-hand testing: Every GPS watch we recommend has been thoroughly tested by our team.
- In-depth research: We spend hours researching and comparing various models to ensure we provide the best options.
- Transparency: We believe in honest reviews. If a product has drawbacks, we’ll tell you.
- Experience: Our team comprises runners and tech enthusiasts who understand the nuances of GPS technology and the sport.
- Passion: We love what we do. We are passionate about offering reliable advice and helping runners find gear that fits their needs.
Now that you know more about our review process, let’s start with the basics.
What is a GPS Watch Designed for Running?
A GPS watch designed for running is a technological marvel that’s evolved significantly over time. It originated as a rudimentary tool for location tracking and has blossomed into a sophisticated device capable of monitoring various performance metrics.
These watches leverage Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, which involves a network of satellite systems sending signals to a receiver within the watch. This device precisely determines the user’s location by calculating the signal travel time from the satellite to the watch. By leveraging this information, it delivers accurate positioning data with utmost efficiency.
This technology enables runners to track their route, distance, pace, and other crucial data in real-time, enhancing their ability to plan, monitor, and optimize their performance. Read more about how GPS works.
Benefits of a GPS Running Watch
GPS running watches offer many benefits, making them an invaluable tool for professional athletes and hobbyist runners. They can transform your running experience, providing a wealth of data and insights.
- Enhanced Tracking and Monitoring: These devices deliver precise information on pace, distance, elevation, and heart rate, empowering you to monitor and evaluate your real-time performance accurately.
- Motivation and Goal-Setting: These watches can boost your motivation and help you set and achieve personal fitness goals by providing visual progress updates.
- Safety and Emergency Features: Many running watches now have safety features such as location sharing, incident detection, and emergency alerts.
- Social and Competition Aspects: GPS watches often connect to social fitness platforms, enabling you to share achievements, join challenges, and compete with friends.
- Custom Training Plans: GPS watches offer personalized training plans, adaptive coaching, and recovery guidance, all meticulously designed to suit your unique fitness level and aspirations.
A GPS running watch is a powerful companion that can revolutionize how you train, compete, and recover.
If you’re a golfer, you might also want to explore our article on golf GPS devices and handhelds to find the perfect match for your game.
Before You Buy: Things to Consider
Tracking Accuracy
When investing in a good running watch, it is paramount to prioritize accuracy in tracking essential metrics like distance, pace, and location. A reliable GPS watch should offer precise measurements that can stand up to scrutiny under a range of conditions—be it varying terrains, elevations, or weather conditions. Similarly, accuracy is crucial for cycling enthusiasts, and you might be interested in our review of the best GPS cycle computer with maps.
Consider models that have been rigorously tested for accuracy across different scenarios to ensure you’re getting a watch that will not let you down during your activities.
Battery Life
The endurance of your GPS watch’s battery life should be in sync with the demands of your physical activities, especially if you participate in endurance events like ultramarathons. It’s crucial to delve into the manufacturer’s specifications and read customer reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of the battery’s performance during extended use.
If you find yourself constantly on the go for extended periods, consider a watch with long-lasting battery life that can keep up with your lifestyle.
For those particularly concerned with battery life and sustainability, you might want to explore our post on solar GPS watches, which discusses the advantages of solar-powered options that minimize the need for frequent recharging.
Comfort and Ergonomic Design
Comfort is crucial when choosing a GPS watch, especially if you’ll be wearing it for extended periods. The design should enhance usability without causing discomfort.
Key aspects to consider include the size and weight of the watch face, as well as the material and design of the strap. If you anticipate sweating a lot during your activities, opt for straps made from breathable and skin-friendly materials.
Water-Resistance Capability
If your workout regimen includes braving various weather conditions or aquatic activities like swimming, a water-resistant GPS watch is non-negotiable.
Check the watch’s International Protection Rating (IP rating) or its equivalent to ensure it meets your requirements for water resistance, whether it’s merely for rain protection or full submersion during swim tracking.
Other Features Tailored to Your Needs
In addition to core functionalities, a GPS-tracking watch for adults can elevate your fitness routine with advanced features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and step counting.
Choose a watch that aligns with your lifestyle needs, whether you’re interested in exercise metrics, smartphone notifications, or social sharing options. If you’re a golfer, you might also want to explore our article on golf GPS watches to find the perfect match for your game.
Enrich Your Workouts with Music
For audiophiles, the Garmin Forerunner 255 and 265 provide an added benefit: the ability to store and play music. These models let you pair your Bluetooth headphones and listen to your favorite songs, podcasts, or audiobooks right from your watch, freeing you from the need to carry a separate device during your workouts.
User-Friendliness
An intuitive user interface can greatly enhance your interaction with the watch. Look for models featuring easy-to-read displays, logically arranged menus, and easy-to-use buttons or touchscreens. The quicker you can navigate the watch’s features, the more time you can spend focused on your activity.
Seamless Syncing Capabilities
The ability to effortlessly sync your activity data with other devices is increasingly essential for modern athletes. Ensure the GPS watch you choose can easily connect to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This will allow you to analyze performance data, plan future workouts, and even share your achievements on social media platforms if you so desire.
Budget and Value for Money
Last but not least, establish a realistic budget for your GPS watch purchase. While you may be tempted to go for the high-end models, it’s important to consider whether those extra features justify the additional cost. Weigh the benefits against the price tag and aim for a watch that offers the most useful features within your budget range.
Deep Dive: Top 7 GPS Watches for Running in 2024
Please note that these watches are listed in no particular order; they all offer unique benefits and are exceptional in their own right. It’s all about finding the best running watch that perfectly suits your needs.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Apple Watch Ultra: Best GPS Watch for Running with Music on iTunes
Screen Size: 1.9″
Touch Screen: Yes
Lens Material: Sapphire crystal
Bezel Material: Titanium
Strap Material: Nylon
Weight: 2.16 ounces
Features & First Impressions:
The Apple Watch Ultra, with its generous 1.9″ screen size, offers a richer and clearer display than anticipated. The sapphire crystal lens and rugged titanium case exude durability, while the nylon strap ensures comfort for long-wearing periods. Weighing only 2.16 ounces, the Apple Watch is a hefty watch without being burdensome.
Despite initial concerns about GPS accuracy, the Apple Watch Ultra has proven itself as a formidable running companion with many features, including an extra-long battery life and 100m water resistance. The brighter retina display, fitness tracker, and unique trail loop feature stood out during the initial use. This Apple Watch is a feature-packed smartwatch that confidently blends functionality with design.
Pros
- Large, clear display
- Rugged, durable design
- Extended battery life
- Comprehensive fitness tracker
- Excellent water resistance
Cons
- GPS accuracy is sometimes inconsistent
Performance & Overall Experience:
The Apple Watch Ultra excels in performance, effortlessly exceeding expectations as a running watch. Its exceptional capabilities seamlessly elevate user experience to new heights. The extended battery life of this Apple Watch Ultra never disappoints, even during longer runs, ensuring uninterrupted tracking. The larger screen and brighter display made data easy to read during workouts, while the fitness tracker provided comprehensive details about our activities.
Despite initial doubts, although not perfect, the GPS performed adequately in most situations. The water resistance feature was commendable, allowing for stress-free workouts regardless of weather conditions.
The Apple Watch Ultra offers runners an unparalleled user experience with cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. It combines innovation and reliability seamlessly, ensuring a delightful and smooth user experience.
Tested Features:
- Touch Screen Functionality
- Material Quality
- Comfort and Weight
- GPS Accuracy
- Battery Life
- Water Resistance
- Fitness Tracking
- Trail Loop Feature
- Display Brightness
Apple Watch SE (2022): Best Cheap GPS Watch for Running
Screen Size: 1.5″
Touch Screen: Yes
Lens Material: Ion-X glass
Bezel Material: nylon composite
Strap Material: Rubber
Weight: 11.7 ounces
Features & First Impressions:
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is an affordable, feature-packed running watch. Despite being budget-friendly, it doesn’t compromise on key features. This GPS + Cellular model features a Midnight Aluminum Case and a comfortable Midnight Sport Band, creating an elegant balance between design and functionality.
This watch is integrated with robust fitness and sleep-tracking abilities. In addition, it boasts safety features such as:
- Crash detection
- Heart rate monitor
- Water resistance
These elements make it a comprehensive health and safety tool.
The screen offers up to 1,000 nits of brightness, enhancing readability under various conditions. With up to an 18-hour battery life and connectivity features like LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth 5.0, it is designed to cater to active, connected lifestyles.
Our initial impression is that the Apple Watch SE (2022) provides exceptional value for a running watch. It strikes an ideal balance between extensive features and an affordable price tag, making it an excellent choice for runners of all levels and a worthwhile investment in terms of functionality and cost.
Pros
- Affordable without compromising essential features.
- Robust health and safety features.
- High brightness for excellent readability.
- Long battery
- Multiple connectivity options.
- Stylish and comfortable design.
Cons
- Limited customizability.
- No native sleep tracking.
Performance & Overall Experience:
Throughout our testing phase, the performance of the Apple Watch SE (2022) consistently demonstrated excellence. Its GPS tracking was spot-on, making it a reliable distance-tracking tool during runs.
The heart rate monitor on our Apple Watch functioned seamlessly, providing valuable insights into our health and wellness. The crash detection and emergency SOS feature added a layer of security, especially useful during solo runs. The watch also stood up well to water exposure, validating its water-resistance claim. The long battery life was a notable advantage, comfortably supporting us through a full day of mixed-use.
In terms of user experience, we found the intuitive interface and the responsive touch screen to be highlighted, making interacting with the watch a breeze. The overall package is rounded off by the sleek design, comfortable sports band, and robust build quality – all contributing to a satisfying user experience.
Tested Features:
- GPS Tracking
- Heart Rate Monitoring
- Crash Detection
- Emergency SOS
- Water Resistance
- Battery Life
- User Interface
- Touch Screen Responsiveness
- Design and Comfort
- Build Quality
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: Best GPS Watch for Trail Running
Screen Size: 1.3 inch
Touch Screen: Yes
Lens Material: Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX
Bezel Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 53g
Features & First Impressions:
The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar distinguishes itself as an exceptional pick for serious runners, especially those into triathlons and trail running. This GPS watch is replete with advanced features, surpassing the anticipations of avid runners.
Key features include:
- Solar charging capability
- Up to 20 days of battery life in smartwatch mode
- UltraTrac mode with solar charging offers up to 110 hours of battery life
- Built-in, full-color watch with map display
- Access to multiple global navigation satellite systems
- Integrated heart rate monitor and sleep monitoring features
These features offer a comprehensive fitness tracking solution, ensuring you’re always connected and never lose your way.
Our first impressions of the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar are overwhelmingly positive. The watch stands as a testament to quality, durability, and reliability, with its superior tracking accuracy and extraordinarily long battery life, making it an ideal running companion.
Pros
- Solar Charging Capabilities
- incredible Battery Life
- Accurate Position Tracking
- Comprehensive Fitness Features
- Durable and Reliable Design
Cons
- High Price Point
Performance & Overall Experience:
Our experience with the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar was overwhelmingly positive. The watch stood out for its seamless performance, providing precise tracking and in-depth data analysis for each run. The heart rate monitor gave accurate readings, and the sleep tracking feature offered valuable insights about our rest cycle. The solar charging feature worked impressively well, ensuring the watch stayed powered throughout our longest runs. The interface was intuitive and user-friendly, making navigating the various features easy.
Despite its high price point, the high-end features and exceptional performance of the Forerunner 955 Solar offer significant value for serious athletes.
Tested Features:
- Solar Charging
- Battery Life Performance
- GPS Accuracy and Mapping
- Heart Rate Monitoring
- Sleep Tracking
- User Interface Navigation
Garmin Forerunner 45s: Best GPS Watch for Beginner Runners
Screen Size: 1.04 Inches
Touch Screen: No
Bezel Material: Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 32g
Details & First Impressions:
The Garmin Forerunner 45s serves as a remarkable entry-level GPS watch designed specifically for runners. Its design focuses on wearability with an emphasis on a lightweight structure, durable fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, and a comfortable silicone strap for prolonged use.
While it lacks a touchscreen, its user-friendly interface is easy to navigate with clearly marked buttons.
Noteworthy Features:
- Built-in GPS for precise tracking
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring
- Stress Tracking
- Fitness tracking
- Smart notifications for incoming texts and calls
- Automatic mapping updates with Garmin Connect
These features add to the appeal of the watch, marking it as an excellent choice for beginners. Its connectivity options via GPS and Bluetooth are seamless, reinforcing its status as a technologically advanced yet user-friendly running companion.
Upon initial review, our impressions of the Forerunner 45s are positive. It delivers superb performance for a beginner-level watch and offers the potential for feature upgrades with additional accessories.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Robust construction
- Comfortable strap
- Intuitive interface
- Multifunctional
- Excellent connectivity
- Not the best battery life
Cons
- Lacks touchscreen
- Limited accessories
- No Maps
Performance & Overall Experience:
Upon testing the Garmin Forerunner 45s, we were highly impressed with its stellar performance. The built-in GPS provided accurate and consistent tracking data, while the heart rate monitor offered real-time feedback on our workout intensity.
Equally commendable was the stress tracking feature, guiding us to understand when we were pushing too hard or when to step up the pace.
The smart notifications were timely and unobtrusive, ensuring we remained connected without distractions.
The fitness tracking capabilities, including step counting and sleep monitoring, were insightful, adding an extra dimension to our fitness regime.
The Bluetooth connectivity was swift and seamless, ensuring effortless synchronization with our devices.
Despite its minor shortcoming of lacking a touchscreen, the easy-to-navigate buttons made up for it.
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 45s proved to be an incredibly functional and reliable companion for beginner runners, earning our strong recommendation.
Tested Features:
- Built-in GPS
- Wrist-based heart rate monitoring
- Stress Tracking
- Fitness Tracking
- Smart Notifications
- Step Counting
COROS PACE 2: Lightest GPS Running Watch
Screen Size: 1.2
Touch Screen: No
Lens Material: Corning Glass
Battery Life: 20 days
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 30g
Features & First Impressions:
The COROS PACE 2 is a remarkable entrant in the lineup of GPS running watches, designed specifically with dedicated runners in mind. This watch impresses with a strikingly lightweight design of just 30g, making it one of the lightest GPS watches in the market. The first impression is marked by its streamlined aesthetics and comfortable silicone strap, assuring a secure fit during intense workouts.
Key highlights of the COROS PACE 2 include:
- Exceptional 20-day battery life
- Reliable barometer for altitude measurement
- Compatibility with Strava for social fitness tracking
- Built-in heart rate monitor
The extraordinary battery life of 20 days ensures the runners’ main focus remains on their performance rather than worrying about recharging their devices. Although the watch lacks a touchscreen, the clear display and straightforward navigation promise a user-friendly experience. Considering these attributes, it’s difficult to find a more capable or convenient tool for running enthusiasts.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight design
- Lengthy 20-day battery life
- Reliable built-in barometer
- Strava integration for social tracking
- Accurate heart rate monitor
- Clear, navigable display
- Comfortable silicone strap
Cons
- Lacks touch screen
- Limited activity tracking
Performance & Overall Experience:
Performance-wise, the COROS PACE 2 is a serious contender in the GPS running watch market. The precision in activity tracking is impressive, whether running, cycling, or swimming, and the heart rate monitor delivers accurate readings consistently.
The Strava integration is seamless, making workout tracking and sharing with friends straightforward. Despite lacking a touch screen, navigation was straightforward and hassle-free, thanks to its intuitive interface.
The extended battery life proved a significant advantage, effortlessly lasting through long training sessions and even several days of regular use.
Overall, our experience with the COROS PACE 2 was positive, affirming it as a reliable partner for amateur and professional athletes.
Tested Features:
- GPS Accuracy
- Heart Rate Monitor Performance
- GPS Battery Life
- Weight and Comfortability
- Barometer Accuracy
- Strava Integration
- Ease of Navigation
- Activity Tracking (Running, Cycling, Swimming)
- Sleep & Recovery Tracking
- Training Plan Integration
EZON GPS Running Watch: Best GPS Watch For Running Cheap
Screen Size: 1.37″
Touch Screen: No
Lens Material: Glass
Bezel Material: Plastic
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 59 Grams
Features & First Impressions:
The EZON GPS Running Watch may not be the cream of the crop, but it delivers a satisfactory performance for a budget watch. What first strikes us about this watch is its compact, lightweight design, making it comfortable and unintrusive on runs. The silicone strap and 50m water resistance make it suitable for all-weather runs or swimming workouts.
The basic functions like speed, distance, pace alarm, and calorie counter are spot on, and the additional stopwatch feature is a bonus. However, the lack of a touchscreen may be a minor inconvenience for some.
The battery life is impressive, with up to 3 months in standby mode and around 6 hours in GPS mode.
While it may not boast high-end features, at a price tag of just $55, the EZON GPS Running Watch is a value-for-money option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Water-resistant to 50m
- Basic functionality covered
Cons
- No touchscreen feature
- Short battery life in GPS mode
Performance & Overall Experience:
In terms of performance, the EZON GPS Running Watch fares decently for its price. It offers reliable and accurate tracking of speed, distance, and calories burned. The lack of advanced features is noticeable, especially for those accustomed to more sophisticated models.
The user experience is relatively straightforward, but the absence of a touchscreen function makes navigation a bit clunky.
Despite these shortcomings, given its affordable price point, we found the performance satisfactory, not stellar, but sufficient for those seeking basic functionality or dipping their toes in the world of GPS running watches for the first time.
Tested Features:
- GPS-Enabled Tracking
- Speed & Distance Calculation
- Pace Alarm Function
- Calorie Counter
- Stopwatch Feature
- Water Resistance
- Shorter Battery Life
- User Interface and Navigation
- Comfort and Wearability
Garmin Forerunner 965: Overall BEST GPS Watch for Running
Screen Size: 1.4″
Touch Screen: Yes
Lens Material: Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 DX
Bezel Material: Titanium
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 53 g
Features & First Impressions:
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a high-performance GPS watch that immediately strikes you with its robust build and premium design. The 1.4″ color AMOLED display offers sharp image quality, and the optional always-on mode ensures that the watch is always ready to serve you.
Notably, the screen is well-protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX. The watch’s titanium bezel and silicone strap exude durability and comfort, an ideal combination for all types of physical activity.
At 53 grams, it is lightweight enough to be worn comfortably without feeling cumbersome during long runs. The rich feature set, including advanced training metrics and recovery insights, underscores Garmin’s dedication to providing a comprehensive tool for runners.
At first glance, the Garmin Forerunner 965 promises a seamless blend of comfort, durability, and advanced functionality.
Pros
- High-resolution AMOLED display
- Lightweight and durable design
- Advanced training metrics
- Recovery insights
- Long Battery Life
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- High-end price range
Performance & Overall Experience:
The performance of the Garmin Forerunner 965 was outstanding in our tests, living up to the reputation of its high-tech specifications and extended battery life. The GPS-based distance, time, and pace were incredibly accurate, with additional features like running dynamics, stride length, cadence, and running power providing comprehensive insights into our running performance.
The Grade-Adjusted Pace and PacePro Pacing Strategies impressed us with their precision and personalization options, enriching our running experience.
With impressive battery life, in smartwatch mode, the watch ran for nearly three weeks, while in GPS mode, it lasted for over 30 hours.
Navigating through the features was intuitive, thanks to the user-friendly interface and the responsive touchscreen. Combining performance with comfort, the Forerunner® 965 offers an exceptional overall user experience, albeit at a premium price.
Tested Features:
- AMOLED Display
- Training Metrics
- Recovery Insights
- Always-On Mode
- Longer Battery Life
- GPS Accuracy
- Running Dynamics
- Stride Length
- Cadence
- Running Power
- Grade-Adjusted Pace
FAQs
What is the best GPS running watch?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar is the best GPS running watch overall, offering exceptional performance and long battery life in a lightweight and durable design. It features an AMOLED display, advanced training metrics, recovery insights, grade-adjusted pace, and PacePro™ pacing strategies.
What are the features of a good GPS running watch?
A good GPS running watch should accurately track speed, distance, and calories burned. It should also have an intuitive user interface, a long battery life, water resistance, and additional features like pace alarm functions and stopwatches. Additionally, it should be lightweight and comfortable to wear during runs.
What is the most affordable GPS watch?
The EZON GPS Running Watch is the most affordable option, priced at just $55. It offers basic functionality with a battery life of up to 3 months in standby mode and around 6 hours in GPS mode. However, it lacks features such as touchscreen and advanced metrics on more expensive models.
What watches do marathon runners wear?
Marathon runners often opt for GPS watches from the Forerunner line by Garmin, particularly the Garmin Forerunner 245. This watch provides reliable and accurate tracking of speed, distance, calories burned, and more. It also offers a comfortable design with a silicone strap and 50m water resistance, making it suitable for all-weather runs or swimming workouts.
Conclusion and Verdict
If you’re looking for the best running watch with GPS, it’s hard to look past the Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar. Its impressive feature set, long battery life, and robust build quality offer a great blend of performance and comfort.
For those on a budget or new to GPS running watches, the EZON GPS Running Watch is a fantastic choice. It provides essential features at an affordable price, catering perfectly to beginners.
Ultimately, both models provide a reliable and enjoyable running experience, so you can choose whichever fits your needs the best.
At the end of the day, understanding your needs is the most important factor when selecting a GPS-running watch. With the right model, you can reach your goals and experience all the thrill of running with accuracy and ease.
Happy Running!