8 Best Solar GPS Watches (2024)

Last Updated: Jan 12, 2024

As technology advances every day, more and more devices are becoming solar-powered. This is especially true for watches, which have recently seen a surge in popularity.

Solar GPS watches, including the solar smartwatch models, are an excellent choice for anyone who wants the best of both worlds: a stylish watch with all the features of a high-end GPS device that never seems to die.

With all the best solar smartwatch models in one place, you won’t have to stress about getting lost or running out of battery power again. The GPS functions also work without data, so you can still find your way even in remote locations.

In a rush? Here is a quick comparison of the solar GPS watches covered in this article:

Quick Comparison: Solar GPS Watches in 2024

Product Name	Review	Price	Rating
Garmin fēnix 7 Sapphire	Jump to Review	$889.99 Buy Now	4.6 stars (855 ratings)
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar	Jump to Review	$499.99 Buy Now	4.6 stars (703 ratings)
Garmin quatix 7X Solar Edition	Jump to Review	$1199.99 Buy Now	4.6 stars (14 ratings)
Garmin tactix 7 Delta	Jump to Review	$1399.99 Buy Now	4.7 stars (524 ratings)
Casio Men’s G-Shock Move	Jump to Review	$399.00 Buy Now	4.4 stars (187 ratings)
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar	Jump to Review	$581.00 Buy Now	4.7 stars (521 ratings)
Garmin Enduro 2 Solar	Jump to Review	$499.95 Buy Now	4.7 stars (200 ratings)
SUUNTO Vertical	Jump to Review	$629.00 Buy Now	4.1 stars (61 ratings)

Rely on the Experts

Hi! My name is Dale, and I am a USAF veteran living in Maine.

If I had one of these solar-powered GPS watches out in the field, it would have been game-changing for my guys and me during our training and active missions abroad!

Now, as a veteran, I spend my time hiking the many great trail systems in the Northeastern United States to hunting and fishing in remote areas of the North Maine Woods (uninhabited with no cell service). I know first-hand how paramount it is to have reliable GPS with you in the wilderness.

Luckily, the guys at Trakkit HQ sent me some top-of-the-line solar smartwatch models to try out so I could share my experience with you. Read on for my breakdown of 7 of the best solar-powered GPS watches in 2024, and then stick around for some things to consider before making a purchase.

Also, for those interested in cycling, I recommend checking out our reviews of cycling computers with GPS and maps for an enhanced biking experience.

Jan. 2024 Update: Garmin has released a new update for these watches that supports additional apps relating to sports, fishing, and activity tracking. See details for watches and features here.

Top 8 Solar GPS Watches of 2024

Garmin fēnix 7 Sapphire GPS Watch w/ Solar Charging

Screen Size: 1.3 inches
Touch Screen: Yes
Lens Material: Power Sapphire
Bezel Material: Titanium
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 73 g

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Setup & First Impressions:
The Garmin fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Smartwatch is a rugged, high-end solar-powered multisport GPS watch designed to last.. It features an always-on 1.3″ touchscreen display with a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and long battery life thanks to its solar charging capabilities.

I immediately headed outside to see how well it would perform in direct sunlight.

Setting up the watch was easy, and my first impressions were very positive – it looked sleek and felt comfortable on my wrist while also possessing all the features I was looking for in a top-of-the-line solar-powered smartwatch with GPS capabilities.

The touchscreen was very responsive, and the watch’s 30+ built-in sports apps made it stand out from the crowd. The topographic maps in color were also a nice touch that had me excited to take on a more extensive adventure!

Pros

• Long-running battery life with solar charging capabilities
• Rugged, high-end watch design
• Always-on 1.3″ touchscreen display
• Scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens
• 30+ built-in sports apps
• Color topo maps

Cons

• The silicone strap irritated my skin after a few days (Too tight, maybe?)

Performance & Overall Experience:
The features I liked most with the Garmin fenix 7 Sapphire solar watch were its extended battery life (up to 173 days in smartwatch mode with solar), rugged and high-end design, always-on 1.3″ touchscreen display with a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens, and 30+ built-in sports apps.

I was particularly impressed with the color topography maps you can navigate before and during your hike. I spent a great deal of time just scouting different trails and looking at the maps before deciding which one to take.

The heart rate monitor, pulse ox, stress, and enhanced sleep tracking features were also beneficial during my week-long trial. I monitored my health in real-time and adjusted my activity levels accordingly.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Garmin Fenix 7 and the previous iteration (the Garmin fēnix 6 Pro Solar Smartwatch) for anyone who wants a reliable, top-of-the-line GPS watch that uses solar to enhance battery life.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Garmin Fenix 7 and the previous iteration (the Garmin fēnix 6 Pro Solar GPS watch) for anyone who wants a reliable, top-of-the-line GPS watch that uses solar to enhance battery life. Boost your outdoor explorations to the next level with all the advanced features you need built right in.

Tested Features: 

• Exceptional battery life using solar charging capabilities
• Touchscreen display
• GPS tracking
• 30+ built-in sports apps
• Color topo maps
• Heart rate, Pulse Ox, stress, and enhanced sleep tracking features
• Solar intensity

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar – Tactical Edition w/ Unlimited Battery Life

Screen Size: 1.12 inches
Touch Screen: No
Lens Material: Power Glass
Bezel Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 53 g

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Setup & First Impressions: 
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Edition is a rugged and capable solar-powered watch with basic GPS capabilities. It features an always-on 1.12″ display with a scratch-resistant Power Glass lens and unlimited battery life with solar (with at least 3 hours outside per day).

This watch also has dedicated tactical features, including Tactical waypoints, Jumpmaster mode, waypoint projection, dual-position GPS format, and preloaded tactical activities.

I liked the stealth mode feature that allows you to disable wireless communication and data sharing on the fly. I think immediately of the Ukraine war, where communication pings may put a target on individuals on the front lines.

Setting up the watch was a breeze, and my first impressions were great – it felt comfortable on my wrist while possessing every feature I was looking for in a top-of-the-line tactical solar GPS watch.

Pros

• Unlimited battery life with solar
• Dedicated tactical features
• Stealth mode
• Scratch-resistant Power Glass lens
• Rugged design
• Health monitoring features

Cons

• No touch screen
• No Maps

Performance & Overall Experience:
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Edition is the ultimate GPS watch which has been nothing short of impressive. It has tracked my every movement with pinpoint accuracy and provided me with detailed information about my outdoor activities, including altitude, distance, speed, barometer, and more.

The health monitoring features have also been beneficial. I’ve accurately tracked my heart rate, oxygen, and stress levels with the enhanced sleep tracking for the entire trial duration.

Overall, the Garmin Instinct 2 solar GPS watch is best for military members, tactical adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Get the most out of your outdoor escapades with all the latest cutting-edge features!

Tested Features: 

• GPS accuracy
• Unlimited battery life with solar
• Scratch-resistant Power Glass lens
• Dedicated tactical features (Tactical mode, Jumpmaster)
• Stealth mode
• Health monitoring features

Garmin quatix 7X Solar Edition – Best Solar GPS Watch for Boating

Screen Size: 1.4″
Touch Screen: Yes
Lens Material: Power Glass
Bezel Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer
Strap Material: Silicone and titanium
Weight: 89 g

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Setup & First Impressions: 
The Garmin watches I have been playing with so far have been nothing short of impressive, including this beauty. My first impressions of the Garmin quatix 7X Solar Edition were incredibly positive. I have always been a fan of Garmin for its reliable and durable GPS products, and this watch did not disappoint.

It is a top-of-the-line multisport GPS smartwatch with a 1.4″ touchscreen display, made from ultra-durable materials such as a Power Sapphire Glass lens, fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, titanium rear cover, and included titanium and silicone straps.

I was incredibly excited to use the boat features of this watch, which include waypoint marking, tide changes, anchor drag alerts, and much more. With its solar charging capability and long battery life (up to 139 days!), it is perfect for all my adventures on the water, whether for short or long trips.

The setup process was surprisingly easy – I had to connect to my phone via Bluetooth and download the Garmin Connect app. Once connected, I could access Blue Chart G3 charts and LAKEVÜ G3 maps on the watch.

The full-color maps are amazingly detailed and feature high-resolution imagery while providing important safety information such as bridges, marinas, and navigation aids.

Pros

• 139 days of battery life with solar
• Scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens
• Waterproof up to 100 meters
• Health monitoring features
• Easy setup process via Garmin Connect app
• Full-color maps with high-resolution imagery

Cons

• It does not come with marine charts preloaded

Performance & Overall Experience:
After using the Garmin quatix 7X Solar Edition on multiple boating trips and adventures, I can confidently say that its performance has been nothing short of outstanding. The watch has held up well in all sorts of weather conditions – from bright and sunny days to rainy and windy nights – and the Power Sapphire lens stays scratch-free even when submerged beneath the waves and dealing with lobster traps for 16 hours per day.

Additionally, the battery life is awe-inspiring – even after two weeks of wear and use, the battery still showed a charge of over 80%. The solar charging capability is an absolute godsend – it provides a much-needed boost during long days out on the water with an unlimited battery.

The included health monitoring features are also great – I appreciate being able to track my heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Garmin Quatix 7X Solar Edition, and I didn’t want to send it back. It may be pricey, but it is a convenient and reliable watch that has helped me navigate numerous adventures on the water without a conventional console-mounted marine GPS chartplotter. The only thing it needed was a fish finder. Highly recommended as one of the best GPS watches for boating!

Tested Features: 

• GPS tracking
• Battery life with solar
• Scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens
• Waterproofness
• Health monitoring features

Garmin tactix 7 Delta – Solar Powered Watch w/ Ballistics

Screen Size: 1.4″
Touch Screen: No
Lens Material: Power Sapphire
Bezel Material: Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated steel
Strap Material: Nylon and silicone included
Weight: 97 g

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Setup & First Impressions:
My first impression of the Garmin tactix 7 Delta was that it would be handy for those in the military or law enforcement. A tactical GPS watch with a built-in ballistics calculator and night vision capability is a must-have for anyone in these careers.

The watch also has impressive resilience, having been built to comply with military standards, and is waterproof up to 100 meters. I was intrigued by the 120-day battery life you can get when paired with solar energy, ensuring reliable access to all of its features even on more extended missions without a power source.

The setup experience was straightforward but satisfying. Pairing the watch to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth is done through Garmin Connect, which is available for iOS and Android devices.

It took me a few minutes to connect it and start using the excellent range of features it provides. Garmin Connect can do everything from tracking workouts or sleep patterns to creating custom waypoints and keeping tabs on weather forecasts!

On top of that, setting up widgets inside the app enabled me to have quick access to my favorite activities without needing to go through menus.

Pros

• Built to military standard (MIL-STD-810)
• Waterproof up to 100 meters
• 120-day battery life with solar power
• Night vision capability
• Easy setup through the Garmin Connect app
• Range of health monitoring features
• Quick access to favorite activities through widgets in the app

Cons

• Expensive price point for some buyers

Performance & Overall Experience:
Overall, the Garmin tactix 7 Delta proved a fantastic tactical GPS watch. The applied ballistics calculator and night vision capabilities come in handy, especially regarding long-range shooting.

The watch is also incredibly durable, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case, metal rear cover, and waterproofing up to 100 meters.

The ballistics calculator is mind-blowing to have on my watch, and the battery life would be sufficient for longer missions without a power source.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Garmin tactix 7 Delta Solar Edition with Ballistics as the best GPS watch for military and law enforcement personnel.

Tested Features: 

• GPS navigation
• Battery life with solar energy
• Scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens
• Waterproofness
• Ballistics Calculator

Casio Men’s G-Shock Move – Best Budget GPS Solar Watch

Model Number: GBD-H1000-1A7
Screen Size: 63 mm
Lens Material: Mineral Glass
Bezel Material: Resin
Case Material: Resin and Black Stainless Steel
Weight: 101 g

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Setup & First Impressions:
The Casio Men’s G-Shock Move is an excellent watch for athletes and runners alike. With its 63 mm screen size, mineral glass lens material, resin bezel material, and black stainless steel case, this watch offers plenty of features that make it extremely useful.

My first impressions of the Casio Men’s G-Shock Move were very positive. It’s definitely not the BEST GPS watch out there, but the price is hard to beat.

This watch’s sleek design and aesthetic features make it very attractive, while the 63 mm screen size ensures that it is easy to see and read even when running or exercising outdoors.

This watch is stylish, and its construction ensures lasting durability. Featuring a mineral glass lens, resin bezel, and black stainless steel case that defy wear-and-tear – it’s built to handle anything life throws at you!

Pros

• Sleek and attractive GPS running watch
• 63 mm screen size makes it easy to read
• Very Affordable Price Point
• Resin bezel material adds extra protection from impacts and scratches
• Top-down mapping navigation

Cons

• Very clunky operating system
• The watch’s battery life does not compare to other watches on this list

Performance & Overall Experience:
The performance of the Casio Men’s G-Shock Move watch is excellent. It comes with various features and sensors, such as a bearing, altitude/barometric pressure, temperature sensors, stopwatch, and accelerometer to track running information like distance, speed, and pace. The top-down mapping navigation is also handy for athletes and runners.

The battery life is not the best compared to other watches on this list, with 14 hours of battery life for every 2.5 hours in the sun. However, considering how much this watch is sold for, it still offers decent battery performance for the price.

Overall, I am pleased with the Casio Men’s G-Shock Move. This watch is the best GPS watch for you if you are always going for runs at new places or want to track your progress. Its features and overall performance make it a worthwhile investment for athletes of all levels.

Tested Features: 

• GPS navigation
• Solar charging
• Heart rate monitor
• Pulse Ox
• Speed and distance while running
• Water resistance

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar

Screen Size: 1.3 Inches
Lens Material: Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX
Bezel Material: Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Touchscreen: Yes
Weight: 53 g

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Setup & First Impressions:
The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is an impressive smartwatch tailored to runners’ and triathletes’ needs. With its large 1.3-inch screen, Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens material, and fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, this watch looks great on your wrist. It’s also incredibly lightweight at only 53 g!

The battery life is equally impressive; with up to 20 days in smartwatch mode or 480 hours in GPS mode when fully charged, you can expect long-lasting performance from this device. Plus, it has access to multiple global navigation satellite systems for accurate tracking wherever you go.

Setting up the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar was a breeze, similar to other Garmin devices. The GPS solar watch came with an easy-to-follow guide that let me quickly pair it with my smartphone and customize settings like notifications, sleep tracking, and more. I could even download additional apps from the Connect IQ store for extra features.

Pros

• Sizeable 1.3-inch screen for easy viewing
• Corning Gorilla Glass DX lens
• Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel adds extra protection
• The lightweight design of only 53 g is comfortable to wear
• Up to 20 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or 480 hours in GPS mode when fully charged
• Full-color mapping and navigation

Cons

• When it vibrated, I noticed an annoying rattling sound

Performance & Overall Experience:
When it came time to track my first run, I found that the GPS connection was fast and reliable. It tracked my distance accurately and provided clear visuals of where I had been on its built-in mapping feature. Plus, thanks to its long battery life (up to 20 days in smartwatch mode), I only had to charge it once in 10 days of use!

The Forerunner 955 Solar also comes with sleep and training monitoring and a heart rate variability (HRV) status to help you better understand your overall health and performance. This is especially useful for athletes looking to analyze their training more closely.

Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is an excellent GPS running watch with incredible battery life. Its large 1.3-inch screen, Gorilla Glass DX lens, and fiber-reinforced polymer bezel make it stylish and durable. Plus, its long battery life means you don’t have to worry about charging it as often.

Tested Features: 

• GPS navigation
• Solar charging
• Heart rate monitor
• Pulse Ox
• Sleep & training monitoring
• HRV status

Garmin Enduro 2 Solar

Screen Size: 1.4″
Lens Material: Power Sapphire
Bezel Material: Titanium
Strap Material: Nylon 
Touchscreen: Yes
Weight: 70 g

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Setup & First Impressions: 
The Garmin Enduro 2 Solar is an ultra-performance multisport GPS watch with unbeatable battery life and solar charging capabilities. It features a large 1.4″ touchscreen, a Power Sapphire lens material, and a titanium bezel for extra durability. Its ultrafit nylon strap also adds to its ergonomic design, weighing only 70g.

The battery life is excellent; it can last up to 80 hours in GPS mode and roughly 46 days in smartwatch mode. Plus, it’s waterproof up to 100 meters and includes a solar charging capability that can further boost the battery life.

Setting up and pairing my Garmin Enduro 2 Solar with my smartphone was easy. The phone app provides detailed instructions and settings I could customize (e.g., notifications and sleep tracking). It also gave me access to the Garmin Connect store, where I could download additional apps for more features.

Pros

• Large 1.4″ touchscreen
• Power Sapphire lens
• Titanium bezel for durability
• Ultrafit nylon strap with ergonomic design
• Up to 80 hours of battery life in GPS mode

Cons

• No built-in music storage
• $1k Price tag

Performance & Overall Experience: 
I was impressed by the accuracy of the GPS tracking and navigation. It quickly pinpointed my location, tracked my distance accurately, and provided clear visuals of my location on its map.

The heart rate monitor, pulse ox, and sleep & training monitoring features were also accurate. Plus, the battery life was great – I never had to charge it once in ten days of use!

The Garmin Enduro 2 Solar is an excellent multisport GPS watch for athletes looking to understand their overall performance better. Excellent functions like Trail run VO2 max and ClimbPro trail enhancements give you more information for descents and flats and can help you become a better athlete.

Plus, its long-lasting battery life and solar charging capabilities ensure you don’t miss out on any action. All in all, I recommend the Garmin Enduro 2 Solar!

Tested Features:

• GPS navigation
• Solar charging
• Heart rate monitor
• Pulse Ox
• Sleep & training monitoring
• Trail run VO2 max features
• ClimbPro trail enhancements

SUUNTO Vertical – Titanium Solar GPS Watch with Maps

Screen Size: 1.4 inches
Touch Screen: Yes
Lens Material: Sapphire Crystal
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Material: Silicone
Weight: 86 g

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Setup & First Impressions: 

The SUUNTO Vertical instantly caught my attention with its sleek stainless steel design, which suggests durability and sophistication.

As soon as I powered it up, I was thoroughly impressed with the clarity of the large touchscreen and the vibrancy of its color display.

The fact that it offers over 95 sports modes was a pleasant surprise, and including free global maps indicates its readiness for any adventure.

The dual-band GPS/GNSS feature is a standout, ensuring precise location tracking by communicating with all major satellite systems.

It became clear that this watch was designed to provide the utmost convenience and functionality to outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

A small caveat, however, is that the feature to send predefined replies to incoming messages from the watch is only available for Android. Nevertheless, it is a remarkable bundle that caters to various outdoor pursuits.

Pros

• Stylish stainless steel design
• Bright, large touchscreen display
• Over 95 sports modes available
• Dual-band GPS/GNSS for precise tracking
• Free global maps included

Cons

• Messaging replies feature Android-only

Performance & Overall Experience: 

Once I strapped the SUUNTO Vertical on and took it for a spin, its performance exceeded expectations. Its dual-band GPS/GNSS feature consistently provided precise and reliable tracking during my excursions. 

Transitioning between the 95+ sport modes was seamless, and with the watch’s solar capability, battery life was never an issue, even on long treks. 

The color display remained clearly visible under various lighting conditions, and navigating the maps was an absolute breeze on the large touchscreen. 

The sole obstacle encountered was the watch’s Android-exclusive feature, which prevented the sending of predetermined replies to incoming messages on our iPhones. However, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, making this watch a worthy companion for any outdoor enthusiast.

Tested Features:

• GPS accuracy
• Battery longevity
• Display visibility
• Sports mode transitions
• Messaging feature

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Solar GPS Watch

Before you click over to Amazon or head to your local outdoors store to purchase a solar-powered GPS watch, there are a few things you should consider:

Features

Beyond just tracking GPS locations, these watches can often include features such as heart rate monitors, route planners, and GPS tracking watches for adults. Before you buy one, make sure to review what features a specific model comes with and decide which ones are essential for your adventure activities.

Value

As I’m sure you have noticed, these watches are costly. It’s important to consider how much value you get out of a watch before making the purchase. Consider factors such as battery life, screen size, and weight when deciding which watch suits you best. These watches are an investment to better your life!

Battery Life

The battery life is an essential factor when it comes to solar-powered GPS watches. You should take into account the time between charges, so you know if your watch will be able to withstand your next outdoor adventure. Additionally, many watches today offer unlimited battery life with solar charging.

As different models vary regarding battery life, pay close attention to what they can do in smartwatch or GPS mode. When the GPS is active, the watch consumes more energy faster.

Navigation

Many GPS watches come with detailed maps and route planners. These features are great when you need access to a physical map or want to explore new areas without getting lost.

Some models offer more basic GPS functionality, while others have full-color topography maps with trails preloaded.

Accuracy

A good model should be able to accurately and quickly locate your position in any location or terrain. Additionally, it should have a reliable heart rate monitor and pulse ox sensor to track your performance and recovery.

Ease of Use

The watch should be easy to use and understand. Look for a watch with a user-friendly interface with specific functions, so you don’t have to spend time figuring out how it works. The screen should be easily viewable in the sun, and you should be able to access different features with just a few taps.

Durability

Look for a waterproof watch with a durable construction so it can withstand any outdoor adventure. Some watches are even shock-resistant, so they won’t break when you drop them or if they get hit by debris during your hike.

Style

Some models on this list are more tactical or more athletic looking. Consider your style and choose the watch that will look best when you wear it outdoors or to the gym.

What kind of band does it come with? What materials are used to make the watch? Does it come in different colors? These are all critical questions to answer before you purchase a solar GPS watch.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a watch connoisseur to appreciate the value of an excellent solar GPS watch. Just think about all of the things you use your smartwatch for daily. Chances are, there are quite a few. Now imagine if your watch could do all those things and more without ever needing to be charged. That’s what solar GPS watches, including golf GPS watches and GPS devices for golfing, can do for you.

Be sure to consider all the factors we listed before purchasing – from price to battery life to features. And if you still have questions, check out our FAQ section at the end of this post.

Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about solar GPS watches explore our other related content like the 15 Best Car GPS Navigation Systems for 2024.

Solar GPS Watch Frequently Asked Questions