2025 GPS Watch Guide Top Picks and Trends

Imagine running along a ridgeline at dawn, your every step precisely recorded by the GPS watch on your wrist. More than just a tool, it becomes a reliable companion in your pursuit of pushing limits and breaking personal barriers. With countless options available, how do you find the perfect one? This definitive guide to the top GPS watches of 2025 will help you navigate the choices and find your ideal wrist-bound partner.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is designed for runners and multisport athletes who demand peak performance and reliability. Equipped with dual-frequency GPS and an upgraded Elevate 5 HR sensor, it delivers industry-leading accuracy. Its vibrant AMOLED display is among Garmin’s finest. The latest Forerunner also features a dedicated flashlight, a speaker and microphone for calls, and ECG tracking. The slim titanium build, endless sport modes, and highly customizable data screens make it ideal for athletes who love diving into details. Our lead tester Matthew notes: “I recommend this model to any serious athlete who wants the lightest GPS watch with the broadest feature set.”

The Suunto Run strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability, offering a bright AMOLED display and near-flagship-level accuracy. Both its dual-frequency satellite tracking and HR monitor provide reliable readings. The lightweight 36-gram design feels featherlight on the wrist, yet remains durable thanks to a stainless steel bezel. Multiple interchangeable strap options ensure a perfect fit for any wrist. Recovery metrics, offline MP3 playback, and daily health widgets round out its focused feature set. Our lead tester remarks: “I’m impressed by the Run. Its performance-to-price ratio is outstanding, and I’d recommend it to anyone who doesn’t need an abundance of software features. If you care primarily about GPS tracking, this is a stellar choice.”

If we were to recommend one GPS watch for the broadest audience, it would be the Coros Pace 3. This model maintains its dominance in the budget-friendly segment, offering exceptional battery life without added bulk. With over 30 hours of GPS usage or up to two weeks of typical daily use, it minimizes charging hassles. For those seeking to avoid the distractions common with smartwatches, the Pace 3’s streamlined design is ideal. “I find its simplicity incredibly appealing,” says our lead tester. Both dedicated athletes and health-conscious users will find value in this watch.

The Garmin Enduro 3 is the top pick for ultrarunners and long-haul adventurers. Its lightweight design, reasonable price, and enhanced solar charging make it a practical alternative to the premium Fenix series, which now includes features some may find unnecessary. The standout feature is its 320-hour solar GPS tracking, housed in a durable titanium casing. However, its single 51mm case size may not suit all wrists. Despite this limitation, the Enduro 3’s improved screen resolution, UltraFit nylon strap, and rugged build make it an excellent companion for intense outdoor pursuits.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 refines what was already the best smartwatch for athletes and adventurers. Its brighter display and improved power efficiency extend battery life. Cellular models now include satellite connectivity (with SOS available on all versions). Health tracking continues to lead the industry with an outstanding UI and seamless phone integration. New additions include sleep scoring, hypertension detection (pending FDA approval), and the return of blood oxygen metrics. Apart from color options, the Ultra 3’s design remains unchanged. “Beyond its accuracy, the Ultra’s software and UI remain my favorite for phone-related tasks,” notes our lead tester.

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the simplest device we tested—essentially a fitness tracker with bonus GPS functionality. Its GPS recording is impressive for short workouts, though it lacks endurance. If you feel overwhelmed by feature-heavy options, the Charge 6’s simplicity might be perfect for you.

We purchased each watch at full retail price, just like you would, before putting them through rigorous testing. From running and skiing to climbing and cycling, we evaluated functionality, accuracy, and usability. Our team is proud to share recommendations to help you find the best GPS watch for your needs.

With so many GPS watches on the market, selecting the right one can be daunting. We sampled the best current models to compare them side by side.

GPS watches are an investment, and your usage level should dictate your budget. For entry-level options focused on distance and heart rate tracking, we recommend:

• Coros Pace 3
• Garmin Forerunner 165
• Amazfit T-Rex 3
• Garmin Forerunner 55

These models excel at basic tracking but lack advanced metrics for serious athletes. The Suunto Run sits at the lower end of our lineup yet delivers a solid mix of features and battery life. For better endurance and build quality, the Suunto Race is a step up.

Precision matters, especially given today’s high device costs. All tested watches now feature multi-band GPS, with some operating on multiple frequencies. Signal strength, satellite positioning, fit, and hardware all impact accuracy.

GPS watches have evolved into wrist-worn computers, many incorporating smartphone-like features. However, our priority remains their athletic utility. Most testers are serious athletes who rely on accurate data to enhance their training.

Ease of use—both during activities and daily life—is critical. Top-rated models offer the best user experience, including seamless app integration. Remember, feature-rich devices may require a learning curve.

Functionality varies widely across price points. At minimum, we expect 1-second GPS intervals and heart rate monitoring. Premium watches add flashlights, SpO2 readings, topographic maps, and smartwatch capabilities. Consider your actual needs before purchasing.

Design considerations include fit, button placement, screen clarity, and aesthetics. Choose a model that suits your wrist, budget, and style.

For endurance athletes, battery life is paramount. Many tested watches include customizable power modes to optimize runtime.

Buying a GPS watch is a significant decision. Our reviews provide deeper insights into each model. If you need remote assistance, pairing your watch with a satellite communicator is an option.

Researching for weeks or months is common before making this investment. We hope our insights help you proceed with confidence. Consider your priorities, and rest assured—there’s a perfect GPS watch for everyone.