10 Best Gps Watches 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a strong contender in the GPS watch category, especially for users who value both fitness tracking and smart features. One of its standout strengths is its advanced health monitoring capabilities, including an ECG app and comprehensive heart rate tracking, which can alert you to any irregularities. The Always-On Retina display is bright and clear, enhancing usability, especially outdoors. Battery life is decent — up to 18 hours with normal use, and it can extend to 36 hours in low power mode.

Durability is another plus; the watch has a water resistance rating of 50m, making it swimproof, and it’s dust resistant (IP6X-certified), which is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Its lightweight and comfortable design make it suitable for all-day wear, whether you're working out or just going about your day.

The watch requires an iPhone for full functionality, which might be limiting for Android users. Additionally, while the GPS accuracy is generally reliable, fluctuations can occur during intense activities like running or cycling. The high price point might also be a hurdle for those looking for a budget-friendly option. It integrates well with other Apple devices, allowing for seamless notifications and calls, which can be a major advantage for Apple users. The wide range of customizable watch bands and faces helps users personalize their watch to fit different styles.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 stands out with its bright AMOLED display and impressive battery life of up to 11 days, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking a reliable health and fitness GPS smartwatch. The GPS accuracy is solid, supporting over 30 sports apps, including running, cycling, and swimming, which ensures it meets various fitness needs. Its built-in GPS and comprehensive activity tracking features make it ideal for those serious about monitoring their exercise routines and overall health.

The heart rate monitoring and Body Battery energy tracking provide valuable insights into your health, including stress and sleep metrics, helping you understand your body's readiness for physical activity or rest. The addition of personalized insights and sleep coaching is a great touch for users looking to improve their sleep hygiene and overall well-being. Durability is also a key strength, with water resistance suitable for swimming and a robust build to withstand daily wear.

Connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices enhance its versatility, while the ability to download music and use wireless headphones allows for an uninterrupted workout experience. On the downside, the 1.2-inch screen might feel small for some users, and the 4 GB memory storage could be limiting for those who like to store a lot of music or apps. However, with its lightweight design at just 1.3 ounces, it remains comfortable for all-day wear. In conclusion, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is a well-rounded GPS smartwatch that excels in both fitness tracking and smart features, making it a great option for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid choice for runners looking for a reliable GPS watch. Its GPS accuracy is commendable, effectively tracking your running routes and performance metrics. One of its biggest strengths is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks in regular use and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is great for long runs and training sessions. Durability and water resistance are also strong points, making it suitable for various weather conditions and activities like swimming.

The heart rate monitoring is handy, though it's worth noting that it's not a medical-grade device. Activity tracking is comprehensive, covering a wide range of exercises from running and cycling to Pilates and HIIT workouts. Navigation features like the PacePro are useful, although they are somewhat limited as they don't support on-device courses. In terms of connectivity, the watch supports Bluetooth and can integrate with the Garmin Connect app for a more personalized experience. Additionally, the ability to customize the watch with different faces, data fields, and apps is a nice touch.

Comfort and design-wise, the Forerunner 55 is lightweight and comfortable to wear, though its screen size is relatively small at 1.04 inches, which might be a consideration for those who prefer larger displays. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a strong contender in the GPS watch category, especially for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a dependable, feature-rich device, though it may not cater to those needing advanced on-device navigation features or larger screen displays.