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 Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a robust feature set for a GPS watch, making it a versatile companion for fitness and daily use. Its built-in GPS ensures good accuracy for outdoor activities such as running and cycling. The battery life might not be the longest in its category, typically lasting up to 18 hours with regular use, which means frequent charging could be necessary for heavy users or multi-day tracking. Durability is a strong point, with 50m water resistance making it swim-proof and capable of withstanding various environments.

The heart rate monitoring is precise, providing valuable health insights and notifications for irregular heart rhythms or unusual heart rates. Connectivity is seamless with iPhones and other Apple devices, thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, although it may be less convenient for Android users. Its user interface, powered by watchOS, is intuitive and user-friendly, with customizable watch faces and a responsive touch screen. Activity tracking is comprehensive, covering a wide range of workouts and daily activities, and it integrates well with the Apple Fitness+ service for more detailed insights and guided workouts.

Mapping and navigation features are present, but they are more limited compared to some specialized outdoor-focused GPS watches. However, it supports essential navigation tasks for urban use. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) excels in providing a balanced mix of fitness, health tracking, and smart features, making it ideal for users who are integrated into the Apple ecosystem and seeking a reliable, all-around GPS watch.

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.