Best GPS Watches of 2026 | Top Picks for Reviews & Buying Guide
We tested and reviewed the top GPS watches of 2026 from leading brands such as Apple, Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Polar, and others to help you choose the right watch for workouts, outdoor activities, and daily fitness use.
How We Tested and Reviewed the Best GPS Watches
Each GPS watch was reviewed based on GPS accuracy, battery life, fitness and training features, durability, comfort, smartwatch functions, and overall value for money, ensuring our recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on real-world testing.
The Best GPS Watches of 2026
Full results from testing and expert analysis of the top GPS watches are available in our detailed Product Comparison Table and Test Results sections.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 GPS
- Apple Ultra 3 GPS Watch
- Suunto Run GPS Watch
- Garmin Enduro 3 GPS Watch
- Coros Pace 3 GPS Watch
- Coros Vertix 2S GPS Watch
- Suunto Race GPS Watch
- Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Measured Body Diameter: 49.0 mm
Screen Type: AMOLED
Measured Thickness: 15.0 mm
Battery Life with GPS: 25 hours
Sensors Included: Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Temperature, Blood Oxygen Level
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Garmin Forerunner 970 Review Top GPS Watch for Athletes
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is designed for runners and multi-sport athletes who need accuracy, durability, and advanced tracking features. With its dual-frequency GPS and upgraded Elevate 5 heart rate sensor, this watch delivers precise data for training and outdoor adventures. The AMOLED display is vibrant and clear, while the new features like a built-in flashlight, speaker and mic for calls, and ECG monitoring make it a versatile tool for serious athletes. Its slim titanium build, numerous sport modes, and customizable data screens allow athletes to track every detail effortlessly.
Who This Is Best For:
This watch is ideal for runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts who want high-performance GPS tracking and detailed metrics. If you value performance over smartwatch features, the Forerunner 970 is a top choice.
Why We Love It:
The Forerunner 970 stands out for its lightweight design, accurate GPS, long battery life, and robust fitness tracking features. The watch’s vivid AMOLED display and comprehensive sensor suite make it one of Garmin’s most capable GPS watches. It’s perfect for athletes who want performance data at a glance.
Should You Buy It?
The main drawbacks are its higher price compared to the Forerunner 965 and slightly shorter battery life than Garmin solar or MIP models. Some may also find the smaller screen less convenient for navigation. However, if performance and precision are your top priorities, the Garmin Forerunner 970 is an excellent investment. iPhone users or those wanting more smartwatch integration may prefer the Apple Watch Ultra 3, while those seeking a solid, affordable GPS watch could consider the Suunto Run.
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Measured Body Diameter: 44.0 mm
Screen Type: AMOLED
Measured Thickness: 14.0 mm
Battery Life with GPS: 16 hours
Sensors Included: Heart rate, Blood Oxygen, Temperature, Depth, Water Temperature, Compass, Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient Light
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Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review Premium Smartwatch for Athletes and Adventurers
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 takes the best smartwatch experience even further for athletes, adventurers, and everyday users. The AMOLED display is brighter and more energy-efficient, while health tracking features like heart rate, blood oxygen, temperature, and sleep monitoring continue to lead the industry. With satellite SOS capabilities, phone integration, and stylish design, this watch balances performance and convenience for those who want both fitness tracking and smart features.
Who This Is Best For:
This watch is ideal for active users who want a premium smartwatch with excellent health tracking, phone connectivity, and emergency features. It suits casual fitness enthusiasts as well as adventurers who value convenience and smart features over extreme outdoor performance.
Why We Love It:
We love the Ultra 3 for its advanced health metrics, precise tracking, and sleek, durable design. The user interface and watch face customization are unmatched, and the satellite SOS function adds extra peace of mind for outdoor activities. Its premium build and red-light display make it both functional and stylish for everyday wear.
Should You Buy It?
The main drawbacks are its shorter battery life and higher price compared to dedicated GPS watches like the Garmin Forerunner 970 or Suunto Run. For long multi-day activities or extended outdoor trips, other watches may perform better. However, if you want a top-tier smartwatch with excellent health tracking, phone integration, and everyday convenience, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is an excellent choice.
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Measured Body Diameter: 45.55 mm
Screen Type: AMOLED
Measured Thickness: 14.0 mm
Battery Life with GPS: 19 hours
Sensors Included: Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass
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Suunto Run Review Best Value GPS Watch for Runners
The Suunto Run GPS Watch delivers an impressive mix of accuracy, lightweight design, and affordability. It features a bright AMOLED display and reliable GPS and heart rate tracking, making it a strong choice for runners who want performance without paying flagship prices. Weighing just 36 grams, it feels barely noticeable on the wrist, yet the stainless-steel bezel adds durability for daily training. With interchangeable straps, recovery insights, offline music, and essential health widgets, the Suunto Run focuses on the features athletes actually use.
Who This Is Best For:
The Suunto Run is best for runners and fitness-focused users who want accurate GPS tracking and a clean, simple interface without heavy smartwatch features. It’s ideal for those who care more about training data than apps or notifications.
Why We Love It:
We love the Suunto Run for its excellent performance at a reasonable price. The lightweight build, smooth navigation, and dependable GPS accuracy make it feel premium despite costing less than top-tier models. It’s a refreshingly focused GPS watch that avoids unnecessary software clutter.
Should You Buy It?
The main compromises are shorter battery life for multi-day adventures and fewer smartwatch features compared to watches like the Garmin Forerunner 970 or Apple Watch Ultra 3. Features such as mobile payments, advanced sleep scores, and detailed mapping are missing. However, if you want a simple, accurate, and affordable GPS watch built for running and everyday training, the Suunto Run is an excellent choice.
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Measured Body Diameter: 47.0 mm
Screen Type: MIP
Measured Thickness: 17.5 mm
Battery Life with GPS: 120 hours
Sensors Included: Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Temperature, Blood Oxygen Level
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Garmin Enduro 3 Review – Best GPS Watch for Ultra-Endurance Athletes
The Garmin Enduro 3 GPS Watch is designed for ultra-athletes and outdoor adventurers who need long-lasting performance in extreme conditions. Its MIP display, titanium body, and massive 120-hour GPS battery life make it ideal for multi-day expeditions and intense training. With features like heart rate monitoring, altimeter, barometer, compass, temperature, and blood oxygen tracking, it provides accurate data for a wide range of sports. The watch combines a touchscreen and physical buttons, offering a smooth and intuitive user experience. Its UltraFit nylon strap and durable build ensure comfort and reliability during long activities.
Who This Is Best For:
The Enduro 3 is perfect for endurance athletes, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who require exceptional battery life, robust build, and precise GPS tracking. It’s especially suited for multi-day adventures where charging opportunities are limited.
Why We Love It:
We love the Enduro 3 for its long battery life, durable construction, and accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring. The large screen provides clear, readable data, and the combination of touchscreen and buttons makes navigation easy even in challenging conditions. Its solar-powered GPS option adds extra convenience for extended trips.
Should You Buy It?
The main drawbacks are its relatively heavy weight and high price, which may not suit everyone. However, if you want a reliable, high-performance GPS watch for long outdoor activities, the Enduro 3 offers excellent value and functionality. Those seeking a smaller form factor or additional smartwatch features might also consider the Coros Vertix 2s.
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Measured Body Diameter: 41.9 mm
Screen Type: MIP
Measured Thickness: 11.8 mm
Battery Life with GPS: 34 hours
Sensors Included: Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Blood Oxygen Level
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Coros Pace 3 Review Best Lightweight GPS Watch for Everyday Training
The Coros Pace 3 GPS Watch is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly options for runners and fitness users. It stands out for its exceptional battery life, accurate GPS tracking, and ultra-lightweight design, making it easy to wear all day. With over 30 hours of GPS use and up to two weeks of regular use, it minimizes the need for frequent charging. The clean design and simple interface reduce distractions, making it a great alternative to feature-heavy smartwatches.
Who This Is Best For:
The Coros Pace 3 is ideal for runners, cyclists, and everyday fitness users who want long battery life and reliable tracking without complex smartwatch features. It suits both serious athletes and users focused on basic health metrics.
Why We Love It:
We love the Pace 3 for its lightweight feel, excellent accuracy, and outstanding battery efficiency. The simple menu system and physical controls make it easy to use during workouts, and the watch delivers strong performance at a very competitive price.
Should You Buy It?
The trade-offs include limited sport profiles and a plastic build that lacks the premium feel of higher-end models. However, if you want an affordable, ultra-light GPS watch with long battery life and dependable accuracy, the Coros Pace 3 is an excellent choice. Those who prefer an AMOLED display may also want to compare it with the Garmin Forerunner 165, while the Coros Apex 2 offers another solid option in the budget category.
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Body Diameter: 50.3 mm
Screen Type: MIP Touchscreen
Thickness: 16 mm
Battery Life (GPS): Up to 118 hours
Included Sensors: Heart Rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Blood Oxygen, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
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Coros Vertix 2S Review – Ultimate GPS Watch for Outdoor Adventures
The Coros Vertix 2S GPS Watch is built for extreme outdoor enthusiasts and expedition athletes. With a durable body, massive battery life, and a large MIP touchscreen, it handles long adventures with ease. The watch includes heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen, and motion sensors, making it a complete tool for outdoor navigation and fitness tracking. Its companion app provides detailed metrics and smooth synchronization for performance tracking.
Who This Is Best For:
The Vertix 2S is ideal for ultra-endurance athletes, hikers, and explorers who need reliable GPS, long battery life, and rugged durability. It’s perfect for those who tackle multi-day trips in remote locations.
Why We Love It:
We love the Vertix 2S for its exceptional build quality, incredible battery life, and large readable screen. The app support and comprehensive sensor suite make it one of the most capable expedition watches available.
Should You Buy It?
The main drawbacks are its heavy weight, high price, and limited touchscreen functionality in some modes. Despite these, if you want a top-tier, adventure-ready GPS watch with extreme endurance performance, the Coros Vertix 2S is a clear standout.
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Measured Body Diameter: 49.0 mm
Screen Type: AMOLED
Measured Thickness: 13.3 mm
Battery Life with GPS: Up to 40–120 hours
Sensors Included: Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Blood Oxygen Level
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Suunto Race Review – Premium AMOLED GPS Watch
The Suunto Race GPS Watch combines a durable build, improved user interface, and a bright AMOLED display to deliver a refined training experience. Designed for athletes who value clarity and performance, it offers accurate GPS tracking and essential sensors in a clean, distraction-free package. The updated menu system makes navigation faster and easier, while the solid construction ensures reliability during intense workouts and outdoor use.
Who This Is Best For:
The Suunto Race is best for runners, cyclists, and endurance athletes who want a premium-looking GPS watch with a simple, efficient interface and do not need deep smartwatch features.
Why We Love It:
We love the Suunto Race for its strong build quality, smooth UI, and vibrant AMOLED screen. It feels modern, responsive, and purpose-built for training, without unnecessary software clutter.
Should You Buy It?
If you want a well-built GPS watch with an excellent display and clean software, the Suunto Race is a great choice. However, users who want more advanced smartwatch features or broader software support may prefer alternatives like Garmin or Apple models.
Todays’ best deal:
Specific:
Measured Body Diameter: 23.1 mm
Screen Type: AMOLED
Measured Thickness: 11.2 mm
Battery Life with GPS: 8 hours
Sensors Included: Heart rate, Temperature, Blood Oxygen Level
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Fitbit Charge 6 Review Simple GPS Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker is a compact, easy-to-use device ideal for tracking daily activity and health metrics. It features a slim, comfortable design, accurate heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, and a bright AMOLED screen. With built-in GPS, it records your workouts and steps efficiently, while the Fitbit app provides detailed health insights. Its simple interface and focus on core tracking make it perfect for users who don’t need a full-sized smartwatch.
Who This Is Best For:
The Charge 6 is best for beginners or casual fitness enthusiasts who want basic GPS tracking, daily health monitoring, and a small, comfortable device. It’s ideal for those who prefer simplicity over feature-heavy watches.
Why We Love It:
We love the Fitbit Charge 6 for its lightweight, slim design, accurate tracking, and user-friendly interface. It’s excellent for daily activity, sleep monitoring, and short workouts, while Fitbit’s companion app adds valuable health insights and coaching options.
Should You Buy It?
The main drawbacks are its small screen, which can be hard to read, and shorter battery life compared to larger GPS watches. If you only need the basics, it’s perfect. For users who want more advanced features, full-size screens, or longer battery life, consider the Garmin Forerunner 165 or Coros Pace 3.
Product Comparison Table
“Best GPS Watches of 2026 | Displaying 1–18 (Scroll Right to See All Products)”
| No# | Smartwatch Model | Charge Time | Battery Life (Regular Use) | Battery Life (GPS) | Weight | Measured Body Diameter | Screen Type | Thickness | Sensors | Best For | Key Feature | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | 120 min | 72 hr | 16 hr | 61 g | 44 mm | AMOLED | 14 mm | Heart rate, Blood oxygen, Temp, Depth, Compass, Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | iPhone users | SOS & health tracking | Buy on Amazon |
| #2 | Garmin Forerunner 970 | 90 min | 100 hr | 25 hr | 50 g | 49 mm | AMOLED | 15 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Temp, Blood oxygen | Runners & athletes | Accurate GPS & training tools | Buy on Amazon |
| #3 | Suunto Race | 75 min | 80 hr | 40 hr | 49 g | 49 mm | AMOLED | 13.3 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass | Fitness enthusiasts | AMOLED display & improved UI | Buy on Amazon |
| #4 | Coros Vertix 2S | 100 min | 118 hr | 118 hr | 75 g | 50 mm | MIP touchscreen | 16 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Blood oxygen, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Expedition / adventure | Extreme battery & rugged build | Buy on Amazon |
| #5 | Garmin Instinct 3 | 80 min | 120 hr | 40 hr | 52 g | 48 mm | AMOLED | 15.5 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass | Outdoor enthusiasts | Durable outdoor features | Buy on Amazon |
| #6 | Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar | 85 min | 150 hr | 60 hr | 60 g | 49 mm | MIP | 13.6 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass | Solar watch / long trips | Solar charging & rugged | Buy on Amazon |
| #7 | Polar Grit X2 Pro | 90 min | 100 hr | 30 hr | 70 g | 50 mm | AMOLED | 15 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass | Metrics & design lovers | Premium design & detailed metrics | Buy on Amazon |
| #8 | Suunto Run | 60 min | 72 hr | 19 hr | 45 g | 45.55 mm | AMOLED | 14 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass | Focused training | Lightweight & precise GPS | Buy on Amazon |
| #9 | Garmin Forerunner 165 | 60 min | 60 hr | 16 hr | 43 g | 43 mm | AMOLED | 11.6 mm | Heart rate, GPS | Daily runners | Reliable GPS & health tracking | Buy on Amazon |
| #10 | Coros Apex Pro 2 | 75 min | 90 hr | 35 hr | 46 g | 46.5 mm | MIP | 14 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Compass, Barometer | Mid-range athletes | Strong battery & app support | Buy on Amazon |
| #11 | Garmin Vivoactive 5 | 60 min | 80 hr | 20 hr | 42 g | 42.2 mm | AMOLED | 11.1 mm | Heart rate, GPS | Fitness tracking | Balanced fitness & smart features | Buy on Amazon |
| #12 | Coros Pace 3 | 50 min | 90 hr | 34 hr | 42 g | 41.9 mm | MIP | 11.8 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Blood oxygen | Value buyers | Lightweight & long battery | Buy on Amazon |
| #13 | Amazfit T-Rex 3 | 80 min | 90 hr | 30 hr | 60 g | 51 mm | AMOLED | 16 mm | Heart rate, GPS | Budget / rugged | Durable build & value | Buy on Amazon |
| #14 | Coros Apex 2 | 60 min | 80 hr | 32 hr | 42 g | 42 mm | MIP | 11.8 mm | Heart rate, Altimeter, Compass | All-around GPS users | Dual-band GPS & rugged | Buy on Amazon |
| #15 | Garmin Forerunner 55 | 50 min | 70 hr | 20 hr | 40 g | 42 mm | MIP | 12.5 mm | Heart rate, GPS | Basic GPS users | Simple & reliable tracking | Buy on Amazon |
| #16 | Fitbit Charge 6 | 45 min | 60 hr | 8 hr | 23 g | 23.1 mm | AMOLED | 11.2 mm | Heart rate, Blood oxygen, Temp | Health & casual GPS | Slim, comfortable, health focus | Buy on Amazon |
Overall Conclusion: Best GPS Watches of 2026 | Top Picks for Reviews & Buying Guide
After testing and comparing 18 of the best GPS watches from brands like Garmin, Apple, Coros, Suunto, Polar, and Fitbit, we’ve highlighted the top models for every type of user. From rugged expedition-ready watches like the Garmin Enduro 3 and Coros Vertix 2S, to everyday fitness and health trackers like the Fitbit Charge 6 and Garmin Forerunner 165, there is a GPS watch for every need and budget.
Our testing focused on GPS accuracy, battery life, build quality, health tracking, and usability to ensure readers can make an informed choice. Serious athletes will benefit from advanced training features and dual-frequency GPS models, while casual users and beginners can enjoy lightweight, easy-to-use devices with reliable performance.
If you want the best overall GPS performance, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner 970. For iPhone users who want smartwatch integration, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 stands out. For budget-friendly yet reliable options, the Coros Pace 3 or Suunto Run offer excellent value. No matter your needs, our table and reviews make it easy to compare key features, pricing, and strengths so you can select the perfect GPS watch for 2026.
Takeaway: Focus on your priorities battery life, GPS accuracy, or smartwatch features and choose a model that matches your lifestyle. With the options listed here, 2026 offers the best GPS watches ever, whether for running, adventure, or everyday fitness tracking.
