Smartwatches became so common today, but what’s better is having the best smart GPS watch that has smart features and GPS-based features for better tracking metrics. These smartwatches are found everywhere, and many brands know how important it is to have a smartwatch with GPS, so you’ll find yourself confused with the many options available today in the market.
The choice became more difficult, from Apple watches to Samsung, Amazfit, and many other less common brands. Thus, we decided to help you in this mission by listing the 13 best smartwatches with GPS. In this review, we’ll talk about all the features, pros, and cons of smartwatches to make choosing a suitable watch easier. Have a look below and pick your favorite smart GPS watch here.
Table of contents
- COROS VERTIX
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Pro 5
- Garmin Venu 2S
- POLAR Ignite 3
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4
- GUCABE Military Smart Watch
- Garmin Venu 2
- Fitbit Sense 2
- Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Polar Grit X
- Fitbit Inspire 3
- Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Smart GPS Watches?
- Does the GPS in smartwatches work anywhere?
- What are the disadvantages of GPS watches?
- Do smart GPS watches need an internet connection?
COROS VERTIX
13
If you spend too much time outside without access to electricity, then COROS VERTIX is a suitable watch for you. It’s one of the best GPS watches with long battery life. It can work for up to 60 hours even if you’re using all the GPS features. If you don’t need the GPS and want the other smart features, the watch will live longer, so it’s a great option for hikers, campers, and athletes in general.
As a smartwatch, the first thing you can do is pair the watch with your smartphone. Then, you can share data between the watch and the phone. This data include GPS files and routes, so you might receive a certain location or track from your friend and use the watch to reach this destination. The watch will also record the distance, pace, heart rate, and all these parameters while you’re walking or running to the target destination.
Pros
- The battery life is too long
- It’s a very lightweight watch
- You can load the maps offline
Cons
- It’s very pricey
Buy on:
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Pro 5
12
Who has never heard of Samsung before? This brand that has done a lot in the smart devices area, from smartphones to smartwatches. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Pro 5 is one of its renowned smart GPS watches that we recommend for both men and women. It’s a compact watch with a silicone band that feels so comfortable around the wrist. It’s designed this way, so you can always wear it.
With the BioActive Sensor that has been enhanced and improved, you’ll get accurate body data, especially with the heart rate. Also, the battery has improved, as some users were annoyed by the short battery life of many Samsung watches. This one comes to solve most of these problems, but it’s way more expensive. They didn’t forget to improve GPS tracking features as well, and they added the TrackBack feature.
Pros
- The body composition analysis features are very advanced
- There are many advanced GPS tracking features
- The body and glass of the watch are stronger
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive compared to other Samsung watches
Buy on:
Garmin Venu 2S
11
Most smartwatches are designed to be part of your outfit, and the Garmin Venu 2S isn’t an exception. This watch has a very nice design that’s totally different from other Garmin watch designs. It’s smaller, more compact, and comes in more attractive colors to suit different tastes. The bezel and the band have different but matching colors, such as silver and granite or rose gold and white.
However, we don’t choose a GPS smartwatch just because it looks good. This watch has more than the design to buy; it connects easily and smoothly to the GPS. Besides, you can get preloaded workouts to help you with your training. Apart from that, the watch allows for offline music streaming thanks to the large internal memory.
Pros
- You’ll gain access to Garmin Coach’s free adaptive training plans
- You can stream music and listen offline
- The design and colors are so attractive
Cons
- The battery life is too short
Buy on:
POLAR Ignite 3
10
POLAR Ignite 3 is a nice-looking smartwatch with a high-resolution AMOLED screen and a silicone strap that comes in different colors to suit different tastes. The colors are for both men and women, and the strap is adjustable to suit different wrist sizes. You can also customize the screen to suit your own uses of the watch by adding the main widgets and Apps you use on the main screen to reach them easily.
Adding to the personalization features, there are personalized workouts that you receive every day to tell you what types of exercises to do today. These exercises and suggestions come based on the previous data the watch records. So, you can follow them blindly, and they’ll surely help you progress. Watch this YouTube video review to gain more knowledge about the watch.
Pros
- The screen is a high-resolution AMOLED screen
- The watch offers daily recommended workouts and training plans
- The design is very attractive
Cons
- Many users have reported lagging
Buy on:
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4
9
This is the second item to consider from Samsung, SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 4. This smartwatch is reasonably priced as a reliable brand name manufactures it; in addition, it has a wide range of features that you’ll take much time to explore. Yet, don’t worry about exploring and playing with the watch, as it’s very easy and to the point. The user interface is made with great attention to make it easy for anyone to use the watch.
One of the distinctive features this watch offers is an overall body composition analysis. These metrics include BMI, BMR, body fat, body water, and skeletal muscles. It isn’t usual to find all these measures in a watch. You can then use this data to customize your workouts. Don’t worry; the watch can also help you with this, as there are different preloaded plans and workouts for different exercises on the watch.
Pros
- The watch has an advanced sleep tracker to monitor sleep
- It can automatically recognize six different types of workouts
- You can connect it to a smartphone to receive notifications and get access to different data
Cons
- The battery life isn’t too long
Buy on:
GUCABE Military Smart Watch
8
GUCABE Military Smart Watch is a GPS smartwatch for men. As the name suggests, it’s a rugged watch with military construction. The body of the watch is so durable that it sometimes looks bulky and heavy to some people. It comes with two types of straps; you might switch between them according to what fits you the most and what makes you feel more comfortable.
As a smartwatch and a GPS watch, you’ll get access to different features, including GPS tracking features and others such as sleep monitor, health monitor, and general metrics. To keep a record of all the data this watch measures, use the Dafit App. This is the dedicated App that works with the watch. You can pair it with your smartphone to directly sync the data to the App.
Pros
- It syncs easily with different smartphones
- You’ll receive customized notifications on the watch
- It has a long battery life
Cons
- It looks a bit bulky
Buy on:
Garmin Venu 2
7
With a high-resolution AMOLED display and smart design, Garmin Venu 2 is a flawless smartwatch with GPS to pick no matter your activity level. If you’re an athlete or a triathlete, you can use the watch to track your running, cycling, and swimming performance. This is one of the best triathlons watches with GPS. Conversely, you can use the watch to monitor your overall health status if you don’t do any sports. Moreover, by connecting the watch to your smartphone, you’ll receive all the notifications on the watch. Even more, you can use the watch to answer calls and listen to offline music. It’s actually a mobile around your wrist.
Pros
- There are a lot of features related to different sports, including golf
- It has a large internal memory
- The display quality is beyond the levels
Cons
- It lies on the pricey side
Buy on:
Fitbit Sense 2
6
Fitbit Sense 2 is how smartwatches should look like. From the strap, display, and everything else in this watch is designed to look and perform smartly. Connect it to your mobile phone to make use of all the smart features this watch has. You’ll receive text messages, calls, and all the notifications you usually receive on your mobile on the watch display.
We didn’t forget about the GPS as this watch has a built-in GPS to track your exercises and provide a workout intensity map. The watch will offer a daily readiness score based on the data it records. Yet, you have to pay to get such a feature. You need to upgrade your membership to the premium one to get more features, including the readiness score. Without this premium membership, you still have a perfect watch with enough features to be one of the best smart GPS watches, but who doesn’t want more?
Pros
- It comes with more than 40 exercise modes
- The design and display look very smart
- It’s packed with advanced features; you might check this YouTube video to know all about the features
Cons
- You need to pay to get some of the features
Buy on:
Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch
5
Best for night vision. Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch is one of the best Garmin GPS watches and a perfect smartwatch with GPS as well. It’s a solar watch that requires sunlight to recharge. You can still recharge the battery with a recharger, but why if you can use the free solar energy? The battery lasts long even though it doesn’t take so much time to recharge.
As for the features, the watch has a lot to offer. It supports three global satellite navigation systems for easier, smoother, and more accurate connections. Further, the watch can automatically detect the type of sport you’re doing. It’s designed to determine different sports, such as running, cycling, walking, and swimming. Needless to say, it’s water resistant so you can use it for swimming and snorkeling.
Pros
- The display is designed for night vision
- It resists water, shocks, and heat
- It supports three satellite navigation systems
Cons
- It looks a bit bulky and very bold
Buy on:
Apple Watch Series 8
4
Apple Watch Series 8 is a smartwatch you have probably heard of if you haven’t used it before. It’s one of the marvelous Apple creations in the smartwatch market and one of the newest. We chose this watch to include here on the list of the best smart GPS watches because it isn’t very expensive, considering its features, of course, and it’s a new model (not the newest) with the latest technologies you’ll love to have. More about these new features and technologies are here in Tom’s Guide review.
One thing everyone knows about Apple is Siri AI smart technology. This features enables you to control the watch without even touching it. Everything in the watch is controllable using Siri. Another thing Apple watches are characterized by is the high-quality screen and bright colors. You’ll be able to see clearly during the day and night, and even more, the screen is very responsive.
Pros
- It charges very quickly, and the battery life is amazing
- You can accurately track all your workouts using the watch
- The screen quality is beyond perfect
Cons
- The sleep App isn’t the best
Buy on:
Polar Grit X
3
Best for lightweight. Polar Grit X is designed for the purpose of wild and adventurous outdoor activities. The body of the watch is very durable and high-quality, but at the same time, it’s still a lightweight watch so as not to feel bulky on your hands. This is one feature hikers prefer when searching for a GPS smartwatch. Hence, it’s a top option if you’re also looking for GPS watches for hiking.
On the other side, the battery is considered a long one. It can last nearly two days while using GPS and all the features known to drain the battery quickly. With more than 130 sports profiles, you can wear the watch and do any exercise with this watch. It can easily detect the type of exercise you’re doing and detect slopes to provide separate statistics for uphills and downhills. All of these features need a powerful GPS to work ideally.
Pros
- The watch is very durable with military-level rated durability
- It’s also lightweight and comfortable
- It comes with real-time route guidance
Cons
- All the watch is good quality except for the screen, which is a bit lower resolution
Buy on:
Fitbit Inspire 3
2
Best for small sizes. Even though it’s the smallest watch you can get, Fitbit Inspire 3 has lots of uses that we can’t count here. Use it as a smartwatch, connect it to your mobile, or use it as an alarm and sleep monitor; all are applicable. As a smartwatch, it measures the heart rate, oxygen level, and readiness score. Plus, it shows the calls and text messages you receive on your mobile when both are connected together.
On the other hand, you can use it as a sleep monitor and a vibrating alarm to keep it around your wrist while sleeping. Best of all, it’ll create a personalized sleep profile for you to know how ideal your sleep is. To make the watch more personalized, customize the face with the widgets and Apps you prefer the most. Don’t miss this YouTube video review to know more about the watch and its features.
Pros
- It’s water resistant with a 50 ATMs rating
- You can customize the display
- It’s very small that you won’t even feel it around your wrist
Cons
- It isn’t the best in terms of network and connection
Buy on:
Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch
1
Best value for money. Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch is our favorite smart GPS watch for having all the features we believe a smartwatch should have. If we’re to divide the features into two categories, GPS and smart features, this watch is ranked 10/10 in both. With an accurate GPS, you’ll be able to monitor your progress in various sports that are automatically detected by the watch. You’ll also load maps and routes before heading using this destination.
On the other side, there are a lot of health metrics to assist you in getting ready for the next exercise. Apart from exercises, the health metrics will monitor your sleep routine and manage your stress level. However, some users believe that it needs to be fixed a bit. Don’t forget to check this watch’s other features, like to-do lists, reminders, and weather forecasts.
Pros
- It’s very affordable to buy
- The design appeals to most men and women
- There are more than 120 sports modes
- The battery life is quite acceptable
Cons
- The sleep monitor needs fixing
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
All of the above watches are perfect and worth buying. Yet, we summarized the list above into this list of the best smart GPS watches based on certain criteria. Here you go.
- Best for night vision: Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch
- Best for small sizes: Fitbit Inspire 3
- Best for lightweight: Polar Grit X
- Best value for money: Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch
How To Choose The Best Smart GPS Watches?
If you’re still confused and want to understand more about smartwatches with GPS, check out this buying guide to know the important features you need to look for when choosing a new watch.
Smart features
First of all, you want a smartwatch to gain access to features such as measuring the heart rate, receiving notifications on the watch, recording your oxygen level, and monitoring sleep. Not all smartwatches have the same features, so you need to check the available features of each watch and whether these are the features you need. Also, make sure that the reviewers say the watch is accurate because what is the point of having a smartwatch with all the smart features you need but giving false metrics?
GPS features
Similarly, you need to check the GPS features available on the watch. These features include measuring the distance and pace and recognizing whether this distance is covered while walking, running, or doing other exercises. Also, some watches go the extra mile and have preloaded maps on the watch, so you can view the track of any place before going. The same thing also applies to GPS features. Make sure that the GPS of the watch is accurate.
Quality
Quality here refers to the quality of the watch itself and the quality of the battery as well. The body of the watch should be durable to withstand wearing all day and in different conditions. Also, the silicone band is the best choice as it’s very comfortable. On the same side, make sure the battery lasts long in case you wear the watch all day.
Does the GPS in smartwatches work anywhere?
It should work everywhere, provided that there is a GPS connection in your location.
What are the disadvantages of GPS watches?
The main disadvantage of GPS watches is that they drain the battery too fast. So, you might need to recharge the watch every now and then.
Do smart GPS watches need an internet connection?
No, they don’t need an internet connection, but you might need Bluetooth to connect the watch to your mobile phone.