Are you running all day with full heart yet struggling to knock success? What else can I do? Where can I get more motivation? Well, the best running GPS watches can solve your puzzle. It tracks all your progress, and you get to know your heart rate while pressing more on success. Tune in to the latest music and share your record to challenge others in the community.
Most GPS watches are water-resistant and offer a long shelf-life. Also, this lightweight gadget can alert you to the latest notifications, like emails, messages, and phone calls. You have hundreds of apps to download and customize your watch to make it the way you want. With a good amount of warranty and affordable price, this is an item that can bring changes to your sports goals. Let’s find out more about the best GPS watches.
Top 7 Best Running GPS Watches
- Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Running Watch
- Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch
- Garmin vívoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch
- Amazfit GPS Running Multifunction Smartwatch
- Fossil GPS SmartWatch
- Polar M430 GPS Running Watch
- Apple Watch Series 5 GPS Smartwatch
1. Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Running Watch
Are you looking for an in-built GPS smartwatch perfect for running? This smartwatch has running metrics and tracks speed, distance, calories, etc. Unlike others, it reminds you when to move. Also, it features wrist heart rate technology that can measure heart rate at rest and active.
This unit is also exclusive for its music control. You need to pair it with any compatible smartphone. Other than that, it has smart notifications for social media; You will get this watch in 4 different colors, which include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Besides, it automatically uploads data to Garmin Connect. It is a free online community where you can join and challenge others on your progress. You will also get a user manual and a year of warranty on this affordable unit.
Pros:
- Wrist-based heart rate.
- Long battery life.
- It connects to the fitness community.
- It controls the playback of music on the phone.
Cons:
- It cannot track swimming.
2. Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS Running Watch
This is a watch that uses its wrist-based heart rate sensor. So it can track your 24/7 activity with better accuracy. You can also connect it to the IQ store to customize your needs.
This has smart notifications like call alerts, text messages, incoming emails, and social media updates. You need to pair it with a smartphone. Furthermore, it has water ratings of 5 ATM and can store.
The thing does not end here. This watch is made of plastic and weighs 0.1 pounds. There are 3 available colors of this watch which you can get in the market. You will get Performance Bundle, Watch + Heart Rate Monitor-Dual, With Bike Mount. Also, it is an audio prompt when it connects to the smartphone. With 12 weeks in watch mode and 12 hours in training mode, this has surely one of the best battery life. Last, but not least, it offers a year of warranty for customer confidence.
Pros:
- Access to Connect IQ.
- Heart rate monitoring.
- Estimates the maximum volume of oxygen in activity.
- Smart notification.
- Weather widget.
Cons:
- You can’t play music.
3. Garmin vívoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch
What about a watch that allows you a contactless payment solution? You can tap your card and purchase anything from your watch. Things turn more interesting when you connect your watch to IQ stores. So, you can download watch faces, widgets, and apps to personalize the watch how you want.
This watch is also unique for its 15 preloaded sports apps. So, you can track a bike ride, swim, or the latest hit on the golf course. Not only that, but also you can monitor your fitness level with maximum VO2 and fitness age. It also tracks heart rate variability on different stress levels.
The unit is also cool for delivering all the latest notifications from social media platforms. Furthermore, it synchronizes your activity and connects to online activity. So, you can compete and challenge your sports activities with others. Its long battery life and one-year consumer warranty make it the watch to look for.
Pros:
- 15 preloaded sports apps.
- Contactless payment solution.
- Long battery life.
- Personalize watches with free apps.
- One-year limited warranty.
Cons:
- No onboard music storage.
4. Amazfit GPS Running Multifunction Smartwatch
Do you need more time to recharge your smartwatch again and again? If yes, then take a look at Amazfit Bip Smartwatch. Only 2.5 hours of single recharge can run it for at least 30 days long. It also features four different sports modes- walking, cycling, treadmill, and running outdoors. So you can have better insight into the most frequent activities.
The unit also features a GPS to track activities like distance covered, step count, calories burned, and sleep quality. Furthermore, this watch has optical heart rate monitoring. The thing does not end here! You have four different colors to choose from. Also, it is compatible with both iOS and Google Android systems.
Like other smartwatches, it gives notifications for phone calls, SMS, and the latest emails in the inbox. You learn what’s happening on social media like Facebook, Twitter, etc. And the latest alerts on the weather forecast let us know when there will be a shower. Importantly, you will get a one-year warranty on this affordable smartwatch.
Pros:
- Optical heart rate monitoring.
- 30 days long battery life with 2.5 hours charge.
- Smart notifications from emails, SMS, and apps.
- Four different sports modes.
Cons:
- I cannot reply to messages directly.
5. Fossil GPS SmartWatch
The Google operating system powers this smartwatch and is compatible with Android and iOS phones. This watch is exclusive as it uses Google Pay, and you can purchase anything where mobile payments are accepted. Also, this watch is swim-proof and allows water resistance up to 50 meters in depth.
Unlike others, this watch integrates Google Fit for the smartest health coaching with proper activity goals. Besides that, this watch can automatically measure your heart rate during workouts, from yoga to running. Also, it features USB rapid charger and long battery life for a viable power supply.
Because of the aluminum case and silicone band, this watch is 40 percent lighter than others. That’s not all! You can customize dials and straps of your choice. Besides, the unit allows you to receive smartphone notifications. What else? Download third-party apps to control music or manage your calendar. Though expensive, considering all the features, it’s worth your money.
Pros:
- Google pay.
- Customizable dials and straps.
- Heart rate tracking.
- 50M water-resistant.
Cons:
- It was expensive.
6. Polar M430 GPS Running Watch
Not only it measures your daily activities, but also it tracks your sleep. It guides you to reach your activity goals. The watch is exclusive to all runners for an extra edge. Its built-in accelerometer helps you to track indoor running performance. Also, the unit is exclusive for its polar running programs. Its personalized, adaptable running plan can train anyone for a competitive event.
This watch is also cool for its long battery life. Yes, 30 hours of straight service for your training support. Furthermore, it connects to smartphones and provides all essential notifications. You can plan your progress from polar flow apps and customize your plan. This is a must-pick for runners or someone trying to make a mark in the running.
Pros:
- Wrist-based heart rate.
- Polar running program.
- Optical heart rate monitoring.
- 24/7 activity tracking, including sleep tracking.
Cons:
- Difficult syncing.
7. Apple Watch Series 5 GPS Smartwatch
It’s time to talk about the best in business. Apple Watch Series 5 has everything of your need. Its on-retina display shows time and never sleeps. Unlike others, it has heart rate with ECG apps, so you know the rhythm and heart rate.
This watch also integrates noise apps to alert you when the decibels cross limits. With 50M water resistance and an in-built GPS, it guides your crash fitness goals. For women, they can log information about their menstrual cycle and track it anytime if needed.
Who wants to avoid tuning in to music during a workout? With over 60 million songs from the Apple music library, you can tune and energize your muscles anytime. Because of its vast database, you can store and share your records. This will allow you to challenge and compete with your friends.
That’s not all! This Apple watch features a compass and ground elevation. So, it provides a great sense of direction in any sports activity. You will also get messages, calls, and notifications without a mobile connection.
Customizing your watch with hundreds of faces and personalizing it to your taste is always on the card. Furthermore, you pay instantly and securely with Apple Pay. Tap the watch and download the latest apps from the Apple app store. Though it is expensive, considering all features, you must add value.
Pros:
- Emergency SOS.
- ECG apps for heart rhythm and heart rate.
- More than 60 million songs from the apple music library.
- Apple pay.
- Notifications without mobile.
Cons:
- It is expensive.
Types of GPS watches
Though GPS watches have no big classifications, you can categorize them on mobile GPS connection. Meaning some watches need mobile compatibility to help track your distances. While some watch comes with an in-built GPS and tracks all records automatically. This is the modern version, and most companies are now building watches with an in-built GPS. In addition, features like heart rate tracking, notification updates, and long battery life are common in modern-day GPS watches.
i. Things to Consider Before Buying GPS Watches
GPS watches primarily help to locate your position and navigate your destination. Besides, it has some more features to offer. Let’s find out what else you must look for before buying a GPS watch for workouts.
ii. Heart rate monitoring and oxygen consumption
Almost all GPS watches come with heart rate monitoring. Watches like Polar M430 GPS watches have LED sensors to measure your heart rate accurately. Besides that, Apple watches also feature ECG apps to track heart rhythm and heart rates.
Along with heart rate, a few models assume your maximum oxygen volume consumption for workouts. This helps prevent overdoing any workouts while maintaining the heart rate within limits.
iii. Multi-sport GPS Watches
Some watches have customized sports modes or preloaded sports apps. These sports can be swimming, riding, running, skiing, etc. So, these additional features can help you to earn goods in that particular sport. That is because they are specially customized with a plan to improve in a sport.
iv. Consider extra features
Though GPS watches are mainly for activity tracking and workout improvements but added features could earn more benefits. If you are a woman and buy an Apple smartwatch, then you can track your menstrual record in a smartwatch.
Tuning to the latest music or paying money with Google Pay are additional features that can give you an extra pace in life. Furthermore, there are watches you can customize to hundreds of faces and follow some latest trends.
v. Challenge others
Some GPS watches connect with IQ stores where you can upload your workout records and share them with a community. This allows you to challenge others and bring some competitors for more advanced workouts. Also, it is an option to find new people and make friends.
vi. Cost and Warranty
Most GPS watches come with a year of warranty. Yet, some high features of a watch like Apple can offer more for customer confidence. Make sure you cross-check the cost and warranty issue before you buy one.
Benefits of GPS Watches
There must have enough reason to buy GPS watches. Let’s find some prime reasons to go for GPS watches.
- Record data: A GPS watch tracks your activity and records all essential data for future uses. You can analyze it to redesign your plan for more success.
- Heart rate tracking: GPS watches works to track your heart rate. So, you get to know when you are over pressing more on your heart and optimize your workout activities.
- Instant notifications: Most GPS watches are mobile phone compatible. You can connect them with the Android or iOS systems. So, this helps you to get instant notifications from social media, email, text, and phone calls.
- Water resistance: Most GPS watches are water-resistant to 50M water dive. So, you can use them for swimming as well.
- Target estimates: Some watches calculate maximum oxygen consumption to complete that task. Also, these watches track your sleeping and estimate overall activity for your goal.
- Affordable: Most GPS models are in an affordable range. You can find a quality one for 200 dollars. Yes, there are watches with high-end features, like Apple watches, which will cost you more. Furthermore, you will also get a year of warranty with these affordable watches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do GPS watch uses data connection?
Ans: Yes, it requires data to operate effectively. On average, you may need at least 30mbps data per month. But, this number can increase depending on your uses.
Q: Does it safe to wear GPS watches?
Ans: GPS watches collect and transmit data through a wireless connection. Though it radiates a bit, that does not harm the body. So far, there are no negative cases of GPS watch use.
Q: Why do we need SIM cards in smartwatches?
Ans: In most cases, smartwatches do not use SIM cards; instead, they go for Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth is paired with your mobile phone with a cellular connection. So, it pulls data according to the user interface.
Final Verdict
Spending on GPS watches and improving your sports activities is no luxury. Not only sports but also it brings more pace to your lifestyle. You get to know where you are lacking and where you need to put more effort into finding success. Also, the heart-racking helps you to maintain rhythm within limits. Let’s try a watch that is more than a time machine. Let’s try a giant leap toward success.
