10 Best Cheap Golf Gps Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Approach S50 is a strong option for golfers seeking a reasonably priced GPS watch with solid features. Its standout 1.2-inch AMOLED color display is bright and clear, making it easy to read distances and course details on over 43,000 preloaded golf courses. This wide course coverage means you're likely to find almost any course you play. The watch offers reliable distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazard navigation, which helps you plan your shots better. Battery life is decent, lasting up to 10 days in regular smartwatch mode and about 15 hours when using GPS—enough for several rounds without a recharge. The lightweight nylon strap adds comfort for long hours on the course.

Beyond basic golf functions, the S50 includes some nice extras, like wrist-based heart rate monitoring, activity profiles for fitness, and contactless payments, which add value if you want a multi-use smartwatch. However, it’s not the most rugged or durable watch compared to some heavier-duty models, so it may need careful handling. Also, some advanced features like club tracking require additional accessories sold separately, which could increase the total cost.

While it does not offer the longest battery life or the most hardcore durability, the S50 provides a good balance of accuracy, ease of use, and useful extras, making it a practical pick for golfers on a budget who want a capable GPS watch that’s comfortable and straightforward.

The Garmin Approach S44 is a solid choice for golfers looking for an affordable GPS smartwatch with plenty of helpful features. It offers a large, bright 1.2-inch AMOLED color display, making it easy to read distances and course details clearly, even in sunlight. With over 43,000 preloaded courses, it covers most North American golf courses, which is great for players who travel or play different courses often. The watch provides accurate distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of greens, as well as hazard locations, helping you make smarter shot decisions. Battery life lasts up to 15 hours in GPS mode, enough to get through a full round without charging.

Its slim and lightweight design adds comfort, and additional features include score tracking synced to the Garmin Golf app, smart notifications from your phone, and the option to add club trackers for deeper game insights. These extras make it more than just a GPS watch—it’s a helpful golf companion. Some advanced mapping features require a paid Garmin Golf membership, and the battery life may feel limited compared to non-GPS smartwatches. The watch relies on Bluetooth for connectivity, which could impact battery if used heavily.

This watch is well suited for beginner to intermediate golfers who want clear course info and useful stats without spending too much, though those needing rugged durability or extended battery life may want to consider other options.

The Garmin Approach S12 is a budget-friendly GPS golf watch that caters well to golfers looking for essential features without breaking the bank. One of its standout strengths is accuracy, providing precise yardages to the front, back, and middle of the green, as well as to hazards and doglegs. This helps golfers make informed decisions on the course. The watch boasts an impressive course coverage with over 42,000 preloaded courses from around the world, ensuring users can play almost anywhere with confidence.

Battery life is another major plus, lasting up to 30 hours in GPS mode, which means you can comfortably use it for multiple rounds without needing a recharge. The high-resolution, sunlight-readable display ensures visibility even under bright conditions, a crucial factor during outdoor activities like golf. Durability is solid, with the watch being water-resistant up to 164 feet, making it resilient against the elements.

Additional features include scorekeeping and compatibility with the Garmin Golf app for leaderboard participation, as well as the option to track club performance with the Approach CT10 sensors (sold separately). However, there are a few drawbacks. The display size is relatively small at 0.9 inches, which might be a bit limiting for some users. Also, the watch operates with buttons instead of a touchscreen, which can be less intuitive for those used to modern smartwatches. Finally, while the basic features are robust, those looking for advanced metrics or fitness tracking might find the S12 lacking. This watch is ideal for golfers seeking a reliable, straightforward GPS watch focused primarily on golf-related functionalities.