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10 Best Cheap Gps Running Watch 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Porcelain/Silver, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,336
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4460 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Google Maps integration is a useful addition, though it may impact battery life when used extensively.
Battery Life
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 8 days with optimized settings.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The heart rate and sleep tracking features are accurate and reliable, providing valuable health insights.
Water Resistance
The water resistance feature works well for everyday activities, making it suitable for showering and washing hands.
Smart Features
Google Pay integration for contactless payments is seamless and secure, enhancing convenience on the go.
Comfort and Design
This fitness tracker is incredibly comfortable, even for all-day wear, and doesn't cause soreness like bulkier watches.

The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker is a solid option for those seeking an affordable GPS-running watch with multiple health and fitness features. Its built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking of your runs and rides, while the turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps add a convenience factor. The battery life is decent, although the exact duration may vary depending on usage patterns, particularly with GPS and other features enabled.

The heart rate monitoring is reliable and can be linked to exercise machines for real-time feedback, enhancing your workout experience. The tracker is water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions and activities such as swimming. Smart features like Google Wallet for contactless payments and YouTube Music controls help you stay connected and entertained on the go.

In terms of comfort and design, the Fitbit Charge 6 includes both S and L bands to fit different wrist sizes and has a lightweight, sleek design that ensures a comfortable fit for all-day wear. However, the screen size is relatively small at 1.04 inches, which might be a drawback for users who prefer larger displays. Additionally, while it includes a 6-month premium membership, this is a limited offer, and some advanced features may require ongoing subscription fees. The tracker is well-integrated with both iOS and Android devices, adding to its versatility. This makes the Fitbit Charge 6 well-suited for fitness enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich yet affordable GPS-running watch.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,336
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4460 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Google Maps integration is a useful addition, though it may impact battery life when used extensively.
Battery Life
The Fitbit Charge 6 offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 8 days with optimized settings.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The heart rate and sleep tracking features are accurate and reliable, providing valuable health insights.
Water Resistance
The water resistance feature works well for everyday activities, making it suitable for showering and washing hands.
Smart Features
Google Pay integration for contactless payments is seamless and secure, enhancing convenience on the go.
Comfort and Design
This fitness tracker is incredibly comfortable, even for all-day wear, and doesn't cause soreness like bulkier watches.
#2

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray

Rating
9.4
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
646 reviews

GPS Accuracy
GPS accuracy is a standout feature, providing precise tracking for outdoor activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting several days on a single charge even with regular GPS use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate and pulse ox tracking are very accurate, comparable to dedicated devices.
Comfort and Design
The watch is reliable and well-designed, perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch stands out with its bright and colorful 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display that also includes traditional button controls for added ease of use. Its lightweight design at 46 mm makes it comfortable for long periods of wear. One of the key strengths of this smartwatch is its impressive battery life, offering up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is great for extended usage without frequent charging.

The GPS accuracy is enhanced with multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology, ensuring precise positioning even in challenging environments. Additionally, heart rate monitoring and advanced training metrics provide insightful data on your fitness and recovery, helping you optimize your workouts effectively. This watch is also water-resistant, making it suitable for various activities, including swimming. The smart features, such as smart notifications, Garmin Pay contactless payments, and music storage, add convenience to your everyday life.

However, it should be noted that while the smartwatch offers extensive functionality, it may come at a higher price point compared to other 'cheap' GPS running watches. Also, some users might find the interface complex if they're not already familiar with Garmin's ecosystem. Despite this, for those seeking a feature-rich running watch with excellent GPS accuracy, battery life, and comprehensive health and fitness tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a strong contender.

Rating
9.4
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
646 reviews

GPS Accuracy
GPS accuracy is a standout feature, providing precise tracking for outdoor activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting several days on a single charge even with regular GPS use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate and pulse ox tracking are very accurate, comparable to dedicated devices.
Comfort and Design
The watch is reliable and well-designed, perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
#3

Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch with Daily Readiness, GPS, 24/7 Heart Rate, 40+ Exercise Modes, Sleep Tracking and more, Waterfall Blue/Platinum, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Rating
9.2
Battery Life
Smart Features
Comfort and Design

Most important from
14423 reviews

Battery Life
After setting it up properly, the Versa 4 proves to be a great activity tracker with amazing battery life lasting up to 7 days.
Smart Features
The Versa 4 is not ideal for those who want robust email and text notifications or to answer calls directly from the watch.
Comfort and Design
While the battery life is impressive, the watch's original band and setup could be improved, prompting a band replacement for better comfort.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a noteworthy contender if you're in the market for a budget-friendly GPS running watch. Its built-in GPS function is reliable, providing accurate tracking essential for running enthusiasts. Coupled with a commendable battery life of up to 6 days, it ensures you won't be caught off guard mid-week without a charge. Furthermore, the 24/7 heart rate monitoring feature is a huge plus, making it easy to keep an eye on your fitness levels and adjust your workouts accordingly.

This watch doesn't compromise on water resistance either, being able to withstand depths of up to 50 meters, which is ideal for those who also enjoy swimming as part of their fitness routine. With over 40 exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking, it covers a broad spectrum of activities, making it versatile for various workouts.

On the smart features front, it includes helpful tools like Bluetooth calls, texts, and phone notifications directly on your wrist, which is quite convenient. It also offers compatibility with both iOS and Android, although some features are exclusive or delayed on certain platforms, which might be a slight drawback for some users. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa and Fitbit Pay adds to its utility, although Google Wallet and Maps are limited to Android, which could be a limitation for iOS users until updates are rolled out.

Design-wise, it is well thought out, with a comfortable fit and a decent size display at 1.58 inches. The product comes in a stylish Waterfall Blue/Platinum color with interchangeable bands, making it a versatile accessory for both exercise and casual wear.

However, while it offers a wealth of features, some might find the Fitbit Premium membership necessary to fully unlock its potential, which could incur additional costs down the line. Additionally, while it excels in many areas, it may not provide the same level of precision or advanced features as higher-end models tailored specifically for professional athletes.

Rating
9.2
Battery Life
Smart Features
Comfort and Design

Most important from
14423 reviews

Battery Life
After setting it up properly, the Versa 4 proves to be a great activity tracker with amazing battery life lasting up to 7 days.
Smart Features
The Versa 4 is not ideal for those who want robust email and text notifications or to answer calls directly from the watch.
Comfort and Design
While the battery life is impressive, the watch's original band and setup could be improved, prompting a band replacement for better comfort.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Gps Running Watch

Choosing the right GPS running watch can significantly enhance your running experience by providing you with valuable data and insights. When selecting a GPS running watch, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are some essential specs to look out for and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for tracking your running routes, distance, and pace accurately. A watch with high GPS accuracy will provide more reliable data, which is important for monitoring your progress and setting goals. GPS accuracy can vary based on the watch's technology and the environment in which you run. If you run in urban areas with tall buildings or dense forests, look for a watch with multi-satellite support (like GLONASS or Galileo) for better accuracy. For most runners, a standard GPS will suffice, but if precision is key for your training, opt for a watch with advanced GPS features.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your watch can function before needing a recharge. This is especially important for long-distance runners or those who participate in marathons. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the watch and its settings. If you typically run for short periods, a watch with a shorter battery life may be sufficient. However, if you engage in long runs or multi-day events, look for a watch with extended battery life or power-saving modes to ensure it lasts throughout your activities.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring helps you track your cardiovascular performance and ensure you're training within your target heart rate zones. This feature can be built into the watch or require a separate chest strap. Built-in heart rate monitors are convenient and provide continuous data, while chest straps are often more accurate. If you are a casual runner, a built-in monitor should be adequate. For those focused on heart rate training or with specific health goals, consider a watch with a more precise heart rate monitoring system.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important if you run in various weather conditions or plan to use your watch for swimming. Water resistance ratings indicate how well the watch can withstand exposure to water. Ratings are usually given in meters (e.g., 50m, 100m). For general running in the rain or sweat resistance, a watch with a rating of 50m is typically sufficient. If you plan to swim or engage in water sports, look for a higher rating, such as 100m, to ensure durability and functionality.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include notifications, music control, and compatibility with fitness apps. These features can enhance your running experience by allowing you to stay connected and motivated. Some watches offer basic smart features like call and message notifications, while others provide more advanced options like music storage and playback, contactless payments, and app integration. Consider your lifestyle and how much you value these conveniences. If you prefer a simple, focused running experience, basic smart features may be enough. For those who enjoy multitasking and staying connected, look for a watch with a broader range of smart capabilities.
Comfort and DesignComfort and design are subjective but important factors to consider. A watch that feels comfortable on your wrist and suits your style will be more enjoyable to wear regularly. Look for a watch with an adjustable strap and a size that fits well on your wrist. Lightweight designs are generally more comfortable for long runs. Additionally, consider the watch's display – a clear, easy-to-read screen is essential for quickly checking your stats while on the move. Try on different models if possible to find the one that feels best for you.

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