10 Best Cheap Gps Running Watch 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.