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10 Best Cheap Gps Running Watch 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,500
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Water Resistance

Most important from
3209 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is a notable drawback, often requiring daily charging especially when using GPS and health tracking extensively, which may be inconvenient for some.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Continuous heart rate monitoring with alerts for irregular beats adds a valuable safety layer, proven effective in real health situations.
Water Resistance
Water resistance up to 50 meters allows for worry-free use during swimming or running in wet conditions.
Smart Features
The watch offers excellent ease of use with quick setup and intuitive controls, making daily tasks like setting timers and checking notifications effortless.
Comfort and Design
Its lightweight design and smaller band options provide a comfortable fit, especially for users with small wrists who barely notice wearing it.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) delivers solid GPS accuracy, making it reliable for tracking your runs and outdoor workouts. Its heart rate monitor is responsive and integrated with health alerts, which is a big plus for monitoring fitness and safety during exercise. The watch offers decent battery life for daily use, though heavy GPS and workout tracking may require more frequent charging compared to some specialized running watches. Water resistance up to 50 meters means you can swim or run in the rain without worries.

Comfort-wise, the 40mm size and lightweight design with a soft sport band make it easy to wear throughout the day and night. Smart features stand out here – you can send texts, take calls, use Siri, and enjoy various apps, which adds versatility beyond just running. It works best with an iPhone, and its price is higher than many basic GPS running watches, so it might not fit everyone’s budget if you only want running-specific functions.

For those seeking a smartwatch that balances fitness tracking with everyday convenience and good GPS performance without breaking the bank, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a strong candidate. Those needing longer battery life or ultra-detailed running metrics might find specialized running watches better suited to their needs.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,500
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Water Resistance

Most important from
3209 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is a notable drawback, often requiring daily charging especially when using GPS and health tracking extensively, which may be inconvenient for some.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Continuous heart rate monitoring with alerts for irregular beats adds a valuable safety layer, proven effective in real health situations.
Water Resistance
Water resistance up to 50 meters allows for worry-free use during swimming or running in wet conditions.
Smart Features
The watch offers excellent ease of use with quick setup and intuitive controls, making daily tasks like setting timers and checking notifications effortless.
Comfort and Design
Its lightweight design and smaller band options provide a comfortable fit, especially for users with small wrists who barely notice wearing it.
#2

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
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4910 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
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4910 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.
#3

Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Ivory

Rating
9.7
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Smart Features

Most important from
5896 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The built-in GPS is a notable feature.
Battery Life
The battery life is much longer compared to other fitness watches like Fitbit.
Smart Features
The touch screen is significantly better than on other fitness watches like Fitbit.
Comfort and Design
The band feels great and the watch looks stylish.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile health and fitness smartwatch with several strengths. The bright, colorful AMOLED display makes it easy to read information, and the built-in GPS provides accurate tracking for outdoor activities. Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which means fewer charges and more convenience.

The watch includes extensive health monitoring features, such as wrist-based heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress tracking, and even menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking, making it beneficial for a wide range of users. Additionally, it offers over 30 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, making it suitable for various activities, including running, swimming, and cycling. The inclusion of music storage and compatibility with popular streaming services is a nice touch for those who enjoy listening to music during their workouts.

However, there are some drawbacks. While the Garmin vívoactive 5 is packed with features, it might be overwhelming for users looking for a simple, cheap GPS running watch. The watch's price might be higher than other budget-friendly options in the market. Moreover, the watch's design, although comfortable and stylish with a round shape and 1.2-inch touchscreen, may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more traditional, minimalistic look. In summary, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts who want comprehensive health tracking and smart features, but it may be more advanced and costly than what someone seeking a basic GPS running watch might need.

Rating
9.7
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Smart Features

Most important from
5896 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The built-in GPS is a notable feature.
Battery Life
The battery life is much longer compared to other fitness watches like Fitbit.
Smart Features
The touch screen is significantly better than on other fitness watches like Fitbit.
Comfort and Design
The band feels great and the watch looks stylish.

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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