10 Best Cheap Gps Running Watch 2026 in the United States

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.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice for runners looking for an affordable GPS running watch with some smart features. Its built-in GPS does a good job tracking your route and pace, which is essential for outdoor runs. The heart rate monitor works 24/7 and supports over 40 exercise modes, making it versatile for different workouts. You also get useful health insights like Sleep Score, stress management, and SpO2 monitoring, which help you understand overall fitness and recovery.

Battery life is practical, lasting about 6 days on a single charge, so you won’t need to charge it constantly, even if you track daily workouts and sleep. The watch is water resistant up to 50 meters, so it handles sweat and rain well, and can be worn while swimming. Smart features include on-wrist calls, texts, Fitbit Pay, and built-in Amazon Alexa, which add convenience beyond fitness tracking. The 1.58-inch OLED screen with touchscreen makes it easy to read stats and notifications. The watch comes with two band sizes included, which adds to comfort for different wrist sizes.

Some downsides to consider: the GPS might not be as accurate as more expensive dedicated running watches, and while the smart features are nice, they may feel basic compared to full smartwatches. The weight of 6.3 ounces is a bit heavier than simpler fitness bands, which could affect comfort for some runners. The Fitbit Versa 4 provides a good balance of GPS tracking, health monitoring, and smart features at a reasonable price. It suits casual runners and fitness enthusiasts who want an easy-to-use watch with helpful insights and decent battery life, but serious runners seeking high-precision GPS might want to explore higher-end models.

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.