10 Best Cheap Gps Running Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a budget-friendly GPS running watch that offers robust features for runners. Its GPS accuracy is reliable, ensuring you can track how far, how fast, and where you have run with confidence. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which means less frequent charging and more time focused on your workouts.

The heart rate monitoring feature is useful for keeping track of your fitness levels, although it's important to note that it's not a medical device and should not be used for precise health measurements. For those who enjoy swimming, the watch is water-resistant, making it versatile for different types of workouts beyond just running. Smart features include Bluetooth connectivity, suggested workouts based on your training history, and customizable watch faces and apps via the Connect IQ Store, which adds convenience and enhances the user experience.

Comfort and design are also well-addressed, with a lightweight build (37 grams) and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to wear and operate during activities. However, it does have some limitations, such as the PacePro feature not being compatible with on-device courses, which might be a drawback for some advanced runners. Additionally, the display resolution (208 x 208) is not the highest, which might affect readability under certain conditions. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for runners looking for an affordable, feature-packed GPS running watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a lightweight and affordable running smartwatch designed for those who want solid GPS tracking and health monitoring without extra bulk. Its built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate sensor offer reliable pace and distance tracking, which fits well for casual runners and fitness enthusiasts. The watch’s 1.2-inch colorful AMOLED touchscreen is bright and easy to navigate, combined with physical buttons for added convenience, making it comfortable to use even on the move.

Battery life is strong for its category, giving you up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and about 19 hours with continuous GPS use—enough for multiple runs or long workouts without frequent recharging. It supports music storage and playback, allowing you to download playlists from popular streaming services and connect wireless headphones for phone-free listening, a nice feature not always found in budget models.

Garmin includes personalized training plans and recovery insights that adapt to your performance, helping you improve safely. Safety features like incident detection add peace of mind during outdoor runs, but they require a smartphone connection and coverage to work fully. The watch also offers smart notifications and contactless payments, which enhance daily usability beyond just running. The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music combines comfort, essential fitness tracking, and handy extras in a compact design, making it a great choice for runners seeking a versatile, budget-friendly smartwatch.

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.