10 Best Cheap Gps Running Watch 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a feature-packed GPS running and triathlon watch with a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen that's easy to read even in low light, thanks to a built-in LED flashlight. Its titanium bezel and sapphire lens make it durable and stylish, and the watch is lightweight, which adds to comfort during long runs. With up to 26 hours of GPS mode battery life and 15 days in smartwatch mode, it supports extended training sessions without frequent recharging.

The watch offers advanced running metrics like running economy, step speed loss, and running power to help you improve your form and efficiency. Heart rate monitoring is solid, and the ECG app provides an extra health check, though this feature is limited by country and age restrictions. Garmin’s multi-band GPS and full-color maps ensure accurate tracking and flexible route planning, which is great for runners exploring new paths. Smart features include phone call handling, voice assistant access, and adaptive training plans tailored to your recovery and performance.

Designed for multisport athletes, this watch provides detailed data and smart connectivity within a durable, comfortable design. While it may be pricier than typical GPS running watches and its extensive features may be more than needed for straightforward tracking, it remains an excellent option for runners and triathletes seeking comprehensive performance insights.

The Garmin Forerunner 265S is a strong contender in the affordable GPS running watch category, especially for those with smaller wrists thanks to its lightweight 42mm design. Its standout AMOLED touchscreen delivers clear, colorful visuals combined with traditional button controls, making it easy to use even during intense workouts. The built-in GPS uses multi-band technology, which means you get reliable and accurate location tracking even in tricky environments like dense urban areas or forests. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and around 24 hours when using GPS continuously, which is more than enough for daily runs and longer sessions.

Heart rate monitoring is wrist-based and paired with advanced metrics like HRV (heart rate variability), training readiness, and recovery insights. These features help you understand when your body is ready for a hard workout or needs rest, which is great for runners eager to improve safely. The watch also offers 30+ sports profiles, including running, cycling, and swimming, making it versatile for triathletes or those who cross-train.

Smart features such as notifications for calls and texts, morning reports with sleep and recovery summaries, and safety tools like incident detection add convenience and peace of mind. However, some of these smart features require your smartphone to be nearby and connected. Water resistance is suitable for swimming and outdoor activities, though exact ratings aren't highlighted here. The 1.1-inch screen might feel small to some, and while the watch is packed with features, the complexity of advanced training data might be overwhelming for beginners. The battery capacity seems modest but is optimized well by the device. If you want a stylish, reliable watch that balances smart features with serious training tools, especially if you prefer a smaller size, the Forerunner 265S fits the bill nicely without a high price tag.

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.