10 Best Gps Running Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a solid choice for runners who want a smartwatch that combines precise GPS tracking with deep training insights. Its multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology offers reliable positioning even in tricky environments, which is important if you run in urban areas or trails with dense tree cover. The AMOLED display is bright and colorful, making data easy to read during workouts, while traditional buttons help with control when touchscreen use isn't ideal. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours with continuous GPS use—enough for most runners, including those doing long races.

Heart rate monitoring is continuous and supports recovery insights, giving you an idea of how prepared your body is for training based on sleep, HRV (heart rate variability), and recent activity. This watch includes over 30 activity profiles, so it's versatile for triathletes or multisport users too. Safety features like incident detection add peace of mind when running outdoors. On the smartwatch side, it delivers notifications and supports Garmin Pay, letting you leave your wallet behind occasionally. The watch is lightweight and comfortable with a 46mm case size, though some might find it a bit large depending on wrist size.

Garmin watches in this range typically handle swimming and sweat well. While the training metrics are advanced and adaptive, some data like training readiness and recovery are estimates, so they should guide rather than dictate your workouts. For runners seeking a GPS watch that balances accurate tracking, long battery life, smart features, a bright display, and detailed training feedback, the Forerunner 265 fits the bill nicely.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a strong choice for runners and multisport athletes who want a durable, feature-packed GPS watch. Its precision dual-frequency GPS provides very accurate location tracking, which is essential for reliable workout data. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 42 hours in normal use and extending to 72 hours in a power-saving mode, making it suitable for long runs or multi-day adventures without frequent charging. Heart rate monitoring is advanced, using both electrical and optical sensors to detect irregular rhythms, high or low heart rates, and even provide health insights like sleep apnea and blood oxygen levels. Water resistance to 100 meters means it can handle swimming and tough weather without worry. The watch includes detailed training metrics like running power, pacing zones, and custom workouts, helping users track and improve their performance. Additionally, it offers useful smartwatch features such as calls, music streaming, and emergency satellite messaging, which add convenience and safety.

The rugged titanium case and sapphire screen provide durability, though the 49mm size and 61.4g weight might feel bulky for those with smaller wrists. The display is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight or at wide angles. While the Ultra 3 is designed for serious athletes and adventurers, casual runners who prioritize simplicity and lighter devices might find it more than they need. It also pairs only with iPhones, so Android users would need to look elsewhere. This watch combines top-tier GPS accuracy, robust health tracking, and long battery life, wrapped in a tough design, making it an excellent option for committed runners and multisport enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one, rugged smartwatch.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a strong candidate for runners looking for a smart, all-around fitness companion. Its built-in GPS supports multiple global satellite systems, ensuring accurate tracking of your routes and pace, which is crucial for running. Battery life offers up to 24 hours under normal use, enough for most daily runs, and it charges quickly, but might need daily charging if used extensively for long workouts or multiple GPS sessions. Heart rate monitoring is advanced, with notifications for irregularities and even sleep apnea, giving a thorough view of your health beyond just exercise. Water resistance rated to 50 meters means you can safely wear it in rain or while swimming, and its IP6X dust resistance adds durability.

The watch also shines with detailed training metrics like Heart Rate Zones, training load, and a smart Workout Buddy that leverages your iPhone to help you train smarter. On the smartwatch side, it offers cellular connectivity with 5G, letting you make calls and receive messages without your phone, plus safety features like fall and crash detection for peace of mind. Design-wise, it’s thin and lightweight, comfortable enough for all-day wear including sleep tracking, and has a bright always-on display that’s easy to read outdoors.

Compared to some dedicated running watches, the battery life may be shorter if you rely heavily on GPS and advanced metrics. Also, while it has many features, some runners might find specialized running watches offer more in-depth performance data or longer battery endurance. This makes it a premium, stylish smartwatch that covers running needs well, especially if you want a device that doubles as a powerful health and everyday wearable.