10 Best Gps Running Watches 2025 in the United States

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.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) is a solid choice for runners seeking a versatile GPS smartwatch with a sleek, lightweight design. Its built-in GPS provides dependable location tracking for outdoor runs, paired with a Running Coach feature that offers real-time feedback and training plans for different race distances like 5Ks and marathons. The watch also excels in heart rate monitoring and adds vascular load tracking to provide deeper insights about stress influenced by your lifestyle. Battery life supports daily use comfortably, lasting through a full day of activity and notifications, though heavier GPS use may require more frequent charging.

Comfort-wise, its thin and snug fit means it stays out of the way during workouts and everyday wear. The Galaxy Watch 8 includes advanced sleep coaching and an Energy Score metric that sums up your health data, helping you optimize your recovery and daily energy. Samsung’s watches generally handle sweat and light water exposure well, making this model suitable for most fitness activities but not recommended for serious swimming.

Beyond fitness, it functions well as a smartwatch with a personal AI assistant, clear display, and easy-to-navigate interface for notifications and updates. If you want a reliable, stylish running watch that doubles as a smart daily companion with strong health tracking features, the Galaxy Watch 8 is worth considering. Those who prioritize ultra-long battery life or highly specialized swim tracking might want to explore other options.

The Apple Watch Series 10 offers several strong features for anyone in need of a GPS-running watch. Its built-in GPS supports multiple satellite systems like GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou, which should ensure accurate location tracking. The watch boasts up to 18 hours of battery life during regular use, which can extend to 36 hours in low power mode, making it suitable for longer activities and workouts. The heart rate monitoring is advanced with both electrical and optical sensors, providing precise heart rate tracking and health insights, including ECG capabilities and high/low heart rate notifications. Its water resistance up to 50 meters makes it suitable for swimming and other aquatic activities.

The watch also tracks a wide range of workouts and provides performance metrics, which can be valuable for runners looking to improve their training. Smartwatch features like text messaging, calls, music streaming, and Siri integration enhance connectivity and convenience. The design is thin, lightweight, and comfortable with a customizable band, making it ideal for extended wear.

However, the battery life might be a limitation for ultra-marathoners or those who prefer multi-day treks without charging. Additionally, the watch’s reliance on compatibility with iPhone might be a drawback for non-Apple users. While it excels in multiple areas, it may not be the most cost-effective option for those solely looking for a GPS-running watch.