10 Best Running GPS Trackers 2025 in the United States

The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker offers several strengths for runners and fitness enthusiasts. Its GPS accuracy is notable, providing reliable tracking for your runs and rides. The tracker includes built-in GPS, allowing for precise mapping and turn-by-turn directions through Google Maps, which is especially useful for outdoor activities. The battery life is decent, though not exceptional, given its lithium-ion composition and varied usage scenarios. Users can expect sufficient power for a day of activities, but frequent charging may be necessary with heavy use or GPS activation.

Heart rate monitoring is a standout feature, particularly with real-time tracking linked to exercise equipment like treadmills and ellipticals. This provides accurate and actionable data for optimizing workouts. The device also excels in its water resistance, rated to withstand sweat and splashes, making it suitable for different weather conditions and intense workouts. Connectivity and compatibility are robust, with support for both iOS and Android devices, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, ensuring seamless integration with various smartphones and apps.

The display and interface are user-friendly with a 1.04-inch rectangular screen that's clear and easy to navigate. Additional features like stress management scoring, sleep tracking, contactless payments via Google Wallet, and YouTube Music controls enhance the utility of the tracker. However, the product does have some limitations. The battery life could be longer to better support extended activities without frequent recharging. The device weight might be slightly heavy for some users, affecting comfort during prolonged wear. Despite these drawbacks, the Fitbit Charge 6 remains a solid choice for those seeking comprehensive health and fitness tracking with advanced features.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a user-friendly running watch that stands out in key areas like GPS accuracy, battery life, and heart rate monitoring. The GPS is reliable, making it easy to track your runs accurately. Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, which means less frequent charging. Heart rate monitoring is available directly from the wrist, although it's worth noting that this feature is not a medical-grade device.

The Forerunner 55 is also water-resistant, adding to its durability for outdoor activities and pool swims. Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth support and compatibility with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring seamless integration with your smartphone. The display is clear and easy to navigate, though it's relatively small at 1.04 inches, which might be a consideration for users who prefer larger screens. Additional features like PacePro for race strategy, suggested workouts, and various built-in sports apps offer great value for fitness enthusiasts who want to track multiple activities.

On the downside, the PacePro feature does not support on-device courses, which could limit its utility for some users. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, weighing only 37 grams, making it ideal for long-duration wear. Customization options through the Connect IQ Store allow for personalized watch faces and apps. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a strong choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a versatile, reliable, and feature-rich GPS tracker.

The Amazfit Balance Smart Watch stands out in the running GPS trackers category with several strong features. The built-in dual-band GPS ensures accurate tracking of your runs, providing reliable data that can be synced with popular fitness apps like Strava and Google Fit. This makes it particularly useful for those who are serious about tracking their workout details. Additionally, the heart rate monitoring is comprehensive, tracking not just your heart rate but also blood-oxygen levels and stress, offering a detailed insight into your health and fitness progress.

The sleep tracking feature adds another layer of health analysis, helping you understand your sleep patterns and how well you are recovering mentally and physically each day. The body composition monitoring, which measures body fat and muscle, is a useful tool for those looking to get a complete picture of their fitness journey. The watch is also water-resistant, which is great for all-weather use and ensures it can withstand sweat and rain during runs. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 14 days on a single charge and even longer in saver mode, making it reliable for long periods without needing frequent recharges.

Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth and compatibility with both Android and iPhone devices, allowing for features like Bluetooth calling. The interface, powered by Zepp OS 4, is intuitive and user-friendly, with a clear 46mm display size. However, at 35 grams, some users might find it slightly bulky. Another potential drawback is the reliance on Zepp OS, which may not be as versatile or widely supported as other operating systems. Despite these minor downsides, the Amazfit Balance Smart Watch offers a robust set of features for those who need an all-in-one fitness and health tracker with reliable GPS functionality.