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10 Best Running GPS Trackers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker with Google apps, Heart Rate on Exercise Equipment, 6-Months Premium Membership Included, GPS, Health Tools and More, Porcelain/Silver, One Size (S & L Bands Included)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,424
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Water Resistance

Most important from
4768 reviews

Battery Life
Switching back to Fitbit from other brands was rewarding, especially with a longer battery life and better platform for data tracking.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate tracking during exercises is more accurate compared to previous models, providing reliable data for workouts.
Water Resistance
Water resistance holds up well in daily activities like hand washing, though not yet tested in swimming.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Some minor drawbacks include the limited watch face options and the lack of integration with Apple Maps and Music.
Display and Interface
The display is clear and readable even in full sunlight, and the haptic feedback for notifications is highly appreciated.
Additional Features
Contactless payments via Google Pay are secure and easy to set up, enhancing the overall utility of the tracker.

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.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,424
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Water Resistance

Most important from
4768 reviews

Battery Life
Switching back to Fitbit from other brands was rewarding, especially with a longer battery life and better platform for data tracking.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate tracking during exercises is more accurate compared to previous models, providing reliable data for workouts.
Water Resistance
Water resistance holds up well in daily activities like hand washing, though not yet tested in swimming.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Some minor drawbacks include the limited watch face options and the lack of integration with Apple Maps and Music.
Display and Interface
The display is clear and readable even in full sunlight, and the haptic feedback for notifications is highly appreciated.
Additional Features
Contactless payments via Google Pay are secure and easy to set up, enhancing the overall utility of the tracker.
#2

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Aqua

Rating
9.4
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4309 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Accurate pace and distance tracking, with detailed post-run stats available in the Garmin Connect app.
Battery Life
The battery life is fantastic, allowing days of use without needing to charge, even with regular use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Ideal for tracking steps, miles, sleep, heart rate, and respiration, providing comprehensive fitness insights.
Display and Interface
User-friendly with clear menus and a simple setup process, making it easy to navigate.

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.

Rating
9.4
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4309 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Accurate pace and distance tracking, with detailed post-run stats available in the Garmin Connect app.
Battery Life
The battery life is fantastic, allowing days of use without needing to charge, even with regular use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Ideal for tracking steps, miles, sleep, heart rate, and respiration, providing comprehensive fitness insights.
Display and Interface
User-friendly with clear menus and a simple setup process, making it easy to navigate.
#3

Amazfit Balance Smart Watch 46mm with Fitness Tracker, Body Composition & Health Analysis, Sleep Recovery, GPS, Amazon Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth Calling, Fitness Watch for Android iPhone, Black

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity and Compatibility

Most important from
661 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting up to 14 days even with constant heart monitoring.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart and health monitoring features have been accurate, providing reliable readings tested at the cardiologist's office.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The watch syncs seamlessly with Google Fit and other third-party health apps, ensuring smooth integration.
Display and Interface
The screen is large, clear, and vibrant, making it easy to read even for those who need glasses.
Additional Features
Sleep monitoring seems to be accurate, reflecting times of waking during the night.

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.

Rating
9.1
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Connectivity and Compatibility

Most important from
661 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting up to 14 days even with constant heart monitoring.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart and health monitoring features have been accurate, providing reliable readings tested at the cardiologist's office.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The watch syncs seamlessly with Google Fit and other third-party health apps, ensuring smooth integration.
Display and Interface
The screen is large, clear, and vibrant, making it easy to read even for those who need glasses.
Additional Features
Sleep monitoring seems to be accurate, reflecting times of waking during the night.

Buying Guide for the Best Running GPS Trackers

Choosing the right running GPS tracker can significantly enhance your running experience by providing accurate data on your performance, helping you track your progress, and keeping you motivated. When selecting a GPS tracker, it's important to consider various specifications that align with your running goals and personal preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to choose the best fit for you.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy determines how precisely the tracker can measure your location and distance covered. This is crucial for tracking your runs accurately and analyzing your performance. GPS accuracy can vary based on the quality of the GPS chip and the number of satellites the device can connect to. High-end models typically offer better accuracy, which is important for serious runners who need precise data. For casual runners, a standard level of accuracy may suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the tracker can operate on a single charge. This is important because it affects how often you'll need to recharge the device, especially on long runs or multi-day events. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days. If you are a marathon runner or enjoy long-distance running, look for a tracker with extended battery life. For shorter runs or daily use, a moderate battery life may be adequate.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring measures your heart rate in real-time, providing insights into your cardiovascular health and workout intensity. This feature is important for runners who want to optimize their training and ensure they are working out within their target heart rate zones. Some trackers use optical sensors on the wrist, while others may require a chest strap for more accurate readings. Choose a tracker with heart rate monitoring if you are focused on improving your fitness levels and monitoring your health.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the tracker can withstand exposure to water, such as sweat, rain, or even swimming. This is important for runners who train in various weather conditions or who want to use the tracker for other water-based activities. Water resistance is usually rated in meters or ATM (atmospheres). For most runners, a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters) is sufficient, but if you plan to swim with the tracker, look for higher ratings.
Connectivity and CompatibilityConnectivity and compatibility refer to how well the tracker can sync with other devices and apps, such as smartphones, fitness apps, and other wearables. This is important for analyzing your data, sharing your progress, and integrating with your existing fitness ecosystem. Look for trackers that offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity and are compatible with popular fitness apps. If you are tech-savvy and enjoy detailed data analysis, prioritize trackers with robust connectivity options.
Display and InterfaceThe display and interface determine how easy it is to view and interact with the tracker's data. This is important for quickly accessing information during your run and navigating the device's features. Displays can range from simple monochrome screens to full-color touchscreens. If you prefer a straightforward, easy-to-read display, a basic screen may be sufficient. For those who want more detailed visuals and interactive features, a color touchscreen is ideal.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can include things like music storage, smart notifications, and advanced metrics like VO2 max and recovery time. These features can enhance your running experience and provide more comprehensive data. Consider what additional features are important to you based on your running goals and lifestyle. For example, if you enjoy listening to music while running, look for a tracker with music storage. If you are focused on performance, advanced metrics may be beneficial.

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