10 Best GPS Watches for Athletes: Elevate Your Performance in 2025

Written by: Editor In Chief
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If you’re serious about your athletic performance, having the right GPS watch can make a significant difference. These devices not only track your location but also monitor vital health metrics that can enhance your training. With so many options available, it’s essential to find one that fits your specific needs. Let’s explore the top GPS watches in 2025 that could elevate your game and help you achieve your fitness goals.

Military Smart Watch with GPS and Health Monitor

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a fitness-focused individual, the Military Smart Watch with GPS and Health Monitor is designed just for you. This rugged, military-grade smartwatch withstands extreme conditions, thanks to its waterproof and dust-proof capabilities. With advanced health monitoring features, it tracks your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns, while offering hydration reminders. The built-in GPS and over 100 sports modes guarantee accurate navigation and workout tracking. Plus, it connects seamlessly with Android and iOS devices for calls and notifications. With a long-lasting battery and comfortable fit, it’s the perfect companion for your adventures.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and fitness-focused individuals seeking a durable smartwatch with advanced health monitoring and GPS capabilities.

Pros:

  • High-quality, rugged design with waterproof and dust-proof features for extreme conditions.
  • Comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and stress tracking.
  • Long-lasting battery life, ensuring several days of use on a single charge.

Cons:

  • Some users report the need for improved screen brightness in direct sunlight.
  • The weight of 4 ounces may be considered heavy by some users for daily wear.
  • Limited customization options for watch faces compared to other smartwatches on the market.

AMAZTIM Smart Watch with Bluetooth Call and 60 Days Battery

The AMAZTIM Smart Watch M3 stands out as an ideal choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its impressive 60-day battery life in power-saving mode. With its durable construction and military-grade resistance, you can tackle any environment without worry. The 2.0 Ultra-large AMOLED display guarantees you see your stats clearly, even in bright sunlight. You’ll love the Bluetooth calling feature for hands-free communication and the extensive health monitoring capabilities, including heart rate and sleep tracking. Plus, with support for 170 sports modes, this smartwatch keeps you connected and motivated throughout your fitness journey.

Best For: The AMAZTIM Smart Watch M3 is best for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and blue-collar workers seeking a durable and feature-rich smartwatch.

Pros:

  • Long battery life of up to 60 days in power-saving mode, ensuring minimal charging interruptions.
  • Military-grade durability with 15 passed tests, making it suitable for rugged environments.
  • Comprehensive health and fitness tracking with support for 170 sports modes and real-time health data.

Cons:

  • Some users report issues with app connectivity and notification clarity.
  • Sleep monitoring accuracy may not meet all users’ expectations.
  • Limited customization options for notifications may affect user experience.

Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar GPS Running Smartwatch

Designed specifically for triathletes, the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar GPS Running Smartwatch stands out with its solar charging capabilities, ensuring you can train longer without worrying about battery life. With up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 42 hours in GPS mode, it keeps up with your rigorous schedule. The always-on, full-color display is easy to read outdoors, and the responsive touchscreen makes navigation a breeze. It tracks essential metrics like VO2 max and heart rate while providing personalized training plans. Sync with apps like Strava for added functionality, making it an excellent companion for your athletic pursuits.

Best For: Athletes and triathletes seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch for training and health monitoring.

Pros:

  • Impressive battery life with up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 49 hours with solar charging.
  • Advanced training features including personalized plans and metrics tracking such as VO2 max and heart rate variability.
  • Multi-band GPS and built-in mapping for accurate navigation during outdoor activities.

Cons:

  • Lacks full smartwatch capabilities, such as responding to texts or calls directly from the device.
  • Bulky design may be uncomfortable for users with smaller wrists.
  • Some users may not prefer sleeping with the watch due to its size.

Apple Watch Series 10 GPS Smartwatch (42mm case)

For athletes seeking a reliable companion for their training, the Apple Watch Series 10 GPS Smartwatch (42mm case) stands out with its advanced health and fitness features. Its sleek design includes a jet black aluminum case and a larger, always-on Retina display, making it easy to track your stats. The watch offers ECG monitoring, sleep tracking, and workout metrics, all while staying connected for calls and messages. With robust safety features like fall detection, it’s perfect for any sport. Plus, you get up to 36 hours of battery life in Low Power Mode—ideal for your longest training sessions.

Best For: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable smartwatch to track health metrics and stay connected during training.

Pros:

  • Advanced health features including ECG monitoring and sleep tracking enhance fitness routines.
  • Lightweight and durable design with a larger always-on display for easy readability.
  • Long battery life with up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, perfect for extended training sessions.

Cons:

  • Some users have expressed concerns about the quality of the bands.
  • Requires compatibility with iPhone Xs or later, limiting use for non-iPhone users.
  • While robust, the design may not appeal to those seeking a more traditional watch aesthetic.

Military Smart Watch with GPS and Health Monitor

Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable companion for their adventures will find the Military Smart Watch with GPS and Health Monitor an ideal choice. This rugged smartwatch features military-grade durability, ensuring it’s waterproof, dust-proof, and resistant to extreme temperatures. With Bluetooth calling, you can make and answer calls directly from your wrist, keeping you connected. It tracks over 100 sports modes, along with heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep metrics. The advanced GPS and outdoor sensors provide invaluable insights. Plus, its long-lasting battery and customizable features make it perfect for your active lifestyle, no matter the challenge.

Best For: Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rugged, feature-rich smartwatch that enhances their fitness and adventure experiences.

Pros:

  • Durable Design: Military-grade materials ensure waterproof, dust-proof, and extreme temperature resistance.
  • Comprehensive Health Tracking: Monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and includes reminders for hydration and inactivity.
  • Advanced Outdoor Features: Equipped with GPS, offline maps, and various sensors for altitude and air pressure, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Cons:

  • Weight: At 3.84 ounces, it may feel heavier compared to standard smartwatches.
  • Battery Life: While it has a long-lasting battery, heavy use of GPS and sports modes may drain it faster.
  • Compatibility Limitations: Although it supports both Android and iOS, some features may vary depending on the device used.

Military Smart Watch for Men with GPS and Bluetooth Call

The Military Smart Watch for Men stands out with its rugged design and advanced GPS capabilities, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. With a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, you’ll enjoy vibrant visuals, while the ergonomic strap guarantees comfort during long wear. The built-in GPS and multiple navigation systems keep you on track, and with Bluetooth 5.3, you can easily make calls and receive notifications. Its impressive battery lasts up to seven days, and emergency features like a powerful LED flashlight and distress signal enhance your safety. Immerse yourself in your next adventure fully equipped!

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers seeking a rugged smartwatch with advanced GPS and communication features.

Pros:

  • High-quality display: 1.43-inch AMOLED screen offers vibrant visuals and excellent color rendering.
  • Comprehensive fitness tracking: Supports over 100 sports modes with real-time monitoring of various health metrics.
  • Durability and safety features: Rugged design and built-in emergency flashlight ensure safety during outdoor activities.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for diving: IP68 waterproof rating prevents use in diving or sauna environments.
  • Limited compatibility with magnetic straps: Magnetic steel straps may affect GPS accuracy.
  • Battery life may vary: Battery performance can depend on usage patterns and features activated.

Cellular Medical Alert Smart Watch for Elderly

When it comes to ensuring safety and independence for elderly individuals, the Cellular Medical Alert Smart Watch stands out with its essential emergency button feature. This watch offers 24/7 monitoring, fall detection, and two-way communication, ensuring help is just a button press away. With GPS tracking and health monitoring for heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, you can stay informed about your well-being. Plus, it’s water-resistant and doesn’t require a cell phone. For just $39.95 a month, you gain peace of mind with real-time alerts and emergency support, making it a reliable companion for seniors.

Best For: Elderly individuals seeking a reliable emergency alert system that promotes safety and independence through health monitoring and instant communication.

Pros:

  • 24/7 monitoring with an emergency button for immediate assistance.
  • Fall detection feature automatically alerts emergency responders.
  • GPS tracking and health monitoring provide comprehensive safety support.

Cons:

  • Some users report issues with battery life and charging problems.
  • Limited customer service hours may lead to frustration for users needing assistance.
  • Mixed reviews regarding device reliability and responsiveness.

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch

For those seeking an entry-level GPS watch that offers reliable tracking and daily workout suggestions, the Garmin Forerunner 55 stands out. With built-in GPS, it accurately tracks your pace, distance, and route. You’ll enjoy up to 2 weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. The watch features heart rate monitoring, daily suggested workouts, and even race time predictions tailored to your fitness level. Its lightweight design guarantees comfort during all-day wear. While it lacks music storage, it provides excellent value for beginner runners focused on accuracy and motivation without the need for extensive smart features.

Best For: Beginner runners seeking a reliable and budget-friendly GPS watch with essential tracking features.

Pros:

  • Daily suggested workouts tailored to individual training history and fitness level.
  • Lightweight design ensures comfort for all-day wear.
  • Accurate GPS tracking for pace, distance, and route monitoring.

Cons:

  • Lacks music storage, limiting entertainment options during runs.
  • Limited advanced metrics compared to higher-end models.
  • Non-AMOLED display, which may not be as vibrant as other options.

EZON GPS Running Watch for Men

Athletes looking for precise tracking and fitness monitoring will find the EZON GPS Running Watch for Men an invaluable companion. With its advanced GPS, you’ll enjoy quick cold starts and seamless reconnections. Track your workouts effortlessly with one-tap data displays showing distance, pace, calories, and more. Plus, it stores the last 10 sessions for easy review. The stopwatch and lap tracking features let you record up to 50 laps, while the water resistance guarantees durability for daily activities. With a sleek design and high customer ratings, this watch is a reliable choice for any athlete aiming for peak performance.

Best For: Athletes seeking precise fitness tracking and data monitoring during their workouts.

Pros:

  • Advanced GPS for quick tracking and accurate time synchronization.
  • One-tap exercise tracking allows for easy access to detailed workout data.
  • Water-resistant up to 5ATM, making it suitable for various daily activities.

Cons:

  • Requires a nonstandard battery, which may be less convenient for some users.
  • Limited to storing only the last 10 exercise records, which may not be enough for avid athletes.
  • The design may not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.

Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch

The Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch stands out with its vibrant AMOLED display and robust battery life, making it an excellent choice for those who want to track their fitness without constantly worrying about recharging. With up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, you can focus on your workouts. It offers extensive health monitoring, including Body Battery and wrist-based heart rate tracking. You’ll appreciate its sleep insights and personalized coaching. Plus, with over 30 built-in sports apps, including wheelchair mode, you can seamlessly switch between activities. This smartwatch truly enhances your athletic performance and overall well-being.

Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals looking for a versatile smartwatch that tracks a wide range of activities and provides in-depth health insights.

Pros:

  • Bright and colorful AMOLED display enhances visibility and aesthetics.
  • Long battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode reduces the need for frequent charging.
  • Comprehensive health monitoring features, including sleep tracking and stress insights, promote overall well-being.

Cons:

  • The extensive features may be overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler device.
  • Some advanced health metrics may not be as accurate as dedicated medical devices.
  • Limited compatibility with third-party apps compared to other smartwatches on the market.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a GPS Watch for Athletes

When you’re choosing a GPS watch, think about what features matter most for your training. Battery life, health monitoring, and GPS accuracy are essential factors that can enhance your performance. Plus, don’t overlook durability, water resistance, and activity tracking capabilities—they all play a role in your overall experience.

Battery Life Importance

Choosing a GPS watch with a long battery life can make all the difference in your training and racing experience. When you’re out on extended sessions or participating in races, you don’t want to worry about your watch dying mid-performance. Look for models that offer up to 20 days in smartwatch mode or 42 hours in GPS mode, allowing you to track your progress over multiple days or during long events. If you’re into ultra-distance races, consider watches that provide up to 110 hours of tracking with solar charging. Additionally, different modes can impact battery consumption, so select settings that suit your needs. A reliable battery also helps you monitor recovery and fitness metrics without interruption.

Health Monitoring Features

A reliable battery keeps you focused on your performance, but it’s the health monitoring features that truly elevate a GPS watch’s value for athletes. Look for models that provide thorough tracking, including heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and stress levels, giving you insights into your well-being during training. Advanced sleep tracking can help you understand your sleep patterns, offering metrics on sleep stages and quality to enhance recovery. Female athletes may benefit from menstrual cycle tracking and ovulation estimates to monitor their health. Additionally, choose watches that deliver detailed exercise data, like calories burned and heart rate variability (HRV), and personalize your experience with fitness age assessments and daily workout suggestions tailored to your training history.

GPS Accuracy Requirements

While selecting a GPS watch, it is vital to prioritize GPS accuracy, as it directly impacts how well you can track your distance, pace, and routes. Look for models featuring multi-band GPS technology, which uses multiple satellite systems to enhance accuracy, especially in challenging environments like urban areas or dense forests. Consider the initialization time; a watch with a quick GPS start can save you time and guarantee you’re ready to train. If you often train outdoors, offline maps can help maintain navigation accuracy when cellular signals drop. Finally, keep an eye on software updates, as they can enhance GPS performance and accuracy over time, making sure your watch keeps pace with evolving satellite technology.

Durability and Water Resistance

Durability and water resistance are crucial factors when selecting a GPS watch for athletes. You’ll want a model with military-grade durability, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and impacts. Look for a water resistance rating like IP68 or 5ATM, which guarantees the watch can handle immersion in water, perfect for swimming or wet conditions. A rugged design featuring Corning Gorilla Glass enhances scratch resistance during intense workouts. Some watches even undergo military tests (e.g., MIL-STD-810H) to prove their resilience against environmental stressors like salt spray and rain. Finally, opt for a lightweight, ergonomic design for comfort during long training sessions or competitions, ensuring that your watch stays secure and unobtrusive while you push your limits.

Activity Tracking Capabilities

When choosing a GPS watch for your athletic needs, it’s vital to prioritize activity tracking capabilities. Look for a device that supports multiple sports modes to accurately monitor various activities like running, cycling, swimming, and HIIT. Real-time tracking of metrics such as pace, distance, calories burned, and heart rate is essential for analyzing your performance during workouts. Advanced features like VO2 max estimation, training readiness scores, and race predictions provide deeper insights into your fitness levels. Consider watches with automatic lap tracking and customizable workout profiles to tailor your training sessions. Finally, opt for devices that integrate with third-party apps for enhanced data analysis and sharing, fostering motivation and community engagement among fellow athletes.

Smart Features and Connectivity

As you explore GPS watches for your athletic pursuits, smart features and connectivity should be at the forefront of your decision-making. Look for models with Bluetooth connectivity that let you receive notifications, calls, and messages directly on your wrist. Many watches also enable music control, so you can manage your playlist without reaching for your phone. Consider those that support voice assistants, making it easy to set reminders or check the weather hands-free. Customizable watch faces and app compatibility are essential for personalizing your device to fit your style and needs. Finally, verify the watch provides real-time notifications from social media and fitness apps to keep you motivated and connected during your training sessions.