Introducing the 15 Best GPS Smartwatches for 2023, the ultimate guide for tech enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the top smartwatches equipped with cutting-edge GPS technology that will revolutionize your outdoor adventures, workouts, and daily life. Whether you're an avid runner, a hiker exploring new trails, or simply looking for a stylish and functional timepiece, our expertly curated list highlights the very best options available for 2023. From state-of-the-art navigational features to advanced health tracking capabilities, these GPS smartwatches are guaranteed to offer unparalleled convenience, accuracy, and style, ensuring you stay connected and in control wherever you go.
The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a feature-packed GPS smartwatch that offers music, body energy monitoring, animated workouts, pulse ox sensors, and more. It keeps track of various health metrics including energy levels, pulse ox (not a medical device), respiration, menstrual cycle, stress, sleep, heart rate, and hydration. The watch allows you to easily download songs and playlists from popular music providers like Spotify and Amazon Music. With over 20 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, it allows you to record different types of activities. The watch also offers animated workouts for cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates. It has a battery life of up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours in GPS and music mode. You can personalize the watch with thousands of free watch faces and apps. Stay connected with smart notifications for calls, messages, and reminders. The watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM. Overall, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a versatile and stylish smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts.
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The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is an excellent GPS smartwatch with a wide range of features for health and fitness tracking. It offers the convenience of downloading music and listening without a phone, and the ability to personalize the watch with free watch faces and apps. The long battery life in smartwatch mode is commendable. However, some users may find it challenging to read the time due to small hour and minute hands, and the font size for data readouts could be larger. Step count and sleep tracking accuracy may need improvement, and the interface may feel complicated and clunky for some. Overall, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is a stylish and versatile smartwatch that offers great value for fitness enthusiasts.
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch is a rugged and durable outdoor GPS fitness watch designed for men. It features a HD AMOLED always-on color screen and has passed 15 military-grade tests, making it suitable for extreme environments. The smart watch supports four global navigation satellite systems, blood oxygen saturation measurement, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, weather tracking, and more. With an ultra-long battery life of up to 18 days, 10 ATM water resistance, and over 100 sports modes, it is an ideal companion for active individuals. The watch also serves as a personal assistant with notifications for calls, messages, and alarms, and can be synced with popular health and fitness apps. The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is a reliable and feature-packed smart watch for outdoor enthusiasts.
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The Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch is a highly capable and rugged outdoor companion. With its military-grade durability, long battery life, and extensive features for fitness and exploration, it offers great value for its price. While there are some minor limitations, such as the inability to use the watch while charging and the textured band causing discomfort for some users, overall it delivers on its promises. The watch’s wide range of sports modes, notification alerts, music control, and compatibility with popular health apps make it a reliable and convenient accessory. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable smart watch for fitness tracking, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is definitely worth considering.
The Garmin Forerunner 245 is a GPS running smartwatch with advanced training features. It evaluates your current training status to indicate if you're undertraining or overdoing it, and offers additional performance monitoring features. You can get free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach, or create your own custom workouts on their Garmin Connect online fitness community. The watch provides advanced running dynamics, safety and tracking features, and allows you to customize with free watch faces and apps from the Connect IQ store. With a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode, it is a reliable companion for your fitness journey.
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The Garmin Forerunner 245 is a great GPS running smartwatch with advanced features that cater to both fitness enthusiasts and beginners. It offers accurate heart rate monitoring, reliable synchronization, and long battery life. The watch provides in-depth performance statistics and customizable features, allowing users to personalize their experience. However, the music features and software may be limited, and the user interface could be more engaging. Additionally, the distance tracking may be slightly less accurate compared to other watches. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is a reliable and practical companion for those seeking to enhance their running and fitness routines.
The Garmin 010-02427-00 Venu Sq is a GPS smartwatch with a bright touchscreen display and up to 6 days of battery life. It features a sleek slate aluminum bezel with a shadow gray case and a silicone band in slate. With a circumference of 125-190 millimeters, it offers a comfortable fit for most wrists. The smartwatch allows you to see everything clearly on its bright color display, which includes an always-on mode for quick glances. It also offers a range of health monitoring features, such as tracking your Body Battery energy levels, respiration, hydration, and stress. Additionally, it comes with more than 20 preloaded sports apps and the ability to create your own workouts. With smart notifications and Garmin Pay contactless payments, you can stay connected and make purchases on the go. The watch also includes safety and tracking features like incident detection and location sharing.
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The Garmin 010-02427-00 Venu Sq offers an impressive array of features for its price point. With its bright touchscreen display, extensive health monitoring capabilities, and wide range of preloaded sports apps, it caters to fitness enthusiasts and those looking to improve their overall well-being. The smart notifications and Garmin Pay support add convenience to daily life, while the safety and tracking features provide peace of mind. Although there may be occasional connectivity issues and software glitches, the watch generally performs well. Its customizable design allows users to personalize their watch to reflect their own style. Overall, the Garmin 010-02427-00 Venu Sq is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile GPS smartwatch.
The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch is a versatile fitness tracker with a sleek design and powerful features. This smart watch supports 5 satellite positioning systems, ensuring accurate tracking during outdoor activities. The watch also comes with built-in Amazon Alexa, allowing users to set alarms, get translations, and more. With advanced health monitoring capabilities, users can easily track their heart rate, blood-oxygen saturation, and stress levels. The watch offers 120+ sports modes and smart recognition of 7 sports for a tailored workout experience. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. The 15-day battery life and 270 mAh battery ensure long-lasting endurance. Overall, the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch combines style, function, and affordability to provide a great smartwatch experience.
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The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini Smart Watch offers a compelling combination of style, functionality, and affordability. With its precise positioning system, built-in Amazon Alexa, and comprehensive health monitoring capabilities, it caters to the needs of fitness enthusiasts. The wide range of sports modes and water resistance make it suitable for various activities, including swimming. The long-lasting battery life ensures uninterrupted usage. While there are some minor drawbacks like the pedometer accuracy and watch band size, the overall performance and features of this smartwatch are impressive. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile smartwatch, the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini is a great choice.
The Garmin Venu 2S is a smaller-sized GPS smartwatch that combines advanced health monitoring and fitness features in a sleek and stylish design. With a bright AMOLED display and two color options, this smartwatch allows you to suit your style while keeping track of your health and fitness goals. It offers up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 7 hours of battery life in GPS mode with music. The Venu 2S includes preloaded workouts and Garmin Coach free adaptive training plans to help you reach your running goals. You can also download up to 650 songs and use Garmin Pay for contactless payments. With safety and tracking features, customizable watch faces, and a variety of built-in sports apps, the Garmin Venu 2S is a versatile and reliable smartwatch for active individuals.
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The Garmin Venu 2S is a feature-packed smartwatch with a stylish design and impressive health monitoring capabilities. It offers long battery life and a variety of fitness features to help you stay active and reach your goals. The ability to download music and make contactless payments adds convenience to your daily life. However, there are some minor drawbacks such as inaccuracies in step tracking with a stroller and potential issues with GPS tracking. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile smartwatch for your active lifestyle, the Garmin Venu 2S is definitely worth considering.
The Elderly 4G GPS Smartwatch is a versatile and reliable accessory that offers a wide range of features to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones. With real-time GPS tracking, phone calls, video calls, SOS emergency alarms, and more, this smartwatch provides convenience and peace of mind. It is also waterproof and durable, making it suitable for daily use. The watch comes with a sleek design and is available in black. The Elderly 4G GPS Smartwatch is the perfect gift for birthdays or other special occasions.
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The Elderly 4G GPS Smartwatch is a reliable and feature-packed device that offers peace of mind for both seniors and their families. With its real-time GPS tracking, phone and video call capabilities, and SOS emergency alarm, this smartwatch ensures constant connectivity and safety. The waterproof design and durable construction make it suitable for daily use, and the wide range of functionalities, including a pedometer and camera, add to its versatility. While there may be some limitations with the GPS locator function, overall, the Elderly 4G GPS Smartwatch is a great companion for elderly individuals. Whether you’re looking for a practical gift or a reliable safety device, this smartwatch is an excellent choice.
The Ticwatch Pro 5 Android Smartwatch for Men is a cutting-edge wearable device that offers an unrivaled experience. With its Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 Wearable Platform and the latest version of Wear OS, this smartwatch delivers faster and smoother performance. It features 2GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM memory, NFC payment support, and a built-in GPS. The Ticwatch Pro 5 also boasts an impressive 80-hour battery life and fast charging technology. Its new design includes a rotating crown for versatile control, and it integrates an ultra-low-power display for extended battery life. With advanced health and fitness monitoring features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and 100+ professional sports modes, this smartwatch has everything you need to stay healthy and connected. The Ticwatch Pro 5 is a flagship model with a stylish and durable design. Overall, it's a high-quality smartwatch that offers excellent performance and functionality.
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The Ticwatch Pro 5 Android Smartwatch for Men is a feature-packed wearable device that offers an excellent user experience. With its powerful chipset and the latest version of Wear OS, it provides fast and smooth performance. The impressive battery life and fast charging technology ensure that you won’t have to worry about running out of power. The rotating crown adds a new level of control, and the ultra-low-power display extends the battery life even further. The advanced health and fitness monitoring features make it a great companion for fitness enthusiasts. Overall, the Ticwatch Pro 5 is a flagship smartwatch that combines style, durability, and functionality in one impressive package.
The $5 Prepaid Smart Watch SIM Card is a versatile and affordable option for smartwatches and child tracker devices. With 50 minutes, 100 SMS, and 100MB of data included, this SIM card package provides 30 days of service. It is compatible with the majority of 5G and 4G LTE smartwatches, offering flexibility for different devices. The SIM card comes in 3 sizes for easy installation. Activation is a breeze with the 3-step process, and there is also live customer support available 7 days a week. Once activated, you will be assigned a U.S. number for your convenience. The coverage area for this SIM card includes the entire United States. Despite some concerns about customer service, many users find this SIM card reliable and easy to use.
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The $5 Prepaid Smart Watch SIM Card offers great value for its price. It provides the essential minutes, SMS, and data for smartwatches and child tracker devices, making it a convenient choice for users. The wide compatibility with various smartwatches ensures that most users will be able to utilize this SIM card. While the customer service has received mixed reviews, the inclusion of live support is a positive feature. However, the limited data allowance and occasional activation issues might be a drawback for some users. Overall, this SIM card provides a budget-friendly option for those looking to enhance their smartwatches’ functionality and tracking capabilities.
The Amazfit Bip U Pro Smart Watch is a versatile and feature-packed wearable device designed for men and women. With built-in Amazon Alexa, GPS, and 60+ sport modes, this smartwatch is a perfect companion for fitness enthusiasts. It offers all-around health tracking, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level tracking, stress level measurement, and sleep quality analysis. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming. With a long battery life of up to 9 days, you can go on your adventures without worrying about charging. The watch features a 1.43-inch color screen for clear display of notifications and reminders. It also supports smart notifications, allowing you to stay connected to your calls, messages, and apps.
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The Amazfit Bip U Pro Smart Watch is a feature-rich and affordable wearable device suitable for both fitness enthusiasts and everyday users. With its built-in Amazon Alexa, integrated GPS, wide range of sport modes, and comprehensive health tracking features, it offers great value for its price. The watch’s long battery life, comfortable design, and vibrant color screen further enhance its appeal. While there may be some issues with notifications setup and occasional inaccuracies in the heart rate monitor, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the watch’s overall performance and functionality. Whether you’re looking for a reliable fitness tracker or a stylish smartwatch, the Amazfit Bip U Pro is definitely worth considering.
The Amazfit GTR 2e Smart Watch is a feature-packed wearable device that offers a range of functionalities for both fitness and everyday use. It comes with built-in Amazon Alexa for voice commands, a long-lasting battery life of up to 24 days, and GPS tracking capabilities. With 90 built-in sports modes and 5 ATM water resistance, it is suitable for various activities and can be worn worry-free while swimming. The watch also offers comprehensive health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation measurement, sleep quality tracking, and stress level monitoring. The design of the watch is sleek and elegant, featuring a borderless display and multiple customizable watch faces. It also includes useful features like event tracking, notifications, alarms, and weather forecasts. With positive customer reviews and a reasonable price point, the Amazfit GTR 2e Smart Watch is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and reliable smartwatch.
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The Amazfit GTR 2e Smart Watch offers incredible value for its price, with a wide range of features and capabilities. It excels in providing long battery life, accurate health tracking, and a sleek design. While it does have some minor drawbacks such as issues with reading data over dark tattoos and notification management, these do not outweigh the overall positive aspects of the watch. The 90 built-in sports modes, customizable watch faces, and useful everyday features make it a reliable and versatile companion for both fitness enthusiasts and casual users. With its affordable price point and positive customer reviews, the Amazfit GTR 2e Smart Watch is definitely worth considering for anyone in the market for a new smartwatch.
The Citizen CZ Smart Gen 1 Stainless Steel Smartwatch combines style and functionality in one device. Powered by Wear OS by Google, this smartwatch is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. It comes with preloaded apps including Google Assistant, Google Pay, and Google Fit. With built-in GPS, you can track your distance and location during runs or hikes without needing your phone. Stay connected with personalized notifications for calls, texts, emails, and more. The smartwatch also features a built-in speaker for convenient calls and supports contactless payments through Google Pay and NFC technology. With customizable dials and information, you can personalize your device to match your style or activity. The smartwatch offers a 24-hour battery life and various battery modes for extended use.
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The Citizen CZ Smart Gen 1 Smartwatch offers a stylish and functional option for those seeking a smartwatch powered by Wear OS. With its compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices, preloaded apps, and built-in features like GPS and heart rate monitoring, it caters to various needs. The ability to customize dials and information is a nice touch for personalization. However, some users have reported issues with frequent restarts, poor battery life, and limited settings retention. Additionally, the product’s similarities to the Fossil 5 raise questions about its uniqueness. Overall, it is a decent smartwatch but may not stand out among its competitors in terms of performance and reliability.
The Garmin Vívoactive 3 is a GPS smartwatch designed for fitness enthusiasts. With the Garmin Pay contactless payment solution, you can conveniently make purchases using your watch. The watch comes with more than 15 pre-loaded GPS and indoor sports apps, allowing you to track various activities such as yoga, running, and swimming. It also features fitness level monitoring with VO2 max and stress tracking. You can personalize the watch with thousands of free watch faces, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ store. With smart notifications and automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, you can stay connected even when your phone is not nearby. The Vívoactive 3 has a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode.
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The Garmin Vívoactive 3 is a feature-packed GPS smartwatch that caters to fitness enthusiasts. With its Garmin Pay contactless payment solution and extensive collection of watch faces, apps, and widgets, it offers convenience and customization. The pre-loaded GPS and indoor sports apps make it a versatile companion for various activities. The fitness level monitoring and stress tracking features enhance overall well-being. While the music capabilities may not be the best, the watch still delivers solid performance. It’s a stylish and accurate choice, although some minor tweaks may be desired. Overall, the Vívoactive 3 is a reliable smartwatch that goes the extra mile for active individuals.
The Amazfit GTS 2 Smart Watch is a versatile and stylish accessory for women that seamlessly integrates with your smartphone. With built-in Amazon Alexa, you can ask questions, control smart home devices, and more. The watch also features Bluetooth phone calls, allowing you to answer calls directly from your wrist. It boasts a long 7-day battery life and GPS built-in for precise tracking of your activities. With 90 sports modes and 5 ATM water resistance, this watch is ready for any fitness challenge. The curved design and HD AMOLED screen provide a visually stunning experience. It also offers all-round health tracking, including heart rate monitoring and blood-oxygen saturation measurement. With a smart assistant, 3GB of music storage, and various other features, the Amazfit GTS 2 is a comprehensive smart watch for active women.
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The Amazfit GTS 2 Smart Watch offers an impressive range of features for active women. With built-in Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth phone calls, and long battery life, it seamlessly integrates with your daily life. The 90 sports modes and water resistance make it perfect for fitness enthusiasts. The stylish design and HD AMOLED screen provide a visually pleasing experience. With comprehensive health tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring and blood-oxygen saturation measurement, it promotes a healthy lifestyle. While there are some connectivity issues and inaccuracies in sleep tracking, overall, the Amazfit GTS 2 is a reliable and versatile smart watch.
The Amazfit T-Rex 2 Smart Watch is a rugged outdoor GPS military smartwatch designed for adventure seekers. With its dual-band positioning and support for 6 satellite positioning systems, it offers precise navigation capabilities. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters and has a battery life of up to 24 days. It offers over 150 sports modes, including triathlon and golf swing modes. The smartwatch also features a heart rate monitor, blood-oxygen saturation measurement, and stress level and breathing rate tracking. It can sync data with popular health and fitness apps and allows control of music playlists. Overall, the Amazfit T-Rex 2 is a durable and feature-packed smartwatch for active individuals.
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The Amazfit T-Rex 2 Smart Watch is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a durable and feature-packed smartwatch for outdoor adventures. With its precise navigation capabilities, extensive sports modes, and comprehensive health tracking features, it offers everything an active user needs. The long battery life and water resistance make it suitable for a variety of activities, while the ability to sync with popular health apps adds convenience and versatility. Despite some minor drawbacks like the band fastening and text notification limitations, the T-Rex 2 delivers on its promises. Overall, it is a reliable and capable smartwatch that combines style and functionality.
Buyer's Guide: GPS Smartwatch
If you are seeking guidance on purchasing a GPS smartwatch that perfectly fits your needs, you've come to the right place! We understand that finding the ideal smartwatch can be overwhelming with the numerous options available in the market. Fear not, fellow adventurer! This comprehensive buyer's guide will equip you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
What is a GPS Smartwatch?
A GPS smartwatch is a versatile wearable device that combines the functionality of a traditional watch with advanced GPS features. It allows you to track your location, navigate through unfamiliar terrains, monitor fitness activities, and receive notifications from your smartphone, all from the convenience of your wrist.
Key Considerations
Before making your purchase, consider the following factors to ensure your GPS smartwatch fulfills your specific requirements:
- GPS Accuracy: Seek a smartwatch with an accurate and reliable GPS system to track your location with precision.
- Battery Life: Longer battery life ensures uninterrupted usage during your outdoor adventures. Choose a smartwatch that can keep up with your activities.
- Waterproofing: If you engage in water-based activities like swimming or kayaking, ensure the smartwatch is waterproof to preserve its functionality.
- Compatibility: Check if the GPS smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone operating system to maximize its potential.
- Size and Comfort: Consider the size, weight, and strap material of the smartwatch for a comfortable fit during long hours of wear.
- Displays and Controls: Evaluate the display size and interface of the smartwatch. Touchscreens are user-friendly, but physical buttons are more suitable for rugged activities.
- Activity Tracking: Look for a GPS smartwatch that includes fitness tracking features like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking.
- Offline Maps: Offline map functionality allows you to navigate without relying on a constant internet connection, which is particularly useful during outdoor excursions.
- Sensors and Connectivity: Identify the additional sensors and connectivity options offered by the smartwatch, such as a compass, altimeter, thermometer, or Bluetooth.
- Price: Set your budget and choose a GPS smartwatch that offers the best value for your investment.
FAQ
Q: How accurate is the GPS in a GPS smartwatch?
A: The accuracy of GPS in a smartwatch depends on various factors such as satellite visibility, signal interference, and the watch’s GPS technology. High-quality smartwatches can achieve accuracy within a few meters, but keep in mind that dense foliage or urban environments may affect GPS performance.
Q: Can I use a GPS smartwatch without a smartphone?
A: Yes, you can use a GPS smartwatch independently without a smartphone. However, certain features like receiving notifications or syncing data may require a smartphone connection.
Q: Do all GPS smartwatches have heart rate monitoring?
A: Not all GPS smartwatches come with built-in heart rate monitoring. Ensure the smartwatch you choose explicitly mentions heart rate monitoring if it is a crucial feature for you.
Q: Can I listen to music on a GPS smartwatch?
A: Some GPS smartwatches have built-in music storage capabilities and can be paired with Bluetooth headphones. Verify if the smartwatch you are interested in offers this functionality.
Q: Are GPS smartwatches suitable for swimming?
A: Not all GPS smartwatches are designed for swimming. If you plan to use your smartwatch underwater, look for one explicitly labeled as waterproof or water-resistant.