Finding the perfect running companion isn’t just about lacing up your shoes anymore. The best running GPS watch can transform your training, track your progress, and push you to new personal bests.
Selection Process for Top Running Watches
Our testing methodology is thorough and practical. We evaluate GPS accuracy across various environments—city streets, forests, and mountain trails. Battery life claims get verified through real-world testing, not just manufacturer specifications.
Usability matters tremendously. A watch with amazing features becomes worthless if its interface frustrates you mid-run. We assess comfort during long runs and consider whether the watch actually enhances your training experience.
Value remains crucial in our evaluation. The most expensive option isn’t always the best for your specific needs.
Best Running GPS Watches for 2025
Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 265
Specifications:
- Battery: Up to 13 days (smartwatch), 20 hours (GPS)
- Display: 1.3″ AMOLED
- Weight: 47g
- Waterproof: 5ATM
Pros:
- Bright, colorful AMOLED screen
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Available in two sizes
- Comprehensive training analytics
- Music storage
Cons:
- Pricier than previous models
- No navigation/maps
The Forerunner 265 stands as our best running GPS watch for 2025. Its vibrant AMOLED display remains clearly visible even during bright summer runs. At 47g, you might forget you’re wearing it during long training sessions.
The magic happens under the hood. Training status evaluates your progress, while readiness assesses if your body has recovered enough. GPS connectivity is lightning-fast and rock-solid. During our marathon test, battery life proved impressive, confirming its 20-hour GPS rating isn’t just marketing.
The only real drawbacks? No built-in maps for explorers, and a price tag that might make budget-conscious runners hesitate.
Best for Beginners: Garmin Forerunner 55
Specifications:
- Battery: Up to 14 days (smartwatch), 20 hours (GPS)
- Display: 1.04″ MIP
- Weight: 37g
- Waterproof: 5ATM
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Extremely lightweight
- Adaptive training features
- Impressive battery life
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Display lacks brightness
- Missing advanced metrics
- No contactless payments
New to running? The Forerunner 55 welcomes you with open arms—sophisticated enough to be useful but simple enough not to overwhelm.
At just 37g, it’s feather-light. Despite its entry-level positioning, the battery life rivals premium models. Where this watch truly shines is its beginner-friendly approach to training. Adaptive training plans adjust based on your performance. Daily suggested workouts take the guesswork out of “what should I run today?”
Consider this watch your friendly running coach—guiding without overwhelming you with excessive data.
Best for Women: Coros Pace 3
Specifications:
- Battery: Up to 24 days (smartwatch), 38 hours (GPS)
- Display: 1.2″
- Weight: 39g (silicone band), 30g (nylon band)
- Waterproof: 5ATM
Pros:
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Phenomenal battery life
- Dual-frequency GPS
- Comprehensive training analytics
- Outstanding value
Cons:
- Plastic construction feels less premium
- Limited workout modes
The women running watch market has exploded, but the Coros Pace 3 stands out as our top best women’s running watch. At just 30g with the nylon band, it’s remarkably lightweight—perfect for smaller wrists. Yet the battery life is extraordinary: 24 days of regular use and 38 hours of continuous GPS tracking.
The improved heart rate sensor features five LEDs and four photosensors, delivering impressive accuracy. Dual-frequency GPS—typically reserved for premium watches—ensures reliable tracking even between skyscrapers or under dense tree cover.
Mapping capabilities include route planning and turn-by-turn directions. While the plastic construction might not feel luxurious, the analytics are professional-grade—offering detailed metrics on aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, and training load.
Best for Trails: Polar Grit X2 Pro
Specifications:
- Battery: 61 hours (Standard GPS), 43 hours (dual-frequency), 140 hours (Eco Mode)
- Display: 1.39″ AMOLED
- Weight: 79g
- Waterproof: 10ATM
Pros:
- Robust navigation tools
- Exceptional battery life
- Accurate dual-frequency GPS
- Industry-leading recovery analysis
- Brilliant display
Cons:
- Size may overwhelm smaller wrists
- Premium price point
Trail runners need specialized tools. The Polar Grit X2 Pro delivers as our best watch for hiking and running in 2025.
This rugged powerhouse comes battle-ready for demanding terrain. Dual-frequency GPS maintains connection even under dense tree cover. Pre-loaded offline TOPO maps ensure you’ll never lose your way, even when cell service disappears. TrackBack functionality can guide you back to your starting point—potentially a lifesaver in remote areas.
Battery life impresses even ultrarunners: 61 hours in standard GPS mode extends to 140 hours in power-saving mode. Polar’s sleep and recovery tools remain unmatched, preventing the overtraining that often plagues ambitious trail runners.
The only significant drawback is its substantial 79g weight, but that heft brings military-grade durability and waterproofing to 100 meters.
Best for Golf: Huawei Watch GT5 Pro
Specifications:
- Battery: 14 days (max), 9 days (regular), 5 days (Always On)
- Display: 1.43″ AMOLED
- Weight: 53g
- Waterproof: 5ATM
Pros:
- Premium construction
- Running form analysis
- Advanced GPS accuracy
- Comprehensive golf features
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Limited third-party integration
- Works best with Huawei phones
Looking for the best watch for golf and running in one package? The Huawei Watch GT5 Pro bridges the gap between specialized sports watches and elegant everyday timepieces.
On the golf course, this watch shines with preloaded data for thousands of courses worldwide. Distance measurements to the front, middle, and back of greens help select the perfect club. It even tracks swing tempo and offers improvement suggestions.
For running, the innovative Form Analysis feature detects ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and balance—crucial metrics for preventing injuries. Huawei’s Sunflower GPS technology maintains precise positioning even in challenging environments.
Battery life easily lasts a full week of mixed use. The titanium and ceramic construction looks appropriate in a boardroom yet remains durable for outdoor adventures.
Best for Swimming: Garmin Forerunner 965
Specifications:
- Battery: 29 days (smartwatch), 62-145 hours (GPS)
- Display: 1.4″ AMOLED (454 x 454 pixels)
- Weight: 92g
- Waterproof: 10ATM / Dive 40m
Pros:
- Stunning display
- Comprehensive swim metrics
- Remarkable battery life
- Offline music storage
- Enhanced navigation
Cons:
- Significant investment
- Bulkier profile
For triathletes and aquatic enthusiasts, the best watch for running and swimming must excel in both environments. The Garmin Forerunner 965 delivers uncompromising performance whether you’re pounding pavement or cutting through water.
In the pool, it’s a data powerhouse tracking stroke detection, SWOLF score, pace alerts, and drill logging. The 10ATM waterproofing handles depths up to 40 meters—more than sufficient for open water events and shallow dives.
On land, the vibrant AMOLED display provides exceptional visibility in direct sunlight. The comprehensive analytics include everything from basic pace to advanced metrics like ground contact time and running power.
Battery life defies expectations, delivering up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 62 hours of GPS tracking—plenty for even Ironman-distance triathlons.
Music storage enables phone-free workouts with your favorite playlist. While the price represents a significant investment, for multisport athletes seeking one device to rule them all, the versatility justifies the premium.
Best Budget: Polar Pacer Pro
Specifications:
- Battery: Up to 144 hours (smartwatch), 35 hours (GPS)
- Display: 1.2″
- Weight: 41g
- Waterproof: 5ATM
Pros:
- Exceptional value
- Outstanding battery
- Lightweight design
- Sophisticated analytics
- Quick GPS acquisition
Cons:
- Basic design
- No music storage
- Missing advanced recovery tools
The Polar Pacer Pro proves you don’t need to empty your wallet for professional-grade training tools, establishing itself as the definitive pacer watch for running in the budget category.
This featherweight marvel (41g) packs an astonishing array of features. With 35 hours of full GPS tracking—extendable to 100 hours in power-saving modes—it outperforms many watches at twice the price.
This Polar GPS running watch excels in training insights. The running performance test provides accurate VO2 max estimates, while the running index benchmarks your performance against other runners. Navigation capabilities include turn-by-turn directions, route elevation profiles, and automatic climb detection.
Sleep analysis and Nightly Recharge recovery tools remain some of the most accurate in the industry. The absence of music storage reflects the budget focus, but core running features rival far more expensive competitors.
Must-Have Features in a Running Watch
As technology evolves, certain features have transitioned from luxury to necessity:
Accurate GPS is non-negotiable and should work reliably in all environments. Look for multi-band and multi-system capabilities.
Heart rate monitoring has matured beyond simple beats-per-minute to tracking heart rate variability (HRV), providing insights into recovery status.
Battery life requirements depend on your running habits. Weekend warriors might be satisfied with 8 hours of GPS time, while ultrarunners need watches measuring endurance in days.
Recovery metrics have become increasingly sophisticated, analyzing sleep quality, training load, and physiological markers to provide genuinely useful guidance.
Navigation features range from basic breadcrumb trails to full-color topographic maps. If you frequently explore new routes, robust mapping capabilities transform your watch from simple tracker to reliable guide.
Music storage has transformed from luxury to expectation. The best running watch music capabilities now include offline storage for thousands of songs and streaming service support.
Customizable data screens allow you to see exactly what matters during different training sessions, enhancing the user experience dramatically.
Why Our Reviews Stand Out
Our approach stands apart through rigorous real-world evaluation. Each watch faces unpredictable conditions everyday runners encounter—rain, heat, freezing temperatures, and challenging environments.
Battery performance claims receive particular scrutiny through standardized testing protocols across varied usage patterns. Our diverse testing team ranges from 5K enthusiasts to ultramarathoners, ensuring perspectives from various experience levels.
Longevity testing separates us further. While many publications review watches after a week, we continue monitoring for months, identifying issues that emerge over time. Most importantly, we maintain complete editorial independence, purchasing many test units directly rather than relying exclusively on manufacturer samples.
This unwavering commitment to thorough, honest evaluation explains why runners consistently trust our guidance when making watch purchasing decisions.
FAQ
What’s the Best Running Watch for Women?
The Coros Pace 3 earns our highest recommendation. Its lightweight design (starting at 30g) suits smaller wrists without sacrificing functionality. Despite its featherweight profile, it delivers impressive battery life and comprehensive analytics.
Runners seeking style versatility might prefer the Garmin Forerunner 265S, which offers interchangeable bands and a more fashion-forward aesthetic. For extreme environments or ultramarathons, the navigation capabilities and extended battery life of the Polar Grit X2 Pro might justify its bulkier profile.
Can I Play Music on a Running Watch?
Yes, many modern watches offer music capabilities. Top-tier models like the Garmin Forerunner 265 and 965 provide offline storage for thousands of songs, allowing completely phone-free running with Bluetooth headphones. These typically support downloading playlists from streaming services including Spotify and Amazon Music.
Mid-range options often provide music controls rather than storage—letting you control playback on your connected smartphone. Budget models typically lack music features entirely, focusing instead on core running metrics.For the ultimate combination of the best watch for running and music, the Garmin Forerunner 965 stands out with 32GB storage, multiple streaming service support, and remarkable battery life even when playing music during activities.
