Quick answer
Our overall pick for the best GPS running watch is the Garmin Forerunner 55 for its straightforward training tools and long battery life. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a strong choice for runners who want a brilliant AMOLED screen and more advanced daily insights, while the Moutarlier and HUAKUA watches offer options with built-in GPS and calling features.
A good GPS running watch is a powerful tool for tracking your progress, following training plans, and staying motivated. With so many options available, we compared manufacturer specifications and features to help you find the best GPS running watch for your needs, whether you’re training for a race or just starting your running journey. You can explore more options in our full Running Wearables category.
Our picks at a glance
Pros
- Long battery life (up to 2 weeks smartwatch, 20 hours GPS)
- Includes PacePro feature for race day pace strategy
- Tracks a wide range of activities and wellness metrics
Cons
- PacePro feature is not compatible with on-device courses
- The listing does not mention music storage or playback
Pros
- Built-in GPS works independently of a phone
- Allows for answering calls and sending SOS alerts from the wrist
- 5ATM waterproof for swimming and includes many sport modes
Cons
- Not for use in hot showers, diving, or high-velocity water sports
- Requires a companion smartphone for calls and notifications
Pros
- Built-in GPS for standalone tracking
- Allows for making and answering calls directly from the watch
- Includes over 100 sport modes and sleep tracking
Cons
- Water resistance is listed as 10 feet, which may limit swimming use
- The listing does not specify battery life in days or hours
Pros
- Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
- Provides adaptive daily suggested workouts and morning reports
- Long battery life and supports Garmin Coach training plans
Cons
- The listing does not mention music storage or playback
- Has fewer built-in activity profiles than some other models
How we chose
We compared manufacturer listings and specifications on Amazon as of October 2026. We did not test or review any products hands-on. Our picks are based on comparing features like battery life, GPS capability, training tools, and health monitoring to identify the best GPS running watch for different types of runners.
Best GPS Running Watches: our picks in detail
1. Best overall GPS running watch: Garmin Forerunner 55
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an easy-to-use GPS running watch that tracks heart rate, distance, pace, and route using GPS. It offers up to two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. Helpful training tools include PacePro for GPS-based pace guidance on a course, race time predictions, and finish time estimates.
It tracks a variety of activities including running, cycling, track run, and pool swim. Wellness features include all-day respiration tracking, intensity minutes, and fitness age. The watch has a 1.04-inch sunlight-visible display and uses button controls.
Best for: Runners seeking straightforward, effective training tools and long battery life in a dedicated running watch.
Pros
- Long battery life (up to 2 weeks smartwatch, 20 hours GPS)
- Includes PacePro feature for race day pace strategy
- Tracks a wide range of activities and wellness metrics
Cons
- PacePro feature is not compatible with on-device courses
- The listing does not mention music storage or playback
2. Best GPS watch with calling: Moutarlier GPS Running Watch
The Moutarlier GPS Running Watch has built-in GPS to track real-time pace, distance, route, and calorie burn without a phone. It features a 2.06-inch AMOLED display and allows you to receive calls and texts, make hands-free calls, and send an SOS alert from your wrist. It is 5ATM waterproof up to 50 meters for swimming.
The watch offers over 170 sport modes and tracks steps, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, mood, and sleep. It comes with two interchangeable bands and offers a battery life of up to 7 days with heavy use. It uses both touchscreen and button controls.
Best for: Runners who want a feature-packed smartwatch with calling and a large display at a price.
Pros
- Built-in GPS works independently of a phone
- Allows for answering calls and sending SOS alerts from the wrist
- 5ATM waterproof for swimming and includes many sport modes
Cons
- Not for use in hot showers, diving, or high-velocity water sports
- Requires a companion smartphone for calls and notifications
3. Best for basic GPS and smart features: HUAKUA Smart Watch with GPS
The HUAKUA Smart Watch has built-in GPS for tracking pace, distance, and routes during outdoor activities without a phone. It supports Bluetooth calling with an integrated speaker and microphone, and it delivers smart notifications. The watch has a 1.95-inch full-touch screen.
It offers over 100 sport modes and tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep quality. The watch is waterproof and has a battery capacity of 400 milliamp hours. It uses both touchscreen and button controls.
Best for: Runners looking for an smartwatch with basic GPS tracking and calling capabilities.
Pros
- Built-in GPS for standalone tracking
- Allows for making and answering calls directly from the watch
- Includes over 100 sport modes and sleep tracking
Cons
- Water resistance is listed as 10 feet, which may limit swimming use
- The listing does not specify battery life in days or hours
4. Best for AMOLED display and daily insights: Garmin Forerunner 165
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a running smartwatch with built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate monitoring. It features a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls and a lightweight 43mm design. Battery life is up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode.
It provides personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery, and it supports Garmin Coach training plans. The morning report gives an overview of sleep, recovery, training outlook, and weather. It includes over 25 built-in activity profiles.
Best for: Runners who want a vibrant AMOLED display, adaptive daily training suggestions, and detailed recovery insights.
Pros
- Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display
- Provides adaptive daily suggested workouts and morning reports
- Long battery life and supports Garmin Coach training plans
Cons
- The listing does not mention music storage or playback
- Has fewer built-in activity profiles than some other models
Our picks at a glance
| Watch | GPS Battery Life | Display Type | Notable Training Features | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 55 | Up to 20 hours | Sunlight-visible MIP | PacePro, race predictions | Not listed |
| Moutarlier GPS Watch | Not listed | AMOLED | 170+ sport modes | 5ATM / 50 meters |
| HUAKUA Smart Watch | Not listed | Full-touch screen | 100+ sport modes | Waterproof (10 ft) |
| Garmin Forerunner 165 | Up to 19 hours | AMOLED touchscreen | Adaptive daily workouts | Not listed |
How to choose the best GPS running watch
Choosing the best GPS running watch depends on how you plan to use it. The core function is using satellite navigation to accurately track your distance, pace, and route, which all the watches here offer. Beyond that, key differentiators include battery life, display type, and the depth of training features.
What to look for
- Battery Life: Check both smartwatch mode and GPS mode battery life. If you run long distances or multi-day events, a watch with 20+ hours of GPS battery is crucial. For daily training, a watch that lasts a week or more between charges is convenient.
- Training & Recovery Tools: Some watches offer structured training plans, pace guidance for specific courses, and insights into your recovery status. These can be valuable for runners following a specific training program. Learn more about how wearables can aid your training in our Running Wearables guide.
- Smart Features vs. Focus: Decide if you want a dedicated running tool or a multi-purpose smartwatch. Some models allow you to take calls and receive notifications, while others focus purely on running metrics. For a deeper comparison, see our article on Fitness Tracker vs. Dedicated Running Watch.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: All these watches offer wrist-based heart rate monitoring. For the most accurate heart rate data during intense interval training, a chest strap is often recommended. You can read about the differences in our guide to Chest Strap vs. Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitors.
Finally, consider the design and comfort, as you’ll be wearing it daily. A lightweight watch with a clear, easy-to-read display (especially in sunlight) makes checking your stats mid-run much easier. Ensure the watch is suitable for your environment, whether that means being waterproof for swimming or having a tough build for trail running.
FAQ
Do I need my phone for these GPS watches to track my run?
No, all the watches in this roundup have built-in GPS, meaning they can track your run’s distance, pace, and route independently of your smartphone. You can leave your phone at home.
How accurate is wrist-based heart rate monitoring?
Wrist-based heart rate monitors provide a convenient estimate of your heart rate. For the most accurate readings, especially during high-intensity intervals or rapid changes in pace, a chest strap heart rate monitor is generally considered more reliable. You can learn more about this in our dedicated comparison article.
What does 5ATM waterproof mean?
5ATM waterproof means a device is resistant to water pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 meters. This makes it suitable for swimming, showering, and running in the rain. However, it is typically not suitable for high-velocity water sports like diving or waterskiing. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual for specific care instructions.
Can I listen to music directly from these watches?
Some running watches have built-in storage for music and can connect to Bluetooth headphones. However, the listings for the Garmin Forerunner 55 and Forerunner 165 do not mention music storage or playback. The Moutarlier and HUAKUA watches list music control as a feature, which typically means you can control music playing on your paired smartphone from your wrist.
References
- Amazon product listings and manufacturer specifications (accessed October 2026)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- World Athletics
