Smartwatches aren’t just for telling time or buzzing when Aunt Judy texts anymore. Now, these gadgets track our steps, count heartbeats, and, thanks to built-in GPS, stop us from wandering off on our morning jogs.
With GPS, a smartwatch actually helps us figure out where we are—and maybe even how fast we got there (let’s just say it was fast enough).
So, why do we even want GPS on a smartwatch? If you’ve ever gone for a run and had to guess if you really did a full 5K, you know the struggle. GPS lets our watch track our real route and distance, which makes it way easier to brag about our workouts later.
It’s also a lifesaver for anyone who, let’s be honest, couldn’t navigate out of a paper bag.
Picking a GPS smartwatch feels a little like choosing a new pet. It’s a commitment, and we want to get it right. We always look for battery life, comfort, screen size, and whether the watch gets along with our phone.
Prices can jump fast when you add extra features. So, what matters most—do you need built-in music, or is that just a bonus? We put in the hours researching and testing a bunch of smartwatches to find the best GPS options, so you don’t have to scroll for days.
Best Smartwatches with GPS
We love a good adventure, but our phones absolutely don’t. That’s why we checked out the best smartwatches with GPS to help us stay on track (and maybe look a little cooler while we’re at it).
Let’s jump into our favorites—the ones that can find our location faster than we can lose our keys.
Notifications can multiply until you adjust the settings.
Big display might look chunky on small wrists.
The app interface isn’t rocket science, but it can get confusing at first.
Wearing the Amazfit Bip 5 feels like strapping on a mini control center. The 1.9-inch display is sharp and bright, making it easier to read texts (and ignore questionable life choices).
Swiping through menus is smooth. With Alexa onboard, we get to talk to our watch and pretend we’re in a spy movie—mostly just setting reminders for milk, though.
Battery life really stands out here. We squeezed out nearly 10 days between charges, which is honestly more reliable than our Monday morning memory.
Tracking workouts is simple, whether we’re jogging, walking, or flailing through a new fitness class. The GPS tracked our routes correctly every time.
Notification settings took a little trial and error. They popped up too often until we figured out how to calm them down.
Syncing with the app took a few tries, but once we sorted it out, all our health and fitness data synced with our favorite apps.
If you want to spend less and get a lot, the Bip 5 makes it easy to feel a bit smug about your smart shopping. It’s not perfect, but for everyday fitness and smart features, it covers the basics and then some.
If you want a smartwatch that actually keeps up with your busy life and doesn’t need to be charged every night, the Versa 4 is a solid pick.
Pros
Battery life keeps us from daily panic-charging.
GPS works surprisingly well for runs and walks.
Comfortable and lightweight—you might forget you’re wearing it.
Cons
No music storage, so we’re stuck humming our own tunes.
Some features hide behind a subscription (classic).
Syncing issues can test our patience.
Let’s be real—charging our smartwatch every night is not a hobby we enjoy. With the Fitbit Versa 4, we actually found ourselves searching for the charger less often than we look for lost socks.
It lasted nearly a full week, even with GPS on for workouts.
During sweaty runs and slow strolls, the built-in GPS locked on quickly and traced our routes with decent accuracy. We loved seeing those colorful workout maps—who knew our neighborhood loops looked like angry ducks?
The band feels lightweight, so it never bugged our wrists, even during sleep tracking marathons.
The downside? If we forget our phone, there’s no music on the watch. So, get ready to sing to yourself.
Some of the coolest health insights only show up if you pay for Fitbit Premium. That felt a little sneaky.
Syncing between the watch and app sometimes acted stubborn, but usually sorted itself out after a little patience (and maybe a few muttered threats).
For anyone who wants a fitness-focused smartwatch that won’t die halfway through the week, the Fitbit Versa 4 GPS Smartwatch does most things right and gives us more time to actually use it.
If you’re after a budget-friendly smartwatch that keeps up with you (without begging for a charge every night), the Amazfit Bip 6 is a solid choice.
Pros
Reliable GPS keeps our runs on track.
Battery life lets us forget where we put the charger.
Easy-to-read display, even when squinting under the sun.
Cons
The included charger loves to hide in our gym bag.
Taking off the strap to charge feels like a tiny puzzle.
The apps feel a little basic compared to pricier options.
Honestly, some trackers die after a single Zumba class. That’s not the case here.
The Bip 6’s two-week battery life means we get through a full week of workouts, texts, and GPS navigation without hunting for a plug.
It’s a relief to not have another device begging for nightly charging.
We like the GPS accuracy. Whether we’re hiking, running, or just trying to remember where we parked at the mall, the GPS and downloadable maps are quick and dependable.
We never felt lost, unless it was in the snack aisle.
The screen is bright and easy to see outdoors, which matters when we’re pretending to exercise under the noon sun.
On the flip side, the charger could win a prize for “Most Likely to Go Missing.” Removing the straps for charging is a bit odd, too.
Still, the simple interface and plenty of workout modes make it easy for beginners and “occasionally-motivated” folks. If you want a watch that gets the job done without extra fuss, the Amazfit Bip 6 fits right in.
If you’re tired of your smartwatch needing a nap every other day or missing out on GPS because your wrist can’t handle a brick, the Amazfit GTR Mini keeps things light, accurate, and—honestly—pretty stylish.
Pros
Battery sips power—nearly two weeks between charges.
GPS keeps us on track (unless we forget which pocket our map is in).
Tons of sports and fitness options—enough to make us look athletic, even when we’re not.
Need Android for quick SMS replies; iPhone users miss out.
The sleep tracking spells out exactly how little we’re sleeping (awkward).
When we put on the Amazfit GTR Mini, we immediately noticed how light it felt. No more lugging around a metal brick just to count steps or check the time.
We paired it with both iPhone and Android, so no need to pick sides or start a tech feud.
Using the GPS, our running loops and walks around the neighborhood made us feel like explorers—even if our “wilderness” was just the local park.
The sheer number of activity modes seems made for people who say “sports” as a plural, even if their main exercise is sprinting for the bus.
The step counter kept us honest, gently shaming us back onto our feet.
The battery might be our favorite part. It just keeps going—even when we forget it exists. No more frantic charger searches before bed.
We can’t answer calls from our wrist, so waving at people will have to do for now. Still, the notifications keep us in the loop.
With water resistance for the pool and a look that fits in at the coffee shop, this is a smartwatch we wouldn’t mind showing off—even if we do keep ignoring its warnings about our sleep habits.
If you want affordable GPS tracking and calls from your wrist without making your wallet cry, this watch is a smart pick.
Pros
Calls and message alerts pop up right on your wrist—pretty handy
The big, crisp screen feels futuristic (and maybe a little fancy)
Battery life outlasts most weekend plans
Cons
GPS only works when you pair it with your phone, so don’t leave it at home
The app can get confusing, kind of like your first algebra class
Step tracking isn’t always spot-on if you’re counting every pace
We strapped on the Motast and suddenly felt like we’d stepped into a spy movie. Answering calls without pulling out a phone is weirdly satisfying, even if it’s just your mom asking about laundry.
The giant screen means no more squinting or pretending you can see those tiny numbers—great news for anyone with clumsy thumbs.
We tested it on outdoor runs and rainy walks. The waterproofing held up, and the screen stayed visible even in bright sunlight.
Swapping watch faces was actually fun and let us pretend we’re way cooler than we are. The heart rate and sleep tracking made us feel like Olympic athletes, even if our “exercise” was just chasing the remote.
But let’s be honest, the companion app tripped us up; it’s not always straightforward and might leave you scratching your head. Step tracking isn’t super precise if you’re trying to win step battles.
Still, for the price, you get a lot—calls, music, health tracking, and enough battery power that you might forget where you put the charger.
If you want a watch that keeps up with outdoor adventures and laughs at bad weather, this one’s worth a look.
Pros
Absurd battery life—charging becomes a distant memory
Survives bumps, drops, and even your clumsiest moments
GPS locks on faster than you can say, “Where are we?”
Cons
The manual uses a font better suited for ants
Size leans chunky if you like slimmer wear
Takes time to get the hang of all the features
We took the Baoinse Rugged GPS Smartwatch out for a week. It’s basically a survivalist sidekick on your wrist.
The GPS locks on in seconds, even when you’re wandering past sketchy Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere. With the compass and barometer, your inner Boy Scout finally gets to shine.
This watch shrugs off everything short of an asteroid. We didn’t worry about drops, wild temperature swings, or heavy rain—basically, all the abuse we could throw at it.
The battery is massive; we actually forgot what the charging cable even looked like. The watch has more sport modes than we have motivation, but hey, it’s nice knowing you could pick up fencing or underwater basket weaving and the watch wouldn’t blink.
Learning the ropes takes a bit of patience, especially with a user manual straight out of a toddler’s mini-library. The watch is a bit oversized for smaller wrists, but that just makes it look extra tough.
If you want durability, reliable GPS, and don’t mind a bit of wrist heft—or squinting at tiny print—this is a smartwatch you’ll want on every adventure.
If you’re desperate to keep tabs on your wandering kid without handing over your precious phone, this kids’ smartwatch could be a sanity saver.
Pros
Lets you make video calls, so saying goodnight from the office is no sweat
SOS button offers peace of mind if your kid is a natural explorer
Soft band feels comfy enough your little one might not complain (for once)
Cons
GPS can play hide-and-seek, especially outside the U.S.
You have to buy a separate 4G SIM—more money, more steps
Battery life sometimes calls it quits before dinner (just like us)
We had a few laughs setting up the Wiwian 4G Kids GPS Smart Watch for our endlessly curious kiddo. The video call feature let us see their grinning face at daycare and catch them trying to smuggle cookies in real time.
The SOS function worked, too—one dramatic “I lost my shoe” alert was enough to test our nerves.
Not everything was sunshine, though. The GPS didn’t always nail the location, especially when we traveled or if our cousin tested it in Ecuador.
Sometimes, the watch insisted our child was running laps in Tokyo (they were not). Installing a 4G SIM felt a bit like solving a Rubik’s Cube, but after a few tries, we managed.
Our younger testers loved the feel of the band—none of that “it’s too scratchy!” whining for once. However, just like a toddler at bedtime, the battery sometimes tapped out too early, especially after lots of video calls and games.
If you want to balance fun for the kids with enough tracking and communication to keep your heart rate down, this watch gets a thumbs up (with a little eye roll for the tech hiccups).
If you ever wanted to pretend you’re in a spy movie while counting steps and checking messages, this tough smartwatch gets you there in style.
Pros
Built like a tank—seriously, you could probably throw it against a wall (but we didn’t)
GPS navigation so you never wind up lost in the woods again
Wildly long battery life means you can forget the charger for a while
Cons
User manual could double as a short novel; setup isn’t always quick
The map feature tried to outsmart us; needs a bit of patience to master
Strap’s style screams “action hero,” but not everyone wants that look at brunch
Wearing the JnJnhkta Military Smartwatch feels like strapping a little command center to your wrist—complete with GPS, maps, and a compass for those times you forget which way is north.
We took it hiking, biking, and even through a random spring thunderstorm. It survived everything we threw at it (including, unfortunately, mud).
Answering calls and getting texts right on the watch meant our phone could stay zipped up in the backpack. That’s perfect for hands-free exploring.
The large, bright display is easy to spot, and the voice assistant actually understands us better than some people do.
Battery life holds up for about a week, though we noticed a dip after a month or so. Still, charging isn’t a constant worry.
If you crave an outdoor watch that looks rugged and keeps your health in check, JnJnhkta Military Smartwatch is worth a real look—just be ready for a learning curve and maybe some “special agent” jokes from your friends.
Calling from your wrist feels like you’ve joined a spy movie
Cons
You can’t reply to messages on the watch, so your quick comebacks stay unsent
Battery life drops faster if you crank up the screen brightness
One of us had buttons trigger themselves after a couple weeks
After strapping this Parsonver on, we found it really does make tracking outdoor runs and bike rides easier. No need to carry a phone, and checking your route later feels like uncovering hidden treasures (even if it’s just old jogging paths).
We liked swapping out the bands depending on whether we were sweating buckets or just trying to look decent at dinner.
The calling feature caught us off guard. We called grandma straight from the watch, and she was both impressed and slightly concerned about what technology is doing to us.
Text and app notifications were handy, but not being able to reply from the watch meant we still had to fish out our phones for group chats. Still, having all our alerts at a glance kept us in the loop.
This thing claims to survive swimming, and it’s still ticking after our overly enthusiastic dog-paddling sessions. It checks on our heart, sleep, and stress levels—though we wish it could stop us from eating extra snacks before bed.
Despite a few quirks, we left our phones behind more often, and that’s always a small victory.
If you’re after an affordable GPS smartwatch that doesn’t mind a little dirt, this one really deserves a look.
Pros
Handles rain, mud, and whatever that mysterious puddle is
GPS and offline maps make you feel like you know where you’re going
Battery life actually holds up—no nightly panic charging
Cons
Charging cable’s unique, so losing it would be a pain
Interface feels a bit slow compared to fancier watches
Bulky design might take you back to your dad’s ‘90s watch drawer
The Nihemin Military GPS Smart Watch honestly surprised us. We love to wander, and this watch’s built-in maps and GPS kept us from getting lost (or calling someone for help).
We didn’t expect a watch this tough to pack in so many features, but here we are—feeling both rugged and just a touch more stylish.
Calls, messages, music control, and a step counter are all there. The real fun, though, comes from poking around all the sport modes.
It’s almost like the menu keeps nudging you—“Running? Hiking? Or maybe some breath training today?” Those hydration reminders even made us drink more water, which, honestly, we needed.
The watch is a bit chunkier than some others, and the odd charging cable sent us searching for a backup. Still, for the price and all the durability, it’s a solid pick if you want a GPS watch that just works.
If you care more about staying on track than showing off, this one’s probably a good fit.
Buying Guide
Let’s be real—picking a smartwatch with GPS feels a bit like adopting a puppy. Do you want all the bells and whistles, or just a reliable buddy that won’t wander off at the park?
Here’s what you should actually think about before you hand over your card and start tracking your steps (and, uh, snacks).
Key features to check out:
Battery Life: Nobody wants their watch to die before lunchtime.
Water Resistance: Because who honestly remembers to take it off before washing their hands for the fifth time that day?
Display Brightness: You want to see your steps, not just squint and guess.
Comfort: If it pinches, it’s going straight into a drawer.
Here’s a quick table to sort out what really matters:
Feature
Why We Care
GPS Accuracy
Nobody wants their watch tracking the fridge.
App Compatibility
For anyone obsessed with syncing everything.
Notifications
We need to read texts while walking, right?
Think about style too. If you’re wearing it every day, it shouldn’t clash with your socks.
Price—yeah, that matters. You might want all the gadgets, but your wallet might not.
If you run, bike, or hike, check for fitness tracking modes. And if you’re just walking to the fridge—hey, no shame there.
Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.
From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.
