Best GPS running watches 2024 | Lightweight smartwatches tested and reviewed

The latest Garmin Fenix, now in its seventh generation, continues to uphold its reputation as a premium GPS running watch, though not without some caveats. Priced at £739.99, it is significantly more expensive than many competitors, and its weight (75g) might not appeal to all runners. Additionally, the 260 x 260 resolution colour screen, while functional, lacks the vivid clarity of AMOLED displays, which feels disappointing given the price.

Despite these drawbacks, the Fenix 7 Pro offers plenty of positives, making it a worthwhile consideration for serious runners. It excels in battery life, GPS accuracy, navigation, design, and features. During a three-day, 204km run on the North Downs Way, the watch performed flawlessly, particularly impressing with its reliable GPS tracking and navigation capabilities. The titanium bezel and silicone strap add to its durable, well-made feel, and the 1.3” Power Sapphire screen, though not as bright as AMOLED, balances battery life and visibility effectively.

The Fenix 7 Pro includes dual-frequency GPS and uses GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems, ensuring accurate tracking across almost any environment. The battery life is remarkable, with up to 40 hours in full GPS mode and significant boosts with solar charging under optimal conditions. The watch is also 10ATM water-resistant, suitable for various water activities. The navigation features, including pre-loaded topographical maps and easy GPX route uploads, worked seamlessly during testing.

In terms of running and fitness features, the Fenix 7 Pro pairs with the Garmin Connect app to provide an extensive array of metrics and training aids, such as Hill Score, Endurance Score, and PacePro technology. These tools can greatly enhance training and performance analysis. Additional features like Spotify integration, Garmin Pay, and a variety of health and wellness trackers add to its versatility, although some, like the in-built LED flashlight and stocks tracker, may seem superfluous.

Overall, while the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is not without its flaws, its comprehensive feature set and robust performance make it a strong contender for dedicated runners willing to invest in a high-end sports watch. It's earned its way onto our top spot.

Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 Pro review

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar stands out as a versatile outdoor smartwatch, perfect for adventurers engaging in a variety of sports. It's robust, lightweight (at just 54g), and compact, making it ideal for activities from hiking and climbing to running and kayaking. While it doesn't cater specifically to hardcore runners, it excels as an all-around outdoor watch. Priced under £300, it offers good value, positioning itself at the premium end of the entry-level market. Its design is rugged yet protective, ensuring a comfortable fit and solid performance in GPS accuracy and battery life. However, the small (0.9”), monochrome screen is basic and might disappoint those expecting more for the price. Despite this, the Instinct 2 Solar's simplicity might appeal to users who prefer straightforward functionality without unnecessary features.

In terms of design, the watch's military-inspired look is both tough and practical. It features a bombproof polymer case and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, suggesting it could withstand significant wear and tear. The five-button interface makes navigation easy, although some may find it outdated compared to more high-tech alternatives. Despite its compact size, the watch holds up well during activities, providing a slip-free fit even at high speeds. The screen, though small and monochrome, is battery efficient and offers decent visibility in various lighting conditions, focusing on essential stats rather than overwhelming the user with information.

When it comes to GPS accuracy, the Instinct 2 Solar performs reliably, tracking runs accurately without signal issues. It uses GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, covering most needs despite lacking access to QZSS or Beidou satellite systems and dual-frequency GPS. These omissions might affect accuracy in dense urban or forested areas, but overall, the tracking is precise. Battery life is another strong point, with up to 30 hours in full GPS mode, which is adequate for most ultra-length runs and adventures. The solar charging feature, while somewhat gimmicky in less sunny climates, can extend battery life under optimal conditions.

The watch also boasts a 10ATM water resistance rating, suitable for swimming and other water activities. Its navigation features, though basic, include trackback routing, altimeter, barometer, and compass, which are useful for outdoor enthusiasts. For runners, the Garmin PacePro feature allows for customized pace targets based on distance and elevation, aiding in performance optimisation. The Garmin Connect app enhances the overall experience, providing detailed data and insights, while built-in sports apps offer various workout options. Despite some shortcomings, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar remains a solid choice for those seeking a durable, reliable outdoor smartwatch.

Read our full Garmin Instinct 2 Solar review

The Coros Pace 3 stands out as an excellent entry-level smartwatch, offering great value at just £219. Its featherlight 39g weight is brilliant for all-day comfort, making this an ideal choice for runners who prefer a sleek and slimline design. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Pace 3 has a few proper high-end features like dual-band GPS, an improved heart rate sensor, and an accompanying app that delivers in-depth data metrics. The battery life is commendable, offering 38 hours with full GPS – particularly impressive for such a lightweight device.

However, the Pace 3 does also have some notable drawbacks. The screen, while functional, is quite basic, with dull, dated graphics. The build quality feels cheap compared to most other smartwatches; the body has a plasticky feel and a flimsy crown button. Additionally, premium features like contactless payments are missing, and the user interface could benefit from an upgrade. Despite these cons, the watch delivers on essential aspects, providing solid battery life, accurate tracking, and high comfort levels.

In terms of GPS accuracy, the Pace 3 performs remarkably well. We tested it on various runs, including the Lakeland Trails Coniston race, and found it reliably accurate thanks to its dual-frequency GPS and access to all major satellite networks. The watch’s minimalist design, with a 1.2” screen and scaled-back bezel dimensions, ensures it stays stable on the wrist during dynamic movements. Ideal for people who can't get on with chunky sport watches.

For those who prioritise navigation, the Pace 3 offers basic but functional options. While the navigation feature lacks detailed maps, it works well for simple route following. The fitness data and training features are where the Pace 3 truly shines, with the Coros app providing a wealth of information and customisable training plans. Although the absence of onboard music storage might be a minor inconvenience, the watch still supports MP3 downloads for anyone who still remembers how to do that. Overall, the Coros Pace 3 is a fantastic option for runners seeking a no-nonsense, affordable running watch with essential features and excellent performance.

Read our full Coros Pace 3 review

The Polar Grit X2 Pro might polarise (sorry) opinions, but we've landed firmly on the side who give this watch two thumbs up. With a 1.39” AMOLED screen that outshines top competitors like the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, its visuals are truly top tier. The integration with Komoot for mapping and routes makes navigation straightforward, and the military-grade design ensures durability for hardcore users. Our testing experience was generally very positive – we love the intuitive app, solid battery life, and detailed maps.

However, the watch comes with a few drawbacks. There's no getting around the fact that it's wildly expensive, even compared to other top-end options like the Suunto Race. Weighing 79g, the Grit X2 Pro is bulky and can be uncomfortable during intense activities. While it excels in trekking, hiking, and general outdoor adventures, it is slightly less ideal for trail running.

Despite these negatives, the Polar Grit X2 Pro stands out among the crowd for its unrivalled mapping features, making it a versatile option for trail runners who also engage in other outdoor activities. You can easily ping any saved routes on Komoot directly to the watch, and it'll even upload your runs to Strava for you! The screen, while excellent, drains the battery fairly fast, which might be a concern for long, multi-day expeditions. The GPS accuracy is reliable, supported by dual-frequency service and access to all major satellite networks.

The watch's chunky design may deter some users, especially those with smaller wrists or those who prioritise a lightweight feel for running. The battery life is decent, and it survived a six-day trip to Madeira, although the accuracy of the GPS was slightly compromised at longer intervals. Additional features include water resistance up to 100 meters, multiple sports modes, and health tracking, but the lack of onboard music storage and contactless payment is notable given the high price.

Overall, the Polar Grit X2 Pro is a high-end smartwatch with excellent features and bomb proof durability. It's a great pick if you want an absolute powerhouse of a watch – provided you can overlook its cost.

Read our full Polar Grit X2 Pro review

The Vertix 2S is Coros's top level sports watch. Priced at £599, it offers notable value compared to some competitors on this list – though it still isn't cheap. As an upgrade to the Vertix 2, it boasts improved GPS accuracy through a new antenna and multi-band GPS, and a new optical heart rate sensor. However, the updates are incremental, and we anticipate more significant changes with the Vertix 3. The Vertix 2S positions itself against high-end models like the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro, offering premium features such as a titanium bezel and sapphire glass screen at a lower price, saving consumers £141 compared to the Fenix, and well over £200 compared to the Polar Grit X2.

Like its previous model, the Vertix 2S eschews an AMOLED screen for a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, prioritising battery life over display clarity. This choice benefits ultra runners who need longer battery performance rather than vivid screens. The Coros Vertix 2S is robust, with an easy-to-use interface, large 1.4” display, and impressive battery life, making it a strong contender in our group test. However, it has its drawbacks: at 88g with the silicone band, it's relatively heavy and somewhat uncomfortable for prolonged wear. The new heart rate sensor is less reliable than a chest strap, and the screen can appear dull compared to AMOLED displays. Coros's music system is also pretty lacklustre.

Design-wise, the Vertix 2S features a titanium bezel, sapphire glass screen, and two interchangeable straps (silicone and nylon). S witching to the nylon band reduces the weight to a more manageable 70g. The dual-frequency GPS system enhances accuracy, locking onto signals quickly and maintaining precise tracking. The Vertix 2S really shines in battery performance, offering up to 118 hours of standard GPS tracking and 40 days of regular use. This surpasses most other options on this list. The watch is also water-resistant up to 10ATM, suitable for swimming.

The navigation and mapping features are user-friendly, despite lacking some of the clarity and detail found in Garmin maps. The Coros app is straightforward and provides useful training insights without overwhelming users. While it lacks contactless payments and streaming music integration, the Vertix 2S offers extensive activity modes, training plans, and unique features like storm alerts and altitude sickness warnings. Overall, the Coros Vertix 2S is a solid option, particularly for those seeking a durable watch with exceptional battery life at a competitive price.

Read our full Coros Vertix 2S review

We used the Suunto Race over a non-stop 28-hour, 110.8-mile run on the Cleveland Way national trail, and it endured the ultra with flying colours. Utilising the “Ultra” GPS mode, the watch accurately tracked the challenging route and retained 65% battery life at the end, a testament to its exceptional battery performance. With a large 1.43” AMOLED screen that is both crisp and bright, the Suunto Race is a premium offering at a relatively low price of £389, undercutting higher-end competitors by several hundred pounds.

However, at 83g, the watch is notably heavy and has a chunky design, which may feel cumbersome for those with a dynamic arm swing or a preference for lighter gear. Despite this, the watch’s user interface is intuitive, featuring an easy-to-navigate “Control Panel” and adjustable battery power modes that cater to various activity levels. The dual-frequency GPS chipset connects to 32 satellites from multiple systems, providing accurate tracking even in challenging terrains, as demonstrated during the Cleveland Way run.

The Suunto Race has a 10ATM water-resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and other aquatic activities. Its navigation features, including GPX route uploads, turn-by-turn notifications, and an in-built compass and altimeter, enhance its utility for proper mountain expeditions. The watch also offers comprehensive training and coaching features through the Suunto app, delivering a wealth of scientific data and personalised intensity zones to optimise workouts.

Despite the lack of direct music downloads and contactless payments, the Suunto Race covers most other essential features, such as customisable watch faces, lifestyle metrics, and smartphone notifications. Its standout screen, remarkable battery life, and accurate GPS tracking make it a strong contender for serious runners and outdoor enthusiasts, provided they can manage its bulkier build.

Read our full Suunto Race review

The ELEMNT Rival is currently Wahoo’s sole sports watch, marketed as a simplified performance GPS watch, which is refreshingly appealing in a market flooded with feature-laden devices. Many multisport and GPS watches pack in numerous features, driving up the price and often including sports and functions that users rarely use. The ELEMNT Rival, however, aims to be a 'radically simplified' multisport watch, offering an attractive price point.

Designed primarily as a triathlon watch, the ELEMNT Rival focuses on running, cycling, and swimming, with a few additional sports modes like strength training and yoga. A standout feature is the Touchless Transition, which automatically transitions between swim, bike, and run stages, requiring interaction only at the start and end of a race or training session. It integrates seamlessly with other Wahoo gear like bike computers and heart rate monitors and is compatible with third-party apps such as Strava. We found the watch to be lightweight at 53g, though slightly larger than competitors, with a durable build including a silicone strap, Gorilla Glass lens, and ceramic bezel.

In terms of performance, the ELEMNT Rival doesn’t match the premium feel of pricier models from Garmin, Coros, and Suunto but remains functional and reliable. It’s comfortable to wear, though a bit chunky, and offers solid activity logging and location tracking using GPS and GLONASS satellites. While it lacks the advanced GNSS support of higher-end watches, it performs well for everyday runs and trails, albeit with slower initial location locking. However, the battery life is mediocre; in GPS mode, it lasts about 24 hours, requiring frequent recharges for active users.

Ultimately, the Wahoo ELEMNT Rival is a good GPS sports watch, particularly for those already in the Wahoo ecosystem or looking for a straightforward, focused device. Its track-and-report approach may appeal to some, but it lacks versatility for activities like hiking, skiing, or climbing, limiting its appeal to a broader audience. While it’s accurate, durable, and comfortable, the short battery life and lack of diverse sport modes might drive enthusiasts toward more versatile options.

Read our full Wahoo ELEMNT Rival review

Here's a pro tip – when a new version of any piece of gear comes out, the price of its predecessor will dip. The Grit X2 is certainly an upgrade, but we're still big fans of the original Polar Grit X Pro.

So often the heart rate monitor of choice, trail runners might even be a bit surprised to learn that the Grit X is definitely a mean competitor when it comes to offering all the extra bits we need, like mapping, speed, elevation and the zillion things GPS watches supply these days.

It’s difficult to pinpoint any one function, such is the huge array on offer. Obviously, given the watch’s heritage, the Precision Prime mode which tracks your heart rate directly from the wrist is pretty cool, but then so is FitSpark, which provides ready-made daily workouts that match your recovery, readiness and training history.

Don’t forget to put it into Nightly Recharge when it comes to bedtime, not to charge it but rather to measure your recovery as you slumber and tell you how well you recover from the demands of your day.Then, it’ll supply you with personalised daily tips on exercise, sleep and regulating your energy levels on those particularly rough days.

We were particularly drawn to the Hill Splitter feature which automatically detects uphill and downhill segments and delivers detailed ascent/descent performance reporting after each session. Using these insights, we can understand the intensity of our training, learn how to pace our efforts at different stages, compare sessions, and execute structured workouts.

More? How about Polar’s ability to track the power you generate on a run? Or there’s a great turn-by-turn navigation feature using Komoot’s mapping to make sure you never get lost. It even tells you what the weather will be.

Read our full Polar Grit X Pro review