The Best Basic Gps Running Watch For 2024

Jonathan Wilson By, Jonathan Wilson
Updated
Best Basic Gps Running Watch
Best Basic Gps Running Watch

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 45s Watch

"Compact, feature-packed, and fitness-oriented, the Garmin Forerunner 45s Watch is your ally for conquering your running goals. It combines smartwatch connectivity with precise GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, all in a sleek design tailored for smaller wrists." Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Apple Watch SE

"Apple Watch SE, the epitome of functionality and style, seamlessly integrates into your active lifestyle. Packed with essential features and cutting-edge technology, it's your personal assistant, fitness coach, and safety net, all wrapped in one sleek package." Read Review

3. Best Battery: Amazfit Watch

"The Amazfit Watch is a rugged yet sophisticated companion designed to accompany you on every adventure. With its durable construction, extensive battery life, and comprehensive fitness tracking features, it's the perfect blend of style and functionality for the modern explorer." Read Review

4. Best Compact: COROS PACE 2 Watch

"The COROS PACE 2 Watch is the ultimate companion for any fitness enthusiast. With multi-sport support for running, cycling, swimming, cardio, strength, and water sports, this watch is perfect for any activity you choose." Read Review

5. Best Versatile: Garmin Forerunner 245 Watch

"You do the running. Forerunner 245 Music performs the thinking. This GPS smartwatch stores your favourite songs, allowing you to listen to music without needing to carry your phone." Read Review

In an era where fitness has become more than just a trend but a lifestyle, the humble GPS running watch has emerged as an essential companion for the avid runner. While smartphones offer many apps to track your runs, nothing quite compares to the simplicity and precision of a dedicated GPS running watch.

Gone are the days of bulky, cumbersome devices. Today, the best basic GPS running watches offer sleek designs, long battery life, and intuitive interfaces that seamlessly integrate with your workout routine. Whether you're pounding the pavement in the early hours of dawn or conquering challenging trails, these watches provide real-time data on pace, distance, heart rate, and more, empowering you to push your limits and achieve your fitness goals.

But with a market flooded with options from established brands to newcomers, finding the right GPS running watch can be overwhelming. That's where we come in. Kris Van Assche will help you explore the top contenders for the best basic GPS running watch in 2024.

Our staff had to concentrate on studying over 18 hours to acquire such outcomes for readers. As a result, we think the best basic gps running watch of 2024 is Garmin Forerunner 45s Watch. For your convenience, we've included an in-depth buyer's guide and other excellent alternatives for you to choose from when making the final decision.

Compare

TOP Choice #1 Garmin Forerunner 45s Watch
Our Score:
9.9
GARMIN

Garmin Forerunner 45s is a formidable companion for runners seeking precision and convenience. With built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with Garmin Coach training plans, it delivers on its promise of enhancing your workout experience. The watch's intuitive interface allows seamless navigation through various activities, from running and cycling to yoga and cardio. Its connected features, including smart notifications and live tracking, keep you in the loop without interrupting your flow. 

Nevertheless, sometimes, it's difficult to find the correct buttons to switch from one activity to another. However, this minor inconvenience can be mitigated with familiarization and practice. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 45s offers exceptional value for its performance and features.

If you're a fitness enthusiast, particularly a runner, seeking a compact yet feature-rich companion, the Garmin Forerunner 45s is tailored for you. Its affordability, coupled with advanced tracking capabilities and Garmin Coach support, makes it an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned runners alike who prioritize precise data and personalized training plans.

TOP Choice #2 Apple Watch SE
Our Score:
9.8
Apple

The Apple Watch SE is a marvel of modern technology, offering a comprehensive suite of features tailored to enhance every aspect of your life. From its intuitive interface to its advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities, it's more than just a smartwatch; it's a personal assistant dedicated to optimizing your well-being. With features like Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and heart rate monitoring, it provides invaluable peace of mind, ensuring you're always connected and protected, no matter where life takes you.

Moreover, the Apple Watch SE seamlessly integrates with your Apple devices, offering a cohesive ecosystem experience that streamlines your daily tasks. Whether unlocking your Mac, finding your iPhone, or paying with Apple Pay, the watch's compatibility ensures a seamless transition between devices, keeping you effortlessly connected. Nevertheless, it doesn't have an outlet adaptor. 

For individuals deeply ingrained in the Apple ecosystem and seeking a comprehensive smartwatch experience, the Apple Watch SE is a compelling choice. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone concerned about safety and health monitoring, this watch offers the perfect blend of functionality and style.

TOP Choice #3 Amazfit Watch
Our Score:
9.6
Amazfit

The Amazfit Watch offers a range of features tailored to support your active lifestyle. Its long-lasting battery lets you focus on your adventures without worrying about recharging. At the same time, its rugged design and 10 ATM water resistance provide peace of mind, even in the most challenging environments.

Besides, the accurate GPS tracking allows you to monitor your outdoor activities and navigate confidently. Whether you're running, cycling, or hiking, its precise tracking ensures you stay on course and achieve your fitness goals. The watch's comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities also make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their health and performance. From real-time monitoring of steps, distance, and calories to advanced metrics for strength training and recovery, it provides valuable insights into your workout progress and overall well-being.

For outdoor enthusiasts, fitness fanatics, and anyone seeking a rugged yet feature-rich smartwatch, the Amazfit Watch is an excellent choice. While the setup process may be slightly fussy for some users, it's a minor inconvenience considering the watch's overall performance and reliability. 

4 COROS PACE 2 Watch
Our Score:
9.5
COROS

The COROS PACE 2 is a featherweight contender, tipping the scales at a mere 29g with its COROS Nylon band, making it the lightest GPS watch on the market. Its exceptional battery life, boasting up to 20 days of regular use and an impressive 30 hours in full GPS mode, ensures uninterrupted tracking during your longest workouts.

With customizable training modes ranging from interval to strength training, alongside free training programs and plans available on COROS.com, the PACE 2 caters to diverse fitness needs. It is an adept training partner, offering instant feedback and comprehensive performance analysis over the past 42 days, empowering users to track progress and achieve fitness goals. Multi-sport support extends to activities like running, cycling, swimming, and more, with continuous updates guaranteeing relevance.

If you're a fitness enthusiast seeking a lightweight yet feature-rich GPS watch to support your training endeavours without breaking the bank, the COROS PACE 2 is your go-to companion. The only downside is that the clips are quite thin and prone to breaking. Yet, this can be mitigated with careful handling or opting for sturdier aftermarket replacements.

5 Garmin Forerunner 245 Watch
Our Score:
9.4
Garmin

The Garmin Forerunner 245 emerges as a top-tier GPS running smartwatch, boasting various features tailored to enhance athletic performance. With its Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens and fibre-reinforced polymer bezel, durability meets sophistication in its design. The watch offers up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS mode with music playback, ensuring uninterrupted tracking and entertainment during long runs.

Advanced training metrics, including evaluations of current training status and detailed running dynamics, empower users to optimize workouts and avoid overtraining. Access to free adaptive training plans via Garmin Coach or customization through Garmin Connect further enhances its versatility. However, due to its complexity, the watch's interface may pose a slight learning curve for some users. Nevertheless, you can fully harness its potential for peak performance with time and exploration.

For dedicated runners seeking a comprehensive training companion that seamlessly integrates music playback and advanced performance metrics, the Garmin Forerunner 245 stands as the ultimate choice. Whether training for your first 5K or aiming to conquer a marathon, this watch offers the tools and insights needed to excel.

6 LIVIKEY Smart Watch
Our Score:
9.2
LIVIKEY

The LIVIKEY Smart Watch prioritizes holistic health tracking, offering real-time monitoring of heart rate and SpO2 levels alongside automated sleep analysis. It caters to diverse fitness enthusiasts with 14 sports modes covering various activities and GPS connectivity for accurate route tracking. Its 5ATM water resistance rating ensures durability in any environment, from intense workouts to swimming sessions.

The call and message notifications keep you connected without distractions, while customizable watch faces and practical tools enhance personalization and convenience. The only drawback is that the instructions accompanying the watch may not be very clear. But with intuitive exploration and online resources, you can swiftly overcome this hurdle to enjoy the watch's capabilities fully.

If you prioritize comprehensive health tracking and personalized fitness insights in a sleek and waterproof package, the LIVIKEY Smart Watch is tailor-made for you. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, casual exerciser, or tech-savvy individual, this watch offers the features and functionality to support your wellness journey.

7 SUUNTO 5 Watch
Our Score:
9.0
SUUNTO

With its intuitive design and robust features, this watch offers everything you need to take your fitness journey to the next level. Equipped with full GPS functionality, the SUUNTO 5 Peak ensures accurate tracking of your activities, providing turn-by-turn navigation to guide you through unfamiliar terrain. Whether hiking, running, or cycling, you can rely on this watch to keep you on course and informed of your progress.

This watch also has an impressive battery life, offering up to 20 hours in the best GPS mode. Thanks to its seamless integration with the Suunto app, you can easily connect to your favourite sports apps and services. It allows you to access detailed training analysis, share your achievements with friends, and receive personalized guidance to help you reach your goals.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for a reliable GPS sports watch with robust features and long-lasting battery life, the SUUNTO 5 Peak is the perfect choice. Unfortunately, the numbers in the data fields are relatively small, making them a bit challenging to read, especially in low-light conditions or during intense activities. Despite this, this watch provides the tools and insights you need to stay active, informed, and connected on the go.

What to Look For in a best basic gps running watch?

Heart Rate Monitor

Nearly every watch includes a heart rate monitor that continuously tracks your heart rate. This information can be utilized to measure how hard you are working. A heightened heart rate indicates increased effort. Certain hikers monitor their heart rate closely in order to maintain a low level of exertion while walking. This heart rate data enables them to walk at a slower pace for a longer period of time, rather than overexerting themselves early on in a hike. Additionally, heart rate is indicative of your general health - a sudden increase could be a signal that you are beginning to feel unwell.

Battery Life

Traditional watches are typically powered by a replaceable watch battery, kinetic energy, or solar charging. On the other hand, smartwatches require a significant amount of energy to support various advanced features like GPS tracking, music storage, and fitness tracking, so they are usually equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. If you intend to use a smartwatch for activities like long hikes that require continuous GPS tracking, it is important to choose one with a long battery life and GPS battery life.

Altimeter

The altimeter in a watch is utilized to track altitude while ascending, aiding in determining one's location on a map. Some watches come equipped with a barometric altimeter that gauges atmospheric pressure, with lower pressure indicating higher elevation. These barometers can measure altitudes ranging from -2,000 to 30,000 feet and are typically accurate within +/- 50 feet.

For watches lacking a barometric altimeter, altitude can be estimated using GPS data. However, the measurements from the altimeter sensor are generally more precise than those derived from GPS coordinates. GPS accuracy is contingent upon signal strength, and any interference with the signal can also impact the barometer's readings.

Barometer

The main purpose of a barometer on a watch is to track changes in air pressure, which can help determine elevation and predict approaching storms. Simple barometers display atmospheric readings, while more advanced watches show a visual representation of pressure changes. Some watches also have a storm alarm to warn of significant pressure drops. When pressure falls quickly, it's a good idea to seek shelter or prepare for severe weather.

GPS

A GPS-enabled watch contains a receiver that can connect to multiple satellite systems, ensuring a strong signal even in challenging conditions. Accuracy of GPS is within 3 meters when a strong signal is obtained, but obstacles like dense forest cover or deep ravines can hinder connection. It is ideal to have an unobstructed view of the sky for optimal signal strength. A strong GPS signal is crucial for real-time tracking and orienteering while hiking, allowing you to know your location and navigate effectively. GPS can also record position data for the entire hike, including distance, time taken, and elevation change, which can be saved and analyzed later.

Compass

Most GPS watches now come equipped with a digital compass that can assist you in determining your general direction. Some have a 2D compass that needs to be held horizontally, while others have a 3D compass that functions in any position. While a watch-based compass can aid in walking in a specific direction, it is not as precise or compatible with maps as a baseplate compass.

FAQs

What is a GPS running watch?

A GPS running watch is a wearable device that uses GPS technology to track your running distance, pace, and route. It can also provide other metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and elevation.

How does a GPS running watch work?

A GPS running watch uses satellite signals to determine your location and track your movements. It can provide real-time data on your running performance, such as speed, distance, and route.

What features should I look for in a GPS running watch?

Some key features to consider when choosing a GPS running watch include GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, waterproof design, battery life, compatibility with smartphone apps, and customizable training programs.

How accurate is a GPS running watch?

GPS running watches are generally very accurate in tracking distance, pace, and route. However, factors like signal interference, tree cover, and tall buildings can affect the accuracy of the GPS readings.

Can I use a GPS running watch for other activities besides running?

Yes, many GPS running watches offer multi-sport tracking capabilities, allowing you to track activities like cycling, swimming, and hiking in addition to running.

How do I sync my GPS running watch with my smartphone?

Most GPS running watches can be synced with a smartphone using a companion app. Simply download the app, follow the instructions to pair your watch with your phone, and you'll be able to view and analyze your running data on your mobile device.


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About Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson is a former pro football player and tech reporter who now serves as the editor of Kris Van Assche's website. He is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who splits his workout time between strength and conditioning training, martial arts and running.

Jonathan's athletic career began in college, where he was a star running back. He went on to play professionally for several years before injuries forced him to retire. Afterward, Jonathan transitioned into a career in tech reporting, where he quickly made a name for himself as a knowledgeable and insightful commentator on the industry.

In addition to his work with our website, Jonathan remains active in the world of sports. He regularly competes in martial arts tournaments and running events, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself physically. Jonathan is an inspiration to many people, and he is proof that it is never too late to pursue your passions.

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