Whether you are hiking, running, or want to go camping, you need a GPS watch. Technology has advanced a lot, and now there are watches with thousands of useful functions that will help you while you are out. No matter if you want to run and keep your health in check, you can use them.
We are far from the days when GPS were big gadgets we needed to use when hiking. Now, you can use these watches and follow preload routes, navigate terrains or check our health information. Here, we will tell you everything you need to know about these watches and our recommendations.
Table of Contents
What is a GPS?
This is the basics, a GPS watch, of course, use a GPS, but if you don’t know what it is, you won’t understand how to use it. GPS – or Global Positioning System – determine your exact location using triangulation. We won’t explain the exact process because it isn’t easy to understand, but it works through signals. So thanks to those signals and a satellite, the GPD know where you are.
The signals jump from satellites to satellites that are further away; this is how a GPS can track your movements. This is how it can also track your movements, your speed and the distance you walk. So if you are hiking, you will know how much of the trail you already walked, and if you are doing exercise, you will learn how much worked out.
Are they accurate?
There are many reasons why GPS watch might show different distances, but yes, they might be inaccurate sometimes. One of the main reasons why some watches show different distances is because they work differently. This means one GPS receives, logs, and filters the GPS signal differently from the other.
Longer distances also might be affected by de errors that a GPS accumulate over distances. However, these errors happen less often and aren’t very significant nowadays, which means that you won’t need to worry. In other words, the differences shouldn’t be noticeable.
There are also multiples things that you can do that might affect the clock performance. For example, if you do an extra step, the watch will reflect this and slightly affect the distance. Also, if you pause your watch, it will stop receiving the signals, so you must consider these factors.
Why not just use my phone?
You can always use your phone to track your progress. However but this will make your battery die faster, and you could need it for something else. GPS watches are designed to track your activity no matter where you are or what you do. This means the battery will last longer, they are durable, and they will be more precise.
On the other hand, GPS watches generally have multiple functions that will record other data. For example, they can check your progress in the distance; most of them have a barometer and can check your health.
Why should I buy a GPS watch instead of another type of watch?
Fitness trackers, a smartwatch or even your phone, can do the same as a GPS watch, but they don’t work the same. A fitness tracker is made to track your exercise, as you can imagine. In other words, it will prioritize text and tracking, but no your location or the route you choose to do.
On the other hand, phones and smartwatches are made to prioritize functionality and notifications. Also, the apps that will track your location or use the GPS aren’t that good in the long run. A GPS watch has a long-lasting battery, made for always keep track of where you are; however, this is it; it will only do that.
Our top pick for the best GPS watch
There are many options in the market right now that are pretty good; however, some are better. Most of them have many functions, but this doesn’t mean they will be what you are looking for; this is why we will show you some of the best options for every occasion.
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
Even though this is an expensive GPS watch, this doesn’t mean it won’t deliver exactly what you need. Not only it’s one of the best GPS multisport watches right now, but it’s also it’s very fashionable. The screen is big enough, crisp, and easy to read; the GPS is highly accurate and can read many metrics. This means that, if you are an athlete, this is a perfect watch for you too.
If you are into hiking or looking to hike, this is an excellent option. So far, this option has the best watch-based maps you can find, which is very helpful if you aren0t familiarize with the terrain. All of the preloaded maps you can get have extensive navigation tools that are very useful.
The downside, overall, of this watch is its cost. The Garmin Fenix Pro has many functions in just one watch but can go out of your budget, and we get why. But, on the other hand, if you want to have a long-lasting watch that you will use for everything, this is the one.
Coros Pace 2
Overall, this is a perfect watch if you want a high functional GPS for a very low price. Not only it’s very accurate, but you will also have many health trackers and functions related to self-care and fitness. In addition, it’s very user-friendly, and all of its functions are easy to use and are very intuitive. On the other hand, the design fits perfectly on any wrist and will look good.
In this case, the downside is that it doesn’t have as many features as other watches in the market. For example, you won’t get a contactless pat, or contacts or a breadcrumb map trail. However, if you only want to for the GPS, the health trackers, and just exercise and explore, this is an excellent option.
Garmin vÃvoactive 4
If you want to wear a fashionable watch while you hike or you just go to work, this is the one you need. Many GPS watches are made only to look good while working out, but this is ideal for every occasion. The Garmin also have a wide arrange of functions that you can use daily.
In other words, this is an all-around GPS watch, very versatile that it’s also highly accurate when it comes to its main function. In addition, the elegant exterior is very durable, and you can choose many colourways for an ideal fit. And, in case you are worried, it included multi-GNSS support, a compass and a barometric altimeter, being one of the best options on the list.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active SM-R500 Silver
If you want to have a stylish yet modern look, then you should know about four gadgets. On the 4Gadgets website, you will find the latest trends in smartwatches like the fantastic Samsung Galaxy Watch Active SM-R500 Silver Galaxy Active. This slim, lightweight and durable smartwatch fits your lifestyle. The 4Gadgets website is available in various colours and with interchangeable straps, so you can wear it every day without getting bored – buy it on the 4Gadgets website now!
Coros Apex Pro
This one has the longest battery life if we compare it to any other option on the list. With this being said, the Apex Pro is a very practical GPS watch if you want to be prepared to measure your training. This watch includes a pulse oximeter, a breadcrumb trail map, several workout profiles and many things more.
As you can imagine, it is very easy to use and user-friendly. The software will set up progress tracking with detailed summaries in no time. On the other hand, the cost may be a little too high, but keep in mind that this watch can last almost three weeks without charge. In other words, you can use it to its fullest, and you won’t need to stop anything; it will deliver.
Suunto 9 Peak
As a brand, Suunto has a very good reputation, and it’s already a well-known brand. Its products are very accurate, the GPS is one of the best, and all their measurements are always on point. On the downside, these watches aren’t as modern as other alternatives, but the accuracy may be worth it.
The 9 Peak has a lot of improvements compared to a lot of its counterparts, being one most modern options of the brand. Overall you get Bluetooth connectivity, a blood oxygen sensor, a fast-charging option and a slim profile. Also, you can use the Snap to Route function, which will overlap a route you did before with the track you are doing now. This is very useful if you already found a fast, convenient route and want to follow it again.
Polar Grit X
Even though this isn’t a household brand, Polar GPS watches are perfect. Right now, the Grit X it’s their best watch, and it offers a lot of functions ideal for athletes or anybody who do a sport. Also, it is a very durable watch, having a body of stainless steel and a gorilla glass touchscreen that can overcome anything.
If you want to hike or explore some mountain, the GPS is very accurate, having multi-GNSS support. On the other hand, its sport functions are on point, too, having a top-notch heart rate accuracy and an incredible running power metric.