Best Running GPS Units of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Running GPS units are an essential tool for any serious runner. These devices use GPS technology to track distance, pace, and other important metrics, allowing runners to monitor their progress and make adjustments to their training regimen. Some GPS units even offer advanced features like heart rate monitoring and personalized coaching programs. With a variety of models available from top brands like Garmin and Polar, there is a running GPS unit to suit every runner's needs and budget. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, a running GPS unit can help you reach your fitness goals.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garmin Forerunner 55 Cover #TOP 1
Garmin Forerunner 55
ftb score rating icon 9.8
COROS PACE 3 GPS Watch Cover #TOP 2
COROS PACE 3 GPS Watch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Smartwatch Cover #TOP 3
Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Smartwatch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Running GPS Units

#TOP 1

Garmin Forerunner 55

010-02562-00
Black
One Size
Garmin Forerunner 55 Cover
Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00

The Garmin Running Watch is an easy-to-use watch designed for runners. It monitors your heart rate at the wrist and uses GPS to track your running distance, speed, and location. With up to 2 weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, you can use it for long runs without worrying about the battery. The PacePro feature helps you plan your race day strategy by providing GPS-based pace guidance for a selected course or distance. The watch also offers helpful training tools, including race time predictions and finish time estimates. With built-in activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, and more, you can track all the ways you move. Additionally, the advanced wellness features, such as intensity minutes and fitness age, help you tune in to your body. The watch also offers suggested workouts of varying intensities based on your training history, fitness level, and recovery time, taking the guesswork out of training.

What We Like
GPS-based pace guidance
Long battery life
Advanced wellness features
#TOP 2

COROS PACE 3 GPS Watch

COROS
W331
Black Silicone
NormalRoung
COROS PACE 3 GPS Watch Cover
COROS PACE 3 Sport Watch GPS, Lightweight and Comfort, 17 Days Battery Life, Dual-Frequency GPS, Heart Rate, Navigation, Sleep Track, Training Plan, Run, Bike, and Ski (Black Silicone)

The COROS PACE 3 is designed for comfort and durability, featuring a lightweight body that makes it easy to wear throughout the day and night. Its always-on 1.2" touchscreen display allows you to access various settings, enhancing your user experience during workouts. The watch boasts an impressive battery life, supporting up to 38 hours of continuous GPS use and 17 days of daily usage. Additionally, its dual-frequency GPS ensures precise tracking, even in urban environments, helping you stay on course while you run, bike, or ski.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable
Long battery life
Accurate dual-frequency GPS
Always-on touchscreen display
#TOP 3

Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Smartwatch

010-02638-10
Black
One Size
Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Smartwatch Cover
Garmin 010-02638-10 Forerunner® 955, GPS Running Smartwatch, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is designed to enhance your running and training experience. Its always-on, full-color display is easy to read in any light, ensuring you can track your progress effortlessly. With impressive battery life, you can enjoy up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, allowing for comprehensive health monitoring, from sleep patterns to workout sessions. The built-in mapping feature helps you navigate city streets or trails, ensuring you stay on course. Plus, with access to multiple global navigation systems, you can expect superior accuracy in tracking your runs, even in challenging environments.

What We Like
Long battery life
High-visibility display
Built-in mapping
Superior navigation accuracy
#TOP 4

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Watch

010-02562-00-cr
Black
One Size
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Watch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Black (Renewed)

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an intuitive GPS running watch designed to enhance your training experience. It monitors your heart rate at the wrist and tracks your running metrics using GPS, helping you understand your performance. With a remarkable battery life of up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, you can focus on your runs without worrying about frequent charging. The PacePro feature allows you to strategize your race day by providing GPS-based pace guidance, ensuring you stay on track. Additionally, the watch offers valuable training tools, including race time predictions, so you can set realistic goals and improve your performance.

What We Like
Heart rate monitoring
Long battery life
Pace guidance feature
Race time predictions
#TOP 5

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Smartwatch

010-02120-20-cr
Black
One Size
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Smartwatch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music and Advanced Dynamics, Black (Renewed)

The Garmin Forerunner 245 is a GPS running smartwatch that offers advanced training features, perfect for tracking your fitness. You can easily sync it with music streaming services like Spotify, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes directly from your watch while you run. It evaluates your training status, helping you know if you’re pushing too hard or not enough. Plus, you can access free adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach or customize your own workouts through the Garmin Connect community, making it easier to reach your fitness goals.

What We Like
Music streaming compatibility
Training status evaluation
Customizable workout plans
Advanced training features
#TOP 6

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro GPS Watch

GG26
6 Pro - Black
One Size
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro GPS Watch Cover
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance and Pulse Ox Sensors, Black (Renewed)

The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is designed for performance and outdoor enthusiasts. Its large, always-on display makes it easy for you to read in bright sunlight, ensuring you never miss essential information. With advanced heart rate and Pulse Ox sensors, you can track your sleep and adjust to high altitudes effectively. The watch also includes PacePro, which provides you with real-time pace guidance tailored to your terrain, optimizing your training. Additionally, you can navigate confidently with preloaded TOPO maps and support for multiple global satellite systems, allowing you to explore the outdoors with ease.

What We Like
Large, sunlight-readable display
Advanced heart rate monitoring
Pace guidance for training
Preloaded TOPO maps
#TOP 7

COROS PACE Pro GPS Watch

COROS
COROS PACE Pro
Blue
COROS PACE Pro
COROS PACE Pro GPS Watch Cover
COROS PACE Pro GPS Sport Watch, 1.3-inch AMOLED Touchscreen, Fastest in Class Processor, 20 Days Battery Life, Navigation with Global Offline Maps, Sleep Tracking, Running, Cycling, Swimming (Blue)

The COROS PACE Pro offers a stunning 1.3-inch AMOLED display that ensures you can easily see your data, even in bright sunlight or low-light conditions. With its powerful processor, this watch responds quickly, making it ideal for athletes needing immediate feedback. Its exceptional battery life allows you to engage in outdoor activities for up to 38 hours, or enjoy 20 days of regular use without recharging. Plus, the advanced GPS technology ensures you can navigate accurately, whether you're in the city or exploring remote trails, providing peace of mind during your adventures.

What We Like
Vibrant AMOLED display
Long battery life
Fast processor performance
Accurate GPS navigation
#TOP 8

Garmin Fenix 6S Pro GPS Watch

Fenix 6S
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro GPS Watch Cover
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Smaller-Sized, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance and Pulse Ox Sensors, Rose Gold with White Band (Renewed)

The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro is designed for performance with its sturdy yet stylish build and a clear 1.2” display that remains visible even in sunlight. It offers advanced heart rate monitoring and Pulse Ox sensors to help track your sleep and adjust to high altitudes. You can enhance your training with PacePro, which provides pace guidance tailored to the terrain you’re on. Additionally, with preloaded TOPO maps and ski maps for over 2,000 resorts, navigating the outdoors becomes effortless and enjoyable, allowing you to explore new trails with confidence.

What We Like
Rugged and stylish design
Advanced heart rate monitoring
Pace guidance for training
Preloaded TOPO and ski maps
#TOP 9

Garmin Enduro 2 Watch

010-02754-00
Black
One Size
Garmin Enduro 2 Watch Cover
Garmin Enduro™ 2 – Ultraperformance Watch, Long-Lasting GPS Battery Life, Solar Charging, Preloaded Maps

The Garmin Enduro 2 is designed for those who demand exceptional performance. Its 1.4” Power Sapphire lens captures solar energy, extending the time between charges, so you can stay focused on your activities. With SatIQ technology, the watch intelligently selects the best GPS mode to optimize battery life while ensuring accurate location tracking. The lightweight, rugged design and comfortable UltraFit nylon band mean you won’t be slowed down, making it perfect for any adventure. Plus, with preloaded TopoActive and ski maps, finding your way is easier than ever, whether you’re on a trail or hitting the slopes.

What We Like
Solar-powered battery life
Smart GPS mode selection
Lightweight and durable design
Preloaded navigation maps
#TOP 10

Garmin Instinct 2 Camo Edition GPS Smartwatch

E99GRINSTINCT2GRC
Garmin Instinct 2 Camo Edition GPS Smartwatch Cover
Garmin 010-02626-13 Instinct 2 Camo Edition GPS Smartwatch/Fitness Tracker Graphite Camo | Official USA Partner Model | Bundle with Premium 2YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack

The Garmin Instinct 2 Camo is a versatile GPS smartwatch and fitness tracker designed for active users like you. It helps you monitor key performance and health metrics, ensuring you stay on top of your fitness goals. With access to multiple navigation systems—GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo—you can confidently explore new trails or navigate unfamiliar areas. The watch features a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass face, providing durability for your outdoor adventures. Additionally, you can easily pair it with a compatible smartphone to enjoy music and other apps, enhancing your overall experience.

What We Like
Multiple navigation systems
Durable scratch-resistant glass
Health and performance tracking
Smartphone app compatibility
Buying Guide Image

Ready for the Course: How to Buy the Right Running GPS Units

Introduction

For runners, having a GPS unit can help them to achieve their goals and improve their performance. Whether you're a casual jogger, a competitive athlete, or a die-hard ultramarathoner, a GPS running watch can be an invaluable asset. A running GPS unit can provide you with a wealth of data about your runs, such as distance, pace, elevation gain, and more. However, with so many different models and features on the market, it can be difficult to know which watch is best for you. In this article, we will discuss the features to look for when choosing a running GPS unit.

Types of Running GPS Units

When it comes to choosing a running GPS unit, there are lots of options to consider. The most basic models are simple pedometers, which measure your steps and provide basic data like distance and time. More advanced models are designed to track heart rate, pace, and other metrics. Some watches also come with built-in music players and activity tracking features.

The most popular models are the GPS running watches. These watches come with built-in GPS receivers and can track your speed, distance, and route. The newest models also offer features such as step counting, calorie counting, and race tracking.

Features to Look for

When choosing a running GPS unit, there are several features to look for. The first is accuracy. A good running GPS unit should be able to accurately track your runs, with minimal errors. Look for units that have been tested and certified for accuracy by an independent third party.

Another important feature to consider is battery life. Many GPS watches can last for up to two weeks on a single charge, making them ideal for long-distance runs. Look for units that have long-lasting batteries and can handle extended use.

The third feature to consider is connectivity. Most GPS watches come with Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, which allow you to sync your data with popular running apps. This allows you to track your progress over time and compare your runs with friends.

Finally, consider the size and weight of the unit. Most GPS watches are designed to be lightweight and unobtrusive. Look for units that are comfortable and won't weigh you down while you're running.

Conclusion

Choosing the right running GPS unit can seem overwhelming, but with the right information, it can be an easy decision. Consider the accuracy, battery life, connectivity, and size of the unit when making your selection. With the right GPS running watch, you can track your progress and reach your running goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are GPS running watches worth it?

Yes, GPS running watches are worth it for runners. These watches provide valuable information such as speed, distance, and personal best records. They allow runners to analyze their performance and track their progress over time, helping them determine if they are improving or not.

2. Why do runners like Garmin?

Runners prefer Garmin devices because they are specifically designed for running. Garmin watches offer features like longer battery life, accurate GPS mapping, and reliable navigation. These qualities make them a popular choice among runners.

3. Why do runners use Garmin?

Runners use Garmin watches because they not only record running data but also provide detailed analysis of each training session. Garmin watches track training load, fitness status, and recovery time, helping runners make informed decisions about their training. This comprehensive analysis makes Garmin watches a valuable tool for runners.

Editor's Notes

During our running gps unit research, we found 16 running gps unit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,790 customer reviews through our big data system to write the running gps units list. We found that most customers choose running gps units with an average price of $307.99.

The running gps units are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of running gps units, including Garmin, COROS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 394 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.