Just because most of the best smartwatches have built-in GPS as a standard feature doesn’t mean they’re going to be the right choice for all runners. Whether you’re training for your first triathlon or you want to step up your game from beginner to intermediate runner, a dedicated GPS running watch can provide a lot of benefits over a standard smartwatch. Faster and more accurate GPS can be one of those things, in addition to more advanced health metrics, more trackable workout profiles and extra-long battery life. And those are on top of standard “smart” features like phone notification alerts, virtual assistant support, onboard music storage and more. I’ve been a regular runner for nearly five years and I tested out a bunch of the latest GPS running smartwatches to find the ones that are actually worth your money.
What to consider before buying a GPS running watch
GPS speed and accuracy
The most important thing for a GPS running watch to have is fast, accurate GPS posi