Best GPS Running Monitors of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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GPS running monitors are a popular piece of technology for runners looking to improve their performance and track their progress. They use satellite technology to accurately measure distance, speed, and location, providing runners with valuable data to help them reach their fitness goals. GPS running monitors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from wrist-worn devices to clip-on trackers, and offer features such as heart rate monitoring, pace alerts, and route planning. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner, a GPS running monitor can help you take your training to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Polar M430 GPS Sports Watch with Heart Rate Cover #TOP 1
Polar M430 GPS Sports Watch with Heart Rate
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch Cover #TOP 2
Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Cover #TOP 3
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 GPS Running Monitors

#TOP 1

Polar M430 GPS Sports Watch with Heart Rate

Polar
90066337
Black
Polar M430 GPS Sports Watch with Heart Rate Cover
Polar M430 - Exclusive to Amazon - GPS sports watch for running - wrist heart rate tracker, 24/7 activity and sleep tracking, vibration alerts, size M, Bluetooth

The Polar M430 Watch is designed for runners, offering advanced features for optimal performance. Its optical wrist heart rate measurement provides continuous monitoring, helping you understand your heart health during workouts. With intelligent 24/7 wrist heart rate measurement, you can track your heart rate even when you're not exercising. The watch also includes comprehensive activity tracking, allowing you to monitor various sports profiles and your overall activity levels. Additionally, the Polar Smart Coaching feature provides personalised guidance, making your training more effective and enjoyable.

What We Like
Accurate heart rate tracking
24/7 activity monitoring
Multiple sports profiles
Smart coaching support
#TOP 2

Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch

Forerunner 45S
Black
Small
Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch with Coach Training Plan Support - Black, Small (Renewed)

The Garmin Forerunner 45S is designed to enhance your running experience and improve your fitness levels. It tracks vital metrics such as speed, lap times, and distance, which can motivate you to push further. With continuous pulse measurement and VO2max tracking, you can monitor your health and training readiness. The Garmin Running Coach feature allows you to download personalised training plans, ensuring you make the most of each run. Additionally, it supports various sports profiles, enabling you to easily switch between activities like cycling and yoga.

What We Like
Tracks speed and distance
Monitors heart rate continuously
Personalised training plans available
Supports multiple sports activities
#TOP 3

COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate

W331
White Silicon
Normal
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate 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 -White Silicone

The COROS PACE 3 Watch is designed for all-day comfort with its ultra-lightweight 30g body, ensuring you can wear it without distraction. You’ll appreciate the extended battery life, offering an impressive 17 days of daily use and 38 hours of continuous GPS tracking, perfect for your outdoor adventures. The route planner allows you to create custom paths or find new destinations, keeping you on track with ease. Additionally, with various activity modes, you can accurately measure your performance, whether you’re running, cycling, or skiing.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable design
Long battery life
Custom route planning
Multiple activity modes
#TOP 4

Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch

010-N2156-11
Purple
42 mm
Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 45S GPS Running Watch with Garmin Coach Training Plan Support, Bluish lilac (Iris), Small (Renewed)

The Garmin Forerunner 45S is an easy-to-use running watch that monitors your heart rate directly from your wrist. With built-in GPS, it tracks your pace, distance, and intervals, helping you improve your performance. You can also benefit from free Garmin Coach adaptive training plans, providing personalised coaching right on your wrist. Additionally, the watch features smart notifications for incoming texts and calls, so you can stay connected while you run.

What We Like
Heart rate monitoring at wrist
Built-in GPS tracking
Personalised coaching available
Smart notifications for calls
#TOP 5

Polar Pacer Pro GPS Sports Watch

Polar
900102180
Snow White
Polar Pacer Pro GPS Sports Watch Cover
Polar Pacer Pro - Advanced GPS Sports Watch, Wrist Heart Rate Monitor, Smart Watch for Men and Women, Workout Running Watch, Training Program & Health Recovery Tools, Sleep Monitor & Activity Tracker

The Polar Pacer Pro is an ultra-light GPS sports watch designed for active individuals. It features a powerful training toolset for 150 sports, allowing you to track and enhance your performance across various activities. The accurate GPS ensures that every move is tracked precisely, providing you with reliable data for up to 100 hours of training. Additionally, the automatic sleep and recovery app helps you monitor your sleep quality and recovery progress, giving you insights into how well your body recuperates overnight.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Extensive sports tracking
Long battery life
Sleep quality monitoring
Bright, clear display
#TOP 6

Garmin Forerunner 55 Lightweight GPS Running Watch

010-02562-12
Aqua
Garmin Forerunner 55 Lightweight GPS Running Watch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 55 Easy to Use Lightweight GPS Running Smartwatch, Running and Training Guidance, Safety and Tracking Features included, Aqua

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an easy-to-use GPS running smartwatch designed to enhance your training experience. Its sunlight-visible display ensures you can read your stats even in bright conditions, providing clear visibility during your runs. With included training guidance, you can benefit from tailored workouts that help improve your performance. Additionally, safety and tracking features offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your run while ensuring you stay connected. The Forerunner 55 is a reliable companion for any runner looking to elevate their training.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Clear sunlight-visible display
Training guidance included
Safety tracking features
#TOP 7

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch

010-02863-30
Black
One Size
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Easy to Use Lightweight GPS Running Smartwatch, AMOLED Touchscreen, Advanced Training and Insights, Safety and Tracking Features, Up to 11 days Battery Life, Black

The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers an easy-to-use experience with built-in GPS, allowing you to track your pace and distance effortlessly. The brilliant AMOLED touchscreen provides a clear display, making navigation simple. With a lightweight design, it’s comfortable for all-day wear. Additionally, you can enjoy up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, ensuring you stay connected without constant recharging.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable design
Long battery life
Built-in GPS tracking
AMOLED touchscreen display
Personalised workout suggestions
#TOP 8

COROS PACE Pro GPS Sport Watch

COROS PACE Pro
Blue
APEX2
COROS PACE Pro GPS Sport 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 brilliant 1.3-inch AMOLED display that ensures you can see your data clearly, no matter the lighting conditions. With its advanced processor, you’ll enjoy quick responses, making it easier to access features on the go. The unbeatable battery life means you can rely on it for up to 38 hours of outdoor activities, or 20 days of regular use. Plus, its pin-point GPS accuracy ensures you know exactly where you are, whether on urban streets or remote trails.

What We Like
Vibrant AMOLED display
Fast processor performance
Long-lasting battery life
Accurate GPS tracking
#TOP 9

Polar Vantage V GPS Sports Watch for Training

Polar
90069634
Black
Polar Vantage V GPS Sports Watch for Training Cover
Polar Vantage V with H10 – Premium GPS HRM Sports Watch for Men and Women with Ultra-Long Battery Life - Multisport and Triathlon Training (Heart Rate Monitor, Waterproof),Blue M/L

The Polar Vantage V is an advanced sports watch designed to enhance your training experience. With wrist-based running power, you can improve the efficiency of your workouts without needing extra sensors. Its impressive battery life allows for up to 40 hours of training with GPS, making it perfect for long sessions. The Polar Precision Prime sensor ensures accurate heart rate monitoring across 130 sports, helping you stay informed about your performance. Additionally, the Training Load Pro feature provides insights into your training strain and recovery, allowing you to optimise your routine and prevent injuries.

What We Like
Long battery life
Accurate heart rate monitoring
Wrist-based running power
Training insights for optimisation
#TOP 10

COROS POD 2 Running Sensor Accessory

COROS POD 2
Grey
COROS POD 2 Running Sensor Accessory Cover
COROS POD 2, Watch Sensor Accessory, Accurate Indoor and Treadmill Distance Measurement, More sensitive Real-time Pace, Improves GPS data, Clip onto Shoes or Waistband only works with COROS watches

The COROS POD 2 enhances your running experience by providing accurate data directly from your foot movements. This means you can enjoy more sensitive real-time pace tracking, allowing you to maintain your targeted pace without the usual GPS delay. When running indoors, it measures your exact distance, ensuring you have precise feedback on your treadmill sessions. Additionally, on hilly terrain, it offers a unique Effort Pace metric that helps you understand your exertion levels, giving you better insights into your performance.

What We Like
Accurate indoor distance measurement
Real-time pace tracking
Responsive on hilly terrain
Auto-corrects GPS disruptions
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most accurate GPS watch?

Best GPS Watches. Garmin Instinct Solar.Coros Pace 2Fitbit Charge 5.Garmin Fenix 6 Pro.Coros Apex.Garmin Venu 2.Garmin Forerunner 945.Polar Vantage V2.

2. Is phone GPS accurate for running?

The GPS running app on a phone is accurate, but this can change rapidly based on the type of activity you are using it for.

Editor's Notes

During our gps running monitor research, we found 46 gps running monitor products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 95,422 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gps running monitors list. We found that most customers choose gps running monitors with an average price of £271.91.

The gps running monitors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gps running monitors, including Polar, Garmin, COROS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 28,179 consumers with an average rating of 4.2.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.