Best GPS Running Monitors of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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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

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch Cover #TOP 1
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch Cover #TOP 2
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Polar Pacer Pro Advanced GPS Sports Watch Cover #TOP 3
Polar Pacer Pro Advanced GPS Sports Watch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 7 GPS Running Monitors

#TOP 1

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch

010-02863-30
Black
One Size
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS Smartwatch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music GPS 43mm Running Smartwatch, Lightweight, AMOLED Touchscreen, Advanced Training & Insights, Safety & 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

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch

010-02461-11
Regular
Tidal Blue
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch Cover
Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS 46mm Running Smartwatch, Lightweight, Advanced Training & Insights, Safety & Tracking Features, up to 14 days Battery Life, Tidal Blue

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is designed to enhance your running experience with its impressive features. You can enjoy up to 14 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, allowing you to track your health from sleep to training effectively. Each morning, a report summarises your sleep and workout suggestions, helping you start your day informed. Additionally, you will receive daily adaptive workout plans that adjust according to your performance and recovery, ensuring you stay on track with your fitness goals.

What We Like
Long battery life
Adaptive workout suggestions
Heart rate variability tracking
Multi-band satellite tracking
#TOP 3

Polar Pacer Pro Advanced GPS Sports Watch

Polar
900102178
Gray
45mm
Polar Pacer Pro Advanced GPS Sports Watch Cover
Polar Pacer Pro - Advanced GPS Sports Watch - Wrist Heart Rate Monitor, Smart for Men and Women, Workout Running Watch, Training Program & Health Recovery Tools, Sleep Monitor & Activity Tracker

The Polar Pacer Pro is a high-performance GPS sports watch designed to enhance your training across more than 150 sports. With its ultra-light build and powerful new processor, you’ll enjoy a smooth and responsive user experience. Its accurate GPS with a new antenna design ensures precise tracking of your movements, which is ideal for outdoor activities. The battery life supports up to 100 hours of use, meaning you can train longer without frequent charging. Additionally, the automatic sleep and recovery app helps you understand your overnight rest, so you can optimise recovery and improve overall health.

What We Like
Ultra-light design
Supports 150+ sports
Accurate GPS tracking
Long battery life
Sleep and recovery monitoring

Polar Ignite 2 GPS Fitness Watch

Polar
90085182
Black Pearl
Polar Ignite 2 GPS Fitness Watch Cover
Polar Ignite 2 - GPS Fitness watch for women - Sports Men - Heart Rate Monitor, Activity Tracker Fitness, Workout, Health Recovery, Sleep Tracker - Calorie & Step Counter

The Polar Ignite 2 is an impressive fitness watch designed for both men and women. It features built-in GPS, allowing you to track your outdoor activities accurately without needing your phone. The wrist-based heart rate monitor helps you keep an eye on your fitness levels in real time, making it easier to tailor your workouts. With personalised workout guidance, you can receive tailored advice to help you achieve your fitness goals. Additionally, the sleep tracker offers insights into your rest patterns, helping you understand and improve your sleep quality.

What We Like
Waterproof design for all activities
Customisable watch faces and bands
Long battery life for extended use
Comprehensive health tracking features
#TOP 5

Polar Pacer GPS Multi Sport Running Smartwatch

Polar
900102177
Purple Dusk
Polar Pacer GPS Multi Sport Running Smartwatch Cover
Polar Pacer - Running Smart Watch for men and women - GPS Multi Sport Watch, Gym Exercise Watch, Wrist Heart Rate Monitor, Sports Training Program Health Recovery Tools, Sleep Activity Tracker

The Polar Pacer Watch is designed to help you run better with essentials like time, pace, distance, and laps all tracked accurately. Its enhanced processor ensures smooth screen transitions and fast charging, so you spend less time waiting and more time training. The watch features a bright MIP colour display with clear contrast and super grip buttons, making it easy to use any time of day. With personalised training and recovery tools, you get feedback to monitor your effort and cardio load, helping you improve safely and effectively.

What We Like
Accurate GPS tracking
Long battery life
Clear colour display
Personalised training feedback

Polar Pacer Smart Watch for Runners

Polar
White
Polar Pacer Smart Watch for Runners Cover
Polar Pacer - Running Smart Watch for men and women - GPS Multi Sport Watch, Gym Exercise Watch, Wrist Heart Rate Monitor, Sports Training Program & Health Recovery Tools, Sleep & Activity Tracker

The Polar Pacer Watch is designed for runners of all levels, providing essential features to enhance your performance. With accurate GPS tracking, you can measure your pace, distance, and laps with ease. The enhanced processor ensures smooth screen transitions and rapid charging, keeping you focused on your training. Additionally, the precise heart rate monitor allows you to track your exertion and optimise your workouts. You will also benefit from specialised training and recovery tools that provide personalised guidance to help you achieve your fitness goals.

What We Like
Accurate GPS tracking
Smooth screen performance
Precise heart rate monitoring
Personalised training guidance
#TOP 7

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 89 gps running monitor products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 54,143 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 £183.56.

The gps running monitors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gps running monitors, including Garmin, Polar, COROS.

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.