Apple SE Smartwatch - What smartwatches have maps

10 Best Smartwatches with GPS for Adventure in 2025

Looking for the best smartwatches with GPS for seamless navigation?

This comprehensive overview, from understanding the essentials of GPS watches to highlighting popular models, will help you decide on your next wearable navigational device. These models combine the convenience of GPS tracking with the functionality of Google Maps, providing users with accurate navigation and location information on their wrists.

TL;DR: Looking for a smartwatch with Google Maps? This guide highlights the top smartwatches that offer seamless, hands-free navigation directly from your wrist, allowing you to leave your phone in your pocket. The Garmin Forerunner 955, Polar Grit X, SUUNTO 9 Peak and Peak Pro, Garmin Enduro 2, and Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) are all notable options in this category.

Best Watches with GPS Navigation

Garmin Forerunner 955

The Garmin Forerunner 955 offers a range of features for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. With its always-on, full-color display and waterproof design, this smartwatch is built to withstand the harshest conditions.

Its long battery life—up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode—ensures you can stay connected and track your activities for extended periods.

The Forerunner 955 also features traditional button controls and a responsive touchscreen. With built-in mapping and access to multiple global navigation satellite systems, you can expect improved accuracy in your location tracking.

Additionally, the watch provides a training readiness score based on sleep quality, recovery, and training, as well as a race widget with training tips and completion time predictions.

Pros:

  • Long battery life
  • Accurate location tracking
  • Training readiness score and race widget
  • Durable and waterproof design
  • Responsive touchscreen and traditional button controls

Cons:

  • A little expensive
  • Limitations with notifications and music playback
  • Learning curve and training suggestions
Sale
Garmin 010-02638-10 Forerunner® 955, GPS Running Smartwatch, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting…
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  • Battery life: up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode for a full picture of your health —…
  • Click or swipe through maps and stats with traditional button controls or a new, responsive…

Polar Grit X

The Polar Grit X offers a range of features for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. This rugged and durable travel watch is designed to withstand harsh conditions, making it a reliable companion for adventures.

With its ultra-long battery life of up to 40 hours, GPS, and heart rate tracking capabilities, users can explore freely without worrying about running out of power. The Polar Grit X’s lightweight design adds to its appeal, as it is 20-30% lighter than other outdoor watches on the market.

In addition to its navigation features, the Polar Grit X also offers wrist-based heart rate monitoring, automatic detection of uphill and downhill stats, and overnight recovery measurement.

The watch is compatible with Polar Flow, a platform for planning and analyzing training sessions. It also supports multiple sports profiles, making it suitable for a variety of activities.

Pros:

  • Accurate optical HR sensor
  • Hill Splitter feature for hill repeats
  • Clear screen display with touch features
  • Route guidance for finding prescribed routes
  • Long battery life
  • Additional features such as swim metrics, sleep stages, and nightly recharge

Cons:

  • High price compared to other devices
  • Lack of included screen protector and built-in maps
POLAR Grit X – Rugged Multisport GPS Smart Watch – Ultra-Long Battery Life, Wrist-Based Heart Rate,…
  • LIGHTEST OUTDOOR WATCH WITH ULTRA LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 40h battery life with full GPS and HR…
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SUUNTO 9 Peak and Peak Pro

The SUUNTO 9 Peak and Peak Pro are exceptional timepieces, offering many features for athletes and adventurers. These watches are designed for individuals who demand and value performance, seeking freedom in their activities.

The SUUNTO 9 Peak and Peak Pro are built to withstand extreme conditions. The battery charges to full in just one hour, providing up to 25 hours of battery life in the best GPS mode. These watches offer 80 sports modes, music controls, and connectivity to favorite sports apps and services.

With their Scandinavian design and ultra-durable materials, the SUUNTO 9 Peak and Peak Pro are perfect for tracking sports, daily activity, and sleep.

Pros:

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Wide range of sports modes
  • Music controls on the watch
  • Connects to favorite sports apps and services
  • Ultra-durable materials

Cons:

  • Small font size
  • Glitches in step counting
  • Inaccurate sleep and O2 saturation detection
SUUNTO 9 Peak Sports GPS Watch for Demanding, Performance-Driven Athletes and Adventurers, Black
  • Suunto 9 Peak: Designed for the peak experiences that sport makes you feel, this multisport GPS…
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Garmin Enduro 2

The Garmin Enduro 2 is an ultra-performance GPS smartwatch offering advanced features for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

This rugged and lightweight watch has a 1.4″ Power Sapphire lens that harvests solar energy, ensuring long-lasting battery life even in remote locations. With the AutoSelect mode powered by SatIQ technology, the watch optimizes battery usage by intelligently switching between GPS and other sensors.

It comes preloaded with TopoActive and ski maps for easy navigation and also features a Superbright LED flashlight and red safety light mode for added convenience and safety.

The watch offers advanced performance metrics, heart rate monitoring, and sports apps, providing a comprehensive tracking experience. With its maps and GPS tracking capabilities, users can explore the outdoors without needing a phone.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Rugged and lightweight design
  • Preloaded maps
  • Advanced performance metrics
  • Convenient flashlight and safety light mode

Cons:

  • Slight learning curve for new users
  • Size and indoor visibility considerations
Sale
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  • The rugged, lightweight design won’t slow you down, and the light UltraFit nylon band provides a…

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

Apple SE Smartwatch - What smartwatches have maps

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a range of fitness tracking and connectivity features. With its sleek design and cellular connectivity, this watch allows users to stay connected and stream music without needing an iPhone nearby. It also features health and safety capabilities, including Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS, ensuring peace of mind during outdoor activities.

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is water resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and water-based workouts.

It grants access to tens of thousands of apps on the App Store, allowing users to customize their experience to suit their individual needs.

Pros:

  • Sleek design
  • Cellular connectivity for independence from iPhone
  • Wide range of health and safety features
  • Water resistance for swimming and water workouts
  • Extensive app selection for customization

Cons:

  • Limited battery life
  • Difficulty with typing on the tiny keyboard
Sale
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  • HEALTH AND SAFETY FEATURES — Get help when you need it with Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and…

Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra

The Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra offers a range of features and specifications that cater to the needs of individuals who desire advanced navigational abilities. With its long battery life and dual-layer display 2.0 technology, users can enjoy extended usage without worrying about frequent recharging.

The Ticwatch Pro 3 Ultra also features an updated chipset, based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform, which ensures smooth performance and efficient operation. Additionally, its advanced health and fitness monitoring capabilities, including the new Fatigue Assessment feature, allow users to track their well-being and make informed decisions.

The watch’s premium design, US Military Standard 810G-certified durability, and customizable features all enhance the user experience.

Pros:

  • Long battery life with dual-layer display 2.0 technology
  • Updated chipset for smooth performance
  • Advanced health and fitness monitoring with a fatigue Assessment feature
  • Premium design with knurled stainless-steel bezel
  • Customizable watch faces

Cons:

  • Lack of audible alarms for heart rate and AFIB
  • Absence of a wireless charging option
  • Limited watch strap options
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Huawei Watch 2

The Huawei Watch 2 Sport is a top choice for users seeking accurate location tracking and directions on their wrist. With its built-in GPS, users can confidently navigate unfamiliar routes and explore new places without a smartphone.

This smartwatch offers the freedom to move and explore, allowing users to go wherever they please while still maintaining access to reliable navigation.

Pros:

  • Accurate GPS navigation with Google Maps
  • Stylish design with a ceramic bezel
  • Continuous heart rate monitoring for fitness tracking
  • NFC capability for easy payments
  • Google Assistant integration for voice commands

Cons:

  • Some users may find the watch’s size and design unsuitable for women
  • There are mixed reviews on the overall design and features compared to the first-generation Huawei watch
  • Higher price point compared to competitors
Huawei Watch 2 Sport Smartwatch – Ceramic Bezel – Carbon Black Strap (US Warranty)
  • Built-in GPS and continuous heart rate: monitor your heart rate and track your workout routes…
  • Scientific sleep tracking: HUAWEI TruSleep keeps track of light, deep and REM sleep stages to make…
  • Workout Coach: get real-time guidance and workout data such as recovery time and Vo2 Max

SUUNTO 7

Combining sports expertise with smartwatch technology, the Suunto 7 offers accurate exercise tracking, access to over 70 sports modes, GPS, and a wrist heart rate sensor.

This smartwatch, powered by Google’s Wear OS, is compatible with Android and iOS phones. It allows users to see incoming calls and messages, make payments, and download music for offline listening.

With its Scandinavian design and ultra-durable materials, the Suunto 7 tracks sports, daily activity, and sleep, helping users maintain a balanced life, including training and recovery. The Suunto app connects to favorite sports apps and services, enabling users to share with sports communities and access specific training analysis and guidance.

Pros:

  • Accurate exercise tracking
  • Compatible with Android and iOS
  • Access to over 70 sports modes
  • Wrist heart rate sensor
  • Connects to favorite sports apps and services
  • Stylish design
  • Ultra-durable materials

Cons:

  • Mixed reviews about battery life
  • Some users reported step inaccuracy
  • Limited customization options
SUUNTO 7 GPS Sports Smart Watch, Graphite Copper
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Garmin Forerunner 945 Bundle

The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a high-end smartwatch designed for individuals who desire the freedom to explore and navigate without needing a separate device. With its premium GPS tracking and full-color onboard maps, users can confidently venture into new territories and easily find their way back.

The Forerunner 945 Bundle also boasts various performance monitoring features, including VO2 Max and training status, making it an ideal companion for runners and triathletes.

This smartwatch offers safety and tracking features, including incident detection and real-time location sharing, providing an extra layer of security during workouts or outdoor activities.

Pros:

  • Performance monitoring features for tracking fitness progress
  • Safety and tracking features for added security during workouts
  • Long battery life for extended use
  • Garmin Pay for convenient contactless payments

Cons:

  • Limited music options for audiobook and podcast enthusiasts
  • Some users may find the price of the bundle to be on the higher side
  • The larger display may not be suitable for individuals with smaller wrists.
Sale
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Garmin Venu 2S

The Garmin Venu 2S offers Google Maps navigation capabilities, making it a top choice for navigation. With its advanced health monitoring and fitness features, this compact smartwatch enables users to track their activities and navigate their surroundings with ease.

The Venu 2S boasts a bright AMOLED display and a battery life of up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, ensuring uninterrupted usage during outdoor adventures. It also offers extensive health monitoring features, including sleep tracking, stress tracking, and fitness age assessment.

The watch supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments and delivers smart notifications from compatible smartphones.

Pros:

  • Advanced health monitoring features
  • Bright AMOLED display
  • Long battery life
  • Music storage and wireless headphone connectivity
  • Garmin Pay for contactless payments

Cons:

  • The stair-climbing feature may not be accurate
  • Glitchy additional apps reported by a small number of owners
Sale
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When selecting your ideal smartwatch for navigation, remember to consider factors like battery life (crucial for longer trips!), GPS accuracyscreen clarity (especially in bright sunlight), and overall ecosystem compatibility (e.g., Android vs. Apple, your phone type).

The right choice will get you there and enhance every step of the journey. As smartwatches evolve, we can anticipate even more intuitive interfaces, improved battery performance, and deeper integration with other mapping services, making getting lost a thing of the past. Invest in the right wrist companion, and you’ll unlock a new level of navigational freedom. Happy exploring!

FAQ

What is a GPS Watch?

A GPS watch is a wearable device that combines the features of a traditional watch with the advanced capabilities of a Global Positioning System (GPS). It is designed to provide precise location tracking and navigation assistance, making it an ideal tool for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and cycling.

These watches allow users to track their routes, monitor their speed and distance traveled, and even set waypoints for future reference. With the ability to connect to satellite networks, GPS watches provide accurate positioning and mapping capabilities, enabling users to explore new places and navigate unfamiliar terrain with ease.

How Does a GPS Watch Work?

A GPS watch uses satellite technology for precise location tracking.

Here are three essential components that allow a GPS watch to function effectively:

Satellites: Signals are received from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites transmit precise timing signals, which the watch uses to calculate its position.
Receiver: The watch contains a GPS receiver that receives and decodes satellite signals. The receiver then uses this information to determine the watch’s current location.
Mapping Software: GPS watches are equipped with mapping software that converts the received location data into a visual representation on the watch’s screen. This allows users to view their current position and reach their desired destination.

What Smartwatches Have Maps?

Several smartwatches on the market today come with built-in maps, allowing users to navigate and explore their surroundings without needing a smartphone. These smartwatches offer a convenient and hassle-free way to access maps and directions right from your wrist.

Here are three popular smartwatches that have maps:

Apple Watch SE: Its integrated Maps app enables users to view maps, get turn-by-turn directions, and even call for emergency assistance in the event of an accident or injury.
Garmin Forerunner 945: This GPS running watch tracks your runs and workouts and includes preloaded maps that allow you to navigate trails and explore new routes effortlessly.
Garmin Enduro 2: It comes with TopoActive and ski maps for easy navigation and features a Superbright LED flashlight.

These smartwatches empower users with the freedom to explore and navigate with ease, making them valuable companions for outdoor adventures and everyday activities.

What is a GPS smartwatch?

A GPS smartwatch is a wearable device that combines the features of a traditional watch with GPS technology. It allows you to track your location, navigate routes, and access GPS-related services, such as Google Maps.

What are the best GPS smartwatches available?

The best reasonably priced options include the Garmin Forerunner 955, Apple Watch SE, and TicWatch 3 Pro Ultra.

If you have the funds, the Garmin Enduro 2 is our top recommendation for the best smartwatch with maps.

Can I use Google Maps on a smartwatch?

Many smartwatches, especially those running on Wear OS, allow you to use the Google Maps app directly on your wrist. This feature makes it easy to navigate and get directions without having to pull out your phone.

What are the advantages of a smartwatch with Google Maps?

A smartwatch with Google Maps offers several advantages, including convenient access to navigation services, the ability to track your location in real-time, and integration with other smart features, such as Google Assistant and Google Pay.

Are there any specific smartwatches with built-in GPS?

Yes, several smartwatches with built-in GPS are available. Some popular options include the Apple Watch SE, SUUNTO 7, and Garmin Venu 2S. These watches eliminate the need for a separate GPS device.

Matt Francis
Matt Francis

Hi, I'm Matt Francis. A digital nomad, blogger, web developer and all-around good egg! I am the brains (and brawn) behind Everyday Ape. My website features a wide range of topics, with a focus on travelling and working online.