Latest GPS Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers Available in 2025
In the realm of smartwatches and fitness trackers, GPS capabilities have become a significant factor for users seeking accurate and reliable tracking during outdoor activities. Here's a look at some of the latest devices and their GPS features.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra supports dual-band GPS and offers offline GPS map downloads, making it an ideal choice for urban races or narrow streets where satellite availability and positional accuracy can be challenging. Urban areas with dense buildings or tunnels can particularly benefit from dual-frequency GPS or All-Systems GNSS in smartwatches and fitness devices, as they improve satellite availability and positional accuracy.
The Fitbit Charge 6 is another device with built-in GPS, making it suitable for outdoor workouts. However, it's worth noting that the Fitbit Charge 5, a last-gen model, also featured built-in GPS but has been replaced by the Charge 6.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 offers 17 hours of all-systems GNSS mode, while the Forerunner 265 supports both All-Systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPS. The Forerunner 965, on the other hand, lasts 19 hours in dual-frequency GPS mode and comes with pre-downloaded topographical maps.
Dual-frequency mode tracks both L1 and L5 satellite signals for consistent and accurate tracking in challenging environments. This feature is found in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, the COROS PACE 3, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which delivers 12 hours of dual-frequency tracking.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar are two other notable devices. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 features sensors for continuous blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, and breathing training, while the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar boasts an extra-large battery, energy-efficient display, and built-in solar charging, allowing it to maintain multi-band GPS tracking for up to 36 hours.
It's important to note that most fitness trackers rely on your phone's location data for workout tracking using connected GPS. However, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, the Garmin Forerunner series, and the COROS PACE Pro offer offline GPS capabilities, providing more independence during workouts.
The COROS PACE Pro, in particular, stands out for its accuracy, surpassing options such as the Amazfit. It also offers 15 hours of dual-frequency GPS and landscape and topographical maps in the COROS app.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, in addition to its dual-band GPS, features a 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 432 x 432 and offers 32GB of storage and AI-powered suggested replies.
In conclusion, when choosing a smartwatch or fitness tracker, considering GPS capabilities is crucial, especially for those who frequently engage in outdoor activities or workouts in challenging environments. Whether you prefer dual-band GPS, all-systems GNSS, or offline GPS map downloads, there's a device to suit your needs.
