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GPS running watch: how to choose one

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-18.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Four GPS running watches compared

Garmin's two Forerunners:

COROS and Suunto:

Figures are each maker's own and depend on settings. COROS, for example, says battery claims depend on feature use such as music, backlight and navigation.

Battery: read the GPS hours

Smartwatch-mode days tell you how often you charge in a normal week. GPS hours tell you whether the watch lasts a marathon, an ultra or a week of training between charges. Makers list several GPS modes, and the more satellite systems or frequencies you use, the shorter the battery:

• Garmin lists the Forerunner 165 at up to 19 hours GPS-only and 17 hours with all systems.
• COROS lists the PACE 4 at 41 hours with all systems, 31 hours in dual-frequency mode, and less with music or the always-on display.
• Suunto lists the Race S at up to 30 hours in Performance mode and up to 120 hours in Tour mode, which lowers GPS accuracy and turns heart rate off.

Dual-band GPS

Dual-band or multi-band watches listen to two satellite frequencies. Suunto describes the Race S as using L1 and L5 bands, and COROS describes its dual-frequency mode as finding and holding signals in city streets and dense trails. Of these four, Garmin lists multi-band GPS for the Forerunner 570 but not for the Forerunner 165. If you run among tall buildings or under heavy tree cover, it is worth paying attention to this line.

Size, weight and wrist fit

Three of these weigh 39 to 42 g; the Suunto Race S is 60 g. Check the band range for small or large wrists:

• Garmin lists the 165 for wrists of 126 to 203 mm.
• Garmin lists the 570 42 mm for wrists of 115 to 178 mm.
• COROS lists 130 to 215 mm for its silicone band.

All four use quick-release bands, so you can swap in a different strap later.

Extras: maps, music and calls

• Maps: COROS lists downloadable global maps with back-to-start and deviation alerts on the PACE 4, and Suunto lists free offline maps on the Race S.
• Music: the PACE 4 plays offline music to Bluetooth headphones, and the Forerunner 570 lists music storage. Garmin's spec page for the Forerunner 165 version here lists no music storage.
• Calls: Garmin lists a built-in speaker and microphone on the Forerunner 570 for calls and voice texts with a paired compatible phone.

Heart rate at the wrist

All four read heart rate optically at the wrist. COROS notes its optical sensor may not work over tattoos. A chest strap reads heart rate electrically instead; see our chest strap heart rate monitor guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Do I need my phone with me for GPS?

No. These watches have built-in GPS for pace and distance. A phone is needed for features like Garmin's calls or notifications.

Which has the longest battery?

By maker figures, the COROS PACE 4 lists up to 41 hours with all satellite systems, and the Suunto Race S up to 120 hours in its lower-accuracy Tour mode.

Can I swim with these watches?

Garmin and COROS list 5 ATM and Suunto lists 50 m. COROS says the PACE 4 suits surface water activities, not diving.

Is a GPS watch a medical device?

No. Heart rate and other health readings are estimates for fitness use.

Sources

• Forerunner 165, 43 mm, Whitestone (010-02863-21) specifications (garmin.com), Garmin
• Forerunner 570, 42 mm, Whitestone/Cloud Blue (010-02970-01) specifications (garmin.com), Garmin
• COROS PACE 4 technical specs (coros.com), COROS
• Suunto Race S All Black (SS051013000) (us.suunto.com), Suunto

Sources checked 2026-10-18.