If you’re also in the market for some new hiking gear or camping supplies, we’re here to help you out. We conduct complete testing and offer reviews for everything from the best trekking poles to the comfiest sleeping bags. If you’re hoping to get really remote and want to pair your watch with a satellite messenger or solar charger, we’ve tested those too.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on July 19, 2023, to include the new Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar and the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar, the most current model in the Fenix line.
Best Overall GPS Watch
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar
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Weight: 2.9 oz | Battery Life: 22 days in solar smartwatch mode, 73 hours in solar GPS
OVERALL SCORE 86/100
- Features (20%) – 9.0/10
- Battery Life (20%) – 6.7/10
- Ease of Use (20%) – 9.0/10
- Accuracy (20%) – 9.5/10
- Design (20%) – 9.0/10
The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar is recently updated with an improved heart rate monitor, solar charging, and flashlight. These characteristics contribute to the superiority of the series, and although more costly, we discovered the additions to be considerably valuable. Garmin persists in providing the greatest user interface and encounter for a GPS smartwatch. For devoted athletes or users merely seeking the finest, look no more. Following extensive testing while skiing, running, paddling, and backpacking, this model continued to offer dependable precision and enhance our outdoor encounters.
While this is a remarkable timepiece, the cost is steep, and many will find better worth in other more economical choices with fewer characteristics. Taking the time to learn about the feature choices and how to set them up is also a time investment. Nevertheless, if you can afford it, this is the premium GPS watch in today’s market, and the new flashlight is something we can’t envision ever wanting to live without.
Read more: Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar reviewBest Bang for the Buck
Garmin Forerunner 955
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Weight: 1.70 oz | Battery Life: 15 days in smartwatch mode, 42 hours in GPS mode
OVERALL SCORE 74/100
- Features (20%) – 8.0/10
- Battery Life (20%) – 5.0/10
- Ease of Use (20%) – 8.0/10
- Accuracy (20%) – 8.0/10
- Design (20%) – 8.0/10
The Garmin Forerunner 955 offers advanced characteristics like turn-by-turn, multi-band GPS, and multiple industry-leading health metrics. This model is also incredibly lightweight but still possesses all-day battery life that should be sufficient for most users. A touch screen and dedicated buttons make this timepiece user-friendly in various conditions. Garmin’s sensors are also among the best, providing precise metrics like BPM, HRV, and sleep analysis.
The design of this model, while slim, feels slightly less strong due to its absence of metal materials. If you desire your timepiece to stand out more and appear slightly more rugged, you may appreciate some of the competition’s designs. Garmin also needs to overhaul its companion mobile application; it feels outdated and more perplexing than the Apple or Coros apps. Regardless, if you are seeking all the latest characteristics without spending a large sum, this is the model for you.
Read more: Garmin Forerunner 955 reviewBest on a Tight Budget
Coros Pace 2
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Weight: 1.20 oz | Battery Life: 20 days in smartwatch mode, 30 hours in GPS mode
OVERALL SCORE 65/100
- Features (20%) – 5.0/10
- Battery Life (20%) – 5.0/10
- Ease of Use (20%) – 8.0/10
- Accuracy (20%) – 8.0/10
- Design (20%) – 6.0/10
The Coros Pace 2 cannot be surpassed when it comes to value. It has a smaller timepiece face that fits even the most petite wrists and hardly feels noticeable. The characteristics are simplified to provide precisely what you require, with exceptional fitness and health tracking options. It possesses an incredible design that is instinctive and simple to use. For the price, there is no other timepiece that matches its level of quality. Battery life is sufficient for a faster 100-mile race or any endurance event, lasting 29 hours in our trials. The Coros app also extends to other platforms and offers one of the easiest-to-use interfaces we’ve encountered thus far. If you’re seeking a fantastic deal, look no further.
Unfortunately, this is not a fully-featured timepiece with contactless pay or other unique upgrades. It doesn’t host a breadcrumb trail map but, surprisingly, does have ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass) functions.If you’re searching for the top software features, redirect your attention to the Garmin Forerunner 55, which is available at a comparable price. However, for individuals who aren’t concerned about features and simply want a user-friendly and precise watch with ample battery longevity, we wouldn’t endorse any alternative.
Read more: Coros Pace 2 reviewBest Battery Life
Coros Vertix 2
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Weight: 3.17 oz | Battery Life: 60 days in smartwatch mode, 60 hours in low power mode
OVERALL SCORE 83/100
- Features (20%) – 8.0/10
- Battery Life (20%) – 9.5/10
- Ease of Use (20%) – 8.0/10
- Accuracy (20%) – 8.0/10
- Design (20%) – 8.0/10
If battery durability is your utmost consideration, the Coros Vertix 2 is ideal for you. This large and sturdy timepiece provides all the functionalities you require to prepare for your subsequent journey, including a pulse oximeter, touch display, breadcrumb trail, numerous exercise profiles, exercise creation, route guidance, and more. No other watch in our selection boasts such exceptional battery performance, making it a favored choice for ultra adventurers who need sustained power to last through the entire day and night.
Though we appreciate this watch, the 51mm dimensions might not suit everyone’s taste. Given its case size and virtually limitless battery life, it is noticeably heavy, making it potentially less suitable for runners and individuals engaged in activities with extensive arm movement. Additionally, its price is considerably higher compared to both the Garmin Forerunner 955 and Coros Pace 2, which are two other options offering great value for money. Nevertheless, if you desire the authoritative appearance of this model, we believe it will not disappoint — it is excellent for hiking and could function seamlessly in expeditionary settings.
Read more: Coros Vertix 2 reviewBest Smartwatch for iPhone Users
Apple Watch Ultra
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Weight: 2.20 oz | Battery Life: 36 hours in smartwatch mode,
OVERALL SCORE 84/100
- Features (20%) – 10.0/10
- Battery Life (20%) – 6.5/10
- Ease of Use (20%) – 9.0/10
- Accuracy (20%) – 8.0/10
- Design (20%) – 9.0/10
In conjunction with an iPhone, the Apple Watch Ultra is a potent device. The ability to activate and utilize various phone functions is an invaluable tool. Whether engaging in phone conversations or quickly sending a text, the user interface on this device is smooth and practical. If you have been searching for a GPS-enabled smartwatch that outshines others in intelligence, this is the model for you. While it may not possess the same level of ruggedness as some “ultra” models, it is undoubtedly the best-designed option.
Battery life is slightly compromised on the Ultra due to the extremely bright always-on display, and the available modes do not feel as specifically tailored for athleticism compared to some other models in our selection. However, the smart features far surpass the competition. This watch is intended for individuals who desire excellent GPS tracking capabilities while also enjoying the functionality of an Apple Watch. If we had the means to afford more than one watch, this would certainly be on our list, although it is not our top choice for certain types of outdoor activities. Nevertheless, if you do not frequently find yourself requiring multi-day battery life, this model might be the one for you.
Read more: Coros Vertix 2 reviewBest Solar Options for Expeditions
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
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Weight: 1.87 oz | Battery Life: Endless in smartwatch mode w/ sun, 30 hours in GPS mode
OVERALL SCORE 84/100
- Features (20%) – 7.0/10
- Battery Life (20%) – 4.5/10
- Ease of Use (20%) – 8.0/10
- Accuracy (20%) – 8.0/10
- Design (20%) – 7.0/10
The Garmin Instinct Solar 2 stands out as one of the premier GPS watches for everyday usage, with solar panels seamlessly integrated into the screen.So long as it is exposed to the sunlight, utilizing it in smartwatch mode will necessitate minimal to zero charges each month. Throughout the course of three months of experimentation, we merely needed to recharge it once — subsequent to intentionally draining the battery. Consequently, it presents a splendid choice for voyages or lengthier hikes where locating a power source might be challenging. This design possesses streamlined attributes while still providing pleasant navigational advantages such as visual n’ proceed, location markers, and a path of breadcrumbs.
While we have little negative to say about this model, some may find the design a bit strategic, and it may not fit those excellent with smaller wrists. One other downside is the absence of solar charging while actively recording GPS; this could be an issue if you find yourself reaching the limits of its 30-hour recording time. Fortunately, with Garmin’s ‘resume later’ feature, you can pause the workout and put it in the background for solar charging. Then you can continue where you started without losing your activity.
Read more: Coros Vertix 2 reviewWhy You Should Believe Us
Before selection occurs, we spend hours searching through the top options on the market, delving into the research to determine the best. Once we’ve determined our final lineup, we purchase each watch at full retail and begin our testing process. From days out running, skiing, climbing, and biking, we examine the features, accuracy, and usability to provide you with our recommendations on what’s best. Our team is proud to offer our thoughts and assist you in finding the best GPS watch to suit your needs.
Our GPS watch testing is divided into five rating metrics:
- Features (20% of overall score weighting)
- Battery Life (20% weighting)
- Ease of Use (20% weighting)
- Accuracy (20% weighting)
- Design (20% weighting)
This review is brought to you by a team of experienced testers led by Matthew Richardson. Matthew works with maps for a living and spends his free time in the outdoors surrounding Durango, Colorado. He uses a GPS watch daily and has completed some significant excursions, such as a solo ride on the Colorado Trail and linking up Chicago Basin 14ers in a day. Also on the testing team is Amber King. Amber is a professional outdoor educator who spends a lot of time navigating the great outdoors. She is also an ultra trail runner who enjoys pushing herself with big, steep, and long runs and fastpacking adventures. She also uses a GPS watch daily for trail running, open-water swimming, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing.
Analysis and Test Results
There are numerous GPS watches available these days, and locating the one that fits your requirements can be a challenging undertaking. We selected a sample of the current best options in the market and examined them to assess how they compare side by side. We assessed each one for features, battery life, user-friendliness, accuracy, and design.
Value
GPS watches are an investment, and your level of usage should determine your preferred price range. If you’re aiming to enter the entry-level GPS watch market and desire a watch solely for distance and heart rate tracking, we recommend the Coros Pace 2 or Garmin Forerunner 55. These are excellent entry-level models that will satisfy the majority of users.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 falls on the lower end of the high-priced watches, but its combination of advanced features and all-day battery life makes it one of our top recommendations. There is significant competition in this price range, and we believe Garmin offers the best choice with this model.
Features
The assortment of feature sets in the current market mirrors the wide array of prices. Across all the devices, we evaluated approximately 1-second interval GPS recording, and a minimum requirement is a heart rate monitor. A higher price usually corresponds to more internal software features. The most advanced watches offer functionalities such as flashlights, blood oxygen readings, topographic maps, and a range of smartwatch-enabled features. Some features are suitable for urban use, while others are geared towards expeditions in unfamiliar terrain. Consider your specific usage scenario and aim to buy a watch based on the features you will actually utilize.
The Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar obtained the highest scores in this category, with the Garmin Forerunner 955 closely behind. These models offer advanced GPS tracking (MULTI GNSS), numerous activity profiles, advanced health metric statistics, and premium topographic maps for navigation.When you examine closely, both Garmin models exhibit a striking resemblance in terms of performance and quality. Both will synchronize with your smartphone to provide you with notifications, updates for your calendar, and forecasts for the weather. The Coros Vertix 2 also garners impressive scores in this particular category, however, it lacks certain proprietary functionalities that we ultimately find ourselves yearning for.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 out in the wilderness on a trail in Southwestern Colorado. This timepiece can accomplish all tasks.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
These distinctions are significant to us, but they may have no meaning to you. We recommend exploring the specification sheets on each brand’s website to see the most current, up-to-date features and any software updates. The user interfaces found on the brands we tested are akin to a phone ecosystem – each brand has its own style of operating system (OS). For instance, an iPhone model behaves similarly to other iPhones and vice versa for Android. This is the present condition of the GPS market when comparing brands. Due to this, we will outline some general patterns and characteristics that make us favor the premium Garmin products over the premium Coros products:
Top-tier Garmin products offer:
- Continue later function enabled on all activities
- Additional ANT integration and inReach compatibility
- Health metrics provide a score and detailed explanations
- Garmin Pay wallet integration for contactless payment
- Spotify download for music vs. manual upload
- Convenient access to Battery Modes and GPS settings through quick prompts
- Touchscreen enabled throughout the device
This is not to imply that Coros doesn’t have its own advantages in terms of features, but for us, the aforementioned factors make us primarily prefer the Garmin feature lineup. Cheaper models do not include some of the aforementioned features, so once again, be sure to consult the brand’s official product specification sheets to confirm that you are getting what you desire.
That was essentially the extent of our features discussion before the Apple Watch Ultra was released. This timepiece boasts the most features out of all the watches we tested, largely due to its superb iPhone integration. The ability to not only answer calls (standard on most watches), but also converse using the speaker is extremely convenient. Responding to texts using swipe gestures or Siri is also an advantage over other models. This extensive set of features drains a significant amount of battery life, and many of these features are disabled when you activate the low-power mode. However, if you have been seeking a GPS watch that is both rugged and offers industry-leading UI and phone integration, this is the model for you.
The red light adjustment of the standard watch face is one of our favorite features – ideal for a night under the stars!
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The Suunto 7 also receives a high score in this area with Google Wear OS products built-in. You can utilize a variety of Google Play apps, in addition to its basic GPS functionality. Unfortunately, we cannot endorse this watch for anything other than its feature set due to its excessively challenging usability, compounded by poor battery life.
Deep in the canyons of Utah, our leading tester trekked through the riverbed searching for the most challenging location for satellites to reach.
Battery Life
For any endurance athlete, battery life is most likely one of the major factors influencing your decision to purchase a watch. Battery life is influenced by numerous factors, including the route you are on, GPS signal strength, coverage, the number of apps you have enabled/disabled, the battery mode you have selected, and the duration you use your device. As a result, we appreciate that many of the watches we tested offer battery modes and profiles that make it simple to enable/disable various features simultaneously without having to navigate through the menus.
We conducted numerous battery tests. The initial one was a relatively subjective field test where we fully charged the battery and used the watch in our daily activities. We took note of how long it took for the battery to drain while engaging in 2-3 activities each week, with a duration of approximately 1-3 hours. We then compared the manufacturers’ claims to the actual results we obtained.
Before returning home after a lengthy weekend, we logged some miles on the Coros Pace 2. Subsequently, we assessed the GPS function by placing each watch in the same location under the open sky and allowing them to operate until they shut down. We recorded the time it took for each watch to reach this point and whether any entered a battery-saving mode to extend battery life. We understand that this test may not provide the exact number of hours of GPS usage, but it offered us an indication of which watches last longer and the accuracy of the data. Additionally, we took each watch on at least a 50-mile activity, monitoring the amount of battery consumed during the duration of the activity.
Among the models we tested, the Coros Vertix 2 exhibited one of the most impressive battery lives and became our top choice for hiking. It is important to consider the type of adventures you embark on and the duration for which you anticipate using your device. While most of these models can be charged while in use, we recommend selecting the one that best suits your needs to avoid the need for frequent charging. We believe that 24 hours of GPS tracking provides a good starting point for most individuals and can be increased if you know you will require more. Keep in mind that battery life involves trade-offs in terms of gained or lost features and changes to the size of the device.
If your primary concern is a smartwatch that seems to never run out of battery, then consider the Garmin Instinct Solar 2, Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar, or Fenix 7 Pro Solar.You will desire to possess dependable solar power accessible to charge the timepiece, and minimal percentage improvements are achieved while Global Positioning System (GPS) is in operation, so you will desire to possess a power backup if you are intending to utilize a considerable amount of GPS monitoring. This is another occurrence where the ‘resume later’ characteristics on Garmin can be advantageous during periods of rest out on the trail.
Solar brightness is displayed in a widget on the Instinct 2 Solar, letting you know the amount of sunlight your watch screen is receiving in varying conditions.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
For optimal battery utilization, the Coros models excel across their range. The battery life on the Vertix 2 is remarkable, with nearly 90 hours of MULTI GNSS tracking. Some individuals could complete the entire Colorado Trail on their bicycles without ever needing to charge their watch! Coros products are renowned for their battery life, and it is clearly a top priority throughout their entire range. The Apex Pro 2 is another model that excels by offering extended battery life and approximately 75 hours of GPS. The new Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar also stands out in terms of battery life, providing approximately 85 hours of GPS recording thanks to the solar screen. Its slightly larger 49mm case size gives it an edge over the competition of the flagship 47mm size models offered by Garmin and Coros.
We appreciate the battery-saving options and modes available on Garmin products. These are user-friendly and can be enabled through the tools menu after a long press of the back button. When initiating an activity, the battery options are clearly labeled, allowing you to visually see how each mode will affect the watch’s functionality. Given their industry-leading battery life, Coros may consider implementing similar features, although it is perhaps less of a priority for them.
The Forerunner 955 is specifically designed for running with its extremely lightweight design.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The older Suunto products generally received lower scores, with the Suunto 7 having the poorest battery life due to its abundance of smartwatch features and bright screen. Both the Suunto 9 Peak and Suunto 9 Baro have battery lives that last all day in their ‘Best’ recording mode, lasting 25 hours. Instead of using labels like Best/Better/Good/Okay, we would prefer more descriptive explanations of what is gained or lost in these settings. The Apple Watch Ultra also received low scores in the battery metric due to its super bright always-on display.
The Suunto 9 Baro showcases a noteworthy large screen. Unfortunately, this model fell short in most of our test criteria.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Across our entire lineup, there is a GPS watch that meets the battery needs of anyone. If your primary concern is battery life, the Coros models are the clear champions. Consider the longest duration you expect to be out and use our comparison chart to examine the various battery lives of these models.
Our primary tester went up high above Santa Fe to test the Garmin Forerunner 55.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is crucial when using a watch both during your activities and in your daily life. These products should enhance your life, not make it more challenging. The models that scored the highest are those that we found to be the most user-friendly and provided the best overall user experience. The integration of mobile apps was also taken into consideration when assessing the user experience.
Similar to features, there are numerous resemblances among brands, with the interface on the most affordable watches imitating those found on the high-end models. You will observe that there isn’t as much variance in our rankings for this aspect — this is because of the similarities of the interfaces. If you can utilize the Vertix 2, you will immediately be able to use the Apex 2 — the same goes for the Fenix 7 Pro Solar and Forerunner 955. That being said, there are a few factors that give Garmin the advantage in terms of usability:
GARMIN +/-
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All of the Garmin products feature dedicated buttons, with the Forerunner 955 and Fenix models having a touchscreen. All of the Coros models feature a scroll wheel, with all new models containing a touchscreen (excluding the Pace 2). Unfortunately, the touchscreen on the Coros models is not enabled throughout the device, only on certain screens, such as swiping data fields and using navigation.
Ultimately, it’s challenging to determine which brand is more user-friendly because they are both different yet similar. The main difference lies in their method of interaction, and we would recommend deciding whether you prefer the idea of a scroll wheel or dedicated buttons. Internally, the menu systems are essentially the same, with only some minor distinctions mentioned above.
Backpacking in winter becomes dark rapidly. Our snug sleeping bag is the ideal opportunity to experiment with various functions on the Vertix 2.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The Apple Watch Ultra impressed us with its array of features and how effortless it is to utilize these features. It’s not surprising that Apple succeeded in incorporating its beloved design into this sturdier model. Setting up and customizing notifications and the layout is a piece of cake with the watch app.
Apple is renowned for their user-friendly platforms, and the Ultra continues that trend with all expectations fulfilled.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The Suunto products all scored poorly in this aspect as we perceived their menu systems as the most challenging to learn and use.Even after prolonged usage of their products, the menus still appeared unfamiliar when compared to competing options. The 9 Baro, 9 Peak, and Vertical Titanium Solar all boast highly satisfactory touch screens that contribute to user-friendliness, yet we cannot endorse them based solely on this characteristic. The Suunto 7 posed the greatest challenge in terms of usability, and we perceived the Google OS functionalities as overpowering.
Applications are another aspect to consider in this measurement. Among all the manufacturers we examined, Garmin Connect offers the most features, but the design left something to be desired, in our opinion. Suunto, Coros, and Polar have apps that are more streamlined, less integrated, and overall easier to use. Suunto has a truly stunning layout that incorporates photos, which we enjoyed. These apps were easier to comprehend compared to Garmin, although none of them offer the same social ecosystem. Fortunately, they all integrate with different ecosystems like Strava. Furthermore, you can synchronize your data from these apps to the Apple Health app, which we believe provides the finest health metric visualization.
An examination of the various home screens for each app. Left: Garmin. Middle:
Accuracy
We recognize that precise GPS recordings and metrics are crucial. Nobody wants inaccurate elevation data or artificially elevated heart rate statistics, particularly given the cost of today’s devices. We have been impressed with the watches in our test group, each performing adequately across the price ranges. Fortunately, all of the watches we tested now have multi-band GPS satellite recording, with some even functioning in multi-frequency. The accuracy of the device is greatly influenced by GPS signal strength, satellite location, watch fit, and internal hardware.
To assess the precision of each timepiece, we conducted activities such as running, biking, and hiking over known distances to compare the track metrics of our watches. Additionally, we tested the watches extensively in the canyons of Utah. Canyons are notorious for causing GPS watches to have limited visibility. However, all the GPS watches we tested exhibited reliable accuracy that we would trust. Most provided us with smooth tracks that consistently remained within 1-3% of the actual measured distance. The watches equipped with multi-band satellites yielded the best results, and those with dual-frequency capabilities performed even better. It’s worth noting that these advanced features typically consume more battery, but these devices already have ample battery life to carry out these tasks. Thanks to their dual-frequency recording, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar and Coros Vertix 2 exhibited the most superior GPS data.
Heart Rate Monitor Accuracy
Evaluating the accuracy of heart rate monitors presents quite a challenge. We monitored heart rate data during runs and compared it to the readings obtained from a chest strap heart monitor. While most watches can effectively track the fluctuations in heart rate that occur during exercise, few are as precise as a chest strap. This discrepancy is largely attributed to the variability in wrist fit and numerous other factors. None of the heart rate monitors we tested were completely accurate. For the most precise heart rate readings, we recommend purchasing a chest strap. Nevertheless, some watches performed better than others, with the Garmin brand displaying slightly greater accuracy compared to the rest.
An overview of the heart rate monitors across various watches that received high scores.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The Forerunner 955 and Fenix 7 Pro Solar were nearly spot on, displaying a secure fit on our wrists and an average deviation of only 0-4 beats per minute. The Polar Vantage M2 also demonstrated remarkable accuracy, with a variation of merely 0-2 bpm (one of the best results observed). The Suunto 9 Baro and Suunto 7 exhibited variations of 3-5 bpm and 1-7 bpm, respectively. Both watches are larger in size, and during exercise, we noticed that they occasionally missed a heartbeat more frequently than others.The Coros timepieces consistently appeared to possess elevated readings, with deviations of up to 20 beats per minute. We’re uncertain whether this is attributable to the more compact design, but we were not overly satisfied with this precision.
A glance at the captured tracks of our top models – as you can observe, they all performed admirably.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Design
When contemplating style, we closely examined how each watch fits on the wrist and any notable concerns that arise during usage. This encompassed evaluating the dimensions and thickness of the body, wearing it under clothing, accidentally engaging buttons, and the clarity of the display. We also took into account the aesthetics, which will vary from person to person. Select the style that appeals to you the most within your budget and compare the external features of each model.
We utilized these watches for the entirety of our day, and our opinions will reflect that. If you possess a dedicated wristwatch that takes precedence over your active GPS watch, bear that in mind. We prioritize premium materials and a well-designed appearance since we wear them continuously, excluding charging periods. The most sleekly designed and suitable for small wrists are the Suunto 9 Peak and Polar Vantage M2. We are genuinely impressed by the abundance of technology incorporated into these devices. Additionally, the Garmin Forerunner 955 boasts an exceptionally slim design that excels during running. The new Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar is a standout in terms of style and easily ranks among our favorites, featuring a titanium build and a superb bezel.
Suunto succeeds in presenting the Vertical Titanium Solar in an appealing manner; however, the user interface and menu systems operate sluggishly. Effortlessly navigating through the watch is not feasible due to the slow screen refresh rate and lag time between screens.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
We appreciate Apple’s deviation from convention by creating a distinctive design. The rectangular shape of the Apple Watch Ultra may not appeal to everyone, but it received high praise from our team. The titanium bezel and ceramic back feel simultaneously sturdy and premium. We tested the alpine loop strap and found it suitable for daily usage, but we reckon the trail band might be more suitable for active users.
The perpetually illuminated exhibit is lively and effortless to interpret under all sunlight circumstances. The typical clock facade is stunning-appearing, and the modifiable crimson mode is impeccable for an evening beneath the celestial spheres.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
We desire that alternative labels commence assimilating this caliber of intricacy and exactitude into their apparatus.The alpine circuit strap is sophisticated and ideal for extended use but we would suggest the trail circuit strap for individuals who engage in a lot of activity that involves extensive arm movements. We recommend the Fenix 7 Pro Solar or Vertix 2 for those seeking a more sturdy design. Both of these timepieces are crafted using the highest quality materials and are tough enough to endure years of wear and tear. The 51mm case size of the Vertix 2 is perfect for individuals with larger wrists or those who prefer a bold-looking display and bezel. If your main activity is running, we would stick with the 47mm case size of the Garmin Forerunner 955 or Fenix models. The difference in weight is noticeable during activities that involve significant arm movements.
The winners of the awards showcased side by side. Which design for displaying data screens do you prefer the most?
Credit: Matthew Richardson
The Fenix 7 Pro Solar boasts an exceptional design for its screen, with the highest level of contrast and brightness compared to all the screens we tested. The data fields stand out and the numbers are more prominent than those on the Coros models. We found it to be the most seamless and natural experience to glance at the data fields while navigating challenging terrains. If you’re not engaging in intense activities, this aspect may be less important to you.
We discovered that biking provides the best solar charging due to the steady and easily visible positioning of your wrist towards the sun.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Equally important, the dedicated buttons on the Fenix 7 Pro Solar make it easier to access the data screens during intense activities. The scroll wheel found on the Coros models tends to be accidentally bumped, requiring the activation of a lockout mode. This can be easily disabled if you personally don’t face any issues. However, we found this additional step of unlocking the device while on the move to be frustrating and unnecessary. We prefer the action and certainty provided by dedicated physical buttons. If you use the swipe touchscreen feature or auto-scroll, this may be of lesser importance to you.
The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar continues to be one of our favorite designs. Recent updates include a solar bezel and an added touch of style to the start button.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Conclusion
Purchasing a GPS watch is a significant decision and a substantial investment. Take a thorough look at our reviews for a more detailed examination of the various models we tested. You might find yourself conducting research for weeks or even months before finding the perfect one at the right price. We hope that our insights and extensive comparative research have provided you with the confidence to make the leap into this investment. Consider our thoughts and use cases, and determine what is most important to you. There is a GPS watch available for everyone, and we hope this simplifies your decision-making process. Enjoy your adventures out there!
Our head tester Matthew putting the latest Coros watches to the test while running in snowy Colorado.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
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