Smart gps watch: The 6 Best GPS Watches of 2023
How to Choose a GPS Watch
The market for GPS watches continues to grow and gain in popularity with new people coming to the outdoor space. So which GPS watch is best for you? We’ve constructed this guide to offer you a look at the ins and outs of the various design and features found in today’s offerings. Take careful consideration of your needs and budget as this will greatly influence your decisions.
As technology has increased over the years, so has price. We’ve tested a variety of GPS watches with you in mind, and our testers hope to convey what product is best for you. When searching for a GPS watch, keep your use case in mind, what’s most important to you, and how your budget influences what tools and features you need most. For example, maybe you don’t need the latest and greatest, and those extra battery life hours will never be used anyway — so save yourself the money.
Testing GPS watches high above Durango, Colorado.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
How to Choose a GPS Watch
The first thing to consider is what you’ll be doing with your GPS watch, what kind of features you need, and what you’re willing to spend. Most likely, you are here because you already know you want a timepiece with GPS capabilities. There are many options out there that range from simple to complex, with the price going up as the features get better. So what are you in need of?
Features
Before diving into all the features, set a price and consider what options are best for your needs. Most GPS watches integrate a smartphone app to give you the best user experience. While the feature field is blowing up with options, there are simpler constructs that omit extraneous options that you probably don’t need. In fact, most recreational athletes that might be training for an ultra run or their first 5K don’t really need more than a simple GPS.
Some top-of-the-line devices, like the Garmin Fenix 7, even integrate with other devices like this satellite messenger.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Simple Construction
GPS information will be used to track your position for training purposes only if you want to stay basic. The device collects this information and displays speed, distance, and other data that you can view in real-time on the watch and analyze further after your activity in the software platform that accompanies the watch. If your pursuits are always on trails or roads, this sort of device is more than adequate. They will have just the basics, namely GPS location, speed, distance, time, probably an optical heart rate monitor, a step counter, alarm, and stopwatch. It might also incorporate a simple map with a bread crumb trail. Most of the watches in this review come complete with all the basics and actually have graduated to the next level with smartphone notifications.
The Coros Pace 2 has great features, a lightweight design, and is great for those on a tight budget.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Featured Smartwatch Trainers with App Integration
Over the years, most of the GPS watches we’ve continued to test are now smartwatches with basic fitness tracking capabilities. Not only do they track sports activity, but they track steps, sleep quality, and heart rate, and some have started to include a blood oxygen saturation monitor as well. They come armed with smart notifications, and as the app industry continues to develop, are being developed in conjunction with Google and other platforms to offer other exotic features like music storage, wireless payment, and more. Many of the Garmin watches have all these features, in addition to the ability to download workouts and take advice from virtual coaches.
This menu accesses all the apps that you can load up and use when connected to cellular or wifi service.
Credit: Amber King
Navigational Features
We find the most useful features in a GPS watch to be bread-crumb mapping and a dedicated ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass). Because most of our training and testing takes place in the mountains or in technical terrain, these features can be essential when bushwhacking down the side of the mountain with a minimal line of sight. If you think you will venture off the beaten track, we highly recommend a watch with these features. And while navigation apps like Gaia or TrailForks are helpful, you can’t beat the accessibility of an on-wrist compass guiding your path.
The Coros Vertix 2 in all its navigational glory. This is an impressive device.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Some high-end contenders offer turn-by-turn navigation with onboard maps that contain layers, points of interest, and more. These same watches will allow you to upload a course from the app to follow on your watch with beeps signaling turns. If you’re caught in a heavy fog, sight n’ go might be a helpful feature. Here, you point your watch at a given point, and your watch will guide you to that point. For backcountry users, most will find navigation via your smartphone easier than a small watch screen. But for minimal decisions like which way to go on a bike trail, a quick glance at these maps can be easier than pulling out your phone and looking at an app like Gaia.
Data Collection and App Platforms
All of the GPS watches we tested in this review integrate with some kind of app that will take your data and store it in their database. Here you can typically check out your logbooks, explore data, and share your activities with friends. Some databases are more robust than others, so this should be a consideration in choosing a brand that you like.
A look at the Garmin Connect app that offers many features. If you purchase a Garmin product, you get access to it.
Credit: Amber King
Garmin is known as one of the best GPS watchmakers in the world, not only because they have top-notch products but because they have the most robust online platform we’ve seen. The platform uses Garmin Connect to store your information, but you can take that data and use it across many different platforms. Garmin has its own app store as well, with included integrations from a variety of third parties. You can become a part of Garmin’s ecosystem and enter challenges, upload workouts, add new apps, and add new features as you wish. You can give kudos to others and compete within friend groups for motivational support. If this is the type of user experience you seek, Garmin is what we recommend.
A look at the popular app platform homepages. Left: Garmin. Middle: Coros. Right: Suunto
Credit: Amber King
Other platforms used by Suunto, Coros, and Polar are simpler apps that also offer you the ability to easily share and extract data to use it as you wish. However, they don’t come with a dedicated app store with access to hundreds of apps. Suunto, for example, has third-party integrations on their system, but Coros is yet to get there. That said, for these systems, you can easily have all your data sync to other platforms like Apple Health, Strava, Training Peaks, or whichever ecosystem you might choose to be a part of. On that note…
Social Networks
Maybe you don’t already have brand or platform loyalty, but you might have friends who do. If you have a fitness community that inspires and motivates your activity, linking your digital record books can provide further inspiration. Strava and TrainingPeaks have a robust user base and collect information from all platforms. Most of the manufacturers in this review have apps that will seamlessly integrate with these platforms. But in this rapidly evolving industry, we recommend that you make sure your particular watch choice will integrate with your chosen sports social media and/or training platform if that’s important to you. Ask around among your friends and training partners. Perhaps one social media platform is more widely used in your circles, and that could, in turn, inform your choice of training devices. That said, most of the platforms integrate easily as they are quite popular in the fitness community.
A look at our lead testers Strava profile.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Accessories
Many users will be content with the instrumentation inside their GPS watch. However, there are certain categories of information that can only be gathered with an additional accessory that links to your watch through Bluetooth. For example, many of the onboard optical heart rate sensors aren’t very accurate because they lack the fit needed to get a good reading. As a result, many folks like to wear a heart monitor strap to get a precise heart rate measurement.
A heart rate monitor is a good investment if you want precise measurements.
Credit: Amber King
There are many other accessories that you can buy, such as cadence and speed sensors for biking, running dynamics pods, and heart rate monitors. These are just a few categories among the many options. All these sensors link via a Bluetooth or ANT+ connection. Before buying a product, check to see what platforms your watch supports — not all work with both Bluetooth and ANT+ connections.
Battery Life and Distance Goals
As popularity increases for endurance sports, so has the need for ample battery storage for these devices. Humans are constantly pushing the boundaries of physical and endurance challenges, and now, multi-day staged endurance runs are becoming popular. Distances of 100+ miles (we’ve seen 250-mile running events) are being added to the roster of challenges, and we know the demand for battery life during these events is large. If you’re searching for a watch for ultra distances, be sure to check the battery life specs. Think about the maximum time you will be tasked with performing without a charge, and maybe you can get away with bringing a power brick and USB cable that will allow you to recharge on the go.
Deep in the canyons of Utah, our lead tester hiked through the riverbed finding the hardest place for satellites to reach.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Several variables contribute to wearing down battery life. This includes using features that are battery life hogs (i.e., map processing, listening to music, smart notifications, buzzers for miles, etc.) and travel where the GPS signal is low (poor view of the sky). For example, if satellites are having a hard time communicating with the receiver, more power is used. So in areas of heavier overgrowth or canyons, expect the battery to run out faster.
Many watches will offer battery-saving modes like UltraTrac or Endurance Mode. These modes aren’t recommended as they turn off watch features, capture less data, and take fewer GPS points. This means a sacrifice that can cause inaccuracy. Isn’t the point of a GPS watch to get an accurate representation of what you’re doing? That said, we recommend looking at the specs for regular GPS battery lifetimes, as this is the setting you’ll want to run your device in during your events.
Hiking in to ice climb, we took the Coros Vertix 2 because we knew we’d be out for a long mission.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
When considering battery life, think of the longest distance you’d like to go and the time you think it’ll take. Then add 5-6 hours. Finally, look at what’s out there. If you plan on just doing 5K runs, you won’t need more than one hour of GPS. However, if you’re planning a 100-mile race, 30+ hours would be ideal (depending on your speed and the course). For marathon or 50K running distances, a watch with 8 to 12 hours of GPS is ideal to ensure you don’t need to always be charging between training sessions and to give yourself a battery life buffer (especially if you plan on using music features).
There are many watches that boast an incredibly long GPS battery life. We’ve found that it’s difficult to find the golden goose that also has a long smartwatch life. For example, Garmin products with a battery life of 30+ hours will only have a smartwatch life of 1.5 – 2 weeks, based on our research. Coros, however, seems to do it all. Both the Apex and Pace 2 have 25-30 hour battery life and a smartwatch use life of 20-30 days, but they come with fewer features.
Charging Devices On The Go
It’s only recently that GPS watches have breached the 30+ hour GPS mark in regular smartwatch mode with most features turned on. However, if you simply can’t afford to throw down on an ultra-expensive watch that with loads of battery life, the next best thing is to carry a small charger with you on longer missions.
We love the Suunto Baro 9 (middle) for charging on the go. This offers the most powerful connector, especially if you need to charge in the middle of a long adventure using an external battery pack.
Credit: Amber King
All the devices we tested can charge while still tracking activities. The hard part is that you have to take the watch off your wrist and put it into a pocket while charging. While this allows you to still capture your GPS data, heart rate and other data points can’t be captured while this is occurring. As the watch market evolves, we hope that major companies consider this and develop a watch that has a charger on the side so you can do both. Some of the earlier GPS models had this functionality, but the chargers have mostly been moved to the back of the watch. None of the watches in our current review can charge without being taken off. If you happen to find one with this design, we would likely recommend it.
Design
Now that you’ve thought about the features, apps, software platforms, battery life, and uses, consider the design. For many, the weight and size can make or break buying a product. Many products also come in a range of sizes. However, the size does affect battery life and other features, so be sure to double-check the specs if you happen to go for a smaller versus a bigger watch face option. Larger watch faces are easier to see, but they are heavier and tend to get stuck on clothing if they’re not thin enough.
Slight design differences can make a big difference on those super long days out.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Consider the materials of the watch face and look for high-quality options like Gorilla Glass and sapphire glass, which are more scratch-resistant. The display is also an important consideration. Those that aren’t crisp or with poor backlighting are difficult to see in both high and low-light conditions. If you get a touchscreen, make sure it works in cold and rainy weather. Also, be sure the font and text are large enough for your eyes to see at a glance, so you don’t spend time staring at your watch when your eyes should be on the trail.
Conclusion
The GPS watch world is evolving quickly. Nowadays, software and GPS watch integrations are becoming crisscrossed to create a mind-blowing number of features and capabilities that we would never have thought possible a decade ago. In the search for your perfect match, don’t forget to keep your eye on the ball. Establish a budget, highlight the features you want or need, then consider battery life and design. It’s easy to get wrapped up in extras that you may not use. Enjoy the process, and we look forward to seeing you on the trail!
Backpacking in winter gets dark quickly. Our cozy sleeping bag is the perfect time to mess around with various functions on the Vertix 2.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Apple Watch Ultra Review | Tested by GearLab
This Product |
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar |
Coros Vertix 2 |
Garmin Forerunner 955 |
Coros Pace 2 |
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Awards | |||||
Price | $799 List $779. 99 at Amazon |
$799.99 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
$699.00 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
$469.84 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating |
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Pros | Leading UI for a smartwatch, great design, excellent health metrics | Excellent battery life, great interface, advanced health metrics, beautiful screen resolution, flashlight | Durable, incredible battery life, large screen, great app | Ultra-lightweight, thin profile, good for smaller wrists | Low profile design, great battery life, very accurate, low cost, route navigation |
Cons | Short battery life, poorly designed data screen, expensive | Companion app could be better, expensive | Heavy, expensive, limited touch function, resume later function not enabled across all activities | Less premium materials, potentially less durable, tool requires straps | Minimal activity profiles, plastic construction |
Bottom Line | A high level of smartphone integration while paired with an iPhone allows this watch to do a multitude of tasks without ever having to pull out your phone | The best GPS watch on the market for serious athletes looking for high accuracy and all-day health tracking | The most rugged expedition-ready watch we tested with insane battery life in a large 51mm case | This fully featured running watch is perfect for those who want the lightest equipment for the track and trail | A fully functional and incredibly light GPS sports watch boasting great battery life at an incredible value |
Rating Categories | Apple Watch Ultra | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro. .. | Coros Vertix 2 | Garmin Forerunner 955 | Coros Pace 2 |
Features (20%) | |||||
Battery Life (20%) | |||||
Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
Accuracy (20%) | |||||
Design (20%) | |||||
Specs | Apple Watch Ultra | Garmin Fenix 7 Pro… | Coros Vertix 2 | Garmin Forerunner 955 | Coros Pace 2 |
Watch Face Material | Sapphire crystal | Power glass | Sapphire Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass DX | Corning glass |
Bezel | Titanium | Stainless steel | Grade 5 titanium alloy with PVD coating | Fiber reinforced polymer | Fiber reinforced polymer |
Case | Titanium/Ceramic | Fiber reinforced polymer | Titanium Alloy with PVD Coating | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber reinforced polymer |
Strap Material | 2L woven textile | Silicone | Silicon or nylon | Silicone | Silicon or nylon |
Tools Required to Change Band? | No | No | No | Yes | No |
Model Tested | N/A | Pro Solar | Standard | Standard | N/A |
Size Tested | 49mm | 47mm | One size only | One Size only | One size only |
Measured Main Body Size (diameter) | 49mm | 47mm | 50mm | 46. 5mm | 43mm |
Measured Thickness | 14.4mm | 14.5mm | 16mm | 14.4mm | 11mm |
Measured Screen Width | 44mm | 33mm | 35.5mm | 33mm | 32mm |
Measured Weight | 2.2 oz | 2.9 oz | 3.17 oz | 1.7 oz | 1.2 oz |
Measured Charging Time | 150 min | 150 min | 128 min | 120 min | 80 min |
Battery Type | Rechargable lithium ion | Rechargable lithium ion | Rechargable lithium ion | Rechargable lithium ion | Rechargable lithium ion |
Measured Battery Life With GPS Single-Band Only | 58 hours | 75 hours | 135 hours | 41 hours | 29 hours |
Manufacturer-Reported Battery Life | Smartwatch mode: 18 hours; Low Power mode: 60 hours; |
Smartwatch: Up to 18 days/22 days with solar Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 57 days/173 days with solar GPS Only: Up to 57 hours/73 hours with solar All Satellte Systems: Up to 40 hours/48 hours with solar All Satellite Systems + Multi-band: Up to 23 hours/26 hours with solar All Satellite Systems + Music: Up to 10 hours Max Battery GPS: Up to 136 hours/289 hours with solar Expedition GPS: Up to 40 days/74 days with solar |
Smartwatch mode: 60 days; GPS: 140 hours |
Smartwatch mode: Up to 15 days GPS-only mode without music: Up to 42 hours All-Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band with music: Up to 8. 5 hours All Systems GNSS mode plus Multi-Band without music: Up to 20 hours Ultratrac mode: Up to 80 hours |
Smartwatch mode: 20 days; GPS: 30 hours; Ultramax mode: 60 hours |
Navigation Built In? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Satellite Networks Used | GPS, GNSS, Galileo, BeiDou | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, BEIDOU |
Maps? | Yes – detailed | Yes | Yes – detailed | Yes – detailed | No |
Back to Start Navigation? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Water Resistance (max depth) | 100m | 100m | 100m | 50m | 50m |
Music Control? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Music Storage? | Yes | Yes | Yes – 32gb storage | Yes – 2000 songs | No |
Daily Fitness Tracking? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Touchless Payment? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Sleep Tracking? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Blood Oxygen? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Compass? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Barometric Altimeter? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Temperature Sensor? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Main Software App | iOS | Garmin Connect, widgets for other features | Coros App | Garmin Connect, widgets for other features | Coros |
Can Software Cross Over to Different Software Ecosystems? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Once announced, we knew we wanted to compare the Apple Watch Ultra to our current lineup of GPS watches. Generally, GPS watch makers convince you to purchase their device for either its features or battery performance. We hoped Apple’s UI and ecosystem could combine the performance of the Coros and Garmin models while providing the best user experience. Unfortunately, right off the bat, a measly 18 hours in full GPS mode is a stat that will leave some ultra athletes looking elsewhere.
That said, this IS an Apple Watch, and, as such, you receive arguably the best user experience from both the watch and IOS app. No other watch comes close regarding the number of features and bells/whistles. Your usage and battery needs will determine if this is the right model for you. We think you should determine two things before deciding to purchase this model (further in-depth analysis follows this intro):
- Location and setting. If you will always be accompanied by a cell phone with service, that is a win for the Apple Watch Ultra. If you exercise without your phone and often find yourself outside of cell service, you have better options.
- Battery needs. If you aren’t an ultra athlete and can charge your device nightly, the Apple Watch Ultra will work for you. If you often are away from power and/or plan on doing long events, we’d suggest a model with more battery life. Unfortunately, low power mode detracts from the benefits of the device, leaving it feeling more of a liability than an enhancement to the outdoor experience.
Note that we did not test the Apple Watch Ultra on a cellular plan but tested the same features through handoff on a paired IOS device.
Performance Comparison
Our lead tester Matthew starting out on a multi-day backpacking trip hoping to push the battery life limits of the Apple Watch Ultra.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Features
A full list of features can be found by going to the official product page. A GPS watch for us is essential to our lifestyle, so we’re going to focus on aspects of the watch that are more comparable to other GPS watches. Keep in mind third party apps could be available that differ from native watchOS apps.
By using the Apple Watch Ultra, you have the ability to access many of the main features found on your iPhone. The benefit of this model, when compared to the competition, is this seamless integration with your mobile device. The phone and messages functions are the most useful, and these work as any Apple Watch does. In regards to athletic features specific to a GPS watch, we think the most important are:
- Data screens and activity tracking
- ABC functionality (Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass)
- Mapping/navigation
- Activity and health tracking
Watch Timing and Data Screens:
To put it bluntly, we are not huge fans of the data screens found on the Ultra. The metrics often blend together on the screen and are not divided into sections like those found on the Garmin and Coros products. We prefer the divided data because it’s clear and precise when looking at the watch while running. Due to the always-on-screen display of the Ultra, some timing fields will not populate until your wrist is raised. This change is noticeable to your eye and was a constant annoyance for us. Also annoying is that the timing does not change to hh:mm:ss until you reach over 80-90 minutes. Maybe that’s not a big deal to some, but we would much prefer to see 1:13:00 instead of 73:00:00. In addition, you cannot prioritize the data fields; each field is the same font and weight, with only the timing field having a different color. We like having a large main timing field with additional smaller fields that are glanced at less frequently. We think the fields should adjust given the amount of content on a data page. Pages should automatically resize given the available room, but this is not the case — a metric will be the same size regardless of the number of neighboring metrics.
We wish the activity screens would resize given the number of active data fields. Dividers would also be welcome for more precise eye tracking while moving fast.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Data metrics were also a bit of a letdown, with one huge red flag for our usage: while there is an altimeter function, there’s no elevation descent field. Why this isn’t included is beyond us and is a huge deal breaker. Often total elevation is more useful than mileage, and we frequently find ourselves remembering the amount of climbing or descent and not the mileage distance. So if you know you have a 300-foot descent ahead of you, there is no way to track this metric. Anytime we can avoid pulling out our phone to gather less crucial information is a plus. We think, given these negatives, this model would perform better in a more controlled environment, such as city usage or a track.
Various activity pages and data screens were abundant, one thing we missed was activity descent while recording.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
ABC Functionality:
Surprisingly, the Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass functions are among the best we’ve tested. They are enhanced even more if you use the standard watch face that ships with Ultra. A simple tap of the bezel can bring up the compass right from the watch screen. This is elegant and sleek and always appears functional and ready to go. We never had to recalibrate or adjust via GPS. The standalone compass app is easy to use and designed well. Without a doubt, this is the best compass design on a watch we’ve tested. There are no dedicated barometer functions, but third-party apps can be downloaded to add this data.
Mapping/Navigation:
When paired with a phone with service or LTE cellular, this watch can display full world mapping, which mimics the maps found on your cell phone. Without service, there is the ability to turn on backtrack which claims to seamlessly turn on when losing cell service. We started a 2-day backpacking trip, and not once during this trip did we have cell coverage. After starting our workout, we found out that backtrack was never enabled; maybe this was due to low power mode. Regardless, this is a liability, in our opinion. Every other major “ultra” tier watch starts backtracking immediately with no questions asked, and you can always access the map to view this GPX track. For this model to not do the same is frustrating. On top of that, there is no way to export this data to third-party applications.
If paired with an iPhone or LTE the mapping application far surpasses any of the competition.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Fitness/Health Tracking:
Out of all the watches we’ve tested, the Apple Health and Fitness platforms are leaps above the competition. It’s much easier to gain insights from these metrics than from the competitor’s platforms. The data is beautifully displayed, and the apps are much easier to use, especially when compared to the Garmin Connect platform. There are a lot of added notes and helpful tips when viewing this data which helps those with less understanding learn more about their health metrics. Users that are familiar with this type of data will find the apps both easy to use and adequate. If you have been unhappy with your current platform, we think this one is the best.
The health metrics and tracking on the Apple Watch Ultra are far better and more insightful than the competition.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Additional Features We Appreciate:
In no particular order: flashlight, great watch faces, the siren is great for stubborn cows on trail, the red watch face is excellent for nighttime, easily accessible alarms, the remote camera shutter is top-notch, Apple Pay, fantastic music integration, customization via mobile app, podcast/audiobook downloads.
To wrap up this longwinded features analysis… There is no doubt that this device has the most features out of any of the models we tested, but we think this is more designed for city usage or areas with service. We can’t recommend this current feature set for an expedition or multi-day usage.
The red light adjustment of the standard watch face is one of our favorite features – perfect for a night under the stars!
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Battery Life
We tested the Ultra on a 3-day backpacking trip and recorded 9 hours of GPS data on low-power mode. The device remained on low power mode for a total of 48 hours. The watch is extremely useful in low-power mode, and we could still use features like the remote camera controls. We think this is about the maximum you could expect since we used the watch minimally outside of telling the time and the GPS tracking.
Apple claims a total of 15 hours of GPS time on low-power mode, which is getting closer to the threshold of some of our long efforts. 10-14 hour days are common enough in our testing that we prefer having a bit more of a buffer. That said, temperatures got down to lows in the 20s while we tested this watch, and we experienced no large drops in performance or battery. We would recommend this battery performance to users that need two days or fewer of runtime.
Even in cold temperatures while ice climbing, the Apple Watch Ultra held up to extra abuse. We tested this in some harsh conditions to provide you with the best insights possible.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Ease of Use
The watchOS UI is easy to use and makes sense once you dive into the settings and menu systems. Luckily the watch iPhone app allows for easy customization of all of the settings found on the Apple Watch Ultra. There are also countless support articles that can assist with the various functions of the watch. The large orange action button can be switched between different functions, and our lead tester preferred this to be set to a flashlight function that would illuminate the large bright display — perfect for a dark bedroom. The scrolling bezel is used to start Siri and navigate through data screens. Finally, the back button can switch between previously used apps. A long press of this button will allow you to access the various emergency services.
One issue we had with this back button is that — by default — a long press and hold will automatically call 911. During our testing, we were awakened by a 911 dispatcher talking through the watch speaker. We’d suggest disabling the long press feature and requiring a mandatory swipe before dialing 911, especially if you plan on wearing this watch to bed.
While the number of features on the Ultra can initially feel overwhelming, we think this model is extremely easy to use, and we’d recommend it to anyone. As far as setup and mobile customization, this is among the very best and scores highly against the competition. Due to a focus on touch gestures, those that use this in wet conditions may find less usability than more dedicated button models. However, Apple’s touch screen is a joy to use, and it’s without a doubt the best touch model we’ve tested.
If you aren’t planning on being away from power over two days check out the Apple Watch Ultra.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Accuracy
We wanted to test this watch in some challenging GPS conditions, and nothing tests GPS better than deep canyons. During our primary backpacking trip test, we went into some deep canyons and tested it head to head against our leading accuracy model, the Coros Vertix 2, which also has a dual frequency mode. Throughout our testing, we found that the mileage on the Ultra would be slightly over-calculated while the elevation gain would be under-calculated. Heart rate metrics, on average, were also slightly lower than our comparative model, but that could be due to the less precise fit of the ‘alpine loop’ wristband we were using. For the most accurate heart rate metrics, we would recommend the trail loop wristband.
Using low-power mode on extended trips and activities, you may be sacrificing GPS accuracy. During daily testing, the Ultra closely mimicked other top contenders in terms of mileage, but the overall elevation gain was still slightly underreported. In all, this model contends with all of the other top models regarding accuracy. We do think there could be improvements in more rugged terrain, however, it’s hard to argue against this model. We think the most important factor could be the watch strap you use and the fit when trying to get the best-performing heart rate data.
The dual-frequency GPS chip found on the Apple Watch ultra maintained great accuracy even in the steep canyons of Utah.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Design
We are fans of the rounded rectangular design; it’s unique and creates a large comfortable touch screen. This is subjective, so others could feel differently. When we buy a GPS watch at this price point, we plan on wearing it all day. If you are purely buying a watch for activity usage, then this category might matter less to you. The outer titanium band is durable, and we experienced no scratching or damage to the device, even using it for rock climbing and ice climbing. The watch is also surprisingly light, given its size. Initially, we thought the squared design would fit weirdly, but even on smaller wrists, we found it comfortable. The UI can be rotated internally allowing for both right and left-handed usage and the bezel can be changed to fit your comfort. We like the magnetic charging design, although those that are looking to use this model while on the move will have difficulty keeping this charger design attached. That said, this is the most premium feeling watch we’ve tested, and it’s exceptionally well built.
Three different watch-specific straps are available, and we tested the alpine model. At first, this took some getting used to, but the watch strap tends to break in over time, allowing for easier unlatching and latching. We found the adjustment range to be too narrow, and we prefer a nylon band, which has a bit more give. Luckily these straps are interchangeable with any Apple Watch. If you are purely going for the style we think the alpine loop strap looks great and we found it perfect for hiking and daily use. If you are going to use this for more athletic high-movement activities like biking and running, we’d suggest the more adjustable stretchy trail band. While these straps are expensive, we think they are very well-built and should last as long as the watch.
The alpine loop band is elegant and great for all-day use but we’d recommend the trail loop band for people that find themselves doing a lot of activity with high arm movement.Out of all the watches we tested the Apple Watch Ultra feels the most premium and we had no durability issues.
Should You Buy the Apple Watch Ultra?
You should buy this watch if you’ve been waiting for a more rugged Apple Watch and you’re not an ultra-athlete. The Ultra will work great for those that want a high level of phone integration — it is simply the best smartwatch on the market. If you are an ultra-athlete or someone that uses your watch for expedition use or finds yourself outside of service for extended periods of time, we’d recommend a high-level Garmin or Coros model. If you can live with two-day battery life, the Ultra is a great option. This watch is beautiful, functions great, and is extremely easy to use. We also find ourselves looking at our phones less frequently when using this model, which is always a plus in our opinion, even more so if you plan on using the LTE functionality.
What Other GPS Watches Should You Consider?
We’d recommend the Garmin Forerunner 955 or the Garmin Fenix 7 for their comparable features. While you don’t receive the same Apple-quality UI and phone integration, these models are still very capable of daily use. They have increased navigation functions and much longer battery times for extended activities and multi-day trips without power.
Where is the child? Smart watches, apps and trackers will tell you
Imagine: you went to the mall with the whole family, got distracted for a minute, and the child disappeared somewhere. With luck, he is waiting where he lost sight of you, but what if he himself went looking for you and wandered off to who knows where?
Or: lessons ended an hour ago, five minutes from school to home, and the child never returned. Of course, he could go out with classmates and forgot to warn, but what if someone took him away on the way home?
It’s hard not to worry when you don’t know where your child is. Most likely, it will later turn out that everything is in order with him, but no one will restore your nerves. However, today this problem is not so difficult to solve, because there are many child trackers with which you will always know where the child is. Let’s see what options there are for tracking the location of children so that you can choose the appropriate option.
What are the types of baby trackers
Let’s make a reservation right away: trackers are different, and it is impossible to say unequivocally that one type is better than another. The choice here depends on the age of the child, on whether he walks alone or only with you, whether he has a smartphone, and so on. After all, it is one thing to make sure that the baby does not ride too far on the scooter during your walk together, and it is quite another to look after an independent and freedom-loving teenager.
Radio beacons for the little ones
If your child is still small and you don’t let him go for a walk alone (or let him go, but only near the house), a radio beacon that can be found within a radius of several hundred meters may be enough for you. When the baby is lost, it is enough to press the button on the remote control, and the beacon will start emitting sound signals. Some models allow you to set an alarm if the child moves away from the remote control at a distance greater than the permitted.
Unlike GPS trackers, which determine the location with an accuracy of several meters, such beacons allow you to quickly find a child in a small area, even in a crowded (though not very noisy) place. On the other hand, if the child has time to go far from the remote control, the connection with the beacon will be lost.
Benefits of baby beacons :
- Easy to use.
- Compact.
- Works well in a small area.
- The most budget option.
Disadvantages of baby radio beacons :
- Short range.
- No panic button.
- Not effective in noisy environments.
GPS trackers: key rings, pendants, clothespins
If your child is already walking or going to school on his own, you will need a GPS tracker. The lightest and most compact options are key rings, pendants and clip-on trackers. They can be worn as decoration or attached to a child’s backpack and clothes. If desired, such a device is easy to hide from prying eyes, and some models are fixed so that they are almost impossible to remove.
The functionality of mini trackers varies from device to device. The simplest ones allow you to track the location of the child and set the boundaries of the territory in which he should be at one time or another. If he leaves a safe area (for example, school or home), you will immediately receive a notification.
Many trackers have an SOS button – it’s big and noticeable (and often the only one on the device). In case of danger, even a baby can press it, and you will immediately receive a notification with its coordinates. Some models will send an audio recording from the microphone along with the alarm so that you can assess what is happening around the child. Also, if the tracker has a built-in microphone, audio can also be requested from the parent app.
Some devices have unique features. For example, one of the trackers known to us, in addition to the location of the child, is able to determine which of the relatives he is currently with. Another device in the parent app uses augmented reality to help you navigate. If you look around through the tracker application, it will show in which direction the child is.
The main disadvantage of key chains and clothespins is that if your child leaves a backpack or a jacket to which the tracker is attached and runs away to play, you will see the location of things, not the child. An older student can deliberately get rid of the tracker so that they do not follow him – he will not have the motivation to keep the gadget with him.
In addition, GPS trackers are relatively expensive and require an Internet connection over a cellular network to operate. So you will also have to be puzzled by the monthly subscription fee.
Pros of children’s GPS trackers :
- Easy to use.
- Compact.
- There is a panic button.
- Attach securely.
Disadvantages of children’s GPS trackers :
- Can be removed with clothes or backpack.
Smart watch for a child
A smart watch, unlike key fob trackers, is worn by a child on the wrist. That is, lying where he threw a backpack or jacket, they most likely will not. In addition, as a rule, the set of functions in them is wider: using the watch, you can make calls, including video calls, send SMS, count steps, play educational games, and so on. So, such a gadget is more interesting for children – this is a huge plus.
When in danger, a child can press the panic button in the same way, and in case someone tries to take the watch away from him or he loses it himself, some models of watches have a built-in sensor for removing from the hand. Another important advantage of such devices (compared to a telephone) is that even in a noisy environment, the child will not miss a call.
One of the popular gadgets to help keep track of the location of the child is a children’s smart watch. Accordingly, the quality of devices and applications for them varies greatly. Therefore, before buying a gadget, study user reviews.
Some models, for example, have problems with location stability, cell signal loss and other bugs. And more recently, it turned out that millions of children’s watches of different brands are generally not protected from cybercriminals. Anyone can find out the location of the child, the history of his movements and other personal information, or even hijack the parent’s account and impersonate him.
Do not forget about the safety of the device itself. Remember that the child will wash their hands, fall and play without removing the watch. So if the model is not sufficiently shockproof or waterproof, it will quickly become unusable. At the same time, most gadgets are not cheap, and again, you will have to pay a subscription fee to connect.
Advantages of a smart watch for a child :
- Always with a breath.
- There is a panic button.
Cons of smart watches for a child :
- Some models do not work well.
- Not cheap.
Smartphone app
If you have an older child who already has their own smartphone, the most affordable and convenient way to look after them is with a dedicated app. A teenager will not have to carry an extra device with him, and you will not have to spend money on it. In app stores, you can find trackers without additional features. However, a full-fledged parental control program would be a much more universal solution. It will allow you not only to know where the child is, but also to monitor his safety online, and at the same time solve the problem of gadget abuse.
Google Play and the App Store offer both completely free parental control applications and inexpensive licenses and subscriptions. The first ones are more profitable for the family budget, but the set of functions in them is most likely limited. And if the authors of a free app make money from ads, you should keep in mind that adware can be very careless with your data.
In general, when choosing both devices and programs, it is worth remembering cybersecurity. Therefore, we recommend looking for information about the manufacturer before buying or downloading anything. If vulnerabilities have recently been found in its products that have not yet been fixed, it is better to abandon it. And even better – immediately choose a reliable solution from a well-known manufacturer that pays due attention to security.
Pros of baby location apps :
- Inexpensive.
- Installed on the child’s mobile device.
- Many useful features besides location tracking.
Cons of baby tracking apps :
- Smartphone or tablet required.
Keeping your child safe is easy
As you can see, it’s not that hard to avoid worrying about where your child is. There are many devices and applications that will tell you about its location. The main thing is to approach the choice responsibly and explain to the child why the tracker will simplify life for him too. And it will be possible with a calm heart to give him the necessary level of freedom.
rating, review and comparison of top smart models with GPS tracker and phone functions
Especially for readers of our blog, a 5% discount on the entire range of the store using the promo code OHMYBLOG
“To be at home until 20:00”, “Don’t go anywhere after school”, “When we return, you must be there” – we heard these instructions all our childhood. But often they did not listen: the boys ran to play football, the girls went home to their friends. In the 21st century, children remain the same fidgets as they were ten, twenty, one hundred years ago. But now parents can take control of their child with the help of modern technology. There have been bracelets, sensors, trackers on the market for a long time, but the most interesting thing is smart watches for children. Why and how – we understand the example of the best devices.
Models of children’s watch-phones in question:
- Elari Fixitime 3
- Smart Baby Watch SBW PLUS
- Elari Kidphone 3G with Alice
- Smart Baby Watch SBW 2
- Smart Baby Watch SBW KID
- Smart Baby Watch SBW 3G
- Bonus: Geozon Aqua
children’s watch
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Children’s watch-phone with GPS/LBS/WiFi-tracker Elari Fixitime 3
3 190 ₽
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Children’s watch-phone Elari KidPhone 3G (with voice assistant Yandex Alice)
4 790 ₽
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Smart baby watch Smart Baby Watch SBW KID
3 899 ₽
-
Smart baby watch Smart Baby Watch SBW 2
2 990 ₽
-
Smart baby watch Smart Baby Watch SBW 3G
4 899 ₽
-
Smart baby watch Smart Baby Watch SBW PLUS
2 399 ₽
Elari Fixitime 3
The clock was named after the heroes of the cartoon “Fixies”. This fact can immediately affect the choice of the child, both positively and negatively. But if the child does not tear himself away from the cartoon, success and delight are guaranteed.
FixiTime 3 is the third generation of the original FixiTime watch. Like the previous two models, they look quite large, especially on a child’s hand. A good design with rounded corners somewhat hides the real size. The watch strap is made of soft silicone and does not irritate delicate children’s skin. The plastic case of the device is protected from dust and moisture according to the IP56 standard. However, you need to make sure that the cover of the SIM card slot is properly closed, otherwise water will get inside while washing your hands.
Among the amusing features of the FixiTime 3 watch for a child are a flashlight, a pedometer and a camera (even two!). Parents will certainly be pleased with the presence of a sensor for removing the device from the hand.
The little owner controls the gadget using a convenient touch screen. On the screen, under the Elari logo, there is a touch button “Back” to return to the main menu. There are two physical buttons on the side of the case – the power button and the camera activation button. The latter, when pressed for a long time, sends an SOS signal to the selected numbers in the phone book.
The display diagonal is 1.3 inches, it is bright and colorful. The information in the interface is presented mainly in the form of icons and pictures, so that a child who still cannot read can also deal with watch-phones. For example, the names of contacts are accompanied by “avatars” -Fixies, to make it easier to navigate.
The FixiTime 3 watch is configured using the Elari SafeFamily proprietary application, which must be installed on the parent’s smartphone. Its functionality is standard for children’s smartwatches: you can highlight favorite contacts, allow or deny incoming calls from other numbers, track your child’s movements via GPS/LBS/Wi-Fi, and set up security zones. There was a possibility of “eavesdropping” through the clock, and also “peeping” through their camera. However, there is no video call function.
The battery capacity of the watch is 480 mAh and lasts for 3 days in standby mode or 5 hours of talk time. This is somewhat less than the previous FixiTime models, but the new watch can also do more.
POS:
• Fixies
• Two cameras
• Parents have access to eavesdropping/peeping functions
• Removal sensor
MINUS:
• Fixies
• No video calls
• Battery for three days
• Inconvenient plug cover
RECOMMENDED AGE: 4-12 years
Smart Baby Watch SBW PLUS
Smart baby watch Smart Baby Watch SBW PLUS is a budget model that allows you to always stay in touch with your child. She has a minimalist plastic case and a silicone strap that does not rub your hand when worn for a long time. The watch fastens on a wrist measuring from 12 to 20 centimeters.
The watch is equipped with a liquid crystal touch screen. The display is bright and colorful and a pleasure to use. Its diagonal is 1.54 inches. The case is protected from water according to the IP65 standard. The rain is not terrible for the clock, but it is not worth “drown” them.
The SBW PLUS watch requires a nanoSIM card to work and works on 2G cellular networks. The gadget does not have a GPS module, it determines the location of the child by mobile towers. The geolocation error on the street is 10-50 meters, depending on the quality of the signal. The child can call parents from the watch and receive a call from them, as well as communicate using SMS messages.
SBW Application
In addition, the watch is equipped with a built-in camera with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels and supports microSD memory cards up to 32 GB. There is an audio player for listening to music, a calendar, an alarm clock and a sleep monitor. The watch syncs with the parent’s smartphone via Bluetooth and SBW apps (Find My Kids or SeTracker apps may also work). There are versions for iOS and Android.
The most impressive characteristic of SBW PLUS is the battery life. It is 20 hours in active mode, and in economical mode it increases to 100 hours. With such a smart watch, a child can always call, to the delight of parents.
POS:
• Touch display
• Camera 1.3 MP
• Functions of “eavesdropping” and “peeping”
• Battery lasts up to 100 hours in economy mode
MINUS:
• No 3G
• Inaccurate location
• No handheld sensor
Recommended age: 5-12 years.
Elari Kidphone 3G with Alice
Elari introduced the KidPhone 3G children’s smart watch at IFA-2018 in Berlin. This is the newest model in this collection, but the main difference from competing devices lies not in novelty, but in the support of Alice, the Yandex voice assistant.
Alice knows how to answer children’s questions regarding the school curriculum and not only. She has two limitations: these are “adult” topics and cases where the necessary information can only be found in the search. Then Alice says that she does not have an answer to the question. In addition, Alice knows how to tell jokes, play games and includes audio books with fairy tales.
The case of the device is rectangular with rounded edges, like most children’s smartwatches. It is protected from moisture and dust according to the IP65 standard. Unfortunately, the KidPhone 3G watch is not shockproof and its glass scratches easily. The screen is color and touch; The display is well read in the sun.
Watch-phones are equipped with a 2-megapixel camera and 4 gigabytes of internal memory to store your photos. The camera allows you to make and receive video calls from smartphones to watch and from watch to watch. The child will also be able to call other devices and receive voice calls, as well as receive and type text messages. KidPhone 3G movements are tracked by a combination of GPS/LBS/Wi-Fi. The application for controlling the gadget is the same as for other Elari children’s watches: Elari SafeFamily.
POS:
• Support for incoming and outgoing video calls
• Support for incoming and outgoing text messages
• Built-in voice assistant Alice
• The function of “eavesdropping”
MINUS:
• Quiet microphone
• Non impact resistant
• Battery for two days
RECOMMENDED AGE: 3-12 years old
Smart Baby Watch SBW 2
Smart Baby Watch SBW 2 is a good smartphone replacement for a child. The device tracks the location of a small user using GPS and provides communication with loved ones. The watch supports voice calls, as well as sending and receiving SMS messages.
The display is liquid crystal and touch, with a diagonal of 1.54 inches. The strap is made of silicone and is suitable for wrists measuring 12-20 centimeters. The case is metal and waterproof, the degree of protection against water is IP65. The gadget can be accidentally wet, but it must not be dropped into water.
A nice detail: SBW 2 syncs with wireless headphones via Bluetooth. The firmware includes an audio player, and the device itself has a slot for microSD memory cards (up to 32 GB). Enough space to fill in all your favorite tracks of Billie Eilish and Scriptonite. The watch has a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera for taking photos. There is a pedometer, a sleep monitor and an alarm clock.
The apps for the parent smartphone are the same as those of the SBW PLUS. They allow you to spy on the child: listen to what is happening around and take a photo. Location accuracy leaves much to be desired, although GPS and cellular communications are used simultaneously for these purposes.
The operating time in active mode for SBW 2 is the same as for SBW PLUS – 20 hours. If you do not turn on applications too often, the charge will last 100 hours.
PROS:
• Metal housing
• Camera 1.3 MP
• Functions of “eavesdropping” and “peeping”
• Works with Bluetooth headphones
MINUS:
• No 3G
• Geolocation is not determined exactly
• No handheld sensor
RECOMMENDED AGE: Recommended age: 5-12 years.
Smart Baby Watch SBW KID
Smart Baby Watch SBW KID is the lightest model in the Smart Baby Watch line. The watch weighs 48 grams and is almost invisible on the hand. The effect is achieved due to the fact that the body of the device is made of high quality ABS plastic.
The watch has a 1.54-inch liquid crystal touch screen. The strap is soft, silicone, does not fade and does not rub the child’s hand, suitable for wrists ranging in size from 12.5 to 17 centimeters. The gadget is protected from water better than many other children’s watches and has an IP67 rating. That is, SBW KID will survive a fall into a puddle or into the bathroom, but you cannot use them underwater.
The watch receives calls and sends SMS messages only in 2G networks. The gadget takes photos with a 2-megapixel camera and supports a microSD memory card up to 32 GB. The firmware of the gadget includes an audio player, a calculator, a voice recorder, a pedometer and a sleep monitor.
Branded for Smart Baby spy functions in place. Through the application, parents can remotely turn on the “wiretapping” or take a photo on the camera, track the position of the child on the map. The battery charge is enough for 20 hours of active use and 100 hours of inactive mode.
Pros:
• The lightest gadget in the
line
• IP67, not afraid of water
• Camera 2 MP
• Functions of “eavesdropping” and “peeping”
Cons:
• No 3G
• Geolocation is not determined exactly
• No handheld sensor
RECOMMENDED AGE: 5-12 years old
Smart Baby Watch SBW 3G
Smart Baby Watch SBW 3G is a children’s watch based on Android OS. The system includes the PlayMarket store, from where the child will download favorite applications like Facebook and YouTube. WhatsApp is installed in advance, it remains to log in and start chatting. Audio player, pedometer, alarm clock, calendar and other standard features are present.
The watch has a metal case and a silicone bracelet that does not rub the skin on the wrist. The bracelet fits hands from 13 to 22 centimeters in size. The gadget is waterproof and has a degree of protection IP65: you can wet it, you can’t “bathe”. The display, like a modern smartphone, is an OLED touchscreen. The screen diagonal is 1.54 inches. The SBW 3G has a built-in 2-megapixel camera, there is support for microSD memory cards, as well as Bluetooth headphones.
The device supports 3G networks and Wi-Fi: it is a full-fledged “smartphone” on the wrist. With this it is easy to call parents and send SMS messages. If the child does not respond, the app on the parent’s smartphone will show their location. The position is already determined somewhat more precisely: by GPS, cell towers and Wi-Fi. Through the “parent” application of the child, you can eavesdrop, take a photo on the camera. However, as with the rest of the Smart Baby Watch models.
The battery charge is enough for 20 hours of active use and 100 hours of inactive mode. Keep in mind that Bluetooth and some apps use a lot of power, so a younger user may well run out of battery faster.
POS:
• Real Android
• Camera 2 MP
• GPS, 3G
• Functions of “eavesdropping” and “peeping”
• Vibrating alert
MINUS:
• Geolocation is still not determined exactly
• No handheld sensor
• It is not recommended to use with SIM cards of the operator “MegaFon”
RECOMMENDED AGE: 7-12 years.
Bonus: Geozon Aqua Kids Watch
Geozon Aqua is a mighty device that looks too big on the hand of a small child and is better suited to a teenager. But the latter can be confused by a modest set of functions: these are only calls, voice messages, a pedometer and an alarm clock.
The watch case is made of plastic and waterproof, its degree of protection is IP67. The girth of the bracelet is from 15 to 21 centimeters. The device will survive the rain, falling into a puddle and washing hands. The display is touch and liquid crystal, with a diagonal of 1.44 inches. There is a separate SOS button, as well as a built-in camera with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels.
The main purpose of the Geozon Aqua watch is to monitor the child. To do this, you need to install the GEOZON Guard application on the parent smartphone. The location of the watch is determined simultaneously by Wi-Fi, GPS and cellular communication stations, with an accuracy of up to 50 meters (although there are flaws, as always with such equipment). You can “peep” and “eavesdrop” on the child through the camera and microphone of the device.