The best cycling smartwatches with GPS in 2025

GPS-enabled smartwatches have become useful tools for cyclists who want to track rides, navigate routes, and analyze performance. Whether you’re a weekend rider, a road cyclist, or someone who enjoys gravel and mountain biking, the right smartwatch can make tracking your rides easier. In this guide, we’ll look at the best cycling smartwatches with GPS available in 2025.

What to Look for in a Cycling Smartwatch with GPS

Before getting into specific models, think about which features matter most for your riding.

GPS accuracy is fundamental. Your watch needs to track your route, distance, and speed without constant signal drops. Most modern watches use multiple satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for better accuracy in challenging environments like dense tree cover or cities.

Battery life matters on longer rides. If you’re doing century rides or multi-day events, you don’t want your watch dying halfway through. Watch battery specs closely—some watches last 30+ hours with GPS, while others tap out around 20 hours.

The display needs to be readable in bright sunlight. You’ll be outdoors, often with glare. AMOLED screens look great but can wash out in direct sun. MIP (memory-in-pixel) displays sacrifice some color for better outdoor visibility.

Water resistance protects against rain and sweat. Most modern watches handle this fine, but check the rating if you plan to ride in heavy rain often.

Data fields and cycling metrics vary between brands. Some watches offer advanced cycling dynamics like pedal cadence, vertical oscillation, and power meter compatibility. Others stick to basic tracking. Think about whether you need those advanced features.

Ecosystem compatibility matters. Your watch should sync with your preferred cycling apps—Strava, TrainingPeaks, or your bike computer’s app. Nothing worse than losing ride data or manually entering information.

Garmin Forerunner 965

Garmin dominates the cycling smartwatch market, and the Forerunner 965 is a solid all-around choice.

The bright AMOLED display makes reading metrics easy, even in direct sunlight. The touchscreen works well, though physical buttons are there for rainy days or gloves.

GPS accuracy is good. Multiple satellite systems work together to maintain tracking, even in challenging environments. Most users get a signal lock within seconds of starting a ride.

Battery life is a strong point. Expect around 23 days in smartwatch mode, and up to 31 hours in GPS mode—that covers most ultra-endurance events. Multi-band GPS helps extend battery life while improving accuracy.

Cycling features include compatibility with Garmin’s Varia radar system, which alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. The watch also supports smart notifications, music controls, and crash detection that can alert emergency contacts if you crash.

The Forerunner 965 works well as both a sports watch and an everyday smartwatch. For cyclists who want one device for commuting and big rides, it’s a good fit.

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro

If you want maximum durability and features, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is worth considering. This rugged watch appeals to serious cyclists who demand the most from their gear.

The case uses fiber-reinforced polymer with a titanium bezel—significantly more durable than standard smartwatches. It’s rated for 100 meters of water resistance. The sapphire crystal display resists scratches.

Solar charging extends battery life, which helps on multi-day bikepacking trips. With solar exposure, you can get additional hours from each charge.

Mapping capabilities stand out. Built-in topographical maps include bike trails and paths. Turn-by-turn navigation guides you through routes. The “round-trip routing” feature creates loops starting from your current location.

Training readiness scores analyze sleep, recovery, HRV, and training load to tell you when to push hard and when to rest. This helps cyclists balance training with daily life.

The Fenix 7 Pro costs a lot. It’s bulky on smaller wrists. But for cyclists who need premium durability, solar charging, and advanced mapping, it delivers.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple’s second-generation Ultra has become a viable cycling companion, especially for riders already in the Apple ecosystem.

The 3000-nit display is readable in harsh sunlight. The 49mm case has a larger battery that handles all-day rides—36 hours normally, up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.

Cycling features include automatic workout detection that senses when you start riding. The Workout app offers cycling metrics. Map integration with Apple Maps provides turn-by-turn directions, though some cyclists prefer third-party cycling apps for more detailed navigation.

Crash detection and Fall Detection provide safety features that activate automatically during incidents.

One limitation: battery life falls short of dedicated sports watches when using GPS continuously. It handles day rides well, but multi-day events require charging. Android users don’t get full functionality.

Coros Vertix 2

Coros has built a following among endurance athletes, and the Vertix 2 shows why. Battery life is the priority here, making it ideal for ultra-endurance events.

Battery performance is exceptional. Up to 60 days in smartwatch mode, but the real number is GPS: up to 140 hours with full tracking. That’s nearly a week of continuous riding on one charge.

The Vertix 2 now includes global offline maps—you can download maps for your riding areas and navigate without cellular connectivity. Turn-by-turn directions work, though the interface isn’t as polished as Garmin’s.

Training features include training load monitoring and recovery suggestions. The EvoLab system provides fitness insights, though it requires more setup than some competitors.

At 89 grams, it’s heavier than many competitors. The design prioritizes function over looks. But for pure cycling performance at a competitive price, it delivers strong value.

Polar Vantage V3

Polar is known for accurate heart rate monitoring and detailed training analysis. The Vantage V3 continues that tradition.

The advanced optical heart rate sensor performs well during cycling. For greater accuracy, the watch supports Polar’s chest strap monitors and Bluetooth power meters.

Training Load Pro and Recovery Pro give structured insights. Rather than just tracking rides, Polar’s system breaks down the demands of each session and tells you if you’ve trained appropriately. This analytical approach suits cyclists following periodized training plans.

The AMOLED display shows vibrant colors with good brightness, though not as readable in direct sunlight as some competitors. Touchscreen navigation works alongside physical buttons.

Battery life sits in the middle range—about 7 days in smartwatch mode and 35 hours with GPS. Sufficient for most riders but shorter than the longest-lasting options. Best for cyclists who prioritize data analysis over battery endurance.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series has improved for cycling. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic offers a budget-friendly option for cyclists who want GPS tracking without premium prices.

GPS tracking works well for cycling, connecting to multiple satellite systems. You get basic metrics: distance, pace, route mapping. Samsung Health tracks workouts, though it lacks the depth of dedicated cycling apps.

The rotating bezel adds a tactile element for navigating menus. The watch feels comfortable during rides, though it’s not as sports-specific as competitors.

Integration with Samsung phones works smoothly. iPhone and other Android users might experience reduced functionality.

Battery life reaches about 40 hours with GPS active—covers most day rides but needs charging for multi-day events. At significantly lower prices than dedicated cycling watches, it makes GPS tracking accessible.

Comparing the Top Contenders

Price, battery life, ecosystem, and cycling-specific features all factor into your decision.

For battery life, the Coros Vertix 2 leads with up to 140 hours of GPS tracking. The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro with solar charging approaches similar endurance. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch fall shorter at around 30-40 hours.

Garmin leads in mapping and navigation, especially for cyclists riding in unfamiliar areas. The Fenix 7 Pro offers the most comprehensive mapping; the Forerunner 965 provides similar capabilities in a lighter package.

Apple users get the smoothest integration with iPhones and other Apple devices. Android users might prefer Garmin or Coros for better cross-platform support.

Training analysis varies. Polar and Garmin offer the most sophisticated training load monitoring. Coros provides good value with solid analytical tools. Apple and Samsung focus more on general fitness.

Making Your Final Decision

Your ideal cycling smartwatch depends on how you ride and what data matters to you.

For most cyclists, the Garmin Forerunner 965 hits the best balance of capability, price, and battery life. It handles short after-work rides to all-day adventures without compromise.

If money isn’t a concern and you want maximum durability with solar charging, the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro delivers premium performance.

Endurance athletes tackling ultra-events should consider the Coros Vertix 2 for its battery life.

Apple users who want a watch that works for daily life as well as cycling will appreciate the Ultra 2, accepting shorter battery life for seamless ecosystem integration.

Budget-conscious cyclists can track rides effectively with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

Think about which features you’ll actually use. Some cyclists never use mapping but care deeply about battery life. Choose based on how you actually ride.

Final Thoughts

GPS-enabled smartwatches have made it easier to track rides, analyze performance, and improve as a rider. The options in 2025 offer something for every cyclist.

The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and riding style. Any of the watches discussed here will serve you well for years, if you choose based on how you actually ride rather than marketing claims.

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FAQs

Do I need a smartwatch specifically designed for cycling, or will any GPS watch work?

Any GPS watch can track basic cycling metrics like distance and route. However, cycling-specific watches offer better battery life, more accurate GPS, and advanced metrics like cycling dynamics and power meter compatibility. For casual riding, a general-purpose smartwatch works fine. For serious training or endurance events, a dedicated cycling watch provides advantages.

Can I use these watches with Strava?

Yes, all major cycling smartwatches integrate with Strava. Most sync automatically when connected to the Strava app, transferring ride data including GPS tracks, distance, speed, and heart rate. Some watches offer Strava Live Segments, showing segment times on the watch face during rides.

How accurate is GPS tracking on cycling smartwatches compared to bike computers?

Modern GPS smartwatches match bike computers in accuracy, particularly when using multiple satellite systems. Some users report slightly more signal drops on watches than dedicated bike computers in challenging environments, but the difference is minimal for most riders. Adding a speed/cadence sensor improves accuracy on watches that support them.

What’s the main difference between these watches and cycling computers like Garmin Edge?

Cycling computers typically offer larger displays optimized for at-a-glance viewing while riding, longer battery life, and more detailed mapping. Smartwatches provide everyday wearability, smartphone notifications, and fitness tracking beyond cycling. Many cyclists use both—a watch for running and daily wear, a computer for dedicated cycling.

Do I need a heart rate monitor with these watches?

Wrist-based optical heart rate sensors work well for most cycling, though chest straps provide greater accuracy during high-intensity efforts. If you’re doing structured training or want precise HR data, consider adding a compatible chest strap. Most watches discussed here support Bluetooth heart rate monitors.

How long do these watches typically last before needing replacement?

With proper care, a quality GPS smartwatch should last 4-6 years. Battery degradation eventually reduces run time, and technology advances make older models feel dated. Most manufacturers support their watches with software updates for several years after release, though older models eventually lose update support.