But it’s not just social media and the Internet that is connecting humans to their kitties. It’s GPS trackers, too. That’s right. Now, you can purchase GPS trackers to place on your cat’s collar. The GPS cat collar will ensure that even when your furry friend decides to high-tail it (no pun intended) out the front door, they won’t get far without being found.

A GPS cat tracker provides peace of mind for kitty owners. Yet, there are a lot of GPS trackers on the market. How can you know which one is right for you and your furry friend? Well, we’re breaking down the top cat trackers on the market.

Carry on reading or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.

What Should I Look For When Buying a Cat GPS Tracker?

There are a few things to consider when buying GPS technology for your cat’s collar. Included are the following criteria.

Criteria #1: Range

Perhaps the biggest thing to consider is the GPS tracking range. Traveling kitties that love to explore will require more range than others. If your cat tends to be more of a homebody, then range won’t be as important. Either way, you want to be sure the device can handle the GPS tracking needs of you and your feline.

Criteria #2: Monitoring

There are a few things to think about when we say monitoring. For starters, what type of cat monitoring does the device offer? Some have real-time GPS technology that updates every few seconds through Wi-Fi, while others do not. Some utilize Bluetooth to track your pet. Also, some have added monitoring such as health and activity. This helps you stay current on your cat’s well-being.

Criteria #3: Battery Life

The battery life of the device is essential to know. Some require battery charging every few days, while others can last a month or more. If you don’t want to worry about your cat’s battery needing a charge too often, then look at the device’s battery potential.

Criteria #4: Built-In Lighting

Some of the cat trackers on this list come with a handy built-in light. These are great for times when your cats have decided to go missing in the middle of the night. Some of the device lights will offer unique plusses such as flashing, which makes it that much easier to locate your lost pal.

Criteria #5: Extras

Are you looking for something simple, like a Bluetooth device, to stay up-to-date on your cat’s locations? Or do you want a superior device with plenty of extras? More expensive models will offer specialties like a free subscription, access to veterinarians, or the ability to be used worldwide. If you want all the features you could ever dream of, then make sure to find a device that offers these.

Criteria #6: Subscription

Almost all of the pet trackers on this list use apps that require a subscription. While the app and subscription make it easy to keep your eyes on your cat at all times, some are pricier than others. Take a look at the price of the subscription when looking at the trackers. Some are free, while others may charge a small fee, typically around $5 per month per subscription.

Criteria #7: Price

When it comes down to it, price is always going to be a factor in a buy. If you want to buy a budget-friendly model, you can find a few on this list. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for added features, be prepared for a higher price tag.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Cat GPS Tracker

When it came to finding the best products to track your cat, we took a look at features and price. We also read and valued real reviews from actual customers. Together, we came up with the top 5 list of the absolute best cat trackers on the market.

#1: Loc8tor Pet Tracker (Best Value Cat Tracker)

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Touted as America’s #1 Pet Tracker, we had to add it to our list of top 5. Aside from being from a prominent name in the cat-tracking biz, it’s also notably a great value. Compared to the features, the price offers the biggest bang for anyone looking to track their cat in countries worldwide. If your cat goes missing, you can feel confident in the Loc8tor Pet Tracker. Here’s why.

• Superior accuracy. This cat GPS tracker is known for having superior accuracy. In fact, it determines the location of your cat with as little as a 1-inch differential. This is all thanks to the state-of-the-art RF-based technology instilled in every cat collar. It’s better than any GPS tracker you’ve used before.
• No subscription fees for the app. No one wants to spend extra money to keep their cat safe. Well, the Loc8tor ensures you don’t have to. There is absolutely no monthly subscription fee for the app. Just pay the one-time fee and rest easy.
• Lightweight and easy-to-use tag. The microchip weighs only .175 ounces, making it a great option for cats of all sizes, shapes, and weights. It’s even easier to install the microchip on your cat collar, which means less time struggling and more time live tracking.
• Works indoors or outdoors up to 400 ft. Whether your cat is an inside or outside cat, it doesn’t matter. This tracker works both indoors and outdoors with a range up to an impressive 400 feet.
• Audio and visual cues. When on the hunt for tracking your cat, you are given audio and visual real-time cues to help you along the way.

#2: Whistle Go Explore (Best Cat Tracker)

Looking for the best of the best? Well, you might need to pay a bit more for added features. If that’s okay with you, then let me introduce you to the Whistle Go Explore. This is the top-of-the-line cat tracker that any cat owner will love to own. Here are some of the reasons why we ranked this as the best.

Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Real-time Location Monitoring Up to 3,000 Miles

Staying up to date on your cat’s location is key when your car ends up going missing. So, the Whistle Go Explore ensures that their cat GPS tracker includes real-time location monitoring. You are regularly alerted to your cat’s whereabouts, no matter where they end up. You can also designate safe locations and be notified when they leave them. The cat tracker works up to an incredible 3,000 miles.

Reason #2 to Choose This Product: Monitors Health, Nutrition, and Activity

Another benefit of these cat trackers is they are designed with other health, nutrition, and activity monitoring. Here, you will learn more about their overall activity and calories and behaviors such as licking and sleeping. This gives you a good indicator of how much food your cat should eat, and you will be notified of any health concerns on the app.

Reason #3 to Choose This Product: 20-Day Battery Life

The last thing you want to worry about is the battery dying on your tracking device. Well, the Whistle Go Explore has an impressive battery. The battery lasts up to 20 days on a single charge!

Reason #4 to Choose This Product: Built-In Nightlight

The built-in nightlight is an added convenient feature of this cat GPS. Choose between three different levels of brightness. Opt for flashes when necessary, including slow and fast. This can help you find your furry friend even in the middle of the night.

Reason #5 to Choose This Product: On-Demand Veterinary Help

Another helpful feature found on the Whistle Go Explore is the on-demand veterinary assistance available through the Whistle subscription and app. Right from your phone, you can get help from professionals and have your questions answered by an expert – without the costly and lengthy vet visit.

Reason #6 to Choose This Product: Waterproof

Concerned about a wet climate? Don’t be. The Whistle Go Explore is entirely waterproof. So, you can still get your cat’s GPS location without worrying about a thunderstorm standing in the way.

#3. Tractive LTE Tracker (Best for Worldwide Cat Tracking Use)

If you’re planning on moving around to the other side of the globe, you need a cat tracker that can work anywhere. For the travel enthusiast or those who have to move often for the military or a job, the Tractive Tracker is a perfect pick. Here’s why.

• Live tracking and location history. For busy felines, staying up-to-date is a must. That’s why cat owners love the fact that they can track their kitty location in real-time. Plus, you can see where your cat’s traveled to recently thanks to the location history feature.
• Define a safe area for your cat. If your cat leaves the designated approved area, the owner is notified immediately. Keep your cat out of danger with this unique cat tracker!
• Activity monitoring. This cat tracker also comes with activity monitoring. Here, you can stay current with your cat’s overall health and fitness levels.
• Worldwide tracking. It doesn’t matter where you end up in the world. This cat tracker is ready to work in over 150 countries worldwide, easily managed from the free Tractive GPS app.

Although this tracker is mainly marketed for dogs, it works for most feline friends as well.

#4: Cube Smart Tracker Bluetooth (Best Low-Cost Cat Tracker)

On a budget? You don’t have to resort to posters around your neighborhood. The Cube Smart Tracker is a budget-friendly choice that gives you peace of mind. Here’s why we love it for a cheap option.

• Easily attached. The Cube Smart Tracker weighs only 0.388 ounces and can be easily applied to anything – including your cat’s collar.
• Replace the battery once a year. The battery life is crazy on these GPS trackers. You only have to replace the battery once a year. That means less time worrying about a dead device and more time knowing where your cat is at all times.
• Bluetooth-enabled. This particular GPS location tracker does not rely on Wi-Fi. Instead, location tracking is done using Bluetooth. So, whether you are near or far, you can press find, and the cube will ring.

#5: BARTUN LTE GPS Tracker (Best Unlimited Range Cat Tracker)

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Some cats are avid travelers. For those cats that want to see more than the cities surrounding them, you need a cat tracker to handle their inquisitive nature. The BARTUN LTE GPS Tracker is a top-notch choice. Let’s take a closer look at everything it has to offer.

• Real-time tracking and location history. This is another excellent choice for real-time tracking with the option to see the history of areas your cat’s visited. It can use a variety of applications, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and LBS positioning.
• Geo-fencing. Having the ability to designate safe areas for your cat and be notified when they leave means that you can worry less about your cats. Define safe areas and save them when they leave.
• Built-in Smart LED lights. LED lights are also installed in the BARTUN GPS tracker. The LED lights will help you see better if you need to hunt for your kitty at night.
• Worldwide tracking with unlimited range. These GPS trackers can be used worldwide in over 150 countries, much like the Tractive GPS. The major benefit to this specific tracker is that it can track cats with no limitations on the range. Now, your cats will never be out of reach.
• Health and activity monitoring. Another feature is the health and activity monitoring of cats. With this specific monitor, you can check their mileage and calories burned. You will also stay current on your pet’s overall health, no matter where they are, through the app.

Verdict: Your Best Cat GPS Tracker

We decided to make it simple to find the pet tracker that’s right for you:

If you want the best value for your money, pick the Loc8tor Pet Tracker.

If you need a worldwide pet GPS tracker, consider the Tractive LTE GPS Tracker.

If you want to keep the spend under $50, pick the Cube Smart Tracker Bluetooth.

If you want unlimited range, choose the BARTUN LTE GPS Tracker.

When it comes down to the safety of your cats, having a GPS tracker is imperative. You can use it to see what your cats are up to or use it to find cats that may have gone missing. They are convenient for home cats and outdoor cats alike.

The most important thing is to make sure you find the kitty tracker that is right for you. While you can’t go wrong with any of these trackers, try to find one that suits your specific situation.

If you’re looking for a new GPS for your car, Garmin is a trusted and well-known brand that can act as a great jumping-off point. And lucky for you, we’ve made this list of the best Garmin GPS’s, so you can save yourself all that time and effort and find the perfect GPS for your road trip by reading one short article.

Carry on reading to see our full list of the best Garmin GPS, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.

What Should You Look For in a Garmin GPS?

Now, what separates the good GPS’s from the bad ones? If you’re used to relying on your smartphone for navigation, then you probably haven’t been exposed to the deeper world of external GPS units. Not to worry, it’s a pretty easy world to jump into, as most of the features to look out for are pretty intuitive. But for the sake of prudence, we’re going to write it all down anyway. This way, you can understand the exact metrics we used, and you can know how we devised our list. Plus, this will give you the information you need to conduct your own research on the off chance that our list doesn’t show you the GPS you’re looking for.

Criteria #1: Voice Commands – We want you to be able to drive safely while navigating your GPS, and a huge part of that is keeping your hands on the wheel. Fortunately, voice command technology is becoming pretty standard, but we want to make sure that your GPS has good voice command technology. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve yelled “Hey Google!” to an empty room only to feel like an idiot when my phone doesn’t respond. We’re only looking for Garmin GPS units that have responsive voice recognition which doesn’t require overly exact commands.

Criteria #2: Traffic Information – Especially if you live in a crowded city, you’re going to want to stay flexible and on your toes with your driving route. A good GPS unit with reliable traffic information will help you beat rush hour and take the quickest, quietest, route to and from work every day. just as with voice recognition, this feature is becoming pretty standard, but again, we’re looking for live traffic information that’s reliable. Unfortunately, there’s no one number to look at to determine if a GPS’s traffic information is accurate, but we will make sure to do extensive research to evaluate the efficacy of this feature in every GPS on our list.

Criteria #3: Size – We mentioned before that one of the main reasons to opt for a separate GPS and not rely on your phone is the bigger screen. Of course, how big you want your screen to be is entirely up to you, but I think, for the most part, it’s a case of the bigger, the better. I will mostly abstain from making any real opinion- or quality-based input on the size of a GPS, but I will give you the exact measurements so that you can make your own decision.

Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well. Luckily, Garmin features a wide variety of products and prices in their catalog, so everyone should be able to stay within their budget.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Garmin GPS

We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best Garmin GPS” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We also made sure to take into account any extra features that don’t squarely fit into any of our criteria, plus we made sure to include a wide variety of GPS’s from different price ranges. This way, everyone can find exactly what they’re looking for in terms of both function and budget.  

And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best Garmin GPS. 

#1: Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System (Best Value – All-Purpose)

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Our list of the best Garmin GPS units gets started with the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System. This navigation system is Garmin’s most popular model and their flagship product. As such, it has all of the features you can ask for, and it’s deliberately priced to be affordable and approachable for all customers.

In addition to coming with free Lifetime Map updates, which allows you to avoid those pesky traffic jams and stay moving for your entire commute, our best car GPS unit has useful driver alerts to help you stay on your toes. These include alerts for upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, school zones, nearby red lights and speed cameras, and more. Whether you’re up in the mountains, passing through the city, or driving around suburbia, you’ll be ready for anything the road can throw at you.

The Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System also comes with pre-loaded data from Foursquare which adds millions of new and popular stores, so you can always make a quick and easy detour for lunch while you’re on a longer trip for the weekend. Plus, this navigation system uses real-life points of interest and landmarks to help you navigate. So instead of hearing, “In 500 feet, turn right,” you’ll hear, “Turn right at the Carvel.” I don’t know about you, but I can’t eyeball 500 feet, so the second form of directions is much more helpful to me.

Perhaps my favorite feature of the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System, and most Garmin GPS devices for that matter, is that it gives you an accurate picture of the road when showing you the route. Instead of a meaningless blob of lines and colors, your car GPS will show you what you see in real life, so more those ambiguous and confusing turns will be as clear as ever. With its 5-inch display, you should have no problem keeping your eyes on the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System and on the road at the same. I definitely recommend getting a stand for your GPS device, and I’m sure convenient bundles exist on Amazon or other websites.

The biggest drawback of the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System is probably it’s short 1-hour battery life, though since almost all cars have a USB port built-in these days, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem to just keep it plugged in and pretend it’s a wired device.

Coming in at a great price, this navigation system is one of the best values out there in terms of return on your dollar. In addition to being featured on multiple lists of the best GPS devices, the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System has been reviewed over 5,000 times on Amazon, so you can be sure you’re getting a crowd-approved product. One reviewer exclaimed, “A Life-Changing Device For Me!” while another raved about the offline navigation that you can’t get from any smartphone.

If you want to keep things cheap and you don’t want to stress over which car GPS is best for you, then buy the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System. It has all of the best features at an affordable price.

#2: Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System (Best Overall Garmin GPS)

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We just finished showing you Garmin’s flagship product in the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System, and now we’re ready to show you their real best car GPS device, full stop. Think about how Apple releases all of their iPhones with a standard version and the “plus” version and you should have a good idea of what to expect from the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System, but more of it.

The Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System is a bit more expensive than our best car navigation system, but it has those extra features that might just be too much for some people to say no to. Here are the big selling points that might convince you to splurge for the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System over their standard 50LM GPS.

Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Larger Screen

Coming in with a 6-inch screen size, the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System has a slightly larger screen than that of the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System. Now, if you have a good memory, you may be thinking something along the lines of, “Hey! That’s only an extra inch!” And it’s true, but that one inch can make a bigger difference than you realize. If find that you’re having trouble getting all of the relevant information from your car GPS while still keeping an eye on the road, then the extra inch of the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System could be the difference-maker that gives you a much smoother, safer, and less stressful driving experience.

Reason #2 to Choose This Product: Bluetooth Capability

This is the real big seller of the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System. It comes with Bluetooth capability that lets you connect your smartphone and streamline everything. This means playing your music and using hands-free calling from the speakers of your navigation device, and it also means you get that game-changing voice navigation that lets you control everything while still keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. You also get certain live features, like live weather updates, that are only available through your smartphone. The Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System offers the safest driving experience possible.

In addition to the larger screen size and the Bluetooth functionality, the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System comes with all of the amazing features of the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System. That includes the live active lane guidance that gives clearer instructions than Google Maps, the Garmin Real Directions points-of-interest navigation that will make you feel like your friend is riding shotgun giving easy-to-understand directions, and Direct Access navigation that shows exactly where to go even if you’re going to complicated destinations like a store in a mall or a specific terminal at the airport.

Just as with our number one navigation system, the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System comes with free Lifetime Map updates so you can always be sure that your map is 100% accurate. If you want to splurge for the best car GPS that offers everything but the kitchen sink, then the Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System is the GPS for you.

#3: Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America (Best for Road Trips)

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If you don’t have the same terrible sense of direction that I do, you may not need a car GPS unit for your daily commute. However, unless you want to go back to the days of giant maps or printed out MapQuest instructions, you’ll probably want a good car GPS unit for longer trips through unfamiliar roads. And there’s no Garmin GPS that’s better for road trips than the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America navigation system.

As the name implies, the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America is tailor-made to give you the best navigation anywhere in North America, with the same free Lifetime Map updates we’ve come to expect from Garmin and pre-packaged detailed maps of all of North America.

But that’s not all! The real reason the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America is so fantastic for any road-trip enthusiast is that Up Ahead navigation similar to the points-of-interest navigation that lets you see all of the potential stops coming up without leaving the navigation. I know from experience how annoying and stressful it can be to ask my friend riding shotgun to play around with the GPS so we can easily find a gas station or pit stop. It’s almost more annoying to just follow the signs but deal with hearing the GPS device rerouting every twenty seconds because it thinks I’ve gone off the path. The Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America is the best car GPS device for anyone who wants to stay flexible while exploring the wide landscape of North America.

In addition to the fantastic Up Next feature, the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America comes with hands-free calling, thanks to Bluetooth and Garmin Drivesmart technology. You also get a convenient voice-activated navigation system that’s as easy-to-use as, well…talking. Throw in the aforementioned points-of-interest navigation, Active Lane Guidance, and Direct Access for those confusing malls and plazas, and the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America is one of the best car GPS units on the market.

In terms of price, it falls somewhere in between our two best GPS devices, so it’s still pretty affordable, and it as a whole slew of glowing reviews on Amazon for you to confront before making your decision. If you’re planning a big road trip and want to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible, go and pick up the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America.

#4: Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator (Best for Truck Drivers)

Not everyone is driving the same kind of vehicle, and not everyone is playing by the same rules. If you’re driving around in a bigger truck all day, then all of a sudden you’re dealing with a very different set of roads, rules, and regulations than most other drivers out there. And there’s only one GPS that’s perfectly designed to special give truck drivers the best GPS experience possible, and that’s the Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator.

The Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator sends a loud and clear message about who its target audience is by offering a custom truck routing (not available in all areas) based on the size and weight of your truck and letting you see alerts for upcoming bridge heights, sharp curves, and more. Never get caught off guard by a low-hanging tunnel or “No Trucks” lane ever again.

But it’s not just the custom truck-routing that makes the Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator the best friend of truck drivers everywhere. This amazing GPS navigation system also offers Load-to-Dock guidance that shows potential loading zones or storage lots when approaching your destination.

On top of that, you’ll get a preloaded truck and trailer services directory, and you’ll be able to view truck-friendly parking information along your route. Equally useful for any truck driver is the massive screen, which has a screen size of seven inches, so even in the front of a truck, you won’t have a hard time positioning it somewhere that you can easily see it. If seven inches doesn’t cut it for you and you need the biggest screen size you can get your hands on, then there are also 8- and 10-inch models. Though be warned – they’re insanely expensive.

The Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator comes with wi-fi capabilities and can access a lot of the extra features we’ve come to love without Bluetooth integration, including hands-free, voice-activated navigation and assistance. You also get constant live updates of weather, traffic, and fuel prices, so you’ll always be up to date and in the loop.

The biggest drawback of the Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator is that it’s incredibly expensive, even if you get the smallest screen size. Of course, if you’re using it for work, then maybe you can write it off and get an employer to pay for it.

The utility of this truck navigation system is a little all-or-nothing. If you don’t have a truck, there’s no reason to pay for it. But if you do own a truck, then the Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator is hands down the best GPS device for you.

How Do I Set Up a Garmin GPS?

I’ll start by saying that there’s actually no setup required for most Garmin GPS units, so all the technophobes reading can rest easy. Of course, there are still some measures you may want to take to maximize your experience with your GPS navigation.

The first important step I recommend is buying a good stand so you can keep your GPS unit fastened in a convenient location and ensure a hands-free experience. You can easily find a cheap and decent stand online or at any electronics store.

After that, it’s a good idea to connect your phone to your GPS through Bluetooth to get ready for hands-free calling and voice-activated navigation. Most GPS units will come with instructions on how to do this, but it’s pretty easy, and rummaging through the settings of the GPS device should honestly be enough to figure it out on your own.

Definitely do this all before you actually start driving, for obvious reasons. That’s really all there is to it. You’ll be ready to go with the best GPS navigation in no time!

Verdict: Your Best Garmin GPS

We’re reaching the end of our list, and you’re hopefully starting to get a good idea of which of our products is best for you. But if you haven’t made up your mind yet, not to worry. We don’t want to rush, and we know how important it is to make sure you’re getting the Garmin GPS that’s perfect for you. That’s why we’re going to recap all of our Garmin GPS’s and focus on their standout features. This way, you’ll be able to see the highlights and really know what each product has to offer for you.  

If you want the best value for your money, pick the Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System.

The Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System has every feature you can need from your GPS except Bluetooth functionality. But you’re still getting free Lifetime Map updates, amazing GPS navigation based on points of interest, and the Garmin Drivesmart technology that will show you the road as it appears in real life so you can understand exactly where you’re going and not miss any highway exits. This 5-inch GPS also comes at a cheap price, and aside from short battery life, there’s no real downside. The Garmin Drive 50LM GPS Navigator System is the best car GPS unit for anyone who values a good deal.

If you need a GPS unit for truck driving, pick the Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator.

Truck drivers need GPS navigation too, and the Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator is just about the only Garmin GPS device that offers driving directions specifically for truck drivers with different needs and different regulations. This amazing truck-friendly GPS gives you driver alerts of weather and fuel prices and helps you easily find docking stations. It comes with preloaded maps specifically aimed at truckers, and it has voice-activated navigation for a hands-free design. You also get all of the amazing features we’ve come to expect from any Garmin GPS. The Garmin DEZL OTR700 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator is hands-down the best GPS unit for any truck driver.

If you want something perfect for a road trip, pick the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America.

You know the drill by now – free Lifetime Map Updates, Garmin Drivesmart technology, points-of-interest based navigation, and hands-free calling and voice-activated navigation thanks to Bluetooth technology. These features are standard in all of our Garmin GPS units. But what the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America offers over other Garmin products is the Up Next navigation that shows you all of the upcoming gas stations, restaurants, and pit stops without leaving your navigation. Never hear the word “rerouting” ever again with the Garmin Nuvi 2689LMT North America. This is the best GPS for any avid road tripper.

That brings us to the end of our list, and I hope you’ve started to settle on a GPS for your car. You also have hopefully noticed the features that set apart Garmin GPS units from the crowd – free Lifetime Map updates, navigation based on important points of interest, and easy hands-free calling.

If none of the highlighted products above were quite what you’re looking for, you may be more interested in the top-of-the-line Garmin Nuvi 2699LMTHD GPS System.

Remember to think about or write down the feature that’s most important to you. This will help you save some time by skipping the products that don’t have what you’re looking for.

That’s all for now. Enjoy your GPS and happy travels!

For all you true nature lovers, we’ve made this list of the best GPS watches for hikers so that you can stay grounded and at ease while you explore the great outdoors. We want to help you find a hiking smartwatch that’s as tough as you are.

Carry on reading to see our full list of the best GPS watches for hikers, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick here.

What Should You Look For in a GPS Watch for Hiking?

Now that we’ve established why you might want a hiking watch to keep you grounded on the trail, we need to show you what to look for in the best hiking watches. We’ve already established that any old smartwatch probably won’t get the job done, so what does that leave us with? We’ve broken down all the essential criteria below so that you can become an expert in no time at all and feel ready to make your purchase.

Criteria #1: Durability – Like we said earlier, we want to find a hiking watch that’s as tough as you are. Hiking isn’t always a particularly safe sport, and between those pesky branches and the occasional tumble, your hiking watch is inevitably going to receive its fair share of the beating. That’s why our top priority is to find hiking watches that will be able to handle the abuse and that will be able to keep on trucking for years on end. We also want to find watches that are scratch-resistant and at least somewhat water-resistant.

Criteria #2: Battery Life – Who knows how long you’ll be out on the trail? Even if you’re planning on getting into a hotel overnight in between hikes, you may just not have a good outlet situation, or you may forget to bring your watch charger entirely. Nobody has ever been upset that their hiking watch’s battery is too good, and we want to see how far we can push that. We’re looking for hiking watches with a battery that will last for days or even weeks on end while you blaze on down the trails without a care in the world.

Criteria #3: Extra Features – The difference between extraordinary and ordinary is just that little extra. Small extra features can go a long way, and we definitely don’t want to neglect these little bonuses when we’re evaluating the best hiking watches out there. We want everything including the kitchen sink. The best watches out there will have heart rate and breathing rate monitors, altitude measurements, and extra modes specifically for certain workouts or activities, and we definitely don’t want to rob you of those amazing features.

Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Hiking GPS Watches

We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best GPS watch for hiker” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We also looked for any notable features that may not have squarely fit in any of our criteria, and we made sure to include products from a wide variety of niches and price ranges. This way, all of our readers will be able to find the best hiking watch for their needs no matter what.  

And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best GPS watches for any hiker. 

#1: Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch (Best Value – All-Purpose)

Our list starts off with the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch. Get used to the name Sunnto, because I promise you’ll be seeing it again in our list of the best hiking watches – or any other list of the best hiking watches for that matter. Along with Garmin, Suunto is just about the premier name in hiking watches, and the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch is one of their best models available.

To start things off, this Sunnto hiking watch features a battery life of 120 hours or 5 days. So unless you’re doing a full cross-country trek, you should have no problem making the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch’s battery last for your entire hike or camping getaway.

With their premium hiking watch, Suunto also offers 100 meters of water resistance, so you can go for a quick swim or dive in that beautiful lake without a care in the world. You’re also getting over 80 sports modes to help you stay goal-oriented and in shape and a heart rate monitor that will give you a blast of dopamine when you get a great visual of exactly how hard you were working on that steep climb. Nothing keeps you going like a little positive reinforcement and easily-measured progress. Finally, the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch also includes the Suunto Sports App which will help you access new workouts and get advice from the rest of the active community.

Suunto promises that this watch has been “tested to the extreme with thousands of hours of real use in the toughest conditions,” so you know you’re getting a proven and durable watch. The Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch has an optional built-in barometer available that will provide you with a storm alarm, weather trends, and sunrise and sunset times. The fact that you can take a solid chunk out of the price of this watch by passing on the barometer is just the cherry on top, and it’s part of what makes this product such a great value that’s perfect for anyone. Plus, the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch has full smartwatch capabilities, so you can leave your phone in your bag and still be reachable in case of an emergency. And to cap things off, it boasts an intelligent GPS system that manages to maintain accuracy without draining your battery.

We already mentioned that Suunto is at the top of basically every list of the best hiking watches, and the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch is no exception. In addition to being featured on multiple lists, this versatile hiking watch has a slew of positive reviews from paying customers on Amazon. Customers praised this watch for its battery life, durable design, and easy-to-use interface.

And on top of all that, it comes in at a competitive price that’s cheaper than most of the comparable hiking watches out there, especially if you decide to pass on the barometer. That’s what makes the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch the best value of any hiking watch, and that’s why it’s our number one pick for the best hiking watch.

#2: Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch (Best Overall GPS Watch for Hikers)

We praised the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch as the best value out there in terms of return on your dollar, and that’s why it earned our number one spot. However, if you are willing to take a loss on your return if it means a better overall product, then you may decide to splurge for a more luxurious watch. If you’re the kind of customer that won’t settle for anything but the best, then you’ll definitely want to consider the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch.

While this watch is a little (okay, a lot) more expensive than our number one pick, it has some specs and features that just separate it from the pack. If you’re looking to pay top-dollar for a top-dollar hiking smartwatch, then here are some features that might convince you to break the bank for the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch.

Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Insane Battery Life

While you might think that the 120 hours of battery life from the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch is pretty amazing, this is actually more or less standard amongst hiking watches. On the other hand, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch features the most insane battery life out there. Straight from the horse’s mouth, Garmin proudly boasts that this watch provides “up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 10 hours in GPS and music mode, up to 28 days in expedition GPS activity mode, and up to 48 days in battery-saver mode.”

So to recap, if you use this watch in the GPS activity mode, it’ll last you about the entire month of February. That’s one long hike! And then if you turn on power-saving mode, you’ll get almost 2 months. According to Google Maps, that’s more than enough time to walk from New York to California.

So if you want to enjoy the trail without once checking how much battery you have left, then the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch is the only hiking watch for you.

Reason #2 to Choose This Product: PacePro Guidance

Do you tend to get a little ahead of yourself on hikes or runs? I know I do. It’s perfectly understandable to get a bit overzealous with your pacing. If you want to lower the amount of starting-and-stopping on your hikes or on your morning jog, then the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch’s amazing PacePro Guidance feature is just perfect for you.

This amazing guidance feature will keep you on pace with grade-adjusted guidance as you run a course so that you’ll be able to keep moving and become a more skilled runner or hiker. When you combine this with the performance metrics this watch provides such as estimated running dynamics, heat- and altitude-adjusted VO2 max, recovery advisor, and more, this watch is the best watch to help you better understand your running and hiking habits.

On top of the PacePro Guidance and the out-of-this-world battery life, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch comes with all of the standard features including a heart rate monitor, sleep pattern analyzer, and an always-on display that’s 18% larger than the previous Garmin Fenix models. Just to top things off, you’re also getting pre-downloaded maps courtesy of Togo, and information and difficulty ratings on 2,000 different ski resorts. Finally, an altimeter barometer compass means you’ll always know exactly where you are and you’ll always have a good bearing on the situation.

It comes at a hefty price, but whether you’re hitting the hiking trail, the running track, or the ski slope, the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is just about the best watch out there.

#3: Suunto Traverse Alpha Hiking Smartwatch (Best for Staying in Sync with Nature)

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At the end of the day, what is hiking really about other than connecting with nature? If you want a hiker’s watch that will not only stop you from getting lost but also make sure that leave the trail with a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors and mother nature, then the Suunto Traverse Alpha Hiking Smartwatch is the only watch for you.

Just like our best overall watch from Garmin, the Suunto Traverse Alpha Hiking Smartwatch tells you the sunrise and sunset times so that you can perfectly plan your route, knowing exactly when to wake up and when you’ll run out of daylight. But what’s even more incredible is that this watch, which is the best friend of outdoorsy folk everywhere, comes included with a location-based moon phase calendar with moonrise and moonset times. This means you’ll know exactly which nights are best for a little night swim or when you’ll have a completely dark dusk that’s perfect for stargazing. If you’re into watching the fish, this moon chart will also give you a good idea of when certain fish will be out and active, so you can observe nature in action in its purest form.

As for the actual watch, the Suunto Traverse Alpha Hiking Smartwatch features a glass fiber reinforced composite with stainless steel coated, knurled bezel and pushers, and it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters deep. You’re getting a great watch that’s durable and can handle a quick swim or two.

In the standard setting, the battery lasts for 14 days, while in active GPS mode it can last for 10, 15, or even 100 hours depending on the setting you use. The Suunto Traverse Alpha Hiking Smartwatch also lets you plan your route with accurate topographic routes, and it has a pressure barometer to help you keep track of the conditions as the trail starts to escalate. On top of that, you have a form alarm that will help you keep track of the weather so you can stay dry if some rain is coming in.

The Suunto Traverse Alpha Hiking Smartwatch is very well-reviewed, both from blog posts and from customers, but it’s definitely on the more expensive side of things if you buy it new. That means that unless you can get a good deal on a used one, you may want to pass on this hiking smartwatch unless you just can’t say no to that moon chart and some of the other less common features this watch offers. But if those features are just calling your name, then the Suunto Traverse Alpha Hiking Smartwatch is the only watch out there that will meet your needs.

#4: Suunto Core Regular Black Digital Display Quartz Watch (Best Low Cost)

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I told you to get used to the name Suunto. The leaders of hiking watches manage to nab their third spot on our list, this time with the incredibly affordable Suunto Core Regular Black Digital Display Quartz Watch.

We’ve hit a wide spectrum of prices on this list so far, but you might still have felt that you need to be prepared to break the bank for a good hiking smartwatch. Well, the Suunto Core Regular Black Digital Display Quartz Watch is here to assuage those fears. This budget Suunto product has an altimeter, barometer, compass, and depth measurer that will quickly and clearly show you your current elevation, ascent speed, and descent speed, and it will record your hiking progress. This watch even measures your current depth and your maximum depth reached while diving, so you can get a little competitive and try to break your record. Not bad for a smartwatch you found in the bargain bin.

While customers have complimented the water-resistance of the Suunto Core Regular Black Digital Display Quartz Watch, there isn’t an actual official maximum depth listed for this watch, so I’d be a little cautious before going deep-sea scuba diving with it.

The biggest flaw of this watch is probably that it’s missing the heart rate monitor that’s become pretty much a given in any other hiking or fitness watch. Plus, I’m not a big fan of its pixelated display, which almost looks like you’re playing Snake on an old Nokia flip-phone from the 90s. But it does have sunrise and sunset times for over 400 locations, and it boasts warranty-covered accuracy for up to 2 years, so you’ll be able to carefully plan out your mornings for a few hiking seasons to come.

If you want to keep things cheap and still walk away with a great smartwatch that will make your time on the trail that much more enjoyable and organized, then the Suunto Core Regular Black Digital Display Quartz Watch is the best option for you.

#5: Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch (Most Intuitive Design)

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Okay, I know it may not seem like it from reading this list, but I promise there are other hiking watches out there other than Suunto and Garmin. Of course, Garmin and Suunto have the market pretty much cornered, and that’s how they’ve managed to make up the entirety of our list. But enough about that. The final smartwatch for hikers on our list is the Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch, and it’s the perfect choice for anyone who prioritizes a good and easy-to-understand user interface over everything.

The reason the Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch is such a good friend of technophobes everywhere is that it uses the same intuitive and simple user interface that you already use with your smartphone and tablet and even with most standard smartwatches that aren’t specifically geared towards hiking – the touch screen. That’s right, the Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch’s interface is entirely touchscreen dependent, so there are no buttons or dials that you need to worry about or figure out. Just touch what you want to interact with, and you’re done.

Now, don’t make the mistake of thinking that all this watch has to offer is a fancy touchscreen. The Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch comes with 8 GB of internal memory to store maps from Topo USA and Canada, as well as the large library of maps that come preloaded. You also get an altimeter, barometer, and compass to help keep you grounded at all times. Keep track of your whereabouts, your elevation, and the upcoming weather all with one quick look at your new watch.

This rugged watch has a tough frame, and it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters. Finally, you get the heart rate monitor and sleep pattern analyzer that we’ve come to love and expect.

The Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch falls firmly on the cheaper end of things compared to our other hiking watches. It only has 111 reviews on Amazon, but most of those reviews are pretty positive, so this is definitely something of a hidden gem.

The price and the intuitive touchscreen combine to offer a product that’s perfect for anyone newer to hiking smartwatches. You get to keep the spending cheap while you decide if you’re into hiking smartwatches, and you’ll get an easy-to-use watch to get you started.

If you want a cheap smartwatch for hiking that has a great intuitive touchscreen and that comes with all of the standard features to help you along the trail, then the Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch is just about the only watch that’s a real option for you.

Verdict: Your Best Hiking GPS Watches

We’re reaching the end of our list, and you’re hopefully starting to get a good idea of which of our products is best for you. But if you haven’t made up your mind yet, not to worry. We don’t want to rush, and we know how important it is to make sure you’re getting the hiker’s GPS watch that’s perfect for you. That’s why we’re going to recap all of our GPS watches for hikers and focus on their standout features. This way, you’ll be able to see the highlights and really know what each product has to offer for you.  

If you want the best value for your money, pick the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch.

This Suunto product was our number one pick for a reason. It provides just about everything you can ask for and manages to keep it affordable, with the option to make things even cheaper by passing on the barometer. Water-resistance? How does 100 meters sound? Battery life? This baby will last for five days. You also get 80 sports modes that will help you vary up the ways in which you stay physically active. This watch also comes with, of course, a heart rate monitor that will help you see where your workout was the most intense, and a sleep pattern that will help you better understand your body. Did we mention it’s cheap? Suunto is one of the best brands out there in hiking smartwatches, and the Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch is one of their best products. So get the best of the best with our number one pick.

If you need to really enjoy nature, pick the Suunto Traverse Alpha.

Almost every sports watch at this point comes with a calendar for sunrise and sunset times, but the Suunto Traverse Alpha is just about the only watch out there that also has moonrise and moonset times. This means that you can perfectly plan out your days and nights so that you get the most out of your visit to Mother Nature. Squeeze in a night swim when you have the light of the moon, and make sure to stargaze when you know the night will be as dark as possible. You’re also getting 100 meters of water-resistance and 14 days of battery life, so you really don’t have to rejoin civilization until you’re ready. It’s a bit expensive, but if you can find a better watch for the true nature lover than the Suunto Traverse Alpha, please let me know.

If you want to keep the spending cheap, pick the Suunto Core Regular Black Digital Display Quartz Watch.

Maybe I should’ve just made this a list of Suunto products. They definitely gave me enough material to work with. The Suunto Core Regular Black Digital Display Quartz Watch gives you all of the must-have features and proves that you don’t need to break the bank for a good sports watch. You get the full combo of an altimeter, barometer, compass, and depth measurer, and you have sunrise and sunset times for over 400 different locations. My only problem with this watch is that I don’t really like the design, but that may seem like a small compromise for most customers. The altimeter, barometer, compass, and depth measure is the go-to for anyone trying to stay within a budget.

That brings us to the end of our list, and we hope you’re starting to have a good idea of which watch is best for you. If you weren’t interested in any of the highlighted products above, you may be more interested in the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Hiking Watch with its ultra-long battery life or the intuitive and simple Topo Canada Garmin Epix Smartwatch.

A word of advice, it’s a good idea to have in mind which trait is most important to you when you start researching. This will help you save some time by quickly skipping the watches that don’t have the features you’re looking for.

That’s all for now. We hope this list helped, and we hope you enjoy the hiking!