Sports & Outdoors · 4 products compared
The GPS Running Watch Most Runners Should Buy (It's Not Apple)
Best GPS running watch comparison: Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3, Pixel Watch 5 and ALPHAGEAR Delta 2. Which one is worth it for runners?
This page shows ads and contains affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never changes our verdict.
At a glance
- 1US$198.95See at Amazon
- 2
![Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop - M/L](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81J2PNz0kML._AC_SX522_.jpg)
Best premium
Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop - M/L
4.0US$799.99See at Amazon - 3
US$429.99See at Amazon - 4
US$149.95See at Amazon
Prices and availability as of 17 Oct 2026 and subject to change. The price shown on the store at the time of purchase applies.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is the best GPS running watch for most runners. It suits beginners and regular road runners who want accurate run tracking, guided training plans and long battery life without paying flagship prices. It works with both iPhone and Android.
The other three watches each fit a narrower buyer. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a premium, rugged choice for iPhone owners who want cellular, satellite messaging and health alerts. The Google Pixel Watch 5 is a general smartwatch for Android users that also tracks runs. The ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2 is a budget rugged watch with very little owner feedback so far.
Why the Garmin Forerunner 165 wins
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a dedicated running watch, and that focus shows in the spec sheet. It has built-in GPS, wrist heart rate and an AMOLED touchscreen. It also includes adaptive daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach training plans, which are genuinely useful if you are training for a first 5K or a half marathon.
Battery life is rated at up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours with GPS. That covers a week of daily runs between charges, or a long trail day.
It also has the strongest owner track record here: a 4.6-star average from over 5,200 reviews. At the current price it sits well below its list price, which makes it the clear value pick.
The trade-off is that it is not a rugged outdoor watch. It lacks the premium materials of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and is not designed as a full smartwatch replacement.
Apple Watch Ultra 3: the premium pick for iPhone users
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the most capable and most expensive watch here. It combines a titanium case, a sapphire display, 100 m water resistance, GPS plus cellular and satellite communications. Health features include ECG/AFib and hypertension alerts. Owners rate it 4.7 stars across about 1,200 reviews.
It costs roughly four times as much as the Garmin, though, and it only works with an iPhone. It is a superb all-round smartwatch that also runs well. For running alone, you are paying for a lot you may not use.
The listing we found was a sponsored result showing only one unit left in stock. Check the seller and price before you buy.
Google Pixel Watch 5: an Android smartwatch first
The Google Pixel Watch 5 is a polished general smartwatch. It offers Gemini AI, Google Health insights and a domed Gorilla Glass display. Battery life is rated at up to 40 hours.
For runners it has three drawbacks:
- It is Android only and does not work with iPhones.
- It is not a dedicated running watch, so you do not get structured training plans like Garmin Coach.
- It has only 151 reviews so far, and the listing was a sponsored result.
Buy it if you want a daily Android smartwatch that also handles casual runs. Skip it if running performance is your priority.
ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2: cheap, rugged, unproven
The ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2 is the cheapest watch here. On paper it offers a lot for the money: standalone GPS with a dedicated GPS button, a compass, a barometric altimeter and a 1.43-inch 466x466 AMOLED display with physical buttons.
The problem is evidence. It has just 12 reviews, which is far too few to judge GPS accuracy, durability or app quality. It also costs only about 50 USD less than the much better-reviewed Garmin Forerunner 165. For most runners, that small saving is not worth the risk.
Which should you buy?
- Most runners, any phone: Garmin Forerunner 165
- iPhone owners who want the best rugged smartwatch: Apple Watch Ultra 3
- Android users who want a smartwatch first: Google Pixel Watch 5
- Hikers on a tight budget willing to take a chance: ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2
Side by side
| Spec | Best overallGarmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Black | Best premiumApple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop - M/L | Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm) - Android Smartwatch - Fog - Wi-Fi | ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2 GPS Rugged Smartwatch, GPS Tactical Watch for Men |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Amazon rating | 4.6 (5,209 reviews) | 4.7 (1,209 reviews) | 4.6 (151 reviews) | 4.4 (12 reviews) |
| Battery | Up to 11 days smartwatch / 19 h GPS | Not specified in listing | Up to 40 h | Not specified in listing |
| Display | AMOLED touchscreen, 43mm | Sapphire, 49mm | Domed Actua 360 Gorilla Glass, 45mm | 1.43" 466x466 AMOLED touch |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone and Android | iPhone only | Android only | Not specified in listing |
| Price | 198.95 USD (list 249.99) | 799.99 USD | 429.99 USD | 149.95 USD |
| Standout feature | Garmin Coach training plans | Cellular plus satellite communications | Gemini AI health insights | Compass and barometric altimeter |
| Price | US$198.95 | US$799.99 | US$429.99 | US$149.95 |
Prices and availability as of 17 Oct 2026 and subject to change. The price shown on the store at the time of purchase applies.
Best overall
1. Garmin Forerunner® 165, Running Smartwatch, 43mm, Black
4.5A focused, well-reviewed running watch with training plans and strong battery life at a fair discounted price.
Best for Most runners on any phone
- Built-in GPS and wrist heart rate track pace, distance and effort without carrying your phone.
- Adaptive daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach plans give structured training for beginners and improving runners.
- Battery life is rated at up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours with GPS.
What we like
- Dedicated running features and Garmin Coach plans
- Long battery life for its class
- Huge, strongly positive review base
- Discounted well below list price
What could be better
- Not a rugged outdoor watch
- Fewer smartwatch extras than Apple or Google
- No cellular connectivity
Best premium
2. Apple Watch Ultra 3 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Running & Multisport Smartwatch w/Rugged Titanium Case w/Blue/Bright Blue Trail Loop - M/L
4.0The most capable and best-rated watch here, but expensive, iPhone-only and overkill if you only run.
Best for iPhone owners wanting a premium rugged watch
- Titanium case, sapphire display and 100 m water resistance suit trail running and water sports.
- GPS plus cellular and satellite communications let you stay reachable without your phone.
- ECG/AFib and hypertension alerts add health monitoring beyond fitness tracking.
What we like
- Premium rugged build with sapphire display
- Cellular and satellite connectivity
- Advanced health alerts
- Highest owner rating in this group
What could be better
- Roughly four times the price of the Garmin
- Requires an iPhone
- Sponsored listing with only 1 unit left in stock
3. Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm) - Android Smartwatch - Fog - Wi-Fi
3.5A polished Android smartwatch that tracks runs, but it is not a dedicated running watch and costs more than double the Garmin.
Best for Android users wanting a smartwatch first
- Gemini AI and Google Health provide personalized insights from your activity and health data.
- The domed Actua 360 Gorilla Glass display is designed for everyday smartwatch use.
- Battery life is rated at up to 40 hours.
What we like
- Smart AI-driven health insights
- Attractive domed display
- Strong rating so far
What could be better
- Android only, no iPhone support
- No dedicated running training plans
- Relatively few reviews (151)
- Sponsored listing
4. ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2 GPS Rugged Smartwatch, GPS Tactical Watch for Men
3.0Appealing outdoor specs for the price, but only 12 reviews make it a gamble next to the proven Garmin.
Best for Budget hikers willing to take a risk
- Standalone GPS with a dedicated GPS button makes starting a tracked activity quick.
- A compass and barometric altimeter add useful tools for hiking and trail use.
- The 1.43-inch 466x466 AMOLED touch display is paired with physical buttons.
What we like
- Lowest price in the group
- Compass and barometric altimeter
- Sharp AMOLED display with physical buttons
What could be better
- Only 12 reviews, so reliability is unproven
- Battery life not stated in the listing
- Only about 50 USD cheaper than the Garmin Forerunner 165
The verdict
Buy the Garmin Forerunner 165 if you mainly want a running watch. It has proven GPS tracking, training plans, up to 19 hours of GPS battery and thousands of positive reviews, all at a fair discounted price. Choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 only if you have an iPhone and want a premium rugged smartwatch with cellular, satellite messaging and health alerts, and you can live with its high price. The Google Pixel Watch 5 makes sense for Android users who want a smartwatch first and a running tracker second. iPhone owners and serious runners should skip it. The ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2 has appealing outdoor specs, but with only 12 reviews it is too unproven to recommend over the Garmin for most buyers.
How we compared: We did not test, wear or handle these watches. Our ranking is based on the specs, current US prices and Amazon owner ratings and review counts gathered by our sourcing team, combined with general knowledge of how GPS running watches are used. We weighted running-specific features, battery life, phone compatibility, price and the size and strength of the owner review base. We also noted when a listing was sponsored, low on stock or backed by very few reviews. Read our full method
Readers' podium
Which one would you buy?
Pick one to vote. Our pick is marked, so you can see if readers agree.
No votes yet: be the first
Responses (0)
Questions people ask
What is the best GPS running watch for beginners?
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is the best pick for beginners because it includes adaptive daily workout suggestions and Garmin Coach training plans. It also has built-in GPS, wrist heart rate and an easy-to-read AMOLED screen.
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth it for running?
It is worth it only if you have an iPhone and want a premium smartwatch beyond running. You get a rugged titanium build, cellular, satellite communications and health alerts. For running alone, the much cheaper Garmin Forerunner 165 covers the essentials.
Garmin Forerunner 165 vs Apple Watch Ultra 3: which should I get?
Get the Forerunner 165 if running is your main goal and you want to spend far less. Get the Ultra 3 if you are an iPhone user who wants a rugged, cellular-connected smartwatch with advanced health features.
Does the Google Pixel Watch 5 work with iPhone?
No, the Google Pixel Watch 5 is Android only and is not compatible with iOS.
How long does a GPS running watch battery last?
It varies widely by model. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is rated for up to 19 hours of GPS use and up to 11 days in smartwatch mode. The Google Pixel Watch 5 is rated for up to 40 hours of total battery life.
Is the ALPHAGEAR Delta Series 2 a good running watch?
It might be, but there is not enough evidence yet. Its specs include standalone GPS, a compass and a barometric altimeter, but it has only 12 owner reviews. Long-term reliability and GPS accuracy are therefore unproven.
