Activity trackers are essential for many during sports. Whether you enjoy walking, running, or cycling, a tracker with built-in GPS lets you leave your phone behind. We’ve compiled a list of the top four activity trackers with GPS to help you make the right choice.
Why GPS on Your Activity Tracker?With built-in GPS, you can easily track speed, location, and distance without carrying a smartphone. This ensures your phone isn’t bouncing around in your pocket during workouts. GPS also allows all-day activity tracking without needing your phone constantly, making it essential for avid outdoor athletes. |
1. Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 is the latest in the Charge series. It features built-in GPS and NFC for contactless payments, so you can leave your phone and card behind, even for a quick drink during a workout. Its compact design ensures comfort during sports.
You can easily swap the strap to match your style or material preference, offering variety and personalization. Explore our range of Fitbit straps for the Charge 5.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| NFC contactless payments (unique) | No altimeter |
| Light and compact design | No ‘Find My Phone’ feature |
| Heart rate monitor | |
| Blood oxygen measurement | |
| Wide strap selection | |
| Damage-resistant glass |
Price: €129
2. Huawei Band 4 Pro
The Huawei Band 4 Pro is an older model in Huawei’s lineup. While newer Band models lack GPS, this one retains it, making it a budget-friendly option. Despite its age, it suits most athletes well with accurate GPS tracking, a heart rate monitor, and always-on display.
The design isn’t ideal for smaller wrists due to its elongated ‘band’ shape, which may leave gaps. Explore our range of Huawei straps for the Band 4 Pro.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lowest price | Older model |
| Heart rate monitor | Poor fit for small wrists |
| Blood oxygen measurement | No damage-resistant glass |
| Altimeter | |
| Multi-sport mode | |
| Sweat measurement |
Price: €49.95
3. Xiaomi Amazfit Bip
The Xiaomi Amazfit Bip is an older model but remains a strong contender in the activity tracker market. It offers numerous features for a low price, including GPS, a heart rate sensor, barometer, and always-on display. Its standout feature is its battery life, lasting up to 30 days with normal use or 45 days maximum, far surpassing the 7-day battery life of others on this list.
Its square design resembles a smartwatch more than a typical tracker band. Personalise it with our range of Xiaomi straps for the Amazfit Bip.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Long battery life | Older model |
| Wide strap selection | No blood oxygen sensor |
| Low price | No smart alarm |
| Damage-resistant glass | |
| Barometer | |
| Altimeter |
Price: €65
4. Garmin Vívosport
The Garmin Vívosport is a highly compact tracker with a band-style design. Essentially a Vivosmart 3+ with added GPS, it mirrors the Vivosmart 3’s look but includes upgrades like a glass screen, 24/7 stress tracking, and breathing exercises.
It lacks a vibration alarm and smart alarm, limiting its use for waking up. The VO2 Max sensor measures your maximum potential oxygen uptake, providing a precise fitness level indicator. Within the app, it offers a ‘race prediction’ for theoretical running distance and supports breathing exercises.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| VO2 Max sensor | Expensive for its features |
| Heart rate monitor | Non-replaceable strap |
| 24/7 stress tracking | No damage-resistant glass |
| Altimeter | |
| Breathing exercises |
Price: €110
Conclusion
An activity tracker with GPS is perfect for avid outdoor athletes on a budget. For those not ready for a full sports watch, a GPS-enabled tracker is an excellent choice.
Want the lowest price? Choose the Huawei Band 4 Pro.
Need to sport for weeks without charging? The Xiaomi Amazfit Bip offers exceptional battery life.
Want to buy a drink after cycling? The Fitbit Charge 5 supports contactless payments.
Need to track fitness accurately? The Garmin Vívosport’s VO2 Max sensor delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use an activity tracker without a smartphone?
With built-in GPS, you can track everything without carrying a phone.
Is an activity tracker waterproof?
All trackers in this list are dust- and water-resistant, often suitable for swimming with a dedicated swim mode.
Why do I need GPS on an activity tracker?
Built-in GPS tracks speed, location, and distance without a smartphone, allowing you to exercise freely and monitor activities all day without carrying your phone.
What is an activity tracker?
An activity tracker is a type of smartwatch designed to monitor health, activity, and sports. Equipped with sensors, it tracks various metrics and often provides detailed insights into sleep patterns and quality.
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