As technology has evolved, leading to lower costs and smaller sizes, GPS has become more accessible and integrated into our daily lives—whether through vehicles, smartphones, or smartwatches. This widespread availability and convenience has not only transformed how we navigate our world but has also opened up new opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
This increased accessibility has also led to a growing interest among outdoor enthusiasts, with more people using GPS-enabled devices for activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the outdoors. To meet this demand, more wearable brands and manufacturers are incorporating GPS functionality into their products like GPS watches, targeting a wider audience.
The expansion into the outdoor exploration market has proven to be a smart strategy, as the GPS watch segment has seen rapid growth within the smartwatch industry. Brands now cater to a wider audience, offering not only GPS and ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) features for adventurers, but also advanced health and workout tracking for everyday use, appealing to both casual users and serious explorers.
In this post, I’ll be showcasing the top 8 GPS watch manufacturers of 2025. The most famous and dominant player in this segment is undoubtedly Garmin, known for its precision and reliability.
1. Garmin
Garmin, founded in 1989, is a multinational technology company based in the United States. The company specializes in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology and has integrated GPS navigation into a wide range of industries, including wearable technology, automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor, and fitness.
In the wearable technology space, Garmin offers various smartwatches designed for specific purposes such as running, multisport activities, health tracking, fitness, outdoor adventures, and golf watches. Notable models in Garmin’s lineup include Forerunner, Instinct, Enduro, fenix, and vívoactive. These smartwatches are equipped with advanced GPS technology, making them ideal for precise navigation and activity tracking in different environments.
Garmin GPS watches use multi-band GNSS technology and SatIQ to ensure precise tracking in challenging environments like forests or cities. Users can also customize features and add apps through the Garmin Connect IQ platform.
2. Apple
Apple launched its first wearable, the Apple Watch, in 2015, solidifying its position as a global leader in the smartwatch market. The company’s product lineup spans fitness-focused models to premium GPS, cellular-enabled devices, supported by an integrated ecosystem of software and services like watchOS updates, health-tracking algorithms, and third-party app integrations.
In 2023, Apple debuted the Apple Watch Ultra 2, featuring dual-frequency GNSS (L1+L5 signals) for enhanced accuracy in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons. Its Backtrack feature automatically generates a GPS breadcrumb trail—recording the path traveled in real time—allowing users to retrace their route if lost, even when offline.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retails from $799, reflecting its premium positioning as one of the market’s most expensive smartwatches.
3. Suunto
Suunto Oy, founded in 1936, is a Finnish company renowned for its durable, reliable, and innovative sports watches, dive computers, compasses and precision instruments. The durability, long battery life and reliable performance of its products make it the top choice for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who demand precision in the wild.
The Suunto 9 Baro, for example, can last up to 170 hours with GPS tracking enabled, using 4 adjustable battery modes—Performance, Endurance, Ultra or Tour. Some models feature dual-band GPS/GNSS to ensure accurate tracking even in challenging environments. Features like turn-by-turn navigation, breadcrumb trails, and points of interest (POIs), make them excellent companions for outdoor activities and adventures.
Some Suunto models feature FusedAlti™ for precise altitude and ascent/descent data, while FusedTrack enhances tracking accuracy and conserves battery life on long adventures.
4. Starmax
Starmax Technology Co., Ltd. (known as Starmax), founded in 2015, is a leading smartwatch manufacturer in the design, research, and supply of smart wearable devices. With a decade of industry expertise, Starmax specializes in delivering high-performance wearables, ranging from basic fitness trackers to advanced smartwatches with built-in GPS, catering to global markets. Their devices support up to 100 sports modes, including cycling, swimming, and skiing, to meet diverse training needs.
Advanced models like the GTX2 GPS Outdoor Smart Watch are engineered for hiking, trail running, and outdoor activities. Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, it offers precise route tracking and navigation with built-in GPS. The integrated digital compass helps users stay on course, while real-time altitude and air pressure monitoring keep them informed about changing conditions. A 390mAh battery powers the device, delivering 7 to 15 days of reliable performance, making it an excellent companion for extended outdoor expeditions.
Business Partnership and Rebranding Opportunities
Starmax has built its reputation on innovation and quality. Its dedicated team of over 450 experts—spanning hardware engineering, software development, app creation, and UI design—drives its relentless pursuit of excellence. Backed by more than 100 patented technologies and strict quality standards, Starmax’s commitment is validated by ISO 9001 certification and amfori BSCI approval.
If you’re looking to expand your product line with advanced GPS watches, rebrand your offerings to reflect your unique identity, or scale up as a market-ready distributor, Starmax is your ideal partner. The company offers flexible OEM/ODM one-stop customization solutions tailored for retailers, e-commerce giants, and startups alike—ensure you stand out in a competitive market. With products embraced in over 50 countries and more than 25 million units shipped, Starmax has earned a reputation for reliability, timely delivery, and exceptional customer satisfaction.
5. Polar
Polar Electro Oy (also known as Polar) is a Finnish manufacturer founded in 1977, specializing in advanced heart rate monitoring devices and athletic training accessories, including GPS smartwatches.
The Polar Vantage M3 is popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts for accurate tracking, long battery life, and robust features like dual-frequency GPS, offline maps, and multi-sport support.
A standout feature of the Polar Vantage M3 is its offline maps capability, which enables navigation without a constant internet connection. This is particularly useful during outdoor adventures in areas with limited connectivity. The seamless integration with apps like Komoot offers intuitive route planning and guidance.
6. COROS
COROS is a performance sports technology company focused on creating high-performance GPS sport watches for outdoor sports, with a specialization in running—including Track, Trail, Road, and Ultra disciplines.
Its popular PACE series delivers detailed training insights, precise activity tracking, and robust durability. For example, the COROS PACE 3 offers dual-frequency GPS for pinpoint distance calculation and provides up to 38 hours of continuous GPS use. For athletes seeking precision and endurance, COROS is a great choice.
7. Samsung
Samsung is a South Korean conglomerate known for its wide range of electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Its popular Galaxy Watch series offers advanced health and fitness features, such as GPS navigation, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking.
Latest models like the Galaxy Watch 7 boast dual-frequency GPS for accurate route mapping of activities like running, cycling, and hiking, along with AI-powered health insights. Powered by Wear OS, these smartwatches also support third-party GPS navigation apps with offline maps for reliable navigation in low-network areas.
8. Amazfit
Amazfit, a global smart wearables brand under health-tech company Zepp Health, has empowered fitness and outdoor enthusiasts since 2015 with accessible, feature-rich watches.
Some watch models integrate multi-satellite positioning (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BEIDOU) for precise positioning and navigation across challenging terrains, from dense forests to urban canyons. By downloading offline maps to the watch, users can go hiking or trail running without a constant network connection.
Conclusion
In an era where technology has become seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our lives, the evolution of GPS watches stands as a remarkable testament to innovation and practicality. As GPS technology becomes more accessible and versatile, leading smartwatch manufacturers are enhancing not only navigation capabilities but also fitness tracking, health analytics, and connectivity.
The top GPS watch manufacturers of 2025 are driving this transformation. By integrating breakthroughs like dual-frequency GNSS systems, AI-powered health ecosystems, and robust customization options, they’re delivering devices that cater to athletes, adventurers, and everyday users alike.
These advancements are not just enhancing personal wellness—they’re unlocking new opportunities for businesses. Retailers, distributors, and brands can tap into this booming market by partnering with industry leaders, offering rebranding solutions or leveraging cutting-edge technology to differentiate their products.
