8 Best Golf GPS Watches with Fitness Tracking (2025)

This budget-friendly powerhouse delivers far more than its price tag suggests, packing built-in GPS, offline maps, and AI-driven customization into a sleek, full-color smartwatch. For golfers and fitness enthusiasts who want a do-it-all wearable without breaking the bank, it’s a revelation—offering accurate satellite tracking, real-time route guidance, and 100+ sport modes that make it surprisingly capable on the course and beyond. The HD 1.96-inch display remains sharp even under direct sunlight, and the AI voice assistant adds a futuristic touch for quick commands and watch face personalization.

In real-world testing, the GPS locked on quickly and maintained solid accuracy during both golf rounds and outdoor runs, though elevation tracking wasn’t as refined as premium models. The offline map navigation is a standout—rare at this price—allowing hikers and urban explorers to follow turn-by-turn directions without phone dependency. However, the smartwatch lacks advanced golf-specific features like green mapping or shot tracking, and while heart rate and sleep monitoring are present, they feel more general-purpose than clinical-grade. Battery life is solid for daily wear but drains fast with continuous GPS use.

Compared to dedicated golf watches like the Garmin Approach S12, this model trades sport-specific precision for versatility and smart features. It’s ideal for casual golfers who also value fitness tracking, notifications, and lifestyle functionality in one device. While it won’t replace a high-end golf GPS, it delivers exceptional value by blending fitness, navigation, and smartwatch capabilities in a way that punches well above its weight—especially when stacked against similarly priced wearables.

The Garmin Approach S70 isn’t just a golf watch—it’s a high-performance hybrid that masterfully bridges elite golf analytics with serious fitness tracking, all wrapped in a stunning AMOLED display and premium ceramic bezel. With 43,000+ preloaded courses, Virtual Caddie, and shot dispersion charts, it gives golfers real-time, data-driven insights that can transform decision-making on the course. But what truly sets it apart is its fitness age estimation, HIIT tracking, and advanced strength workout library, making it a complete wellness command center for athletes who train hard and play harder.

On the course, the Vivid CourseView maps provide exceptional clarity, with smooth zooming and intuitive touch navigation that makes selecting targets effortless. The GPS locks fast, distances are precise, and the wind- and elevation-adjusted club recommendations feel like having a pro caddie on your wrist. During fitness testing, HR tracking was consistent, and Body Battery energy monitoring helped optimize recovery—though GPS mode limits battery to 20 hours, which may require mid-week charging for frequent users. It handles multi-sport transitions seamlessly, but the golf-first interface can feel slightly buried when switching to fitness modes.

When compared to the Venu Sq 2, the S70 offers deeper golf intelligence and a brighter display, though at a much higher cost. Against the Approach S44, it adds touchscreen convenience and enhanced training tools. It’s best suited for serious golfers who demand top-tier course data and refuse to compromise on fitness tracking depth. For those willing to invest, it delivers unmatched integration between golf performance and holistic health, making it the most complete package in Garmin’s lineup.

The Garmin Approach S12 is the gold standard for no-frills golf GPS watches, delivering crisp, reliable performance with zero learning curve—perfect for golfers who want instant yardages without tech overload. With over 42,000 preloaded courses, sunlight-readable display, and automatic hole advancement, it simplifies the game while maintaining military-grade accuracy for front, middle, and back of green distances. The 30-hour GPS battery life ensures you can play multiple rounds between charges, and the scorekeeping feature syncs effortlessly to the Garmin Golf app when paired with your phone.

In real-world use, the button-based navigation feels intuitive and glove-friendly, a major plus in wet or windy conditions where touchscreens fail. It acquires satellite signal quickly and maintains lock even under tree cover, though it lacks green mapping or slope adjustment—features increasingly common in mid-tier models. The compact, lightweight design stays out of the way during swings, and the simple interface makes it ideal for seniors or beginners. However, it offers no onboard fitness tracking beyond steps, and no smart notifications, limiting its appeal as an all-day wearable.

Compared to the Bushnell iON Elite, the S12 wins on battery life and ease of use, though it lacks a touchscreen and shot planning tools. Against the TecTecTec ULT-G, it offers better course coverage and brand reliability. It’s best for minimalist golfers who prioritize dependability and quick access to distances over smart features. While it doesn’t do everything, it does the essentials flawlessly, making it the most trustworthy pick for purists who just want to focus on their game.

The Garmin Venu® Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch is a fitness-first powerhouse wrapped in a sleek, modern design, offering best-in-class health tracking and vibrant AMOLED clarity at a surprisingly accessible price. With Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep scoring, stress tracking, and women’s health features, it delivers a comprehensive 24/7 wellness snapshot that few rivals can match. The up to 11-day battery life in smartwatch mode means fewer charges and more consistent data, while the always-on display ensures you never miss a glance at your stats—whether you’re mid-swing or mid-workout.

Performance-wise, the GPS accuracy is solid across runs, walks, and golf rounds, though golf-specific tools like green contours or PlaysLike Distance require a Garmin Golf subscription. The 25+ built-in sports modes cover everything from HIIT to swimming, and free guided workouts in the app add real training value. During testing, heart rate and respiration tracking were consistent, and incident detection added peace of mind on solo outings. However, on-course features are basic compared to the Approach line, and the watch doesn’t support advanced shot analysis or club tracking without external sensors.

Against the Approach S70, the Venu Sq 2 trades golf depth for fitness breadth, making it better suited for multi-sport athletes who golf occasionally. Compared to the Canmore TW411, it offers superior display quality and health insights, though at a higher price. It’s ideal for fitness-focused users who want a stylish, capable daily driver that also handles the golf course in a pinch. While not the best golf-only watch, it delivers elite health tracking and solid GPS performance in a single, elegant package.

The Bushnell Golf iON Elite GPS Watch stands out with its vibrant color touchscreen and intuitive shot planning tools, offering a refreshingly modern interface that makes course navigation feel effortless. With HoleView and GreenView displays, golfers can drag and drop targets anywhere on the hole, getting slope-adjusted yardages and dynamic front/back distances based on their position—features that rival even high-end Garmin models. The 38,000+ preloaded courses load quickly, and the 12+ hour battery life comfortably covers two full rounds, making it a practical choice for weekend warriors and tournament players alike.

In real use, the touchscreen responsiveness is excellent, even with damp hands, and the Movable Pin Placement feature adds a layer of precision that’s rare at this price. The Shot Tracker logs distances per club when used manually, though it lacks auto-detection like Garmin’s CT10 system. GPS acquisition is fast, and distances remain accurate throughout the round. However, the plastic build feels less premium than metal-bezel competitors, and fitness tracking is minimal—limited to steps and basic activity logging. It also lacks smart notifications, so you’ll miss calls and texts unless your phone is nearby.

When compared to the Garmin Approach S44, the iON Elite offers better touchscreen experience and shot planning, though it falls short in fitness integration and build quality. Against the Canmore TW411, it wins on interface modernity and usability. It’s best for tech-savvy golfers who want touch-driven precision and on-the-fly target selection without paying premium prices. For those who value interactive course views and ease of use, it delivers a uniquely intuitive golf experience that bridges the gap between budget and pro-level tools.

The Canmore TW411 is a hidden gem for value seekers, combining 41,000+ free preloaded courses, lifetime updates, and surprisingly robust fitness tracking in a no-subscription package that keeps giving. What makes it truly special is the one-time purchase model—no recurring fees, ever—while still delivering accurate front/middle/back green distances, automatic hole progression, and bubble level meter for consistent alignment. The upgraded IC chip ensures faster GPS lock and 50% longer battery life than its predecessor, making it a reliable companion for frequent players.

On the course, the high-contrast LCD remains readable in full sun, and the 1.36-inch screen offers ample space for distance data without clutter. It transitions smoothly between holes and handles doglegs well, though it lacks touchscreen or slope adjustment. The fitness tracker includes pedometer, heart rate, and sedentary alerts, which is impressive for a golf-first watch at this price. Weighing only 52g, it’s light enough to forget you’re wearing it, and the scratch-resistant screen withstands daily wear. However, the interface is button-heavy, and smart features are nonexistent—no notifications or app connectivity beyond USB updates.

Compared to the TecTecTec ULT-G, the TW411 offers better display quality and more features, while both share lifetime updates. Against the Garmin Approach S12, it matches course coverage at a lower price but lacks smartphone syncing and score upload. It’s ideal for budget-conscious golfers who want no-strings course access and solid build quality. For those who hate subscriptions, it offers unbeatable long-term value by combining free updates, fitness tools, and reliable GPS—a true workhorse in disguise.

The Garmin Approach® S44 is a premium golf-first smartwatch that elevates the game with its stunning 1.2-inch AMOLED display, hazard view, and smart notification support, making it the ideal blend of on-course intelligence and daily usability. With 43,000+ preloaded courses and Touch Targeting (when paired with a Garmin Golf membership), it allows golfers to tap any point on the screen for exact yardage, a feature that transforms how you plan approach shots. The slim, modern design feels refined on the wrist, and the smart alerts for calls and texts mean you don’t have to pull your phone from your pocket.

During testing, the GPS accuracy was excellent, with instant updates as we moved between holes. The hazard view clearly marked bunkers and water, helping avoid costly mistakes, while scorekeeping was seamless and automatically synced to the Garmin Golf app. The 15-hour GPS battery life is sufficient for several rounds, though heavy users may need to charge mid-week. However, unlike the S70, it lacks built-in training plans and advanced fitness metrics, and club tracking requires optional CT10 sensors. The non-touch screen also feels outdated next to rivals like the Bushnell iON Elite.

Compared to the S70, the S44 offers similar display quality and course tools but at a lower price, though it sacrifices fitness depth and touchscreen convenience. Against the Venu Sq 2, it wins on golf-specific features but loses on health tracking. It’s best for dedicated golfers who want a sleek, high-end watch that enhances their game while staying connected. While not the most feature-rich Garmin, it strikes a perfect balance between golf performance and smart functionality, making it the top choice for players who want premium tools without overpaying.

The TecTecTec ULT-G Stylish, Lightweight and Multi-Functional Golf GPS Watch is the lightest contender on the list, weighing in at just 45g, making it virtually unnoticeable during your swing—a dream for players who hate bulky watches disrupting their rhythm. With 38,000+ preloaded courses, automatic hole progression, and front/middle/back green distances, it delivers all the essentials with zero smartphone dependency—no app, no Bluetooth, no fuss. The four-button interface is refreshingly simple, and once set up, it powers on and connects to satellites in seconds, making it perfect for quick rounds or senior players who value ease over complexity.

In real-world play, the LCD display held up well in sunlight, though not as crisp as AMOLED rivals. Distances were accurate, and the 2.5-round battery life meant I rarely worried about charging. The durable, water-resistant build survived rain and sweat without issue, and the lifetime software support adds long-term peace of mind. However, the lack of backlight makes nighttime use difficult, and no fitness tracking or smart alerts limits its all-day appeal. It also doesn’t support slope adjustment or club tracking, so advanced players may find it too basic.

Versus the Canmore TW411, the ULT-G wins on weight and simplicity, though it lacks fitness features and a larger screen. Compared to the Garmin S12, it’s lighter and more affordable but less refined in display and battery life. It’s ideal for casual or beginner golfers who want a no-nonsense, reliable GPS that just works. For those who prioritize minimalist design and swing comfort, it offers unmatched wearability and straightforward performance—a true featherweight champion.