Best Smartwatches With A Built In Compass: Top Picks for Navigation in 2025
Smartwatches have become essential gadgets for many people. They offer a range of features beyond just telling time, like fitness tracking, notifications, and even navigation. For outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, a built-in compass can be a game-changer. It adds an extra layer of functionality, helping users find their way in unfamiliar terrain.
A compass-equipped smartwatch combines the benefits of a traditional watch, a fitness tracker, and a navigation tool. This makes it perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors. These watches often come with other useful features like GPS, altimeters, and barometers, creating a complete package for outdoor activities.
When choosing a smartwatch with a built-in compass, it’s important to consider battery life, durability, and accuracy. A long-lasting battery ensures the watch won’t die during extended trips. Durability is key for withstanding harsh outdoor conditions. Accuracy of the compass and other sensors is crucial for reliable navigation. We tested several smartwatches with built-in compasses to find the best options for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Smartwatches With A Built-In Compass
We’ve gathered the top smartwatches that come with a built-in compass. These devices combine modern tech with helpful navigation features. Our list includes options for different needs and budgets.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a great choice for most users, offering a nice mix of features at a lower price point than other Apple Watch models.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices
Cons
- No always-on display
- Battery life could be better
- Limited watch face options compared to pricier models
We found the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) to be a solid smartwatch for everyday use. It’s comfortable to wear and looks sleek on the wrist. The watch face is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. We liked how quickly it responds to taps and swipes.
The fitness tracking features work well. We tested it during runs and gym sessions, and it accurately recorded our workouts. The heart rate monitor seems spot-on, matching our chest strap monitor. We also appreciate the fall detection and emergency SOS features for added peace of mind.
Battery life is okay but not great. We had to charge it every night, which might be a hassle for some users. The lack of an always-on display is noticeable if you’re used to traditional watches. Still, for its price, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a lot of functionality. It’s a good pick for iPhone users who want a smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Fitbit Versa 4
We think the Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed smartwatch with long battery life.
Pros
- Tracks many exercise types
- Long battery life
- Built-in GPS
Cons
- No offline music storage
- Limited third-party apps
- Syncing issues for some users
The Fitbit Versa 4 packs a punch with its fitness tracking features. We found the 40+ exercise modes really useful for tracking different workouts. The built-in GPS worked well for mapping our runs without needing to carry a phone.
Sleep tracking on the Versa 4 is top-notch. We liked the detailed sleep stages and scores it provided each morning. The smart wake alarm was gentle and effective at waking us up at the best time in our sleep cycle.
Battery life impressed us, lasting about a week with normal use. This meant less time charging and more time wearing it. The quick charge feature was handy when we forgot to charge overnight.
We noticed some syncing hiccups at first, but a firmware update seemed to fix this for us. The lack of offline music storage was a letdown, especially for phone-free workouts. Still, we found the on-wrist calls and texts handy for staying connected.
TYKOIT Fitness Smartwatch
We think this smartwatch is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable fitness tracker with lots of features.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Many health tracking features
- Waterproof for swimming
Cons
- Cannot make calls or reply to texts
- Not compatible with tablets or computers
- Sleep tracking can be inaccurate
The TYKOIT smartwatch packs a lot of features into an affordable package. We found the 1.5-inch touchscreen bright and easy to read. The watch face is customizable, which lets us display the info we care about most.
This watch shines when it comes to fitness tracking. It has 10 sport modes that track steps, distance, and calories burned. We like that it can use our phone’s GPS to map outdoor runs and bike rides. The heart rate and blood oxygen monitors seem pretty accurate too.
The 7-day battery life is great – we only had to charge it once a week with normal use. It’s also waterproof enough for swimming. While it can’t make calls, it does show notifications from our phone. The sleep tracking isn’t perfect, but it gives a general idea of sleep patterns. For the price, we think this watch offers good value for basic fitness tracking needs.
Kimeag Smart Fitness Watch
We think this watch is a great choice for those seeking a feature-packed smartwatch with a built-in compass at an affordable price.
Pros
- Versatile design for men and women
- Extensive health and fitness tracking
- Long battery life
Cons
- Limited app ecosystem
- Occasional connectivity issues
- Basic GPS functionality
The Kimeag Smart Fitness Watch impressed us with its sleek design and robust feature set. We found the large touchscreen easy to use, and the two included straps let us switch up our style. The watch felt comfortable on our wrist during workouts and daily wear.
We really liked the health tracking capabilities. The watch monitored our heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep patterns accurately. The 112 sport modes covered all our favorite activities, from running to badminton. We appreciated how it synced with our phone’s GPS to map our routes.
The battery life stood out to us. We got about 10 days of use on a single charge, which was great for long trips. The watch’s ability to make calls and show notifications was handy, though we noticed some delays at times. While it lacks some advanced features of pricier models, we think it’s a solid choice for most users.
Drwvgjk Smart Fitness Watch
We recommend this versatile smartwatch for its wide range of features and excellent value for money.
Pros
- Impressive battery life
- Comprehensive health tracking
- Customizable watch faces
Cons
- Limited app ecosystem
- Basic design
- Occasional connectivity issues
The Drwvgjk Smart Fitness Watch surprised us with its functionality. We found the watch easy to set up and use right out of the box. The touch screen is responsive, and the menu system is simple to navigate.
We were impressed by the watch’s health tracking features. The heart rate monitor seems accurate, and the sleep tracking gave us useful insights into our rest patterns. The blood oxygen sensor is a nice bonus, though we’re not sure how precise it is.
The battery life exceeded our expectations. We got about 10 days of use between charges with moderate use. The watch’s water resistance came in handy during workouts and rainy days. We like that it comes with two bands, letting us switch up the look.
While the watch works well for basic functions, it lacks the polish of more premium brands. The app selection is limited, and we noticed occasional delays in notifications. Still, for its price point, we think it offers good value for those wanting a capable fitness tracker with smartwatch features.
Banlvs G56 Smartwatch
We recommend the Banlvs G56 for its versatile features and long battery life at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Three interchangeable bands included
- 10-day battery life
- Over 120 sport modes
Cons
- Limited iOS compatibility
- No built-in GPS
- Basic app interface
The Banlvs G56 smartwatch caught our eye with its sleek design and array of features. We found the 1.83-inch touchscreen bright and responsive, even in sunlight. Switching between the included nylon, sport, and silicone bands was a breeze, letting us match our watch to different outfits and activities.
We were impressed by the watch’s health tracking capabilities. It kept tabs on our heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep patterns around the clock. The breakdown of sleep stages gave us useful insights into our rest quality. During workouts, we had fun exploring the 120+ sport modes, from running to snowboarding.
The G56’s 10-day battery life was a standout feature. We only needed to charge it once a week with regular use. Making calls directly from the watch worked well, though the sound quality wasn’t perfect. We appreciated getting notifications for texts and apps, but replying was limited. While it lacks built-in GPS, the G56 offers solid value for its price.
Matast Smartwatch
We think this smartwatch is a great buy for its mix of features and affordability.
Pros
- Big, clear touchscreen
- Many fitness tracking options
- Long battery life
Cons
- No built-in GPS
- Limited app selection
- Basic design
The Matast smartwatch stands out with its big 1.91-inch screen. We found it easy to read messages and see fitness stats at a glance. The touch controls worked well, letting us swipe through menus quickly.
This watch shines in fitness tracking. It has over 100 sport modes, covering everything from running to yoga. We liked how it tracked our steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. The water resistance came in handy during sweaty workouts.
Call and message features worked better than we expected. We could make calls and read texts right on the watch. Battery life was impressive too, lasting about a week with normal use. While it lacks GPS, we think it’s a solid choice for most people who want a budget-friendly smartwatch with lots of features.
Jacoosa Smart Watch
We recommend this smartwatch for its wide range of features and excellent value for money.
Pros
- Large 1.85″ HD touchscreen
- 120+ sports modes
- Bluetooth calling capability
Cons
- Limited memory capacity
- No built-in GPS
- Can’t send messages
The Jacoosa Smart Watch impressed us with its large 1.85″ HD screen. We found it easy to read notifications and navigate through menus. The touchscreen felt responsive, making it a breeze to use during our daily activities.
We were pleased with the variety of health tracking features. The watch monitored our heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep patterns accurately. It provided useful insights into our overall health and fitness levels.
The 120+ sports modes caught our attention. We tried several activities like running, cycling, and yoga. The watch tracked our workouts well, giving us real-time stats on the screen. It motivated us to stay active and reach our fitness goals.
We liked the Bluetooth calling feature. It came in handy when our phone was out of reach. The built-in speaker and microphone worked well for quick conversations. However, we noticed the watch can’t send messages, which might be a drawback for some users.
The IP68 waterproof rating gave us peace of mind. We wore it while washing hands and during light rain without any issues. But we wouldn’t recommend swimming with it for long periods.
Battery life was decent. We got about 3-4 days of use on a single charge with moderate usage. The charging process was quick and hassle-free.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
We think the Galaxy Watch 6 is a great choice for Android users who want a feature-packed smartwatch with health tracking capabilities.
Pros
- Large, clear display
- Comprehensive fitness and health tracking
- Easy band swapping
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Limited iOS compatibility
- Expensive compared to some competitors
The Galaxy Watch 6 impresses us with its sleek design and big screen. We found the 44mm display easy to read and navigate. The watch feels light on our wrist, weighing just over an ounce.
We love the fitness tracking features. The watch tracks over 90 exercises and gives us detailed info on our workouts. It measures things like distance, calories, and heart rate. The personalized heart rate zones are really useful for targeting the right intensity during exercise.
Sleep tracking on this watch is top-notch. It tells us about our sleep stages and even detects snoring. We like getting tips to improve our sleep habits. The body composition analysis is neat too. It gives us data on body fat, muscle mass, and more.
The watch syncs well with other Samsung devices. We can control our phone’s camera and play music from our wrist. Making calls and sending texts is easy. The only downside is the battery life. It lasts about a day and a half with heavy use. We wish it could go longer between charges.
DUSONLAP Smart Compass Watch
We recommend this smartwatch for its impressive features and value for money.
Pros
- Large, bright 1.85″ HD display
- 100+ sport modes and IP68 waterproof
- Long battery life up to 7 days
Cons
- Limited app ecosystem
- No built-in GPS
- May be too large for smaller wrists
The DUSONLAP Smart Compass Watch caught our eye with its big, bright screen. We found the 1.85″ HD display easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The watch offers over 200 customizable watch faces, so we had fun personalizing it to match our style.
We were impressed by the watch’s calling capabilities. It let us make and answer calls right from our wrist. The sound quality was clear, and we didn’t have to pull out our phone for quick chats. We also got notifications for texts and social media, which was handy.
The fitness features on this watch are solid. We tried out several of the 100+ sport modes and found them accurate for tracking our workouts. The IP68 waterproof rating meant we didn’t worry about sweat or rain. The health monitoring features, including heart rate and sleep tracking, gave us useful insights into our daily habits.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a smartwatch with a built-in compass, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Display
Look for a watch with a clear, easy-to-read display. Screen size and resolution matter, especially when viewing maps or compass directions.
Battery Life
A longer battery life means more time between charges. This is crucial for outdoor activities where power sources may be scarce.
Durability
Choose a watch that can withstand the elements. Water resistance and scratch-resistant screens are important features for outdoor use.
GPS Accuracy
A precise GPS system complements the compass function. It helps with navigation and tracking your location.
Compass Reliability
Make sure the compass is accurate and easy to calibrate. Some watches offer both digital and analog compass displays.
Additional Features
Consider what extra functions you might need:
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Heart rate monitor
- Activity tracking
Compatibility
Check if the watch works with your smartphone’s operating system. This ensures you can use all its features fully.
Price
Set a budget before shopping. Prices can vary widely based on features and brand.
By keeping these factors in mind, we can find a smartwatch that meets our needs for both everyday use and outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Smartwatches with built-in compasses offer useful features for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users alike. We’ve compiled answers to some common questions about these devices.
What are the top-rated smartwatches featuring a built-in compass for outdoor activities?
The Apple Watch Series 6, Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, and Suunto 9 Baro are highly rated for outdoor use. These watches combine accurate compasses with GPS, fitness tracking, and durability.
How does the compass function in a smartwatch compare to a traditional compass?
Smartwatch compasses use digital technology and magnetometers to determine direction. They’re generally accurate but can be affected by nearby electronics. Traditional compasses rely on Earth’s magnetic field and aren’t impacted by battery life.
Can you recommend any smartwatches with a compass that are suitable for military use?
The Garmin Tactix Delta and Casio G-Shock Rangeman are built for tough conditions. They offer compass functionality, GPS, and meet military standards for durability.
Are there affordable smartwatches with a compass and GPS designed for hiking?
Yes, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro and TicWatch Pro 3 GPS are budget-friendly options. They provide compass and GPS features suitable for hiking without breaking the bank.
Which smartwatches with a compass also offer altimeter and barometer features?
The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, Suunto 9 Baro, and Apple Watch Series 6 include compasses, altimeters, and barometers. These features are useful for outdoor activities and weather tracking.
Do the leading smartwatch brands include a built-in compass in their models?
Many top brands like Apple, Garmin, and Samsung include compasses in their high-end models. Some mid-range options also feature this tool, but it’s less common in budget smartwatches.
