Best 2023 Smartwatches for mapping and navigation

#1 Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
4.9

Mapping and navigation were praised in both scored reviews, especially for wrist-based maps, route display, and Google Maps usefulness.

Pros: voice assistant quality, music controls

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, cross-platform compatibility

#2 Garmin Approach S70
4.9

Mapping and navigation are major strengths, with detailed hole maps, PinPointer, dispersion views, and wrist-based planning repeatedly praised.

Pros: recovery insights, GPS accuracy

Cons: software smoothness, fitness tracking accuracy

#3 Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)
4.7

Mapping and navigation are standout strengths, with detailed maps, GPX loading, routing, and on-watch navigation repeatedly praised.

Pros: GPS accuracy, charging speed

Cons: ECG functionality, voice assistant quality

#4 Garmin Forerunner 965
4.6

Mapping and navigation were major strengths, with detailed AMOLED maps, turn prompts, trail help, and strong route-following support.

Pros: water resistance, workout tracking variety

Cons: LTE connectivity, ECG functionality

#5 Suunto Vertical
4.5

Mapping and navigation were a core strength, praised for offline maps, app route planning, trail use, and real-world navigation.

Pros: battery life, durability

Cons: resume later function, ECG functionality

#6 TicWatch Pro 5
4.5

Mapping and navigation feedback was positive, with reviewers appreciating the on-watch GPS display and turn-by-turn directions.

Pros: contactless payments, battery life

Cons: voice assistant quality, LTE connectivity

#7 Amazfit GTR Mini
4.5

Mapping and navigation had limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer showing the watch could map a run without carrying a phone.

Pros: pairing reliability, workout tracking variety

Cons: contactless payments, onboard music storage

#8 Garmin fēnix 7X Pro
4.5

Mapping and navigation were widely praised as class-leading, but reviewers also noted screen size, weather-overlay placement and phone-map comparisons as limitations.

Pros: GPS accuracy, app ecosystem

Cons: ECG functionality, calorie tracking usefulness

#9 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
3.9

Mapping and navigation were good for Google Maps and turn-by-turn use, but weak for sports users who wanted route loading during training.

Pros: pairing reliability, outdoor visibility

Cons: ECG functionality, running power support

#10 Garmin Forerunner 265
2.6

Mapping and navigation were the most consistent weakness for trail and ultra use; breadcrumb routing was useful for some, but missing full maps and failed TracBack frustrated others.

Pros: step counting accuracy, third-party app support

Cons: ECG functionality, LTE connectivity

#11 Garmin Vivoactive 5
2.3

Navigation scored low because reviewers noted the absence of navigation features or navigation-like smartwatch functions.

Pros: fitness tracking accuracy, wellness insights

Cons: software smoothness, ECG functionality

#12 Withings ScanWatch Nova
2.0

Mapping evidence was negative in one review, where the app produced a black-screen map for a recorded route.

Pros: battery life, heart rate accuracy

Cons: third-party app support, GPS accuracy

#13 Garmin Venu 3
1.9

Mapping and navigation are weak points; reviewers note missing courses, limited route navigation, lack of maps, and better options for exploration.

Pros: health tracking accuracy, software smoothness

Cons: LTE connectivity, mapping and navigation

#14 Amazfit Bip 5
1.6

Mapping and navigation are weak, with no native GPS mapping and only notification-based directions as a workaround.

Pros: comfort, touchscreen responsiveness

Cons: calorie tracking usefulness, onboard music storage

#15 Withings ScanWatch Light
1.5

Mapping and navigation are a weakness because a reviewer specifically missed wrist-based directions from a Pixel Watch.

Pros: comfort, build quality

Cons: call handling, contactless payments

#16 Casio G-Shock GBD-H2000
1.3

Mapping and navigation are repeatedly criticized because the watch records GPS but lacks route import, breadcrumb guidance, or meaningful navigation help.

Pros: brightness, charging convenience

Cons: ECG functionality, stress tracking