Advice Centre

We Fit

Holding Icon GPS Watches Buyer's Guide

A GPS watch can provide you with all sorts of useful information when running, to help you track your progress and improve your fitness. Find out more about these brilliant training tools with our GPS watches buyer's guide.

Whether you're training for a marathon or regularly jog around your local area to keep fit, a GPS running watch is a fantastic aid that can motivate you and push you to achieve your goals.

If you're thinking of investing in a GPS watch to help improve your training, take a look at the guidance below for some top tips on what to look out for.

GPS Watches Buyer's Guide

Why Buy a GPS Watch?

GPS running watches use GPS technology to constantly track your location and provide you with lots of handy information on things like speed, time and distance travelled.

This allows you to see exactly how far and how fast you've run, what your average heart rate was, and much more - enabling you to assess each workout, motivate yourself, and plan for the next session.

Most GPS watches now allow you to upload all this vital information onto your computer and even online, so you can clearly view and analyse your progress and share it with other runners.

There are a wide variety of GPS running watches available, ranging from basic models to more high-tech versions - see the guidance below to find out more.

GPS Running Watches - Basic Features

GPS Running Watches Basic Features

When buying a GPS watch, look out for some of these basic features:

Display - Your watch should have a display that's easy to read on-the-go, and clearly shows essential information such as your pace and distance travelled.

Memory - Your watch should have an internal memory that will save vital training data such as lap times, so you can monitor performance over time and compare your latest run to past sessions.

Ease of use - As a rule, GPS watches are generally quite simple to set up - just switch them on and begin running. The buttons and controls should be easy to operate on the move.

GPS Running Watches - Advanced Features

GPS Running Watches Advanced Features

If you're looking for a more advanced product with additional features, look out for the following:

Heart Rate Monitor - Some GPS watches come with a heart rate monitor, which means you can see your heart rate during training. This allows you to aim for your ideal heart rate, and also calculate how many calories you've burnt during a workout.

Data Downloads - Most modern GPS watches will connect to your PC, enabling you to upload and save all of your data. Some models even do this automatically over a wireless connection, saving you the hassle. Many people now share their running info online, allowing them to swap tips and stories with other athletes.

High-Sensitivity GPS - This tracks your moving position even when you're near tall buildings or under heavy tree cover, ensuring your training data remains uninterrupted and accurate.

Virtual Partner - Some watches allow you to race against a 'virtual partner' or against a previously recorded time, so you can try to match or beat it.

GPS Running Watches at Halfords

Halfords has a range of GPS running watches available that make great training aids for all types of running.

You can order GPS watches online for delivery to your home or local Halfords store.

We also sell a wider range of sports GPS products, including golf GPS and handheld GPS - take a look through our full GPS collection to find out more.

FAQs Sat Nav & GPS FAQs

  • This depends on your vehicle, where you travel and what extra features you require.

    » Do you need a portable sat nav that can be transferred between vehicles?
    » Do you need a widescreen sat nav or a smaller compact one?
    » Do you need European or USA mapping or do you only travel within the UK?
    » Do you require features such as a built-in MP3 player, built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling, safety camera database, points of interest locator and traffic updates?

    Also consider the size of the screen, the touch screen variations, the voice navigation and how often you will use it before you decide which model to buy.

  • Sat Nav or GPS systems use the Global Positioning Satellite which orbits the earth.

    The GPS locks into the Sat Nav receiver in your unit and locates its position on the surface of the earth. Calculating longitude, latitude and altitude, the position is laid over a standard road map which accurately reveals the driver's position to within ten metres.

    Built-in Sat Nav software can also work out the easiest route between any two points on the map and can combine average road speeds and other data, if necessary, to advise you on arrival times and road conditions on route.

  • Generally, yes.

    Most Sat Navs work straight from the box and just need to be fixed to your windscreen or dashboard on a mount and can be plugged into your cigarette lighter. Sat Navs also have an easy-to-use touch-screen with menus and options to help you find the features you need with no fuss.

    However, if you do feel you need some help, Halfords offer a FREE set-up and demo service to help get you started, showing you exactly how to use your Sat Nav and how to get the best from it.

View All

Quick Links