The Best GPS and Multisport Watches for Athletes
These days, it doesn’t matter if you’re a weekend runner or a serious athlete; a GPS sports watch is a must-have! Whether you're timing a park run, tracking triathlon splits, navigating alpine terrain, or keeping an eye on recovery indicators, the right watch can improve your training and increase your performance. In this guide, we highlight top models available at OnSport, like the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2, COROS APEX 2 Pro, and Garmin Instinct 2S Solar, offering a detailed look at their sport-specific features, battery life, and navigation performance.
Key Features to Look For in a GPS Sports Watch
GPS Accuracy and Multi-System Support
Today’s GPS watches use dual-frequency GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) for precise accuracy, even in tough environments. With a multi-band antenna, the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 reduces signal drift in dense forests or urban canyons by utilising GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. COROS takes this a step further with the VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch, which uses five satellite networks (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS) to provide aviation-grade positioning, making it an excellent choice for backcountry explorers.
Battery Life for Endurance Challenges
For ultramarathons and multi-day expeditions, solar charging and battery-saving modes are important. The COROS APEX 2 Pro offers up to 66 hours in standard GPS mode, which can be extended to 140 hours using UltraMax power saver. Meanwhile, the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar provides unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode under ideal sunlight conditions, making it a dependable option for extended outdoor adventures.
Rugged Design and Environmental Resistance
Athletes require devices that can survive harsh environments. The COROS APEX 2 Pro is built with a titanium alloy bezel, sapphire glass, and 5 ATM water resistance. Garmin’s Epix Pro Gen 2 steps it up with a military-grade build, a 10 ATM water rating, and a scratch-resistant AMOLED display, combining toughness with premium visuals.
Advanced Health and Performance Metrics
Aside from basic heart rate monitoring, premium models include:
- Pulse Ox sensors for monitoring altitude acclimation (Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2)
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability) tracking for recovery insights (COROS VERTIX 2)
- Training Load Ratio to balance exertion and rest (Garmin Instinct 2S Solar)
Top GPS and Multisport Watches for Australian Athletes
Best Overall: Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2
The Epix Pro Gen 2 (available in 47mm or 51mm sizes) features a vivid AMOLED touchscreen, topographic maps, and 32GB of storage for global offline navigation. Even in signal-dead areas, its dual-band GPS guarantees 98% route accuracy, and the Morning Report function summarises recovery metrics, sleep quality, and recommended daily workouts. With up to 31 days of battery life (11 days with always-on display), it's an excellent choice for trail runners and mountaineers.
Best for Ultra-Endurance: COROS VERTIX 2
The VERTIX 2, designed for multi-day expeditions, provides 60 days of daily use and 140 hours of continuous GPS tracking. Its 32GB storage capacity stores global offline maps in landscape, topo, and hybrid formats, which are critical for remote hikes. The digital dial interface enables easy zooming of maps, while the barometric altimeter gives real-time storm alerts.
Best Budget Solar Watch: Garmin Instinct 2S Solar
The Instinct 2S Solar offers rugged MIL-STD-810 military-grade durability and solar-assisted power for unlimited battery life. Its 40mm case features a sunlight-readable monochrome display and supports tracking for over 30 sports, including surf-specific features like tide data. While it lacks maps, its TracBack routeing directs users to their original location safely.
Best for Triathletes: COROS APEX 2 Pro
The APEX 2 Pro, weighing only 53 g with a nylon band, is designed for smooth transitions between swim, bike, and run modes. The touchscreen makes mid-race lap transitions effortless, while the EvoLab platform examines stride and running power metrics. With a 66-hour GPS battery and a sapphire glass face, it's engineered for Ironman competitions.
To compare these models in-depth, check out On Sport's curated collection of GPS watches and multi-sport watches.
How to Match Your Sport to the Right Watch
Trail Runners and Hikers
- Prioritise topographic maps (Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2)
- Ensure storm alerts and Pulse Ox for high-altitude safety
- Choose a device with multi-day battery (COROS VERTIX 2)
Triathletes and Multisport Athletes
- Require quick-transition modes (COROS APEX 2 Pro)
- Look for swim metrics (SWOLF score, stroke detection)
- Lightweight designs under 60g
Casual Fitness Enthusiasts
- Solar charging for convenient use (Garmin Instinct 2S Solar)
- Basic smart notifications and music control features
- Budget-friendly pricing under $500
Achieve Peak Performance with the Best GPS Watch for Athletes
Offering top-tier navigation and health tracking, the Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 is the most versatile multisport GPS watch for 2025. Budget-conscious customers will value the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar's tough simplicity, while endurance athletes will likely prefer the COROS VERTIX 2 because of its unmatched battery life.
Power Your Passion with the Right GPS Sports Watch from OnSport
No matter where your passion lies, choosing the right GPS watch can make all the difference in your training, safety, and performance. OnSport’s range includes watches designed for every goal and every budget. Explore On Sport’s curated selection of GPS and multi-sport watches to find the perfect fit for your next challenge. Contact On Sport for expert advice and discover the watch that will help you achieve your best
