These Are the Most Affordable Running Watches With Maps

Maps are a fantastic feature for any watch you intend to use for running or hiking. Historically, this has been a premium capability, and until recently, you had to invest a significant amount of money to access offline maps on a wearable device. That is changing, however, and there are now several excellent options available in the mid-range and even entry-level watch categories.

For this list, I am only considering current models, though you may be able to find discounts on older versions. All of these watches have been road-tested either by myself or Meredith Dietz.

Let me be clear about what it means for a watch to feature maps. This is a premium capability that goes beyond standard navigation and GPS tracking. Here is the distinction between those three functions:

GPS (or GNSS) tracking means the watch communicates with satellites to determine your location. All modern running watches possess this capability. (Some wearables, such as the Whoop and Fitbit, rely on the GPS built into your phone rather than having this hardware onboard.)

This GPS data informs the watch how far and how fast you are running during a workout, and it allows you to view your data on a map after the session. For instance, when reviewing your workout on your phone later, you will see the route your watch tracked overlaid on a map generated by the phone using data downloaded from the internet.

Breadcrumb navigation means the watch can record where you have been while you are on a run. You will see a line representing your path displayed against a blank background.

You can usually download a “route” or “course” to the watch, which will display a line showing your intended path, often overlaid with the line representing your actual movement. Many watches can provide turn-by-turn directions based on these routes, though they do not inherently know where the path intersects with other roads or trails.

This is the feature we are focusing on today. Beyond knowing your current location and where you have been, watches with maps show you the surrounding environment. Instead of viewing a line in a void, your watch will clearly indicate that you are running down Main Street and are about to cross a bridge over a creek.

Maps make it easier to follow routes, as you can see whether you are turning at an intersection or crossing a road, and you can identify your position relative to prominent landmarks like lakes and highways. Some watches can plan navigation directly from the device, such as higher-end Garmin and Amazfit models, but most simply display the map as a background graphic behind your breadcrumb route.

Maps consume storage space on your watch, so available memory may become a factor, especially if you also want to store music. You may also need to download maps in advance rather than expecting to do so while out on a trail. Fortunately, once you download maps for a specific area, you do not need to do it again; the maps remain on your watch for repeated use.

We will start with Garmin, as it is the most recognizable brand of running watch and its maps are exceptionally well-executed. Garmin reserves its mapping features for higher-end devices, including the Fenix series, which can easily cost $1,000 or more. The most affordable watch with maps in Garmin’s current lineup is the Forerunner 970, which retails for $750. Once you get past the price, it is a high-quality watch that even includes a flashlight.

You will also find maps in older models starting with a 9, such as the 965, 955, and so on. If the first digit is a 9, you can expect map support. If it is any other number—such as the 165 or 570—you will only receive breadcrumb navigation.

The Pace 4 recently received mapste watch for standard runs to my top choice for all runs, including those where I am exploring a new navigation route. The limited storage on the Pace 4 means you can only save maps for a relatively small area. I can store most of Pennsylvania on my watch, but certainly not the entire United States

Suunto also offers affordable watches with maps, including the Run 2 for $399 and the Race 2 for $499. I appreciate Suunto’s clear directional arrows when following a downloaded route, and the map performance is solid.

Zepp’s Amazfit brand specializes in bringing premium features to budget-friendly watches. This includes maps: you can access offline maps on a large, bright screen with the $170 Active Max, which is an incredible value compared to other brands.

Amazfit watches are functional. In testing, they perform reasonably well regarding accuracy and provide the essential features required for a running watch. They are never quite as polished as other brands, featuring slightly clunky app interfaces and occasionally slow responses on the watch itself. Still, if you are looking to purchase your first running watch and want it to include maps, an Amazfit will get the job done.