Best Fitness Trackers for Outdoor Athletes in 2025
Summer is the prime time for outdoor activities and sports on the clear lake, open ocean, mountainous trails and paved paths. While extreme athletes train all year round, summer may be when you're increasing your activity level -- especially outdoors under the warm sun. This list is for you if you're looking for a wearable to track your fitness or training progress. We spent months testing the best wearables for outdoor athletes this summer while training outside in different environments. Whether you're a swimmer, hiker, mountaineer, wake surfer, tennis pro or training for your next triathlon, we have a wearable for you.
What is the best fitness tracker for outdoor athletes overall?
Since every athlete is looking for something different depending on their sport and training goals, we didn't pick a best fitness tracker overall. Instead, we got specific with the type of activity each piece of wearable tech is best for and why.
Best wearable tech for outdoor athletes
Garmin Forerunner 165
Why we like it: I trained for and ran my first half-marathon with my Garmin Forerunner 165. It's my go-to smartwatch for all my activity, steps, naps, stress and recovery tracking. Its smartwatch features, such as viewing notifications, text messages, emails, music and calls, are just a bonus. I would run and wear this watch even if it didn't have those abilities. With this watch, I also easily track yoga, cardio, pilates and bike rides. When I run with my friends who wear other smartwatch brands, we have found that my Garmin's GPS is the most accurate.
In addition to its simple design, the structure is impressively durable. I have hit this watch on almost every wall in my house, and it has no scratches. I also haven't had any issues with the silicone band. While I'm not a swimmer, I can swim with it to depths of up to 50 meters.
Who it's best for: This Forerunner watch is for the runner who wants to improve. While training last summer, my in-depth stats helped me realize that my running cadence was lower than needed. I was taking too large of steps, and it was putting strain on my hips. Once I increased my cadence, I experienced less pain and was able to get faster. Even if you aren't interested in all kinds of running stats, it's great for the runner training a few times a week. The watch does a great job of suggesting workouts and monitoring your recovery between each.
Who shouldn't get it: If you're a beginner runner or are just starting, I recommend a smaller, lighter, more affordable Garmin. While my second favorite Garmin watch, the Forerunner 45S, has been discontinued, the Forerunner 55 is a similar model and $50 less than the 165.
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Apple Ultra Watch 2
Why we like it:The Apple Watch Ultra 2 blends Apple's most advanced health and fitness tracking with a durable titanium build that's made for the elements. You get a bright, easy-to-read display (even in direct sunlight), enhanced GPS accuracy and exclusive features like the customizable Action button and 100-meter water resistance for recreational scuba diving. And with up to two days of battery life, it easily outlasts the standard Apple Watch models, so you don't have to sacrifice having a full day of charge in the morning after wearing it to bed.
Who it's best for:Outdoor adventurers, scuba divers, endurance athletes or anyone who prioritizes battery life and durability over a slimmer profile.
Who shouldn't get it:If you prefer a more delicate, polished design, have a smaller wrist or don't need rugged extras like dive tracking, dual-frequency GPS and LTE connectivity, the Ultra 2 may feel too bulky and unnecessarily pricey. At a starting price of $800, it's the most expensive Apple Watch in the lineup.
– Vanessa Hand Orellana , lead writer
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Form Smart 2 Goggles
Why we like it: Form changed the game for swimmers with its Smart Swim goggles. You can choose from over 1,500 guided workouts that sync to the goggles to provide virtual lap-by-lap instruction. The real-time feedback and metrics displayed in the lens mean you don't have to count laps in your head or constantly stop to check your watch. It's motivating and has made swimming more fun for me. I enjoy seeing my progress and completing the in-goggle exercises to improve aspects of my form that need refining.
Who it's best for: Form is best for those who swim regularly, whether competitively, for exercise or for fun. These smart goggles are a no-brainer if you want to track metrics like your distance, pace, laps and stroke count without using a waterproof watch or other tracker. They're great if you need to monitor your real-time heart rate or burned calories. I'd recommend them to anyone who likes guided workouts and receiving actionable feedback for improving their technique and form.
Finally, they're an excellent tool for anyone who swims in open water . The SwimStraight feature provides a digital in-goggle compass to keep you on track without stopping and looking. When paired with a Garmin or Apple Watch, it displays helpful GPS data such as your pace and distance, so you don't have to waste energy wondering how far you've gone.
Who shouldn't get it: These smart goggles may not be worth the purchase if you're just learning to swim for the first time or don't swim often. They're also not for those who don't want to pay for a $10 monthly subscription or are looking for standard or budget goggles.
– Aly Lopez , writer
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Garmin Forerunner 965
Why we like it: The Garmin Forerunner 965 is part of the "high-end" smartwatch series for serious athletes. I wouldn't describe myself as a "serious" athlete, but I did run my first marathon last year and finished in the top 20% of runners, and this watch legitimately helped me get there . It has many features, including adaptive training tools that take your current training load, sleep history and training goals to recommend a daily workout for you.
It has excellent sleep tracking that gives me great insights into my habits. It also has built-in music features, so your favorite Spotify playlist can live on the watch, and you can leave your phone at home to run. I only have to charge the Forerunner 965 once every week and a half, and I even use the GPS almost daily to track my activities.
Who it's best for: If you have money to spend on a smartwatch and want a top-of-the-line option with nearly all of Garmin's features, I recommend the Forerunner 965. This is also for someone who takes outdoor fitness seriously. Whether you're a runner, a cyclist or a triathlete, I think this watch can help you train and get even better at your chosen sport.
Who shouldn't get it: If you don't need all of the features, you can save a significant amount of money by going with the Forerunner 165, which gives you many of the same things as the Forerunner 965.
– Owen Poole , senior video producer and mattress expert
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Suunto Race S
Why we like it: Suunto is a more affordable alternative to Garmin. Both offer watches with a similar look and feel, health features and activities to track. I closely compared the two by running with my Garmin on one wrist and the Suunto on the other. I found that the GPS, pace and heart rate metrics were very accurate with my Garmin. My boyfriend -- who is a far more experienced and dedicated runner than I -- also agrees. He's been training with the Suunto Race S watch and especially enjoys the features that his old Apple Watch lacks. He says, "The autostop counter is cool. It's great for running intervals or taking a break because you know exactly how long you've been stopped." He also loves the accompanying app's interface, saying, "The app is nice and has some fun features like video generation of your routes."
The metal build is durable and attractive. The Suunto can record over 95 sports and activities, much more than the average smartwatch. You can also upload maps to use offline. It's unbelievable that this watch is $349 when it has most of the features of the $600 Garmin Forerunner 965 offers.
Who it's best for: While my testing with this watch has concluded, my boyfriend is now using it to train for his next race. He loves how he's able to run intervals with ease. If you're looking for a watch similar to an Apple Watch or an older Garmin model but want more depth into your running stats, this smartwatch is for you. It's also great if you're interested in the Forerunner 965 but don't want to eat the $600 price tag. This is a great middle-ground in terms of price and offers a similar performance.
Who shouldn't get it: If you want a simple smartwatch that records the basic activities of running, biking, walking and swimming, this watch may be overkill. It is a bit heavier on the wrist than the Garmin Forerunner 165. If you aren't interested in everything the Race S offers, save $100 and try the Forerunner 165.
– Caroline Igo, Editor
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Whoop 5.0
Why we like it: The Whoop 5.0 is designed for athletes who care less about the real-time pace tracking and more about improving long-term performance. After testing multiple fitness trackers over the years, I can say few devices have shaped my training habits like this one. It doesn't just track strain and recovery, it teaches you how to balance them. For outdoor athletes, knowing when your body is ready to push harder and when to take it easy. Its Healthspan features, like Whoop Age and Pace of Aging, add another layer to how your performance impacts your overall health.
Who it's best for: Outdoor athletes who want to optimize training and recovery based on their body's readiness. It's ideal for endurance runners, climbers, cyclists and multi-sport athletes who train year-round.
Who shouldn't get it: Those who want an on-wrist GPS map, real-time pace or other smartwatch conveniences like music, texts or calls.
— Nasha Addarich Martínez , managing editor
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Galaxy Watch Ultra
Why we like it:The Galaxy Watch Ultra brings Samsung's flagship smartwatch features into a tougher, more adventure-ready package. You get up to almost three days of use on a charge with the always-on display (up to 100 hours of battery life in Power Saving mode), 10ATM water resistance and a titanium case. It's packed with advanced health tools, like comprehensive sleep tracking, an AI-powered running coach and Samsung's new Antioxidant Index. Plus, you'll get Google's Gemini AI voice assistant ready to handle complex tasks on the wrist.
Who it's best for:Outdoor athletes, hikers, divers or anyone who wants a rugged smartwatch with long battery life and deep integration with Samsung Health.
Who shouldn't get it:If you prefer a slimmer design with a rotating bezel for navigation, or don't need the extra durability and battery boost, Samsung's standard Galaxy Watch 8 model might be a better, more affordable fit.
– Vanessa Hand Orellana , lead writer
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Google Pixel Watch 3
Why we like it: This watch connects to the Fitbit app, my preferred app for tracking my exercise and sleep. Runners can build custom runs and use features like pace coaching, split alerts and interval prompts. I've been enjoying the cardio load feature that helps me plan my workouts and their intensity to build my heart health. I use that reading with the readiness score to balance my workouts with rest days. There are many data points in the Fitbit app about your running, like stride length, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, step cadence and ground contact time.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes. I have the 41mm screen because I don't have a very big wrist. However, there's a 45mm option for those who want more screen. I will say that for my outdoor runs, I was sweating under the silicone band that the watch comes with. I opted to swap it out with a breathable (and stretchy) nylon option.
Who it's best for: If you're looking for a smartwatch with connectivity features like phone notifications, Google Wallet, Google Maps and optional LTE, you'll like the Pixel Watch 3. It's the perfect option for me, someone who isn't a superstar athlete but focuses a lot on moving my body. I love how simple the watch is for my walks and runs, and I appreciate that I can stay connected with texts, calls and emails from my wrist.
Who shouldn't get it: This isn't the most advanced fitness tracker, so if you're a hard-core athlete, I could see you opting for something that gets extremely granular, like Garmin. The Pixel Watch 3 connects to the Fitbit app, so it might not be for you if you're not a huge fan of Fitbit's offerings. Though if you're looking for a smartwatch that hits the highlights for tracking your workouts and giving you insights about your recovery, with the ability to call or text from your watch, you'll like the Pixel Watch 3.
– Taylor Leamey , senior writer
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Garmin Fenix 5
Why we like it: I've been wearing the Garmin Fenix 5 since 2018 and have been so pleased with it, I have yet to look at another wearable as a replacement. The GPS is fantastic when I'm hiking with my dog, Hershey. The bezel is durable enough to take any beatings from rocks or trees while I'm out on the trail. And as for my golf game, the Garmin Connect app allows me to read how far away I am from the pin before I even take my next shot. (Spoiler: I'm shanking it 50 yards away from the green and into the rough).
The battery life is exemplary for an 8-year-old device. A single charge usually lasts 5 to 8 days when I am active throughout the week. While this watch has been discontinued on Garmin's website , you can pick up one on Amazon for a reasonable price .
Who it's best for: The Fenix models are best for the ultimate mountaineer, because the watches allow you to preload trail and road maps before losing signal in the great outdoors. From there, you can use GPS and point-to-point navigation to find the peak so you never get lost. If you want to make your path, no problem; the Fenix will let you "bread crumb" your way to and from your starting point.
Who shouldn't get it: This watch isn't recommended for runners looking to train for their next race. The model is big and can feel too heavy on the wrist for long-distance runs. Also, if finding a Fenix 5 model is too difficult, we suggest considering the Fenix E instead.
– Dillon Payne , director of video production
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
Why we like it: The Polar H10 Heart Rate monitor includes a thin, adjustable strap and a small attachable device about the length of my pointer finger. It snaps on and off the strap for easy cleaning. While running, the strap doesn't feel too constricting or distracting, and I like that the back has rubber grips to stay upright and straight. It fits snuggly underneath the bottom band of my sports bra and doesn't rub up against my skin or create friction. I tested the H10 against two of my watches and found the data impressive. And experts agree that Polar is the gold standard for fitness heart rate monitors.
It is extremely durable; adaptable to temperatures of up to 122 degrees and cold of 14 degrees Fahrenheit. I've even dropped the detectable device a few times and had no issues. While Polar's app isn't as advanced as Suunto or Garmin, once connected to your phone, you're able to see your activity duration, distance, HR average, calories burned, HR minimum, HR maximum, average pace and max pace. A detailed graph also shows you your heart rate zones and pace during the workout. While most use this monitor for running, the app tracks just about every outdoor activity.
Who it's best for: If you aren't confident in your current watch's ability to track and monitor your heart rate, I recommend pairing it with the Polar H10. Since the Polar app is separate, it will not override your watch's data, and you can compare heart rate data from both. However, if you would like to use the monitor in addition to your device, you can connect the H10 to any smartwatch. This heart rate monitor is also great for outdoor athletes who closely monitor their energy and exertion levels during a workout.
Who shouldn't get it: The H10 tracks heart rate and records the amount of calories burned. This device is not recommended for those recovering from an eating disorder or those who may unhealthily obsess over calories. Also, people with heart conditions should consult a doctor before using this monitor.
— Caroline Igo, Editor
Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET
Other fitness trackers we tested
We have also tested a few other wearable devices that are either now discontinued or may not be for every outdoor athlete.
Garmin Forerunner 45S
Before I updated to the Garmin Forerunner 165 , I had my Forerunner 45S. It was my favorite sleep and activity tracker, and it was so light and slim on my wrist. It has now been rehomed to a friend who is just getting into running. It's great for those who want to use a smartwatch but don't need extra software or a big, clunky design. While this model has been discontinued, you can still find the Garmin Forerunner 55. It's the same price that the 45S was and a step up in terms of display.
– Caroline Igo, Editor
Oura Ring
I'm a huge fan of Oura, and I have been wearing my ring for over 3 years now. I love how it tracks my steps, activity level, stress, menstrual cycle, sleep, HRV, heart rate, skin temperature and so much more. I have tried multiple exercises while having it on my finger, and I've found that weightlifting can feel uncomfortable. However, it's my favorite sleep tracker. I forgot I'm even wearing it to bed. Oura may work for you if you're more interested in your stress, sleep and recovery that comes with intense training or exercise.
– Nasha Addarich Martínez, Managing Editor
How we tested the best outdoor wearable tech
Every product on this list has been personally tested by a CNET staffer. We continue to use these devices for our outdoor activities. Combined, we have decades of testing experience and cover a wide range of sports and outdoor activities, such as marathons, cycling, hikes, swimming and more.
We started by crowdsourcing product nominations from our team. Each pick had to meet a baseline:
Minimum testing period:Each team member has actively used these devices for at least 30 days (some have been with us for years), with multiple training sessions.
Multi-environment use:We tested in different outdoor environments, such as roads, trails, wastelands and high altitudes.
App experience:We evaluated the data clarity, syncing and user-friendliness to ensure each of these products delivers a great user experience.
Battery life: All of these products have been measured from full charge to understand how long each last under regular use. Minimum acceptable outdoor battery life was 14 hours.
Comfort:A great product is useless if it isn't comfortable. We assessed each of these during continuous wear to ensure that it's comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time while working out.
Factors to consider when choosing the outdoor fitness tracker for you
Not all wearables will work best for you and your fitness goals. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting your wearable.
Activity type
The right device for a runner isn't always the tight one for a hiker. Be sure to look for a wearable that supports your activity and tracks it accurately.
Wearable size and fit
Outdoor athletes spend hours with their gear. If a device is heavy or bulky, it can impact your performance. Be sure to check the size and fit of the wearable and ensure that it is adjustable and sweat-resistant.
Connectivity and third-party app integration
Even the best native app can't do everything. If you log your training in Strava or share workouts with a coach, check for third-party integration. Some wearables may lock you into their ecosystems, while others can easily export your data.
Health features
Look for metrics like heart-rate variability, recovery scores and anything else supporting your long-term goals. Devices that factor in sleep quality or the menstrual cycle can help you train smarter.
Battery life
Battery life is one of the most prominent features I consider when shopping for a wearable device. Be sure to read reviews on how long the battery lasts with GPS and sensors activated. Some devices offer battery-saver modes to stretch the battery life.
