Our Picks: Best GPS watches of 2023

BOE watches

GPS watches are packed with plenty of features to help you on the course.

COURTESY

Welcome to GOLF’s 2023 edition of the Best of Everything, where we’re providing you with, well… the best of everything!

If you’re looking to give your game a serious upgrade in 2024, buying a GPS watch is a great way to start. Stylish and compact, a GPS watch is the perfect multi-functional accessory.

But with so many options on the market, which GPS watch is best for your game?

It depends on the features that are most important to you. Do you value a full-color screen with all the bells and whistles, or a more simplistic interface? Do you want a watch that also functions for off-course wear, or would you prefer to use it solely for golf?

Luckily, there are plenty of options that offer both fashion and function.

Below, you’ll find 5 of our favorite GPS watches for 2023, all of which boast various features that you can compare to find the perfect GPS watch for your game.

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BEST GPS WATCHES 2023

What to look for in your ideal GPS watch…

This is the most important element of most GPS watches — the yardage! How do you like to see distance displayed? Do you prefer multiple readings, such as front, middle, and back, and carry distances to avoid penalty areas? Do you want to see a full-color display of the hole you’re playing, or just the number?
What else are you hoping your GPS watch will do? Do you want to use it for off-course pursuits, like tracking your heart rate or sleep quality?
There is a wide range of GPS watches, all of which have different functionality and price points, from basic to luxury-level. Which would you prefer? The decision may to come to how often you see yourself wearing and using your GPS watch.

Compare and explore each GPS watch. Be sure to check out the additional features available for each GPS watch by tapping the ‘BUY NOW’ button.

Highlights

  • Preloaded with more than 43,000 full-color course maps.
  • Provides club recommendations based on wind, elevation, your swing data and more.
  • Monitors heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen saturation and more.

Highlights

  • Track shots from tee to green, including putts.
  • View 3D visuals of every shot.
  • Customizable face is available in two sizes.

Highlights

  • Color touchscreen features easy-to-read front, center and back distances, including Bushnell’s slope technology.
  • HoleView screen allows you to view the layout of the hole, as well as precise distances to any point on the hole,
  • Front and back distances on green are calculated based on your line of play.

Highlights

  • Advanced display easier to read in full sun.
  • Receive calls and texts hands-free.
  • Play music, track health data and more.

Highlights

  • Measure shot distances and view digital scorecard and stats.
  • Auto-course recognition and auto-hole advance.
  • Turn the LX2 into a hand held SkyCaddie by clipping to your bag or belt.
Choose which handheld GPS devices to compare
Use the dropdown boxes to choose 3 devices at a time to compare.
Garmin Approach S70
Best For
All-around functionality
Highlights
  • Preloaded with more than 43,000 full-color course maps.
  • Provides club recommendations based on wind, elevation, your swing data and more.
  • Monitors heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen saturation and more.
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 - Golf Edition
Best For
Luxury lovers
Price
$$2,750
Highlights
  • Track shots from tee to green, including putts.
  • View 3D visuals of every shot.
  • Customizable face is available in two sizes.
Bushnell Ion Elite
Best For
Golf-specific usage
Price
$$179.99
Highlights
  • Color touchscreen features easy-to-read front, center and back distances, including Bushnell’s slope technology.
  • HoleView screen allows you to view the layout of the hole, as well as precise distances to any point on the hole,
  • Front and back distances on green are calculated based on your line of play.
Apple Watch Series 9
Best For
On and off-course wear.
Price
$From $399
Highlights
  • Advanced display easier to read in full sun.
  • Receive calls and texts hands-free.
  • Play music, track health data and more.
SkyCaddie LX2
Best For
Value
Price
$$149.99
Highlights
  • Measure shot distances and view digital scorecard and stats.
  • Auto-course recognition and auto-hole advance.
  • Turn the LX2 into a hand held SkyCaddie by clipping to your bag or belt.
Garmin Approach S70
Best For
All-around functionality
Highlights
  • Preloaded with more than 43,000 full-color course maps.
  • Provides club recommendations based on wind, elevation, your swing data and more.
  • Monitors heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen saturation and more.
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 - Golf Edition
Best For
Luxury lovers
Price
$$2,750
Highlights
  • Track shots from tee to green, including putts.
  • View 3D visuals of every shot.
  • Customizable face is available in two sizes.
Bushnell Ion Elite
Best For
Golf-specific usage
Price
$$179.99
Highlights
  • Color touchscreen features easy-to-read front, center and back distances, including Bushnell’s slope technology.
  • HoleView screen allows you to view the layout of the hole, as well as precise distances to any point on the hole,
  • Front and back distances on green are calculated based on your line of play.
Apple Watch Series 9
Best For
On and off-course wear.
Price
$From $399
Highlights
  • Advanced display easier to read in full sun.
  • Receive calls and texts hands-free.
  • Play music, track health data and more.
SkyCaddie LX2
Best For
Value
Price
$$149.99
Highlights
  • Measure shot distances and view digital scorecard and stats.
  • Auto-course recognition and auto-hole advance.
  • Turn the LX2 into a hand held SkyCaddie by clipping to your bag or belt.
Garmin Approach S70
Best For
All-around functionality
Highlights
  • Preloaded with more than 43,000 full-color course maps.
  • Provides club recommendations based on wind, elevation, your swing data and more.
  • Monitors heart rate, sleep quality, blood oxygen saturation and more.
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 - Golf Edition
Best For
Luxury lovers
Price
$$2,750
Highlights
  • Track shots from tee to green, including putts.
  • View 3D visuals of every shot.
  • Customizable face is available in two sizes.
Bushnell Ion Elite
Best For
Golf-specific usage
Price
$$179.99
Highlights
  • Color touchscreen features easy-to-read front, center and back distances, including Bushnell’s slope technology.
  • HoleView screen allows you to view the layout of the hole, as well as precise distances to any point on the hole,
  • Front and back distances on green are calculated based on your line of play.
Apple Watch Series 9
Best For
On and off-course wear.
Price
$From $399
Highlights
  • Advanced display easier to read in full sun.
  • Receive calls and texts hands-free.
  • Play music, track health data and more.
SkyCaddie LX2
Best For
Value
Price
$$149.99
Highlights
  • Measure shot distances and view digital scorecard and stats.
  • Auto-course recognition and auto-hole advance.
  • Turn the LX2 into a hand held SkyCaddie by clipping to your bag or belt.
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THE BEST OF EVERYTHING

SHOP THE BEST

If you loved this ‘best’ list, tap here to find the rest of the ‘bests’ from 2023.

As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica can out-birdie everyone on the masthead. She can out-hustle them in the office, too, where she’s primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Is­sue, which debuted in February 2018. Her origi­nal interview series, “A Round With,” debuted in November of 2015, and appeared in both in the magazine and in video form on GOLF.com.