#10 Best Budget Watches for Hiking 2023

Finding a hiking watch based on your budget can be daunting since you don't know which product offers the best features. Below, you can find our best budget watches for hiking!

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A hiking watch is a watch that is designed to support your hiking activity. It is designed with a sporty look and enhances its functionality. Some emphasize its use for weatherproof, GPS, compass functions, barometer, altitude, etc. It’s undeniable that you couldn’t wear any watch for hiking since it not only spices up your look, but its features will be specifically helpful for hiking.

This post will discuss the best budget watches for hiking that you can purchase for a reasonable price in the best quality. Some of them cost more and less based on their material and the features that they offer. Therefore, keep on reading to find out our top ten hiking watches!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Why do I need a certain watch for hiking?

Using a specific hiking watch is essential to help you while hiking in any condition. For example, when you are lost and have no phone signals, a hiking watch can help to find direction. It usually provides GPS, the onboard digital compass, and the altimeter. Its many features can be great for any weather and health monitoring.

Can hike watches with no signal or offline?

Yes. Since it is designed for hiking, this watch is designed for any condition. If you lose connection hiking watch can be used for navigation and counting your steps. However, you will lose the mobile syncing features or all features that need an internet connection.

What is the price range of hiking watches?

The price range of a hiking watch varies from $100-$700. This depends on the features and quality that they offer. Usually, a $100 hiking watch does not provide GPS features beneficial for hiking activity. In contrast, a $700 hiking watches provide a GPS, ABC, water resistance, heart monitor, heart sync, and other features.

What should I look for in a hiking watch?

To ensure you get the most from the hiking watch, you will purchase, consider several things below.

  • Features
    GPS is important when you hike since you can navigate where you are and keep you on track. In addition, it will connect to the satellite to track your position, which is essential in the thick forest of the mountain. Moreover, you should consider the ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) functions and other features that will be useful while hiking.
  • Durability
    Since you will use it for outdoor and unexpected weather, you need to take count of its durability. Consider the water, dirt, and longevity of the battery to ensure it won’t run out the battery while hiking.
  • Comfotablelity and fit
    Because you will use it for a whole day, comfortability can be your priority. Find a watch that will fit and won’t slip down when hiking.
  • The health monitor
    Since you will keep moving, a smartwatch can be an excellent option to monitor your heart rate. In addition, aIn addition, a health tracking feature will be beneficial for monitoring your condition to ensure you are in the best need.
*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch Fitbit
Fitbit
Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch
#1 Amazon Fitbit.com eBay
Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch Garmin
Garmin
Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch
#2 Amazon Garmin.com eBay
Core Alpha Outdoor Sports Watch Suunto
Suunto
Core Alpha Outdoor Sports Watch
#3 Amazon Suunto.com eBay
Vivoactive 4  GPS Smartwatch Garmin
Garmin
Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch
#4 Amazon Garmin.com eBay
Fenix 6 Pro Multisport GPS Watch Garmin
Garmin
Fenix 6 Pro Multisport GPS Watch
#5 Amazon Garmin.com eBay
F91W-1 Casual Sport Watch Casio
Casio
F91W-1 Casual Sport Watch
#6 Amazon Casio.com eBay
PRG-270-1 Multifunction Digital Sport Watch Casio
Casio
PRG-270-1 Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
#7 Amazon Casio.com eBay
Grit X Multisport GPS Smart Watch Polar
Polar
Grit X Multisport GPS Smart Watch
#8 Amazon Polar.com eBay
9 Baro Multisport GPS Watch Suunto
Suunto
9 Baro Multisport GPS Watch
#9 Amazon Suunto.com eBay
APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch COROS
COROS
APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch
#10 Amazon Coros.com eBay

10 List of Best Budget Watches for Hiking

  • Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch
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    #1

    Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

    The best hiking smartwatch with long-lasting battery life

    1  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    In the range price of $117, this Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch can be used for hiking watches and day-to-day watches. It has a sleek, lightweight design that ensures comfortability and fashionable wear. It has a widescreen and health monitor where you can monitor your step, heart rate, calorie burn, and many more. The battery life that lasts two days can be a good option for hiking that takes a long time. However, this hiking watch lack GPS. That is useful, but you can connect it to your mobile phone to see the accurate map of your workout.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Sleek and lightweight design
    Wide monitor
    Good battery life
    Health Monitor

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Lacks GPS

    What other experts liked

    The Fitbit Versa 2 battery lasts for days and days.

    What other experts didn't like

    No integration with Apple Health or Google Fit.
    Tech radar
  • Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch
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    #2

    Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch

    The best hiking watch with complete hiking features

    4  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    You can grab this Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch in its official store for $299.99. This watch has complete hiking and outdoor activity features, including GPS, breadcrumb navigation, and ABC sensors. It’s lightweight and comfortable to use with complex polymer as its material. The excellent battery management of this watch can be a good option for durable and long-lasting use for hiking. The only downside of this product is it lacks a complete mapping feature.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Comfortable design
    Completer sports features
    Navigation support
    Good battery management

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Lack of full mapping features

    What other experts liked

    It has a comfortable and durable design with precise GPS mapping.
    Tom's Guide

    What other experts didn't like

    This watch lacks full mapping features.
    Tech Radar
  • Suunto Core Alpha Outdoor Sports Watch
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    #3

    Suunto Core Alpha Outdoor Sports Watch

    The best hiking watch with military-inspired standards

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Suunto Core Alpha Stealth Outdoor Sports Watch aluminum and composite is a military-inspired hiking watch designed using aluminum and composite. It’s durable and comfortable, and you can purchase it for only $299.00. The temperature sensor and ABC feature that intended for outdoor sports. Moreover, the durable and waterproof design can be used for snorkeling up to 10M. The long-lasting battery, which is last for 12month also can be a plus point for this one of the best budget watches for hiking.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Military-inspired standards
    LED backlight
    Durable and comfortable
    Temperature sensor
    Long-lasting battery

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Non GPS

    What other experts liked

    It’s a stylish altimeter watch that is reliable enough to get the job done.
    Gear Assistant

    What other experts didn't like

    The Core is also one of the most expensive non-GPS watches we tested.
    Outdoor Gear
  • Garmin Vivoactive 4  GPS Smartwatch
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    with this product?
    #4

    Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch

    The best hiking smartwatch with health tracking software

    1  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Garmin Vivoactive 4 GPS Smartwatch is a watch that is good for hiking and any workout. It has ABC features, health tracking software, and 20 pre-loaded fitness apps that will benefit exercise addicts. In addition, it has a good health monitoring that will be good to monitor your health while hiking, such as body’s energy levels, stress levels, blood oxygen saturation, sleep, hydration, and women’s health. However, in the price range of $329.99, this smartwatch is not the cheapest option on our list.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    GPS tracking
    Contactless pay
    20 pre-loaded fitness apps
    Extensive health tracking software
    Battery life lasts for 8 days

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Expensive

    What other experts liked

    Accurate fitness and health tracking.
    Android Authority

    What other experts didn't like

    No Performance Condition/training load monitoring.
    Tech Radar
  • Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Multisport GPS Watch
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    #5

    Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Multisport GPS Watch

    The best watch with offline map and POV navigation

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Multisport GPS Watch is made of steel and titanium to ensure its durability. This watch is shock resistant, comfortable, durable, and won’t break even if you bang it somewhere when hiking. This hiking watch ABC features a thermometer, weather app, and a long-lasting nine-day battery. With the POV navigation and offline map, this is the perfect option to prevent loss of connection. However, at the price of $649.99, this product is quite expensive.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    ABC features
    Thermometer and weather app
    The battery lasts for 9 days
    Offline map and POV navigation

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Pricey

    What other experts liked

    It has offline maps and POV navigation.

    What other experts didn't like

    Most athletes could get away with a lower-cost watch with about half the features and similar battery life.
    Outdoor Gear Lab
  • Casio F91W-1 Casual Sport Watch
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    with this product?
    #6

    Casio F91W-1 Casual Sport Watch

    The best timeless watch at a low price

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Casio F91W-1 Casual Sport Watch is the cheapest watch in our list of the best budget watches for hiking that you can purchase for only $18.95. Despite being extremely affordable, it has a durable and classic design. However, you couldn’t expect much from this timeless watch since it has no fancy functions like ABC features and GPS. This watch only checks the date and time with a built-in stopwatch and alarm. Regardless, it’s worth purchasing if you want a cheap option with no fancy features.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Cheap
    Check the date and time
    Alarm and a built-in stopwatch
    Durable and classic design

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    no fancy functions

    What other experts liked

    Despite the cheap price, the watch is immensely durable.
    Gentleman Within

    What other experts didn't like

    Supposedly Water Resistant is roughly equivalent to a 30m rating, so not really recommended.
    The Truth about Watches
  • Casio PRG-270-1 Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
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    with this product?
    #7

    Casio PRG-270-1 Multifunction Digital Sport Watch

    The best watch with solar powered battery

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Casio PRG-270-1 Multifunction Digital Sport Watch is a watch that you can use for hiking with a simple and useful function. It has accurate ABC reading, solar-powered battery, storm alarm, and sunset and sunrise prediction. Moreover, the resin coating makes this watch water resistant up to 100M, which means it can be used for swimming. The only downside of this $200.00 watch is its alarm is not that loud.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Resin coating
    Solar Powered Battery
    Water-resistant
    Strom alarm
    ABC reading

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The alarm is not that loud

    What other experts liked

    It features Casio’s Triple Sensor, which comes with an Altimeter, Barometer/Thermometer, and a digital compass!
    I Know Watches

    What other experts didn't like

    I could barely hear the alarm from a nightstand next to the bed.
  • Polar Grit X Multisport GPS Smart Watch
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    with this product?
    #8

    Polar Grit X Multisport GPS Smart Watch

    The best smartwatch with extensive exercise features

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Polar Grit X Multisport GPS Smart Watch has a minimalist, sturdy, and lightweight design that make it comfortable to use. This built-in GPS watch is provided with an altimeter, compass, Hill Splitter Feature, and mapping app that perfectly suits outdoor sport, travel, and backpacking. In addition, the waterproof design grants the use in any climate and can be used for swimming. In the price range of $429.95, this watch provides a vast selection of training apps. However, the only downside of this watch is it has an average battery life that lasts for five days.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Lightweight and sturdy design
    Altimeter, built-in GPS, and compass
    Hill Splitter feature
    Waterproof

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Average battery life span

    What other experts liked

    Each of the buttons had both a good feels, as well as a very slight haptic vibration from inside the watch when pressed
    DC Rainmaker

    What other experts didn't like

    Five-day battery life is more average than another watch in that price range.
    Tech Radar
  • Suunto 9 Baro Multisport GPS Watch
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    with this product?
    #9

    Suunto 9 Baro Multisport GPS Watch

    The best hiking smartwatch with FusedTrack technology

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Suunto 9 Baro Multisport GPS Watch is a smartwatch that has a large screen for easy-to-read access. Moreover, this GPS watch has smart battery management and FusedTrack technology to minimize the battery drain. Equipped with a heart rate monitor, Bluetooth, and pulse oximeter, this will be a great option to monitor your performance. However, this hiking watch uses breadcrumbs to track the location instead of topo maps. You can grab this hiking smartwatch for $499.00 in its official online store.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    GPS
    Smart battery management
    FusedTrack technology
    Battery last for 120 hours

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Lack of topo maps

    What other experts liked

    The watch has a ton of useful features, great battery life, and looks amazing.
    Best Thinking

    What other experts didn't like

    The screen can be hard to read.
    Tech Radar
  • COROS APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch
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    with this product?
    #10

    COROS APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch

    The best smartwatch with a rechargeable lithium-powered battery

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    COROS APEX Premium Multisport GPS Watch is made from a titanium frame and sapphire touch-screen lens that provide durable and comfortable usage. The lithium-powered battery will last 25 hours and can be extended to 80 hours by using the UltraMax mode. The GPS navigation and ABC features offer an excellent function for hiking. Moreover, this product is great for any sport such as running and swimming with the exercise features and 100M water resistance. In the mid-price range of $299.00, this watch is worth purchasing for outdoor sports.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Great battery life
    Lightweight and comfortable
    Affordable price
    ABC features
    Heart rate monitor

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Easy to accidentally hit the scroll knob

    What other experts liked

    It has a simple, lightweight, and comfortable design.
    Running Warehouse

    What other experts didn't like

    Navigation features are not very detailed.
    Trail and Kale

Conclusion: Best Budget Watches for Hiking

Finding a product within your budget range can be challenging since there are many hiking watches. Keep in mind that you need to be not only concerned about the price but also the function and durability that the product offers.

A good hiking watch is a watch that gives you the best function that you can leverage while hiking. Moreover, it has to be durable and equipped with a shockproof and water-resistant design. In this list of the best budget watches for hiking, we hope you can find one that suits your needs. Last, have fun hiking!

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