After 6 years of daily use and hundreds of training hours, here is my verdict on three affordable GPS watches that are really worth it.

Why trust me?

• 5 minimum weekly training sessions
• Varied practice: race, mountain biking, muscu, hike, swimming
• I tested in depth the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini and the Coros Pace 2, and used Ignite Polar 3 for 10 days

| Claire, 34 years old. Fierce sports. I tested these GPS watches at less than € 200. Result: only concrete.

Coros Pace 3: The reference

See the Coros Pace 3 and the opinions on Amazon

Approximate price: € 249

Strengths

• Ultra precise GPS, zero shift even in dense forest
• Exceptional autonomy: 20 days announced, confirmed in real use
• Fluid and intuitive interface thanks to the navigation wheel
• Compatible with external sensors (cardio belt, cadence sensors)
• Advanced training structure, perfect for fractional
• Clear and detailed companion application

Weak points

• Basic sleep monitoring
• Sports design, less discreet on a daily basis
• No menstrual cycle follow -up

My experience

The coros allowed me to structure my split sessions with direct progression. Its GPS precision is stunning - during a 20km trail, I was able to perfect my effort thanks to the reliable heart tracking.

Physical buttons> Touch screen in the race. With sweat or in the rain, this is a real plus. I also appreciated the Coros sur Strava challenges, very motivating with friends.

Amazfit Gts 4 Mini: the most versatile

See Amazfit GTS 4 Mini and Amazon reviews

Strengths

• Elegant design, go unnoticed on a daily basis
• Light and readable amoled screen in all conditions
• Perfect for fine cuffs
• Correct autonomy (about 7 days in intensive use)
• Detailed sleep monitoring
• Integrated menstrual cycle monitoring
• Unbeatable value for money

Weak points

• Correct but less precise GPS than coros
• Not compatible with external sensors
• Pretty but less detailed app for the analysis
• Sometimes capricious tactile during the effort

My experience

Amazfit is my daily watch. Light, discreet but effective for basic follow -up. In swimming, it struggles to count the lengths precisely. For occasional running, she does the job, but for serious follow -up of progression, I prefer coros.

I disabled all social notifications - unnecessary in the middle of sport - to optimize the battery.

Ignite 3 polar: the most complete

See the Polar Ignite 3 and the opinions on Amazon

Approximate price: € 179

Strengths

• Good balance between sport and well-being
• Clear and functional interface
• Compatible external sensors
• Good swimming precision
• Relevant recovery data
• Efficient sleep monitoring

Weak points

• Autonomy a little overestimated by the brand
• Sometimes slow GPS to hang the signal
• A little rigid bracelet at the start

My experience

Tested for just 10 days, the thriller convinced me by its balanced approach. It offers a good compromise between advanced data and ease of use. Her sleep follow -up helped me adjust my rest days.

The Companion app is complete without being too complex, ideal for beginners who want to progress.

Verdict: what watch for what profile?

For the sports focused sports: Coros Pace 2If you are looking for GPS accuracy, long -term battery and reliable data to progress, this is the best option. Perfect for running, trail and cycling.

For daily life and occasional sport: Amazfit Gts 4 MiniAt 99 €, it offers the essential in a compact and elegant format. Ideal for fine wrists and those who want a discreet watch.

For a sport/well-being balance: Ignite 3 thrillerGood versatile option, especially if you swim regularly or want relevant recovery advice.

Use advice

• Always go with 100% battery for long outings (my km 12-km semi-marathon served as a lesson)
• To optimize the autonomy: deactivate the continuously on screen, reduce the synchro frequency, activate the outside activity mode
• Clean in clear water after each intense session
• Sweet silicone is the most comfortable bracelet material over time
• For swimming, favor Polar or Coros, more precise than Amazfit

My final choice

If I had to keep one: the Coros Pace 2. Ultra precise, light, simple interface, impressive autonomy. Best quality/price ratio for serious sports use.

The main thing for an affordable GPS watch? Precise GPS and reliable cardio. The rest is bonus. No need to spend € 400 for effective sports follow -up.