Discover the Top 5 Advanced Multisport GPS Watches in Canada for 2026
Published on Friday, January 2, 2026
In Canada, fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers seek the best technology to enhance their performance and track their progress. Advanced multisport GPS watches have emerged as essential tools for individuals who engage in various activities, including running, cycling, hiking, and swimming. With a blend of innovative features, rugged durability, and user-friendly interfaces, these watches cater to a wide spectrum of athletes, from casual users to professionals. 2026 brings a fresh lineup of advanced GPS watches that focus on enhancing athletic performance while providing valuable metrics, such as heart rate, GPS tracking, and altitude. Consumers are increasingly drawn to options that seamlessly integrate health monitoring features, making them ideal for those who want to keep their well-being in check during strenuous activities. Moreover, the appeal of multisport GPS watches lies in their versatility and adaptability to different environments, allowing users to track multiple sports with precision and accuracy. The advancements in battery life, connectivity, and tracking capabilities have solidified these products as must-have accessories for anyone committed to an active lifestyle. As we explore the top five advanced multisport GPS watches available in Canada for 2026, it's clear that each option holds significant value for fitness-focused individuals, ultimately empowering them to reach their goals and enjoy every moment of their adventures.
Top Picks Summary
Garmin Forerunner 965
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar is a top-tier GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It features a high-resolution AMOLED display, advanced training metrics, and solar charging to extend battery life during long activities. With its comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, including VO2 max and performance condition, it stands out among competitors. Its durable build and water resistance further make it ideal for rugged environments.

Advanced training features
Custom workouts
Review Summary
"The Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar is praised for its advanced features and long battery life, making it a top choice among serious runners."
Lightweight feel
Advanced training metrics
Skill Development & Mastery
Health & Fitness Improvement
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar is a top-tier GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It features a high-resolution AMOLED display, advanced training metrics, and solar charging to extend battery life during long activities. With its comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, including VO2 max and performance condition, it stands out among competitors. Its durable build and water resistance further make it ideal for rugged environments.
Advanced training features
Custom workouts
Lightweight feel
Advanced training metrics
Long battery life
Long battery life
Custom workouts
Reviews from the web
“The Forerunner 965 sees Garmin make some tweaks to its premium running watch, the most notable being an AMOLED display. That said, not much else has changed between the Forerunner 955, released nine months ago.”
Tom2023 “RW verdict: After wearing the Garmin Forerunner 965 for several months now, it’s proven to be a solid watch and running companion.”
Runner2025Recent “The Garmin Forerunner 965 is the best multisport watch yet from the company that excels at making exactly that. The new AMOLED screen brings the fight to Apple while better battery life, smaller form and premium titanium upgrades all make this a wonder watch.”
TechRadar2023 “Score: 9.2/10 — The gold standard for serious runners. AMOLED display, training metrics that rival coaching, and battery life that outlasts marathons.”
Wearable Gear Reviews2025Recent “The Forerunner 965 is Garmin’s most feature-complete running watch, offering 31-hour GPS battery life, advanced training metrics, and mapping that rivals the Fenix series.”
Run Weekly2025Recent “If Garmin ever redesigns their app experience, I’d be first in line to try it again. Until then, it’s a mixed bag: top-tier hardware paired with a frustrating digital experience.”
Erwin Bierens Blog2025Recent “For literally every metric that you can imagine, Garmin lets you dive into the details of it. From heart rate tracking to breathing rate, to functional threshold power and chronic training load. There are still occasional inconsistencies though.”
DC Rainmaker· dcrainmakerblog2023 “Though digging into the nitty gritty of my performance these was pretty cool in a nerdy kind of way, I am not sure if they were all that useful for me.”
Runner2025Recent “As we’ve covered in our extended breakdown of the differences between the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Forerunner 955, the new AMOLED display is the key one to focus on here, with the feature set almost remaining identical (more on that below).”
Wareable· Conor Allison2023 “The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a running watch with multi-sport functionality. It features an AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, and built-in maps and tracks your activity, recovery, and sleep. Customer reviews for that watch are mostly positive.”
Garage Gym Reviews “At the premium end of our spectrum, you can expect this GPS watch to tackle all of your daily health-tracking needs. Garmin provides an exceptional number of health metrics and features, which is great if you like digging into charts and data.”
GearLab
Loved
57- +
Bright, beautiful AMOLED display
— Tom - +
Two new training metrics
— Tom - +
Accurate heart rate monitoring
— Tom - +
Excellent Garmin Connect app
— Tom - +
Like the newly released Forerunner 265, which also got the upgraded AMOLED screen, Garmin has made the start/stop button slightly bigger on the top right — handy if you struggle to remember which button to press to pause your run at a stop light.
— Tom - +
One area where Garmin excels compared to other sports watches on the market is its battery life. Despite its brighter screen, the battery life of the Forerunner 965 is pretty similar to that of the Forerunner 955. I’ve put all the key stats in a table below:
— Tom - +
The strap comes in three options Amp Yellow/Black, Black/Powder Grey, or Whitestone/Powder Grey. In all cases, there is a double clasp, malleable and comfy silicone strap and it can be swapped out as it uses the Garmin 22mm QuickFit system.
— TechRadar - +
Long, long battery life
— TechRadar - +
New training metrics ideal for runners
— TechRadar - +
This is the watch that takes one of the best Apple watch features and adds it to Garmin – that stunning AMOLED display. Yet, this manages to offer at least five days more battery life than almost any of the other competition with the same display.
— TechRadar - +
For what you get this justifies that cost, as this review will clarify. In short, it's got astonishing battery performance, a beautiful display, super accurate location and heart rate tracking plus lots of other smart metrics including new running dynamics without the need...
— TechRadar - +
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is all about that superb 1.4-inch AMOLED display which looks superb. It's not only rich with colors and crisp definition between light and dark, but it also has a fantastic 454 x 454-pixel resolution, plus it's super bright.
— TechRadar - +
All that equates to a screen you can read in any light or situation – including underwater – with lots of data at a glance. You can also activate the always-on display and since this is super low energy consuming that won't even affect battery life much.
— TechRadar - +
Plus it's all coated in a Gorilla Glass DX outer layer which should mean it stays scratch-free too. In our months of using this, including throwing it in bags, there's not a mark on it.
— TechRadar - +
Upgraded from the previous generation is the bezel too, which is now made of lightweight and hardy titanium. This is the metal they put in your body if you have an operation – as it's so nonreactive and won't be affected by moisture – meaning this should stay in perfect...
— TechRadar - +
Since everything is waterproof to 50 meters it's also super simple to give it a clean by washing under the tap or in the shower – which in reviewing for months was found to keep it looking as good as new.
— TechRadar - +
Workouts drain the battery especially hard, because of GPS, and the always-on display that shows your major metrics at all times.
— Runner - +
Having a more accurate heart rate measurement has a cascading impact on all of your training data and Garmin's data analysis features, which help optimize your variability, recovery, and your performance on the whole. When this watch tells you to take it easy, you should listen.
— Runner - +
The up-ahead turn-by-turn navigational system is also responsive and easy to follow. As someone who falls into a sort of directional fugue when I run, often forgetting my plan, this is a huge help.
— Runner - +
Beyond the core running metrics, the Forerunner 965 tracks some very specific things that can be very useful for competitive runners in training looking to optimize their performance.
— Runner - +
As I don’t have a fancy running coach, I decided to give Garmin’s suggested workouts on the Garmin Forerunner 965 a go. And you know what? They were quite helpful.
— Runner - +
Each race became a personal vendetta against the digital projections, and fueled by sheer stubbornness (and caffeine), I beat those times.
— Runner - +
Fortunately, the 965's ability to download maps from secondary apps and store music on the device largely mitigates your need to interact with Garmin Connect.
— Runner - +
The watch has an accurate multi-band GPS tracking system and is chock a block with fitness and health metrics, performance tracking, and lifestyle upgrades that turn this from just a running watch into something truly special for serious runners.
— Runner - +
We really like the physical design of the Forerunner 965, and it even looks better now with the metal bezel. The model looks more elegant and premium without changes to its weight or feel on the wrist.
— GearLab - +
The removable, toolless straps are great, provide good comfort, and are made of high-quality materials. The dual colorway adds a nice touch of style. This slim model works well with a variety of clothes; mainly, we had no issues with gloves or jackets because of the thin profile.
— GearLab - +
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is one of the most-accurate GPS watches we've reviewed. To test the distance and pace, we ran pre-measured routes in a variety of areas with various levels of potential GPS disruption.
— Runner - +
To measure heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (Sp02) tracking, Cat ran on the treadmill wearing both the 965 and a hospital-grade pulse oximeter with a built-in heart rate monitor.
— Runner - +
The up-ahead turn-by-turn navigational system is also responsive and easy to follow. Haptic and audible notifications effectively alert you of upcoming turns, so you don't need to check your watch to follow its directions.
— Runner - +
Beyond the core running metrics, the Forerunner 965 tracks some very specific things that can be very useful for competitive runners in training looking to boost their performance.
— Runner - +
For those without a running coach, we used Garmin’s suggested workouts on the Garmin Forerunner 965 and they were surprisingly helpful.
— Runner - +
The 965 also has a feature called PacePro. We used this feature to great effect during a few test races, trusting race-day strategy to the watch and it managed to guide Ben on both a trail race and a city race, where GPS interference from tall buildings can often scupper a...
— Runner - +
The battery life is sizeable in smartwatch mode, with Garmin claiming you can get up to 23 days of use under ideal conditions. With regular runs and workouts, we averaged about a week between charges.
— Runner - +
Workouts do seem to drain the battery quite quickly, because of GPS, but especially if you have the always-on display (we switched it off pretty much right away).
— Runner - +
Track intervals: 0.02 mile variance over 10 × 800m
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
Trail run: Matched surveyed distance within 50m over 12 miles
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
City running: No major dropouts, smooth tracking through tall buildings
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
Best-in-class GPS accuracy and training metrics
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
AMOLED display is a game-changer for readability
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
Battery life destroys competition
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
Works without smartphone (built-in music storage)
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
Comprehensive recovery and training load data
— Wearable Gear Reviews - +
Battery life: Exceptional. I could go several days without thinking about charging.
— Erwin Bierens Blog - +
Display: Sharp and vibrant. The AMOLED screen looks modern and performs great in sunlight.
— Erwin Bierens Blog - +
Stamina & recovery insights: Actually useful. Real-time stamina tracking during longer rides or runs gave me more awareness than I expected.
— Erwin Bierens Blog - +
Integration with Edge 1040: Great combo for outdoor workouts. It felt like a full training dashboard.
— Erwin Bierens Blog - +
The AMOLED display changes how I use this watch every day. Colours pop, and it’s easy to read data fields in sunlight.
— Run Weekly - +
The most eye-catching thing about the Forerunner 965 is that bright AMOLED display. It’s vibrant and crisp, even outdoors in full sunlight.
— Run Weekly - +
Build quality feels solid for something so light. The titanium bezel adds a bit of class without making it heavy.
— Run Weekly - +
The buttons have a satisfying click—definitely improved from older models. Each press feels clean and responsive.
— Run Weekly - +
The 47mm case sits comfortably on my wrist, not bulky at all. The silicone strap breathes well and doesn’t irritate, even after hours of wear.
— Run Weekly - +
The watch face sits flat, and the curved edges mean it doesn’t snag on sleeves. Small but thoughtful detail.
— Run Weekly - +
Accurate GPS and comprehensive maps
— redditrecs.com - +
Vibrant, high-resolution AMOLED display
— redditrecs.com - +
Extensive sports & outdoor activity features
— redditrecs.com - +
Outstanding comfort and lightweight design
— redditrecs.com - +
Exceptional multi-week battery life
— redditrecs.com
Criticised
18- −
Expensive at almost $600 dollars
— Garage Gym Reviews - −
No ECG heart rate tracking
— Garage Gym Reviews - −
No wireless charging capabilities
— Garage Gym Reviews - −
Very mixed reviews on the Garmin Connect App
— Garage Gym Reviews - −
I still have my quibbles with the accuracy of the sleep tracking features, though. I wear an Oura ring regularly and generally feel that I have a good idea of my sleep patterns, so I feel comfortable saying that the 965 felt off.
— Runner - −
Let’s talk about what I don’t love. On paper, the Garmin Connect app offers a lot of convenience in managing certain aspects of the Forerunner 965 from your phone. That said, I find the app's organizational structure to be a bit of a hot mess.
— Runner - −
Beyond that, Garmin also needs a more intuitive way to figure out how to silence certain notifications while allowing others to come through. Do not disturb mode is not useful for everything.
— Runner - −
It has its limitations, though. For example: While I generally love its bright display, you can’t keep it in the “always on” mode for more than roughly 24 hours, which is highly problematic for ultramarathoners, at the very least.
— Runner - −
The most premium watches in our test group are starting to be released with dedicated flashlights or red modes. Unfortunately, with this upgrade, the Forerunner 965 didn't receive a flashlight, which is a bit of a bummer at this price point.
— GearLab - −
The watch aside, there are still some issue. On paper, the Garmin Connect app offers a lot of convenience in managing certain aspects of the Forerunner 965 from your phone. That said, the app's structure and layout is somewhat confused.
— Runner - −
It has its limitations, though. While we all like bright displays, you can’t keep it in the ‘always on’ mode for more than roughly 24 hours without killing the battery, which is highly problematic for ultramarathoners, at the very least.
— Runner - −
As with most smartwatches, there are still some quibbles with the accuracy of the sleep tracking features, though. When compared to an Oura ring with consistent sleep patterns, the 965 still felt off.
— Runner - −
Feels like an engineer’s dashboard: Functional, but cold and overly technical.
— Erwin Bierens Blog - −
Cluttered layout: So many sections, widgets, and menus that don’t flow.
— Erwin Bierens Blog - −
UX/UI issues: Inconsistent design elements, odd placements, and unclear pathways to the data you want.
— Erwin Bierens Blog - −
However, the watch’s capabilities can be overwhelming. Garmin’s extensive but complicated data suite isn’t the most user-friendly, especially to newcomers, and the AMOLED display, while beautiful, impacts battery life compared to more utilitarian alternatives.
— live for the outdoors - −
Now, although there is touch screen capability, I have turned this feature off both during a run and for general use - I just don't like it on a watch - plus I have a 15 month old son, who loves playing with my Garmin watch so there's no way I'm having that on right now, lol.
— Trail & Kale - −
One significant limitation is the reliance on the Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor. While it offers decent heart rate tracking, it lacks the advanced ECG capabilities found in newer models like the Fenix 8, which might be a deal-breaker for users seeking comprehensive...
— PageBen Reviews
Buyer voices
8“FredGolightly over 1 year ago +16 100% agree. Every update is 3 new features and 15 new issues breaking things which were working fine before. I moved to Garmin for the maps, but the new Polar and Coros look great without the Garmin premium...”
FredGolightly over 1 year ago +16— forums.garmin.com“FredGolightly over 1 year ago in reply to Deiv +11 And yet there's hundreds of pages of issues, some going back to release day, which haven't been fixed while new ones are added. None of these bugs can be solved with a reboot, take a look at them, they...”
FredGolightly over 1 year ago in reply to Deiv +11— forums.garmin.com“Garmin-is-full-of-bugs over 1 year ago +10 Totally agree. I had FR245 and it was great, solid and reliable sport companion. When Garmin released FR965 I decided I want something better looking and more premium and I thought it must be obvious improvement...”
Garmin-is-full-of-bugs over 1 year ago +10— forums.garmin.com“0 flocsy🤠 over 1 year ago in reply to Garmin-is-full-of-bugs 100% true Cancel Up +1 Down Cancel”
0 flocsy🤠 over 1 year ago in reply to Garmin-is-full-of-bugs— forums.garmin.com“0 FredGolightly over 1 year ago in reply to Deiv And yet there's hundreds of pages of issues, some going back to release day, which haven't been fixed while new ones are added.”
0 FredGolightly over 1 year ago in reply to Deiv— forums.garmin.com“0 Narziss over 1 year ago I reboot my device daily, and the only issue I had was with a past firmware, when I could not save my location, which was solved after a full reset that I did after the backup / restore function was implemented.”
0 Narziss over 1 year ago— forums.garmin.com“0 Saganist over 1 year ago 1000% agree...the WHR, Nap/Sleep tracking, and reliability has gone backwards since I've owned my watch, they are literally shooting themselves in the foot...I use really none of the new features, so my watch is worse in many ways than when I bought it.”
0 Saganist over 1 year ago— forums.garmin.com“FR965 is still a great buy if you find it at a discount... if you are mostly running with occasional cycling and budget is a factor, the FR965 at a good price is very solid.”
LavaPicks— lavapicks.com
Polar X Grit Pro
The Polar Grit X Pro combines rugged durability with cutting-edge smartwatch features, making it perfect for adventurers and outdoor athletes. Its military-grade design ensures it can withstand harsh conditions, while the long battery life and advanced training guidance elevate your outdoor experiences. Unique features like Hill Splitter and FuelWise offer invaluable insights for optimizing performance. This device sits at the forefront of its category for serious athletes seeking reliability and functionality.

Tactical GPS power
Mountain-ready build
Review Summary
"The Polar Grit X Pro is lauded for its robust design and excellent navigation capabilities, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and athletes alike."
Advanced training smarts
Professional-grade GPS, barometer, and compass for accurate elevation and route tracking.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
The Polar Grit X Pro combines rugged durability with cutting-edge smartwatch features, making it perfect for adventurers and outdoor athletes. Its military-grade design ensures it can withstand harsh conditions, while the long battery life and advanced training guidance elevate your outdoor experiences. Unique features like Hill Splitter and FuelWise offer invaluable insights for optimizing performance. This device sits at the forefront of its category for serious athletes seeking reliability and functionality.
Tactical GPS power
Mountain-ready build
Advanced training smarts
Professional-grade GPS, barometer, and compass for accurate elevation and route tracking.
Built for outdoor use with durable construction and multi-day battery performance.
Coros Vertix 2
The Coros Vertix 2 brings unparalleled GPS accuracy and features that cater specifically to ultra-endurance athletes. It boasts an impressive battery life that can last weeks on a single charge, even when using full GPS tracking. The multi-sport functionality and topographical maps allow for a comprehensive outdoor experience, helping athletes navigate and explore confidently. This watch stands out in the market as a leader for those who venture into the wild.

Altitude master
Multi-sport friendly
Review Summary
"The Coros Vertix 2 is celebrated for its impressive durability and battery performance, appealing to adventurers seeking rugged watch options."
Durability squared!
Robust build quality
Health & Fitness Improvement
Increased Safety & Security
The Coros Vertix 2 brings unparalleled GPS accuracy and features that cater specifically to ultra-endurance athletes. It boasts an impressive battery life that can last weeks on a single charge, even when using full GPS tracking. The multi-sport functionality and topographical maps allow for a comprehensive outdoor experience, helping athletes navigate and explore confidently. This watch stands out in the market as a leader for those who venture into the wild.
Altitude master
Multi-sport friendly
Durability squared!
Robust build quality
Top-tier GPS accuracy
SpecificationsTechnical Specifications
- Colors
- Black, Lime
- Weight
- 88g
- Storage
- 32
- Dimensions
- 47 × 47 × 15.2mm
- Screen Size
- 1.4inches
- Waterproof
- Battery Life
- 60
- Gps Tracking
- Altitude Tracking
Suunto 9 Peak
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is engineered for adventurers who demand maximum performance from their gear. It features an exceptional battery life, customizable sports modes, and advanced performance metrics that cater to a range of activities. The device’s durable, ultra-thin design combined with an intuitive interface ensures ease-of-use without sacrificing functionality. With real-time tracking and a comprehensive suite of tools, it positions itself as a premium option for serious athletes.

Multi-sport tracking
Weather resistance
Review Summary
"The Suunto 9 Peak Pro receives acclaim for its stylish design and precise tracking features, perfect for both casual and serious fitness users."
Long-lasting battery
Rugged design
Health & Fitness Improvement
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro is engineered for adventurers who demand maximum performance from their gear. It features an exceptional battery life, customizable sports modes, and advanced performance metrics that cater to a range of activities. The device’s durable, ultra-thin design combined with an intuitive interface ensures ease-of-use without sacrificing functionality. With real-time tracking and a comprehensive suite of tools, it positions itself as a premium option for serious athletes.
Multi-sport tracking
Weather resistance
Long-lasting battery
Rugged design
Extended battery life
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 takes smartwatches to the next level with its robust design and unparalleled integration with the Apple ecosystem. It features advanced health monitoring capabilities, including ECG and blood oxygen levels, making it a comprehensive fitness companion. The rugged construction is perfect for outdoor activities without compromising on elegance. Unique functionalities like precision dual-frequency GPS and customizable action buttons set it apart as a market leader.

Seamless app integration 📱
Luxury meets tech 💎
Review Summary
"The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is recognized for its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and premium quality, making it a favorite among smart wearable enthusiasts."
Always-on display 💡
Seamless integration with iOS
Tech-Savvy Living
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 takes smartwatches to the next level with its robust design and unparalleled integration with the Apple ecosystem. It features advanced health monitoring capabilities, including ECG and blood oxygen levels, making it a comprehensive fitness companion. The rugged construction is perfect for outdoor activities without compromising on elegance. Unique functionalities like precision dual-frequency GPS and customizable action buttons set it apart as a market leader.
Seamless app integration 📱
Luxury meets tech 💎
Always-on display 💡
Seamless integration with iOS
High-quality display
High-quality display
Health and fitness tracking capabilities
Reviews from the web
“The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the biggest, toughest, most endurance-friendly watch in Apple’s line-up. Built for bigger adventures than the daintier Apple Watch Series 10, it offers increasingly comprehensive running credentials, along with all the life-taming tools that...”
Runner2025 “The Apple Watch Ultra 2 strikes a great balance between powerful outdoor features and being an excellent smartwatch companion.”
Trusted Reviews· James Stables2024 “Two-day battery life will remain a sticking point for adventurers heading off-grid, but for those sticking closer to home the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a slick, polished experience with no shortage of tools to help you train smarter and get more from your time outdoors.”
Advnture2024 “A few hours with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is enough to confirm that it's an improvement on the stellar original - albeit only an incremental one, specs-wise. That's probably enough to make it the best Apple Watch ever, though, and its screen is amazing.”
TechRadar2023 “The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a modest update over the original, but a brighter display, support for the double-tap gestures and future-proof processor are welcome improvements.”
Tom2023 “Like the last generation, the Ultra 2 comes in just one size (49mm), but now you can choose from two finishes: natural or black titanium. The black titanium Ultra 2 has a matte finish like the natural model, but the darker color gives it a sleeker look.”
PCMag Canada2025Recent “Modular Ultra is probably my favorite for the Apple Watch Ultra. It takes advantage of all the space and has a ring around the edge that updates in real time to different metrics.”
AppleInsider· appleinsider2024 “Red mode was previously one of our favorite additions to this watch, and now it automatically adjusts to changing light conditions. Recently, flashlights have been making their way onto GPS watches, which have quickly become one of our favorite features.”
GearLab “I placed the Watch Ultra 2 next to my first-gen Watch Ultra, and they were virtually indistinguishable from each other. After cranking up the brightness on both, I could barely tell the difference in standard lighting conditions because Apple uses the same ambient light sensor.”
ZDNET· ZDNET “Same with wrist flick which is available on Ultra 2”
Reddit2026Recent “Though it outperforms or matches the Series 10 watch in most metrics, it's worth noting that since the Ultra 2 was launched a year prior, it ships with a generation older S9 SiP (System in Package). You also need to be an iPhone user to pair and use an Apple Watch of any kind.”
SlashGear· Adnan Ahmed2025Recent “Double Tap is a beneficial feature for Apple Watch users who may have a disability or who are unable to interact with the wearable with another hand. The gesture does take some getting used to in terms of sensitivity, but it's very easy to use once you get the hang of it.”
Business Insider· Rick Stella, Antonio Villas-Boas “GPS tracks clean routes in tough spots with lots of buildings or trees”
My Style Grid· Rubel Miah2026Recent
Loved
28- +
Impressively, Apple has made these upgrades without increasing the size or weight of the watch, and while maintaining the same battery life.
— Advnture - +
The two main differences are an upgraded display, which is 50% brighter, and a new processor that makes the whole experience of using the watch that little bit smoother, and enables a new gesture control for one-handed operation.
— Advnture - +
Even brighter AMOLED display
— Advnture - +
Double-tap gesture works well
— Advnture - +
Great new Modular Ultra watch face
— Tom - +
Supports the double tap gesture
— Tom - +
Easier to find iPhone with watch
— Tom - +
Brighter display than before
— Tom - +
Apple’s brightest display ever
— TechRadar - +
It has a brighter screen (Apple’s brightest screen ever, in fact) but Apple’s new S9 SiP chip and the watchOS 10 operating system are what’s bringing most of the changes.
— TechRadar - +
The key differences to look out for concern the screen and the bands. First off, the screen is even more beautiful than on the first version, capable of putting out an impressive 3,000 nits of brightness at full blast.
— TechRadar - +
The Ultra 2 also one-ups the Series 10's IP6X dust resistance rating with the addition of an MIL-STD 810H certification, the standard used for military equipment, meaning it has been tested to survive high altitude, extreme temperatures, freezing/thawing, blowing sand, and...
— PCMag Canada - +
Before testing the Ultra 2, I worried that its brighter screen would come at the expense of battery life, but that's not the case.
— PCMag Canada - +
Conversely, when using Sleep Focus mode in a dark room, the Ultra 2 will now dim to a single nit (from 2 nits last generation) to reduce disturbance for light sleepers. Regardless of the ambient lighting, I never have a problem reading the Ultra 2's display.
— PCMag Canada - +
To test its depth gauge, I took the Ultra 2 for a dip in the nearby Gulf of Mexico. I raved over the Depth app last generation, and it works just as well on the Ultra 2, automatically displaying your depth, underwater time, and more when submerged about three feet.
— PCMag Canada - +
The biggest change for the second-generation Ultra is a 50% increase in screen brightness to 3,000 nits, Apple's brightest display ever. The Series 10 retains its predecessor's 2,000-nit maximum brightness, matching the Galaxy Watch 7 ($299.99) and the original Apple Watch Ultra.
— PCMag Canada - +
An increase in brightness makes the display easier to read outdoors in bright sunlight. Between its size and brightness, the Ultra 2's display is phenomenal.
— PCMag Canada - +
Safety features: The emergency SOS, fall and crash detection safety features are largely the same across both watches. However, the Apple Watch Series 10 doesn’t offer the safety siren you get on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
— Runner - +
Battery life: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 staying power is perhaps the biggest lure. It offers 36 hours of everyday use while the Apple Watch Series 10 stretches to 18 hours. When you fire up the GPS, both watches cover a marathon.
— Runner - +
Size, comfort & durability: Both the 42mm and 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 case sizes are dainty by comparison to the Ultra 2. The Ultra 2’s 49mm case size has a big, hench build, with a larger brighter display (3,000 nits vs 2,000 nits).
— Runner - +
Controls: It may seem like a small thing, but you don’t get the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s customisable action button on the Series 10. This shortcut button makes it a doddle to launch straight into runs and workouts. And when you don’t have it, you miss it.
— Runner - +
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 screams premium quality, with a slick, sophisticated case made from 95% recycled titanium. It’s a design that’s well finessed and looks great on the wrist – in a confidently hench, adventure-ready way.
— Runner - +
The 50% brighter display – up to 3,000 nits from 2,000 on the first-gen – is excellent. When you put them side by side, the screen brightness is notably improved over the first-gen Apple Watch Ultra.
— Runner - +
Despite Garmin, Coros and Suutno all getting in on the AMOLED game, when it comes to brightness, crispness and clarity and visibility in all lights, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 still packs the best screen we’ve seen on a smartwatch – and a better screen than you’ll find on any...
— Runner - +
Leave your phone behind with cellular
— Reddit - +
Best-in-class heart rate accuracy
— Reddit - +
Rugged titanium build resists scratches
— Reddit - +
Extremely accurate for pool and open water swimming
— Reddit
Criticised
11- −
Digital Crown may rub your wrist
— Advnture - −
Relatively short battery life
— Advnture - −
Minor upgrade from original device
— Advnture - −
Battery life could be better
— Tom - −
However, that’s pretty much everything we can say from a software design perspective, as most of the innovations present here are part of watchOS 10, which is also available on other Apple Watches.
— TechRadar - −
No battery life extension
— TechRadar - −
Very few new features
— TechRadar - −
Galaxy Watch models allow for more granular control over screen brightness with a slider and optional adaptive brightness.
— PCMag Canada - −
For reference, you'll see the Ultra 2 pictured throughout this review on my 6-inch wrist. For aesthetics and comfort, I prefer a smaller watch like the 42mm Series 10 or the 40mm Watch SE.
— PCMag Canada - −
You’ll charge the Series 10 more frequently. However, you can offset the battery life gap somewhat with the Apple Watch Series 10’s speedier fast charging which hits 80% in just 30 mins compared with an hour on the Ultra 2.
— Runner - −
Shorter battery life than competitors
— Reddit
Buyer voices
8“DiscussionIs Ultra Watch 2 worth it? (i.redd.it)”
Pinchmepls— reddit“naturalguy said: I just got the Ultra 2, came from a series 4 m, big difference Click to expand...”
“Rainman1915 said: You might to grab your brothers series 7 for sleeping, I have an Ultra and eventually found sleeping with it uncomfortable and bought a series 6 just for that. Enjoy your new watch! Click to expand...”
“Apple_Robert said: Even if a person isn't working out every day, receiving and responding to texts and calls, creating reminders, calendar tasks and the like etc. is a lot faster on the watch but, can quickly go through a lot of battery especially if the signal is weak.”
“JaraCz said: I have oura ring, sleeeping with any watch is stupid. Click to expand...”
“GuruZac said: I’m exactly 12 months in to owning my Ultra. Still at 100% battery health. Without workouts and cellular turned off, it easily gets me through 2 and a half days. Even with a 45 mins workout it will still have 68%+ with 14 hours on wrist.”
“pcd213 said: Question for those who bought a AWU2 coming from the AWU1. Have you noticed that the brightness of watch faces in always on mode (or whatever you call the mode that dims after you’re actively viewing it) to be noticeably dimmer than the 1st gen?”
“Apple_Robert said: I have found that the Ultra Modular face is quick to go to a red screen when low light is perceived but, it can be a few seconds slow returning to normal screen mode. Click to expand...”
These advanced multisport GPS watches offer standout features that cater to diverse athletic needs. With cutting-edge tracking technology, users can monitor heart rate, elevation, and performance metrics with remarkable accuracy. Enhanced battery life ensures they can keep up with demanding activities, while smart connectivity options provide seamless integration with smartphones and fitness apps, making these watches invaluable companions for both training and everyday use.
Understanding the Benefits of Advanced Fitness Tracking Multisport GPS Watches
These devices not only support your fitness journey but also provide valuable insights into your overall health. Learn how they can enhance your training and lifestyle.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Keeps track of your heart rate in real time, helping you optimize your workouts and monitor your health status.
GPS Tracking: Accurately tracks your outdoor activities, such as running or cycling, ensuring you know your distance and pace.
Activity Insights: Offers valuable statistics on your daily activities, providing motivation and encouragement to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Health Metrics: Monitors various health indicators such as calories burned, sleep patterns, and stress levels, enabling you to make informed health decisions.
Training Modes: Features multiple sport modes allowing athletes to tailor their data for specific activities, whether it's swimming, cycling, or hiking.
Durability and Design: Built to withstand various weather conditions and physical impacts, most models also offer stylish designs suitable for everyday wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which advanced multisport GPS watch should I buy?
If you want solar charging plus built-in maps and navigation, choose the Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar at $699.99 CAD, rated 4.7, with an AMOLED display and advanced training metrics for serious athletes and outdoor use.
Does the Coros Vertix 2 have multi-sport and GPS accuracy?
Yes—the Coros Vertix 2 is built for ultra-endurance with multi-sport functionality and highly accurate GPS tracking, plus ultra-long battery life lasting weeks even with full GPS tracking, rated 4.3.
How does the Polar Grit X Pro price compare?
The Polar Grit X Pro costs $699.99 CAD and is rated 4.7, offering a durable design for extreme conditions, extended battery life, and training and recovery features versus the Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar at $699.99 CAD.
What warranty coverage comes with these GPS watches?
Warranty duration isn’t listed for the Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar ($699.99 CAD, rated 4.7), Polar Grit X Pro ($699.99 CAD, rated 4.7), or Coros Vertix 2 ($949.00 CAD, rated 4.3) in the provided product data.
Conclusion
In summary, the advanced multisport GPS watch category offers exceptional options for those keen on improving their athletic performance and tracking their activities meticulously in Canada. This year, the Garmin Forerunner 965 Solar stands out with its robust feature set and impressive solar charging capabilities, making it a favorite among long-distance runners. The Polar Grit X Pro impresses with its ruggedness and precision, while the Coros Vertix 2 is ideal for extreme adventurers needing unparalleled durability. The Suunto 9 Peak Pro combines outstanding battery life with versatile tracking options, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 brings intuitive technology and app integration to the forefront. Each product has unique strengths, catering to different preferences and activities, ensuring that you find the right fit for your active lifestyle. We hope this guide helps you in narrowing down your search for the perfect multisport GPS watch. Explore our options further to refine or expand your search easily.