10 Best Smartwatch For Cycling 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as a versatile fitness tracker, especially appealing for cycling enthusiasts. Featuring built-in GPS, it offers accurate tracking of your rides, which is essential for monitoring distance and routes. The battery life is decent, with up to 18 hours on regular use, but it may fall short for longer rides unless you switch to Low Power Mode, which can extend it to 36 hours. This should be noted if you plan to use it for extended tours.

One of the key strengths of this smartwatch is its advanced health monitoring capabilities. The heart rate sensor provides real-time data, and the ECG app can give insights into your heart health, making it a great companion for fitness tracking. The always-on display is a bonus, ensuring you can easily check your stats while cycling without the need to raise your wrist.

Durability is another highlight, with a water resistance rating of 50 meters, meaning a little rain won’t stop you, and the IP6X dust resistance is a plus for outdoor cycling. It’s also designed to connect seamlessly with your iPhone and other Apple devices, allowing you to receive notifications and control your music while on the go. The watch's reliance on being paired with an iPhone can be a drawback for those who use Android devices. Additionally, while the display is bright and legible, it may be challenging to read in direct sunlight at certain angles. The additional features, such as the customizable bands and safety features like fall detection, enhance its usability but may not be crucial for all cyclists. The Apple Watch Series 10 represents a solid choice for cycling enthusiasts looking for a reliable smartwatch packed with health features, while also considering the need for regular charging and its compatibility limitations.

The Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm is a strong option for cyclists who want a feature-rich smartwatch. It offers very precise GPS tracking using multiple satellite systems, which is crucial for accurate cycling routes and distance measurement. The always-on Retina display is bright and large, making it easy to glance at stats while riding, even in sunlight. Its heart rate monitoring is advanced, with ECG support and notifications for abnormal rhythms, helping cyclists keep a close eye on their health.

Battery life covers a full day (up to 18 hours) under normal use, which should handle most cycling sessions, though longer rides may require charging. The watch is durable with water resistance to 50 meters and dust resistance, so it can handle sweat, rain, and rough outdoor conditions. Connectivity is seamless with iPhones, allowing calls, messages, and music controls on the go, but compatibility is limited to newer iPhone models. Navigation features like compass, altimeter, and route tracking are built-in, supporting effective ride planning and safety.

Training metrics cover a broad range of activities, including cycling, and provide detailed insights such as workout intensity and recovery. The battery life might be insufficient for extended multi-day cycling trips without access to charging. This watch serves as a comfortable, durable, and smart companion for recreational and serious cyclists who want sophisticated health tracking and navigation wrapped in an easy-to-use, stylish design, especially for users within the Apple ecosystem.

The Garmin Vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for cyclists looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch. Its bright and sharp AMOLED display makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight, which is great when you’re outdoors. The built-in GPS provides accurate tracking for your rides, helping you map your routes and monitor your pace without needing your phone. Battery life stands out with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won't have to charge it frequently during long cycling trips. The watch offers extensive health monitoring, including wrist-based heart rate tracking, which is useful for keeping an eye on your effort and recovery. It also features Body Battery energy monitoring and sleep coaching to help you manage your training and rest better.

The Vívoactive 5 supports various sports apps and customizable workouts, including cycling, making it easy to track performance and progress. Connectivity is strong, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and smartphone compatibility for both Android and iOS, allowing music downloads and notifications without your phone nearby. However, while it is water-resistant and durable enough for regular use, it may not be as rugged as some specialized cycling or adventure watches built for extreme conditions. Navigation features are solid but lean more on general GPS tracking than advanced turn-by-turn cycling directions.

This smartwatch strikes a versatile balance between fitness tracking and smart features, making it well-suited for casual to moderately serious cyclists who want reliable data and health insights without complicated setup.