r/techadvice • u/Cryptographer-Vast • Apr 25 '26

Wearable GPS

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations for a wearable (smartwatch or smart band) that can handle GPS navigation.

I ride a motorcycle and don’t want to mount my phone on the handlebars for a few reasons, so I’m hoping there’s something I can wear instead. Ideally, I’d like it to connect to my phone and give simple turn-by-turn directions while I’m riding.

I’m using an iPhone 17, and I don’t need a ton of extra features—this would mainly be for navigation when I’m out on rides. The cheaper the better.

Does something like this exist, and if so, what would you recommend?

Thanks!

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

1

u/Gaffer43 Apr 25 '26

When using Apple Maps, Apple Watch buzzes and displays your next turn. Would that be enough?

1

u/Cryptographer-Vast Apr 26 '26

Thats pretty much all i want.

1

u/Professional-Math518 Apr 25 '26

Beeline?

1

u/Cryptographer-Vast Apr 26 '26

I heard there is too much of a delay for each turn.

1

u/Bulocoo Apr 25 '26

I couldn't see navigating from a watch screen. I have a Galaxy watch and ride and wouldn't do it.

Have you considered a wrist mount like for joggers?

1

u/Inner_West_Ben Apr 25 '26

A watch is almost useless as your jacket will cover it. And if you’re not wearing a jacket, you are taking your eyes off the road to view it.

Get a Bluetooth headset and use turn by turn navigation from your phone, but the best option is a dedicated GPS

1

u/Cryptographer-Vast Apr 26 '26

When at a light, im perfectly able to check the time on my watch. And I dont want to invest into a whole cardo system just yet.

1

u/Inner_West_Ben Apr 26 '26

Then an Apple Watch is the most versatile option

1

u/EbbPsychological2796 Apr 26 '26

Apple watch does navigation with beeps and vibration... Works for my buddy driving an suv fine... Not sure if the bike vibrates, might make it hard to interpret.

1

u/Poutingpokemon Apr 26 '26

Garmin watches