Despite their diminutive size, sports watches can really pack a punch. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrain–hands-free. Important for many users, they’re also capable of compiling a seemingly endless amount of data for a variety of activities, including your distance, elevation, pace, cadence, heart rate, recovery time, and sleep quality (to name a few). Below we break down the best designs of the year, including rugged and navigation-rich offerings for backcountry explorers, affordable entry-level models, and sleek options purpose-built for endurance athletes. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.