Best ABC/Altimeter Watches

If you’re into hiking or climbing, a good quality altimeter smartwatch is going to be the best companion. Commonly referred to as an ABC watch (altimeter, barometer and compass), these devices provide the best data for adventures. They’re made to handle intense elements. ABC watches are durable devices with scratch-resistant and large screens with big side buttons. Suunto and Casio are the market leaders for altimeter watches however Garmin came through with some tough competition for high-end buyers. If you like the addition of topographical maps – see this review.

Here are our top suggestions for great altimeter/ABC watches.

1. Garmin Fenix 6X

The Garmin Fenix 6X is pretty pricey, but you get what you pay for. Firstly, it’s the best multisport altimeter smartwatch you can buy. This unit has full ABC functions, plus a heart rate monitor, GPS and GLONASS satellite capabilities. The Fenix 6X includes on screen topographical mapping which works great for navigation. The contour lines give detailed data for activities like hiking and mountaineering. It is a robust, trustworthy watch that you can depend on. It also performs and looks well – built for the task and one of the best outdoor smartwatches.

Also comes in a solar model – the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar is a great outdoor watch with one of the most long lasting battery life. This model is more expensive though.

However, the biggest drawback is the cost. It’s also complex, but this isn’t a bad thing if you’re a hiking enthusiast. The price has certainly soared with each new release. Depending on your level of skill, the tech inside might be overkill if you’re interested in the basics such as elevation and barometric pressure. If you do want in-depth data, it has incredible navigation capabilities as well as a multisport feature to cover cycling, running, skiing and many more… You also get access to a wealth of sports Apps to track, analyze and re-live every step and also great music playing capabilities while you’re at it.

Advantages: Topographical maps are incredible

Disadvantages: Expensive device which could be quite complicated.

2. Casio Pro Trek PRW-6000Y-1A 

The Pro Trek range from Casio has always delivered a rugged and long-lasting device. However, the common downside has been a lack of any style. Typically, being made out of clunky plastics. The PRW-6000Y-1A finally deals with this, with what is easily the best-looking watch made by Casio. 

Firstly, they’ve stepped away from the classic plastic and gone for a white face on a black display. Furthermore, the band is sleek and has carbon fibre inserts. It has full ABC functions as well as a thermometer, stopwatch and what’s noted as accurate time. The best bit is the solar charging so you never have to charge it or replace the battery.

It’s reasonably light compared to other ABC watches; 2.57oz. It’s also slimmer, being 2.2 x 2 x 0.5 inches. This is potentially due to the lack of GPS function. 

It’s pretty pricey, which is a shame as you can get roughly the same functionality for a fifth of the price of other Casios on Amazon.

Advantages: Finally, a good-looking Casio.

Disadvantages: Expensive considering the lack of GPS 

3. Suunto Core 

This is a simpler option but acts as an everyday multisport watch. Coming in at $148, the Core has a pleasantly surprising number of features and comes in a variety of colours. It’s fairly lightweight at 2.4oz 

It can tell you both sunrise and set times in 400+ locations as well as the change of pressure of reduction of daylight and a 7 day altitude log for those who like to hike.

Being toward the budget end, there are a couple of drawbacks noted by users. The band doesn’t like particularly heavy use and may need replacing, which comes at a cost of $50. The dark background with white text on the display is hard to read in bright sunlight. Arguably, this can be changed. Sadly, it doesn’t offer GPS tracking either.

Advantages: Great everyday performance and solid technology

Disadvantages: The band fails under heavy use and requires replacement

4. Suunto 9 Baro/Peak

On the higher end of the budget scale, the Suunto 9 Baro and the Suunto 9 Peak are their flagship ABC watches. The Baro was released in mid-2018 as a development of the Spartan Ultra, this version comes with pin-point GPS and a touch screen display that helps the user guide their way through an easy-to-navigate menu that offers bread crumbing. It doesn’t compare to the likes of the Fenix 6X in terms of the topographical maps, however, the multisport tracking, heart rate monitor and overall user-friendly nature have proven popular with many people. The Suunto 9 Peak was released in June 2021. It less bulky and more stylish than the Baro.

The best thing about these devices is the battery life (which is lithium-ion). You’re able to select how often the GPS function monitors your location, which can have a huge impact on how quickly it drains the battery. You can opt for once every second, every 60 or 120. You can change your setting during activity. The Baro 9 will compensate for less GPS tracking by relying on other features like the compass, gyro and accelerometer. This offers an accurate picture of location, pace and distance. You’ll get an awesome 120 hours battery life from this as well as accurate information. 

Advantages: Unrivaled battery life (in certain settings).

Disadvantages: Navigation isn’t as great as alternatives

5. Garmin Instinct GPS Watch 

This Garmin offering looks retro but on the inside holds all the tech you could want. A late 2018 release, the Instinct GPS is great for those into hiking and trail runners. It has a full ABS suite with a bonus of GPS navigation, wrapped up in a rugged body. There are fitness features like a heart rate monitor and specialised activity modes for cycling, hiking and open water swimming. You could also get the Instinct Solar model which is newer and offers longer battery life. Our recommendation in this case is to get the basic model which is around $180 is is a bargain compared to other watches listed here.

The look and feel is a downside for some who want a more sophisticated-looking watch for everyday wear. It’s pretty slimline at 1.8oz, though. 

If you opt for this over the Fenix, you’re giving up the better map and navigation functionalities. It does offer the TracBack feature, though. There have been a few complaints about the brightness and size of the screen not being adequate, too. Some put this down to a simplified design. Specific activity modes are also simpler than it’s sibling or the Sunnto range. This ABC watch is a fantastic mid-range offering that offers durability. 

Advantages: A decent price for a mid-range GPS off-road multisport watch

Disadvantages: Small display and lacking in maps and navigation functionality. This is not necessarily a drawback if you don’t plan to use the watch display for navigation maps.

Also comes in a solar version.

6. NORTH EDGE Apache

The North Edge Apache watch is a perfect low-budget option for anyone that wants a built-in Altimeter. This option is hardwearing, costs approximately $59, and has a range of useful features. 

The Altimeter function on the Apache model gives users an altitude trend chart and a climb rate. The watch also features a barometer and compass too. Many swear by this budget option, stating that it has great features for a lower price. 

You can also find a thermometer, weather forecast, and stopwatch on the North Edge Apache watch. If you like to meet fitness goals, you can use the step counter, calorie, and distance record features too. Perfect for anyone who likes outdoor workouts, as it’s also waterproof up to 50M.

This watch also has time functions, a countdown timer, and an alarm clock to make sure you’re always on time. Users can take advantage of world time functions and daylight saving times when traveling too. 

Advantages: Great ABC features for a lower price. 

Disadvantages: Doesn’t include maps or navigation features, however, this may not be a drawback for some.

7. Casio G-SHOCK Rangeman GW-9400

The G-Shock Rangeman from Casio is a high-performance watch with a built-in altimeter, compass, and barometer. If you want a durable watch that’s renowned for being tough, this is the watch for you.

The ABC functions on this watch are excellent. The built-in altimeter measures barometric pressure and converts it into altitude. The watch can measure between -2,300 to 32,800ft (-700 to 10,000m). If you like hiking and want accurate data, this feature is essential. The Rangeman also features a barometer that measures the air pressure to provide real-time weather patterns. The built-in compass uses a direction sensor to find magnetic north. The compass has an easy-to-read display for use on the go. 

Other features of the G-Shock Rangeman watch include mud resistance, low-temperature resistance, and water resistance up to 200M. This watch was built for outdoor activity, whether you’re working out or at work this watch is reliable. You can also find sunrise/sunset data, tough solar power, and accurate time data too.

This ABC watch is particularly popular with rescue crews, rangers, and avid hikers. If you need reliable data and a durable watch, check this option out. 

Advantages: Made from sturdy materials, yet feels lightweight. Incredibly durable and easy to use.

Disadvantages: Some suggest the watch face is dim in the dark. 

8. Polar Grit X

If you like sports watches, but want more features than a simple pedometer, try the Polar Grit X. This multisports watch is designed for outdoor activity and includes a compass and altimeter for smarter training. 

The ABC features of this watch are used when you’re recording your activity to give you better fitness metrics. If you wish to use ABC functions separately from sports modes, you may need to consider an alternative watch – but if you want these features for your fitness plans this is perfect!

With a mix of durable materials and a lightweight 64-gram design, this watch is ideal for any active workouts. The watch has passed a range of MIL-STD-810G tests and can be used in humidity and extreme temperatures. For a long-lasting option, the Polar Grit X is a perfect choice. 

The Polar Grit X has great outdoor visibility and a transflective touch display. Some suggest the display isn’t great in low light, however, it’s notably better than the Polar Vantage watches though. 

Advantages: Great for improving fitness progress with the help of ABC functions. It’s also a very lightweight watch that can withstand a lot of wear.

Disadvantages: The Polar Grit X ABC features can only be used on sports modes.

ABC watches Conclusion

If you’re looking for an ABC watch and like to navigate, the watches in this list will definitely do the job. With some you can opt for the solar version which gives you the added battery life which could come in handy especially while using GPS. The list of ABC watches grows and new watches are now on the horizon. Be sure to check out the Fenix 7 which is due to be released this year and also similar ABC/Altimeter watches from other brands such as Suunto or even Casio.

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Last Updated on October 23, 2021