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Polar Grit X2 Pro Review

Premium build and HR accuracy make a solid pick for data-driven athletes, though its companion app interface and high price may deter some
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Polar Grit X2 Pro Review (Wearing the Polar Grit X2 Pro)
Wearing the Polar Grit X2 Pro
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Price:  $885 List
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Manufacturer:   Polar
Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  June 6, 2025
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 17
  • Accuracy - 30% 9.0
  • Activity Use - 20% 7.5
  • Everyday Use - 15% 7.0
  • Extra Features - 15% 7.0
  • Wearability - 10% 9.0
  • Battery Life - 10% 5.7

Our Verdict

This premium GPS watch offers a sleek, durable design with a sapphire AMOLED display and dual-band GPS for improved accuracy. Built for serious athletes, the Polar Grit X2 Pro includes advanced recovery and performance tools like HRV status, Training Load Pro, and even ECG and skin temperature sensors. While the hardware feels top-tier, the overall experience is held back by a dated interface and a companion app that lacks polish. It also misses common smartwatch features like music storage and contactless payments. Still, if you're focused on training metrics and rugged design, it may be worth the investment despite the high price.
REASONS TO BUY
Premium design
Comfortable
ECG capability
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Lacks detailed maps
Polar Flow app feels dated

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This Product
Polar Grit X2 Pro
Awards  Top Pick Award
Best on Expedition
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall GPS Watch
Best Buy Award
Great Value for a High-Quality GPS Watch
Best Buy Award
Best on a Limited Budget
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Bottom Line Other watches offer the same feature set for nearly half the price, it's hard to recommend at this price pointWith the best battery life and boosting solar charging this is one of the best for expedition or backcountry useThe 47 mm case size offers great readability, and the slim design makes it feel featherweight on your wristGreat craftsmanship and design with an updated UI, menu, and AMOLED displayThis watch excels as an affordable GPS companion, offering value and dependable accuracy
Rating Categories Polar Grit X2 Pro Garmin Enduro 3 Garmin Forerunner 965 Suunto Race Coros Pace 3
Accuracy (30%)
9.0
9.3
9.3
9.3
9.0
Activity Use (20%)
7.5
9.5
8.0
8.5
7.5
Everyday Use (15%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.5
7.0
Extra Features (15%)
7.0
9.0
8.5
6.5
5.0
Wearability (10%)
9.0
9.3
9.0
9.5
7.5
Battery Life (10%)
5.7
10.0
5.1
6.3
5.4
Specifications Polar Grit X2 Pro Garmin Enduro 3 Garmin Forerunner 965 Suunto Race Coros Pace 3
Measured Body Diameter 50.0 mm 47 mm 47.2 mm 49.0 mm 41.9 mm
Screen Type AMOLED MIP AMOLED AMOLED MIP
Measured Thickness 15.0 mm 17.5 mm 13.2 mm 13.3 mm 11.8 mm
Measured Battery Life with GPS 40 hours 120 hours 29 hours 50 hours 34 hours
Sensors Included Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, temperature, blood oxygen level, ECG Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, temperature, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, temperature, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level Heart rate, altimeter, barometer, compass, blood oxygen level
Measured Charging Time 120 min 139 min 99 min 84 min 113 min
Measured Screen Width 35.0 mm 36.0 mm 35.4 mm 36.0 mm 31.0 mm
Measured Weight 2.79 oz 3.00 oz 1.90 oz 2.93 oz 1.50 oz
Battery Life Claims by Manufacturer Performance Training mode: 43 h
Eco Training mode: 140 h
Smartwatch mode: 10 d
Smartwatch: Up to 36 days/90 days with solar
Battery Saver Watch mode: Up to 92 days/unlimited with solar
GPS Only: Up to 120 hours/320 hours with solar
Smartwatch mode; Up to 23 days
GPS-Only mode without Music: 31 hours
In Time mode: 26 days
With 24/7 Tracking and Mobile Notifications: 12 days
Training mode with GPS: 40h / 50h / 70h / 120h
Full GPS: 38 hours - 10 hours with music
All Systems On: 25 hours - 9 hours with music
Dual Frequency: 15 hours - 7 hours with music
Daily Use: 17 days - 15 days with daily stress monitors
Navigation Detailed, back to start Detailed, back to start Detailed, back to start Detailed, back to start Breadcrumb, back to start
Music Options Control only Control, storage Control, storage Control only Downloaded control, storage
Touchless Payment No Yes Yes No No
Sleep Tracking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water Resistance (Max Depth) 100 m 100 m 50 m 100 m 50 m
Main Software App Polar Flow Garmin Connect Garmin Connect Suunto Coros App
Compatible with Other Software Ecosystems Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watch Face Material Sapphire glass Power Sapphire Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX Sapphire crystal Mineral glass
Battery Type Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion Rechargable lithium ion
Bezel Material Stainless steel Titanium Titanium Stainless steel Glass fiber reinforced polyamide
Case Material Stainless steel Fiber reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Glass fiber reinforced polyamide Glass fiber reinforced polyamide
Strap Material Silicone Ultra light-weight elastic nylon hook and loop Silicone Silicone Silicone
Tools Required to Change Band No No No No No
Model Tested Standard Standard Standard Stainless steel Standard
Size Tested One size only 51 mm One size only One size only One size only
Warranty Offered 2 year 1 year 1 year 2 year 2 year

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Polar Grit X2 Pro is Polar's most advanced multisport GPS watch to date, built for endurance athletes and outdoor users who value a premium-feeling package. It features a large 1.39-inch AMOLED display with sapphire glass and MIL-STD-810H durability, plus dual-band GNSS for improved tracking in tough environments. Training tools like Polar's orthostatic test, Training Load Pro, Recovery Pro (with a compatible HR sensor), ECG readings, and a skin temperature sensor offer deep performance and recovery analytics. However, the experience is held back by a clunky user interface, a frustrating phone app, and a steep price tag, especially considering it lacks onboard maps, music storage, contactless payments, and a broader app ecosystem. For athletes already committed to Polar's platform, it may still be worth considering, but for most users, competing watches offer more polish and better value.

polar grit x2 pro - i was excited to test the latest version of the grit series, but...
I was excited to test the latest version of the Grit series, but ultimately failed to match its price point.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Accuracy


To determine our accuracy score, we evaluated both the GPS chipset and the heart rate sensor. For the GPS test, each watch was taken on a predetermined 2.80-mile route, and the recorded distance was compared to the actual 2.8 miles. For heart rate testing, we wore a watch on each wrist while running a 0.5-mile distance, and then compared the readings to those from a Polar H10 chest strap, known for its scientific accuracy. The scores from these tests were averaged to give an overall accuracy score. GPS tests were conducted on the same day to ensure consistent weather conditions. For heart rate tests, all watches were secured equally to maintain a standardized fit. We exported all data, aligning the timestamps, to facilitate a fair comparison between the chest strap monitor and the GPS watches.

For the GPS test, the Polar Grit X2 Pro performed solidly with only a minor variance from the measured distance, staying well within the 1–3% margin we expect from dual-band GNSS. During heart rate testing, the Grit X2 Pro averaged ±2 BPM compared to the Polar H10 chest strap — impressive performance for an optical wrist sensor. This level of precision makes it a trustworthy option for endurance athletes looking for consistent GPS and heart rate data.

The comparison of the Grit X2 Pro against the Polar H10. Polar did a...
The comparison of the Grit X2 Pro against the Polar H10. Polar did a great job tracking the heart rate monitor and did the best out of this test group.
An example of GPS analysis, here it's easy to see I took the inside...
An example of GPS analysis, here it's easy to see I took the inside curve, the Grit X2 Pros tracking was smooth and precise.
Here you can see just how accurate the Grit X2 Pro is, both in GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring. Click either photo for a more detailed view.

Activity Use


The Polar Grit X2 Pro supports over 150 sport profiles, including key endurance disciplines like trail running, hiking, cycling, open water swimming, and triathlon. Each profile is customizable, letting users fine-tune data screens, zones, and alerts. Polar's FitSpark, FuelWise, and Training Load Pro features offer workout suggestions, fueling reminders, and post-activity recovery insights that are especially valuable for long sessions and multisport athletes.

The watch now includes dual-band GNSS, which greatly improves GPS accuracy, especially in mountainous terrain or dense forests. While it doesn't offer wrist-based running power like Garmin or Coros, pairing it with a compatible sensor unlocks advanced metrics. The addition of turn-by-turn navigation via Komoot is helpful, though limited by the lack of onboard maps.

One drawback during training is the lack of auto-sync with some third-party services and the somewhat dated interface during activity screens, which feel cramped compared to other AMOLED watches. Still, the Grit X2 Pro offers a data-rich, endurance-focused platform that performs well for structured training and multi-hour efforts.

polar grit x2 pro - an example of the mapping on the grit x2 pro: it lacks contour...
An example of the mapping on the Grit X2 Pro: it lacks contour detail and other map features found on competitors' models. Though this may not be a dealbreaker if you normally navigate with your phone.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Everyday Use


As a daily companion, the Polar Grit X2 Pro leaves something to be desired. The AMOLED screen is visually impressive, but the user interface hasn't kept pace with the hardware. Navigation feels clunky, animations are sluggish, and the layout often makes basic interactions feel less fluid compared to similarly priced alternatives. While notifications are supported, they are limited in functionality, offering no quick replies or actionable options.

The experience is further hampered by the Polar Flow app. Although it provides valuable tools for long-term training analysis, it lacks the responsiveness and usability expected from a modern smartwatch companion. Syncing can be slow, simple tasks like adjusting settings or checking daily stats feel cumbersome, and the app's visual design feels outdated. For a device in this price range, the lack of refinement in daily use is difficult to overlook, especially when watches costing significantly less deliver a more polished and versatile experience.

polar grit x2 pro - the polar flow app does a good job sharing progress and data but i...
The Polar Flow app does a good job sharing progress and data but I found it to be a bit dated.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Extra Features


The Grit X2 Pro offers a strong set of training and environmental tools, though its smart features fall behind similarly priced competitors. Notable highlights include health-tracking capabilities like ECG readings, a skin temperature sensor, and Recovery Pro when paired with compatible chest strap tools. These will appeal most to serious athletes looking for deeper recovery metrics.

That said, the watch lacks several extras you'd expect at this price point. There's no onboard music storage or contactless payment, and the limited app ecosystem restricts customization and integration compared to Garmin or Apple. The Polar Flow app, while powerful for long-term performance tracking, feels dated and sluggish in daily use. While the Grit X2 Pro excels in precision training tools and rugged reliability, its extra features are practical but not especially innovative or well-executed for broader smartwatch use.

polar grit x2 pro - the unit features a magnetic charging port so if you're thinking...
The unit features a magnetic charging port so if you're thinking about charging on the go you may want to look at something with a more secure connection.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Wearability


The Polar Grit X2 Pro is a large, premium-built watch that strikes a balance between durability and sleek design. With a 47 mm case and a 1.39-inch sapphire AMOLED display, it feels solid yet refined on the wrist. At 2.79 ounces, this model is tough, especially considering the metal housing and the thin bezel. This helps it wear more comfortably than its size might suggest, even during sleep tracking.

The included 22 mm wristband is soft, flexible, and secure, making it well-suited for extended training sessions and overnight wear. The styling blends ruggedness with a touch of minimalism, offering a look that's both capable in the mountains and clean enough for daily use. One of the standout qualities of the Grit X2 Pro is its design — no surprise from Polar.

From a design standpoint this is one of our favorite watches and Polar's use of premium materials is noticed even if it does come at a cost.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Battery Life


Battery life on the Polar Grit X2 Pro is solid, though not class-leading. Polar claims up to 10 days of regular use and up to 43 hours in continuous GPS mode, and our testing found these estimates to be generally accurate with moderate activity tracking and health monitoring enabled. The AMOLED display does impact longevity, especially if brightness is left high or the screen is frequently active, but it's still respectable for a watch with this level of display quality. Battery management options are available, though not as granular as what you'll find on Garmin devices. For most users, the Grit X2 Pro offers enough battery to comfortably get through multi-day adventures without constant charging, though it won't compete with more power-efficient MIP-based or solar models for true ultra-endurance use.

polar grit x2 pro - we got roughly 40 hours of gps recording when interacting minimally...
We got roughly 40 hours of GPS recording when interacting minimally with the device. If you use Always-On Display, you should expect less tracking time.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Should You Buy the Polar Grit X2 Pro?


The Polar Grit X2 Pro is a niche watch that excels in specific areas, particularly in recovery metrics, advanced training tools, and rugged durability. If you're already invested in the Polar ecosystem and value deep physiological data over flashy features, this may be one of the better options available. However, for most users, it's difficult to justify the high price when the user interface, phone app, and everyday usability fall short of the competition.

What Other GPS Watches Should You Consider?


If the Polar Grit X2 Pro feels like too much watch, or not enough for the price, there are several alternatives worth exploring. The Garmin Fenix 8 Solar or Garmin Enduro 3 offer full mapping, better battery life, and a more refined user interface, making them excellent options for multi-sport athletes and backcountry users. For a sleeker design with modern smartwatch features, the Garmin Forerunner 965 combines a vibrant AMOLED display with a smoother UI and broader third-party app support. If you're looking for similar durability at a lower cost, the Coros Apex 2 Pro delivers strong GPS accuracy, long battery life, and a lightweight build, all while undercutting the Grit X2 Pro in price.

polar grit x2 pro - we had a blast testing the grit x2 pro, we hope this made your...
We had a blast testing the Grit X2 Pro, we hope this made your decision making process easier!
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Matthew Richardson