Polar Grit X2 Pro Review

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.