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Garmin S50 vs S70 – The Best GPS Golf Watch?

By on June 3, 2026

Quick Verdict on the Garmin S50 vs S70

Both the Garmin S50 and the Garmin S70 are outstanding golf GPS watches with the best screens we have ever seen on a wearable, so you genuinely cannot go wrong with either.

The S50 (£319) is the sleek, lightweight value pick: at just 29g, it is a joy to wear, yet it still delivers stunning AMOLED visuals and full golf and health tracking. The S70 (from £469) is the feature king, adding a longer battery life, the improved Virtual Caddie, CourseView maps as standard, and a choice of 42mm or 47mm sizes.

Choose the S50 for premium golf GPS at the best price, or the S70 for every feature preloaded.

Both come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, and our 60-Day Returns Policy, and PGA professional Mark Crossfield has compared them on the wrist so you can buy with complete confidence.

Garmin S50 vs S70: Full Feature Comparison

Feature Garmin S50 – £319 Garmin S70 – from £469
Display 1.2″ AMOLED touchscreen 1.2″ (42mm) or 1.4″ (47mm) AMOLED
Preloaded Courses 43,000+ 43,000+
Battery (Smartwatch) Up to 10 days Up to 16 days
Battery (GPS Mode) Up to 15 hours Up to 20 hours
Weight 29g 56g (47mm)
Strap Material ComfortFit Nylon Silicone
Sizes Available 43mm 42mm & 47mm
Bezel Aluminium Premium ceramic
PlaysLike Distance Yes Yes (enhanced)
Full CourseView Maps Membership required Included as standard
Virtual Caddie No Yes (improved)
PinPointer & Green View Yes Yes
Green Contour Data Membership required Membership required
Wrist Heart Rate & Health Yes Yes
Music Storage Yes (Spotify, Deezer, Amazon) Yes (Spotify, Deezer, Amazon)
Garmin Pay Yes Yes
Club Tracking Compatible Yes (CT1/CT10) Yes (CT10)
Water Rating 5 ATM 5 ATM
Warranty 2-year manufacturer 2-year manufacturer
Price £319 £469 (42mm) / £519 (47mm)

Both models feature: 43,000+ preloaded courses, brilliant AMOLED touchscreens, AutoShot tracking, PlaysLike Distance, Hazard and Green View, PinPointer, music storage, Garmin Pay and full health tracking. Tip: scroll the table sideways on mobile to see all columns.

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Garmin makes the most trusted GPS golf watches in the game, and right now two models sit at the top of many golfers’ shortlists: the newer Garmin S50 and the flagship Garmin S70. Both are exceptional, both share the same brilliant AMOLED screen technology, and both will give you accurate yardages on more than 43,000 courses worldwide. The good news is that there is no bad choice here, only the right choice for you.

This guide compares the Garmin S50 and S70 side by side, drawing on a hands-on video comparison from PGA professional Mark Crossfield. We will look at screen and size, battery life, weight and comfort, the golf features that matter, and where the Garmin Golf membership comes into play. By the end, you will know exactly which watch suits your game and your budget. You can also explore our wider range of Garmin golf watches and compare them with our best golf rangefinders guide if you are still weighing up GPS against laser.

If you are upgrading from an older model, you may also find our Garmin S44 vs Garmin S50 comparison useful for seeing how the latest watch has moved the game on. For now, let us get into how the S50 and S70 stack up.

Garmin S50 vs S70: The Key Differences

Because these two watches share so much, the decision really comes down to a handful of meaningful differences: size and weight, battery life, what comes preloaded versus what needs the membership, and price. Here is how they compare on each.

Screen and Size

Both watches use the same superb AMOLED touchscreen, and in Mark’s words, the screens “have to be the best on any smartwatches I’ve ever seen.” They are bright, crisp and easy to read in direct daylight. The difference is in size. The S50 comes in a single 43mm case with a 1.2-inch display, while the S70 is offered in 42mm (1.2-inch) and 47mm (1.4-inch) options, so you can pick the footprint that best suits your wrist.

Weight and Comfort

This is where the S50 shines. At just 29g with its ComfortFit nylon strap, it is remarkably light compared to the silicone-strapped S70 at 56 g. If you want a watch you barely notice on the wrist, the S50 is hard to beat. The S70’s silicone strap and ceramic bezel give it a more substantial, premium feel that many golfers love.

Battery Life

The larger S70 carries a beefier battery, delivering up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, compared with up to 10 days and 15 hours for the S50. Both are genuinely impressive and will comfortably see you through multiple rounds between charges, so this is rarely a deal-breaker either way.

Golf Features

Here, the two watches are closely matched. Both offer PlaysLike Distance with slope, Hazard and Green View with pin placement, the clever PinPointer arrow that points towards the hole on blind shots, touch targeting to select any point on the hole, and pairing with rangefinders or club trackers for shot tracking. The S70 adds the improved Virtual Caddie for club recommendations based on your distances, plus improved course graphics and full CourseView maps as standard. On the S50, full CourseView access is part of the Garmin Golf membership instead.

Off-course too: Both watches are full smartwatches with wrist heart rate, sleep and stress tracking, Body Battery, music storage, Garmin Pay and safety features like Incident Detection and LiveTrack.

Whichever you choose, you are getting a capable day-to-day fitness tracker as well as a brilliant golf GPS, which is a big part of why these watches represent such strong value.

Mark Crossfield’s Verdict

Mark put both watches on his wrist for a hands-on comparison, and his overall take is that these are two genuinely great watches with the best screens he has seen on any wearable.

Mark’s verdict: “Two great watches, and the screens on these have to be the best on any smartwatches I’ve ever seen. The S70 is great, it’s the all singing, all dancing, but the S50 does enough, and then if you want it to do more, you would get that membership and upgrade it.”

In other words, the S70 gives you everything preloaded, while the S50 covers the essentials beautifully and lets you unlock the extras through the membership if you want them.

On size, Mark found the 47mm S70 large for his wrist and would choose the 42mm if buying the S70. On the weight front, he was struck by how light the S50 is.

Mark on the S50: “The S50 is just so sleek and beautiful, a little bit thinner. I would be going S50, really, for me, all day long. It’s just joyous, you would barely know it is on your wrist.”

For Mark, the S50’s blend of sleek looks, low weight and lower price makes it his personal pick, while he is quick to stress that the S70 is the more fully featured watch straight out of the box.

Garmin S50: The Sleek Value Pick

Garmin Approach S50 GPS Golf Watch

The Garmin S50 is the newer of the two watches and, at £319, the more affordable. It packs a premium 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen into a slim, light 43mm case that, at just 29g, is one of the most comfortable golf watches you can wear. It is the watch for golfers who want stunning visuals and full functionality without the bulk or the higher price.

Why We Love It

The S50 proves you do not have to spend the most to get a brilliant golf watch. The screen is every bit as bright and clear as the S70’s, the build is beautifully sleek, and the ComfortFit nylon strap keeps it feather-light all day. On the course, you get distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, PlaysLike Distance, Hazard View and PinPointer, plus club-tracking compatibility with the Garmin CT1 and CT10 sensors. Off the course, it is a capable fitness watch with wrist heart rate, sleep, stress, Body Battery, Pulse Ox, music storage and Garmin Pay.

Specifications

  • Price: £319
  • Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen
  • Case size: 43 x 43 x 11.4 mm
  • Weight: 29g
  • Strap: ComfortFit nylon
  • Battery: Up to 10 days for the smartwatch, 15 hours for the GPS
  • Glass: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Water rating: 5 ATM
  • Warranty: 2-year manufacturer

Strengths

  • Exceptionally light at 29g, you barely notice it
  • Sleek, slim design that looks great on and off the course
  • Same brilliant AMOLED screen as the S70
  • Lower price for premium Garmin golf GPS

Considerations

  • Full CourseView maps need the Garmin Golf membership
  • No Virtual Caddie feature
  • Single 43mm size only

Who Should Buy This?

  • Golfers who want the lightest, sleekest premium watch
  • Players are happy to use the membership to unlock extra features later
  • Anyone wanting a brilliant Garmin golf GPS at the best price

Premium Garmin Golf GPS, Beautifully Lit

The same stunning AMOLED screen as the S70 in a sleek 29g package, at the best price.

£319

Shop the Garmin S50 →

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Garmin S70: The Feature King

Garmin S50 vs S70

Garmin S50 vs S70

The Garmin S70 is the flagship, and it earns that status by giving you everything preloaded. Starting at £469 for the 42mm and £519 for the 47mm, it adds a premium ceramic bezel, a longer battery life, the improved Virtual Caddie, and full CourseView maps as standard. If you want the most complete golf watch experience straight out of the box, this is it.

Why We Love It

The S70 takes the same brilliant screen and golf engine and layers on the extras. The standout is the improved Virtual Caddie, which suggests clubs based on your distances, wind, and elevation, and includes a shot dispersion chart to show the hazards in play. You also get improved course graphics and the ability to move around the full CourseView map without a membership. Add a ceramic bezel, up to 16 days of battery and a generous 1.4-inch screen on the 47mm, and you have a watch that does it all. Like the S50, it is a full smartwatch with comprehensive health, fitness and connectivity features.

A Size for Every Wrist

The S70 comes in two sizes, so you can choose the fit that suits you. The 42mm S70 (£469) has a 1.2-inch display and a more compact footprint, which Mark preferred for his wrist. The 47mm S70 (£519) steps up to a larger 1.4-inch display that some golfers will find easier to read, and it offers the longest battery life of the pair. The two are otherwise identical in features, so it really is a matter of personal preference for size.

Specifications

  • Price: £469 (42mm) / £519 (47mm)
  • Display: 1.2-inch (42mm) or 1.4-inch (47mm) AMOLED touchscreen
  • Case size: 42mm or 47 x 47 x 13.4 mm
  • Weight: 56g (47mm)
  • Strap: Silicone
  • Bezel: Premium ceramic
  • Battery: Up to 16 days for the smartwatch, 20 hours for the GPS
  • Water rating: 5 ATM
  • Warranty: 2-year manufacturer

Strengths

  • Improved Virtual Caddie for smart club recommendations
  • Full CourseView maps as standard, no membership needed
  • Longest battery life at up to 16 days
  • Choice of 42mm or 47mm with a premium ceramic bezel

Considerations

  • Heavier at 56g than the featherweight S50
  • Higher price than the S50
  • Green contour data still needs the membership

Who Should Buy This?

  • Golfers who want every feature preloaded, including the Virtual Caddie
  • Players who prefer a larger screen and a premium, substantial feel
  • Anyone who wants the longest battery life and a choice of sizes

The All-Singing, All-Dancing Garmin Golf Watch

Virtual Caddie, full CourseView maps and a premium ceramic bezel, in 42mm or 47mm.

From £469

Shop the Garmin S70 →

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Understanding the Garmin Golf Membership

One of the biggest practical differences between the two watches is what comes preloaded versus what the Garmin Golf membership unlocks. It is worth understanding before you choose, because it affects both watches differently.

On the S70, full CourseView maps are included as standard, so you can move around the entire hole, look at the layout and pull distances from anywhere without paying extra. On the S50, full CourseView access is part of the membership instead. Both watches require a membership for advanced green contour data, which shows the slope direction of the green to help you read putts.

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The simple way to think about it: the S70 gives you more out of the box, while the S50 lets you start with the essentials and upgrade later if you want the full map experience and green contours.

Plenty of golfers are perfectly happy with the core features, so the membership is optional rather than essential. If you are unsure, our team can talk you through exactly what each tier includes on 0800 3681097.

Which Garmin Golf Watch Should You Buy?

Both watches are superb, so this comes down to your priorities. Use the quick decision guide below to find your match.

START HERE: What Matters Most?

Priority 1: Lightness, sleek looks and best value?

Do you want the lightest, slimmest watch at the lowest price?

  • YES → Choose the Garmin S50 (£319)
  • NO → Skip to Priority 2

Priority 2: Every feature preloaded, including Virtual Caddie?

Do you want full CourseView maps and the Virtual Caddie without a membership?

  • YES → Choose the Garmin S70 (from £469)
  • NO → Continue to Priority 3

Priority 3: Largest screen and longest battery?

Do you want the biggest, easiest-to-read display and maximum battery life?

  • YES → Choose the Garmin S70 47mm (£519)
  • NO → The 42mm S70 or the S50 will suit you beautifully

Player Profiles

The Minimalist

Profile: Wants a light, sleek watch with brilliant yardages at a sensible price.

Recommendation: Garmin S50

Why: Just 29g, the same stunning screen, and the best price of the pair.

Consider buying: Approach CT10 club trackers for shot stats.

The Data Lover

Profile: Wants every tool preloaded, including club recommendations.

Recommendation: Garmin S70 42mm

Why: Virtual Caddie and full CourseView maps as standard.

Consider buying a rangefinder to pair with for total course coverage.

The Big-Screen Fan

Profile: Wants the largest, clearest display and maximum battery.

Recommendation: Garmin S70 47mm

Why: 1.4-inch screen and the longest battery life in the range.

Consider buying a spare charging cable for trips away.

Need Expert Advice? If you are torn between the Garmin S50 and S70, our PGA professional team, led by Mark Crossfield, is happy to help you choose. Call us free on 0800 3681097 or email sales@thegolfshoponline.co.uk

Garmin S50 vs S70 FAQs

Is the Garmin S70 worth the extra money over the S50?

It depends on how much you value having every feature preloaded.

The S70 adds the Virtual Caddie, full CourseView maps as standard, a premium ceramic bezel, a longer battery and a choice of sizes. If those matter to you, it is well worth it. If you are happy with the core golf features or content to add the membership later, the S50 delivers the same brilliant screen and accuracy for less.

Do both watches have the same screen?

Yes, both use the same superb AMOLED touchscreen technology.

As Mark notes, the screens are among the best on any smartwatch, bright and clear even in direct sunlight. The S50 and 42mm S70 use a 1.2-inch display, while the 47mm S70 has a larger 1.4-inch version.

Do I need the Garmin Golf membership?

No, the membership is optional, but it unlocks extra features on both watches.

On the Garmin S50, it adds full CourseView maps, and on both watches, it adds advanced green contour data for reading putts. Many golfers are very happy with the core features and never subscribe, so treat it as an optional upgrade rather than a requirement.

Which size S70 should I choose?

It comes down to wrist size and screen preference.

The 42mm is more compact and was Mark’s preference for his wrist, while the 47mm offers a larger 1.4-inch screen and the longest battery life. Both are identical in features, so pick the one that feels right on your wrist.

Can I track my shots and stats with these watches?

Yes, both watches support shot and stat tracking.

They feature AutoShot round analysis and can be paired with Approach CT10 club-tracking sensors or rangefinders to provide detailed, hole-by-hole stats in the Garmin Golf app. It is a great way to understand your game and target your practice.

Are GPS golf watches allowed in competition?

Distance-measuring devices are permitted under most standard competition conditions, but always check the local rules.

Features like slope-adjusted distances may not be allowed in all competitions, so confirm what your club or event permits before you play. Both watches let you switch features on and off to stay compliant.

Why Purchase Your Garmin Golf Watch from The Golf Shop Online?

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Final Verdict

Garmin S50

The sleek, lightweight value pick. At 29g and £319, it delivers the same brilliant AMOLED screen and core golf features as the S70 in a beautifully slim package. For many golfers, including Mark, it does more than enough and is the one they would wear all day long.

Garmin S70

The feature king. With the improved Virtual Caddie, full CourseView maps as standard, a premium ceramic bezel, the longest battery and a choice of 42mm or 47mm sizes, it is the most complete golf watch straight out of the box.

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The Bottom Line

There is no loser in this comparison. Both the Garmin S50 and S70 are exceptional golf GPS watches with class-leading screens, accurate yardages and full smartwatch functionality. If you want the lightest, sleekest watch at the best price, choose the S50. If you want every feature preloaded and a choice of sizes, choose the S70. Either way, you are getting a watch that will genuinely help you play smarter and enjoy your golf more. GPS and laser devices like these are permitted under the Rules of Golf set out by The R&A, though you should always check your competition’s local rules on slope features.

Shop the Garmin Approach Range

Two outstanding golf GPS watches from an official Garmin retailer, with free UK delivery and our 60-day returns policy.

Approach S50 £319 • Approach S70 42mm £469 • Approach S70 47mm £519

Complete Your Setup: Premium Golf Tech

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability are accurate as of publication but may change. All Garmin products featured are genuine products from an authorised retailer. Product performance may vary based on individual use and care. 60-Day Returns Policy: If you are unhappy with any product, you may return it — unused, unopened, and in its original packaging — within 60 days for a full refund. Free UK Standard Delivery: Every order over £30 from The Golf Shop Online includes free UK standard delivery.

For the most current pricing, availability, and product specifications, please visit our website or contact our team on 0800 3681097. The Golf Shop Online has been serving golfers since 2002 with award-winning customer service backed by 29,000+ verified reviews across Reviews.co.uk, Trustpilot, and Google.

About James Langmead

The Golf Shop Online takes immense pride in its extensive selection of high-quality branded golf equipment, all available at exceptionally affordable prices. In addition to this, the shop offers valuable insights and guidance from PGA professional golfers. Their team is led by the esteemed resident professional, James Langmead. James previously earned the prestigious title of Callaway club fitter of the year and was a vital member of the Callaway CFS testing panel. At The Golf Shop Online, customers can expect not only top-notch products but also expert advice from seasoned professionals in the golfing industry. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to refine your game, their knowledge and expertise are readily available to assist you in making informed choices for your golfing needs.

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