Reviews You Can Rely On

Casio SGW300HB Review

This is an inexpensive altimeter watch that is accurate enough for curious backcountry travelers
gearlab tested logo
casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review
Casio SGW300HB-3AV
Credit: Casio
Price:  $65 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Casio
By Amber King and Ben Applebaum-Bauch  ⋅  Dec 6, 2018
59
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 10
  • Altimeter Accuracy - 30% 5.0
  • Battery Life - 20% 9.0
  • User experience - 20% 7.0
  • Features - 15% 4.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Casio SGW300HB is the best option for those on a shoestring budget. As our Best Buy award winner, this inexpensive watch features a dual-sensor that shows altitude, barometric pressure, time, and temperature. The battery lasts up to three years. It is simple, accurate, and easy to use. However, the lower price comes with minimal features and decreased performance. Even though the altimeter is reasonably accurate, it has an altitude interval of 5 meters or 20 feet, so readings are rarely precise. Unlike all the other watches tested, it does not feature a compass. Even though we love how lightweight it is, the watch face is small, while and the backlight is dim. The screen also scratches easily. Overall, we think this model is perfect for those just looking for a simple timepiece that also has a barometric pressure and altimeter sensor. Take it with you on everything from day hikes to big mountain explorations. Just leave it at home for super-cold adventures as it's hard to use with a pair of gloves.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Simple
Accurate
Light
Functional
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks features
Lacks comfort
No compass
Ugly
Poor display

Compare to Similar Products

 
casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review
This Product
Casio SGW300HB
Awards Best Buy Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award  
Price $65 List$500 List
$499.00 at Amazon
$500 List
$259.99 at Amazon
$429 List$300 List
$219.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
59
90
80
74
61
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Inexpensive, simple, accurate, light, functionalGreat battery life, accurate tracking, easy to useTracks many activities, easy to use, stylish, comfortableLong battery life, durable aluminum finish, great fit, precise, easy-to-use interfaceDurable, long battery life
Cons Lacks features, lacks comfort, no compass, ugly, poor displayExpensive, slightly bulkyShorter battery life, less accurate GPSAltitude and barometric graphs are sub-par, no GPS, lag on button pressesVery bulky, lots of buttons, busy display, not intuitive
Bottom Line This is an inexpensive altimeter watch that is accurate enough for curious backcountry travelersThis watch is your ultimate mountain sport training toolThis altimeter watch is loaded with features for the mountain athleteGreat for those looking for a classic altimeter watch at an affordable priceA classic ABC watch with impressive battery life
Rating Categories Casio SGW300HB Coros Vertix Garmin Forerunner 935 Suunto Core Alu Casio GW9400-1
Altimeter Accuracy (30%)
5.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Battery Life (20%)
9.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
10.0
User experience (20%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
4.0
Features (15%)
4.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
5.0
Comfort and Fit (15%)
4.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
3.0
Specs Casio SGW300HB Coros Vertix Garmin Forerunner 935 Suunto Core Alu Casio GW9400-1
GPS? No Yes Yes No No
Dimensions (Inches) 1.97 x 1.97 x .55” 1.85 x 1.85 x .61" 1.85 x 1.85 x .55 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.57” None provided
Type of Battery Watch battery Rechargeable lithium ion battery Rechargable lithium ion battery Watch battery Solar rechargable battery
Battery Life (w/o GPS) 3 years 45 days 2 weeks 12 months 7 months (w/o further exposure to light)
Battery Life w/ GPS on No GPS 60hrs up to 24 hrs regular GPS, up to 60 hrs in Ultratrac w/o hr tracking No GPS No GPS
Altitude Range -2,300 - 32,800ft (-700m - 10,000m) None provided None provided -500 - 9000 m -700 to 10,000 m (-2,300 to 32,800 ft)
Altitidue differential? No None provided Yes Yes Yes
Elevation interval 5m/20ft None provided 1m/3ft 1m/3ft 1m/3tf
Barometer Yes, no graph Yes, barometric graph Yes, barometric graph Yes Yes, barometric graph
Barometric Recording Interval & Time (for the graph) None Every 10 min, 24 hours Every 30 minutes, 24 hours Every 30 minutes, 24 hours Every 2 hours default (or every 5 seconds in barometer mode)
Barometric Pressure Range 260 - 1,100 hPa (7.65 - 32.45 inHg) None provided 920 - 1,080 hPa (27.13 - 31.85 inHg) 920 - 1,080 hPa (27.13 - 31.85 inHg) 260 - 1,110 hPa (7.65 - 32.45 inHg)
Storm Alert Alarm? No No No Yes No
Compass None Yes Yes None Yes
Time Features Digital, world time (31 time zones), stopwatch, Digital, stopwatch, timer Digital (customizable faces), stop watch, GPS time, countdown timer Digital, dual world times, stopwatch, countdown timer Digital, stopwatch, timer, world clock
Time Alarm 5 daily alarms Yes, 10 daily alarms Yes, 10 daily alarms Yes Yes, 5 daily alarms
Thermometer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Temperature Resistance Range Low: -10C/14F -4 to 140F (-20 to 60C) -20° C to +60° C (-4F - 140F) -20° C to +60° C (-4F - 140F) 14 to 140 F (-10 to 60 C)
Water Resistance Yes, 100 meters Yes, 150 meters Yes, 50 meters Yes, 100 meters Yes, 200 meters
Interchangeable straps? No Yes Yes No No
Types of bands and material Plastic, cloth, metal Silicone Silicone (leather options, as well) Silicone Silicone
Bluetooth connection? No Yes Yes No No
GPS, GLONASS, both? No GPS Both Both No GPS No GPS
Apps n/a Yes, Coros app Garmin Connect n/a no
Charging Type Battery specialized cord Specialized cord Battery solar
Warranty Limited Warranty Period (1 year) Limited Warranty Period (2 years) Limited Warranty Period (1 year) Limited Warranty Period (2 years) Limited Warranty Period (1 year)
Other Cool Features None sunrise/sunset, sleep tracking, VO2 max sunrise/sunset, sleep tracking, VO2 max, etc. sunrise/sunset sunrise/sunset

Our Analysis and Test Results

The SGW300HB is simple, inexpensive, and easy to use. It provides decent accuracy and does well in most climates. This is a solid, affordable option for the outdoor enthusiast on a shoestring budget. This model has very good battery life and is easy to use. It scores poorly because of its limited features, simultaneously basic and busy display, and unattractive aesthetic.

Performance Comparison


casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - this casio is a great option for any adventurer on a tight budget...
This Casio is a great option for any adventurer on a tight budget. Though it doesn't have nearly as many features or share the same level of performance as other watches tested, it's still a great option for those looking to determine altitude and barometric pressure.
Credit: Amber King

Altimeter Accuracy


The SGW300HB scores low in this metric, but don't let that be too deceiving. Most of the time it was off by a respectable 50 to 200 feet when properly calibrated.


In fact, we noticed that its accuracy is similar to its sibling, the Casio PRW-6000Y. Some of the reasons for its lower score include its precision and susceptibility to inaccuracy due to changes in barometric pressure. Pricier altimeter watches will have an altitude increment of 1 meter (3 to 5ft). This watch just isn't that sensitive, offering a 5 meter (20ft) interval.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - here the actual altitude was 11,740 feet. the suunto ambit3 peak...
Here the actual altitude was 11,740 feet. The Suunto Ambit3 Peak proves to be the most accurate, while the Casio SGW300HB proves to be the least accurate.
Credit: Amber King

Battery Life


This watch runs on a simple, traditional watch battery. It is estimated to last up to three years, making it a great option for long excursions into the backcountry.


If you need to change the battery, unscrew the backplate and insert a new one, ready to go for another few years. As a result, this watch scores highly in the battery life metric. The solar-powered Casio PAG240B-2 and the Casio PRW-6000Y are the only options that will last longer without any additional maintenance.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - the buttons are small and fine to use in warm weather. however, when...
The buttons are small and fine to use in warm weather. However, when gloves are needed, we found it incredibly difficult to use.
Credit: Amber King

User Experience


Because of its simple features, it's one of the fastest models to get to know. The buttons are well marked and the essential functions are super simple to figure out. More complex features like determining altitude differential require a little finagling and consulting the user's manual.


Even though we liked its ease of use, it's not ideal for winter wear. The recessed buttons are tough to press while wearing a pair of gloves. If this is an essential feature to you, check out the Suunto Ambit3 Peak or the Suunto Core Alu. Both have much larger, protruding buttons and easy-to use-interfaces.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - another look at the left side of the watch. the buttons are much...
Another look at the left side of the watch. The buttons are much smaller than on other watches tested.
Credit: Amber King

We are not super impressed with the display quality. The font and watch face are small, and the glass seems less durable. It can also be very difficult to read in direct sunlight.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - a look at all the displays tested. from top left to right: casio...
A look at all the displays tested. From top left to right: Casio SRW300HB, Casio PRW-6000Y, Garmin Fenix 3. From bottom left to right: Suunto Core Alu, Suunto Ambit3 Peak, Suunto Traverse
Credit: Amber King

Also, the backlight has only one to three-second display options (similar to the Casio PRW-6000Y). It is also dim, providing an orange light that is not super sharp in the darkness. Though its functions are simple, Casio also managed to cram a ton of words and symbols both on and around the watch face. We feel that it's just a little too busy given what the product is actually capable of doing.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - a comparison of the nightlights of each watch. from top left: casio...
A comparison of the nightlights of each watch. From top left: Casio PRW-6000Y, Suunto Traverse, Garmin Fenix 3. From bottom left to right: Casio SGW300HB, Suunto Core Alu, Suunto Ambit3 Ambit.
Credit: Amber King

Features


This dual-sensor watch is truly the best if you're looking for something inexpensive and simple. It features an altimeter-barometer, temperature sensor, and a timekeeper. That's about it. There is no compass, and of course, no GPS.


Altimeter and Barometer


The altimeter-barometer allows you to view barometric pressure (in hPa or inHg) and altitude (meters or feet) at your current location. It (mostly) can't graph data that it records, but it does allow you to determine a barometer or altitude differential between two areas. In comparison to all the watches tested, it has the most limited features.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - checking the altitude while climbing high into the sky in southwest...
Checking the altitude while climbing high into the sky in southwest Colorado.
Credit: Trevor Peterson

The exception to the data graphing is that when the watch is taking a barometric pressure reading, the horizontal arrows at the top (which count off seconds in timekeeper mode) will indicate whether the pressure is rising or falling. Combined with the words cloudy and fine it provides a basic indication of whether conditions are improving or deteriorating.

Timekeeping


This digital timekeeper has a few basic features. World time (with 31 time zones), a stopwatch, countdown timer, and five daily alarms. The time is easy to set manually and also has a daylight savings time setting. You can choose between a 12hr or 24hr display. The one feature that makes the SGW300HB stand apart from the rest is the ability to set five different alarms (something found only in other Casio models).

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - the timekeeper is simple and comes with all the basic functions:...
The timekeeper is simple and comes with all the basic functions: world clock, stopwatch, countdown time. Additionally, it has five daily alarms.
Credit: Amber King

If you're looking for an accurate temperature reading, take off the watch for a little bit and strap it on a jacket or backpack strap. As with every other watch that we tested, it is sure to provide an inaccurate reading of the ambient air temperature if it is on your wrist.

Comfort and Fit


Because of its small display and light weight, this watch is fairly comfortable relative to many of the other chunkier models. It is easy to wear underneath a jacket or long sleeved shirt and doesn't dig into your wrist.


The major strike against it in this metric is the woven nylon strap. It is stiff and rubs against the wrist, irritating the skin after a while. The holes in the strap seem hastily punched and are itchy, while the strap itself lacks breathability. Even though it fits well under clothes, we didn't like that it couldn't be put on top of a jacket layer — the strap was just too short.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - the strap is made from a cloth-like material that seems cheap. the...
The strap is made from a cloth-like material that seems cheap. The fabric does not feel that great on the skin, nor does it fit well overtop of clothing.
Credit: Amber King

Value


Even though this watch scored fairly low in many of the comparative metrics, we still think it offers great value. It is the least expensive model by a long shot. The accuracy of the watch is decent and if the intervals weren't so large, it would be comparable to its $600 Casio sibling. It's also the best option for those on a tighter budget.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - multipitch climbing on red mountain pass, co is a great way to use...
Multipitch climbing on Red Mountain Pass, CO is a great way to use the Casio. Also take it hiking, biking, mountaineering and more. It's great for both short and long missions.
Credit: Trevor Peterson

Conclusion


If you need an altimeter watch, but can't spend hundreds of dollars, or are just looking for a regular watch and would also enjoy being able to register altitude now and then, this is your best bet.

casio sgw300hb altimeter watch review - amber really loves this watch for its simplicity, lightweight...
Amber really loves this watch for its simplicity, lightweight design, and low low price.
Credit: Trevor Peterson

Amber King and Ben Applebaum-Bauch
 

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.

GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.

Learn More