Buying guide for Which Garmin watch is best?
Garmin is an electronics brand that used to be known chiefly for its GPS devices. However, since most handheld devices have GPS capabilities, Garmin has turned its attention to other endeavors, namely watches. Garmin integrates its superb GPS capabilities into its watches and incorporates advanced sensors to create high-quality smartwatches and fitness trackers.
There are many Garmin watches to choose from, but before buying one, you need to consider what features you want. Our top pick, the Garmin Forerunner 265, is one of the better all-around watches for casual users. It offers excellent health- and fitness-tracking features, smartphone compatibility and connectivity, and excellent battery life. We ran several Garmin watches through the BestReviews Testing Lab to determine how they perform and how each one stacks up against the best Garmin watches.
Our top picks
Best of the best
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 1.3” AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 13 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
The main problem you might encounter when shopping for a Garmin watch is that there are so many choices. Although some are focused on fitness and others on functionality, we found that the Garmin Forerunner 265 offers a balanced combination of both, making it the best Garmin watch for the average user.
This watch is available in two case sizes: 42 millimeters and 46 millimeters. It has a sleek 1.3-inch AMOLED touch-screen display as well as traditional, physical watch buttons for navigating menus and applications. Thirty built-in activity profiles, such as running, cycling and swimming, are included.
The battery life lasts up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, and every morning, you’ll receive an insight report. The report provides an overview of your sleep, recovery and training outlook, HRV status, training readiness and the weather.
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is intended for running athletes since it’s packed with features centered around racing, jogging and running. However, it’s an excellent smartwatch for casual users as well, thanks to its various activity profiles and advanced health-tracking sensors. Plus, its lightweight design makes it suitable for all-day wear.
Best bang for the buck
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 1.41” AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 11 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is one of the more affordable options on our list. It’s a fantastic smartwatch offering excellent phone compatibility and functionality. The bright AMOLED screen makes it easy to read text messages, and the always-on mode allows you to glance at the time no matter how your wrist is positioned. You don't have to worry about daily charging ,as it provides up to 11 days of battery life.
We love the fact that this watch allows users to track energy levels, sleep quality, respiration and hydration and that it can monitor women’s health information and heart rate. It can be paired with Android and Apple devices to receive phone and app notifications, and it comes with 25 indoor and GPS activities including cardio, yoga and HIIT. Plus, you can load your bank cards with Garmin Pay, so you can leave your physical cards at home and pay with your smartwatch.
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 may be considered a midtier Garmin watch, but it offers enough features and superb functionality that we think it’s an excellent watch for almost anyone. It boasts every feature the average user would want, including GPS, and its compact design makes it one of the better options for people who don’t like bulky watches.
Best smartwatch
Product Specifications: Display Type and Size: 1.4” AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 14 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
The Garmin Venu 3 was a hit when we tried it out, performing admirably in every metric we tested, and we think it gives other top smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, a run for their money.
We were impressed with the plethora of fitness and workout options and found its performance and accuracy to be smooth. It has a solid weight and feel, and the elevated design makes it one of the more fashionable Garmin watches. The interface is similar to smartphone interfaces, giving the user a seamless experience. It works well with Apple’s Health app and can activate Siri when paired with an iPhone. Plus, the bright display has informative graphics and is highly responsive to touch inputs. The battery lasts up to 14 days in smartphone mode.
The Garmin Venu is a smooth and stylish smartwatch that makes a solid argument for itself as an alternative smartwatch in the range of $450 to $500. We particularly love its compatibility and functionality with Android and Apple smartphones.
Best for serious athletes
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 1.3” memory-in-pixel | Battery Life: Up to 18 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
If you’re a hardcore athlete who’s serious about training, the Garmin Fenix 7 is for you. We tested this smartwatch and were pleased to find that it has virtually everything an athlete could want from a high-end Garmin watch.
The Garmin Fenix 7 is fast and responsive, and the battery life lasts up to 18 days in smartwatch mode. It offers impressive health- and fitness-tracking metrics with detailed insights and analyses, and the durable build makes it particularly suitable for outdoor sports and activities. During testing, we were able to sync it with smartphones quickly and found that notifications drop in almost instantly after the connected phone receives them.
The smooth user interface and responsiveness make it one of the best Garmin watches, and the rugged build means it’s perfect for those who want a watch that’ll last a long time. Serious athletes will love this watch for its advanced training metrics and because it’s loaded with tons of features designed to facilitate athletic performance.
Best for triathletes
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 1.4” AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 23 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
The Garmin Forerunner 965 bears many similarities to our top pick, the Garmin Forerunner 265, but it’s the better option for triathletes looking to track their progress cycling, running and swimming. We tested the Garmin Forerunner 965 for performance and functionality and were more than pleased with its overall quality.
The display is vibrant, and the details on the screen under bright-light conditions were excellent. Heart rate and blood-oxygen readings were steady and accurate for the most part, and the battery life was reduced to 75% after three days of moderate use. Software and training tools are highly intuitive and easy to navigate, and we found no noticeable glitches in the user interface.
The bright screen, extensive health and fitness stats and detailed maps make this watch a terrific option for most users. Its topographic maps and extensive library of outdoor fitness and adventure routines prove it to be a great companion for people who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle. At around $600, the Forerunner is a little on the expensive side, but it’s worth it for users in its target audience.
Best for kids
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 0.79” color | Battery Life: Up to 1 year | GPS Capability: No | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: No
A fitness tracker might not seem like something you’d find on a kid’s wishlist, but you’d be surprised at how many kids want to wear one. They may have seen them on TV, TikTok or on family members, and those who have usually want to get in on the hype. But traditional smartwatches and fitness trackers are expensive, and because children are so active, you may be reluctant to get them one. That’s what makes the Garmin Vívofit Jr. 3 Kids Fitness Tracker the best option for kids.
This fitness tracker has a durable, swim-friendly design and a battery life that lasts up to a whole year. No charging is needed, and the battery is replaceable when it runs out. The accompanying smartphone app is parent-controlled and can be used to assign tasks, schedule alerts and alarms and reward kids for good behavior. You can monitor your child’s estimated steps and sleep and make sure they get their 60 minutes of daily recommended activity. Their emergency contact information can be quickly accessed with the in-case-of-emergency widget.
This fitness tracker is best for kids aged 6 to 12. Older kids and teens might be ready for a standard fitness tracker or smartwatch, but for younger kids, this is a wonderful starter device for monitoring physical activity.
Best outdoor watch
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 1.3” AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 16 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
People who love extreme sports and outdoor adventures also love the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Standard Edition. Its rugged build withstands the elements, and its various sports and workout programs make it an awesome choice for indoor and outdoor athletes alike.
It has a crisp 1.3-inch AMOLED screen, and you can choose from three case sizes based on what’s comfortable on your wrist. The battery lasts up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, making it suitable for all-day excursions and activities such as snowboarding, swimming and hiking. Advanced training and recovery reports give great insight so you know when you’re ready to work out again, and SatIQ technology and multiband GPS offer accurate tracking during outdoor workouts.
This robust watch is tested to U.S. military standards. It’s pricey at $900, but it’s built to last and packs all the features needed to maximize your outdoor adventures and track your health and fitness metrics during physical activity.
Best design
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 1” Liquid Crystal | Battery Life: Up to 5 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Many Garmin watches have a robust build that makes them a turn-off for casual users, but the fashionable Garmin Lily 2 offers superb functionality without sacrificing style. One of the more versatile watches on our list, its sleek design complements your outfits thanks to its interchangeable bands.
The minimalist style is this watch’s biggest draw. You can wear it casually or when working out without feeling restricted. It has a flattering metal case and a unique patterned lens that, with a tap, reveals a bright touch-screen display. You can stay connected with real-time phone notifications and keep track of various health metrics. You can track your sleep score, respiration, energy, menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It also offers hydration tracking, all-day stress tracking and heart-rate monitoring, including alerts if your heart rate goes above or below a certain threshold.
Although other Garmin watches offer more premium features and advanced functionality, the Garmin Lily 2 hits a nice sweet spot, allowing you to wear a stylish watch that also tracks your health and fitness stats.
Best basic tracker
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 0.84” OLED | Battery Life: Up to 7 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
If you don’t like bulky smartwatches, a traditional wristband fitness tracker might be more your style. The Garmin Vívosmart 5 has a minimalist design reminiscent of the first fitness trackers to hit the market several years ago. But don’t let its looks fool you: Its advanced sensors provide you with impressive health-tracking capabilities.
It has several apps for tracking your health and fitness, including a heart rate monitor, a sleep monitor and GPS. It also allows you to access your phone’s contacts, messages and calendar. The battery lasts up to seven days with moderate use in smartwatch mode, and the water-resistant design gives you peace of mind in the pool and shower.
If you don’t care much for the premium features offered by some of the more expensive Garmin watches on our list, the Garmin Vívosmart 5 is a natural choice. It’s designed for people who want to track their health and fitness with something lightweight and basic.
Best golf GPS watch
Product Specifications
Display Type and Size: 1.3” sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel | Battery Life: Up to 14 days | GPS Capability: Yes | Water Resistance: Yes | Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Golf is a sophisticated and highly competitive game. If you’re an avid golfer who strives to improve your game, it can help to wear a good golf smartwatch when you play. The Garmin Approach S62 GPS watch combines the features of the best Garmin watches with the functionality of a high-end golf watch to bring you an advanced-engineered golf smartwatch.
We found this smartwatch to be a handy tool on the course, boasting over 41,000 preloaded courses and providing accurate shot tracking. The virtual caddie adapts to your playing style, providing accurate data and insights to help you make the best decision before your next shot. The bright display is easy to read under bright conditions, and if you press any spot on the map, it’ll tell you exactly how many yards away you are from that spot.
This watch offers plenty of health and fitness features and excels at providing insight on the course. If you’re a golf fanatic, it’s the best Garmin watch to get. You’ll get plenty of use out of it, and it can help you improve your game over time. The virtual caddie learns your game the more you use it, and the Garmin Golf app provides advanced data, tournament information and more.
Key considerations
With a wide variety of options available, you'll definitely be able to find a Garmin watch to suit your needs whether you’re a competitive triathlete or a person looking to track steps and sleep. There are a few key considerations that’ll help you get more bang for your buck and make sure you get a watch that does everything you want it to.
Your needs
How much data do you want to track? If performance goals are important to you, choose a watch like the Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch. It tracks a variety of metrics so you can view your progress over time.
Do you want to improve your fitness or just find a way to move more throughout the week? Perhaps an activity tracker is what you need. If you want the option to progress to more serious training, there are Garmin watches that combine fitness tracking and sport-specific features.
Sport
Are you a swimmer, runner or cyclist? If you’re all three, you’ll need a multisport watch. For those participating in other sports, Garmin offers myriad single-sport watches, but often you’ll find multiple sports profiles on a watch.
If you’re merely interested in tracking your step count, you don’t need to invest in a hardcore premium device. Some of the best Garmin watches for sports and athletics include the Garmin Forerunner 965 and Garmin Venu Sq 2.
Type of watch
The Garmin lineup includes a wide array of watch types, and many models have similar names. In terms of sports watches, the company offers devices designed for running, cycling, triathlon, swimming, golf and more. Garmin also sells rugged watches, such as the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Standard Edition, for hiking, aviation and marine excursions. If you want to track your distance via GPS, check that the watch is GPS-enabled. Some Garmin fitness trackers are not equipped with this functionality.
Battery life
As the feature set increases on a watch, the battery life capacity tends to decrease. But Garmin has done an excellent job delivering devices that last throughout multiple activities. Garmin activity trackers without GPS tend to have the longest battery life, but even GPS-enabled watches may last up to a week when GPS isn’t being used. Battery life varies depending on which features are enabled. All Garmin watches charge via USB. Options with good battery life include the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the Garmin Venu 3.
Features
Not all Garmin watches are equipped with the same features, so we rounded up some of the most popular features people look for. By analyzing the following features, you’ll be able to determine which Garmin watch is right for you whether you’re an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast or an avid golfer.
Sports profiles
While a watch’s primary purpose may be to track running workouts, it might have additional sports profiles. If variety matters to you, you’ll want a watch with multiple sports profiles so you can track running, walking, swimming, yoga and more.
If you’re frequently at the gym lifting weights, consider a Garmin watch with a strength-training profile capable of automatically detecting and counting repetitions. An important note: A watch with multiple profiles is not necessarily a triathlon watch. Triathlon-specific Garmin watches typically have a greater number of features and include a multisport mode, which gives triathletes the option to switch from one sport to the other when doing brick workouts and during races. The best of these smartwatches is undoubtedly the Garmin Forerunner 965.
Style
Garmin watches range from ultra-sporty to super chic, like the Garmin Lily 2. Most Garmin watch bands are easy to swap, so you can choose one to fit your personal fashion sense. Some of the more robust smartwatches, like the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Standard Edition and the Garmin Venu Sq 2, are best for outdoor sports enthusiasts, while traditional lightweight smartwatches and wristband-style trackers like the Garmin Vívosmart 5 are best for everyday wear.
Tracking
There are two main types of tracking featured in Garmin watches. GPS tracking uses satellite technology to track your position as you move. It’s useful for tracking distance and pace metrics outdoors. It’s much more accurate compared to an accelerometer in a smartphone or manual step counter.
The other type of tracking is fitness activity tracking. Fitness tracking monitors your general movements throughout the day using a built-in accelerometer to count your steps and estimate distance traveled and calories burned. Garmin watches are equipped with one or both of these types of tracking. A solid example of a Garmin watch with high-end tracking is the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Standard Edition.
Heart rate monitor
Heart rate data is a useful training tool. Using a heart rate monitor, you can measure the intensity of your workouts and check to see whether you are recovering appropriately. The majority of Garmin sports devices are compatible with Garmin’s proprietary chest strap. There are a variety of chest-strap models, so if you’re purchasing one separately, make sure it’s compatible with your device. Chest straps transmit heart rate data to your watch or other device using Bluetooth, ANT+ or both.
The other option for tracking your heart rate is a wrist-based optical heart rate monitor. This is a built-in feature of some Garmin watches, such as the Garmin Lily 2. It’s less accurate than a chest model but more comfortable for some individuals, and it also tracks resting heart rate.
Data screens
Garmin watches allow users to customize their data screens. If you’re a runner who only cares about your pace, you can choose to display a single metric on your watch face to avoid being distracted by other data. The level of customization varies depending on the watch model in question. Many watches, such as the Garmin Fenix 7, have this feature.
Phone control
Even if you bring your phone along on a run, you might not want to fish it out of your pocket to skip the song you’re listening to or adjust the volume of a podcast episode. Certain models, such as the Garmin Venu 3, allow users to control their phone volume and skip tracks directly on their wrist. Devices with onboard music storage and Spotify allow users to run or walk phone-free and enjoy all their favorite tracks. Watch out, though: Listening to music via your watch will likely drain the battery quicker than using other functions on the device.
On-the-go payments
Contactless payments are one of the newest Garmin watch features to surface, but we suggest you verify that the system is compatible with your bank first. It’s a convenient function that allows athletes who are out and about to grab hydration and snacks at the corner store even if they’ve forgotten their wallet. It works similarly to Apple Pay. One of the best Garmin watches with this feature is the Garmin Venu Sq 2.
Navigation capabilities
Just because a watch is equipped with GPS doesn’t mean it’s capable of mapping you a route back home if you get lost. If you’re often out in the wild and concerned about navigation, choose a watch with the ability to get you back where you started using map visuals and a compass. Garmin’s hiking-oriented watches, like the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Standard Edition, are your best bet for rugged outdoor activities that may leave you without a cell signal.
Garmin watch prices
Entry-level
At this price point, you’ll find basic GPS watches for runners or sleek, functional activity trackers with or without GPS functionality. Expect watches with fewer features in this lower-cost tier that can range from $250 to $350.
Mid-range
Mid-level Garmin watches are typically high-quality, single-sport GPS models, ranging in price from $350 to $550. You may find watches with wrist-based heart rate monitoring at this price point, too. A slightly higher price will get you additional features, including contactless payment and a color display.
High-end
The higher the cost of the watch, the higher the quality and the bigger the feature set. For $550 and up, you’ll find multisport GPS watches with advanced features such as built-in music storage and the ability to measure blood-oxygen saturation levels.
Tips
Here are some of our top tips for getting the most out of your Garmin watch, no matter which model you choose.
- Read the manual before heading out. Learn the menus and functions right away so you can easily make adjustments and get full use of the watch without accidentally deleting your workouts.
- Garmin sports watches allow users to turn sounds on or off. Visit the settings menu to enable audio or vibration alerts.
- Some models offer recovery time estimates post-workout, but don’t rely on those suggestions alone. Listen to your body, and make sure you’re getting the rest and recovery you need.
- When and where do you perform your workouts? Outside in bright light? Check that the display is easy to read when the sun is out in full force.
- Even the most basic Garmin watch models have a long list of features. If you want a specific function, don’t assume a model includes it. Check the list of features before making your purchase.
- Register your product after purchasing it.
- Garmin products require a bit of tech know-how. If you’re unsure how to set up workouts or download data, check out Garmin’s online forums for advice from other users.
- Newer Garmin watch models with GPS tracking also have a LiveTracking function. You can send alerts to your friends and family when you’re beginning a workout so they can make sure you’re safe.
- Wondering how to track indoor runs? Garmin makes a “foot pod” accessory you can use to track treadmill workouts. Some models have wrist-based sensors that can track your pace and distance.
- Don’t forget to charge your device. A battery indicator on the screen lets you know when it’s time to power up your watch.
- Garmin often releases updates to fix bugs and add small features. Updates push automatically when connected to Wi-Fi or when syncing data via Bluetooth on your mobile phone.
Other products we considered
Still feeling undecided? We’ve got a few more suggestions.
We love the new Garmin vívoactive 3, which incorporates fitness tracking in a stylish, office-friendly design. We’re particularly fond of its contactless payment feature. The Garmin Vívomove HR is another sleek fitness tracker with a combination analog-digital display. The watch features a handy wrist-based heart rate monitor and tracks steps, distance and activity levels so you can keep tabs on your progress.
Next up, the Fenix 5X Plus (an updated version of the 5X) delivers advanced features such as pulse ox monitoring and Garmin Pay. The best part? The watch has onboard music storage. Finally, for the triathletes out there, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a triathlon-ready watch for the multisport enthusiast. With a wrist-based heart monitor, it delivers smart notifications in a comfortable, sporty design.
How we analyzed
We tested four Garmin watches to determine the best models. In our testing lab, we unboxed each watch, synced it to a smartphone and wore it for extended periods to test battery life, functionality and performance. In addition to the four products we tested, we rounded up six others based on high-quality performance ratings, specs and design. Each has earned rave reviews from customers and is widely recognized as a top-tier Garmin watch.
FAQ
Q. I ran a 5K, and my Garmin watch is telling me the distance was more than 5K. Why?
A. GPS tracking is accurate, but race routes are usually measured meticulously according to specific rules and regulations. Courses are measured via tangents. You likely didn’t run the race exactly as the course was measured, so your recorded watch distance will be somewhat different.
Q. Which is more accurate: a heart rate strap or a heart rate wrist sensor?
A. A strap is currently the most accurate option for recording heart rate data, but wrist-based sensors are making strides. Spikes and drops in heart rate should be expected with both types, and neither should be considered as accurate as a medical device.
Q. I’m a swimmer. Which Garmin watch is best for my needs?
A. All of Garmin’s triathlon-specific watches include tracking for indoor lap swimming, and some offer open-water tracking. However, the triathlon watches are some of the most expensive watches in the Garmin lineup. If all you want is to track your laps at the indoor pool, Garmin has an excellent swim-specific watch option.
Q. Does Garmin offer other sport-specific models besides watches for running, cycling and triathlon?
A. Yes. Garmin also offers watches for activities such as diving, baseball and golf. In addition, Garmin sells GPS-enabled navigation products, including watches for aviation and hiking such as the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Standard Edition. An example of a high-end golf GPS watch is the Garmin Approach S62 GPS Watch.
