10 Best Garmin Watches – Choose the right GPS tracker
Find the best Garmin watch for your needs and your budget based on our testing. The tough features of Garmin watches, such as GPS tracking, water resistance, and fitness monitoring, are noted for their smart connection. However, there are a ton of models. If you’re unsure which Garmin watch is the best and why, SMARTWATCHWEBREVIEW explains.
What is the best Garmin Forerunner watch?
The Garmin Forerunner 255, in our opinion, is the greatest Garmin watch overall after much sweating, riding, and running with a number of Garmin watches. It combines the greatest sensors, training programs, and health trackers from Garmin into a lightweight, all-day wearables device.
Additionally, there is a Music edition with room for 500 songs to keep you motivated during your workouts. A simplified version of the Forerunner 255 is the Garmin Forerunner 55. Even though the display is smaller, Garmin’s coaching and training features are still available, and the battery life is also longer.
Like its predecessor, the Forerunner 45, the Forerunner 55 is a wonderful choice for those who are new to running because it is an entry-level watch that doesn’t feel like one.
The Garmin Venu Plus 2 is the finest Garmin smartwatch if you want something that can do more than just measure your steps and calories burned—you also want to be able to answer calls, get notifications, and more.
The best Smart Watch Garmin you can buy today
Garmin Forerunner 255
The greatest Garmin watch overall
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 1.2-inch MIP
- On-board music: Yes (Music edition)
- Mobile payments: No
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 6.5 hours w/music / 30 hours w/out music
REASONS TO BUY
+Two sizes available
+Accurate GPS
+Multisport/triathlonn modes
+Two variants — music and nonmusic+Improved battery life
+Garmin Elevate V4 sensor
REASONS TO AVOID
–No touchscreen –Lacks Garmin’s Training Readiness score
The best all-around watch from Garmin is the Forerunner 255. The watch has the same fitness metrics as Garmin’s most recent higher-end GPS watches, including Training Status to track progress, Training Load to view workouts over a seven-day period, and Training Effect to measure anaerobic and aerobic activity.
It also has an accurate GPS, a long-lasting battery, and the ability to track a variety of workout types. Additionally, tracking of menstrual cycles, stress, blood oxygen saturation, and sleep is supported. The recently updated Forerunner 255 can also track multisport and triathlon events.
The Garmin Forerunner 255 proved to be compact and light during our tests. The watch is available in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm, so smaller cyclists and runners won’t have to carry a bulky sports watch if they don’t want to. Additionally, it is far more comfortable to sleep in than some of the other running watches available. You may now make mobile payments while on the go using Garmin Pay, unlike the Forerunner 245. Read our comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 245 and Forerunner 255 here.
Additionally, Garmin provides the Forerunner 255 Music edition, which syncs with Spotify or Deezer accounts and has onboard storage for up to 500 songs. You can switch tracks by pressing the watch’s buttons or using the controls on your headset. If you’re a runner who prefers to leave their phone at home, this is a perk. The upgrades to this already excellent watch greatly impressed us, and the Garmin Forerunner 255 went on to win our Tom’s Guide award for best running watch.
Garmin Forerunner 55
The top entry-level running watch from Garmin
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 1.08-inch MIP
- On-board music: No
- Mobile payments: No
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 14 days/20 hours with GPS
REASONS TO BUY
+PacePro suggested workouts
+Bright screen
+Easy to read stats
+Battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
–No onboard music storage –No interchangeable bands –Only available in one case size
You probably want a gadget that’s an upgrade over a basic health tracker but won’t overwhelm you with too many capabilities if you’re just starting to get into running. The Forerunner 55 is the clear winner among watches made by Garmin.
The Garmin Forerunner 55, which took the place of the well-liked Forerunner 45 earlier this year, is fundamentally an entry-level fitness watch. Although it shares a lot of similarities with its predecessor in terms of appearance, Garmin made some significant adjustments and added some of the more sophisticated training functions often found on their more costly watches.
With Garmin’s latest PacePro technology, the Forerunner 55 can gently alert you to your speed and cadence while you’re running. Based on your training history, fitness level, and recovery, there are also recommended recovery time and workouts. This sets them apart from similarly priced devices like the Fitbit Charge 5 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, which track exercises but don’t provide personalized coaching plans.
The Garmin Forerunner 55 should be noted as not supporting music storage, mobile payments, or third-party apps. Additionally, it has a display that is only little larger than 1 inch. You might wish to think about purchasing a more expensive watch if these functions are essential for your Garmin model. Following the debut of the Forerunner 55, the Forerunner 45 is frequently on sale right now, so it’s a fantastic time to buy if you’re seeking for a less expensive watch.
Garmin Forerunner 955
The best Garmin for triathletes
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 1.3-inch AMOLED
- On-board music: Yes
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life GPS mode: 42 hours/49 hours with solar
REASONS TO BUY
+Touchscreen+Solar power (on solar model)
+Training readiness functionality
+Amazing battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
–Can’t sync running power sensors to watch
The Forerunner 945’s successor is the Garmin Forerunner 955. he greatest Forerunner we’ve ever tried, it’s a premium running watch. Read our Forerunner 955 vs. Forerunner 945 comparison if you’re attempting to decide between the more recent model and the earlier model. There are two variations of the Garmin Forerunner 955: solar and non-solar.
The solar watch, as its name implies, features a Power Glass screen that uses solar energy to extend the battery life of the watch. When it comes to battery life, the Forerunner 955 solar version has a maximum battery life of around 20 hours in smartwatch mode, 49 hours in GPS mode without music, and 110 hours in Ultratrac mode.
The watch was simple to read and use while running. In order to make the watch feel more like a smartwatch when not in use, Garmin included a touchscreen. A number of outstanding training measures are now available, such as Garmin’s new Training Readiness meter, which provides a quick snapshot of your readiness for a demanding training day based on your sleep, recovery time, HRV status, acute load, and stress.
We don’t know why you’d choose anything else for your wrist unless you’re intending on rock climbing or engaging in truly severe activities because this running watch is amazing and has all the characteristics of the Garmin Fenix 7 in a far more affordable package.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The best Garmin smartwatch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Display: 1.3-inch AMOLED
- On-board music: Yes
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 9 days/24 hours with GPS
REASONS TO BUY
+Stunning AMOLED display
+Reliable fitness tracking and Garmin Coach
+Call quality is better than expected
+Fantastic battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
–Recovery time advice could be better –Not enough third-party apps
Not just serious athletes wearables Garmin watches. The Venu 2 Plus is a fashionable wristwatch that rivals the Fitbit Versa 3 and the Apple Watch. It is durable enough for playtime with the kids, bike rides, and strength training. With an AMOLED display and a stainless steel bezel, it improves on the Garmin vivoactive 4 as well.
The Garmin Venu Plus 2 combines smartwatch features like mobile payments, notifications, a touchscreen, and storage for up to 650 songs with fitness and health tracking capabilities you’d expect from a Garmin gadget. Even with its AMOLED display, the watch has a substantially longer battery life than the majority of smartwatches.
The voice assistant functions of the Garmin Venu 2 Plus are a significant upgrade. On-wrist calls and voice assistants are new features added to the $449 Garmin Venu 2 Plus to better compete with its high-profile rivals.
The Venu 2 Plus is now a stronger sell for people who want their smartwatch to function as an extension of their smartphone, even while it upholds Garmin’s reputation for extensive fitness tracking and precise GPS.
Garmin Epix 2
Best Garmin for adventurers looking for a beautiful watch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Display: 1.3-inch AMOLED
- On-board music: Yes
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: Up to 16 days (6 days always-on)
REASONS TO BUY
+Gorgeous design
+Bright display
+Long battery life+Lots of tracking features
REASONS TO AVOID
–Very expensive –Not as many smartwatch features as Apple, Samsung –Only comes in one size
The Garmin Epix smartwatch is outstanding in almost every aspect, including price, style, battery life, and display. Even while it is not the company’s first smartphone with an AMOLED display, it is their most expensive model to do so. As a result, you get a very long battery life, the ability to track practically all of your activities, on-board music storage, mobile payments, and much more.
The Epix Gen 2 is the watch for you if you enjoy the sound of the Fenix 7 but want something that looks a little more attractive on your wrist. Even in direct sunshine, the 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen is incredibly bright and simple to read.
The Garmin Epix has exactly the same functionality as the Fenix 7 when it comes to tracking your health and fitness, and it can track almost anything. The Epix 2 contains a blood oxygen sensor in addition to a heart rate monitor so you can check your levels immediately and throughout the day.
This watch is amazing all around and made for explorers. The battery’s life of Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix 2 differ significantly; whereas in Expedition mode, the Fenix may operate for up to 40 days (or 74 days with solar power), the Epix will shut off after just 14 days.
Garmin Lily
Possibly Garmin’s most attractive smartwatch to date
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : No
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 1-inch MIP
- On-board music: No
- Mobile payments: No
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 5 days
REASONS TO BUY
+Stylish design
+On-board pregnancy tracking app
+Good display
REASONS TO AVOID
–No built-in GPS –Incompatible with Garmin Connect IQ app store
The Garmin Lily is the ideal choice if you want an health tracker that doesn’t look like one. It’s perhaps Garmin’s most stylish smartwatch, and it includes a variety of beneficial features for female users, such the ability to track menstruation or pregnancy, which can help expectant mothers better understand their day-to-day health.
The Garmin Lily is available in two variations: Classic and Sport, and it resembles real jewelry. The Sport version, which costs $199.99, has a soft silicone band that is simpler to clean after a workout. The Classic costs $249.99 and has a dual-tone leather strap. However, if you’re an avid runner or cyclist, you could find the watch’s lack of GPS to be inconvenient.
The brightness and sensitive monochrome touchscreen of the Garmin Lily make it easy to use even in bright sunshine. For those who are fashion-conscious buyers out there and especially for someone with a tiny wrist, this would be a fantastic first smartwatch.
Garmin Approach S62
The best Garmin watch for golfers
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 1.3-inch MIP
- On-board music: No
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 14 days/20 hours with GPS
REASONS TO BUY
+Accurate distances
+Virtual caddie analysis
+Battery
REASONS TO AVOID
–Not for beginners
The Garmin Approach S62 is the watch for you if you enjoy playing golf. It is tough enough for a round of 18 holes while still being fashionable enough for the clubhouse’s 19th hole thanks to its scratch-resistant ceramic bezel and silicone straps.
Key golf features including access to data on 41,000 courses worldwide, GPS readings of distance and hole hazards, and a shot-tracking tool are all included with the Garmin Approach S62. Additionally, a virtual caddie can suggest clubs according on how far they are from the target. It might be a lot for a beginner golfer (if that describes you, check out our review of the Garmin S20), but seasoned players will value the advice and might even leave the rangefinder at home.
Along with heart rate, sleep, and Garmin’s “Body Battery” energy meter, the watch also keeps track of a variety of other indoor and outdoor exercises, like swimming, that are performed off the course. With features like Garmin Pay and programmable smartphone notifications, it also functions nicely as a smartwatch.
Garmin Forerunner 745
A solid Garmin watch for overall fitness tracking
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 1.2-inch MIP
- On-board music: Yes
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 7 days/16 hours with GPS
REASONS TO BUY
+Easy to set up and use
+Robust activity and training data
+Limited smartwatch features
REASONS TO AVOID
–Battery could be better
The Garmin Forerunner 745 is the finest watch for athletes who need less bells and whistles and want greater functionality than the Forerunner 45. Although it isn’t as feature-rich as the Garmun Venu, it does enable mobile payments, music storage, and some third-party apps. These are two essential elements for anyone who exercises frequently.
Additionally, you’ll have access to step and sleep tracking, though neither is prominently displayed on the watch like it is on lower-end fitness trackers.
More than a dozen different types of indoor and outdoor workouts are supported by the Garmin Forerunner 745, which also offers feedback on your training (including suggested workouts and recuperation times) and quickly detects GPS signals. Although the battery life isn’t as lengthy as the Forerunner 945’s, most athletes can still do numerous workouts while using the device in GPS mode for 16 hours at a time.
Garmin fenix 7 series
The best Garmin watch for the outdoors
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Display: 1.2-inch MIP
- On-board music: Yes
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 14 days/72 hours with GPS
REASONS TO BUY
+Battery can last for weeks
+Packed with features
+64MB of storage
REASONS TO AVOID
–Very large
The robust Garmin Fenix 7 watch is designed for outdoor explorers. The gadget is meant for anyone who gets a kick from extreme sports like scuba diving, backcountry skiing, or multi-day hikes deep in the wilderness. It supports common fitness activities like jogging and swimming and has standard health-tracking capabilities from Garmin.
Don’t be misled: This watch is a beast, weighing in at 3.1 ounces for the 51mm Fenix 7X sapphire solar addition and 2 ounces for the basic Fenix 7S. However, storage, battery life, and 100-meter water resistance are sacrificed (330 feet). Additionally, changing bands is simple—a big plus if you’ve recently spent days in the wilderness without a shower.
The Fenix 7 sports a touch screen, which is a significant upgrade over the Fenix 6. Even in the rain, the screen is really sensitive, which makes navigating around and modifying the watch much simpler. The watches have more maps and sports tracking modes than ever before, as well as a new stamina statistic. You’ll struggle to find a fitness tracker with a longer a battery’s life than this excellent watch.
Garmin Vivoactive 4
Garmin’s best fitness smartwatch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Heart rate monitor: Yes
- GPS : Yes
- Water resistance: 50 meters
- Display: 1.3-inch MIP
- On-board music: Yes
- Mobile payments: Yes
- Sleep tracking: Yes
- Battery life: 8 days/18 hours with GPS
REASONS TO BUY
+East two-button navigation
+Build-in exercises
REASONS TO AVOID
–No OLED screen
The Garmin vivoactive 4 is a fitness tracker first, but it also walks the line between a smartwatch and a health tracker quite successfully.
The touchscreen on the Garmin vivoactive 4 watch sets it apart from the Forerunner and Fenix watches. It is available in two sizes as well: 40mm and 45mm. However, the watch uses the LCD display that is typical of Garmin watches in order to preserve a battery’s life (Select the Garmin Venu if an OLED display is what you’re after.)
Although you won’t find the same choices as you would in the Apple Watch store, you can add a variety of third-party apps through the Garmin Connect IQ store.
The Garmin vivoactive 4 excels and outperforms the other smartwatches on the market when it comes to fitness tracking. Along with the vivoactive 4’s industry-leading features from Garmin for tracking training and recovery, it also has preloaded workouts like yoga and Pilates that function as guided animations right on the watch.
How to choose the best Garmin watch for you
It’s crucial to decide which Garmin watches within your price range offer the features and prices that are most important to you.
Battery Life
The majority of Garmin watches have fantastic battery, but some have longer lasting batteries. For instance, the Forerunner 945 has a 14-day smartwatch battery life and a 36-hour GPS battery life, whereas the fenix 6 has a 20-day expedition GPS a battery’s life. If you intend to spend a lot of time outside, pick your watch carefully.
Training features
Although the majority of Garmin watches have great training features, pay attention to the metrics that are important to you. Some models, like the Garmin Forerunner 945, track heat and altitude in addition to the standard metrics, which is essential for determining the effectiveness of outdoor workouts. In-depth golf training is also provided by others, such as the Garmin Approach S62.
GPS
It comes as no surprise that almost all of Garmin’s watches have top-notch GPS tracking features given that the company is known for its GPS technology. The only Garmin watches without a GPS sensor are those in the vivomove line.
Smartwatch features
More smartwatch features are available on some Garmin models than others. For instance, the Venu offers features uncommon for Garmin devices, such as a touchscreen and an AMOLED display, as well as support for mobile payments, onboard music, and a stainless steel bezel.
Onboard music
Not all Garmin watches have built-in storage for onboard music. You’ll need a health tracker that enables you to leave your phone behind if you’re an athlete who wants to bring music with them while they work out. Even some Garmin series have a version specifically for music, like the Forerunner 245 Music.
Price
Every budget can find a Garmin watch in a wide range of prices. Given that you get access to Garmin Coach and all of Garmin’s other training features for less than $150, the Forerunner 45 is a good value. On the other hand, the Fenix 6X Pro Solar Edition Titanium is priced at up to $1,149. However, the majority of models cost between $200 and $500.