Garmin isn’t the only big name in wearables, but few competitors have the same fitness-tracking pedigree, battery-life chops or depth of choice. Whether you’re buying your first Garmin or upgrading from an older model, these are the best Garmin watches we recommend right now.
Garmin’s biggest strengths are easily fitness tracking and battery life. Its watches are among the best for monitoring workouts, recovery and training progress, and many models can last a week or more between charges. Some, such as the Enduro series, can go far longer, making them ideal for endurance athletes and anyone who doesn’t want another device to charge every night.
The main trade-off is app support. You can still access useful apps such as Spotify and Google Maps, but Garmin’s ecosystem isn’t as broad as watchOS or Wear OS. If apps are your priority, our best smartwatch guide is the better place to start.
For sports, fitness and battery life, though, Garmin remains one of the strongest choices around. We test each model for GPS and heart rate accuracy, battery drain, ease of use and overall performance, then use those results to decide which Garmin watches are actually worth buying.
Which is the best Garmin Watch?
How we test
Find out more about how we test Garmin watches
Every Garmin watch we test is used by the reviewer for at least a week – or longer, if the battery life lasts beyond that point or we need more time to trial its features. During testing we evaluate key metrics including usability, battery life, and the accuracy of fitness and distance tracking.
For distance tracking, we assess how accurately the device records outdoor runs on tracks we know the length of. We also evaluate the level of battery life lost per hour using features such as built-in or connected GPS. To check heart rate accuracy, we compare the results from the wearable to a dedicated HRM strap.
Next we combine the data recorded with our general experience of using the wearable day-to-day, revealing whether the device proved comfortable to wear, alongside any issues we may have encountered with unexpected bugs over the review period.
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Welcome addition of LTE connectivity
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MicroLED brings sharper, brighter display technology
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Same great Fenix sports and outdoor features
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Big jump in cost
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You need to pay for an inReach subscription
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New sensors equal a thicker case
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MicroLED battery drain
Although it won’t be for everyone, the Garmin Fenix range is king when it comes to buying at the super high-end sector of the market, so if you’re an avid runner of marathons or ultramarathons then this is the one to go for. Although you can absolutely find previous-gen options at a now discounted rate, if you are planning on going all in with true no-holds-barred tracking then the latest Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is well worth the investment.
The big new addition which separates the watch from its predecessors is the inclusion of a MicroLED display, which is still quite a rarity in the tech world, and in smartwatches it’s practically unheard of. With this technology to hand however, the screen is so much brighter than anything we’ve seen before, making it very easy to read in darker environments and when looking at the watch from a side-on perspective.
While not exactly the first Garmin watch to toy around with LTE features, the Fenix 8 Pro is the one to really capitalise on the concept by introducing cellular calls and messaging into the mix. This is great for times when you don’t have your phone to hand as you’ll be able to call for help in emergency situations via the watch itself, either via a network or satellite connection.
All of this sits on top of the real reason as to why you’d want to buy a Fenix watch in the first place, and that’s unparalleled fitness and GPS tracking. There are preloaded topographic maps on the Fenix 8 Pro for helping you to navigate new routes on wilderness trails, and with a built-in ECG sensor you can keep better tabs on your heart health outside of workouts.
There’s the built-in LED torch that Fenix watches are known for, and although the feature is now available on cheaper watches like the Venu 4, it’s still as helpful as ever, especially when trying to get in a run when the sun is down. It is a shame that the MicroLED technology isn’t quite as battery efficient as the AMOLED displays that have come before it, as you’ll get up to 10 days between charges, but that’s still leagues ahead of the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
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Screen is nice and bright
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Sapphire glass for added screen protection
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Some useful new running metrics
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Battery drop from the the 965
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The price has increased massively
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Garmin heart rate monitor needed for new metrics
Although Garmin’s range as a whole is designed with runners in mind, with plenty of options to serve those at varying skill levels, anyone who’s interested in running as their sole workout should have their sights set primarily on the Garmin Forerunner 970. As the most premium offering within the brand’s Forerunner series, the 970 provides the most comprehensive tracking experience for those constantly chasing the runner’s high.
The big upgrade here over the Forerunner 965 is that the 970’s AMOLED display is much brighter than before, making it a great deal easier to read when out on the track, or in a dimly lit room. That display is better protected from the elements too thanks to a sapphire crystal coating. Although this is a tricky thing to quantify, we didn’t pick up on a single dent or scratch appearing during the time we spent with the review unit.
In terms of the tracking experience, there are three new metrics on the 970 in the form of step speed loss, running economy and running tolerance, giving enthusiasts even more data to pore over post-run. For those who just want simple navigation on their wrist, you can upload a race course and the watch will set up lap splits automatically at certain parts throughout the track.
The newer Garmin Gen 5 optical sensor also brings some fairly sizeable gains in terms of heart rate tracking, including the ability to conduct an on-device ECG test. Given how much of a game-changer ECG tracking has been elsewhere, especially on the Apple Watch, it’s great to see Garmin embrace the tech on the Forerunner 970.
As you’d expect from a Garmin watch, the 970 doesn’t have quite as many smart features as something like the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but there is now Bluetooth calling onboard which makes it much easier to take/make a quick call during a run. The evening report also gives you a great idea of how much energy you can expect to have in the tank the following day so you can plan accordingly.
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12-day battery life is anxiety-relieving
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Superb fitness and health tracking capabilities
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Design is more refined than previous generations
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Garmin Connect app can be complicated for first-timers
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Only has two buttons for non-touchscreen control
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Quite expensive
The Garmin Venu range has long been the go-to pick for any fitness fans who want a tracker that also looks great when worn throughout the day. Unlike a lot of the sport-focused picks from Garmin which can look a bit technical and less like a fashion accessory, the Venu watches have always had a sense of style at their forefront, and that reaches new heights with the Garmin Venu 4.
Unlike with the Venu 3 which took a slight step back in terms of variety, the Venu 4 now has a great range of styles available in both its 45mm and 41mm options, so you won’t be penalised for wanting a smaller watch. Our review unit which shipped with a brown leather watch strap is particularly striking, and is designed to catch your attention like any good timepiece should.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that the Venu 4 has swapped function for form – far from it. In fact, on top of Garmin’s stellar fitness tracking tech, the watch now comes with 80 preloaded workouts to track, including more scope for sports activities. It’s now made the Venu range far more competitive in this arena, to the point where most people could pick this up and feel perfectly catered to.
Adding a cherry on top is the inclusion of a built-in LED torch, a first for the circular Venu range and something that used to be reserved for Garmin’s most expensive watches. Having the torch available means that you can enjoy early morning or evening runs in the dark and still be able to see where the path is and any obstacles up ahead. It’s also just helpful for navigating your way to a light switch in a darkened room.
Even though battery life is slightly less than what the Garmin Venu 3 was able to achieve, you can still get up to 12-days of use from a single charge which is ideal if you’re wearing the watch 24/7 for health monitoring. Bear in mind that the Venu 4 does come with a significant price bump, now going for £469.99/$549.99, but it’s worth the added expense for all that you get here.
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Exceptional battery life
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Best of Garmin’s sport tracking
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Better integration of solar charging
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Just the one look and size
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Doesn’t get new leak-proof buttons
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Lacks new voice features on Fenix 8
If you’re a frequent marathon runner or even part of the elite ultra-marathon crowd then you’ll know better than anyone that battery life for your wearables is key, and in that regard there is nothing within Garmin’s range that outlasts the Enduro 3.
This beast of a smartwatch uses a combination of wired charging and solar charging to operate for up to 90-days at a time which leaves almost every competing watch in this arena in the dust.
While the Enduro 3’s high £769.99/$899.99 asking price prevents it from being an immediate must-buy for owners of the Garmin Enduro 2, it does at least pack improved mapping support, a new heart rate sensor and more robust tracking for strength training.
The two things to bear in mind with the Enduro 3 is that unlike the Fenix 8, you don’t get the option of an AMOLED or a more old school transflective display (you’d immediately lumped with the latter), nor are there any size options available aside from the 51mm default. If you’d rather have a more compact watch with plenty of the latest trappings then the Garmin Fenix 8 will be the better buy of the two.
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Most of that good Garmin sports tracking
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Useful big screen for viewing maps
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It’s really light to wear
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Misses out on Garmin dual-band GPS and ECG
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Square design isn’t all that eye-grabbing
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Battery life in always-on display mode
The Garmin Venu range is typically known for being the fashion-first watch within Garmin’s wares, but the Venu X1 charters a new path, one that straddles the line between the Venu series and the more expensive Garmin Fenix wearables. The Venu X1 pulls off this lofty ambition by having a design unlike anything we’ve seen before, yet also ready to withstand the elements.
At just 7.9mm thin, the Garmin Venu X1 makes almost all other smartwatches feel chunky by comparison, and you won’t ever have to worry about it catching on your clothing. Because of how slim it is, the watch also clocks in at a seriously lightweight 40g, making it very comfortable to wear both throughout the day and to bed for full 24/7 fitness and health tracking.
The phone’s chassis is even made with titanium around the case, giving it more protection from the elements than the majority of watches out there, but what really stuns from the moment you turn it on is the bright two-inch display. A screen of this size on a wearable is a rare thing, but it means that there’s plenty of space to cram in key metrics whilst you’re out on a run to keep you better informed.
The added space also makes interacting with the watch outside of workouts feel a great deal easier. You’re far less likely to encounter accidental touches here, and the upside of that is that you can peruse your health data on the watch without feeling drawn to opening up the smartphone app instead.
What’s quite surprising given the size of the Venu X1 is the inclusion of an LED torch which, just like its implementation on a handful of other Garmin watches, can be a huge boon when you’re running in the dark or even just taking the bins out at night. Fitness enthusiasts may lament the exclusion of dual-band GPS tracking, and the smaller battery life of up to eight-days is a direct result of the watch’s slimline build, but there’s so much to like about the Venu X1 that these factors don’t detract from everything that makes it great.
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Good overall fitness and sports tracking
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Improved user interface
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Slimmer than the Vivoactive 5
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Largely the same design as Vivoactive 5
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Doesn’t include the latest sensor technology
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Just one case size option
Of all the watches currently available in Garmin’s wares, it’s the Vivoactive 6 that sits as the best option for most people. The wearable hits that perfect blend of affordability and having a wide array of fitness tracking features to help it stand out against the competition. If you just want a competent Garmin watch that does all of the essentials well then this is the one to go for.
The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is ever so slightly slimmer than the Vivoactive 5, and while that might not be immediately obvious when seeing the watch at first glance, this does allow it to sit more comfortably on your wrist, making it less likely to cause irritation over time. There’s just one 42.2mm size option available so it’s more of a one-size-fits-all scenario, but with a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, the Vivoactive 6 finds that balance of not feeling too small, nor too cumbersome.
In terms of fitness tracking, you’re getting a great look at what Garmin does best with quick-to-connect GPS, reliable heart rate data and easy-to-understand advice about how to prioritise your rest and recovery. This sits on top of the revamped Garmin UI that’s designed to make day-to-day use of the Vivoactive 6 a bit simpler, and more in line with modern smartwatches.
There’s 5ATM waterproofing so if swimming is your workout of choice, you won’t have any issues with taking the Vivoactive 6 down to your local pool. When you’re out on a run, offline music playback means that you can leave your phone at home and just bring a pair of headphones or earbuds as you lock in.
The final cherry on top is the 11-day battery life which just destroys other smartwatches around the same price point as the Garmin Vivoactive 6, including the Apple Watch SE 3 and the OnePlus 2R. The only thing standing in the Vivoactive’s way is the more stylish Garmin Venu range, but those looks come at a higher cost so if you’re not too fussed about having a fashion-first wearable then there’s nothing to worry about.
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Garmin’s brightest AMOLED display
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Solid all-round sports tracking
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Some of Garmin’s voice-based features added
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Feels expensive for the feature set
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Battery drain due to brighter display
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Lacks full mapping
As much as we love the Forerunner 970, that watch is far better suited for ultramarathon runners or triathletes who need heavy-duty tracking to keep tabs on their performance. For enthusiasts who just love a good park run and staying active at the gym, you’re far better off with the Garmin Forerunner 570 which is available for much less but still includes a good amount of tracking features to help you on your fitness journey.
There are two size options available, 42mm and 47mm, so if you do have smaller wrists then fear not, there’s a version of the 570 made specifically for you. Regardless of which one you get, you’ll be looking at a gorgeous AMOLED display that can really elevate the colour in the many watch faces available, not to mention Garmin’s revamped UI.
Although it is a lot cheaper than some of Garmin’s high-end watches, you’re still getting the new Gen 5 optical sensor which promises better accuracy when it comes to monitoring your heart rate and overall exertion throughout the day. All of this information is then fed into Garmin’s Body Battery software so you can better understand what kind of workout your body is ready to tackle next, or if you need to prioritise getting some rest.
There’s dual-band GPS tracking too, providing more accurate positioning when out on a run. This is great for any post-run analysis as you can get a better insight into which parts of the route had you struggling. You can enjoy up to 10-days of use between charges, and while that might not be groundbreaking compared to other Garmin wearables, it’s a huge win against something like the Apple Watch Series 11 which can only last for two days at a time.
In terms of smart features, the offering is a bit more expanded than in previous iterations with the inclusion of Bluetooth calling and the ability to interact with the watch via voice commands. This feature isn’t quite as expansive as Google Gemini access on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or the Pixel Watch 4, but it gets the job done for small tasks like setting timers or starting a workout.
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Great look
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Well integrated digital display
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Impressive array of fitness and wellness features
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Handy wireless charging
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Fiddly to get to some sub-menus
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Not your typical big Garmin battery life
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Higher quality displays on other Vivomove watches
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Not much cheaper than Vivomove Style
While they’re known for their sports and fitness prowess, Garmin wearables aren’t particularly favoured for their aesthetic which tends to be more functional than fashionable. If you’ve been hoping for a more fashion-conscious wearable that also includes Garmin’s tracking features then look no further than the Garmin Vivomove Trend.
This hybrid smartwatch combines the watch dials of a traditional timepiece with the digital functionality of a modern wearable thanks to the touchscreen that lies beneath the aforementioned dials. When you want to scroll through the Vivomove Trend’s menus, the watch dials will simply move out of the way to give you an unobstructed view of the onboard apps.
The only major letdown here is that the amount of fitness tracking features can’t quite compete with Garmin’s high-end wearables, but the Trend does excel in the realm of wellness tracking which is just the ticket to help you keep an eye out on your stress levels throughout the day and to better pinpoint the main causes of stress.
You also get access to Garmin’s detailed sleep tracking data via the Garmin Connect app, which can go a long way towards helping you to establish better sleeping patterns and improving your recovery period after intense workouts.
As an added cherry on top, the Vivomove Trend is one of the few Garmin watches (and few smarwatches in general) to boast wireless charging, so if you have a Qi wireless charger then it’ll be compatible with the Trend right out of the box. If you’re sick of proprietary cables then this is an absolute Godsend.
It is worth mentioning that the more feature-packed Garmin Vivomove Sport is actually cheaper than the Trend and arguably a better option when it comes to fitness tracking. Still, the Trend’s unique design and wireless charging give it enough to set it apart from the crowd.
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Good GPS and all-round sports tracking performance
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Useful and glanceable training insights
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Runs on Garmin’s latest software
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Not a huge hardware upgrade on Forerunner 165
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Misses out on newer GPS and health sensors
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Battery life numbers have dropped slightly
If you’re buying your first proper running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music is the one to go for. It builds on the already excellent Forerunner 165 with a compact, comfortable design, a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen and enough training tools to help newer runners take their workouts more seriously.
The big appeal of the Music edition is that you can stream tunes from services such as Spotify and Deezer without needing your phone. Otherwise, it offers the same core experience as the standard Forerunner 170, including phone notifications, contactless payments, Garmin Connect IQ app support and Garmin’s latest user interface.
For runners, the key upgrades are software-based. Training Readiness gives you a simple score to show how prepared your body is for exercise, while quick workouts and improved Garmin Coach support make it easier to add structure to your running, cycling or strength plans. GPS and heart rate performance were strong in testing too, even though the watch still uses Garmin’s older Gen 4 optical sensor and misses out on multi-band GPS.
Battery life is the main trade-off. Garmin quotes up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, but in testing it lasted just under a week with regular tracking and smartwatch use, dropping to around three to four days with the always-on display enabled. That’s still solid by smartwatch standards, but it’s a slight step back from the Forerunner 165.
It isn’t the biggest hardware upgrade, but with accurate tracking, useful training insights, music playback and everyday smartwatch extras, the Forerunner 170 Music is the best entry-level Garmin for runners who want more than the basics.
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Fun, rugged look
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New multi-band GPS support
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Bright LED flashlight
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Loses sub-display from solar model
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No touchscreen support
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Misses out on full mapping
If you’re the type of person who much prefers escaping to the great outdoors over a long weekend than sitting in front of the TV then the Garmin Instinct range is made with you in mind. These outdoor-ready watches are designed specifically to face the elements with ease, and now the tech onboard feels more refined than ever in the seriously impressive Garmin Instinct 3.
Immediately recognisable by its raised bezels, the Garmin Instinct 3 goes out of its way to protect its 1.2-inch display, which in itself uses a chemically strengthened glass to withstand scratches and dents as you go about your adventures. It’s as tough as Garmin watches come, and with a 10ATM rating, the watch can withstand depths of water at up to 100 metres, so avid swimmers won’t have a thing to worry about here.
What separates the Instinct 3 from its predecessor is the inclusion of AMOLED technology in the display, which is far more colourful and goes a long way towards making the watch faces and menus pop. Sure, it’s not quite as battery efficient as what came before, but it’s definitely more pleasing on the eyes and makes the Instinct 3 feel like a modern watch.
The Instinct 3 hasn’t lost its core identity though as there’s no touchscreen functionality, but rather five tactile physical buttons that let you navigate through the watch’s menus. This might sound odd in 2026 but when your hands are sweaty or covered in dirt from the train, having physical buttons to hand is far more ergonomic, and it saves the screen from being obscured.
Even with the more battery intensive AMOLED display, you’re still getting about 18-days of use between charges which is long enough for you to comfortably leave your charging cable at home when you go away for a quick camping trip. Admittedly, without Bluetooth calling and the lack of full onboard maps, you’ll find a far more robust experience on pricier options like the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, but for the price the Garmin Instinct 3 is set at, it’s the ideal pick for outdoor enthusiasts with a modest budget to spend.
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Screenless design for discrete wear
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Up to 10 days of battery life
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Accurate auto-activity tracking
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Module is large and bulky
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Strap selection is currently small
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No built-in GPS
If you want Garmin’s excellent fitness tracking without a full smartwatch on your wrist, the Garmin Cirqa is the one to go for. Like the Whoop and Fitbit Air, it has no screen, instead quietly tracking your health, recovery and workouts in the background before syncing everything to the Garmin Connect app.
That app is key to the experience, and thankfully it’s one of the Cirqa’s biggest strengths. Core health and fitness data is available without a subscription, including heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, HRV, VO2 Max, Body Battery and sleep tracking. Garmin Connect Plus is available if you want extras such as AI-powered insights, nutrition tracking and Garmin Coach, but it isn’t essential.
Workout tracking is strong too, with support for over 80 activities, reliable auto-detection and a handy physical button for quickly starting a chosen workout. There’s no built-in GPS, so you’ll need your phone for route tracking, but Garmin’s Connected GPS still proved accurate in testing.
The Cirqa isn’t perfect. It uses Garmin’s older Gen 4 sensor rather than the newer Gen 5 version, and the module sticks out slightly beneath the sporty fabric strap, making it less sleek than some screenless rivals. Still, with accurate tracking, reliable sleep insights and around 10 days of battery life, it’s a great choice if you want a quieter, less distracting Garmin.
Test Data
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
Garmin Forerunner 970
Garmin Venu 4
Garmin Enduro 3
Garmin Venu X1
Garmin Vivoactive 6
Garmin Forerunner 570
Garmin Vivomove Trend
Garmin Forerunner 170 Music
Garmin Instinct 3
Garmin Cirqa
Full Specs
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review
Garmin Forerunner 970 Review
Garmin Venu 4 Review
Garmin Enduro 3 Review
Garmin Venu X1 Review
Garmin Vivoactive 6 Review
Garmin Forerunner 570 Review
Garmin Vivomove Trend Review
Garmin Forerunner 170 Music Review
Garmin Instinct 3 Review
Garmin Cirqa Review
Manufacturer
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Garmin
Screen Size
1.4 inches
1.2 mm
1.4 inches
–
2 inches
1.2 inches
1.4 inches
1.1 inches
1.2 inches
1.2 inches
–
IP rating
IP68
Not Disclosed
IP68
Not Disclosed
Not Disclosed
IP68
IP68
Not Disclosed
IP68
IP68
IP68
Waterproof
10ATM
5ATM
5ATM
10ATM
5ATM
5ATM
5ATM
5ATM
5ATM
10ATM
5ATM
Size (Dimensions)
47 x 16 x 47 MM
47 x 12.9 x 47 MM
45 x 12.5 x 45 MM
x x INCHES
46 x 7.9 x 41 MM
42.2 x 10.9 x 42.2 MM
47 x 12.9 x 47 MM
40.4 x 40.4 x 11.9 MM
42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9 MM
45 x 14.9 x 45 MM
27 x 47 x 9 MM
Weight
73 G
56 G
38 G
–
37 G
36 G
50 G
43.3 G
41 G
53 G
20.7 G
ASIN
–
B0F8QZ7233
–
–
–
B0F38GK1QZ
B0F8QYXTXH
B0BMQPP6XW
–
B0DSC8JF59
–
Operating System
Garmin OS
–
–
–
–
Garmin
GarminOS
–
–
–
–
Release Date
2025
2025
2025
2024
2025
2025
2025
2023
2026
2025
2026
First Reviewed Date
06/10/2025
03/07/2025
20/10/2025
15/10/2024
02/07/2025
14/05/2025
13/06/2025
–
16/06/2026
12/02/2025
05/08/2026
Colours
–
Black, Green, Purple
–
–
Black
Lunar Gold, Slate, Metallic Jasper, Metallic Pink Dawn
Black, Slate Grey, Cloud Blue, Raspberry, Amp Yellow, Indigo
Cream Gold, Slate, Peach Gold, Silver
Black, White, Teal Green, Red Pink
Black, Neotropic
Black, Captain Blue, French Grey, Mauve
GPS
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
Yes
Yes
–
UK RRP
£1029.99
£629.99
£469.99
£769.99
£679.99
£279.99
£459
£279.99
£299.99
£389.99
£179.99
USA RRP
$1199.99
$749.99
$549.99
$899.99
$799.99
$299.99
$549
$269.99
–
$449.99
$199.99
EU RRP
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
€329.99
–
–
–
CA RRP
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
CA$369.99
–
–
–
AUD RRP
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
AU$449
–
–
–
What activities do Garmin watches track?
This varies between different Garmin watches. The top-end Fenix devices are multi-sport-focused and can track everything from running to specialised extreme sports. More basic trackers in the firm’s Vivo-lines tend to focus on essentials and can only track standard activities like cardio, running, cycling and swimming.
Do all Garmin watches have GPS?
Garmin is one of the best companies for accurate location and distance tracking, but many of its more affordable wearables lack built-in GPS. Instead, the cheaper wearables tend to have “connected GPS”, which lets them offer GPS tracking using a paired smartphone.
Are Garmin devices smartwatches?
Garmin wearables tend to have an overt focus on fitness tracking and use the firm’s proprietary operating system. This means they do offer some smartwatch functionality, like alerts, music controls and weather reports, but don’t have the same app support as Apple’s watchOS or Google’s Wear OS devices.
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