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10 Best Garmin For Runner 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,286
Battery Life
Training and Performance Metrics
Durability and Water Resistance

Most important from
1016 reviews

Battery Life
Worked 9 days on one charge, with 3 times swimming. Nice display, good to have both - buttons and touch screen.
Training and Performance Metrics
This watch is a great value. It has just the right amount of tracking data for my workouts, and the basic smartwatch features that I need.
Durability and Water Resistance
Worked 9 days on one charge, with 3 times swimming. Nice display, good to have both - buttons and touch screen.
Smart Features
This watch is a great value. It has just the right amount of tracking data for my workouts, and the basic smartwatch features that I need.
Comfort and Design
This watch is a great value. It has just the right amount of tracking data for my workouts, and the basic smartwatch features that I need. It's comfortable and looks pretty good.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is designed specifically for runners, featuring built-in GPS that provides accurate pace and distance tracking. One of its standout features is the AMOLED touchscreen display, which offers vibrant visuals and is easy to navigate. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, so it can handle long runs and training sessions without frequent recharging. Its lightweight design ensures comfort during extended wear, which is crucial for runners.

This smartwatch also excels in fitness tracking, offering personalized workout suggestions through Garmin Coach, which can help users reach their goals effectively. The inclusion of various training metrics and heart rate monitoring adds value, allowing users to assess their performance and recovery needs. With over 25 built-in activity profiles, it caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts beyond just running.

On the smart features side, it supports notifications from paired smartphones and Garmin Pay for contactless payments. These add convenience for users who prefer to leave their wallets behind during workouts. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch. Its strengths in GPS accuracy, battery life, and comprehensive training insights make it a solid investment for tracking fitness and performance.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,286
Battery Life
Training and Performance Metrics
Durability and Water Resistance

Most important from
1016 reviews

Battery Life
Worked 9 days on one charge, with 3 times swimming. Nice display, good to have both - buttons and touch screen.
Training and Performance Metrics
This watch is a great value. It has just the right amount of tracking data for my workouts, and the basic smartwatch features that I need.
Durability and Water Resistance
Worked 9 days on one charge, with 3 times swimming. Nice display, good to have both - buttons and touch screen.
Smart Features
This watch is a great value. It has just the right amount of tracking data for my workouts, and the basic smartwatch features that I need.
Comfort and Design
This watch is a great value. It has just the right amount of tracking data for my workouts, and the basic smartwatch features that I need. It's comfortable and looks pretty good.
#2

Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02641-20

Rating
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
1457 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Setting it up was super easy, and the watch tracks all the data needed with excellent GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring.
Battery Life
Battery life is amazing, allowing you to see the watch with a side glimpse without having to raise your hand all the time.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The onboard wrist heart rate and running dynamics functionality have been very good, even without additional accessories.
Training and Performance Metrics
The ability to objectively gauge and plan your training is a powerful tool, and this watch takes it to the next level.
Durability and Water Resistance
Lots of battery life, and no problems swimming with it either.
Smart Features
The music functionality is flawless, allowing you to run with just the watch and earbuds without carrying a phone.
Comfort and Design
The watch fits very well, with the smaller face (255S) being a suitable option for others.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a robust GPS running smartwatch tailored for runners who appreciate advanced insights and music integration. One of its significant strengths is its excellent GPS accuracy, ensuring reliable tracking of your runs. It also boasts impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long training sessions and extended use without frequent charging. The heart rate monitoring feature is another highlight, providing HRV status during sleep for better wellness and recovery insights, though it should be noted that this is an estimate of your metrics rather than precise medical data.

The watch’s robust training and performance metrics include personalized workout suggestions and race preparation tips, helping users optimize their training routines effectively. Additionally, the Forerunner 255 Music is durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions and intensive workouts. Smart features like music storage for up to 500 songs and compatibility with Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer enhance its appeal by allowing phone-free listening during runs. The design is lightweight and comfortable, available in two sizes, ensuring it’s unintrusive on long runs.

However, there are some drawbacks. The proprietary operating system limits app availability compared to more open platforms like Wear OS or Apple’s watchOS. Also, features like continuous running power measurement require additional accessories, which might add to the cost. Despite these minor limitations, the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music stands out as an excellent choice for dedicated runners looking for a comprehensive, music-enabled training companion.

Rating
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
1457 reviews

GPS Accuracy
Setting it up was super easy, and the watch tracks all the data needed with excellent GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring.
Battery Life
Battery life is amazing, allowing you to see the watch with a side glimpse without having to raise your hand all the time.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The onboard wrist heart rate and running dynamics functionality have been very good, even without additional accessories.
Training and Performance Metrics
The ability to objectively gauge and plan your training is a powerful tool, and this watch takes it to the next level.
Durability and Water Resistance
Lots of battery life, and no problems swimming with it either.
Smart Features
The music functionality is flawless, allowing you to run with just the watch and earbuds without carrying a phone.
Comfort and Design
The watch fits very well, with the smaller face (255S) being a suitable option for others.
#3

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00

Rating
9.6
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4473 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate runners, offering lightweight comfort and a wealth of features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Battery Life
The battery life is fantastic, lasting days even with regular use, making it a reliable companion for frequent runners.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate runners, offering lightweight comfort and a wealth of features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Training and Performance Metrics
The detailed post-run stats in the Garmin Connect app are incredibly useful for analyzing performance and progress.
Comfort and Design
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate runners, offering lightweight comfort and a wealth of features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is designed for runners and offers a variety of useful features. Its GPS accuracy is reliable, helping you track your runs precisely. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is great for frequent runners. The heart rate monitoring is convenient, though it's important to note that it is not a medical device. The watch provides valuable training and performance metrics, including race time predictions and finish time estimates, which can be very helpful for those looking to improve their performance.

It also includes various activity profiles, such as running, cycling, and swimming, making it versatile for different types of workouts. Durability and water resistance are strong points, ensuring the watch can handle various conditions. Smart features such as customizable watch faces, data fields, and widgets add a personal touch. The comfort and design are user-friendly, with a lightweight build and easy-to-use interface.

However, some potential drawbacks include the small screen size, which may not be ideal for everyone, and the fact that it requires the Garmin Connect app for full customization and smart features. Those who prioritize an intuitive and comprehensive running watch will find the Garmin Forerunner 55 to be a solid choice.

Rating
9.6
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4473 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate runners, offering lightweight comfort and a wealth of features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Battery Life
The battery life is fantastic, lasting days even with regular use, making it a reliable companion for frequent runners.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate runners, offering lightweight comfort and a wealth of features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Training and Performance Metrics
The detailed post-run stats in the Garmin Connect app are incredibly useful for analyzing performance and progress.
Comfort and Design
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate runners, offering lightweight comfort and a wealth of features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin For Runner

Choosing the right Garmin watch for running can significantly enhance your training and overall running experience. Garmin offers a variety of models, each with different features tailored to various types of runners. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your running goals and needs.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for tracking your runs accurately, including distance, pace, and route. High GPS accuracy ensures that the data you receive is reliable, which is important for monitoring your progress and planning your training. Garmin watches generally offer good GPS accuracy, but some models have advanced features like multi-band GPS for even better precision. If you run in urban areas with tall buildings or dense forests, a model with higher GPS accuracy might be beneficial.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your watch can function before needing a recharge. This is especially important for long-distance runners or those who participate in marathons and ultra-marathons. Garmin watches come with varying battery life, from a few hours in GPS mode to several weeks in smartwatch mode. If you are a casual runner, a watch with moderate battery life should suffice. However, if you are an endurance athlete, look for models with extended battery life to ensure your watch lasts through your longest runs.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring helps you track your cardiovascular performance and ensure you are training within your target heart rate zones. This can help improve your fitness and prevent overtraining. Garmin watches offer wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and some models also support external heart rate straps for more accurate readings. If heart rate training is a key part of your regimen, consider a model with advanced heart rate features.
Training and Performance MetricsTraining and performance metrics provide insights into your running efficiency, form, and overall fitness. These metrics can include VO2 max, lactate threshold, cadence, and ground contact time. Garmin watches vary in the depth of metrics they offer. If you are a beginner, basic metrics might be sufficient. However, if you are an experienced runner looking to optimize your performance, choose a model with comprehensive training and performance metrics.
Smartwatch FeaturesSmartwatch features include notifications, music storage, contactless payments, and more. These features can add convenience and enhance your overall experience. Garmin watches offer a range of smartwatch functionalities, from basic notifications to advanced features like music streaming and payment options. If you prefer a simple running watch, basic smartwatch features might be enough. But if you want an all-in-one device, look for models with extensive smartwatch capabilities.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance are important for ensuring your watch can withstand various environmental conditions and activities. Garmin watches are generally built to be durable and water-resistant, but the level of resistance can vary. If you run in harsh weather conditions or plan to use your watch for swimming, choose a model with higher durability and water resistance ratings.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use determine how intuitive and user-friendly the watch is. A well-designed interface makes it easier to access and interpret your running data. Garmin watches come with different types of interfaces, from simple button controls to advanced touchscreens. If you prefer a straightforward experience, opt for a model with a simpler interface. For those who enjoy more interactive features, a touchscreen model might be more appealing.

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