10 Best Garmin Forerunners 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch stands out in the running smartwatch category, bringing a range of features that cater specifically to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is the brilliant AMOLED display, which provides clear visuals and is responsive to touch, making it easy to navigate through various functions. With up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours in GPS mode, this watch offers impressive longevity, allowing users to engage in extended training sessions without the constant worry of recharging.

The robust training metrics and recovery insights are also a highlight. Features like the training readiness score, which evaluates factors such as sleep and recovery, help users optimize their workouts and avoid overtraining. Additionally, the ability to receive personalized daily suggested workouts based on race input makes it an excellent choice for those preparing for upcoming events.

On the safety front, features like incident detection and assistance offer peace of mind for outdoor runners, ensuring that help can be summoned easily if needed. The multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology enhances GPS accuracy, even in challenging environments, making it reliable for various terrains. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a solid option for dedicated runners and fitness enthusiasts who appreciate advanced training metrics, safety features, and long battery life.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use smartwatch with strong GPS and health tracking features. Its bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen combined with physical buttons offers a user-friendly experience, especially for outdoor use. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and about 19 hours with continuous GPS, so it can handle long training sessions and daily wear without frequent charging.

This watch stands out with personalized workout suggestions, adaptive training plans, and detailed recovery insights that help you improve your fitness smartly. It supports over 25 activity profiles, making it versatile beyond just running. Health tracking includes wrist-based heart rate and sleep analysis, although some metrics are estimations rather than medical-grade readings. Safety features like incident detection add peace of mind during outdoor activities, though they require your phone to be nearby with network coverage.

Smart notifications keep you connected without constantly checking your phone, and Garmin Pay lets you make contactless payments on the go (availability depends on your region). One minor downside is the relatively small storage capacity (4 GB), which is typical but means limited onboard music storage compared to some competitors. The Forerunner 165 is well suited for casual and serious runners who want a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch that supports training and health tracking with the convenience of smart features.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a well-rounded GPS running smartwatch that stands out with its impressive battery life, capable of lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode. This is ideal for long-distance runners and those who don't want to charge their device frequently. Its GPS accuracy ensures reliable tracking of your runs, making it a dependable companion for outdoor activities. The heart rate monitoring, including HRV status, provides valuable insights into your overall wellness and training performance, which is an added benefit for fitness enthusiasts aiming for detailed health metrics.

Advanced training and performance metrics, coupled with personalized workout suggestions and race preparation tips, make it a comprehensive tool for serious athletes. The ability to download and play music directly from the watch is convenient for those who prefer phone-free workouts, though it requires a subscription to services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer. The watch's display is easy to read in direct sunlight, and its lightweight, slim design makes it comfortable to wear. Water resistance adds versatility for various outdoor conditions and activities.

However, the need for additional accessories like the Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor to access certain advanced features could be a downside for some users. Additionally, the memory storage capacity of 4 GB may be limiting for those who wish to store a large amount of music or workout data. In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich, reliable, and durable smartwatch with advanced health and training insights.