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 970 is a high-end GPS running and triathlon smartwatch designed for serious athletes who want detailed insights into their training and health. Its brightest AMOLED touchscreen combined with durable titanium and sapphire materials makes the watch both visually appealing and tough enough for daily use. The built-in LED flashlight is a thoughtful addition for early morning or nighttime runs, enhancing safety. Battery life is solid, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours with GPS active, so you can rely on it for long training sessions without frequent charging.

This watch provides advanced running metrics like running economy and step speed loss, though measuring some of these requires an additional HRM 600 chest strap. Its personalized Garmin Coach training plans adapt to your performance and recovery, helping you train smarter. The multisport auto-transition feature is very useful for triathletes, automatically switching tracking modes between swimming, cycling, and running. Wrist-based running dynamics and power measurements give you a detailed view of your form and effort.

Smart features include making and receiving calls directly from your wrist and using your phone’s voice assistant for messages, which adds convenience during workouts. Full-color maps and multi-band GPS support let you explore new routes confidently, with dynamic routing adjusting as needed. Health monitoring includes a training readiness score based on various factors and an ECG app for heart rhythm checks, though the latter is limited to certain countries and users over 22. This watch is an excellent choice for dedicated runners and triathletes seeking a durable, feature-packed device with robust health and training tools.

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.