10 Best Garmin Forerunners 2025 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 seeking an easy-to-use smartwatch. Its built-in GPS provides accurate pace and distance tracking, which is essential for outdoor training. The AMOLED touchscreen display is bright and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to navigate through various features. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it lasts through long runs or workouts.

One of the standout features is the personalized daily workout suggestions based on performance and recovery, which can help users stay on track with their fitness goals. With over 25 built-in activity profiles, it caters to a range of fitness enthusiasts, from runners to cyclists to HIIT lovers. Safety features like incident detection and the ability to send location updates to emergency contacts add a layer of security for outdoor activities.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the Forerunner 165 excels in fitness tracking, its smartwatch capabilities, like notifications and Garmin Pay, may not be as seamless as dedicated smartwatches. Additionally, though it provides important health metrics, those looking for precise data might find the wrist-based heart rate monitoring less accurate compared to chest straps. Water resistance is a plus for those who enjoy swimming or running in the rain, but the watch's functionality can be limited in severe weather conditions. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is an excellent option for dedicated runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate fitness tracking and personalized workout suggestions but may not fully rely on smartwatch functions beyond basic notifications.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive smartwatch that combines advanced training metrics with smartwatch functionality. One of its standout features is the brilliant AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and excellent visibility, which enhances the user experience. Battery life is impressive too, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, making it well-suited for long runs or extended outdoor activities.

When it comes to GPS accuracy, the Forerunner 965 excels with its multi-band GNSS technology, ensuring reliable tracking even in challenging environments. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer to run in varied terrains. The training features, such as the training readiness score and personalized daily suggested workouts, are particularly beneficial for athletes looking to optimize their performance and manage fatigue effectively.

The device also includes a variety of sports profiles, allowing users to switch seamlessly between different activities, which is perfect for triathletes or multi-sport enthusiasts. Additionally, the wrist-based heart rate monitoring and running dynamics offer valuable insights into training efficiency without the need for extra equipment. While the Forerunner 965 is packed with features, it may be overwhelming for casual users who might not need all the advanced metrics. The price point is also on the higher side, which may not be suitable for everyone. Some users might prefer a more straightforward device without the extensive training features that they may not utilize fully. It's important to note that those who frequently swim might want to consider additional features specific to swimming metrics. The Garmin Forerunner 965 is ideal for serious runners and triathletes looking for a feature-rich smartwatch, while casual joggers may find it more than what they need.