10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch is an impressive device for fitness enthusiasts, especially runners. The colorful 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display is bright and easy to read, and the smartwatch offers both touchscreen and traditional button controls for convenience. It boasts a lightweight design, making it comfortable to wear during long workouts or daily activities. With up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, it excels in terms of battery performance, ensuring you can track your activities without frequent charging. The multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology enhances GPS accuracy, even in challenging environments, which is crucial for precise tracking of your runs and workouts. Additionally, it is water-resistant, making it suitable for activities like swimming and running in the rain.

This smartwatch offers advanced training metrics and recovery insights, including heart rate variability (HRV) status and training readiness score, providing valuable information for optimizing your workouts and recovery. The 30+ built-in activity profiles cater to various activities like triathlons, cycling, and open-water swimming, making it versatile for different sports. Smart features such as smart notifications for calls and texts, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and music storage add to its practicality.

However, it does have a few drawbacks. The 8 GB storage might be limiting for users who want to store a large amount of music or data. Additionally, while the smartwatch is packed with features, the accuracy of some health metrics like sleep and recovery might not be perfect, though they provide close estimations. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a robust, feature-rich smartwatch ideal for fitness enthusiasts who seek detailed tracking and smart functionalities, despite minor limitations in storage and metric accuracy.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a running smartwatch that combines functionality with a sleek design. One of its standout features is the vibrant AMOLED touchscreen, which offers easy navigation through its various functions, complemented by traditional button controls for a more tactile option. It's lightweight and comfortable at 43 mm, making it suitable for long durations of wear during workouts or daily use.

In terms of battery life, the Forerunner 165 excels with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours when using GPS, which is ideal for both regular users and avid runners who require consistent tracking over long distances. GPS accuracy is reliable, providing precise pace and distance measurements which are crucial for runners.

Heart rate monitoring is another strong point, offering accurate wrist-based readings without the need for a chest strap. The watch also learns and adapts, providing personalized workout suggestions and recovery insights based on your performance, which is a beneficial feature for those serious about improving their fitness levels.

Water resistance and durability are well-covered, allowing you to take the watch through various activities without worry. However, while the smart features such as notifications and Garmin Pay are handy, some users might find the connectivity options limited to Bluetooth less versatile than watches offering more connectivity options like Wi-Fi.

While the watch covers a broad spectrum of activities beyond running, such as cycling and HIIT, the lack of advanced smart features might not suit those looking for a more comprehensive smartwatch experience. But for someone focused on fitness with an emphasis on running, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a robust choice, offering essential training tools and health metrics all in one device.

The Garmin Venu 3S Smart Watch stands out with its vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display, which is both colorful and clear, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. It offers commendable battery life, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is suitable for users who don't want to charge their watch frequently. The watch is designed with a stainless steel bezel and a silicone band, ensuring durability and comfort. Its water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.

GPS accuracy is reliable, which is essential for outdoor sports like running and cycling. It supports more than 30 built-in sports apps, providing extensive activity tracking options. The body battery energy monitoring and sleep tracking features are useful for users aiming for a comprehensive health overview. However, some users might find it challenging to navigate through its numerous features.

The smart features, including call and text responses, add convenience, though they might require some initial setup. The watch is lightweight, weighing just 1.4 ounces, making it comfortable for all-day wear. Despite its strengths, potential drawbacks include the learning curve associated with its advanced features and the higher price point compared to simpler fitness trackers. The Garmin Venu 3S is well-suited for fitness enthusiasts and individuals looking for detailed health and activity insights in a stylish package.