10 Best Garmin Smartwatch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a running-focused smartwatch with several key strengths. Its colorful AMOLED display offers clear visibility and is enhanced by easy-to-use touchscreen controls combined with traditional buttons, making navigation straightforward. The built-in GPS provides accurate pace and distance tracking, essential for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, reducing frequent charging needs.

Health monitoring features such as wrist-based heart rate tracking and sleep analysis are robust, providing valuable insights into your overall wellness. The watch includes over 25 activity profiles, making it versatile for various exercises including cycling, HIIT, and strength training. Personalized workout suggestions and recovery insights are useful for achieving fitness goals and improving performance. Safety features like incident detection and Assistance are beneficial for outdoor activities, offering peace of mind.

Additionally, smart notifications ensure you stay connected, while Garmin Pay allows convenient contactless payments on the go. However, there are a few drawbacks. The memory storage capacity of 4 GB might be limiting for some users who need more space for apps and data. Also, while durable, the lightweight design might not feel as sturdy as some other models. Connectivity relies heavily on Bluetooth, which can sometimes be inconsistent depending on the device it’s paired with. Despite these minor issues, the Garmin Forerunner 165 stands out as a strong choice for individuals focused on running and fitness, offering comprehensive tracking and smart features in a sleek package.

The Garmin Venu 3S smartwatch is a well-rounded device with several strengths. It's designed with a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, making it visually appealing and easy to navigate. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is great for those who prefer less frequent charging. The built-in GPS and over 30 sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, and swimming, make it a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts.

It also offers extensive health tracking features such as Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score, and personalized sleep coaching, which can help users better understand and manage their health. The ability to make and take phone calls directly from the watch and use a voice assistant adds to its convenience. Additionally, it's quite durable with a stainless steel bezel and water resistance, making it suitable for various activities and environments.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The screen size, at 1.2 inches, might be considered small by some users, and the oval shape may not appeal to everyone. The Garmin Venu 3S also operates on an Android OS, which might limit functionality for iPhone users. Despite these minor issues, the Garmin Venu 3S offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to both everyday use and fitness needs, making it a versatile choice for most users.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid option for those who prioritize fitness and running. It boasts exceptional battery life, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours with GPS, making it ideal for long workouts and minimal charging. Its GPS accuracy is reliable, perfect for tracking your runs down to the exact route and distance, with the added bonus of PacePro for race strategy guidance. The health monitoring features are comprehensive, offering heart rate tracking, all-day respiration, and fitness age estimates. However, users should remember that this is not a medical device and should not replace professional health advice.

The watch excels in activity tracking with built-in profiles for various workouts like running, cycling, swimming, and even Pilates and HIIT, making it versatile for different fitness routines. Durability-wise, it's lightweight (37 grams) and comfortable for extended wear, but the 1.04-inch display, though clear, might be small for some users. Connectivity through Bluetooth ensures you stay connected, but the lack of other connectivity options might be a downside for some.

The display quality, with a resolution of 208 x 208, is functional but not extraordinary, which might be a consideration if screen clarity and size are important to you. Customization options through the Connect IQ Store allow users to personalize watch faces and add widgets, which is a nice touch. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great choice for fitness enthusiasts, especially runners, who need a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch with excellent battery life and robust activity tracking capabilities.