10 Best Garmin Walking Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a robust choice for those seeking a feature-rich walking watch. Its standout attribute is the solar charging capability that extends battery life significantly, providing up to 22 days in smartwatch mode, which is excellent for long adventures without frequent recharging. GPS accuracy is enhanced with multi-band access and SatIQ technology, ensuring precise tracking even in challenging environments. The heart rate monitoring and step counting are part of a comprehensive suite of health metrics, including HRV status and Pulse Ox, although users should note that these are estimations and not medical-grade measurements.

The watch's design includes a durable fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium bezel, which balances resilience with a relatively lightweight build at 2.57 ounces. Its water resistance and included flashlight are valuable for outdoor activities, adding safety and convenience in various conditions. The 1.3-inch display offers clarity, although the resolution of 480 x 272 might not be the sharpest compared to other high-end models. Comfort is subjective, but the combination of the Fog Gray/Ember Orange band with the overall watch design presents an attractive yet functional aesthetic.

Connectivity is strong, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allowing seamless synchronization with other devices, while the touchscreen and buttons provide flexible user interaction. However, the watch's extensive feature set might feel overwhelming for users who prefer simplicity over a multitude of functions. It's more suitable for those who actively engage in multisport activities and value detailed insights into their training and health metrics. Casual walkers may find some features excessive for their needs. The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a capable and versatile device for outdoor enthusiasts and serious trainers.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a well-rounded walking watch especially suited for people who want more than just basic step tracking. Its built-in GPS is reliable for accurate distance and pace measurements, which is great for outdoor walks and runs. The AMOLED display is bright and colorful, making it easy to read information in various lighting conditions, and you can control it either by touchscreen or buttons, adding convenience. Wearing comfort is enhanced by its lightweight and modest 43 mm size, making it suitable for all-day use.

Battery life is solid, delivering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours when using GPS continuously. This means you can go on longer walks or runs without worrying about recharging frequently. Heart rate monitoring is wrist-based and provides continuous data that helps you understand your fitness and recovery, though wrist sensors can sometimes be less accurate than chest straps. The watch supports over 25 activity profiles, so it’s versatile if you want to track cycling, HIIT, or strength workouts alongside walking.

One standout feature is the music storage and playback, allowing you to download playlists and listen via Bluetooth headphones without carrying your phone. Smart notifications and Garmin Pay add daily convenience. Safety features like incident detection can provide peace of mind during outdoor activities, but they require pairing with your smartphone and an active network connection. The memory and connectivity options are solid but standard for this category. For those primarily interested in a straightforward walking watch, some advanced features might feel extra, but if you want a device that grows with your fitness ambitions, this is a strong choice.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a walking watch with reliable GPS tracking and long-lasting battery life. It features built-in GPS that accurately monitors your routes, pace, and distance, which is great for both casual walkers and those who want detailed workout insights. You can expect up to 2 weeks of battery life in regular smartwatch mode and about 20 hours when using GPS continuously, so it handles extended use without frequent charging. Heart rate monitoring is built into the wrist, offering continuous tracking useful for understanding your effort and fitness — just keep in mind it’s not a medical device.

Step counting and activity tracking cover a wide range of exercises, so it’s versatile beyond just walking, including cycling, swimming, and HIIT. The watch is water-resistant, which means you don’t have to worry about rain or sweat during your walks. Connectivity through Bluetooth lets you sync your data with your smartphone easily, and you can customize the watch with apps and watch faces via the Garmin Connect Store. The display is clear and reasonably sized at 1.04 inches with a sharp resolution, making it easy to read on the go. It’s also lightweight and comfortable enough for daily wear thanks to its slim design.

On the downside, the display uses buttons instead of a touchscreen, which might feel a bit less intuitive if you prefer tapping over pressing. Also, while the PacePro feature helps with pacing, it doesn't work with downloaded courses directly on the watch, which could limit some advanced route planning. If you want a straightforward, dependable walking watch that blends fitness tracking with solid GPS and excellent battery endurance, the Forerunner 55 offers a dependable companion that balances performance and simplicity well.