10 Best Garmin Watch For Runners 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is designed specifically for runners, offering an impressive range of features that cater well to fitness enthusiasts. One of its standout strengths is the built-in GPS, which provides accurate pace and distance tracking, essential for any runner. The AMOLED display is vibrant and easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and the lightweight design makes it comfortable for long runs. Battery life is another significant plus, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, allowing runners to train without frequent recharges.

When it comes to training and performance metrics, the Forerunner 165 excels with personalized daily workouts and recovery insights that help users optimize their training plans. Features like heart rate monitoring and the ability to track various activities, from cycling to HIIT, add to its versatility.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The incident detection feature, while valuable for safety, requires a smartphone with network coverage, which could be limiting during outdoor runs in remote areas. Additionally, while the smartwatch offers a range of smart notifications, the experience may not be as seamless as dedicated smartwatches, as some users report less intuitive functionality when compared to other brands. Lastly, Garmin Pay is a convenient feature for contactless payments, but its availability is limited to certain regions and payment networks, which may not be applicable to all users.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid choice for runners looking for a straightforward, reliable GPS running watch. Its built-in GPS accurately tracks your distance, pace, and route, which is essential for running outdoors. The watch also monitors heart rate at your wrist, giving useful fitness data though it’s not intended for medical use. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to two weeks in regular smartwatch mode and about 20 hours when using GPS continuously, so it can handle long runs and daily wear without frequent charging.

The Forerunner 55 shines with helpful training features like daily suggested workouts, race time predictions, and pacing guidance, making it a good companion whether you’re a beginner or more serious about your training. It also supports multiple activity profiles, including swimming and cycling, adding versatility. The design is light and comfortable to wear, and the 1.04-inch screen is clear enough to view stats easily while running. While it includes basic smartwatch features such as Bluetooth connectivity and customization through apps, it doesn’t offer more advanced smart features like music storage or payments.

Water resistance is suitable for pool swimming, but it’s not meant for deep-water activities. This watch balances useful running-focused tools with simplicity and comfort, making it ideal for runners who want dependable tracking and training help without complicated extras.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch is designed with runners in mind, featuring a bright 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display that remains visible even in direct sunlight. It offers a solid battery life, lasting up to 13 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours when using GPS, making it ideal for long-distance runners or those who don't want to charge their watch frequently. The advanced heart rate monitoring and training metrics provide valuable insights into your performance and recovery, helping you plan and adjust your workouts effectively.

The watch also tracks sleep and recovery, giving you a comprehensive overview of your health and readiness for training each day. GPS accuracy is enhanced by Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology, ensuring reliable positioning even in challenging environments. The wide range of activity profiles, including running, cycling, and swimming, makes it versatile for various types of training. Additionally, safety features like incident detection and Assistance can provide peace of mind during outdoor activities.

Smartwatch functions such as smart notifications and Garmin Pay add convenience to your daily life. However, some users may find the 46mm size a bit large, and the price point could be a consideration for those on a budget. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Forerunner 265 excels in providing comprehensive training support and robust functionality for dedicated runners.