10 Best Garmin Watch For Runners 2026 in the United States

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.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 stands out with its bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen combined with button controls, making it easy to use in various light conditions. Its titanium bezel and sapphire lens add durability while keeping the watch lightweight and comfortable for long runs. The built-in GPS is enhanced by multi-band support and full-color maps, which helps maintain accurate tracking and allows dynamic route changes — a great feature for runners who like exploring new paths. Battery life is strong, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours with GPS active, so it can handle long training sessions and races without frequent recharging.

Heart rate monitoring goes beyond basics, including advanced running metrics like running economy, step speed loss, and wrist-based running power, providing valuable insights to improve performance and avoid injury. The watch also supports ECG for heart rhythm checks and multisport auto-transition for triathletes. Training features include personalized Garmin Coach plans and a training readiness score, helping runners tailor their workouts and recovery. On the smartwatch side, the Forerunner 970 lets you take calls and use voice assistants, adding convenience without needing your phone.

This watch is well-suited for serious runners and triathletes looking for detailed performance data, robust GPS, and smart features in a stylish, durable design.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for runners looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use smartwatch. Its built-in GPS provides accurate pace and distance tracking, which is essential for running. The colorful AMOLED touchscreen makes it easy to see your stats clearly, even in bright light, while the traditional button controls add reliability when you're on the move. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours with GPS active, so it can handle long runs and daily use without frequent charging.

Heart rate monitoring is wrist-based and works well for keeping track of your effort and recovery. You also get personalized training plans and recovery insights that adjust based on your performance, helping you train smarter and avoid over-exertion. For safety, incident detection can alert emergency contacts but requires your phone to be nearby with network coverage, which means it is less useful if you run in areas without good cell signal. The watch is water resistant, so you don’t have to worry about sweat or rain.

Extra features like smart notifications and Garmin Pay add convenience, letting you stay connected and make contactless payments on the go. Its 43 mm size and lightweight design make it comfortable for daily wear. Packed with features suitable for runners and various workouts, the Forerunner 165 is a reliable, vibrant running watch with great training support and multitasking abilities.