10 Best Garmin Watch For Runners 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is designed with runners in mind, offering a range of features to enhance your training and running experience. The built-in GPS ensures accurate pace and distance tracking, which is essential for runners. The heart rate monitoring is wrist-based, providing convenience and continuous tracking without needing a chest strap. The battery life is impressive, with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, which means less frequent charging even with regular use. The colorful AMOLED display is bright and easy to read, and the traditional button controls are intuitive for use during runs.

It has a lightweight design that should be comfortable for most users at 43 mm in size and 1.38 ounces in weight. Additionally, it offers over 25 built-in activity profiles for various workouts beyond running, like cycling and strength training. One of the standout features is the ability to download music directly to the watch and connect with Bluetooth headphones, allowing for phone-free listening during your runs.

The training metrics and recovery insights, including personalized daily suggested workouts and the Garmin Coach, can help you achieve your fitness goals effectively. Safety features such as incident detection and live location sharing provide peace of mind during outdoor activities. On the downside, while it has strong waterproof capabilities for activities like swimming, it might not be as rugged as some other models designed for more intense outdoor adventures. The smartwatch features, including smart notifications and contactless payments, make it a versatile daily wearable, but the reliance on a compatible smartphone for some functions might be a limitation for some users. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a well-rounded, feature-rich running smartwatch that offers great value for both casual and serious runners, with a few considerations regarding its ruggedness and smartphone dependency.

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 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.