10 Best Garmin Watch For Runners 2025 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 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 965 Running Smartwatch is a robust and versatile option for runners. It features a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED display, which is visually appealing and easy to navigate. The inclusion of traditional button controls coupled with a lightweight titanium bezel ensures durability and ease of use, even in challenging conditions. The watch excels in battery life, offering up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode, which is particularly beneficial for long-distance runners or those participating in ultra-marathons. GPS accuracy is another strong point, with multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology providing reliable performance even in tough environments.

Heart rate monitoring is comprehensive, with wrist-based metrics that include running dynamics like cadence, stride length, and ground contact time, as well as running power. These features are invaluable for athletes looking to fine-tune their training. The watch’s training and performance metrics are extensive, providing insights into training readiness, recovery, and personalized daily workouts. This makes it easier for runners to plan their training schedules and race strategies effectively. Additionally, the watch supports multiple sports profiles, including triathlons and swimruns, making it suitable for multi-sport athletes.

In terms of comfort and design, the Forerunner 965 is lightweight and well-designed, ensuring it doesn't feel cumbersome during extended use. It also has a high level of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. The smartwatch features, while useful, might seem basic compared to more dedicated smartwatches. Features like sleep monitoring and women's health tracking add value but may not be the primary draw for serious athletes. The Garmin Forerunner 965 is best suited for serious runners and multi-sport athletes who need accurate GPS, extensive performance metrics, and excellent battery life in a durable and comfortable package.