10 Best Garmin Watch For Running And Cycling 2026 in the United States

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for both runners and cyclists looking for a versatile GPS smartwatch. Its bright AMOLED display offers clear visibility, making it user-friendly while on the go. With a battery life of up to 11 days, it ensures that you can track your activities without frequent recharging, which is a significant advantage for long training sessions or multi-day events. The built-in GPS provides accurate tracking of distances and routes, essential for outdoor activities like running and cycling.

This smartwatch is packed with health monitoring features, including wrist-based heart rate tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring, which can help users optimize their training and rest periods. The extensive range of more than 30 sports apps caters to various fitness activities, accommodating both traditional runners and more niche users, such as those in wheelchair sports.

For those who enjoy smart features, the vívoactive 5 supports music downloads and offers connectivity with popular streaming services, allowing for phone-free listening during workouts. The user interface is generally intuitive, but some users may find the multitude of features overwhelming at first. The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a feature-rich smartwatch that meets the needs of fitness enthusiasts, particularly in running and cycling, combining essential fitness tracking with smart features.

The Garmin Forerunner 255S is a smaller, lightweight GPS smartwatch designed specifically for runners and cyclists who want detailed training insights without bulk. Its GPS is reliable for tracking outdoor activities, and the watch supports up to 26 hours of GPS use, which is excellent for long workouts or races. The 12-day battery life in smartwatch mode means you don't have to charge it frequently, providing convenience. Heart rate monitoring is continuous and enhanced by features like HRV status, giving you a snapshot of your recovery and overall wellness, though these readings are estimates rather than clinical measurements.

The watch offers strong training support, including personalized workout suggestions, race time predictions, and adaptive daily plans that adjust based on your performance, helping both beginners and experienced athletes improve. With additional metrics available when paired with accessories (sold separately), it provides advanced running analysis for those wanting deeper data. The always-on color display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and the smaller 41mm size ensures it feels comfortable and not too bulky on the wrist. Durability is solid, with sweat-ready materials and water resistance suitable for most outdoor conditions.

Connectivity includes Bluetooth syncing with the Garmin app for detailed stats and workout planning, plus smart features like contactless payments and wireless charging that add convenience. Some advanced metrics require extra sensors, and while the watch is packed with features, new users might find the range of options a bit overwhelming initially. This makes the device a well-rounded choice for runners and cyclists seeking a capable, comfortable GPS watch with strong battery life and useful training tools.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a solid choice for runners and cyclists seeking a reliable smartwatch. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, which is very beneficial for long training sessions or races. The GPS accuracy is generally praised, ensuring you can track your route effectively. Additionally, it comes equipped with advanced health metrics, like heart rate variability tracking and personalized training suggestions, which can help users improve their performance and recovery times.

The ability to download music directly to the watch and listen through wireless headphones adds a fun element, making it easy to enjoy tunes without carrying a phone. The watch’s customizable user interface, along with adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach, offers tailored workout options and evaluations, catering to users at various fitness levels.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The watch might feel slightly bulky for those with smaller wrists, even though it has a slim design. Some users may also find the need for subscriptions to music services a limitation if they want to make full use of the music feature. While the watch offers a lot of data and metrics, beginners may feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available and might not utilize all features. In terms of durability, the watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor activities, but it's always good to be cautious with water exposure. Lastly, while it does have Bluetooth and USB connectivity, some users have reported occasional syncing issues with their smartphones.

If you prioritize features like GPS accuracy, battery life, and health monitoring, the Forerunner 255 Music is a great option for dedicated runners and cyclists looking to enhance their training experience.