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10 Best Garmin Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,194
Battery Life
Activity Tracking

Most important from
958 reviews

Battery Life
Worked 9 days on one charge, even with swimming sessions.
Activity Tracking
Provides the right amount of tracking data for workouts and essential smartwatch features.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a feature-rich running smartwatch that excels in several areas important for fitness enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the built-in GPS, which offers reliable accuracy for tracking pace and distance during runs. The heart rate monitoring is wrist-based, making it convenient and easy to use without needing a chest strap. Its vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display provides a clear and engaging interface, complemented by traditional button controls for versatile navigation. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, which is ideal for extended wear during various activities.

It also boasts a solid battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long training sessions or even multi-day use without frequent charging. The Forerunner 165 is equipped with over 25 activity profiles, including running, cycling, and strength training, providing comprehensive tracking and insights for a wide range of workouts. Its smart features, such as notifications for calls and texts, Garmin Pay, and incident detection for safety, add convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, the integration with the Garmin Connect app allows users to monitor their health and fitness data, compete with friends, and participate in various challenges.

However, there are a few areas where the Forerunner 165 may fall short. The 1.2-inch display, while colorful and bright, may be considered small for those who prefer larger screens. The 30mAh battery capacity might seem limited compared to other models, although Garmin's efficient power management mitigates this. Finally, while the watch offers robust features, its premium pricing might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is well-suited for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, feature-packed smartwatch, albeit at a higher price point.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,194
Battery Life
Activity Tracking

Most important from
958 reviews

Battery Life
Worked 9 days on one charge, even with swimming sessions.
Activity Tracking
Provides the right amount of tracking data for workouts and essential smartwatch features.
#2

Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Ivory

Rating
10.0
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Activity Tracking

Most important from
5808 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is much longer than other smartwatches, making it a great choice for daily use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The watch's health tracking features, including sleep tracking, nap options, and heart rate monitoring, are highly appreciated.
Activity Tracking
Setting up the watch is straightforward, and it performs well in tracking sleep and other activities.
Smart Features
Despite having many smart features like notifications, mobile pay, and GPS, the interface is refreshingly less integrated than an Apple Watch, which is a plus for some users.
Display Quality
The touch screen is significantly better than that of some competitors, providing a smoother user experience.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for those looking for a comprehensive health and fitness smartwatch. It features a vibrant AMOLED display, which makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which means less frequent charging. Its GPS accuracy is reliable, making it great for outdoor activities like running and cycling. The heart rate monitoring is robust and provides valuable insights into your health, including advanced metrics like HRV status, stress tracking, and sleep scores. The watch is water-resistant, so it’s suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

It also includes more than 30 sports apps and workout modes, catering to a wide range of fitness routines, including specialized features for wheelchair users. The vívoactive 5 is durable, with a solid build that can withstand the rigors of daily wear and various physical activities. The smartwatch also boasts smart features like music storage and playback, allowing you to enjoy your favorite playlists without needing your phone. However, its touch screen interface might take some time to get used to for those who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, while the 1.2-inch display is clear, it may feel small for users used to larger screens.

Despite these minor issues, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile and feature-rich smartwatch that will appeal to fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable companion to track and enhance their health and wellness activities.

Rating
10.0
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Activity Tracking

Most important from
5808 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is much longer than other smartwatches, making it a great choice for daily use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The watch's health tracking features, including sleep tracking, nap options, and heart rate monitoring, are highly appreciated.
Activity Tracking
Setting up the watch is straightforward, and it performs well in tracking sleep and other activities.
Smart Features
Despite having many smart features like notifications, mobile pay, and GPS, the interface is refreshingly less integrated than an Apple Watch, which is a plus for some users.
Display Quality
The touch screen is significantly better than that of some competitors, providing a smoother user experience.
#3

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00

Rating
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4412 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and suggested workouts.
Battery Life
The battery life is fantastic, lasting days even with regular use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and suggested workouts.
Activity Tracking
Tracks steps, miles, sleep, heart rate, and respiration efficiently.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a user-friendly GPS running watch that offers a wide range of features for runners and fitness enthusiasts. Its GPS accuracy is reliable, helping you track your runs in terms of distance, speed, and location. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which means less frequent charging and more time for training and tracking activities.

The watch also monitors heart rate at the wrist, giving you essential insights into your fitness levels, although it is not a medical device and should not be relied upon for medical purposes. Water resistance makes it suitable for pool swims, and its durable build ensures it can withstand various physical activities. The display quality, with a resolution of 208 x 208 on a 1.04-inch screen, is clear and easy to read, though not the most vibrant compared to higher-end models.

Smart features like Bluetooth connectivity allow for customization through the Connect IQ Store, where you can download watch faces, data fields, apps, and widgets. Activity tracking goes beyond running, including cycling, Pilates, HIIT, and more. This makes it a versatile companion for various workouts. However, some limitations include the small screen size, which might not be ideal for users who prefer larger displays, and the lack of advanced smart features found in higher-end smartwatches. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich running watch that supports various fitness activities and tracks your progress efficiently.

Rating
9.8
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4412 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and suggested workouts.
Battery Life
The battery life is fantastic, lasting days even with regular use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and suggested workouts.
Activity Tracking
Tracks steps, miles, sleep, heart rate, and respiration efficiently.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Watches

When choosing a Garmin watch, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the watch. Garmin offers a wide range of watches with various features tailored for different activities such as running, swimming, hiking, and general fitness tracking. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your lifestyle will help you make an informed decision and select the best watch for you.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for tracking your location and distance during outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking. Garmin watches are known for their reliable GPS performance. If you need precise tracking for competitive sports or detailed route mapping, look for models with advanced GPS features. For casual use, standard GPS functionality should suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is especially important for long-duration activities like marathons, hiking trips, or multi-day adventures. Garmin watches offer varying battery life, from a few days to several weeks. Choose a watch with longer battery life if you plan on extended use without frequent recharging, or opt for a shorter battery life if you don't mind charging more often.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the watch can withstand exposure to water. This is essential for swimmers, divers, or anyone who might get their watch wet. Garmin watches come with different water resistance ratings, from splash-proof to fully waterproof models suitable for diving. Select a watch with the appropriate water resistance level based on your activities. For swimming, look for at least 5 ATM (50 meters) water resistance.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring helps you track your fitness levels and optimize your workouts. Garmin watches offer various heart rate monitoring technologies, from basic optical sensors to advanced features like heart rate variability. If you need detailed heart rate data for training or health monitoring, choose a watch with advanced heart rate features. For general fitness tracking, a basic heart rate monitor will be sufficient.
Activity TrackingActivity tracking includes monitoring steps, calories burned, sleep patterns, and other daily activities. This feature is important for maintaining an active lifestyle and achieving fitness goals. Garmin watches offer different levels of activity tracking, from basic step counters to comprehensive health monitoring. Consider your fitness goals and choose a watch with the appropriate level of activity tracking to support your needs.
Smart FeaturesSmart features like notifications, music control, and contactless payments can enhance your daily life by integrating your watch with your smartphone and other devices. Garmin watches vary in the smart features they offer. If you want a watch that can keep you connected and provide convenience, look for models with extensive smart features. For a more focused fitness device, you might opt for a watch with fewer smart features.
DurabilityDurability is important if you plan to use your watch in rugged environments or during intense activities. Garmin watches are built to withstand different levels of wear and tear, with some models featuring reinforced materials and scratch-resistant screens. If you need a watch for outdoor adventures or tough conditions, choose a more durable model. For everyday use, a standard level of durability should be adequate.
Display QualityDisplay quality affects how easily you can read the watch screen in different lighting conditions. Garmin watches offer various display types, including transflective, AMOLED, and MIP screens. If you need a watch that is easy to read in bright sunlight or low light, consider the display type. For vibrant colors and high resolution, AMOLED displays are a good choice, while transflective and MIP displays are better for outdoor readability.

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