10 Best Garmin Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is designed with serious runners and triathletes in mind, featuring a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen that is easy to read even in dark conditions thanks to its built-in LED flashlight. It combines durable materials like titanium and sapphire glass, making the watch tough enough for daily training and harsh environments. Its battery life is impressive, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours of continuous GPS use, allowing long training sessions and multi-day adventures without frequent recharging.

GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band technology and full-color maps, enabling confident navigation on any route. It supports advanced running metrics such as cadence and stride length, with options to track running efficiency and power output, which is valuable for improving performance. Beyond fitness, the watch includes a microphone and speaker for calls and voice assistant use, adding smart features for everyday convenience.

The watch includes an ECG app and multisport auto-transition, although some advanced heart rate monitoring stats might require an additional sensor. It is water resistant and suitable for swim tracking. Additionally, the watch’s very light weight contributes to comfort during extended use. This watch is a strong choice for athletes seeking detailed training analysis, excellent battery life, and a vibrant display, though those new to smartwatches might find some features complex.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want robust performance and durability. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and clear, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it easy to read even in bright conditions. The titanium bezel adds to its sturdy build, enhancing durability for tough environments.

GPS accuracy is excellent, supported by multi-band SatIQ technology and sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter, which makes navigation reliable during outdoor activities. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and around 84 hours with continuous GPS use, suitable for long adventures or training sessions without frequent charging. Water resistance is strong, with a 40-meter dive rating and leakproof buttons, allowing use in swimming and diving scenarios.

It offers comprehensive health and activity tracking, including wrist-based heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep analysis, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox, though these are approximations and not medical-grade. The watch also features smart capabilities such as calls and voice assistant support through a built-in speaker and mic, plus off-grid voice commands that work without a smartphone. The battery capacity is relatively small in milliamps, so longevity depends heavily on efficient software, and some advanced health features like ECG and Pulse Ox aren’t available everywhere due to regional restrictions. Weighing over 100 grams, the watch may feel bulky for some users. This Garmin watch suits those needing a durable, feature-packed multisport GPS watch with long battery life and strong outdoor navigation, but might be more than necessary for casual fitness users or those who prefer lighter wearables.

The Garmin Venu 4 is a well-rounded GPS smartwatch suited for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users who want detailed health monitoring. Its 1.4-inch bright, colorful round display makes it easy to read, and the stainless steel design with a black silicone band offers a durable yet comfortable fit. One standout feature is the built-in flashlight, which adds practical value for outdoor use. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 days, meaning less frequent charging even with regular GPS and health tracking use.

The watch supports a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and HIIT, with more than 80 sports apps and daily workout suggestions, making it versatile for different fitness levels. Health features cover wrist-based heart rate, energy monitoring, sleep coaching with circadian rhythm insights, stress tracking, and an ECG app for heart rhythm checks. It also tracks lifestyle habits like caffeine and alcohol intake, helping users understand their impact on sleep and stress.

Smart features include making and receiving calls, voice assistant support, and text responses right from your wrist when paired with a smartphone. The watch runs on Garmin’s own OS and offers 8 GB of storage. Customization is decent with interchangeable bands, but the size and weight (1.3 ounces) might feel a bit bulky for small wrists. The Garmin Venu 4 combines solid GPS accuracy, long battery life, comprehensive health tracking, and useful smart features, making it a strong choice for those seeking an all-in-one fitness and lifestyle watch.