10 Best Sports Watches For Triathlon 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner® 965 is a strong contender for triathletes looking for a versatile sports watch. It boasts an impressive AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls for seamless navigation, and the lightweight titanium bezel ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight. One of its standout features is the exceptional battery life, offering up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, making it highly reliable for long training sessions and races. The built-in full-color maps and multi-band GPS provide accurate tracking even in challenging environments, which is essential for triathletes who train outdoors in various terrains.

The watch also excels in heart rate monitoring, delivering comprehensive metrics such as HRV status, sleep quality, and recovery insights, helping athletes optimize their training and recovery processes. The multisport mode is particularly beneficial for triathletes, allowing easy switching between activities like running, swimming, and cycling with just a button press. Moreover, the Garmin Forerunner® 965 offers robust connectivity and compatibility, supporting both Android and iOS devices and featuring Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity options.

However, it’s essential to note that while the watch provides extensive data and insights, users must rely on the Garmin Connect app to fully utilize these features, which may require a learning curve for those new to fitness tracking technology. Additionally, while the wrist-based heart rate monitoring is convenient, some athletes might prefer more precise chest strap monitors. Nonetheless, with its comprehensive feature set and durable build, the Garmin Forerunner® 965 is an excellent choice for triathletes seeking a reliable and multifunctional sports watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a versatile sports watch suitable for triathletes due to its solid set of features. It excels in battery life, offering up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, ensuring you won't run out of power during long training sessions or races. The built-in GPS is reliable for tracking your running routes, providing accurate data on distance and pace. Additionally, heart rate monitoring at the wrist offers valuable insights into your performance and recovery, although it is not a medical device and should be used for general fitness guidance.

The PacePro feature is notable, offering GPS-based pace guidance, though it doesn't support on-device courses, meaning you'll need your smartphone for more complex routes. The multisport mode is well covered, with profiles for running, cycling, swimming, and other activities, making it adaptable for various training needs. Durability-wise, it's light and built to withstand regular use.

Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth, allowing for data transfer and customization via the Garmin Connect app. The 1.04-inch screen is small but functional, and the device's weight (37 grams) ensures it doesn't feel cumbersome. However, the resolution might seem low compared to newer models, and some may prefer a more vibrant display. The Forerunner 55 is a user-friendly, reliable watch for triathletes, offering essential features at a reasonable performance level, although it may lack some advanced functionalities found in higher-end models.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile health and fitness GPS smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which is beneficial for triathletes who need extended usage without frequent charging. The built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking for various sports, including swimming, running, and cycling, essential for triathlon training.

Additionally, it supports more than 30 sports modes, covering a wide range of activities that triathletes might engage in. Heart rate monitoring is robust, providing valuable insights into your health and fitness levels, though the data is presented as close estimations which might not always be precise. The Body Battery energy monitoring and various health tracking features, including sleep and stress tracking, offer in-depth insights into your physical state, aiding in better recovery planning and health management.

Durability is another key aspect where the device seems promising due to its lightweight and sturdy build, but real-world performance under rigorous conditions would be the true test. Connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB ensure the watch is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible for most users. The Garmin vívoactive 5 offers a comprehensive suite of features suitable for triathlon athletes, making it a solid choice for those seeking an all-in-one fitness device.