Garmin is a name that stands out in the realm of outdoor sports technology. Their fitness trackers and smartwatches are staple accessories for participants in events like 5Ks, marathons, and Ironman competitions. Moreover, Garmin has built a strong following among a diverse group of enthusiasts, including divers, thru-hikers, golfers, and kiteboarders. These devices, however, have evolved beyond mere athletic applications. With an expansive lineup, Garmin has made notable advancements in lifestyle tech, ensuring that there’s a device suitable for every fitness level.
For users transitioning from traditional smartwatches, Garmin’s strongest areas include fitness tracking, GPS capabilities, rugged design, and robustness. These watches are engineered to endure harsh conditions while offering prolonged battery life, with some models lasting weeks on a single charge. Numerous models feature offline maps, sophisticated navigation tools, and more comprehensive training metrics than those found on competing platforms. While Garmin’s pricing can be high, the company announced recently their plans to introduce a subscription fee for access to some of its latest features, which is contrary to their prior statements about avoiding extra charges for users.
What we’re looking for
Garmin watches are distinct in the fitness wearables market. With a variety of Garmin models available, testing criteria are customized based on each watch’s intended use. For rugged options like the Fenix series, tests include GPS accuracy during outdoor activities, navigation efficiency, and in-depth exploration of training metrics. For lifestyle-centered models, like the Venu 3, the focus shifts towards smart features, style, and connectivity capabilities. Given the long lifespan users expect from these devices, battery life tends to be a critical aspect of our assessments. Additional metrics evaluated include durability, overall performance, gym connectivity, and GPS precision.
Garmin watches are recognized for their exceptional battery duration. The focus is to determine if they last for days, weeks, or even a month between charges.
Garmin watches boast an array of training features, with some even surpassing the needs of advanced users. Do they offer coaching programs and stamina tracking? Or do you find yourself defaulting to basic metrics, such as steps, distance, and speed?
Navigational functions are another area of concentration. Garmin’s reputation for advanced GPS technology prompts inquiries about the variety of tracking methods and satellite systems included. We evaluate whether navigational features align with users’ specific needs, such as whether running-focused watches include backtracking capabilities or if offline maps are preloaded for long-distance trekkers.
Are these timepieces crafted to endure rigorous activities? Can they seamlessly transition to formal settings without announcing their sporty nature?
Garmin devices often come with a high price tag. Is this cost justified based on the target audience, features offered, and build quality?
Garmin also integrates smart capabilities into their watches, though they lean more towards fitness compared to competitors from Apple, Google, or Samsung. Users can expect essential features, such as notifications, in addition to advanced functionalities like fall detection and safety features. Of note, several models introduced since 2023 have received FDA clearance for an EKG feature, but for most models, users will need to keep their phones close for additional connectivity, as the majority lack cellular options. However, many Garmin models do allow offline music playback and feature a budding selection of third-party applications.
The Garmin lineup consists of a wide variety of watches, specifically six major series, each offering numerous models. No need to worry about making the right choice; I test various Garmin devices annually and can offer guidance for your specific needs.
The best Garmin for runners
9
Verge Score
The Good
- More intuitive menu navigation
- Multiband GPS
- Long battery life — even with AOD enabled
- Adds helpful training features
- Oh, oh, it’s OLED, you know
The Bad
- It’s $100 more than the 255
- OLED displays don’t cost $100
Sizes: 42mm w/ 18mm straps; 46mm w/ 22mm straps / Weight: 39g (42mm); 47g (46mm) / Battery life: Up to 15 days (42mm); 13 days (46mm) in smartwatch mode / Display type: OLED touchscreen / GPS: All-systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPS / Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ant Plus, Wi-Fi / Water resistance: 5ATM / Music storage: 8GB
Of the numerous models Garmin offers for runners, the Forerunner 265 or the 265S (the latter tailored for smaller wrists) exemplifies an ideal blend of pricing, features, battery longevity, and a striking OLED display.
However, the Forerunner 265 / 265S is somewhat of a curiosity. Released just nine months after its predecessor, the Forerunner 255, it bears many similarities with minimal differentiation. The primary upgrade is the inclusion of an OLED display, a feature that typically affects battery durability negatively. Surprisingly, users can achieve around a week of usage even with the always-on display feature activated, extending up to 15 days without it. The enhanced readability and appealing aesthetics of OLED offer a tangible advantage over the 255 model.
The Forerunner 265 comes equipped with dual-frequency GPS. This means you enjoy better accuracy when navigating in challenging environments, such as urban settings and dense foliage. Even with this advanced feature enabled, users experience minimal battery drain. I put the watch to use during a half marathon with both dual-frequency GPS and the always-on display activated; the device reported over 80% battery remaining by the end of the event. The pricing is competitive, especially since most watches with such technology typically retail for over $600.
My primary critique is regarding the price tag of $450, which can seem steep when evaluated alongside smarter smartwatches that also offer solid running features. This may not be a concern for every runner, but budget-conscious individuals or those new to running might find the starting price daunting. Alternatives, like the Forerunner 165 series, are priced at $249.99, adding just $50 more for music storage on board, while covering the essential needs for running, such as gym equipment connectivity and cycling monitoring.
8
Verge Score
Sizes: 40mm w/ 20mm straps / Weight: 19g / Battery life: Up to 5 days / Display type: “Hidden” OLED touchscreen / GPS: Tethered GPS / Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ant Plus / Water resistance: 5ATM / Music storage: N/A
The Vivomove Sport stands out as it eschews the typical Garmin design. It presents a hybrid smartwatch format that resembles an ordinary wristwatch while incorporating robust fitness tracking and notification capabilities. Garmin’s hybrid models are particularly innovative, using a hidden OLED that reveals itself only when needed.
This device is ideal for individuals with a moderately active lifestyle who appreciate aesthetics along with functionality. It provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen assessments, plus notifications for unusual heart rate patterns. Other vital metrics include respiratory rates and energy level tracking through Garmin’s Body Battery feature, alongside essential notifications, alarms, and timers.
8
Verge Score
While the Vivomove Sport lacks some advanced features found in other Garmin watches, its budget-friendly nature equips users with essential capabilities such as tracking fitness metrics, albeit with tethered GPS via a phone. While it does miss out on features like contactless payments and the ability to take calls directly on the watch, its $170 price point combines stylish design with functionality, making it an attractive entry-level choice.
I do find its battery life relatively short for a hybrid, providing up to five days of usage. Yet, this duration still surpasses that of many comparable smartwatches from Apple or those running on Wear OS. If spending around $100 more fits your budget, consider the Vivomove Trend which features a more elegant design, added screen space, and Qi wireless charging capabilities. Otherwise, the Vivomove Sport serves well as a sophisticated option for those seeking a more elegant fitness band.
8
Verge Score
Compared to some higher-end Garmin models, the Vivomove Sport might not offer a wealth of features. For example, it sacrifices built-in GPS in favor of a tethered version that uses your phone. Additionally, it lacks contactless payment capabilities and the option to handle phone calls directly from the wrist. Nonetheless, in its price range, it shines as a stylish choice that diverges from standard fitness trackers and stylishly merges functionality with ease of use.
It’s worth noting that the battery life is somewhat limited for a hybrid device, lasting around three to four days. Still, this duration exceeds what is typically found in Apple Watches or Wear OS models. For those able to stretch their budget by approximately $100, the $269.99 Vivomove Trend offers more upscale materials, a larger display area, and Qi wireless charging capabilities. All in all, this watch provides a sophisticated alternative to standard fitness bands while being lightweight and stylish.
