Best Garmin Smartwatches (2025 Edition)
Garmin has cemented itself as a top-tier brand in the smartwatch space — not by chasing trends, but by delivering highly reliable, sport-focused wearables. From advanced GPS tracking to ultra-long battery life, Garmin watches remain the gold standard for runners, triathletes, outdoor adventurers, and everyday health seekers.
In 2025, Garmin’s lineup has expanded with new AMOLED displays, voice-enabled features, and even ECG functionality, keeping the brand competitive against Apple, Samsung, and Polar. Whether you’re chasing PRs, scaling peaks, or managing daily fitness, there’s a Garmin watch built for you.
List of Best Garmin Smartwatches:
Garmin Running Watches
Top Pick: Garmin Forerunner 970
Specs: 1.4″ AMOLED, ECG, training readiness, voice calls, 15-day battery
Garmin’s newest flagship for runners and triathletes, the Forerunner 970 brings a stunning AMOLED display, built-in flashlight, ECG support, and voice communication. It balances training insights with lifestyle features without compromising battery life.
Garmin Forerunner 570
A mid-tier marvel, the Forerunner 570 offers nearly all of the 970’s features — including an AMOLED screen and phone calls — at a more approachable price. Perfect for serious runners who don’t need every bell and whistle.
Garmin Forerunner 165
An excellent budget watch for beginners, the Forerunner 165 includes an AMOLED display, Garmin Coach, heart rate tracking, and daily suggested workouts — making it a strong value for newer runners.
Garmin Multi-Sport Watches
Top Pick: Garmin Fenix 8 (AMOLED / Solar)
Specs: AMOLED/Solar versions, multi-band GPS, dive tracking, training load, up to 30 days battery (solar)
Garmin’s most complete watch. The Fenix 8 is a rugged powerhouse with support for every sport imaginable. Available in Solar or AMOLED versions, it’s ideal for athletes who want maximum durability and performance.
Garmin Enduro 3
With a titanium build and ultra-endurance battery life, the Enduro 3 is made for serious adventurers. Solar charging, advanced stamina tracking, and offline maps make it the ultimate ultramarathon or expedition companion.
Garmin Forerunner 965
For those who want AMOLED visuals without the Fenix bulk, the Forerunner 965 is a lighter alternative with multi-sport tracking, music support, and advanced running dynamics.
Garmin Outdoor Watches
Top Pick: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Specs: Unlimited solar battery, MIP display, military-grade durability
Garmin’s most rugged outdoor watch. The Instinct 3 Solar thrives in sunlight, offering unlimited battery in smartwatch mode. It’s ideal for backcountry explorers and military-style training.
Garmin Fenix 8 (Solar Edition)
Still one of the best outdoor watches, the Fenix 8 Solar combines extreme battery endurance with topographic mapping, ABC sensors, and multi-sport modes.
Garmin Enduro 3
Also excellent outdoors due to its solar build and long battery life, especially in remote terrain where charging options are limited.
Garmin Swimming Watches
Top Pick: Garmin Swim 2
Although slightly older, the Swim 2 remains a specialized swim watch with pool and open-water tracking, pace alerts, and stroke detection. Still one of the most accurate swim trackers on the market.
Garmin Fenix 8
With detailed swim metrics, dive tracking, and waterproofing to 100 meters, the Fenix 8 also serves swimmers who need more than just laps.
Garmin Venu X1
With AMOLED visuals and pool swim tracking, the Venu X1 offers enough for recreational swimmers who also want a stylish daily driver.
Garmin Lifestyle & Hybrid Watches
Top Pick: Garmin Venu X1
Specs: AMOLED display, GPS, phone calls, all-day health tracking, 10-day battery
The most stylish Garmin yet, the Venu X1 blends smartwatch functionality with sports features. It includes voice calling, notifications, and advanced wellness tracking — perfect for everyday athletes.
Garmin Vivomove Trend
This hybrid smartwatch features real ticking hands with hidden OLED screens underneath. Tracks steps, sleep, heart rate, and more — all while looking like a classic timepiece.
Garmin Venu Sq 2
Affordable and bright, the Venu Sq 2 is a square-faced AMOLED watch that covers fitness basics and lifestyle smarts for under $250.
Final Verdict
If you’re training for a marathon or triathlon, the Garmin Forerunner 970 or Fenix 8 should top your list. For outdoor adventurers, nothing beats the Enduro 3 or Instinct 3 Solar. Prefer something stylish for everyday wear? Go with the Venu X1 or Vivomove Trend. And for budget-focused runners, the Forerunner 165 delivers strong features without the price tag.
FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between AMOLED and MIP displays?
AMOLED screens are vibrant and sharp, better for everyday readability. MIP (used in Instinct/Fenix) is more power-efficient and better in direct sunlight.
Q: Is Garmin good for non-athletes?
Yes. Garmin watches like the Venu X1 and Vivomove offer lifestyle features while tracking fitness accurately.
Q: How long do Garmin watch batteries last?
Anywhere from 5 to 30+ days depending on model and usage. Solar models can go indefinitely in the right conditions.
Q: Are Garmin watches accurate for heart rate and GPS?
Extremely. Most Garmin models now feature multi-band GNSS and improved wrist HR accuracy.
Q: Which Garmin is best for women?
Most models offer small case sizes. The Venu series, Forerunner 165, and Vivomove are especially popular with women.
