The 7 Best Garmin Watches, Tested by Our Fitness and Tech Experts

Best Garmin Watch

Garmin Fēnix 8 AMOLED

Now 17% Off

Credit: @charlesthorpProsExcellent battery lifeImpressive durabilityAdvanced GPS and navigation featuresThe Fenix 8 stands as Garmin’s ultimate performance watch, offering detailed training insights and reliability for marathoners, ultra-runners, and multi-sport competitors. The watch doesn’t doesn’t track your runs—it analyzes every aspect of your performance with features like training readiness, recovery time, and PacePro technology, allowing you to plan your race-day strategy with GPS-based pace guidance. These features can help you optimize your performance.

Battery life remains exceptional even during GPS-intensive activities. While the standard 51mm AMOLED version delivers approximately 29 days, the solar-equipped model extends this to 48 days with adequate sun exposure. The watch offers multiple power management profiles that let you customize battery usage based on what you have planned that day. This ensures you have the data you need from start to finish without worrying about mid-race charging.

Beyond its training capabilities, the Fenix 8 serves as a reliable navigation tool during unfamiliar routes and trail races. The full-color topographic maps, turn-by-turn directions, and ClimbPro feature help you strategize your effort on challenging courses. You also get comprehensive recovery features, with detailed sleep tracking, HRV status, and body battery energy monitoring that help prevent overtraining.

While the Fenix 8’s price places it among the most expensive sport watches available, serious athletes who spend hundreds of hours training for major events will find the watch’s performance insights and bulletproof reliability well worth the investment. “This watch has everything that Garmin has to offer into a low-profile casing,” says MH Fitness and Commerce Editor Charles Thorp, NASM. “Rugged enough to perform in tough terrain, but sleek enough to fit in everywhere else.”

SpecsCase Size43 mm, 47 mm, 51 mmDimensions51 x 51 x 14.7 mmBattery LifeUp to 29 daysDisplay TypeAMOLEDGPSAll-systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPSWater Resistance10 ATMBest Value

Garmin Vívoactive 6

ProsLightweight, comfortable designOnboard music storage and contactless paymentsSleep coach and built-in sports appsConsOnly available in one sizeThe Vivoactive 6 is one of Garmin’s more lifestyle-oriented models, offering a balance between everyday smartwatch functionality and robust fitness tracking. With its sleek design and comprehensive tracking features, it’s a solid alternative to the Apple Watch SE for those who want longer battery life (up to 11 days) and more comprehensive fitness metrics.

Through running and strength training sessions, the Vivoactive 6 offers detailed metrics about VO2 max, aerobic and anaerobic output, and exercise load. These insights provide a clearer picture of fitness progress than basic calorie and distance tracking. The responsiveness during workouts particularly stood out during our side-by-side comparison with the Apple Watch SE. When increasing running pace, the Vivoactive 6 updated immediately, while the Apple Watch lagged noticeably behind. During strength training, we appreciated the live heart rate zone updates, making it easier to gauge workout intensity in real time.

The most significant advantage over the Apple Watch is battery life. While our SE required daily charging, the Vivoactive 6 kept going for days between charges—a game-changer for active users. The comfortable fit works well even on smaller wrists, and at $299, it offers more fitness functionality than similarly priced competitors while maintaining everyday usability. It supports contactless payments and can even store music from your favorite Spotify playlists. If you want comprehensive fitness insights without the premium price, the Vivoactive 6 hits the sweet spot.

SpecsCase Size42 mmDimensions42.2 x 42.2 x 10.9 mmBattery LifeUp to 11 daysDisplay TypeAMOLEDGPSAll-systems GNSS and single-band GPSWater Resistance5 ATMAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

Best for Serious Runners

Garmin Forerunner 965

Now 17% Off

Credit: Olivia LuppinoProsAdvanced GPS and navigation featuresExcellent coaching features for tailored trainingSyncs with Strava and SpotifyThe Forerunner 965 is Garmin’s premier running watch, featuring a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display and comprehensive training metrics in a lightweight titanium bezel. At $599, it’s for serious runners who want thorough performance data without compromising on everyday smartwatch functionality.

We found the watch very intuitive to use, which is crucial when you’re focused on your workout rather than fiddling with technology. During our runs, the watch displayed all essential metrics with remarkable accuracy and prompted us to rate our perceived effort after each session. This combination of objective and subjective data creates more personalized training insights than most competitors offer.

You also get access to advanced coaching capabilities; the watch generates tailored training suggestions based on upcoming races and goals while monitoring your daily activity to prevent overtraining. It seamlessly syncs with platforms like Strava and Spotify, and provides detailed sleep stage breakdowns to optimize recovery. The Garmin Connect app serves as an excellent hub for all this data, offering comprehensive views of training history and community challenges.

While the size of the Forerunner 965 might be an issue for those with smaller wrists, the weeks-long battery life and extensive training features more than compensate. Our editors plan to continue using the watch for its detailed training insights and ability to track subjective factors like how runs felt and even the gear used. Though its price may deter casual runners, those serious about improving their performance will find it’s justified for its advanced analytics and coaching features.

SpecsCase Size47 mmDimensions47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mmBattery LifeUp to 23 daysDisplay TypeAMOLEDGPSAll-systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPSWater Resistance5 ATMBest for Casual Runners

Garmin Forerunner 165

ProsExcellent AMOLED screenLight, compact designStraightforward core metrics that won’t overwhelm usersConsMusic storage costs moreDon’t let the lower price tag fool you: The Forerunner 165 packs serious running tech into a $249 package, making it the ideal option for runners who are just getting started on their journey or those looking to dip their toes into fitness trackers. This relative newcomer to Garmin’s lineup boasts an AMOLED display, a lightweight design, and advanced training metrics runners will appreciate.

Despite being positioned as an entry-level running watch, the Forerunner 165 outclasses similarly priced competitors with its premium build quality and thoughtful design. It’s incredibly comfortable, especially compared to Garmin’s bulkier models, while still maintaining the brand’s impressive durability. The AMOLED screen offers excellent readability even in bright sunlight, and text looks crisp. We particularly appreciated the intuitive physical button navigation combined with touchscreen functionality.

For runners who want their first serious training companion, the Forerunner 165 hits the sweet spot by delivering Garmin’s core running analytics without overwhelming users. While it lacks some of the advanced recovery tools found in the Forerunner 965 like Training Readiness, it covers all the essentials with accurate GPS tracking and guided workouts.

SpecsCase Size43 mmDimensions43 x 43 x 11.6 mmBattery LifeUp to 11 daysDisplay TypeAMOLEDGPSAll-systems GNSS and single-band GPSWater Resistance5 ATMAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

Best Apple Watch Alternative

Garmin Venu 3

Now 22% Off

Credit: @charlesthorpProsExcellent physical button controlsFantastic battery lifeHelpful daily wellness reportsConsOccasionally sluggish performanceThe Venu 3 is a higher-end lifestyle watch that’s available in 41mm and 45mm size. It features a vibrant AMOLED display and a built-in microphone and speaker for taking calls and interacting with your phone’s digital assistant. At $449, it positions itself as a direct competitor to mainstream options from Apple and Samsung.

During our testing, we found the Venu 3 to be an excellent everyday alternative to the more rugged Instinct series. The silicone band is comfortable, while the colorful AMOLED screen delivered impressive brightness while outdoors. We particularly appreciated the physical button controls, which allowed easy navigation through menus even with chalk-covered hands—a nice advantage over wearables that rely primarily on a touch-based interface.

Battery life stood out as a major selling point in our testing. Unlike mainstream smartwatches that require daily charging, the Venu 3 kept going for days between charges, eliminating the frustration of dead batteries in the middle of workouts. The daily wellness features impressed our team as well, with the “morning report” providing a helpful overview of sleep quality, recovery status, and weather, while the “body battery” metric offered intuitive energy level tracking throughout the day.

We did notice some occasional lag when switching between apps or acquiring initial GPS signals. However, the Venu 3 delivers an impressive combination of smartwatch functionality, fitness insights, and multi-day battery life. Plus, it doesn’t stand out quite as much as Garmin’s more rugged models, making it a great option for the office and the outdoors.

SpecsCase Size45 mmDimensions45 x 45 x 12 mmBattery LifeUp to 14 daysDisplay TypeAMOLEDGPSAll-systems GNSS and single-band GPSWater Resistance5 ATMBest for Golfers

Garmin Approach S70

ProsComes preloaded with 43,000+ coursesClub suggestions based on performance and weather conditionsGreen contour data shows slope direction of select greensConsNiche features if you’re not a golferThe Approach S70 is the ultimate golf companion, delivering comprehensive course coverage—with over 43,000 preloaded courses worldwide—in a sleek, lightweight design. Available in two sizes (42mm and 47mm), this premium golf watch displays detailed course maps showing precise distance to greens, hazards, and doglegs, while the Virtual Caddie feature provides club recommendations based on your playing history and current conditions.

What truly sets the S70 apart is its attention to golf-specific details. The watch provides front, center, and back distance readings to every green, along with precise yardages to hazards. This is extremely helpful as sometimes you can’t even fully see a hole and have no idea that a water hazard is lying within distance of your next shot, so that overview of the hole is crucial info to have. The “plays like” feature accounts for elevation changes and wind when calculating distances, something that can be difficult to gauge on your own.

Beyond the thousands of preloaded courses, the S70 also displays green contour data to improve your putting strategy (Garmin Golf membership required). During our testing, the functions and how to navigate them took a little getting used to, but once we got that down, it was pretty easy after every shot just to twist our wrist to get our next distance. The AMOLED display has also been crisp and never difficult to see out in the sun.

At $699, the S70 is a significant investment, but for golfers who regularly play and want and easy way to gauge the shots to hit, the combination of golf-specific features and modern smartwatch functionality makes it a great companion on the course.

SpecsCase Size42 mm and 47 mmDimensions47 x 47 x 13.4 mmBattery LifeUp to 16 daysDisplay TypeAMOLEDGPSAll-systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPSWater Resistance5 ATMAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below

Best Battery Life

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED

Now 11% Off

Credit: @charlesthorpProsMulti-week battery lifeSturdy, durable buildAdvanced GPS and navigation featuresIf you’re looking for something that’s durable, look no further than the Instinct 3. The watch offers military-grade construction that can withstand some real punishment, with a rugged design that proved its worth throughout testing. We accidentally banged it against doorways and scraped it against kettlebells during workouts, yet it emerged without a scratch. The distinctly masculine aesthetic features a substantial case housing an impressive array of sensors while maintaining water resistance to 100 meters.

Battery performance is one of the Instinct 3’s most impressive features. While Garmin claims 18 days between charges, our testing revealed closer to 21 days of regular use without heavy reliance on battery-intensive features. It makes it one of the longest-lasting watches in Garmin’s lineup, while providing a significant advantage over other mainstream smartwatches. When you do need a recharge, a quick 10-minute session can add several hours of use—perfect for those who forgot to charge before heading out the door.

For trail runs and hikers, the watch includes a digital compass that shows your precise directional heading, multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, and a built-in flashlight with multiple intensity levels including a red light option. The Instinct 3 also features ABC sensors that provide real-time environmental data. Of course, the watch also offers powerful health and fitness features, including HRV status, stress tracking, and the ability to track your blood oxygen levels.

Read more: Our Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Review

SpecsCase Size40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mmDimensions50 x 50 x 14.4 mmBattery LifeUp to 24 daysDisplay TypeAMOLEDGPSAll-systems GNSS and dual-frequency GPSWater Resistance10 ATM

Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.