We've tested the best Garmin watches around to help you pick the right one for you. Whether you're a runner, swimmer, cyclist or someone just starting to look after their fitness, we're here to help.
We've put all of these watches through rigorous real-world testing, weighing up the accuracy of their GPS tracking, the responsiveness of their heart rate monitors, and the quality of their training tools. We've also evaluated their battery life, plus display quality, and overall design so you know how each one will feel to wear and use during workouts and in everyday use.
We've also found the lowest prices right now for each of the watches in this list, so you can be confident you're getting the best deal, whether it's the entry-level Forerunner 55 or the flagship Fenix 6.
The Garmin Fenix 6 is perhaps the ultimate multi-sport smartwatch, and certainly the ultimate one offered by Garmin. Or, well, the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar is anyway, but the entire Fenix 6 range is truly top-end as wearables go.
The Garmin Fenix 6 will track almost any outdoor activity you could possibly want, with GPS along with a heart rate monitor that even works underwater.
GPS locks on fast and works reliably in our experience, battery life is impressive, and the watch feels robust – if bulky.
The high price will put many people off and if you’re not sure you really need the Garmin Fenix 6 then, well, you probably don’t. In that case, consider one of the cheaper options elsewhere on this list, but for serious athletes and adventurers, particularly those who don’t stick to just one sport, the Fenix 6 comes highly recommended.
We're eagerly anticipating the launch of the Garmin Fenix 7, which may arrive later in 2021. We'll keep you updated as soon as we know more.
Read our full Garmin Fenix 6 review
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is the best of Garmin’s running-focused smartwatches. It’s not quite as feature-packed as the more multi-sport oriented Fenix 6, but if all you care about is running then this should have everything you’ll need and then some.
We found the GPS and heart rate monitor to both be exceedingly accurate in our review, and also praised the Forerunner 945’s full-color maps and up to two weeks of battery life.
And while this is a runner’s watch through and through, that’s not to say it can’t track other sports. In fact, there are tracking tools for over 30 different activities built-in.
But if you’re not primarily running – and at a high level – then you’ll probably be better off with a cheaper or more general-purpose Garmin watch, as this costs a lot, and goes deeper into what it tracks than most casual runners will want or need.
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 945 review
The Garmin Venu 2 strikes a tricky balance between smartwatch and sports watch, successfully delivering the best of both worlds. Its design is understated, and doesn't scream 'sports watch', but it's packed with an impressive array of training tools including accurate GPS (supported by Galielo and GLONASS), quick access to Garmin Coach training plans, sensitive heart rate monitoring, cadence, splits, and more. There are plenty of indoor training modes too, and the watch even syncs with compatible gym equipment, plus third-party fitness and diet apps.
On the smartwatch front, there's on-board storage for 650 songs, plus third-party music apps from Deezer and Amazon Music. You can view your day's schedule at a glance, check your heart rate, water intake and stress level, log period symptoms, receive smartphone notifications (and send replies) and more.
This is all made possible by the super high-resolution AMOLED display, with three brightness settings and an optional always-on mode that allows you to see a huge amount of data at a glance, without digging out your phone. A superb all-purpose Garmin watch, the Venu 2 comes highly recommended.
Read the full Garmin Venu 2 review
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is Garmin's new entry-level running watch, and is almost identical to the Forerunner 45 in terms of design and operation. Instead of a touchscreen it's operated using five buttons around the circumference of the case, but they're thoughtfully designed and clearly labelled to avoid confusing new users, and avoid fumbling mid-run.
There are some big upgrades though, including new suggested workouts based on your past activities, which help give your training some structure even if you're not following a dedicated plan. After a workout, you'll also see advice on how long to rest and recover before your next effort.
The Forerunner 55's standout feature is Garmin's signature GPS accuracy, which makes it a great entry point for anyone upgrading from a Fitbit to a dedicated sports watch.
Read the full Garmin Forerunner 55 review
Some Garmin watches are pretty utilitarian in design, and even though the face of a Garmin Instinct Solar (below) isn't any larger than a typical smartwatch, its overall look can be overwhelming on a slimmer wrist.
That's where the Garmin Vivoactive 4S comes in. At just 40 x 40 x 12.7mm, it's essentially a scaled-down version of the smart and versatile Vivoactive 4.
Like its larger counterpart, the Vivoactive 4S boasts excellent fitness tracking with on-board GPS that locks on in just a few seconds and gives an accurate record of your runs and rides, rather than smoothing out the route as some trackers do.
It's smart enough to wear all day, and with sleep tracking and an SPO2 sensor to monitor blood oxygen levels, you'll want to keep it on all night as well.
Read the full Garmin Vivoactive 4 review
The Garmin Instinct Solar isn't the only watch capable of receiving regular top-ups through its Power Glass screen, but it's definitely the most impressive when it comes to sheer longevity, and can theoretically last indefinitely between charges when in power-saving mode. In real-world use that's unlikely to happen, but a few hours of sunlight mean that even with GPS enabled, you'll be able to use the Instinct Solar for days rather than hours,
Another of the Garmin Instinct Solar's best features is its dual display, which shows contextual information in a small cut-out, making it far easier to navigate the watch's myriad settings and options. In our tests we found it extremely useful, particularly since the Instinct Solar has a frankly enormous number of activity tracking and fitness monitoring options.
The only downside is that it's nor particularly attractive, with a chunky design that would look out of place in the office, but this is a Garmin watch designed for the great outdoors and that robust build means it'll take more than a few knocks when you're hiking, trail running, kayaking, camping or hiking. Tough and extremely practical.
If you're on a slightly tighter budget, check out the original Garmin Instinct. It's also super tough and practical, but lacks the Power Glass to keep its battery topped up.
Read our full Garmin Instinct Solar review
The Garmin Venu Sq is one of the most affordable watches Garmin has released in some time, but certainly doesn't look it, with an attractive design and bright color screen that defy its modest price tag.
It’s packing all those core sensors like built-in GPS, a heart rate monitor and pulse ox sensor. There’s dedicated modes for the likes of running, cycling and swimming to make it a solid sports tracking companion, though in our tests we found that picking up a GPS signal took a little longer than we'd like.
There are two versions available: the regular edition, and one with a built-in music player. Whichever you pick, you'll get contactless payments, downloadable apps from the Garmin Connect IQ store
If you're looking for an entry-level watch for sports tracking then the original Venu will serve you better, but if value is your main priority than the Venu Sq comes highly recommended.
Read the Garmin Venu Sq review
The Garmin Vivomove 3 looks similar to the Garmin Vivoactive 4 at first glance, but is a hybrid smartwatch, meaning it has an analog face, with hands that move out of the way automatically to display smartphone notifications and fitness stats on a hidden digital display. It's a great-looking watch, though lighter on fitness features than the Vivomove.
There's no on-board GPS, for one - instead you'll need to carry your phone to track outdoor workouts. The smaller than usual digital display also means that you get less information than with a more conventional Garmin. To drill down through your daily activity stats, you'll need to delve into the Garmih Connect app.
If you're looking for a smart alternative to a Fitbit, then it's definitely worth checking out, particularly now that its price has dropped significantly. If you're looking for a serious sports watch then a Forerunner will be a better choice,
Should I buy the Garmin Vivomove 3
The Garmin Lily is designed specifically for women, with a super slim design that's a big departure from the typical chunky design of most smartwatches.
You can receive smartphone notifications through the Lily, it packs an impressive range of activity-tracking profiles, and there's a pulse ox sensor as well. It also puts women's health features front and center; Garmin's period-tracking app is installed as standard, and available with a quick tap of the smart monochrome display.
Unfortunately, there are some major setbacks, the most significant of which is the lack of on-board GPS. Instead, you have to connect the Lily to your phone and allow it to piggyback off your handset's satellite positioning. It works well, but is a shame for anyone who wants to walk, run or cycle without being dragged down by a bulky phone.
There's also no on-board music storage, or support for contactless purchases via Garmin Pay. Its a shame, because the Lily is a lovely device. Hopefully future iterations won't sacrifice so much functionality in the interests of style.
Read our full Garmin Lily review
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