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10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm French Gray Case and Silicone Band

Battery Life: up to 10 days
GPS Accuracy: reliable
Water Resistance: suitable for swimming
Activity Tracking: 30+ built-in sports apps
Smart Features: call and text responses
Display Quality: 1.2-inch AMOLED, 390 x 390
Durability: stainless steel bezel, silicone band

Chosen by 1260 this week

Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Black

Battery Life: up to 11 days
GPS Accuracy: reliable
Water Resistance: suitable for swimming
Activity Tracking: over 30 built-in sports apps
Smart Features: music downloads, Bluetooth, Android, iOS
Display Quality: bright, colorful AMOLED display
Durability: robust

Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Amp Yellow and Black

Battery Life: 23 days smartwatch, 31 hours GPS
GPS Accuracy: Multi-band GPS with SatIQ
Water Resistance: Yes
Activity Tracking: Running dynamics, heart rate, training metrics
Smart Features: Daily workouts, race planning, multi-sport
Display Quality: AMOLED touchscreen
Durability: Lightweight titanium bezel

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray

Battery Life: Up to 13 days, 20 hours GPS
GPS Accuracy: Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ
Water Resistance: Yes
Activity Tracking: 30+ built-in activity profiles
Smart Features: Smart notifications, Garmin Pay, music
Display Quality: 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen

Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black

Battery Life: 11 days smartwatch, 19 hours GPS
GPS Accuracy: reliable, precise measurements
Heart Rate Monitoring: accurate wrist readings
Water Resistance: well-covered
Smart Features: notifications, Garmin Pay
Durability: well-covered
Display Quality: vibrant AMOLED touchscreen

Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02641-20

Battery Life: 14 days smartwatch, 30 hours GPS
GPS Accuracy: reliable
Water Resistance: Yes
Activity Tracking: HRV monitoring, sleep tracking, workout suggestions
Smart Features: music storage, Bluetooth headphones
Display Quality: 1.3-inch always-on, full-color
Durability: water-resistant

Garmin Instinct® 3 45mm, Solar Charged Display, Rugged Outdoor GPS Smartwatch, Metal-Reinforced Bezel, Built-in Flashlight, Black

Battery Life: unlimited in optimal sunlight
GPS Accuracy: enhanced by SatIQ technology
Heart Rate Monitoring: wrist-based
Water Resistance: 10 ATM
Smart Features: Garmin Pay, notifications
Durability: MIL-STD-810 certification
Display Quality: 0.9-inch size

Garmin Enduro™ 3 – 51 mm, Solar, Sapphire, Ultraperformance GPS Smartwatch, Extreme Battery Life, Detailed Mapping, Built-in LED Flashlight, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black UltraFit Nylon Strap

Battery Life: 90 days smartwatch, 320 hours GPS solar
GPS Accuracy: accurate
Water Resistance: suitable for water activities
Activity Tracking: fitness tracking
Smart Features: Bluetooth, notifications
Display Quality: good, always-on feature
Durability: titanium bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire

Garmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS, Built for All Elements, Multi-GNSS Support, Tracback Routing and More, graphite

Battery Life: 28 days smartwatch, 30 hours GPS
GPS Accuracy: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Activity Tracking: Running, biking, swimming, strength training
Smart Features: Smart notifications, Connect IQ
Display Quality: 1.12 inches, 480 x 272
Durability: Thermal, shock resistance, Gorilla glass
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm French Gray Case and Silicone Band

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,260
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Activity Tracking

Most important from
3305 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is amazing, lasting several days even with heavy use, reducing the need for frequent charging.
GPS Accuracy
Fitness tracking is spot-on, delivering accurate data for running, biking, and swimming with seamless GPS tracking.
Activity Tracking
Fitness tracking is spot-on, delivering accurate data for running, biking, and swimming with seamless GPS tracking.
Display Quality
The vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display is stunning and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.

The Garmin Venu 3S Smart Watch stands out with its vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display, which is both colorful and clear, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. It offers commendable battery life, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is suitable for users who don't want to charge their watch frequently. The watch is designed with a stainless steel bezel and a silicone band, ensuring durability and comfort. Its water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.

GPS accuracy is reliable, which is essential for outdoor sports like running and cycling. It supports more than 30 built-in sports apps, providing extensive activity tracking options. The body battery energy monitoring and sleep tracking features are useful for users aiming for a comprehensive health overview. However, some users might find it challenging to navigate through its numerous features.

The smart features, including call and text responses, add convenience, though they might require some initial setup. The watch is lightweight, weighing just 1.4 ounces, making it comfortable for all-day wear. Despite its strengths, potential drawbacks include the learning curve associated with its advanced features and the higher price point compared to simpler fitness trackers. The Garmin Venu 3S is well-suited for fitness enthusiasts and individuals looking for detailed health and activity insights in a stylish package.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,260
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Activity Tracking

Most important from
3305 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is amazing, lasting several days even with heavy use, reducing the need for frequent charging.
GPS Accuracy
Fitness tracking is spot-on, delivering accurate data for running, biking, and swimming with seamless GPS tracking.
Activity Tracking
Fitness tracking is spot-on, delivering accurate data for running, biking, and swimming with seamless GPS tracking.
Display Quality
The vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display is stunning and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
#2

Garmin vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Black

Rating
9.8
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Activity Tracking

Most important from
5110 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting much longer than previous smartwatches.
GPS Accuracy
GPS functionality is reliable and accurate, perfect for outdoor activities.
Activity Tracking
The watch offers extensive workout categories, providing comprehensive data on running, walking, strength workouts, biking, and cardio.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile health and fitness GPS smartwatch, ideal for those who want comprehensive health monitoring and fitness tracking. Its standout feature is the bright, colorful AMOLED display, which makes it easy to view information clearly. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you don't have to worry about frequent charging. GPS accuracy is reliable, which is great for outdoor activities like running and cycling. The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and various water sports.

Activity tracking is extensive, covering over 30 built-in sports apps, including unique features like wheelchair mode and nap detection for a more personalized fitness experience. Additionally, it provides useful smart features such as music downloads, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. However, the 1.2-inch screen size might feel a bit small for some users, and the memory storage capacity is limited to 4 GB, which might not be enough for those who like to store a lot of music or data directly on the watch.

The watch's durability and build quality are robust, ensuring it can withstand regular use. The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in health and activity tracking, making it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to improve their health.

Rating
9.8
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Activity Tracking

Most important from
5110 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting much longer than previous smartwatches.
GPS Accuracy
GPS functionality is reliable and accurate, perfect for outdoor activities.
Activity Tracking
The watch offers extensive workout categories, providing comprehensive data on running, walking, strength workouts, biking, and cardio.
#3

Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Amp Yellow and Black

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Display Quality

Most important from
249 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life has been impressive, lasting longer than previous Garmin models even with consistent GPS tracking.
GPS Accuracy
Garmin really does have running watches locked down by a country mile, offering superior accuracy even without dual-band GPS, thanks to SatIQ technology.
Display Quality
This watch is thinner and lighter than the Fenix series, making a HUGE difference in daily use and running, with a beautiful screen to boot.
Durability
The watch feels great, is very comfortable, and has proven to be durable for everyday, all-day wear.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 Running Smartwatch offers a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display, which is both visually appealing and easy to navigate. It boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, making it ideal for extended use without frequent charging. The multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology ensures superior accuracy, even in challenging environments, which is essential for serious runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Water resistance adds to its durability, making it suitable for various weather conditions and sports, including swimming.

The smartwatch excels in activity tracking with features like wrist-based running dynamics, heart rate monitoring, and detailed training metrics. These metrics, along with recovery insights, help users optimize their workout routines and track progress effectively. Smart features like personalized daily suggested workouts, race strategy planning, and multi-sport profiles enhance its usability for athletes. The lightweight titanium bezel and build quality add to its durability and comfort, making it a reliable companion for rigorous activities.

However, the high level of detailed tracking and customization may be overwhelming for casual users. Additionally, while it is compatible with both Android and iOS, some users might find the array of features and settings a bit complex to navigate initially. This smartwatch is best suited for dedicated athletes, runners, and fitness enthusiasts who will benefit from its advanced tracking capabilities and robust performance.

Rating
9.7
Battery Life
GPS Accuracy
Display Quality

Most important from
249 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life has been impressive, lasting longer than previous Garmin models even with consistent GPS tracking.
GPS Accuracy
Garmin really does have running watches locked down by a country mile, offering superior accuracy even without dual-band GPS, thanks to SatIQ technology.
Display Quality
This watch is thinner and lighter than the Fenix series, making a HUGE difference in daily use and running, with a beautiful screen to boot.
Durability
The watch feels great, is very comfortable, and has proven to be durable for everyday, all-day wear.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Smart Watches

When choosing a Garmin smart watch, it's important to consider your specific needs and lifestyle. Garmin offers a wide range of smart watches with various features tailored for different activities such as running, swimming, hiking, and everyday use. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and select the best model for you.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the watch can operate on a single charge. This is important because it determines how often you'll need to recharge your watch. Battery life can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the model and usage. If you are an athlete or someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, you might prefer a watch with longer battery life. For everyday use, a shorter battery life might be acceptable if you don't mind frequent charging.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy measures how precisely the watch can track your location. This is crucial for activities like running, cycling, and hiking where accurate distance and pace measurements are important. Garmin watches are known for their reliable GPS, but some models offer higher accuracy than others. If you need precise tracking for your workouts or adventures, look for a model with advanced GPS features. For casual use, standard GPS accuracy should suffice.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring tracks your heart rate in real-time, providing valuable data for fitness and health tracking. This feature is important for those who want to monitor their cardiovascular health, optimize their workouts, or track their stress levels. Garmin watches offer different levels of heart rate monitoring accuracy. If you are serious about fitness or have specific health goals, choose a model with advanced heart rate monitoring. For general health tracking, a basic heart rate monitor will do.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the watch can withstand exposure to water. This is important if you plan to use the watch while swimming, showering, or in rainy conditions. Garmin watches come with varying degrees of water resistance, typically measured in meters. If you are a swimmer or engage in water sports, look for a watch with higher water resistance (e.g., 50 meters or more). For everyday use, a lower water resistance rating may be sufficient.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include functionalities like notifications, music control, contactless payments, and apps. These features enhance the convenience and usability of the watch in daily life. If you want a watch that can serve as an extension of your smartphone, look for models with a wide range of smart features. If you prefer a simpler device focused on fitness tracking, you might opt for a model with fewer smart features.
DurabilityDurability refers to the watch's ability to withstand wear and tear, including impacts, scratches, and extreme conditions. This is important for those who engage in rugged outdoor activities or have an active lifestyle. Garmin watches are generally built to be durable, but some models are designed to be more robust than others. If you need a watch that can handle tough environments, choose a model with enhanced durability features. For everyday use, standard durability should be adequate.
Display QualityDisplay quality includes factors like screen resolution, brightness, and readability in different lighting conditions. This is important for ensuring that you can easily read the watch's display, whether you're indoors or outdoors. Garmin watches offer various display types and qualities. If you need a watch with a clear and bright display for outdoor activities, look for models with high-resolution and sunlight-readable screens. For general use, a standard display should be sufficient.

FAQ