{"id":520285,"date":"2026-07-01T17:37:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/520285\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T17:37:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:37:26","slug":"the-best-garmin-watches-tested-and-reviewed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/520285\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Garmin Watches, Tested and Reviewed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Garmin makes a lot of different watches. While brands like Apple, Google and Samsung have two or three smartwatches<\/a> to choose from, Garmin has dozens, which can make it hard to know which one is right for you.<\/p>\n

As NBC Select\u2019s fitness and tech reporter, I test out smartwatches, fitness trackers<\/a> and smart rings regularly: that includes all of Garmin\u2019s latest watches. Below are my top recommendations for anyone looking to make the switch or upgrade an older model.<\/p>\n

Want more from NBC Select? Sign up<\/a> for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.<\/p>\n

The best Garmin watches in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Because Garmin makes so many different watches, it probably makes one that is just right for you. Below are my top recommendations. Every option on this list were samples I requested from the brand for testing purposes for this story.<\/p>\n

Best overall<\/a>\"Garmin<\/a><\/p>\n

Display: 42mm \u00a0| Battery life: up to 11 days\u00a0| Built-in GPS: yes\u00a0| Sleep tracking: yes\u00a0| Heart-rate monitor: yes, no ECG \u00a0| Water resistance: yes, up to 50 meters\u00a0| Compatible with: iPhone and Android<\/p>\n

What we like<\/p>\n

Excellent battery lifeRobust fitness tracking\"AThe Garmin Vivoactive 6 has a subtle and understated look, but still contains many of the brand’s best features.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz<\/p>\n

The Garmin Vivoactive 6 hits just the right balance of features and price that makes it the easiest option to recommend, especially for someone trying out the brand for the first time.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a generalist smartwatch: it has many of the brand\u2019s best features without specializing too heavily in one activity (like the Forerunner series). It has in-depth metrics for health, sleep and fitness activity, with staple Garmin features like body battery<\/a>, workout recovery times, Garmin pace pro<\/a> and Garmin coach<\/a> (with running and strength training plans).<\/p>\n

I love its workout animations \u2014 the watch will play short videos of a silhouette performing certain exercises during HIIT, cardio, strength, yoga or move alert activity. Animated move alerts, in particular, make taking breaks at my desk a lot more fun.<\/p>\n

The upgrade: Garmin Venu 4<\/a><\/p>\n

The budget alternative: Garmin Forerunner 165<\/a><\/p>\n

Best for runners<\/a>\"Garmin<\/a><\/p>\n

Display: 42mm or 47mm\u00a0| Battery life: up to 11 days\u00a0| Built-in GPS: yes (multi-band)\u00a0| Sleep tracking: yes (including naps)\u00a0| Heart-rate monitor: yes, no ECG\u00a0| Water resistance: yes, up to 50 meters\u00a0| Compatible with: iPhone or Android<\/p>\n

What we like<\/p>\n

Long battery lifeAccurate GPSAmple tracking metrics\"AI tested the 42-millimeter Garmin Forerunner 570, which fit my wrist much better than the 47-millimeter version.<\/p>\n

Anyone who loves to run should look at the Garmin Forerunner series \u2014 the watches are made with runners in mind. If you\u2019re already deep into your running journey, the Forerunner 570 is my go-to recommendation: It has more than enough tools for runners and racers and comes in two sizes, so you can get the best fit for your wrist (unlike the Forerunner 70<\/a> and Forerunner 970<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The most important features in my expert opinion are training readiness<\/a>, training status<\/a> and HRV (heart rate variability) status<\/a>, which work in tandem to help optimize your training and recovery. Training Readiness combines multiple metrics to give you a top-level score about how beneficial your training will be. In practice, it helps me decide whether today is a rest day, an easy day or a day to push myself.<\/p>\n

It has advanced running metrics like power, cadence, stride length and ground contact time, as well as multi-band GPS<\/a> for the most accurate, consistent distance and time stats possible. It also connects to GPS usually within five seconds.<\/p>\n

The upgrade: Garmin Forerunner 970<\/a><\/p>\n

The budget alternative: Garmin Forerunner 70<\/a><\/p>\n

Best for battery life<\/a>\"Garmin<\/a><\/p>\n

Display: 45mm or 50mm\u00a0| Battery life: up to 40 days (potentially unlimited with solar)\u00a0| Built-in GPS: yes (multi-band)\u00a0| Sleep tracking: yes (including naps)\u00a0| Heart-rate monitor: yes, no ECG\u00a0| Water resistance: yes, up to 100 meters\u00a0| Compatible with: iPhone or Android<\/p>\n

What we like<\/p>\n

Outstanding battery lifeRugged designBuilt-in flashlight<\/p>\n

Something to note<\/p>\n

Love it or hate it screen45mm is smallest size\"AThe MIP display is easy to read during the day, especially in direct sunlightCourtesy Harry Rabinowitz<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t even want to think about charging your Garmin, look for a solar-powered model like this Garmin Instinct 3 solar. It\u2019s a rugged, outdoor-focused fitness watch with many of Garmin\u2019s notable fitness and health features, but with potentially unlimited battery life. That\u2019s because the Instinct 3 has a solar panel built into the screen \u2014 get enough sunlight and the watch largely charges itself.<\/p>\n

Part of this long battery life stems from the screen: it\u2019s a monochrome memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, common on outdoor watches, but not common on many smartwatches. It is easy to see in light conditions, but nearly impossible to see in the dark \u2014 press the \u201cLight\u201d button, and the screen will light up for a few seconds.<\/p>\n

If an MIP screen sounds like a dealbreaker, you can also get the Instinct 3 AMOLED<\/a>, which has a more typical bright, colorful smartwatch screen and still gets up to 24 days of battery life.<\/p>\n

The Garmin Enduro 3<\/a> and Garmin Fenix 8 (Solar)<\/a> both get even better battery life than the Instinct 3 (and have solar MIP displays with color), but both cost over twice as much.<\/p>\n

The upgrade: Garmin Enduro 3<\/a><\/p>\n

The budget alternative: n\/a<\/p>\n

Best premium<\/a>\"Garmin<\/a><\/p>\n

Display: 43mm\u00a0| Thickness: 13.8mm\u00a0| Weight (no straps): 44g (titanium version)\u00a0| Battery life: up to 10 days\u00a0| Built-in GPS: yes (multi-band)\u00a0| Sleep tracking: yes (including naps)\u00a0| Heart-rate monitor: yes, with ECG\u00a0| Water resistance: yes, up to 100 meters, diving up to 40 meters\u00a0| Compatible with: iPhone or Android<\/p>\n

What we like<\/p>\n

Excellent mapping and GPSDurable designGreat battery life\"AThe Garmin Fenix 8 has a durable titanium case and a sapphire crystal screen I didn\u2019t worry about scratching.Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz<\/p>\n

Garmin\u2019s premium, do-it-all watch is the Fenix 8. It has a bevy of features only found in the brand\u2019s high-end watches: things like a dive rating (up to 40 meters), offline maps, navigation and music, a built-in speaker and microphone for calls and music, a built-in flashlight and the list goes on. It\u2019s also likely the most durable \u2014 it has a titanium case and sapphire crystal screen, two of the most durable materials you can put in a watch.<\/p>\n

Outside of premium hardware (and software), I\u2019d recommend the Fenix 8 if you are interested in diving, hiking and trail running: features like dive modes, ascent planning<\/a> and stellar battery life make it well-suited to these activities.<\/p>\n

All of that comes at a price: literally. The 47 millimeters AMOLED version that I tested (and linked above) costs $1,099. It\u2019s also surprisingly heavy at 73 grams, heavier than every other watch on this list.<\/p>\n

The upgrade: Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (AMOLED)<\/a><\/p>\n

The budget alternative: Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)<\/a>, Garmin Forerunner 970<\/a> <\/p>\n

Best for style<\/a>\"Garmin<\/a><\/p>\n

Display: 41mm or 45mm\u00a0| Battery life: up to 12 days\u00a0| Built-in GPS: yes\u00a0| Sleep tracking: yes (including naps)\u00a0| Heart-rate monitor: yes, with ECG\u00a0| Water resistance: yes, up to 50 meters\u00a0| Compatible with: iPhone and Android<\/p>\n

What we like<\/p>\n

Small and lightweightSleek designBuilt-in flashlight\"AThe Garmin Venu 4 is one of the brand\u2019s sleekest looking smartwatches.<\/p>\n

Most of the Garmin watches I\u2019ve mentioned so far look very fitness-forward. The Garmin Venu series is subtle and classy by comparison, and is a great option for anyone who wants Garmin\u2019s best features but in a package that\u2019s easier to match to any occasion. It has a stainless steel bezel that looks great, and comes in two sizes, including a petite 41-millimeter option. It also has built-in microphones, speakers and a flashlight, one I use all the time in dark spaces.<\/p>\n

The Venu 4 also has many of Garmin\u2019s premium training and health features, including health status<\/a>, lifestyle logging<\/a>, Garmin fitness coach<\/a>, training readiness<\/a>, training status<\/a> and HRV (heart rate variability) status<\/a>. It\u2019s a little pricey, but a great all-around option for most people not needing the five-buttons control, fitness look of the Garmin Forerunner series.<\/p>\n

The upgrade: n\/a<\/p>\n

The budget alternative: Garmin Vivoactive 6<\/a><\/p>\n

Best for Apple Watch converts<\/a>\"Garmin<\/a><\/p>\n

Display: 46mm\u00a0| Battery life: up to 8 days\u00a0| Built-in GPS: yes\u00a0| Sleep tracking: yes (including naps)\u00a0| Heart-rate monitor: yes, no ECG\u00a0| Water resistance: yes, up to 50 meters\u00a0| Compatible with: iPhone or Android<\/p>\n

What we like<\/p>\n

Long battery lifeAccurate GPSAmple tracking metrics<\/p>\n

Something to note<\/p>\n

Lesser battery lifePricey<\/p>\n

If you love everything about your Apple Watch but are considering trying out Garmin, I recommend the Venu X1. It\u2019s Garmin\u2019s most Apple-like watch, with a huge, bright square screen and a very thin case size (eight millimeters). But it has most of the same features as other pricey Garmins, meaning runners, racers, hikers and bikers won\u2019t feel like they are \u201cmissing out\u201d getting this model instead of a Forerunner or Fenix.<\/p>\n

The Venu X1 does have less battery life than most other Garmin watches \u2014 up to eight days in gesture mode and only two in always-on mode.<\/p>\n

The upgrade: n\/a<\/p>\n

The budget alternative: n\/a<\/p>\n

How I test Garmin watches<\/a>\"AI typically wear two watches at the same time (one on each wrist) and compare data between the two. (I don\u2019t typically wear four, as pictured above.)Courtesy Harry Rabinowitz<\/p>\n

I am a runner and cyclist, and use smartwatches and fitness trackers to track and monitor live stats like heart rate, pace and time as well as recovery metrics over time. I tend to spend hours tinkering with device settings, exploring what a product offers out of the box, and what I can fine-tune to match my preferences.<\/p>\n

I test Garmin watches for at least a week, using as many features as possible, usually comparing them (and the data) to another watch (on my other wrist) or smart ring. I\u2019ve tested nearly a dozen Garmin watches over the years.<\/p>\n

I request Garmin watches from the brand \u2014 it sends me devices to test out as needed. I send each one back to the brand once I am done testing.<\/p>\n

How to shop for a Garmin watch<\/a><\/p>\n

Even after you pick out which type of Garmin watch you want, there are still a few key factors you should keep in mind.<\/p>\n

Size<\/a><\/p>\n

Many Garmin watches come in multiple size options: the Garmin Fenix 8, for example, comes in 43, 47 and 51 millimeter options. I have smaller wrists (about six inches in circumference), and have tested many smartwatches, so I know that I prefer my smartwatch to be between 42 and 45 millimeters. I err on the larger end if the watch can only be controlled via the touchscreen, and not buttons along the sides.<\/p>\n

What size is right for you depends on your wrist circumference, but also personal preference. My advice: visit a store like REI<\/a> or Fleet Feet<\/a> in person; most have multiple Garmin watches you can try on, in my experience.<\/p>\n

Key sport<\/a><\/p>\n

If you love one activity in particular: think running, diving or hiking, you should probably stick to a Garmin watch built around that activity. For divers: it\u2019s the Garmin Descent<\/a> or Garmin Fenix 8<\/a>. For runners: it\u2019s any of the Garmin Forerunner<\/a> watches. For hikers and trail runners, there are a few options across the Forerunner, Instinct and Fenix lineup, depending on your exact needs. If you are more of a fitness generalist, the Garmin Vivoactive<\/a> and Garmin Venu<\/a> are the best options.<\/p>\n

Screen type<\/a><\/p>\n

Most newer Garmin watches come with a bright, colorful AMOLED display, the kind of screen you see in the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch and most Fitbits. But some Garmin watches, particularly those focused on battery life, solar charging and the outdoors, have a memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. <\/p>\n

A MIP display is always on but barely uses any energy to power, so it typically allows for a watch with far greater battery life than one with an AMOLED display. MIP displays are easy to read in sunny conditions but become hard or nearly impossible to see at night or in darkness (unless you hit the \u201clight\u201d button to briefly activate the watch backlight).<\/p>\n

I recommend an AMOLED display for most people \u2014 if you want an MIP display, you probably already knew it before reading this article.<\/p>\n

Why trust NBC Select?<\/a><\/p>\n

I am a reporter<\/a> at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on fitness trackers, wireless earbuds<\/a> and cameras<\/a>. I test new and popular Garmin watches regularly, using them to track stats for my health, sleep and exercise. I leveraged my experience using fitness trackers, smartwatches and smart rings to pick the best Garmin watches.<\/p>\n

Catch up on NBC Select\u2019s in-depth coverage of tech and tools<\/a>, wellness<\/a> and more, and follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and TikTok<\/a> to stay up to date.<\/p>\n