Top 5 Best Garmin watches 2025
These are the best Garmin watches for runners, hikers, runners, golfers and more
We’ve been testing the best Garmin watch models for more than ten years, seeing them progress from simple step and distance trackers to sophisticated training, recovery, and wellness monitoring devices. Garmin has been in the smartwatch game longer than most people—the Apple Watch was just a glimmer in Steve Jobs’ mind when the first Forerunner watch was created.
We have thousands of hours of testing experience and are here to assist you navigate Garmin’s admittedly confusing smartwatch selection. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the best option for runners because it comes in a sleek and comfortable package with a brilliant screen, a good selection of training options, and a long battery life.
However, Garmin manufactures more than just running gear. Solar charging, a handy built-in flashlight, and an extremely tough and waterproof construction make the Enduro 3 the finest Garmin watch for hikers. You have other choices, though. We also have options for those on a tight budget, novice runners, triathletes, marathoners, and even golfers.
Best Garmin watch for runners
1. Garmin Forerunner 265
Best budget Garmin watch
2. Garmin Forerunner 55
Best Garmin for beginners
3. Garmin Forerunner 165
Best Garmin watch for triathlons
4. Garmin Forerunner 965
Best Garmin watch for hiking
5. Garmin Enduro 3
1. Garmin Forerunner 265
If you’re having trouble choosing between the two watches, check out our comparison of the Garmin Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 here. The Forerunner 265 is Garmin’s mid-range running watch, replacing the Forerunner 255. The watch’s screen, which is now an incredibly bright AMOLED touchscreen, is the primary modification made by Garmin.
There are two sizes available for the Forerunner 265: the 1.3-inch model, which has a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, and the 1.1-inch model, which has a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. The brightness of this tiny watch, even in direct sunlight, astounded us during testing.
For the majority of runners, this is a great watch because it has many of the training features of the more costly models available, but it is also significantly less expensive than models like the Fenix or the Forerunner 955/965. If you intend to wear your Garmin all the time, the bright touchscreen also gives it the sensation of a wristwatch.
Design: In sports modes, as with all of Garmin’s touchscreen watches, the touchscreen is automatically turned off. However, you may still use the three buttons on the left and the two on the right to navigate the watch. With sweaty fingers or while wearing gloves, this makes it simpler to start, stop, pause, or lap the watch.The smaller size choice is advantageous for runners with small wrists, and the Forerunner 265 is lightweight and comfortable around the wrist.
2. Garmin Forerunner 55
You probably want a gadget that’s more advanced than a simple fitness tracker yet won’t break the bank if you’re just starting to run. The Forerunner 55 is the most obvious option among Garmin timepieces. It’s a straightforward, user-friendly running watch that lets you monitor your heart rate, sleep patterns, and running statistics all from your wrist.
Some of the more expensive training functions seen in other watches on our list are absent from this one. Don’t be put off by the fact that the watch doesn’t have a Training Readiness Score, for instance, or that you can’t use it to pay for groceries or listen to music.
Design: Like the majority of the other Forerunners in the Garmin lineup, the Forerunner 55 lacks a touchscreen, so you’ll need to use the three buttons on the left and the two on the right to manage the watch. The watch features a 1-inch MIP display with a resolution of 208 x 208 pixels and is only available in one size. Nevertheless, we had no trouble seeing the Forerunner 55’s transflective MIP display, even on the brightest days. However, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a better option if you’re concerned.
Battery life: Compared to its predecessor, a fully charged Forerunner 55 can last up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode.But compared to Apple’s smartwatch, the Forerunner 55’s screen isn’t quite as brilliant. In any case, you wouldn’t have to worry about bringing your charger while you went on a weekend marathon.
Training features: Garmin’s PacePro technology, which is built into the Forerunner 55, provides you with subtle speed and cadence signals while you’re running. Depending on your training history, fitness level, and recuperation, there are also recommended workouts and recovery periods.
3. Garmin Forerunner 165
For individuals who prefer an AMOLED display, Garmin’s entry-level Forerunner is the 165. The 165 is a fantastic choice for runners and other athletes who are just starting out in their activity, even if it lacks the numerous capabilities found on more expensive Forerunners.
The Forerunner 165 is lightweight, pleasant to wear for extended periods of time, and features a five-button design for precise GPS tracking, a vivid AMOLED display that is highly visible even in direct sunshine, and easy navigation.
For even the most difficult day hikes, the GPS’s 19-hour battery life is more than sufficient. The 165 also monitors stress, menstrual health, sleep, and recuperation. In the event that you fall while on the trail, it can also automatically notify emergency personnel.
Design: With three buttons on the left side of the case and two on the right, the Forerunner 165 and the Forerunner 265 have a nearly identical design. With a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels, the 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen is notably better than the Forerunner 55’s screen. 50 meters of water resistance is more than sufficient to withstand perspiration, splashes, and brief submersion.
4. Garmin Forerunner 965
The improved Garmin Forerunner 955 is called the Forerunner 965. This running watch is of the highest caliber and might be the greatest Forerunner we’ve ever tested. See our Forerunner 955 vs. Forerunner 965 comparison here if you’re having trouble choosing between the two models.
The Garmin Forerunner 965 boasts an AMOLED touchscreen, which is a significant improvement over the Forerunner 955’s high-tech training capabilities. The Forerunner 965’s bright screen makes it simpler to use full-color maps than devices like the Fenix 7. Additionally, the watch has Multi-Band GPS, which improves accuracy in places with infamously poor GPS reception.
Design: With a 454 x 454 pixel resolution, the AMOLED screen is incredibly brilliant and visible in any kind of weather. Like all Garmin watches with touchscreens, this one also automatically turns off the screen when you’re doing something. Instead, you may use the buttons to start, stop, pause, and lap the watch. Three buttons on the left and two on the right make up the total of five buttons. They are simple to use and can be pressed with gloves or sweaty fingers.
Since the watch is only available in one size, 47.2mm/1.4 inches, you might want to choose the Forerunner 265 if your wrists are quite little. It has adjustable bands and is available in three different colors: yellow, black, and white.
5. Garmin Enduro 3
With the same capabilities as the Fenix but a longer battery life and a higher price tag, the Garmin Enduro 2 was effectively a Fenix 7X Pro Plus. With the Enduro 3, which is now less expensive than the Fenix and emphasizes a long battery life and a lightweight design, Garmin has made the difference between the Fenix and Enduro lines more obvious.
Although the Enduro 3 lacks some of the features that the Fenix 8 introduced, such as the microphone, speaker, and dive-proof design, it still performs exceptionally well in the areas that are important for an adventure watch, including maps, precise tracking, exceptional battery life, and a very sturdy design with a built-in flashlight and solar panels to prolong the battery.
Design: The biggest distinction between the Garmin Enduro 3 and the Fenix line is the yellow highlights on the button and bezel, as well as the fact that the Enduro 3 comes with a nylon strap by default. The Enduro 3 weighs 63g with the strap and 57g without, making it lighter than the Fenix 8X, which also features a 51mm casing. We find this to be more comfortable than Garmin’s silicone bands.
We noticed that the Enduro 3’s memory-in-pixel display is easy to see, especially outside, and it extends the watch’s battery life, even though it is not as bright and captivating as an AMOLED screen.
Given the vast range of features and pricing offered by Garmin watches, it’s critical to determine which characteristics are most important to you while staying within your budget.
Life of the Battery
Excellent battery life is a feature of most Garmin watches, albeit some are better than others. Solar charging capabilities extend the battery life of certain Garmin watches, such as the Fenix 8, Enduro 3, and Instinct 3 (Solar). Make sure your watch is appropriate for the amount of time you will be spending outside.
Features of training
The majority of Garmin watches offer great training capabilities, but focus on the stats that are important to you. Some versions, like as the Garmin Forerunner 965, track altitude and heat in addition to typical metrics, which are important for estimating the effects of outdoor workouts.
GPS
Given Garmin’s reputation for GPS technology, it should come as no surprise that almost all of their watches offer top-notch GPS capabilities.
Features of smartwatches
More smartwatch functionalities are available on some Garmin models than others. Touch-sensitive AMOLED screens, found in the Venu 3, Garmin Forerunner 165, 265 and 965, offer a high-end experience, particularly when worn continuously.
Music on board
Not every Garmin watch with built-in storage can play music. A tracker that allows you to put your phone away is ideal for athletes who wish to listen to music while working out. For an additional $50, music storage is an optional feature of some models, such as the Forerunner 165. Others provide the feature standard, such as the Venu 3.
We strap the top Garmin watch models to our wrists and wear them around the clock for a few weeks to test them. We’re evaluating every facet of the gadget during this time, such as its comfort and design, battery life claims, tracking precision, and any additional features or training aids.
In terms of comfort, some watches are really large, which could make them difficult to wear all day or fit uncomfortably on smaller wrists. In terms of design, we’re also considering how well the watch withstands the normal abrasions and scuffs of life, such as contact with water.
We take into consideration that athletes need a bright, easy-to-read screen in order to monitor their numbers while they are on the go. Another factor taken into account is ease of usage; are there physical buttons, a touchscreen, or a combination of the two? We favor the latter.
We focus on comparing the top Garmin watch models to other well-established gadgets in order to evaluate fitness tracking features. In some cases, such as when we compared the Garmin Forerunner 165 against the Polar Grit X2 Pro or when the Garmin Forerunner 265 faced the Apple Watch Ultra 2, that entails walking thousands of steps while wearing a well-known tracker on either wrist.