Garmin has built up an enviable reputation as a world-leading brand for high-quality GPS watches. From advanced, multi-sport devices to the best cheap GPS watches, Garmin is the go-to brand for outdoor enthusiasts wanting a premium fitness tracker, outdoor adventure guide or simple running buddy.
With such an extensive range to choose from, there's a model to suit every kind of runner, adventurer, wild swimmer or climber. But if you're worried you can't afford one, don't assume the worst – there's a massive difference in price between Garmin's entry-level products and its premium devices, which are among some of the best GPS watches around today. So you can start with a more basic model and upgrade if and when you think you need more functionality.
We test watches for at least two weeks to allow each device to build up a reliable picture of our health and fitness. And we don't just take them out and about when we're trail-running, climbing, hiking and open water swimming. We keep them wrapped around our wrists 24/7 so that they can track both sleep and recovery tools, and then compare the findings against those from a Withings Sleep Analyzer sleep tracker.
Of course, if you don’t want all the bells and whistles that come with these or the best running watches, see our guide to the best field watches, which are robust devices with a classic look.
The quick list
This list lets you compare all the watches in this guide at a glance, and lets you easily jump down the page for a full review of each one.
The latest iteration of this rugged smartwatch outperforms practically any other when it comes to function and design – a dream toy for hikers and trail runners who want it all.
The Forerunner 955 offers all of Garmin's best training tools in a neat package that's compact and lighter than the Fenix 8, with a more affordable price tag. It gives you a lot for your money.
A feature-packed watch for new and intermediate level athletes, with super accurate GPS, tools to help you train more effectively, and solid battery life. It's a superb all-rounder and is the watch we recommend to anyone starting to take their sport seriously.
If you want to take your running to the next level, the Fenix 7 Pro's heart rate monitor and cutting edge tech may make it the watch for you. It has all Garmin's latest training tools, and boasts impressive battery life as well.
Exceptional GPS accuracy, advanced training tools, and incredible battery life for multi-day races, plus hiking and camping trips. We also appreciate the LED flashlight, which comes in extremely handy in all sorts of situations.
An extra large, extra rugged Garmin watch with dual-band GPS that really proves its worth in dense woodland, plus a handy flashlight. We found the GPS accuracy second to none during our tests, and the case proved extremely resilient.
A Garmin watch to help you train smarter indoors and out, with animated workouts, advanced fitness tools, and great maps. Battery life isn't quite as long as that of the Fenix 7, but the payoff is a dazzling AMOLED display.
A near-perfect blend of everyday smartwatch features and sports tracking in a neat, slim package. The microphone for taking calls and using your phone's voice assistant is a very handy addition.
Despite its low price, the Forerunner 55 is a superb GPS watch for beginner and intermediate level runners alike. It supports Garmin's adaptive training plans, offers daily workout suggestions and lets you monitor your recovery.
Designed specifically with women in mind, the Lily 2 is compact, light and unobtrusive. There's no on-board GPS so it requires a phone connection for checking your speed and route on runs and walks, but has pretty impressive fitness tracking features.
The best Garmin watches comparison table
Watch | Price | Weight | Display type | Battery life: GPS / Standby |
Fenix 8 | $999 - $1,199 (US) / £949.99 - £1,119.99 (UK) | 2.1oz / 60g | AMOLED or Solar options | Up to 65 hours / up to 29 days |
Forerunner 955 | $499.99 (US) / £439.99 (UK) | 1.8oz / 52g | Memory-in-pixel | 42 hours / 15 days |
Forerunner 265 | $449.99 (US) / £379.99 (UK) | 1.4oz or 1.7oz / 39g or 47g | AMOLED | 24 or 20 hours / 15 or 13 days |
Fenix 7 Pro | From $699.99 (US) / £629.99 (UK) | 2.2oz or 2.8oz / 63g or 79g | Memory-in-pixel | Up to 122 hours / up to 1+ year |
Enduro 2 | $999.99 (US) / £729.99 (UK) | 2.5oz / 70g | Memory-in-pixel | Up to 714 hours / up to 550 days |
Instinct 2X Solar | $449.99 (US) / £339.99 (UK) | 2.4oz / 67g | Transflective display | 145 hours / unlimited |
Epix (Gen 2) | from $799.99 (US) / £649.99 (UK) | 2.2oz or 2.8oz or 3.5oz / 63g or 78g or 98g | AMOLED | 42 hours / 16 days |
Venu 3 | $449.99 (US) / £449.99 (UK) | 1.4oz or 1.7oz / 40g or 47g | AMOLED | Up to 26 hours / up to 14 days |
Forerunner 55 | $199.99 (US) / £179.99 (UK) | 1.3oz / 37g | Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel | Up to 20 hours / up to 14 days |
Lily 2 | from $249.99 (US) / £249.99 (UK) | 0.8oz / 24g | LCD | N/A / 5 days |
The best Garmin watches we recommend in 2025
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
The best Garmin watch overall
The Garmin Fenix 7 was already rated one of the best GPS watches of all time, with tremendous battery life and great training tools for trail runners, so what was Garmin going to add to the Fenix 8 to improve it?
On first look it seems the Fenix 8 has taken all the successes of its predecessor and been given more navigation tools, a crystal clear AMOLED display (if you want it) and voice commands. It also offers smartwatch functions, such as the ability to take and make phone calls.
Choose from three case sizes (43mm, 47mm or 51mm) and the AMOLED or less-bright solar display, shell out a huge wad of cash (let's face it, it is phenomenally expensive) and you're ready to have fun on the trails.
When it comes to new and improved features, our tester Julia Clarke loved the GPS Back to Start navigation tool, which guides you back along your path once you've reached a desired midway point. On her tricky mountain missions she found the improved GPS to be excellent, alerting her if she veered off course even just by a tiny amount.
The voice command works perfectly, as does the touchscreen.
It may not be for every adventurer, but the Fenix 8 also offers a Dive feature that will help guide you underwater.
As for training tools, the options are infinite: Training Readiness Score, Race Predictor, Running Lactate Threshold, Body Battery, VO2 Max. The list is almost too exhaustive. Although, probably heavenly for professional athletes and trainers, or gadget fiends who love their tech.
Overall, the Fenix 8 is definitely one of the best-performing smartwatches on the market. But it comes with a hefty price tag so will remain a dream for the majority.
Read our full Garmin Fenix 8 review.
The best Garmin watch for multi-sport
It might look unassuming with its plain resin case, but the Forerunner 955 is up there as one of our favorite Garmin watches of 2025. It offers all of the company's best training tools in a neat package that's surprisingly compact and lightweight to wear.
It offers outstanding GPS tracking, and its advanced training tools are very impressive. It was the first watch to include heart rate variability (HRV) and training readiness scores to help you understand how your body is responding to life and training, and it also delivers a daily morning report to help you prepare for the day ahead.
Navigation is excellent, and whichever type of workout you choose to track, we think you'll be impressed by the sheer depth of data available afterwards. If you're purely a runner then the Forerunner 55 is a much cheaper alternative, and the Forerunner 255 will suit entry-level triathletes well, but if you enjoy getting stuck into a wide range of sports then the 955 is the one for you.
Our only real criticism is that the battery life wasn't as long as we'd expected, but opting for the solar edition stretches it out further between charges.
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 955 review
The best Garmin watch for new runners
The Forerunner 265 is a great choice for beginner and intermediate level runners and triathletes thanks to its super accurate GPS, great looking screen, and accessible design that makes even the more advanced training tools easy to understand and use. It's very similar to the Forerunner 255 that launched in 2022, but with a new AMOLED touchscreen that makes it brighter, bolder, and easier to use.
Despite its modest price, the Forerunner 265 has an impressive set of sensors under the hood, and its GPS outshone most other sports watches I've tested this year. On our tester's pre-measured 5km course, it plotted the route to within five meters, which is remarkable considering it's on roads rather than a track. It also gives you wrist-based running metrics, such as ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and cadence so you can see how your form changes as you fatigue, plus heart rate, speed, and elevation. Everything is presented neatly and clearly, with the upgraded screen making graphs easy to interpret at a glance.
The only real downside is that the Forerunner 265 doesn't support full maps, which seems like a shame. There are basic navigation tools, but for really exploring new areas you'll be better off upgrading to the Forerunner 955 or 965.
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 265 review
The best Garmin watch for advanced runners
If you're interested in taking your running, cycling, swimming or hiking to the next level, the Fenix 7 Pro is the ideal training tool for you. It's very similar to the original Fenix 7, but with an upgraded heart rate sensor, an incredibly handy flashlight, and a handful of extra tools to help you train more effectively.
There are all the training tools a runner could wish for, including the ability to easily import workout plans from services like TrainingPeaks, wrist-based running dynamics, and a variety of tools that put your biometric data into a context that's easier to understand. For example, the new Endurance Score features uses various sources of long and short-term data to assess your ability to sustain long efforts, and see your progress over time
GPS proved particularly accurate, and during an intense indoor cycling interval session, we found that changes in heart rate were detected by the Fenix 7 Pro's updated sensor almost as swiftly as a chest strap heart rate monitor.
On test we found that the watch's blue backlight tended to make colors look a little muddy, particularly when navigating using the watch's on-board maps and GPS, but that's a fairly minor complaint. if you'd prefer to have a watch with an OLED display, take a look at the Garmin Epix Pro, which is otherwise nearly identical.
Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 Pro review
The best Garmin watch for ultra runners
The Garmin Enduro gives you the training tools of the Fenix 7 with the battery life of the Instinct 2, and it's a joy to use. This is a watch that makes no compromises. It's big and bold (which is necessary to accommodate its large solar cell). with a titanium bezel, sapphire crystal lens, and an enormous 1.4in screen for displaying stats and maps. It's even packing a bright LED flashlight that's incredibly handy for early morning and late evening runs, or around a campsite.
GPS accuracy is exceptional (with Garmin's SatIQ automatically switching between satellite tracking modes to maximize battery life), and although the display isn't as bright as that of the Epix (Gen 2), it's still bright and detailed enough to make navigation a breeze.
The only question is, are you really going to be off-grid enough to justify it? The Enduro 2 can run for weeks between charges even with regular GPS use, but if you're not planning any ultra runs or long backpacking expeditions, a Fenix or Forerunner might be a better option.
Read our full Garmin Enduro 2 review
The best Garmin watch for hikers
The Garmin Instinct 2X takes one of the most likeable and more unique watches in Garmin’s range and brings it up to date with a bigger screen, a bright flashlight, multi-band GPS powers and a battery life that goes for weeks. If you like the idea of having a bigger, more rugged Instinct 2 then you’ll have a lot of time for what the Instinct 2X is packing.
In our tests, the newly added multi-frequency GPS really did deliver the improved accuracy you need in places like tall, wooded areas. We used the Instinct 2X alongside the Forerunner 965 and found data by large was very consistent, and the metrics attached to that improved positioning data. It uses more power, but is worth it when you're out exploring, and battery life is still excellent with it enabled.
The new flashlight, accessed via the top left button, is more than just a gimmick, offering a surprisingly bright light to work by. We only wish the Instinct 2X had a higher screen resolution for more detail and proper support for mapping to help us navigate in the wild.
Read our full Garmin Instinct 2X Solar review
The best Garmin watch for the gym
The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) is essentially the same as the Fenix 7, but with an AMOLED display rather than memory-in-pixel, making it easier to read in all lighting conditions, including the dark realms of the spin studio or Crossfit box. It offers a huge range of activity tracking options for indoor and outdoor sports, and has all the training tools you'd expect from a premium Garmin watch including daily workout suggestions tailored to your fitness, hill score, endurance score, and training readiness.
If that sounds overwhelming, don't worry; everything is clearly laid out, and that super crisp display means graphs, charts and figures are extremely easy to read and interpret. On-screen muscle maps help you balance your strength training, along with animated yoga and pilates workouts, which offer clear illustrations and time you through each movement.
There's no solar charging (Garmin is still working on a way to make this happen for AMOLED watches), but that doesn't matter if most of your workouts are happening indoors, and in our tests we found that the Epix (Gen 2) will still go a week between charges in ordinary use.
If you do decide to venture outdoors, you'll benefit from fantastic maps and navigation. If you want to explore a new area, the Epix (Gen 2) is one of the best watches for the task, showing roads, trails and paths in excellent detail.
Bear in mind that this particular variant of the Epix is only available in one size (47mm). If you want a smaller or larger watch, you should check out the recently released Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Pro, which also has an updated heart rate monitor and built in flashlight.
The best Garmin watch for everyday wear
Torn between a smartwatch and a dedicated sports watch? The Venu 3 strikes a great balance, offering excellent GPS and fitness features, plus everyday smartwatch tools like quick access to your phone's voice assistant, and the ability to take calls from your wrist via the built-in microphone. It's hard to overstate just how useful that is; during testing our tester found themselves using Google Assistant far more often than normal, as it was easy to answer those little questions that come up during the day right on their wrist.
It's a step up from the Venu 2 Plus (released in 2022) with a new heart rate sensor for more accurate biometrics, and a choice of two sizes rather than just one. It was the first watch to feature Garmin's new Sleep Coaching and if you're in the US you can use it to check for an irregular heartbeat using the ECG app.
The biggest drawback is the lack of mapping. Despite its bright, high resolution screen, which seems ideally suited to navigation, you can't download maps or GPX routes to the Venu 3. If that's something you really need, and you want an AMOLED display, you should take a look at the Garmin Epix (Gen 2) instead.
Read our full Garmin Venu 3 review
The best budget Garmin watch
The Forerunner 55 is Garmin's entry-level running watch, and very reasonably priced, but we'd happily recommend it to intermediate level runners as well. You're getting a huge amount for your money here – despite its modest price tag, it's a very accurate GPS watch with impressive heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, recovery stats, and training tools including workout suggestions and recommended recovery periods.
OK, its color memory-in-pixel screen isn't as vivid as the AMOLED display of the Venu 2 Plus or Epix, but it's still clearly visible in most lighting conditions, with a backlight for when things get gloomy, and all your stats are clearly presented with graphs and charts to illustrate trends over time.
It was released in 2021 so you can snag it for much less than its list price, making it a particularly great deal. If you're not sure which Garmin watch to choose and you're on a budget, this one should tick the most important boxes.
The best Garmin watch for small wrists
The Lily 2 is the smallest Garmin watch, and the best option if you find regular sports watches overwhelming. It's targeted at women, but its subtle design means it's a device anyone could wear if they have slim wrists.
The Lily 2 is even lighter than the original Lily thanks to the switch from stainless steel to aluminum, and our tester Lucy Miller appreciated its slim profile. "Not only does it slide easily under your cuffs but under bedclothes too," she said. "If you want to make the most of the sleep monitoring, that's quite a big deal."
You get Garmin's daily health features, such as body battery and sleep tracking. Period and pregnancy tracking are positioned prominently in the menus, making it easy to log symptoms for more accurate predictions of your cycle.
The biggest downside is that it doesn't have its own GPS transceiver, which means you'll need to carry your phone in order to track your location, speed and distance during outdoor workouts. It's a shame, but likely due to the sheer size of the watch; radio aerials need a certain amount of space to avoid interfering with one another and the Lily 2 might be just too petite.
Read our full Garmin Lily 2 review
Meet the tester
How we tested these Garmin watches
We test each Garmin watch for at least two weeks so the watch and its companion app have time to build up a full picture of our health and fitness. We wear each watch day and night so we can assess its sleep and recovery tools, and compare its results against those from a Withings Sleep Analyzer sleep tracker.
To test each watch's GPS, we take it for several runs and walks in a variety of locations, including built-up areas, open fields, and wooded areas that present a challenge of satellite navigation. We also take each watch on a pre-measured route to see how accurately it records distance.
To test the accuracy of each Garmin watch's heart rate monitor, we put it to the test in a series of intense interval training sessions and compare its results to those from a chest strap heart rate monitor, which serves as a benchmark.
For more details see how Advnture tests products.
How to choose the right Garmin watch for you
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which Garmin watch is best for you. Consider these key factors when making your decision.
How you're going to use your Garmin
With a wide variety of Garmin watches on the market, you'll need to know how you're going to be using yours.
If you're taking on a lengthy hike or climb in remote or harsh backcountry conditions, a long-lasting and durable watch like the Instinct 3 may be the one for you. This rugged watch is designed for survival, featuring an altimeter, barometer, and compass to help you navigate to safety.
You could also consider a solar-charging model, which allows you to harness the sun's rays and, in theory, never run out of battery.
If you're looking for a running companion, consider a watch from the Forerunner range. These dedicated running watches feature plenty of handy sports modes and health monitors to help you track your run and smash your PB.
A Venu or Lily watch is perfect for users in the market for something a little more casual. These sleek models blend Garmin's dependable sports modes with handy features for everyday use, so you can wear your Garmin to work and in the wilderness.
How much battery you'll need
Before buying your Garmin watch, it's important to consider how much battery you'll need and how often you'll be able to charge it.
Top-of-the-range models like the Fenix 8 can last up to a month in smartwatch mode, and solar-powered watches can charge indefinitely with a few hours of sunlight each day.
Garmin watches at the other end of the price range offer a little less battery life. The budget Forerunner 55 watch lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. It's worth noting that this is still very impressive compared to other budget smartwatches on the market.
If you're not going to have enough time to charge, it's worth considering a top-end watch to ensure your Garmin won't run out of juice while you're using it.
What features you want
Garmin watches up and down the price range include a solid selection of handy health trackers and sports modes, but the detail and range of features vary with each one.
Along with standard health measurements like your heart rate and sleep levels, top-end Garmin models like the Epix (Gen 2) record less common statistics like your hydration levels and jet lag. There's also a greater range of sports modes, which provide real-time information on your stamina and performance while you train.
You should also consider the smartwatch features you want. Models like the Venu 3 and Fenix 8 can make and receive phone calls when paired with a compatible nearby phone.
A few top-end Garmins can also receive texts, but can only reply with a pre-written message, which you can select from a list.
Make sure to get a compatible device if these features matter to you. Older and budget models are generally not compatible.
FAQs
If you're picking out a new Garmin device, you're bound to have plenty of questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked.
Are budget watches worth it?
There's a big difference between Garmin watches at the top and bottom of the price range. The most expensive Garmin watches boast far more health and lifestyle features, improved battery lives, and better durability than their budget counterparts.
That said, cheaper options still provide plenty of bang for your buck. These watches tend to focus on doing the basics well rather than splashing out on all the bells and whistles.
The Forerunner 55, for example, features a rugged exterior, plenty of battery life, and a useful selection of health and fitness trackers for a reasonable price.
How long do Garmins last?
Garmin watches generally last a few years without the need for battery replacement. Although there's no way of knowing for sure, the consensus suggests that most Garmins last between four and seven years before you're likely to encounter any serious issues.
Battery life is expected to drain over that time, but not as fast as other tech like an iPhone. In normal circumstances, Garmin batteries should still retain at least 80% of their original capacity after a few years.
What is the Garmin Connect app?
Garmin's Connect app displays all your health information and training statistics in one handy place. It maps your progress on detailed charts and graphs, which you can read to get a grasp of your fitness.
You can also access hundreds of different workouts, which can be transferred to your Garmin devices for you to follow as you train. These workouts span a variety of different disciplines, including running, weight lifting, and cycling.
What is Garmin Coach?
Garmin Coach is a personalized training tool that uses the health and fitness data recorded by your Garmin watch to craft tailor-made training plans. It works with your Garmin device to provide recommendations and routines to help you train and progress.
You can access Garmin Coach on the Connect app where you'll be prompted to choose from strength, running, or cycling coaching.
You'll then receive a personalized training regime to help you get the most out of your training time and achieve your specified goals.
Our former Editor-in-chief Cat is passionate about both tech and running. Nowhere do these two loves collide in quite the same way as in GPS watches. She's tested and reviewed countless sports watches in her time and is an expert on all things Garmin.
Julia Clarke is Advnture's Senior Staff Writer and most days you can find her out on the trail hiking or trail running with a GPS watch on each wrist. She likes testing watches from all different brands, but she especially loves an adventure-focused watch with maps that she can use to navigate in remote areas. Her all-time favorite bonus feature on a sports watch is a flashlight to light up the trail on her evening escapades.
