Garmin Watch Review: The Best Fitness Timepiece

Garmin devices are perfect for anyone who likes to get outdoors and engage in physical activities. The best watches are great for tracking progress and cardio-advanced training tools for runners. These devices are also for those who like hiking or climbing in rugged areas. They will find the Fenix line, to be their ideal partner in their physical fitness. Then, some want a fitness tracker and a smartwatch and will surely fall in love with this device.

The Garmin Vivoactive, the best Garmin watch model, serves as a fitness GPS tracker and smartwatch. There is a wide variety of Garmin devices to choose from. So, how do you find the perfect Garmin watch? For starters, choose based on what you’ll use it for. Look at what training features each provides, like the standard fitness metrics, but also extras, such as heat and altitude, golf swing info, and more. Compare the impressive battery life of different devices. The smartwatch features need to be considered, including the AMOLED display type, Garmin Pay integration, bezel design, and onboard music. Of course, you have to compare the prices powered, too.

There are more excellent devices from the Garmin brand than you probably thought there were, aside from models like Instinct, Enduro, Epix Series, and Coach, for example. In this article, we’ll explore a few of them on Amazon further, highlighting competitive prices and features. We will spend the next few sections looking at how you should choose the right device from Garmin to match your needs.

Best Garmin Watches 

Best Garmin Watches Features

The Garmin products were designed around the needs of people who like to get outdoors and do physical activities. Several different lines include training features for running, rugged exercise, golfing, cycling, and even triathlon training. You can choose the ideal watch type that fits with the activities you enjoy. For instance, if you do some running and other types of exercise regularly, the Forerunner 245 is great. It’s small, light, and has onboard storage to add tunes to your workouts. If you are just getting into some jogging every once in a while, and you don’t want to be bothered with too much complexity, the Forerunner 45 is your perfect bet.

You can test Garmin watches and select the one with specialized features that perfectly match your requirements. The Approach S62 can help with your golf game. You’ll have easy access to information about thousands of golf courses, a shot-tracking function, built-in GPS distance reading, and a built-in virtual caddie to help you choose a club. Add to that its smartwatch features and Garmin Pay, and you have a versatile and highly useful tool.

In wearable technology, Garmin stands out with its diverse array of options, catering to the needs of both casual users and serious athletes. Among the standout models, the Garmin Epix Pro shines with its titanium bezel and stainless steel bezel options, offering a durable and stylish choice for those prioritizing both form and function. Along with other best Garmin watches, this model excels in health and fitness tracking, boasting advanced training metrics like the training readiness score, endurance score, and hill score.

For individuals focused on running, the Forerunner 965 emerges as a top choice. It is positioned as an entry-level running watch with solar charging capabilities to ensure a longer battery life. Its mapping capabilities and blood oxygen monitoring feature underscore Garmin’s commitment to providing tools that support comprehensive wellness and performance analysis.

The Garmin Vivomove Trend adds a touch of elegance to Garmin’s lineup, blending traditional watch aesthetics with modern smart features, such as on-wrist calls and app downloads. Whether you’re looking for a solar charging watch or an entry-level watch with basic sports tracking, Garmin offers a watch that tracks all the features necessary for maintaining an active lifestyle.

Garmin’s dedication to innovation is evident in features like solar charging, a built-in flashlight, and on-wrist calls, catering to the varied demands of their user base. From mapping capabilities for adventurers to blood oxygen monitoring for health-conscious individuals, advanced training metrics for serious athletes, and app downloads for tech-savvy users, choosing the best Garmin watch depends on your needs and goals.

Many active people look for the option to have onboard music on their Garmin timepieces. However, not all Garmin watches have the storage space available to include onboard music. If this is important to you, make sure you look for storage capacity.

The price range for Garmin watches varies widely. Set a budget for yourself. You’ll likely be able to find a Garmin watch at a price that you can afford.

Garmin Watches

Best Garmin Watch

The perfect Garmin timepiece overall is the Forerunner 245. You can get the music edition of this watch, and you’ll have the storage available for onboard music. It has water resistance down to 50 meters. It includes a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and other training metrics. The battery can go up to 7 days without a charge if you’re not using GPS technology, and 24 hours if you have the GPS on the whole time. This thing can track many different health metrics, including a menstrual cycle. And the price is very reasonable.

Garmin watches are waterproof and durable, making them ideal for outdoor activities. One popular model is the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, which offers advanced features for sports enthusiasts.

Whether you need a GPS or sports watch, Garmin has many options. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is the perfect choice for runners, while the Garmin Fenix 7 offers multi-band GPS for accurate GPS tracking in various activities. If you’re looking for exceptional battery life, consider the Garmin Instinct Crossover or the Garmin Instinct 2.

Garmin watches are known for their excellent battery life, which allows them to be used for extended periods without charging. Some models even support wireless charging. Additionally, the perfect Garmin watches offer GPS accuracy and advanced features like training readiness and Garmin’s Body Battery.

Is It Worth Your Money?

Fitness trackers and smartwatches are not necessities, so we always have to ask ourselves if it’s worth spending money on these items. If you use most of the features integrated into the Garmin watches, then they are worth it. Using a fitness tracker to help you train physically can greatly increase your efficiency. You’ll also have ways of tracking your progress with a Forerunner, Fenix, or other Garmin types.

It’s not worth spending hundreds of dollars on a Garmin Forerunner just to use it as a step counter and calendar. If you’re not someone who will use all the watch has to offer, you might want to save that money for something else.

Best Garmin Watch Models

Best Watch: Vivoactive4 – GPS 

Garmin

One of the notable features of the Vivoactive 4 is onboard music, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes while engaging in physical fitness activities. There are several pre-installed animated workouts stored in the watch. You’ll have many metrics tracking options, including body battery energy and pulse. The solar battery life can be as long as 8 days in smartwatch mode. There are thousands of free watch faces to choose from so you can customize the look of your Vivoactive. Even built-in incident detection can alert someone to a possible injury for certain activities.

Vivoactive 4 Pros:

• This watch can download music straight to the device, no phone is needed
• Animated workouts are easy to follow
• Body energy monitoring enables you to plan workouts based on your body’s needs effectively.
• Get all notifications right on your watch
• The watch includes Garmin Pay

Vivoactie 4 Cons:

• Short battery life when using GPS or music on Garmin timepiece
• Garmin timepiece face stands off the wrist more than previous models
• There is no interval timer on this best Garmin watch

Best Watch: Vivoactive3 GPS 

The Vivoactive 3 is an older model and thus comes at a lower price than the 4. You can use this watch in the rain or for swimming. The display is easy to read even when standing under the brightest sun. These watches from Garmin connect with your phone to receive notifications and read texts or emails. It also has a power glass screen for convenience, and the watch has some pre-set workouts. However, it does not have the onboard music capability that the Garmin Vivoactive 4 has.

Vivoactive3 Pros:

• It is a very affordable Garmin watch, best for those on a budget.
• This watch is comfortable for all-day wear, making it the best choice for active users.
• Water-resistant best Garmin watch, enough for the shower and the pool
• Many different free best Garmin watch faces
• Metric tracking on this best Garmin watch is consistent with other kinds of devices

Vivoactive3 Cons:

• Garmin Pay is limited to only certain bank cards
• The backlight drains the battery of this best Garmin timepiece
• Distance tracking is inconsistent

Garmin S62 GPS

Garmin

According to a leading digital publisher, this is certainly the ideal watch for golfers. It gives you course-related information on your watch, including specific details about each hole. You’ll enjoy the mapping feature with its full-color screen. You’ll even have a built-in virtual caddie to help with choosing your clubs. The display is a touchscreen with a scratch-resistant bezel around it. The watch can help you track distance, tell you where hazards are located, and pin position. It comes at a higher price point than some of the other future brands but is very specialized.

S62 Pros:

• This best Garmin watch is for golfers
• This best Garmin watch has a larger screen to give you the best user experience
• Good for everyday wear, too
• Can measure the wind speed and direction
• Works as a smartwatch

S62 Cons:

• Pricey Garmin watch
• The best Garmin Connect app needs some work
• Touchscreen performance

S10, Golf GPS

Garmin

 

This one has a square watch face, unlike the updated models’ round one. The display can be seen inside or outside, even under the bright sun. The battery life isn’t quite as long as the newer version, but it still gives you up to 12 hours when in GPS mode. You can have your watch keep score and keep track of the distance you’ve covered and how long you’ve been on the course. The price on this version of the Garmin Approach is much less than the newer version listed above and is considered one of today’s best deals.

S10 Pros:

• Highly affordable best Garmin watch
• Game tracking at its best
• Lightweight and comfortable best Garmin watch
• Very easy-to-use Garmin watch, best for everyday use
• Accurate and best metric tracking

S10 Cons:

• This best Garmin timepiece has a small screen
• Pretty basic tracking
• No Bluetooth

If you can narrow your options to what line of Garmin watches is perfect for you—Forerunner, Vivoactive, Approach, or Fenix—that’s a good way to start your decision-making process. Then, you can compare the fitness tracking capabilities of each model within the series you like the most.

Best Garmin Watches – Final Words

Garmin comes in different versions, so you can find the best and right model for your use.

Whether you’re drawn to the Garmin Epix for its robust functionality or the sleek Garmin Vivomove Trend for its hybrid design, Garmin’s array of watches offers something for everyone. With a focus on longer battery life, solar charging, and comprehensive health and fitness tracking, Garmin watches stand as a testament to the brand’s excellence in catering to both the training load of serious athletes and the daily activity tracking of fitness enthusiasts.

Best Garmin Watch

Garmin Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is Garmin Better Than Apple Watch?

• Determining whether it is better depends on individual preferences and needs. Garmin excels in areas such as outdoor activities, with its strong GPS capabilities, rugged design, and specialized features for athletes. On the other hand, the Apple Watch offers seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, a wide range of health and fitness features, and a sleek, customizable design. The Apple Watch also provides access to various third-party apps and services. Ultimately, the choice comes down to specific priorities, such as the desired features, user interface, and ecosystem compatibility.

What Is The Best Garmin Watch Face?

• The best watch face ultimately depends on personal preferences and specific needs. Garmin offers a wide range of watch faces with different designs and functionalities. Some popular choices among users include the “Analog” watch face, which provides a classic and traditional look, and the “Digital” watch face, which offers a modern and sleek display. Additionally, the brand provides customizable watch faces that allow users to personalize their appearance with various data fields, complications, and color schemes. Ultimately, the best watch face is the one that aligns with an individual’s style, preferences, and desired information at a glance.

Is Suunto Better Than Garmin?

• Both brands are well-respected in the sports and outdoor watch industry, and their choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Suunto is known for its robust and durable watches, particularly for outdoor activities like hiking and mountaineering. On the other hand, Garmin offers a wider range of products and strongly focuses on GPS and fitness tracking features. Garmin watches also tend to have more advanced smartwatch functionalities and integration with various sports apps. Ultimately, the decision between the two brands comes down to specific requirements, such as the desired activities, features, and personal preferences of the user. Research and comparing the features of both brands is recommended to make an informed decision based on individual needs.

Is Garmin Better Than Fitbit?

• Both brands are well-known and respected brands in the fitness tracking industry, each offering unique features and benefits. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. Fitbit is known for its strong GPS capabilities and advanced features geared toward outdoor activities, making it a popular choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. On the other hand, Garmin focuses more on general fitness tracking and has a user-friendly interface with a strong emphasis on social connectivity. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the specific requirements and priorities of the user.

How Many Years Does Garmin Watch Last?

• Are generally built to last for several years. The lifespan of a Garmin watch can vary depending on factors such as usage, care, and model. With proper maintenance and regular software updates, a well-maintained watch can last five to seven years or even longer. However, it’s important to note that battery life may gradually decline over time, and some components may wear out with extended use. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and maintenance, such as avoiding extreme temperatures and regularly cleaning the watch, can help maximize its lifespan.

Can You Text On A Garmin Watch?

• Yes, certain watches allow you to send text messages. For example, the Vivoactive 4, Venu, and Fenix 6 series can respond to text messages directly from your wrist. These watches allow you to connect them to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and when a text message comes in, you can view the message and choose from pre-set quick replies or use voice-to-text to compose a response. It’s important to note that the functionality and available features may vary depending on the specific model and the compatibility with your smartphone’s messaging app.

What’s The Best Fitness Watch?

• Determining the best fitness watch depends on various factors, including individual needs and preferences. There are several top contenders in the market, including the Apple Watch Series 6, Fenix 6 Pro, and Fitbit Sense. The Apple Watch Series 6 offers advanced health features, a wide range of fitness tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The Fenix 6 Pro excels in outdoor activities with its robust GPS functionality, durability, and comprehensive performance metrics. Fitbit Sense stands out for its focus on overall wellness, stress management features, and extensive sleep-tracking capabilities. Ultimately, the best fitness watch for someone will depend on their specific requirements and the features that align with their fitness goals.

What Is The Top Smartwatch 2023?

• The top and best spot went to the Apple Watch Series 6.

Which Model Of Garmin Is Best?

Depends on individual needs and preferences. The brand offers a wide range of watches and GPS devices designed for specific activities such as running, hiking, swimming, and more. Some of the most popular and highly regarded models include the Forerunner 945, Fenix 6 Pro, Vivoactive 4, and Instinct. Forerunner 945 is appreciated for its accuracy in measuring sports performance data, while the Fenix 6 Pro is renowned for its durability and advanced navigation features. The Vivoactive 4 is best for users seeking a smartwatch with activity-tracking features and built-in music, while the Instinct is known for its ruggedness and navigation functions in extreme environments. Ultimately, the best model will depend on each user’s specific activities and prioritized features.

What Is The Latest Garmin Smartwatch?

The latest Garmin smartwatch is the Venu 2 Plus. The Venu 2 Plus builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering an array of advanced features for fitness enthusiasts and smartwatch users. It features a vibrant AMOLED display, extensive health and wellness tracking capabilities, built-in GPS, music storage, and advanced sleep tracking. The Venu 2 Plus also offers enhanced workout features, including additional activity profiles and improved performance metrics.

What Is The Top Garmin Watch For Daily Use?

The Vivoactive 4 is considered one of the best Garmin watches for daily use. It offers a perfect balance of fitness tracking, smartwatch features, and everyday functionality. The Vivoactive 4 features a sleek design, a vibrant color touchscreen, and a wide range of activity-tracking options, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in sports apps. It also provides advanced smartwatch features like music storage, smartphone notifications, and contactless payment capabilities. With its long battery life and comprehensive health and wellness tracking features, the Vivoactive 4 is a top choice for those looking for a versatile watch for daily use.

What Garmin Does The Military Use?

The Tactix series is often used by the military due to its ruggedness, advanced tactical features, and reliable performance. Specifically, the Tactix Delta is a popular choice among military personnel. It offers specialized functions like night vision compatibility, stealth mode, and advanced GPS navigation capabilities. The Tactix Delta is built to withstand harsh conditions and is equipped with tactical features tailored to meet the needs of military operations. Its durable design, long battery life, and comprehensive tracking options make it a trusted choice for military professionals.

What’s The Lifespan Of The Best Garmin Watch?

The lifespan of a watch can vary depending on various factors such as usage, care, and model. On average, watches are designed to last for several years. A well-cared-for watch can last five to seven years or even longer with proper maintenance and regular software updates. However, it’s important to note that battery life may gradually decline over time, and some components may wear out with extended use. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and maintenance to maximize the lifespan of your Garmin watch.

Which Garmin Is The Best For Ladies?

The Lily is often considered one of the top watches for women. It is specifically designed with a smaller and more feminine aesthetic, making it an attractive choice for ladies. The Lily combines style and functionality, offering features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, sleep monitoring, and smart notifications. It has various color options and offers interchangeable bands to match personal preferences. With its elegant design and comprehensive health and fitness features, the Lily is a popular choice among women looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch.

Can The Best Garmin Watch Answer Calls?

Yes, certain models can answer calls. For example, the Venu, Vivoactive 4, and Fenix 6 series offer the feature of phone call handling. These watches allow you to connect them to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and when a call comes in, you can accept or decline it directly from your watch. Additionally, some watches also offer the ability to send quick text responses for incoming calls or messages. However, it’s important to note that not all watches have this functionality, so it’s recommended to check the specifications and features of a specific model before purchasing if call handling is an essential requirement for you.

How Does The Connect App Enhance My Best Experience With Garmin Devices?

The Garmin Connect app is a powerful companion for Garmin device users, offering a comprehensive platform to view, analyze, and share health and activity data. By syncing your device with the app, you gain access to detailed insights into your workouts, steps, sleep, and more, allowing you to set goals, track progress, and receive personalized insights based on your data. Additionally, the app facilitates easy device customization, software updates, and the download of third-party apps through the Connect IQ Store.

What Can I Do to Maximize The Best Battery Life Of My Garmin Device?

To maximize the battery life of your Garmin device, consider adjusting settings that impact power consumption. This includes lowering the backlight brightness and timeout duration, disabling Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when not in use, and minimizing the use of power-intensive features like GPS and music playback. Regularly updating your device’s software via the Garmin Connect app can also ensure optimal performance and battery efficiency, as updates often include battery life improvements.

How Do I Choose The Best Watch For My Needs?

To choose the best watch, consider what features are most important to you, such as battery life, water resistance, specific sports profiles, and smart notifications. Also, think about your budget and the watch’s compatibility with your smartphone.

What Are The Best Watches For Fitness Tracking? 

How Do I Choose The Best Watch For My Personal Needs?

How Often Are New Models Of The Best Watch Released?

How Do I Maintain All My Garmin Watch In Perfect Condition?

Can The Top Timepieces Endure Extreme Weather Conditions?

Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Cath Aguinaldo

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