From rugged stainless steel watches to ultra-modern minimalistic designs - the best Garmin watches come in various shapes and sizes with a massive array of functions. The brand has dominated the fitness tracker market over the past few years, offering a huge range of competitively priced, innovative smartwatches that give the likes of Apple and Samsung a good run for their money.
As with all modern wearable tech, there are a lot of models on offer, often sharing many of the same health and fitness features and sensors. The most important thing to look for in any of the best Garmin watches is the functions that suit your fitness routine or health needs. And rest assured, even a budget fitness tracker by Garmin is going to deliver much more functionality than you'd expect. But, with so much to choose from, which one is right for you?
Best Garmin watches of 2023 at a glance
• Best overall Garmin watch: Garmin Venu 2 GPS smartwatch - View at Amazon
• Best budget Garmin watch: Garmin Vivosmart 5 Smart Activity Tracker - View at Amazon
• Best Garmin watch for battery life: Garmin fēnix 7 Solar Multisport GPS Watch - View at Amazon
• Best rugged Garmin watch: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Rugged GPS Smartwatch - View at Amazon
So, what is it that you'll really need from a fitness-tracking smartwatch? Are you looking for quick messaging access? Modern aesthetics, or an incredibly advanced array of fitness apps? Well, a lot of this will of course come down to what you spend your time doing. We've looked at the features that are a good match for several typical categories of users, from gym-goers and joggers to swimmers and outdoorsy types. There's a buyer's guide at the end of the article to help you choose.
If you're relatively new to fitness tracking, we guarantee that our picks for the best Garmin watches of the year will be a real eye-opener. How so many advanced sensors and functionality can possibly fit into some of these we have no idea, but what we do know is that they're a seriously impressive health and fitness aid. So - marks, get set, let's go.
Best Garmin watches of 2023
Best overall Garmin watch
Garmin's Venu 2 smartwatch is still widely considered to be one of the best smartwatches available anywhere right now, let alone the best of Garmin technology. From its array of high-accuracy fitness trackers, motivational workout plans and pinpoint precise GPS mapping, the Garmin Venu 2 is simply terrific for all things fitness.
Aesthetically, the Venu 2 is everything we love about the modern smartwatch - smooth, simple and minimalistic, with some slight callbacks to traditional watches of the past, the Garmin Venu 2 is representative of a great advancement in smart technology and is an unquestionably excellent choice for any fitness enthusiast with a burning passion and a few hundred pounds burning in their pocket.
Pros
- An incredible array of smart tracking features including workout plans for motivation
- Fantastic GPS functionality and mapping for easy route tracking
- An impressive array of customisation options
- Stores and plays your music for convenience without needing a smartphone
Cons
- Slightly tricky setup for Spotify integration
Best budget Garmin watch
For the essential smartwatch activity tracking experience without the frills of a classic watch design, Garmin's Vivosmart 5 is the perfect budget alternative for some essential body information, with just a little bit extra to keep things interesting. Easy to use, plenty of exercise functionality and a nice, simple aesthetic culminate in a smartwatch experience that's just plain fun to use.
Of course, the Vivosmart 4 doesn't quite have the refinement of the fēnix 7 or the other higher-end models for that matter - and yet, if you're searching for a great fitness tracker, you've found it.
Pros
- Reliably provides all of the key stats you need
- Plenty of fitness trackers to use, including blood oxygen and heart rate
- Great battery life - use for a whole week without recharging
Cons
- Fairly basic features compared to some
- No GPS for route tracking or mapping
Best Garmin watch for battery life
Serious about sport? Treat yourself to one of the most advanced smartwatches ever created this year. Garmin's fēnix 7 is bursting with tech tracking functionality - having some functionality with pretty much any sport you're doing - surfing, skiing, golfing, swimming - you're more than covered with a wealth of intriguing info.
Everything from its simple, yet elegant customisable construction, to the overall user experience has an effortless appeal, making your fitness journey simply exhilarating. Of course, you'll be paying a pretty penny for the pleasure at nearly £700 - but boy is it ever worth it.
Pros
- Packed with special sports features such as Stamina Tracking and Recovery Time Advisor
- Unbeatable and accurate GPS system
- Huge onboard file storage for music
- Massive battery life and also rechargeable with sunlight
Cons
- Some users find it a little large
Best rugged Garmin watch
Garmin's Instinct 2 is the quintessential outdoor smartwatch, loaded with intriguing sensors, and activity trackers for an absurd amount of sports (both on land or water), and while it doesn't possess the immediate flash that some of the higher-end smartwatches have - you'll find that a reliable watch is worth just as much consideration.
Sporting a far simpler monochrome display, the aesthetic of the Garmin Instinct Solar is without question - rugged. Gone are the stainless steel exterior, the flashy wrist straps and rotating bezels - and instead the design is far more stripped back and practical.
The monochrome display, while a slight blow to its smartwatch aesthetic - reduces the battery demands of the Instinct 2 dramatically, leaving users up to 28 days of charge.
Pros
- Perfect for extended outdoor use in all environments
- Display very easy to read - great for all-weathers
- Huge battery life - ideal for those longer excursions into the wilderness
Cons
- Monochrome display
- Lacking the refinement of higher-end models
Best mid-budget Garmin smartwatch
In our review of the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Watch we found it to be a worthy all-rounder as well as giving runners plenty of things to focus on. It's popularity amongst fitness fanatics is booming, and there's no mystery as to why. The Forerunner 245 (with Music) strikes a precarious, often unachievable balance between cutting-edge smart technology and affordability.
At its heart - the Garmin Forerunner 245 is made for those with a burning passion for exercise and self-improvement. With over 25 unique fitness programs monitoring everything from heart rate, to the quality of your exercise, and even your fitness age - Garmin's Forerunner 245 offers a rich insight into your very own body health, something that's often difficult to grasp.
What's more, it would scarcely be a Garmin watch without an esteemed GPS tracking system built inside, with family member tracking options for some peace of mind, should you find yourself in a sticky situation. At the cost of a lower budget, however, Garmin's Forerunner 245 has a smaller, less sharp-looking screen, appearing a little drab for those well-acquainted with modern, widespread OLED screen technology - yet for us, this is an agreeable trade-off.
Pros
- A lot of high-end features at a great price
- A comprehensive range of fitness features for runners such as Recovery Time and Training Status
- Perfect balanced design for long-distance runs - not too bulky, not so small it's hard to read on the go
Cons
- Weaker display visibility than some
Best Garmin watch for music
For the technological capabilities of Garmin's Venu 2 at a much lower price, the Venu Sq 2 is the definitive answer. With a squared-off, contoured design similar to the Apple Watch, this modern aesthetic might not be for everyone - but it still has its appeal. Sleek, comfortable, and with pretty much all the same features as the Venu 2 - bar the barometric altimeter and an internal gyroscope, which, while useful for hands-free interaction isn't all that important.
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 contains everything you'll need to begin your illustrious fitness journey - inside and outside of the gym. Planning a hike? Get access to the latest GPS mapping so you don't encounter any unexpected roadblocks or well-hidden impassable streams. Trying to really feel the burn? Use one of the many pre-built cardio routines to set yourself an exercise challenge perfectly suited to your ability. The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is quite simply an excellent all-around smartwatch for both the general day-to-day or for those most intense, extreme workouts.
Pros
- Modern design means this can be worn anywhere
- Decent amount of storage for your MP3s
- Extra peace of mind thanks to Abnormal Heart Rate monitoring and more well-being tools
Cons
- Doesn't have all the sensors the Venu 2 has
- The square shape isn't for everyone
Best fashionable Garmin watch
Rugged, durable and elegant - Garmin's Epix 2 is perfect for the heat of the workout, or for the most luxurious occasions. Made of solid passivated stainless steel with a Gorilla Glass screen, the Epix 2 has a satisfying design heft which for some might be slightly counter-productive for workouts.
Speaking of workouts, the Garmin Epix 2 is overflowing with strength, cardio and HIIT apps and sensors - ensuring that your gym time is used to its full potential. Of course, there are some setbacks of the Epix 2 - name the price, which is a bit of an issue considering the Garmin fēnix 7 has all the same features, longer battery life and some additional QOL sensors not available on the Epix 2.
Overall - the Epix 2 is a wonderful smartwatch worthy of your consideration - just do some shopping around to make sure that it fits your expectations.
Pros
- Gorgeous design - looks much more like a premium watch
- Vibrant and clear AMOLED display
- Ideal for workouts, thanks to strength and cardio tools
Cons
- Some may not want to take this to rougher environments and ruin its top-class looks
Best Garmin watches of 2023: Buyer's guide
Shape, size and weight
Depending on the kind of fitness activities you do, the size and shape of the best Garmin for you might be dictated by the functions you need. For instance, not all runners like a larger, heavier watch on their wrist. Equally, many gym-goers will want lots of data on a decent-sized screen, but have little use for a Garmin with GPS.
Finding the best Garmin watches really comes down to what suits your health and fitness needs. It's a highly individual choice, but to help you narrow things down we've looked at some of the basic considerations, and noted features that suit the most common categories of Garmin users.
Runners
Here, a lightweight and low-profile fitness tracker is preferable to anything more bulky. Waterproofing or sweat resistance is another essential. For route tracking and mapping, definitely look for a Garmin with GPS.
Gym-goers
Once again, GPS is much less of a priority if you're primarily going to be in the gym. Sweat resistance is a must-have though. Plus, you should choose a Garmin with a large enough screen. Also consider music storage and playback functionality to unchain you from the smartphone. But, do take note of the width and comfort of the strap, especially if weight-lifting; as you won't want anything restricting your flexibility.
Swimmers
Yes, it's waterproofing that takes the lead here in terms of features. However, you may want something that's thinner and lighter than most. This will avoid unnecessary drag or fowling up your backstroke.
Outdoor activities
Most outdoor activities include a mixture of all of the above. But, adventurous types really should look at getting the best Garmin with GPS. Not only is this an additional safety feature for longer excursions, but it'll be fascinating to see where you actually went if you're not following a set route. Lastly, a rugged Garmin is best for those who find themselves mountain biking or tackling rough terrain.
When to spend extra on a Garmin with GPS
Global Positioning System (GPS) is a feature that will track your route via satellite coordinates. Garmin has a stellar reputation for reliability and accuracy in the world of GPS fitness trackers. But, as impressive as it is, not everyone needs it - preferring more sensors for feeding extra data to their chosen fitness apps instead. That said, for the highly target-driven among you, GPS is the best feature you can have in any Garmin fitness tracker.
Ensure compatibility with your smartphone
Thankfully, Garmins and the Garmin Connect app will work seamlessly with either Android or iOS. If you have an older smartphone you may want to check that your app is updated and will run.
Lastly, If you already have a favourite fitness tracking app, ensure that the best Garmin watch for you can provide the right kind of data to it.
Best Garmin watches of 2023: FAQs
Is a Garmin watch worth it?
Garmin watches are some of the most technologically advanced, aesthetically brilliant and competitively priced smartwatches on the market - so, yes, they most certainly are worth checking out.
Will Garmin watches work with an iPhone or Samsung?
Absolutely - Garmin watches work perfectly well with both iPhone and Android devices, as long as your device can run the Garmin Connect app you'll have access to all of the features too. Many other fitness trackers are compatible with Android devices, but few are as comprehensive as Garmin for cross-platform functionality.
How does Garmin GPS work?
Garmin GPS works by using GPS satellites which rotate around the Earth twice a day precisely. The Garmin watch receives this satellite information and uses a process called trilateration to determine your exact location.
How accurate is the Garmin GPS?
Garmin GPS is brilliantly accurate - with precise tracking within ten metres of your exact location. The precision greatly improves in water, where there are fewer environmental obstacles.
Ryan Houghton is a commercial content writer for What’s The Best, specialising in gaming, PCs, and televisions. As an English Literature and Film graduate, with an unhealthy obsession with PC gaming – when Ryan isn’t engrossed in writing about an enthralling new technological marvel, he’s probably sauntering about inside a decade-old, largely decrepit open-world RPG.