10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a running smartwatch that combines functionality with a sleek design. One of its standout features is the vibrant AMOLED touchscreen, which offers easy navigation through its various functions, complemented by traditional button controls for a more tactile option. It's lightweight and comfortable at 43 mm, making it suitable for long durations of wear during workouts or daily use.

In terms of battery life, the Forerunner 165 excels with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours when using GPS, which is ideal for both regular users and avid runners who require consistent tracking over long distances. GPS accuracy is reliable, providing precise pace and distance measurements which are crucial for runners.

Heart rate monitoring is another strong point, offering accurate wrist-based readings without the need for a chest strap. The watch also learns and adapts, providing personalized workout suggestions and recovery insights based on your performance, which is a beneficial feature for those serious about improving their fitness levels.

Water resistance and durability are well-covered, allowing you to take the watch through various activities without worry. However, while the smart features such as notifications and Garmin Pay are handy, some users might find the connectivity options limited to Bluetooth less versatile than watches offering more connectivity options like Wi-Fi.

While the watch covers a broad spectrum of activities beyond running, such as cycling and HIIT, the lack of advanced smart features might not suit those looking for a more comprehensive smartwatch experience. But for someone focused on fitness with an emphasis on running, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a robust choice, offering essential training tools and health metrics all in one device.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a stylish, compact smartwatch with a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that offers vivid colors and clear visibility. It features an impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, reducing the need for frequent charging. Its built-in GPS provides reliable tracking for outdoor activities like running, walking, and cycling, while over 30 sports apps cover a wide range of workouts, including swimming and golf.

Heart rate monitoring is detailed and continuous, accompanied by advanced health tools such as Body Battery energy tracking and personalized sleep coaching to help users better understand their overall wellness. The watch supports smart features including the ability to take calls, send texts via voice, and use your smartphone’s voice assistant when connected. Garmin’s typical durability is reflected in this model’s stainless steel bezel and silicone band, offering a comfortable fit and casual style, though it is less rugged than some sport-focused watches.

Water resistance supports everyday water exposure and swimming activities. The 41mm case size provides a compact option, which may appeal to users who prefer smaller displays. This watch is well-suited for those seeking a health-focused lifestyle companion with solid fitness tracking, smart connectivity, and long battery life rather than a bulky, heavy-duty sports watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch is an impressive device for fitness enthusiasts, especially runners. The colorful 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display is bright and easy to read, and the smartwatch offers both touchscreen and traditional button controls for convenience. It boasts a lightweight design, making it comfortable to wear during long workouts or daily activities. With up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, it excels in terms of battery performance, ensuring you can track your activities without frequent charging. The multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology enhances GPS accuracy, even in challenging environments, which is crucial for precise tracking of your runs and workouts. Additionally, it is water-resistant, making it suitable for activities like swimming and running in the rain.

This smartwatch offers advanced training metrics and recovery insights, including heart rate variability (HRV) status and training readiness score, providing valuable information for optimizing your workouts and recovery. The 30+ built-in activity profiles cater to various activities like triathlons, cycling, and open-water swimming, making it versatile for different sports. Smart features such as smart notifications for calls and texts, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and music storage add to its practicality.

However, it does have a few drawbacks. The 8 GB storage might be limiting for users who want to store a large amount of music or data. Additionally, while the smartwatch is packed with features, the accuracy of some health metrics like sleep and recovery might not be perfect, though they provide close estimations. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a robust, feature-rich smartwatch ideal for fitness enthusiasts who seek detailed tracking and smart functionalities, despite minor limitations in storage and metric accuracy.