10 Best Garmin Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice if you're looking for a running-focused smartwatch with a vibrant AMOLED display and lightweight design. It offers up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and about 19 hours when using GPS continuously, which is strong enough for most training needs. The built-in GPS and wrist heart rate monitor provide reliable tracking for pace, distance, and health metrics, making it great for runners and active users. It also supports over 25 activity profiles, from cycling to HIIT, which adds versatility beyond running.

One of its standout features is the personalized daily workout suggestions that adapt based on your recovery and performance, helping you train smarter. The watch includes important safety options like incident detection and live location sharing, but these require a paired smartphone with network coverage. Its smart features are well-rounded, including notifications, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and easy syncing with the Garmin Connect app to track progress and compete with friends. The AMOLED touchscreen combined with physical buttons gives a responsive interface, and the 43 mm size is comfortable for most wrists.

The Forerunner 165 balances advanced training tools with user-friendly smart features in a compact package, making it ideal for runners or fitness enthusiasts who want detailed insights without the complexity of more expensive models.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile health and fitness GPS smartwatch designed for an active lifestyle. It features a bright and colorful 1.2-inch AMOLED display that offers clear visibility. One of its standout strengths is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which is great for users who prefer not to charge frequently. The built-in GPS provides accurate tracking for outdoor activities, and with over 30 sports apps, users can engage in activities ranging from running to swimming and even golf.

For health monitoring, the vívoactive 5 excels with features like Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep tracking with coaching, heart rate monitoring, and stress tracking. This comprehensive suite helps users gain detailed insights into their health and wellness. Durability and water resistance are also robust, making it suitable for various environments and conditions, including swimming.

The smart features such as music storage and playback, compatibility with both Android and iOS, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance its functionality, making it a well-rounded smartwatch. Comfort-wise, the watch is lightweight at just 1.3 ounces and has a round design that fits well on most wrists. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The memory storage capacity of 4 GB might be limiting for users who store a lot of music or apps. Additionally, the advanced health metrics are approximations, which may not be precise for all users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin vívoactive 5 remains a strong contender for those seeking a durable, feature-rich smartwatch for both fitness and everyday use.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a GPS running watch that excels in various areas, making it a strong choice for fitness enthusiasts. Its battery life is impressive, offering up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is ideal for long-term use without frequent charging. The GPS accuracy is reliable, essential for tracking running distances and routes accurately. It includes various health monitoring features like heart rate tracking, activity profiles, and advanced wellness metrics such as intensity minutes and all-day respiration, providing comprehensive fitness insights.

The watch also supports a range of activities beyond running, including cycling, swimming, and Pilates, making it versatile for different workouts. Durability and water resistance are notable, ensuring it can withstand different environments and activities. Smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, customizable watch faces, and access to the Connect IQ Store add convenience and personalization options. The 1.04-inch display is clear but might be small for some users, and the resolution is lower compared to higher-end models.

The design is lightweight and comfortable, suitable for prolonged wear. However, the watch operates with buttons rather than a touch screen, which might be less intuitive for some users. Lastly, while the PacePro feature is helpful for race day strategy, it does not support on-device courses, which could be a limitation for those looking for more advanced navigation features. The Forerunner 55 is a solid option for runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking an easy-to-use, reliable, and feature-rich smartwatch.