10 Best Garmin Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a feature-rich running smartwatch that excels in several areas important for fitness enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the built-in GPS, which offers reliable accuracy for tracking pace and distance during runs. The heart rate monitoring is wrist-based, making it convenient and easy to use without needing a chest strap. Its vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display provides a clear and engaging interface, complemented by traditional button controls for versatile navigation. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, which is ideal for extended wear during various activities.

It also boasts a solid battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long training sessions or even multi-day use without frequent charging. The Forerunner 165 is equipped with over 25 activity profiles, including running, cycling, and strength training, providing comprehensive tracking and insights for a wide range of workouts. Its smart features, such as notifications for calls and texts, Garmin Pay, and incident detection for safety, add convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, the integration with the Garmin Connect app allows users to monitor their health and fitness data, compete with friends, and participate in various challenges.

However, there are a few areas where the Forerunner 165 may fall short. The 1.2-inch display, while colorful and bright, may be considered small for those who prefer larger screens. The 30mAh battery capacity might seem limited compared to other models, although Garmin's efficient power management mitigates this. Finally, while the watch offers robust features, its premium pricing might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is well-suited for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, feature-packed smartwatch, albeit at a higher price point.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for those looking for a comprehensive health and fitness smartwatch. It features a vibrant AMOLED display, which makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which means less frequent charging. Its GPS accuracy is reliable, making it great for outdoor activities like running and cycling. The heart rate monitoring is robust and provides valuable insights into your health, including advanced metrics like HRV status, stress tracking, and sleep scores. The watch is water-resistant, so it’s suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.

It also includes more than 30 sports apps and workout modes, catering to a wide range of fitness routines, including specialized features for wheelchair users. The vívoactive 5 is durable, with a solid build that can withstand the rigors of daily wear and various physical activities. The smartwatch also boasts smart features like music storage and playback, allowing you to enjoy your favorite playlists without needing your phone. However, its touch screen interface might take some time to get used to for those who are not tech-savvy. Additionally, while the 1.2-inch display is clear, it may feel small for users used to larger screens.

Despite these minor issues, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile and feature-rich smartwatch that will appeal to fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable companion to track and enhance their health and wellness activities.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a solid choice for runners and multisport athletes looking for a feature-packed smartwatch. Its bright 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen combined with traditional buttons offers a clear and responsive display that works well in various lighting conditions. The watch stands out with its multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology, providing very accurate location tracking even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or forests, which is great if you rely heavily on precise GPS for your workouts.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 13 days in regular smartwatch mode and about 20 hours when using GPS continuously; this means you can track long runs or races without worrying about recharging frequently. The watch also offers advanced training metrics and recovery insights, including personalized daily workouts and readiness scores based on your sleep, heart rate variability, and training load—helpful for planning your exercise intensity smartly. Heart rate monitoring and activity profiles cover a wide range of sports, including running, cycling, and open-water swimming, making it versatile for different types of training. It’s also water resistant, suitable for swimming and exposure to rain.

On the smart features side, it supports notifications from your phone, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and incident detection for safety, though some features require your phone nearby. One potential drawback is that the advanced training data can be a bit complex if you’re new to fitness tracking, and the watch’s 46 mm size might feel bulky for those with smaller wrists. The Forerunner 265 balances durability, detailed fitness tracking, and smart convenience, making it a great companion for serious runners who want in-depth insights alongside everyday smartwatch functions.