10 Best Garmin Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Venu 3S is a stylish smartwatch with a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display that's easy to read. It excels in battery life, offering up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is beneficial for users who don't want to charge frequently. The built-in GPS provides accurate location tracking, making it suitable for outdoor activities like running and cycling. Heart rate monitoring is advanced, providing insights into your health with features like Body Battery energy monitoring, stress tracking, and sleep coaching.

Activity tracking is robust, with over 30 built-in sports apps to cater to diverse fitness routines. Its water resistance makes it suitable for swimming, adding to its versatility. Smart features are comprehensive, including the ability to make and take calls, respond to texts, and use a voice assistant directly from the watch, enhancing its utility for daily use. The watch is also durable, with a stainless steel bezel and silicone band, ensuring it can withstand regular wear and tear.

However, the watch might feel slightly heavy at 1.4 ounces for some users, and the 41mm case size may not suit everyone. Additionally, while the display quality is high, some users might prefer a larger screen for better visibility. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Venu 3S is a formidable option for those seeking a well-rounded smartwatch with extensive health and fitness tracking capabilities.

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.

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.