10 Best Garmin Forerunners 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is a robust GPS running smartwatch, ideal for triathletes and serious runners. It boasts excellent GPS accuracy, utilizing multiple global navigation satellite systems and multiple frequencies for superior accuracy even in challenging environments. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, 42 hours in GPS mode, and up to 80 hours in UltraTrac mode, making it suitable for long training sessions and races.

Heart rate monitoring is detailed, providing insights into your health, recovery, and training performance, especially through HRV status while you sleep. Additionally, the training and performance metrics are comprehensive, featuring a training readiness score, suggested workouts, race widget, and morning reports to help you optimize your training plans effectively. The smartwatch features are also robust, including full-color, always-on display, and touchscreen navigation, which is user-friendly even in direct sunlight.

Water resistance and display quality are also noteworthy, with the device being light and easy to read in various conditions. However, it's worth noting that the watch might be on the pricier side, and some users may find the multitude of features overwhelming at first. The display size, at 1.3 inches, is adequate but may be considered small by those who prefer larger screens. The Garmin Forerunner 955 is well-suited for dedicated athletes looking for a high-performance, reliable, and comprehensive training tool.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for runners looking for a reliable and easy-to-use GPS running watch. Its built-in GPS tracks your runs accurately, providing detailed data on how far, how fast, and where you’ve run. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for both daily use and longer running sessions.

The heart rate monitoring feature is convenient, though it’s important to note that it’s not a medical device and may not be as accurate as dedicated heart rate monitors. The watch offers various training and performance metrics, including race time predictions, finish time estimates, and PacePro, which helps plan your race day strategy. These features are great for anyone looking to improve their running performance.

The Forerunner 55’s smartwatch features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and customization options from the Connect IQ Store, add to its versatility. Additionally, it’s water-resistant and suitable for activities like pool swimming. However, the display quality, with a 1.04-inch screen, might feel small for some users, and the design is fairly basic compared to more premium models. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid running watch packed with useful features for runners, though its simple design and small display might not appeal to everyone.

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch stands out in the running smartwatch category, bringing a range of features that cater specifically to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is the brilliant AMOLED display, which provides clear visuals and is responsive to touch, making it easy to navigate through various functions. With up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours in GPS mode, this watch offers impressive longevity, allowing users to engage in extended training sessions without the constant worry of recharging.

The robust training metrics and recovery insights are also a highlight. Features like the training readiness score, which evaluates factors such as sleep and recovery, help users optimize their workouts and avoid overtraining. Additionally, the ability to receive personalized daily suggested workouts based on race input makes it an excellent choice for those preparing for upcoming events.

On the safety front, features like incident detection and assistance offer peace of mind for outdoor runners, ensuring that help can be summoned easily if needed. The multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology enhances GPS accuracy, even in challenging environments, making it reliable for various terrains. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a solid option for dedicated runners and fitness enthusiasts who appreciate advanced training metrics, safety features, and long battery life.