10 Best Garmin Smartwatch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a running-focused smartwatch with several key strengths. Its colorful AMOLED display offers clear visibility and is enhanced by easy-to-use touchscreen controls combined with traditional buttons, making navigation straightforward. The built-in GPS provides accurate pace and distance tracking, essential for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, reducing frequent charging needs.

Health monitoring features such as wrist-based heart rate tracking and sleep analysis are robust, providing valuable insights into your overall wellness. The watch includes over 25 activity profiles, making it versatile for various exercises including cycling, HIIT, and strength training. Personalized workout suggestions and recovery insights are useful for achieving fitness goals and improving performance. Safety features like incident detection and Assistance are beneficial for outdoor activities, offering peace of mind.

Additionally, smart notifications ensure you stay connected, while Garmin Pay allows convenient contactless payments on the go. However, there are a few drawbacks. The memory storage capacity of 4 GB might be limiting for some users who need more space for apps and data. Also, while durable, the lightweight design might not feel as sturdy as some other models. Connectivity relies heavily on Bluetooth, which can sometimes be inconsistent depending on the device it’s paired with. Despite these minor issues, the Garmin Forerunner 165 stands out as a strong choice for individuals focused on running and fitness, offering comprehensive tracking and smart features in a sleek package.

The Garmin Venu 3S smartwatch is a well-rounded device with several strengths. It's designed with a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, making it visually appealing and easy to navigate. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is great for those who prefer less frequent charging. The built-in GPS and over 30 sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, and swimming, make it a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts.

It also offers extensive health tracking features such as Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep score, and personalized sleep coaching, which can help users better understand and manage their health. The ability to make and take phone calls directly from the watch and use a voice assistant adds to its convenience. Additionally, it's quite durable with a stainless steel bezel and water resistance, making it suitable for various activities and environments.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The screen size, at 1.2 inches, might be considered small by some users, and the oval shape may not appeal to everyone. The Garmin Venu 3S also operates on an Android OS, which might limit functionality for iPhone users. Despite these minor issues, the Garmin Venu 3S offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to both everyday use and fitness needs, making it a versatile choice for most users.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is a feature-rich smartwatch tailored for runners and athletes. It boasts a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, complemented by traditional button controls and a lightweight titanium bezel, making it both stylish and easy to use. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode, which is ideal for long training sessions or races.

For navigation, it includes full-color, built-in maps and multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, ensuring accurate tracking even in challenging environments. On the fitness front, it tracks a wide range of metrics, such as heart rate, stride length, cadence, and ground contact time. It also provides detailed training readiness scores, recovery insights, and personalized workout suggestions based on various factors like sleep quality and HRV status.

The watch is designed for various sports, including triathlons and swimruns, with customizable multisport profiles. It also features advanced smart functions like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, sleep monitoring, and women's health tracking. The daily morning report is a nice touch, offering a comprehensive overview of your sleep, recovery, and training readiness.

However, despite its many strengths, the Garmin Forerunner 965 may be overwhelming for casual users due to its plethora of features and data points. Additionally, its premium features come at a higher price point, which might not be justifiable for those not deeply committed to their fitness regimes. Nevertheless, for dedicated athletes and serious runners looking for a comprehensive and reliable training companion, this smartwatch stands out as an excellent choice.