Navigating the vast landscape of Garmin running watches can feel like a marathon in itself! Sure, the Apples, Polars, and Coroses of the world bring their A-game, but let's be honest, Garmin practically invented the running watch. They’ve been in the business for over 20 years. At this point, their lineup is incredibly stacked, so you're guaranteed to find a perfect wrist-mounted wingman.
Whether you're a competitive runner or just need a basic watch to track your steps and heart rate, I will help you filter out the noise and find the perfect Garmin watch to help you achieve your fitness training goals. We'll explore the key features, weigh the pros and cons of each model, and give you honest, real world advice based on our extensive testing.
Best Garmin Running Watches
- Best Overall: Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Watch
- Best Value: Garmin Forerunner 55 Running Watch
- Best Splurge: Garmin Fēnix 8 Running Watch
- Best for Road Navigation: Low battery life for a Garmin
- Best for Advanced Training: Garmin Forerunner 970 Running Watch
- Best Mid-Range Training: Garmin Forerunner 570 Running Watch
Up to 15 days
While you can get through your runs with nothing but a good pair of sneakers, wearing a running watch helps you follow a training plan, chart your progress, and stay in contact with loved ones if you’re going off-grid.
Even the most affordable modern smartwatches offer a far more robust range of stats and insights than the Best New Balance Shoes. Almost every new Garmin smartwatch features route tracking and a heart rate monitor. As the price of a watch goes up, you tend to get more features and data, some of it incredibly advanced—think blood oxygen sensors, music streaming, and GPS tracking so accurate that it can tell which side of the street you’re on. They also have a slew of high-tech bells and whistles, like the ability to display notifications from your phone, solar charging, and more.
New Kids on the Block: Forerunner 570 and 970
Garmin recently added two exciting new models to its lineup, the Forerunner 570 and 970. These watches boast Garmin’s brightest AMOLED displays to date, and introduce new quality of life features, like a built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands.
The Forerunner 970 also adds a built-in LED flashlight and advanced performance metrics like “running tolerance” and “running economy.” Running Reviews Editor Amanda Furrer recently tested both watches ahead of their official debut, putting them through their paces on real-world runs. I've recommended both watches based on that initial testing, and expect spend more time with them myself soon.
Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi, Voice
Garmin makes a lot of watches, and many of them have features specialized for specific kind of runners. The Fēnix Series, for example, has an altimeter, barometer, and highly accurate GPS, making it a favorite with trail runners and hiking enthusiasts. The Forerunner 965 and 265, on the other hand, take your road running to the next level with bright displays and easily operable buttons.
But Garmin is also well-known for delivering strong performance and design where running watches need to excel, including precise GPS systems, a lightweight feel, long-lasting battery life, and seamless integration with crucial third-party fitness apps like Strava and Runna. For users prioritizing health tracking and familiar routes, more affordable options offer detailed health data and customized workouts.
Garmin's strong performance also extends to its more technical features, including calculating advanced heart rate metrics like VO2 max, and data analysis features like its sleep and recovery score features.
While we think of them as running watches, most of Garmin's watches could be more broadly considered "outdoor watches" thanks to their Muti-sport workout support, high durability, and water resistance.
The Best Run/Walk Shoes Out Now
Picking the perfect Garmin watch is a tricky matter, given the sheer number of options they produce. We didn’t just scroll through spec sheets to make these recommendations, though: We laced up our shoes and hit the pavement, trails, and everything in between. To bring you the best recommendations, we tapped into Runner's World's network of running royalty, including our very own Runner-in-Chief, Jeff Dengate, and Running Reviews Editor, Amanda Furrer. They aren’t just gear reviewers; they live and breathe running.
How We Selected hundreds, of miles with most of these devices. (As I mentioned, I relied on Amanda's testing impressions of the Forerunner 570 and 970 for those recommendations.) We weren't afraid to get them dirty, either. These watches faced torrential downpours, trudged through snow-covered paths, and baked under the sweltering heat of long summer runs. Boardwalk? Check. Road races? Double-check.
But our testing didn't stop at simply running. We synced them with a variety of fitness apps like Strava, Ladder, and Runna, recorded a zillion different workouts, and wore them 24/7. Yes, we even slept with them on! We wanted to see how they integrated into our daily lives, not just our training sessions. This comprehensive, real-world approach ensures our recommendations are based on genuine experience and thorough testing, so you can trust that you’re getting the best Garmin watch for your needs.
Why Trust Us
At Runner’s World, we don’t just review gear; we live it. With decades of history serving the running community, we understand the unique needs of every runner, from beginners lacing up for their first mile to seasoned marathoners. Our commitment goes beyond casual interactions with the products. We’re dedicated to finding the best gear, meticulously testing each product in real-world conditions to ensure it meets our—and your—high standards.
Our team of experts, including Dengate, Furrer, and I, bring our extensive experience and passion for running to every review. We know that the right gear can make all the difference, and we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your individual running journey. We put in the miles, so you can trust our recommendations are grounded in genuine experience and a deep understanding of what runners truly need.
Full Reviews
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Watch
Pros
- Good battery life
- Nutrition - Weight Loss
- Tracks everything you need
- Charges quickly
- Comes in two sizes
Cons
- Health tracking lags behind newer models
- Screen could be brighter like the 970
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 13 days |
The Garmin Forerunner 265 isn’t just a running watch; it’s a comprehensive training wearable that will make you feel like you’re truly dialed in to your run. Plus, how often does the mid-range model get the “Best Overall” nod? If you’re looking to balance utility with your budget, you can’t do better.
The 265's bold AMOLED touchscreen display is your first clue to its quality. Its lightweight, 46mm design ensures it’s comfortable for all-day wear, and with up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode (and 20 hours in GPS mode), you’ll spend more time running and less time charging. It’s also available in a smaller model (42mm) that keeps the bells and whistles, but pares it down for smaller wrists.
What truly sets the Forerunner 265 apart is its data and guidance tailored to you. A detailed “Morning Report” includes an overview of your sleep, recovery, training outlook, HRV status, training readiness, and even the weather. Planning for a race? The Garmin Connect app allows you to input your race and course details, and the watch suggests personalized workouts to help you strategize and perform your best. These workouts even adapt based on your performance and recovery.
The “Training Readiness” score is a game-changer, combining data from sleep quality, recovery, training load, and HRV status to let you know if you’re primed to push hard or if you need to take it easy. With over 30 built-in activity profiles, including running, triathlons, cycling, and open-water swimming, this watch can handle all your fitness goals. And the “Training Status” feature offers insights into your overall effort, letting you know if you’re training productively, peaking, or pushing yourself too hard.
Furrer wears the 265S (the smaller version) and loves its performance, fit, and style. I love the standard 265’s lightweight design, and that it has tactile buttons in addition to the touchscreen so I don’t fumble my way through starting a workout or slow my training. We do wish the app was easier to navigate, but that’s been our primary quibble with Garmin for years now.
The combination of beautiful design, long battery life, personalized training guidance, and comprehensive data makes it a top-tier choice for runners of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this watch will help you achieve your goals and take your running to the next level.
Garmin Forerunner 55 Running Watch
Pros
- Great combination of price and utility
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Takes awhile to charge
- Miles of Ultra-Running Created this Bra
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Best Running Watches |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days |
Ready to take your fitness to the next level without feeling overwhelmed or, you know, broke? The Garmin Forerunner 55 is packed with fantastic features to make every workout a joy, and costs less than $250.
With a whopping 17 built-in activity profiles, you’re not just limited to running. Cycling, pool swimming, virtual running, Pilates, HIIT, and even breathing exercises—the Forerunner 55 has got you covered.
One of my fave bits is that you get suggested daily training workouts tailored to your current fitness level. No more guesswork or feeling like you’re doing too much or too little or that you’ve maybe gone too hard on the mimosa at brunch and your stats are lagging. Plus, if you’ve got your sights set on a 5k, 10k, or half marathon, Garmin provides free training plans to get you race-ready. It’s like having a coach whispering encouragement (and smart advice) in your ear.
The Forerunner 55 uses GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, meaning I was able to get incredibly accurate positioning, even when I was exploring areas I should’ve probably left to more coordinated folk. Combined with the built-in G-sensor, it tracks every move with precision. Features like PacePro, Finish Time, and Recovery Time help manage effort with precision.
The 1.04-inch display is clear and easy to read, and the whole package is lightweight and comfortable. In the box, you get everything you need: the Forerunner 55, a charging cable, and all the documentation you’ll inevitably ignore if you’re anything like me. Setting up is a breeze, and before you know it, you’ll be crushing your fitness goals with a smile on your face.
I do think it feels a bit clunky, design-wise, compared to the other watches on this list, but it’s a solid and very affordable option for new smartwatch users and anyone who'd rather spend more money on the important things... Like a new treadmill.
Garmin Fēnix 8 Running Watch
Pros
- Tons of off-road and iffy zone capabilities
- Truly multi-sport
- Nutrition - Weight Loss
Cons
- Very large
- Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi, Phone.
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Best Running Watches |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 18 days |
The Garmin Fenix 8 is an absolute powerhouse of a multi-sport GPS smartwatch, and a worthwhile investment for serious athletes and adventurers. From the moment you see it, the stunning 1.4-inch AMOLED display grabs your attention, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and framed by a robust titanium bezel. The added built-in LED flashlight is incredibly useful for nighttime activities.
Performance-wise, the Fenix 8 is in a class of its own. It’s designed to enhance every aspect of your fitness journey, with targeted strength training plans, real-time stamina tracking, and a comprehensive suite of built-in sports apps. Battery life is exceptional—though we could not achieve the 29 days Garmin claims it has in smartwatch mode, nor could we quite reach the 84 hours in GPS mode. We got damn close, though.
The training readiness score is especially notable for runners looking to up their game, giving you a snapshot of your body's preparedness based on sleep quality, recovery, training load, and HRV status. And leaning into the assistants popular in smartphones and watches nowadays, the built-in speaker and mic are super easy to operate, allowing for on-wrist phone calls and access to that voice assistant. It also has this really neat off-grid voice command feature that makes hitting desolate runs feel safer.
Its navigation is also next-level, to the point where my husband, who is an avid hiker and geocache enthusiast, basically made me promise he could keep it after I asked him to test it. It has multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology ensuring pinpoint accuracy, along with a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter.
The dynamic round-trip routing is fantastic for exploring new routes, and the 40-meter dive rating with leakproof metal buttons (they work on induction) opens up a whole new world of underwater activities.
While the Fenix 8 might come with a higher price tag, it’s undeniably packed with every top-tier Garmin feature imaginable. Yes, the advertised battery life may not always be fully achieved in real-world use, but what you’re getting is unparalleled durability, extensive personalization, and a device that will reliably support your fitness journey for years to come, especially if you’re someone who loves exploring dense trails and pushing your limits. The Garmin Fenix 8 is truly the ultimate multisport companion for runners with varying interests.
Garmin Forerunner 965 Running Watch
Pros
- Great battery life
- Lightweight and easy to wear
- original Forerunner 101
Cons
- Large face may overwhelm some wrists
- Only necessary for extreme training
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 23 days |
For ultramarathon runners and endurance athletes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is an exceptional tool designed to handle the rigors of extreme training. It features a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display, complemented by traditional buttons and a lightweight titanium bezel, striking a perfect balance between modern tech and reliable functionality.
As a result, it feels incredibly light on the wrist—though she is pretty dang big—making it comfortable for extended wear, which is critical during ultra-long runs, as anyone with sweaty wrists (me) will tell you.
The 965's comprehensive suite of health insights is a huge boon for ultra training. Its training readiness score, derived from sleep quality, recovery, training load, and HRV status, provides a clear understanding of your body’s ability to tackle intense workouts. This is crucial for ultra runners who often push their bodies to the limit. The morning report offers an overview of sleep, recovery, and training outlook, setting the stage for your day, while the training status feature helps you monitor overall effort, ensuring you’re training productively and avoiding overexertion.
The navigation is equally impressive, with full-color, built-in maps and multi-band GPS, ensuring you stay on course in any environment. I tried it all over, including in some really backwoods areas near Calicoon, New York, and it found me even there, where my phone doesn’t even work. That’s largely thanks to the multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology that jacks up accuracy while optimizing battery life.
For race planning, the Garmin Connect app allows you to input race details and receive personalized daily suggested workouts, with the race widget keeping you on track during the event. Plus, these workouts adapt based on your performance and recovery, providing tailored guidance. Admittedly, this area still needs help, as the app interface can be wonky, but it does work well once you get it down.
For multi-event athletes, switching between sports mid-workout is also seamless, with built-in profiles for triathlons and duathlons, or you can customize your own. Wrist-based running dynamics, including cadence, stride length, and running power, can help you and your running coach strategize training to get the most out of your body and your running.
Its most impressive attribute, though, is battery life: It lasts up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and an astounding 31 hours in GPS mode, ensuring that it stays with you through your longest runs and training blocks.
While the Garmin 965 is truly optimized for marathoners and above, providing insights that are particularly beneficial for those putting extreme stress on their bodies during training, it might be more than what’s necessary for those who routinely top out at half marathons or require less in-depth monitoring. But for ultra runners, the 965‘s robust feature set, exceptional battery life, and lightweight design make it an ideal companion for conquering any distance.
Garmin Forerunner 970 Running Watch
Pros
- The 5 Best Walking Pads for Your Home Office
- Menstrual tracking
- Tons of health monitoring
- Tactile buttons are easy to use
Cons
- Short battery life
- Strap feels really stretchy, may wear out over time
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi, Voice |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 15 days |
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is the latest addition to Garmin’s impressive lineup, and even though I haven't personally worn it for an extended period yet, Furrer's initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive, following a pre-release testing at an event in New York this spring.
Right off the bat, the standout feature has to be the new race time prediction element. This is a game-changer for runners who love to track their progress and strategize for upcoming events. It adds a level of personalized insight that we haven’t quite seen before, and we’re eager to spend more time digging into its accuracy and how it adapts to our training data.
This watch boasts Garmin’s brightest AMOLED display yet, making it incredibly easy to read in any lighting conditions—even beach running. Coupled with (my favorite) easy-to-operate button controls, navigating through the watch’s features is a breeze, no matter how hard your feet are slapping the pavement. The inclusion of a built-in speaker and microphone opens up new possibilities, allowing for calls and voice commands right from your wrist. I like that this isn’t just a convenience feature, but a safety feature that women in particular will gain a lot of confidence from.
The Forerunner 970 also introduces features like “running tolerance” and “running economy,” which speak to Garmin’s commitment to providing detailed performance metrics. These advanced insights are invaluable for runners looking to fine-tune their training and optimize their efficiency. The built-in LED flashlight is another cool touch, offering added visibility for early morning or late-night runs.
While we need more time to thoroughly test the battery life and delve into all the details of its performance metrics, what we’ve seen so far is incredibly promising. The Forerunner 970 appears to be another strong running watch from Garmin, packed with innovative features that cater to serious runners. If Furrer’s initial enthusiasm is any indication, this watch is definitely one to watch (pun intended). We’re looking forward to putting it through its paces and sharing a more in-depth review soon.
Garmin Forerunner 570 Running Watch
Pros
- Great colorways
- What to Consider
- Menstrual tracking
- Available in two two sizes
Cons
- Best Garmin Running Watches
- Expensive, given its feature-set
Key Specs
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi, Phone |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Strap feels really stretchy, may wear out over time |
This may sound silly, but the first thing that Furrer and I both agree on about the Forerunner 570 is that the colorways and overall design of this watch are just plain spiffy. Garmin has a history of fairly drab designs, especially in comparison to Apple and other smartwatch brands. The 570's ready to have a bit more fun, though, with colorful options like a raspberry watch face with a bone and mango band, or an indigo watch face with a translucent imperial purple band.
And, of course we love the training features of this watch. The race and course prediction metrics are arguably some of the coolest innovations Garmin has released in recent years. We're also both huge fans of the health tracking that pays special attention to things often overlooked in sports equipment, like how a person’s menstrual cycle may impact their training.
We haven’t put the 570 through every conceivable test just yet—there are still miles to be logged and data to dissect—but what we’ve experienced so far has us thinking this might be a dark horse contender. In fact, I think the Forerunner 570 could very well give the popular 265 a run for its money, or even become our go-to Garmin recommendation down the line. It’s cute, convenient, and has a lot going for it.
FAQs
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
