10 Best Garmin Watches for Running and Sports Reviewed
If you are a runner you know how much technology can change the game for you. Running watches nowadays will let you track your miles, monitor your heart rate, and even keep track of your blood oxygen levels. The best Garmin running GPS watches will keep you on the right path and help you reach those long-term goals you have been working so hard to achieve.
The best part about these Garmin watches for runners, however, is that they don't have to be just for runners. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, or an avid hiker or athlete, you will love our list of the top 10 best Garmin running watches—check them out below!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
No one wants to deal with a product that’s so complicated that they can’t navigate the programming. At the same time, it’s important to make sure that your Garmin Watch can do everything that you need it to do. A lot of people enjoy products that have all of the bells and whistles, but some people really value simplicity. We looked at the features on each of these watches and measured them against usability and ease-of-use. The last thing anyone wants to do is stop mid-run to activate GPS tracking or to switch up their music.
A lot of people have gotten used to using their smartphones or compact music players to entertain them while they jog. If this is something that’s important to you, make sure to check out the capabilities of your Garmin Watch. A lot of them are able to hold a decent sized playlist and allow you to navigate it easily. Make sure that you’re not buying high-end technology just to have it, and that all of the features will appeal to your needs.
Being able to measure your progress with the touch of a button is a great way to motivate yourself. A lot of people have a difficult time getting out every day and sticking to their workout routine. The Garmin Watch puts your progress right in front of you and lets you see how your body’s reacting to your runs. Having a heart rate monitor is the best way to see whether or not you’re reaching your target for cardio and can make it easier to measure the peak times during your workout. A GPS tracker provides you with an exact measurement of how far you’re going and can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your workout program.
Take a look at the options offered by the Garmin watch that you’re considering. See if they can be customized to include or exclude features that you don’t particularly need. Part of having a really good workout program is having the ability to customize it for your needs.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is a must if you live or run in an area with high humidity or high rainfall. Now if you think that doesn’t apply to you consider that there are other circumstances where this sort of structural integrity could be useful. Post gym showering means you won’t have to store your expensive equipment in a locker.
Also water resistant doesn’t mean just water, it applies also to moist conditions. Some people have issues with excessive perspiration and having a watch that won’t break simply because you sweat a lot is worth your consideration.
It’s not a secret, that the rainy days happen. In some areas, rain is a rarity, in the others, this is something normal. We know that there are people who enjoy running in the rain but most of us want to stay at home. Does it mean we need to resign because of the downpour? Not if we have a treadmill. We know from our experience that some options of particular watches work only outdoor. This is why you need to check it.
Use
Additional features and options may be a really cool thing but there’s one more thing to consider- will I be able to learn how to use it in a short time. You may know the feeling when you receive the new product and you want to test it immediately but at first, you must read hundreds of pages of instruction. Nobody likes to read the instruction all day. Garmin products aren’t very difficult in use but it really depends on the person. The other problems may appear when you want to connect your smartphone or you want to use a special training program.
We recommend reading the instructions first. If you plan to buy this type of watch as a gift for your mom or dad, think whether they will enjoy using it or they will be more nervous as it will be too complicated for them. Also for many adults, using the watch may be hard at the beginning but don’t give up. On Garmin’s website, you can find videos with instructions and everything should be clear after watching these videos.
Its less about having a battery that lasts a long time for the point of use. It is doubtful you will have to run or use the watch for 14 to 24 hours straight. The point of extended battery life is so that anytime you live your wrist to utilize the watch it will be available and on. Long battery life is so you can take your off to charge at night, put it on when you wake up and be good to go for the rest of the day. We select watches with longer battery life because the convenience of this sort of accessibility is now a standard and no longer really an option.
Responsiveness
Several aspects can go into the design of a GPS watch and its display to maximize visibility and minimize things that would hinder it. Specialized screens that reduce the glare that comes from running in bright sunlight. Have a large enough display can help those who have sight issues or aiding in a situation where seeing is difficult.
Many watches also come with a backlight, making it easily readable if you choose to go running at night. Some watches also offer the option to have a customizable color for the backlight. Being able to read the watch you are utilizing is the most essential aspect of a watch, so only watches that should have little to no issues with regards to readability are available on this list.
We won’t lie if we tell that music is one of the most important parts of the running. Most of us use music to make the running more exciting. Music decides about the pace. It also makes us more motivated, especially when we listen to our favorite songs.
Whenever we feel tired, music gives as more energy and without these songs, most of us wouldn’t run as often as we do. That’s why you need to care about the music and there’s the option to control it only by using your watch. This is really helpful as you don’t need to change the song on your smartphone as long as you have your Garmin on your wrist.
Style
Even if your watch has many cool options but it has strange design, the probability that you will enjoy it less is very high. Garmin is a good brand if you search for stylish watches. They offer special bends that can be changed so you don’t need to buy a new watch, you just change the bend. There are many color options you can choose from- who said that the watch must be black?
You should look at your wrist and you can ever measure it with ruler. Let’s say that display screen is 48 mm. See how big it is comparing to your wrist. Bulky watches look terribly especially when you’re woman. What about colorful display? It is much more readable and it’s not boring. You need also think about the width of the band- do you want wide or narrow one? We know that some people also pay attention to the buttons, for example- Garmin Forerunner 235 has buttons around the dial but some people don’t like it.
Best Garmin Running Watches
1. Forerunner 55
If you are looking for a more affordable Garmin running watch, you will love this one! Don't let its cost-effectiveness fool you though, this one also has a great GPS feature that you can trust. And there are a lot of reasons why we consider it the best Garmin watch for running. Read more about the specs below!
Read moreFeatures
You can also control the music easily with this Garmin running watch. You don’t need to upload data to Garmin connect as the watch does it for you. In this way, you can share your goals and compare your achievements with friends and family.
Water Resistance
This one is water resistant, but not waterproof like other watches on this list.
Use
It measures calories and pace to provide more running motivation. There’s also walk mode and your Garmin running watch will inform you when you should slow down and walk, but it also will tell you when to start run again. You can also download other applications that Garmin offers.
Responsiveness
While checking your heart rate, you don’t need any additional strap. Special alters vibrate to inform you about for example running prompts.
Style
If you want Garmin sport watch that is minimalistic but still modern, you will love this one.
2. Fenix 5x Plus
While this is one of the priciest, it's also one of the best Garmin running watches and you will find it is a great investment. So if you are looking for something you can use in the long run, whether it's to increase your PR's or just to keep you motivated, then this may be a great for you--if you don't mind the hefty price tag.
Read moreFeatures
This Garmin running watch offers a GPS, so you never have to worry about getting lost. The TOPO tech it offers ensures you don’t get lost—but that’s not all. This running watch also offers a heart rate monitor and blood oxygen tracker.--so if you want to take on higher elevations this is a great option to consider.
Water Resistance
This running watch offers water resistance, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet. It is also abrasion and scratch resistance—which makes it a perfect option for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as well.
Use
This is a perfect option for runners, but especially for runners who like to hit the trails. It is a great option for those of you who like to hike up steeper terrain and even comes with an altimeter so you can keep track of your elevation.
Responsiveness
This Garmin running watch is really responsive, and its GPS is reliable and designed to keep you in the right direction. This watch also has an altimeter that easily adjusts to your elevation levels so you can track everything as you go.
Style
Since this Garmin running watch offers several different band colors to choose from you will have some options. The watch’s face is also sleek and modern—so it isn’t to clunky or bulky.
3. Fenix 3
One of the best running Garmin watches: the Garmin Fenix 3. It's perfect for running but will also work well when it comes to swimming. There’s even a bonus ski-board mode. Read more about the interesting functions of this watch!
Read moreFeatures
This Garmin sport watch offers 4 different modes to choose from—the one you choose will determine its overall battery life. When the GPS node is in use your watch will last 20 hours, then your UltraTrack mode is in use your Garmin sport watch will last 50 hours, and its lowest mode setting will allow it to last for up to 6 weeks! It also has an altimeter, barometer, and compass—and best of all it also has WiFi connectivity.
Water Resistance
When it comes to water resistance this is a good one for those of you who swim and train in the water. It is built to last and designed to be really water resistant.
Use
If you want a Garmin sport watch with an additional feature you will love that this one can track your speed, heart rate, and cadence. It also has a race predictor mode, a recovery advisor, and a timer.
Responsiveness
Thanks to the use of an EXO Antenna, this Garmin sport watch is able to accurately ensure you always know exactly where you are, and it automatically adjusts as you go along.
Style
This Garmin running watch features a sporty design, although its still looks sleek and modern—and not too bulky.
4. Forerunner 735XT
The 735XT is the lightest weight multisport Garmin fitness watch, which seems like a small thing, but really isn't in the scheme of things. This one allows multisport capabilities which are supported by the 735XT include running, cycling, swimming, hiking, paddle sports, and cardio training.
Read moreFeatures
Monitor your heart rate around the clock, with no extra gear required. There are a ton of features that can be accessed through Garmin fitness watch Connect. Some of those include detailed live tracking, music control, smart notifications and even access to social media sharing. You can also get all of your notifications from your smartphone, which is really great and is becoming more of a standard with these types of devices. Ultimately, this fitness watch offers all of the necessary and critical tools that can be crucial to effective training.
Water Resistance
Since this running watch allows for multisport training, you can also use it to swim. It is completely water-resistant and can be submerged and exposed to water for long periods of time. It will also continue to track your athletic activity when its wet and while you are swimming.
Use
This is a perfect Garmin fitness watch for all types of athletes. You can use this watch to track your running, cycling, swimming, and hiking activities. On top of that, this watch will track your steps as well as any other sport or athletic activities you partake in.
Responsiveness
This Garmin sport watch is pretty responsive—it has to be given how many different activities it is able to track
Style
If you want something sporty and minimalistic, this is the perfect watch for you. You won’t be turning heads with this one because it isn’t designed to be super stylish—but it is definitely really functional.
5. Forerunner 235
The number two spot on our list goes to Garmin's Forerunner 235. The Forerunner series is one of the most popular choices in fitness and training watches around. This is partly due to its overall functionality and ease of use. It even seems that the Forerunner is part of many runner's standard kits for training.
Read moreFeatures
Read emails, text messages, alerts, reminders and much more when you pair the Forerunner 235 with your compatible smartphone. Want some help with your training? Receive audio prompts about laps and other tracking alerts regarding your training session.
Water Resistance
This Garmin running watch is water-resistant and can be used with water sports. it will track all of your activities, even your swimming.
Use
The battery life is pretty decent too. You can get up to 12 weeks out of a battery while operating in watch mode, but just 12 hours while used in training mode.
Responsiveness
Starting with heart rate monitoring, keep track 24/7 for accurate data. And on the screen? It's a lot bigger than most other brands and models.
Style
This sleek and minimalistic Garmin fitness watch will look great with anything you wear--so you can wear it 24/7 no matter where you are.
6. Vívoactive 3
When you want a good Garmin running watch to record your routes, vitals, and that also offers good GPS tracking you cannot go wrong with the Garmin Vivoactive 3 running watch.
Read moreFeatures
We made sure to look for Garmin running watches that have the features you want and need such as being comfortable, durable, affordable, and stylish. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 watch is all of this and it also has much more to offer as well!
Water Resistance
For advanced features, this GPS Garmin running watch is water-resistant, static resistant, and holds up well against impacts from drops and scratches from outdoor running and explorations. It is perfect for the outdoor runner who loves exploration!
Use
This Garmin sport watch can be used to track routes and log information such as miles ran, elevations, locations, and much more. It is a useful tool for any runner to have for their health and wellness tracking, making it easier to record and reach goals and milestones.
Responsiveness
With the Garmin Vivoactive 3 running GPS watch you can get up to 7 days of use per battery charge when used in normal tracking mode and 12-13 hours of batter life per charge when used in GPS mode.
Style
This Garmin running watch has a very sleek and stylish look to it that makes it easy to wear with every day attire as well as for times when you want something a little fancier. It can be easily worn all day long if needed for optimal convenience and maximum usage.
7. Instinct
The Instinct GPS watch by Gamin is a great choice for any runner or athlete who wants an added boost to their workout and fitness routine. It is a great watch that has a ton of cool features and is designed to last!
Read moreFeatures
This is a Garmin running watch that has everything you are looking for in a good reliable running watch. It tracks time, distance, and location with a high degree of accuracy which is important for many runners today. It is also comfortable to wear and stylish to boot!
Water Resistance
The Instinct GPS watch by Gamin is not short on advanced features either as it is shock and water-resistant making it great for outdoor excursions and can also handle the bumps and drops and scratches that commonly occur with a lot of wear and tear and use.
Use
There are multiple applications and practical uses for this Garmin running watch from basic timekeeping to logging distance and vital to recording logs of performance, distance, and GPS locations for review at a later time. Any runner will find many ways to use this watch daily!
Responsiveness
You get up to 14 days of continuous use in watch mode on one battery charge and up to 16 hours in GPS mode on a single battery charge, which makes the Instinct GPS watch by Gamin a smart choice for any runner looking for a reliable Garmin running watch.
Style
Like most things made by Garmin, this Garmin sport watch is stylish and easy to wear all day every day, whether you are running or not which make sit easy to take advantage of all of its great features to ensure you get your money’s worth out of this investment!
8. Approach S20
The Approach S20 is a smart choice for any runner and it's really the best Garmin watch for running when it comes to durability and reliability. This Garmin sport watch will hold up to the work and play of the golfing greens!
Read moreFeatures
This watch has great features that make it easy to wear and use day in and day out. It is comfortable and stylish while also being easy to wear for work or play or for working out. It also includes features like a streamlined display and great overall design.
Water Resistance
The Approach S20 by Garmin is not lacking in special features either as it is durable and designed to resist scratching and cracking of the watch face. It has an easy to read display and user-friendly controls and programing. It is also water and shock resistant too!
Use
The Approach S20 Garmin sport watch can be used for working out and training, for avid runners and nature loves, and anyone who knows how to work and play hard day in and day out. No matter what your needs are, if you want a smartwatch this is one to carefully consider.
Responsiveness
This Garmin watch features a battery life of 3 weeks per charge when used as a smartwatch and in GPS tracking mode you get 8 hours of use per charge. This is not as much as some on this list but it is still a good choice for golfers and active individuals of all types.
Style
The Approach S20 by Garmin is more than a practical watch it is also a stylish one! With a sleek and elegant look you will be wanting to show off this beauty to everyone you meet, so if you want a Garmin sport watch that can look great and help you with your runs then consider this one!
9. Forerunner 935 GPS
This Garmin watch is a great choice for runners. The Forerunner 935 GPS Watch is one of the smaller models on this list and is lightweight, which makes it an excellent option for people who find larger Garmin designs unappealing. This is an accurate and efficient watch that can easily meet all the needs of an active runner.
Read moreFeatures
The 935 has a lot of customizable features and options to use with your compiled information as well as a large easily readable screen that makes the information accessible to everyone no matter the situation or condition. The only drawback of this particular model is that some of its users had syncing issues between their watch and their phone.
Water Resistance
This Garmin running watch is actually completely waterproof, so you don't have to worry about any water damage. You can use it in the rain or for waterproof and it will still accurately track your data.
Use
This Garmin running watch functions as an activity tracker that you can use for all of your athletic endeavors. This one will track your running, hiking, swimming, and so much more!
Responsiveness
The Garmin Forerunner 935 GPS watch is the watch to choose if you are invested in accurate and comprehensive recordings of not only your running statistics but also your vitals, the 935 containing a 24/7 heart rate monitor. The 935’s battery life also matches its users' extensive recording needs.
Style
Overall the Garmin Forerunner 935 GPS watch is a strong performer in terms of information and accuracy and comes recommended to the runner who is interested in a sleek and customizable GPS Garmin running watch.
10. Vívoactive HR GPS
The Vivoactive HR Garmin running watch one of the brand’s most popular products. It offers functional features that will ensure that you get a ton of additional bonuses that will help you reach your goals. If you are looking for an innovative, tech-savvy watch that will track all of your activities then you will definitely love this one.
Read moreFeatures
The screen on this running watch is really easy to read, even when it is really bright outside—which is really important since it won’t do you much good if you can’t see the screen. This watch will also track your progress and allow you to set your own goals. It is can be paired to your smartphone and you can receive your notifications directly on it.
Water Resistance
This Garmin running watch is waterproof and works well for all activities.
Use
Whether you are a road runner or like to get off the beaten path, you will love this Garmin running watch. It offers accurate GPS navigation that will prevent you from getting lost—and if you run your watch on GPS mode your watch will still last for up to 13 hours, so just keep that in mind if you decide to go with this watch.
Responsiveness
This Garmin running watch is really responsive, and the GPS is spot on and extremely accurate when it comes to location tracking. It always adjusts as you go along, so you never have to worry about an inaccurate map.
Style
If you want a stylish Garmin fitness watch, you will love this one. It is sleek and modern, and it goes with absolutely everything you wear.
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