The 10 Best Garmin Watches On The Market Compared For 2024

The best Garmin watch can help you to track your fitness, monitor sleep, and even take contactless payments. And whether you’re looking for something stylish or sporty, Garmin watches offer an array of options to fit your lifestyle.

If you’re in the market for a new watch, you’re in the right place. We’ve compared the features and specs of the top ten Garmin watches, including the Garmin Fenix 7s Solar, the Garmin Forerunner 255, and the Gaming Venu. Read on to see which one comes out on top as the best Garmin watch.

The Top Garmin Watches to Buy in 2024

Garmin has been a leader in GPS and fitness-tracking technology for over 25 years. They offer a wide range of watches suitable for different activities, from running and cycling to golf and swimming.

After carefully reviewing the latest Garmin watches, we’ve concluded that the Garmin Fenix 7s Solar is the best overall due to its superior features and long battery life. Here are our top picks for the best Garmin watches to buy in 2024:

1. Garmin Fenix 7s Solar — Our top pick for the best Garmin watch. Never run out of battery with its solar charging capabilities. Whether you’re hiking or running laps, this rugged-looking watch has you covered.
2. Garmin Forerunner 255 — Get the most out of your music with this smartwatch. Source your tunes from your Spotify, Tidal, or Deezer account and enjoy 14 days of battery life.
3. Garmin Venu — Whether you’re going for a night out or a morning run, this watch is perfect. Its all-day health features and animated cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates workouts make it a great choice.
4. Garmin Vivoactive 4 — Great for features, which include a customizable watch face with free designs, Pulse Ox tracking, and the ability to download songs directly to your watch from streaming services for on-the-go entertainment.
5. Garmin Swim 2 — Perfect for swimmers who want to take their game up a notch, this smartwatch offers an open-water swim mode and pool swim mod that will help you track your progress as you finish each lap.
6. Garmin Instinct Solar — Get up to 54 days in smartwatch mode with the longest battery life of any of the watches on our list. Military-standard durability means you can play rough without worry while getting notifications from your phone on your wrist is just one of the wearable’s many capabilities.
7. Garmin Epix 2 — A luxurious model, combining a sapphire display with a titanium bezel and offering features such as Morning Report and Stress Tracking. Get all the data you need in one place.
8. Garmin Hybrid Smartwatch — For those looking for something more casual but still sophisticated, look no further than this hybrid smartwatch. Real watch hands combined with elegant colors create an eye-catching accessory that can’t be ignored.
9. Garmin Vívosmart 4 — Need something sleek yet powerful? This compact activity tracker is perfect for keeping tabs on notifications, music control, stress level tracking, sleep analysis, and more.
10. Garmin Approach S10 — Golfers rejoice… This Garmin GPS golfing smartwatch provides yardages so you know exactly how far away the green is, plus, you can keep score on the watch and get a summary of your round before uploading it to Garmin Express later on.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Garmin Watch for You 

Results from a recent survey revealed that an overwhelming majority of smartwatch users (57%) began to exercise more frequently after buying fitness wearables such as Garmin watches. So, if you’re looking to get a smartwatch and get fit in the process, then choosing the best Garmin watch for you is essential.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a Garmin watch that meets your needs:

Sport

The first thing you should consider when selecting a Garmin watch is what sport or activity it will be used for. Different types of sports require different features from a watch, and there are many specialized models designed just for specific activities such as running, swimming, cycling, or golfing.

Consider what type of activity you intend to use it for and whether you might need a Garmin GPS watch for running or a general Garmin fitness watch.

Budget

The next factor to consider is your budget. Garmin watches come at a variety of price points, and it’s important to select one that fits your budget. You don’t have to break the bank to get a good watch, but you should think about what features are most important for you before making a purchase.

Durability 

Durability is also an important factor when selecting a Garmin watch. Some models are designed with rugged construction and waterproofing so they can withstand harsh conditions. In contrast, other models may not be as durable and could be damaged if exposed to water or knocked about. Consider your lifestyle when deciding on the level of durability you need in a watch.

Design 

To accommodate diverse preferences, the brand offers a wide range of designs, including Garmin watches for men, with rugged designs, elegant, feminine options, and versatile gender-neutral choices.

Battery Life 

The battery life of a smartwatch is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan on using it for extended periods or in areas with limited access to charging ports. Look for watches with longer battery lives that will last through multiple activities without needing to be recharged.

Features 

When choosing a Garmin watch, features should also be taken into account. Different models come with different feature sets, such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and step counting, so make sure you select a model with features that meet your needs.

Reviews of the Best Watches from Garmin

With the number of smartwatch users estimated to reach an impressive 229.51 million by 2027, the wearable devices are becoming ever more popular. It’s essential to make an informed decision to find the right smartwatch for you, though. Among the top contenders in the market, Garmin stands out with its renowned GPS technology and commitment to quality.

In this section, we provide a comprehensive review of the best watches from Garmin, considering factors such as features, design, performance, and value for money.

1. Garmin Fenix 7s Solar — Best Overall Garmin Watch

The Garmin Fenix 7s Solar is the best overall Garmin watch for all types of activities. It’s actually made for smaller wrists, but it comes with all the features of its predecessors in a more discreet, lighter package.

From health and wellness to sports and outdoor activities, this watch is a great choice for everyone. It comes with a Power Glass solar charging lens and a long-lasting 11-day battery life.

The solar charging lens helps to keep the battery charged for longer. This is especially useful if you love spending time outdoors and don’t want to worry about having to charge your watch every couple of days.

With this feature, you can get up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with an additional three days when solar charging, and there’s no need to worry about remembering where you left your charger.

This Garmin solar watch also comes with many other features that make it stand out from other Garmin watches. For starters, the design is lightweight and compact while being rugged and durable enough to handle any activity. In addition, it has onboard music storage for up to 500 songs, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and advanced navigation features like Topo maps and ski maps.

All these features make the Garmin Fenix 7s Solar one of the best smartwatch wearables. The only downside is that it costs slightly more than other Garmin watches due to the extra features included – but you do get the best Garmin watch available today.

2. Garmin Forerunner 255 — Workout While Enjoying Your Favorite Tunes

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a smartwatch built for fitness enthusiasts. There are two versions – the regular model and the music edition. The latter has the ability to store up to 500 songs, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes while running or in the gym.

Whenever you need a break from your routine, you can simply switch up your playlist and get back to your workout with new energy. The features don’t stop there, however.

Playing music through your phone with earphones while working out can be distracting. Having to sort out earphone cords and then hear phone notifications from your device can take away from the intensity of your workout.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 takes care of this problem by giving you a way to store songs with its music edition. This allows you to listen to your favorite tunes while running or at the gym without having to worry about carrying around extra devices or thinking about battery life.

Moreover, the Forerunner 255 is known for its lightweight and long-lasting battery life. Weighing only 49 g, it’s one of the lightest Garmin watches available today and offers 14 days of battery life on a single charge. This makes it perfect for the fitness enthusiast who needs a watch that can keep up with their daily routine.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music Edition is one of the best Garmin watches available, and it has all the features you need in a fitness-tracking device for daily use.

3. Garmin Venu — An Impeccable AMOLED Display

The Garmin Venu is a head-turning smartwatch that features an AMOLED display. Whether you’re under the sun or in a dark room, it will offer crisp details and vibrant colors.

Made from Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the display is protected from scratches and everyday wear. AMOLED displays on watches are rare, and Garmin Venu makes sure you get the best of it. What makes it even better is that the display has a bezel-less design, allowing you to see more of what’s on the screen and less of the watch itself.

The Venu also comes with an array of animated cardio, strength, yoga, and Pilates workouts that are easy to follow. You don’t have to worry about struggling with any complicated movements. Plus, the all-day health monitoring feature tracks your heart rate, stress levels, and sleep so you can stay on top of your health.

Compared to other watches in its price range, the Garmin Venu has everything you need for an active lifestyle. It’s lightweight and comfortable enough to wear every day without feeling too bulky. The only downside is that its AMOLED display eats up a lot of battery life, so you’ll need to charge it more often.

4. Garmin Vivoactive 4 — Best Workout Buddy, with Pulse Ox Tracker

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 is an upgrade from Garmin’s Vivomove series and comes with more sophisticated features. It has an improved design, longer battery life, and improved Pulse Ox technology, which can track your blood oxygen levels while you work out.

It’s the ultimate workout buddy for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartwatch. The stylish design will make you feel great while out on runs or at the gym, while its intuitive touchscreen control makes it easy to access all the features right away.

This Garmin smartwatch is one of the first of its line to get the Pulse Ox technology, which helps to measure oxygen levels in your blood. It’s a great feature for those looking for an extra edge when it comes to their workouts and monitoring their health.

Pulse Ox allows you to monitor your oxygen saturation levels and can be used in a variety of ways, from helping you to understand better how well your body is doing while working out or even as an early warning system for potential health issues.

Another great feature of the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is its array of free watch faces — allowing you to customize your watch with styles that fit any occasion. It will show you all the information you need at a glance, including your step count, calories burned, and more.

This watch is also one of the best Garmin watches for women’s health tracking. With the Garmin Connect app, you can track your menstrual cycle or pregnancy and get helpful information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For only $269.51, this is a well-rounded smartwatch that will keep track of your health and help you reach your fitness goals.

5. Garmin Swim 2 — Made For Swimmers

The Garmin Swim 2 is the perfect choice for swimmers. It’s packed with features that make tracking your performance and progress easier than ever.

Swim modes, open water tracking, and swim-specific metrics make this watch a must-have for any serious swimmer. And whether you’re just getting started or you’re an experienced swimmer, the Garmin Swim 2 can help you reach your goals.

Swimmers everywhere can now benefit from the Garmin Swim 2’s comprehensive tracking features. From Pool Swimming to Open Water Swimming modes, this watch offers metrics to track every aspect of your performance.

Pool swimmers can track lengths, distance, pace, stroke count, swim efficiency (SWOLF), and calories burned. Open water swimmers will love the ability to track distance, pace, stroke count/rate, stroke distance, and swim efficiency (SWOLF).

The Garmin Swim 2 also includes Stroke Type Detection for Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly, allowing you to easily distinguish between different strokes. This is seriously beneficial for swimmers who are looking to improve their technique and efficiency.

Compared to other watches, the Garmin Swim 2 offers comprehensive tracking features that are easy to use and understand. However, it lacks a couple of important features, such as touchscreen capability and storage for music or podcasts.

The Garmin Swim 2 hybrid smartwatch is a great choice for swimmers and can be purchased for $249.95.

6. Garmin Instinct Solar — Longest Battery Life

The Garmin Instinct Solar is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and long-lasting outdoor companion. Its long battery life – up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode with solar charging capabilities – means you can go further and stay out longer.

The rugged design ensures it can handle any terrain or weather conditions while its built-in sensors provide detailed activity tracking. Additionally, it comes preloaded with multiple sports profiles so you can monitor your performance more accurately.

And forget about having to charge your watch every day. With the Garmin Instinct Solar, you can get up to 54 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode – all with solar charging capabilities. This makes it perfect for outdoor adventurers who want to stay out longer without worrying about their watch dying on them.

The Instinct Solar is also built tough, meeting military standard 810G durability requirements, so you can play rough without worry. Its fiber-reinforced polymer case and chemically-strengthened glass are designed to take a beating, so you can keep exploring.

Plus, the design comes in bold colors. It’s not just the best Garmin watch for men but also for women looking for a stylish watch that can stand up to the elements. Choose between standard and tactical models, with the latter featuring stealthier colors and a night-vision-compatible display.

It also comes preloaded with multiple sports profiles so you can monitor your performance more accurately. Notifications from your phone go straight to your wrist, allowing you to stay connected without having to pick up your device via Bluetooth or ANT+. You can even use it for navigation thanks to its built-in GPS as well as GLONASS and Galileo satellite systems.

For the price of $299.99, the Garmin Instinct Solar has all the features you need to stay safe and connected in any terrain or weather condition.

7. Garmin Epix 2 — Luxury Watch That’s Built To Last

The Garmin Epix 2 is a stylish and durable timepiece that packs a punch. Its stainless steel bezel and sapphire glass make it look luxurious, while the solar charging capability adds to its practicality. It offers great build quality with a modern look.

It’s one of the best Garmin watches for running, working out, and outdoor activities. As one of Garmin’s top-of-the-line models, it’s equipped with a 416 x 416 pixel AMOLED display, which offers superior visibility and clarity even in direct sunlight. It’s one of the clearest and most vibrant displays on a Garmin watch.

And it has all the health and smart features you need, with the addition of an innovative Health Snapshot, a custom Garmin heart rate monitor feature that tracks your resting heart rate, sleep stages, and stress levels over a period of time. This allows you to gain a better understanding of your overall health and well-being.

The watch also has Morning Report via Garmin Connect, which gives you a summary of your workout data from the previous day, along with any notifications or messages that were received while you were sleeping.

It offers three case sizes-42mm, 47mm, and 51mm-so you can find one that best fits your wrist. Additionally, the Garmin Epix 2 can be purchased in 4 different edition-release: Standard, Sapphire, Pro Standard, and Pro Sapphire.

The only downside of the Garmin Epix 2 is its price. It’s currently priced at $899.99, which is a bit expensive and may be out of reach for some consumers. Nevertheless, many people consider it Garmin’s best smartwatch for Android and iPhone users alike.

8. Garmin Hybrid Smartwatch — Sophisticated Everyday Watch

The Garmin Hybrid Smartwatch combines the classic look of an analog watch with all the modern features of a smartwatch.

With its sleek design, it looks like a traditional wristwatch, but it provides you with notifications, tracking capabilities, and more. The battery life is impressive – its smartwatch mode can last up to five days and for an additional week when in watch mode.

The Garmin Hybrid Smartwatch solves the problem of having to choose between a traditional analog watch and a smartwatch. With its combination of features, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – classic design and modern technology.

The hidden display is incredibly convenient. It’s only visible when you need it, so your watch won’t be cluttered with notifications all the time. We also love that this watch comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to find one that suits your style perfectly.

But it’s not all about looks – this watch also offers sleep, heart, hydration, and stress-tracking capabilities. So, you can wear this with your regular outfit and stay on top of your health.

This is perfect for those who want a watch that looks good but also provides an essential Garmin fitness tracker. However, compared to other Garmin watches, this one lacks features such as music storage and a GPS watch feature for running. But that’s a small sacrifice to make for the convenience of having a hybrid smartwatch with an incredibly long battery life for only $180.76.

9. Garmin Vívosmart 4 — Sleek and Compact

The Garmin Vívosmart 4 is a small but powerful smartwatch with a sleek and compact design, which makes it the best Garmin watch for women. It’s classified as a “wearable” more than a watch, but its features are far from basic. And despite its small size, the Garmin Vívosmart 4 is packed with features.

The slim design allows for a comfortable fit on any wrist while still featuring stylish metal accents and a bright, easy-to-read display. This makes it perfect for tracking your fitness progress and staying connected throughout the day. It also offers advanced sleep monitoring to help users get better rest and stress tracking to ensure that they are in balance.

The Garmin Vívosmart 4 allows users to stay connected with vibration alerts for all notifications, including calls and text messages. The ability to respond directly from the watch for Android device users – for example,e with Samsung phones – adds an extra layer of convenience and can be especially useful when you’re on the go.

However, the Vivosmart is classified as a fitness tracker more than a watch, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for something with lots of features and functionality.

10. Garmin Approach S10 — Best Golf Watch

If you’re an avid golfer looking for a reliable and accurate watch to improve your game, then look no further than the Garmin Approach S10. This outstanding golf watch offers precise yardage readings with over 41,000 preloaded courses worldwide. Hitting a great shot on the golf course requires precise yardage readings, which is exactly what the Garmin Approach S10 provides.

With over 41,000 courses preloaded worldwide, you can easily get accurate distances to the front, back, and middle of the green – as well as hazards and doglegs – from any tee box or fairway. The watch also features an easy-to-view display that allows you to quickly read your yardage.

Its square 1″ display, which is similar to an Apple watch, is highly visible to the eye, even in direct sunlight. You can quickly read your yardage without having to squint or worry about glare. The Garmin Approach S10 also features a convenient “AutoShot” round analyzer that tracks the distance and accuracy of each shot you take across up to four rounds.

The AutoShot round analyzer allows you to review and analyze your performance after each game. This is an excellent feature for golfers looking to improve their skills as it records shot distances, helps identify strengths and weaknesses, and even shows trends, allowing you to track your progress over time.

The only downside of the Garmin Approach S10 is that it doesn’t come with a heart rate monitor or other fitness tracking features like some other Garmin running watches.

Garmin Watch Comparison Overview

The vast majority of smartwatch owners – 92% – use the device for health and fitness purposes. Garmin is one of the leading manufacturers of smartwatches, offering a wide range of options for various uses. So if you’re planning to buy, you’ll want to check out this table to compare Garmin watches and their key features.

Using Garmin Connect

You can use Garmin Connect to enhance fitness tracking and monitor on the go, as well as to access features like Garmin Coach. Follow these simple steps:

1. Download and install the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone from the respective app store (Android or iOS).
2. Launch the Garmin Connect app and either create a new account or sign in if you already have one.
3. Ensure that your smartphone is within 10 meters (33 feet) of your Garmin device and power on the device.
4. If the Garmin device is not in pairing mode, press the UP button on the device to access the menu.
5. Navigate through the menu and select the “Phone” option, then choose “Pair Phone” to manually enter pairing mode.
6. On your smartphone, follow the instructions provided by the Garmin Connect app to complete the pairing process.
7. The app will search for nearby Garmin devices. When it detects yours, select it from the list.
8. Confirm the pairing request on both your smartphone and Garmin device to establish the connection.

Explore the features of Garmin Connect, such as tracking your progress, viewing detailed information about your runs and bike rides, and analyzing your sleep data.

You can access Garmin Connect not only through the smartphone app but also via the web service for added convenience.

Conclusion – Which is the Best Garmin Watch to Buy in 2024?

Although every make and model of Garmin watch has its own set of features and benefits, the best for most people in 2024 is the Garmin Fenix 7s Solar. It’s an all-in-one smartwatch that has powerful tracking capabilities, a long battery life, and comes with support for solar charging – and it’s rated to be the best Garmin running watch available.

All in all, it offers great value considering its features and functionality. It’s great for both fitness enthusiasts and those looking for an everyday smartwatch.

Garmin Watch FAQs