Buy Garmin Running Watch ((LINK))
Ultimately, we landed on the 21 contenders that were the most road-running-specific or that offered multi-sport functions (typically including swimming and biking for a triathlete). All of the watches we tested had onboard heart-rate monitoring and a street price under $600. We opted not to test more mountaineering- or trail-oriented watches, which offer some similar features but have advanced navigation and additional sensors for elevation detection. Those models seemed unnecessary for anyone working toward a half-marathon or marathon and doing most of their training runs and races on paved roads.
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We took each watch for a run, noting the visibility of the display, as well as how easy it was to start and stop a workout, insert a manual lap, and find the data we wanted to see at a glance. We gave a watch bonus points if we could customize its face and data screens, and we also favored good looks and readability.
We also dug into the apps, reviewing how data appeared and how easy it was to find what we were looking for, whether it was a running metric or how to change a setting. We also noted whether we needed to use the manual or Google to figure out how to set up a feature or customize a setting.
Also, while Chris ran with each watch separately, he compared the distance recorded with a race-course distance (a certified half-marathon, for example) or with known-distance routes he runs regularly with Team Red Lizard in Portland.
Accurate heart-rate tracking during a workout can help you estimate your effort, as long as you set your max heart rate manually and accurately in your device settings, rather than just relying on an age-based estimate (which most watches use by default). Further, these watches use that data to inform other metrics, such as estimated VO2 max and recommended recovery time between workouts.
Forerunner 255 series watches come in two sizes (41 mm and 46 mm), as well as the Forerunner 255 Music. We tested the 41-mm Forerunner 255S Music and believe the 255 series will please a variety of runners who want dependable on-the-run data and handy smartwatch features like notifications and the ability to sync to your calendar.
The Forerunner 255 includes triathlon and multisport support, optional multi-band GPS (for increased accuracy), and a longer battery life: 14 days in smartwatch mode for the 46-mm size (which is twice that of its predecessor) and 12 days in smartwatch mode for the 41-mm size. After two full days of wear (including a run), the battery dropped to 79%.
The Forerunner 255S Music performed exceptionally well in our heart-rate assessments. On the run, its five, traditionally placed control buttons are easy to access and we appreciate its clear data screens showing real-time metrics. (The Forerunner 255 does not measure running power, as the Coros Pace 2 does.) The majority of our runs with the Forerunner 255S Music deviated from our control distance by less than 2%. For a 10K race, the watch came in one-tenth of a mile over the distance; on a 4.04-mile measured loop in Central Park, it registered .03 of a mile more than the distance. The Forerunner 255 is comfortable enough to wear all day and night; it tracked our sleep reasonably well. The watch impressed less on all-day step counts, inflating the step totals while worn on both our non-dominant and dominant wrists by 21.6% and 48.2% respectively. Its accuracy fared better in our 1-mile treadmill run test, recording just 13 steps under the control count. (It measured the distance at 1.05 miles, which was a bit high.)
The Forerunner 255 produces a daily recovery score based on your daily activity and sleep, as well as heart-rate variability (HRV) data after three weeks of regular nighttime wear. Each morning, a daily report consisting of our recovery score, sleep data, and weather report popped up on the display. It has more than 30 activity modes, including trail running and hiking. (The Pace 2 has only 17).
During our heart-rate tests, the Forerunner 45 did well on a five-minute steady-state run, but it jumped around on walk/run intervals, missing some rises and falls. Using a separate chest strap with the watch can help improve accuracy.
Amy Roberts is a certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), a running coach (USATF Level 1), and a regionally competitive runner. She also served as a staff writer for the Good Housekeeping Institute for nearly five years, working closely with the engineers and other scientists to interpret product test results.
Garmin Connect app: All Garmin smartwatches are compatible with the Garmin Connect app, the free tool for tracking, analyzing, and sharing health and fitness activities. Think of it as a personal assistant to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Elite runners are looking for serious smartwatches. Good thing we have those too. To power your marathons, triathlons and long training sessions, we have wearables packed with advanced features designed just for you.
Finding the best Garmin watch depends on your needs and your budget. While some of the devices on this list are more of a fitness tracker, designed to count your steps, distance and calories burned, others are clearly designed with hardcore athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. If you're looking to use a Garmin to reach your 2023 fitness goals, you've come to the right place.
Garmin watches range in price point, from the $149 Garmin Forerunner 55 to the $999 Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Edition, and the features will vary, too. It's worth understanding what you'll need from your Garmin before investing and whether you'll use some of the fancier features.
If you're new to Garmin watches, they all track steps, sleep, and heart rate and they're all water-resistant, although some are specifically designed for swimming. Garmin watches also come with batteries that will last for days on a single charge even when using GPS, so you can venture outdoors with confidence.
These models also sync to Garmin Connect, which provides a wealth of health and fitness data to help you reach your goals. After much running, biking, and sweating, we've hand-picked the best Garmin watches on the market for users.
From the most affordable, entry-level Garmin, to the top-of-the-range model built for ultimate adventures, read on to find out which is best for you. If you're undecided, check out the best smartwatches here, as well as the best sports watches and best fitness trackers on the market.
Aside from the screen, the only other difference between the 265 and the older watch is Garmin's Training Readiness Score. The score shows you at a glance how ready you are for a difficult day of training based on sleep, recovery time, HRV status, acute load, and stress. Each category carries a different weight, so your Training Readiness might go up during the day, as your needed recovery time goes down.
Garmin also offers a Forerunner 255 Music edition, which comes with onboard storage for up to 500 songs and syncs with Spotify or Deezer accounts. You can change tracks using the buttons on the watch or through the controls on your headset. A bonus if you're a runner who prefers to leave your phone at home.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 is the upgraded version of the Forerunner 945. It's a top-tier running watch, and possibly the best Forerunner we've ever tested. If you're trying to decide between the newer model and the older version, read our Forerunner 955 vs Forerunner 945 face-off here.
On the run, the watch was easy to read and navigate around. Off the run, Garmin has added a touchscreen to make the watch feel more like a smartwatch. There's also a bunch of impressive training metrics, including Garmin's new Training Readiness metric, which shows you at a glance how ready you are for a difficult day of training based on sleep, recovery time, HRV status, acute load, and stress.
It's worth noting, the Forerunner 955 has now been replaced with the Garmin Forerunner 965, which is due to be released at the end of March 2023. The newer watch has an AMOLED screen, like the Epix 2. Here's everything you need to know about the Garmin Forerunner 965.
If you like the sound of the Fenix 7, but fancy something that looks a little more beautiful on your wrist, the Epix Gen 2 is the watch for you. The 1.3 inch AMOLED touchscreen is wonderfully bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
You'll need to download the Garmin Connect App to sync your watch to your phone. It's available on both Android (opens in new tab)and iOS (opens in new tab), and once you've downloaded the app and signed up, you'll be able to connect your Garmin to your phone.
As well as this, depending on your watch model, you'll be able to use the Garmin Connect app to use Garmin Coach to download running and cycling training plans and upload them directly to your watch. To do this, head to more, then training in the Garmin Connect app. You'll then be able to select training plans and download the best one for you depending on your ability and your goals.
Suppose you're a beginner or intermediate runner. In that case, the Forerunner 55 or 245 will work very nicely for you, and if you also enjoy cycling, swimming or both, the Forerunner 745 or 945 are superb triathlon watches that will serve you well. Worried about scuffs and scratches? Take a look at the Instinct 2; it's built like a tank and has incredible battery life.
If you're new to fitness watches, Garmin consistently makes some of the most popular in the business. It's easy to overpay for features you won't use, but beginners looking for an all-around activity watch would find the Venu 2 or Forerunners 45 & 55 suitable for their needs.
One of the best Garmin watches is an ideal companion on the roads, trails, or in the sea. It doesn't matter if you're a total beginner, a keen runner, a serious triathlete, or an endurance cyclist: a Garmin watch is a great tool for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and all-around health tracking, seeing you through from your first 5K to your first marathon. 041b061a72