If you’re a serious runner, you know how important it is to have the right gear. A reliable running watch can make all the difference when it comes to reaching your fitness goals. Garmin is an industry leader in running watches, and its products are designed to offer both accuracy and convenience. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best Garmin running watches available on the market today. We’ll discuss features, specs, and performance to help you choose the watch that’s right for your needs.
Best Garmin Running Watches
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Garmin 010-03717-54 Forerunner 235 – Black/Gray
|
9. 5
|
|
3
|
Garmin Forerunner 235
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Garmin Forerunner 35
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Garmin Forerunner 735XT – Black & Gray
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Garmin fenix 3 GPS Watch
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Garmin 010-01989-00 Fenix 5X Plus
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Garmin 010-01863-20 Forerunner 645 Music
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Garmin Forerunner 630 Fitness GPS Touchscreen Smart Watch – Black/White
|
7. 2
|
1. Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch
I recently purchased the Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch and have been very pleased with the performance and features. The watch is incredibly accurate and reliable with GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to use, and the battery life is excellent. I was also impressed by the amount of activities and apps that the watch has pre-loaded. I use it to track my running and cycling workouts, as well as my daily step count. The watch also includes notifications for text messages, emails, and other alerts. All in all, the Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch is an excellent fitness tracker and smartwatch. Highly recommended!
- Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology for 24/7 monitoring of heart rate
- Built-in GPS for tracking activities and distance traveled
- Garmin Chroma Display with a high resolution display and sunlight visibility
- Smart notifications for calls, texts, and other app alerts on compatible smartphones
- Activity tracking for steps, calories, floors climbed, and more
- Compatible with Connect IQ for access to downloadable apps and watch faces
- Battery life up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode
2. Garmin 010-03717-54 Forerunner 235 – Black/Gray
I recently purchased the Garmin 010-03717-54 Forerunner 235 – Black/Gray, and I am very pleased with it. The device is lightweight and easy to use. It has an accurate GPS tracking system, and it can track all kinds of activities such as running, walking, biking, and swimming. The watch also has a variety of features including a virtual pacer, interval training, and VO2 max estimates. The battery life is good, and the display is clear and easy to read. All in all, I would highly recommend the Garmin 010-03717-54 Forerunner 235 – Black/Gray to anyone looking for an accurate and reliable fitness tracker.
- Built-in GPS receiver for accurate pace and distance data
- Activity tracking for steps, calories, and sleep
- 24/7 heart rate monitoring
- Smartphone connectivity for automatic data uploads and smart notifications
- Easy-to-read color display
- Compatible with ANT+ accessories
- Water-resistant up to 50m
- Rechargeable battery with up to 9 days of battery life
3. Garmin Forerunner 235
The Garmin Forerunner 235 is a great option for runners looking to track their runs and other fitness activities. It features an easy-to-use interface, accurate tracking, and a long battery life. The GPS tracking and built-in heart rate monitor make it perfect for tracking your runs and workouts, and the comfortable wrist design makes it a perfect everyday fitness tracker. The Garmin Connect app allows you to sync your data and set up personalized training plans, and you can also share and compare your progress with friends. The Forerunner 235 also has smart notifications, so you can stay connected without having to carry your phone. Overall, I think the Garmin Forerunner 235 is a great option for runners looking to track their runs, as well as their overall fitness activities.
- GPS-enabled running watch with wrist-based heart rate
- Tracks distance, pace, time, heart rate and more
- Connected features: automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking, audio prompts, smart notifications and social media sharing
- Activity tracking counts steps and calories and reminds you when its time to move
- Customizable watch faces, data fields, widgets and applications
- Water rating of 5 ATM (50 meters)
4. Garmin Forerunner 35
I recently purchased the Garmin Forerunner 35 and I am very impressed with its features. Not only does it have a sleek and stylish design, but it also packs a plethora of features. It has a built-in GPS which allows me to track my runs and walks with accuracy and precision. Additionally, it also has a heart rate monitor, daily step and calorie tracking, and smartphone notifications. I love that it notifies me when I have a text or call, so I don’t have to worry about missing anything. The battery life is also impressive and it lasts for days without needing to be charged. Overall, I’m very pleased with my purchase and the Garmin Forerunner 35 has become an essential part of my fitness routine.
- GPS enabled with up to 8 hours of battery life
- 24/7 activity tracking to monitor steps, distance, calories
- Built-in heart rate monitor for tracking your heart rate during exercise
- Compatible with Garmin Connect to track progress and get coaching insights
- Receive smart notifications for incoming calls, texts, and other alerts
- Includes a free one-year subscription to the Garmin Coach adaptive training plan
5. Garmin Forerunner 735XT – Black & Gray
I recently purchased the Garmin Forerunner 735XT in black and gray and I am very pleased with my purchase. This watch is a great running watch with plenty of features and options. It tracks your run data such as pace, distance, and heart rate, as well as other physical activities such as swimming and cycling. The watch also has a great battery life that lasts up to 14 days. Additionally, the watch is waterproof and has the ability to sync with my phone and other devices. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is an excellent watch that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable running watch.
- GPS-enabled running watch with multisport features
- Tracks distance, pace, and heart rate
- Provides advanced dynamics such as running cadence, stride length, and vertical ratio
- Monitor your performance and health with preloaded activity profiles
- Compatible with Garmin Connect for detailed analysis and sharing
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 11 days in watch/activity mode
- Smart notifications keep you connected on the go
6. Garmin fenix 3 GPS Watch
The Garmin Fenix 3 GPS watch is an excellent choice for people who need a reliable and accurate GPS watch. It features an impressive array of features such as a barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass, and a host of other features. It also includes a full-color display and can be used to track your daily activities. The watch is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in wet conditions. Overall, the Garmin Fenix 3 is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate GPS watch.
- High-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking for accurate positioning
- Built-in altimeter, barometer, and 3-axis compass
- Smart notifications for incoming emails, calls, texts and other alerts
- Integrated activity tracking functions such as steps taken, calories burned, and sleep quality
- Compatible with Garmin Connect and Garmin Connect Mobile, which allow users to track their progress
- Up to 50 hours of battery life in GPS mode
7. Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit
I recently bought the Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit, and I have to say I am very impressed with this device. It is a great tool for tracking your runs, and it has a lot of different features that make it very useful. The GPS accuracy is very accurate, and you can track your runs over distances that range from 1 mile to marathon distances. It also has a heart rate monitor, so you can track your heart rate as well as your pace. The battery life is also impressive, lasting for up to 24 hours. I also love how it is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it great for long runs. Overall, I am very satisfied with this purchase, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a running GPS unit.
- Advanced running, cycling, and swimming tracking
- Tracks calories, distance, altitude, and more
- Integrated heart rate monitor
- Built-in barometer, accelerometer, and compass
- Provides training status, training load, and VO2 max estimates
- Incoming call and text alerts
- Connected features like automatic uploads to Garmin Connect
8. Garmin 010-01989-00 Fenix 5X Plus
I recently purchased the Garmin 010-01989-00 Fenix 5X Plus and I am absolutely in love with it. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and the sleek design looks great. The color display is very vivid and easy to read in any light. The battery life is also impressive, and it is able to last up to 10 days on a single charge. The built-in GPS and navigation features are great for tracking my workouts and running routes. With the multi-sport tracking capabilities, I can easily monitor my performance in a variety of activities. The watch also comes with a range of apps and connected features that make it a great smartwatch. Overall, the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is a great choice for anyone looking for a multifunctional watch that is stylish and reliable. Highly recommended!
- Premium multisport GPS watch with full-color TOPO U.S. mapping, routable cycling maps, and other outdoor navigation features
- Includes preloaded activity profiles for all of your sports and adventures
- Includes built-in data such as heart rate, estimated VO2 max and more
- Fit all your training into a single device, with the integrated power and performance metrics capabilities
- Stay connected with smart notifications, LiveTrack and Group Track, music streaming and more
- Battery life: up to 8 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS mode and up to 35 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode
- Garmin Pay contactless payment solution for a quick, convenient and secure way to pay from your wrist
- Sapphire and stainless steel models feature a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and stainless steel bezel
9. Garmin 010-01863-20 Forerunner 645 Music
I recently purchased a Garmin 010-01863-20 Forerunner 645 Music, and it has been a great addition to my workouts! The watch is very light and comfortable to wear, and I love the sleek design and color. I can easily track my workouts and progress with the different features it offers, such as the heart rate monitor, step counter, and GPS. Additionally, the watch can store up to 500 songs, so I can listen to music as I work out and not worry about having to bring my phone with me. The battery life is quite good, as it lasts for up to 7 days without needing to be recharged. Overall, I would highly recommend the Garmin 010-01863-20 Forerunner 645 Music to anyone looking for a quality and reliable fitness tracker.
- Activity tracking for running, biking, swimming, yoga, and more
- GPS-enabled running watch with Garmin Pay contactless payment solution
- Store up to 500 songs on the watch and connect with Bluetooth headphones (sold separately) for phone-free listening
- Enjoy up to 7 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or 5 hours in GPS and music mode
- Install select apps and widgets directly on the watch, including the AccuWeather MinuteCast app
- Use Garmin Connect to join challenges, receive insights, and review your progress
- Receive smart notifications, such as call and text alerts, right on your watch
- Safety and tracking features include incident detection (during select activities) and assistance
- Daily activity tracking monitors your steps, calories, and sleep
10. Garmin Forerunner 630 Fitness GPS Touchscreen Smart Watch – Black/White
I recently purchased a Garmin Forerunner 630 Fitness GPS Touchscreen Smart Watch Black/White, and it was one of the best decisions Ive ever made. I love the touchscreen display and its sleek design. It has many features that I find so useful such as the ability to track my daily steps, heart rate, and calories burned. I also enjoy the built-in GPS, which helps me to accurately track my runs or other activities. Moreover, the battery life is fantastic and it stays charged for days. The Garmin Connect app is also great for tracking my progress and comparing it to friends. Overall, this is an outstanding watch and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish fitness watch.
- High-resolution color touchscreen display
- Built-in GPS with GLONASS for tracking distance and speed
- Customizable data fields
- Monitor your heart rate with the compatible HRM-Run or HRM-Tri monitors
- Compatible with iPhone®4S and later and select Android devices
- Advanced running dynamics include vertical oscillation and ground contact time
- Connected features, such as smart notifications, auto uploads and more
- Compatible with Garmin Connect Mobile to analyze data and create workouts
- Virtual Partner® and Virtual Racer to compete against previous activities
- Interval training and advanced workouts
