I've tested the best Garmin watches – but I only recommend these 6 to my friends
With so many to choose from, your best Garmin watch is out there, whether you're a 10,000-step devotee or aspiring marathoner
As woman&home's digital health editor, I've tried all of the best Garmin watches out there. Over the last five years, I've put these through almost 730 days of daily use, over 500 workouts, and more than 450 nights of sleep.
These sit among the best fitness trackers, and are perhaps best known for their long battery life and superb GPS, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to run a marathon, complete a long-distance hike or bike ride, or go off-grid for the weekend. However, I also believe they are incredibly underrated for monitoring and improving daily exercise and step count habits, sleep routines, and stress levels. There's truly a Garmin for everyone.
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The quick list
The Garmin Venu 4 won first place on my list, as it ticks all the boxes for lifestyle and fitness features. It has a sleek design and superb workout, sleep, and stress tracking. Features exclusive to new Garmin devices, such as Lifestyle Logging, add extra points and turn this premium fitness tracker into a 5-star smartwatch.
Wondering which Garmin is right for you? The Vivoactive 6 will suit you if you enjoy a little bit of everything, from running to paddleboarding, and like to keep an eye on your health through daily movement, better sleep, and keeping an eye on your stress. It comes in sleek colours and is a more budget-conscious alternative to the Venu 4.
I've yet to see a cheap fitness tracker as good as the Garmin Forerunner 55. It knocks many of the best Fitbits out of the water when you look at features and affordability side by side. Designed for new runners, this watch covers the basics, tracking almost 20 workout types and logging nightly sleep with ease.
If you're looking to start running more and potentially sign up for an event, a smartwatch like the Forerunner 265 is a great buy. Seven unique workout modes for running allow you to fine-tune your data while advanced cardio fitness insights help boost performance, with GPS precision to keep you on track.
Small and stylish, the Lily 2 is for those who want their fitness tracker to fly under the radar. It comes in three models - Lily 2, Lily 2 Classic, and Lily 2 Active - but all offer great workout tracking for cardio and strength workouts and tick off the non-negotiable smartwatch features. It's also available in various colours to suit your wardrobe.
The Garmin Instinct 3 is the rugged older sibling of the other best Garmin watches on my list. It has more of everything, from workout data and sleep insights to GPS functionality, and is built for the outdoors. Trail runners, hikers, and long-distance cyclists will also love its battery life, but the design won't be for everyone.
The best Garmin watch in 2026
The best Garmin overall
For most women, the Garmin Venu 4 will be the best option. I wore it for two months in total, and loved it so much that I continued to wear it outside of the testing period. It has a sleek, stainless steel-first design that makes the watch feel heavier on the wrist than others on the list, but adds a real premium feel that makes it suitable for everyday wear as well as when exercising.
Naturally, as it's a fitness tracker first and foremost, the most impressive features appeared when I took the Garmin Venu 4 for a spin. Along with the 80+ workout modes, I loved the Training features. These are specific to each sport. Taking running as an example, the Training features offered the chance to follow along with a Quick Workout (e.g. Intervals), build and follow my own workout in the app, and even race against myself. Walkers can set a Target distance and pace in the Training features. When I say that fitness trackers should truly work to improve your fitness, not just record your workouts, these are the kind of must-have features I'm talking about.
However, the new feature that impressed me the most was Lifestyle Logging. It brings the Venu 4 in line with some of the more advanced holistic health trackers like the Oura Ring 4 by allowing users to log certain habits (e.g. drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine late in the day) that may negatively impact recovery and performance. Over my weeks of testing, I noticed patterns that I hadn't before, such as how light exercise in the afternoon helps me sleep better.
While the 41mm design felt fractionally too small for me with the words cramped on the screen, the smaller size will suit those with smaller wrists. The Venu 4 is also available in the larger 45mm option.
Read my full Garmin Venu 4 review here
The best Garmin for everyday fitness
If money is no object and you're looking for the very top option, then I stand by my choice of the Venu 4 as the best Garmin watch. However, if you're happy to compromise on a few features to spend less, then the Vivoactive 6 is the one for you. This is a workhorse watch that'll last for almost two weeks on a single charge and cover all your bases, from counting steps to running a half-marathon, with strength training sessions at the gym or Pilates workouts in between.
On the Vivoactive 6, you'll find the same 80+ workout modes and suggested workouts, workout libraries via the app, and advanced, sport-specific data insights into your fitness. I also found it handles sleep logging perfectly, counting the hours and quality of my rest, with a Morning Report detailing my recovery. When it comes to smartwatch features, you can connect to your preferred music service, make payments via Garmin Pay, and receive calls and text notifications. Across most features, it's very similar to the Venu 4.
However, there are a few differences. While it lacks the same GPS accuracy (although I found no problems with this, even in a busy city), the ECG app, built-in torch, and Training Readiness metric, the design is the most obvious difference. Compared to the Venu 4, it does feel significantly less premium - and it is. The Vivoactive 6 has a plastic and aluminium bezel rather than stainless steel, so it feels cheaper. However, this also means it's lighter and more budget-friendly than the premium Venu 4, so weigh up the Garmin Venu 4 vs Vivoactive 6 before deciding on one or the other.
Read my full Garmin Vivoactive 6 review here
The best Garmin watch for runners
After testing several Forerunner watches, I decided the Garmin Forerunner 265s deserved the top spot as the best running watch for the everyday runner. There are over 30 workout modes to choose from (with seven just for running) on the 265s, and the watch can use your VO2 max and previous running data to predict your time in a 5km, providing a simple insight into how your fitness is progressing.
The Forerunner 265s has a barometric altimeter, unlike the Vivoactive 6, which means it can record elevation and how many 'flights of stairs' you're doing. When you're running, this means the watch can detect when you're going up a hill and recognise that you'll be putting in a harder effort while doing so. You'll also be able to take advantage of daily suggested workouts and Garmin Coach to improve your fitness in running.
Lauren Scott, our expert tester for the Forerunner 265S, says: "This watch is finally proof that you can have a good-looking watch, solid tools for better health and enough battery for real off-grid adventures. I found battery life a standout compared to the daily charge of an Apple watch, and even with music and GPS enabled, you can get a marathon out of the device. Plus, a full charge takes just over an hour."
My only gripe with the 265 is that there are no onboard maps, unlike the Forerunner 970, which is arguably a running watch with more features, but it's also almost double the price.
If the 265 isn't quite in your budget, you'll find similar features on the Garmin Forerunner 165 for less, and if you're a keen runner, you'll likely be familiar with the Garmin Forerunner range - and if not, I'd suggest weighing up the Garmin Forerunner vs Venu collections as they are fairly similar.
Read more in our full Garmin Forerunner 265S review
The best Garmin on a budget
Released three years ago, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is certainly not the best running watch or smartwatch, but if you're looking to hold yourself accountable, do more steps, or get into running, you can't go wrong with the 55.
After starting a running workout, for instance, you'll be able to see your distance, pace, and time, with a complete overview available on your wrist when you're finished. As with any other Garmin device, your workout (with your route and effort zones, if applicable) will be available to view in the Garmin Connect app.
Speaking of running, I was impressed to see that the watch has Garmin Coach enabled, which actively aims to improve your fitness by helping you set a goal and creating a training program to help you achieve it.
The Garmin Forerunner 55 also monitors sleep very accurately, with duration and quality recorded every night you wear the watch to bed, but you won't be able to see these insights on your wrist. You'll have to go into the app.
The closest watch by price is the Fitbit Charge 6, which is a great option too, and worth considering if you're not committed to the Garmin brand.
The best Garmin smartwatch
My top choice, the Garmin Venu 4 has more smartwatch features than the Lily 2, but there's no denying the discreet, chic design of this one, making it the best Garmin for everyday wear. With its stylish design, choice of several colourways, too, the Garmin Lily 2 is the device for you if you want a fitness tracker with smartwatch features that looks and acts like a regular timepiece.
With the Lily 2, you can record up to 15 workouts and track your sleep at light, deep, and REM stages with additional insights into your heart rate, stress levels, Pulse Ox2, and breathing throughout the night. During testing, I found it easy to navigate through the workout modes and start a session, with plenty of data insights into my pace, distance, and timing when I went running, cycling, or took a dip in the pool.
Where recovery is concerned, you'll see your Body Battery on your wrist and get a Morning Report at the start of every day that highlights your key need-to-knows, such as sleep score, upcoming appointments, and weather. Also, it's possible to receive text and call notifications on your wrist when the device is paired with your phone.
This Garmin watch wouldn't look out of place with a regular daily outfit - you'd have to look pretty hard to see that it was a smartwatch at all. However, as a compromise, it is missing a couple of key features which may call the device's almost £300 price tag into question. For me, the main ones are a lack of in-built GPS (so you'll need to bring your phone with you on outdoor workouts) and limited workout modes (half the amount of the Garmin Forerunner 55). Given the smaller screen size, reading notifications and navigating through the menus on the Lily 2 is a little harder than it would be on other devices, too.
The best Garmin watch for adventurers
Firstly, I'll start by saying the design of the Garmin Instinct 3 won't be for everyone. It's undoubtedly the rugged, sporty older sibling of the Venu, Foreunner, and Vivoactive ranges, which are the ones I recommend for most people. However, for those who spend most of their time outside, whether that's in the country or the city, I'd recommend something a little more hardwearing and with the best GPS possible. Enter the Instinct 3.
This watch offers the full spectrum of training and recovery tools - from detailed sleep reports and nap detection features to Training Status and Readiness, which reveals whether you're gaining or losing fitness. There are over 100 workout modes to choose from, drilling down to niche varieties of walking, running, and water sports, so you can receive in-depth insights into your workout, whatever sport you're into.
What's perhaps most impressive about this watch, aside from the design and suite of features, is the battery life. While I'd expect most Garmin watches to last between 10 and 14 days, putting the otherwise excellent Google Pixel Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 10 to shame, this one will stay in smartwatch mode for a full 18 days and 32 hours in GPS mode before it needs a charge. This makes the watch a great choice for those who travel a lot or cover long distances running, cycling, or walking.
While some of the mapping features are limited and you'll have to be online to use them, you can get easy-to-read, on-wrist maps for your next big hike or run.
Testing the best Garmin watch
How we tested the best Garmin watch
- Design: Given that many of Garmin's watches have similar features, the design of the watch was the first point I looked at. It's clear that the Venu 4 has the best design for everyday use, but I also wanted options for those not so concerned about their tracker standing out.
- Ease of use: Secondly, as Garmin offers advanced insights into health and wellness, regardless of the model you buy, it was important to me that each device (and the Garmin Connect app) was easy to navigate, with basic stats like heart rate, steps, and calorie burn available at the touch of a button.
- Smartwatch features: There are a lot of differences in smartwatch features across the range. I made sure to note the Apple Watch rivals in the group (hello, Venu 4) and the ones that weren't quite up to scratch. I tested each feature, from call and text notifications to Spotify connectivity, to see how they fared.
- Workouts: I took each watch outdoors and into the gym for at least five workouts to test the most popular workout modes (running, walking, strength training, and cycling), testing it against the Coros Pace 3 for accuracy, as this is the watch I've been wearing consistently for the past six months.
- Battery life: I also made sure to monitor the battery life of each watch. While it's great to have a long battery life in smartwatch mode, chances are you'll use GPS at some point, so it's important to know which watches can handle lots of use.
- Sleep: I wore each watch to bed for at least two weeks, checking the sleep data against the Oura Ring, which was recently found to be the 'most accurate' for sleep data. Side note - if sleep data is your main motivation for buying a fitness tracker, be sure to weigh up the Oura Ring vs Garmin before buying either one.
- Price: It's to be expected that the advanced Instinct 3 won't be the same price as the basic and beginner-friendly Forerunner 55. Yet, it was important to me that those looking for their best Garmin watch had a good selection of price points to choose from.
How to choose the best Garmin watch for you
- What are you going to use it for? If you've just started exercising recently, you'll want a watch that tracks and helps improve your habits. The Vivoactive 6 or Venu 4 is a great choice for that. Those who love running above all else will find the Forerunner 265 is better. Those who want super-accurate GPS monitoring and advanced workout insights will undoubtedly want to opt for the Instinct 3, while those who want to count their steps and do the occasional workout will find the Lily 2 works for them.
- What does your life look like outside of exercise? Here, I'm asking you to consider the design of the watch. Style-conscious gym goers will find the Venu 4 ticks all the boxes, while those who want a fitness tracker that makes a statement and need one to stand up to a few bumps every day will love the Instinct 3. Anyone looking to stay under the radar with their fitness tracker should go for the Lily 2 in either the standard or Classic models.
- What's your budget? For many people, their best Garmin watch will come down to budget. The Forerunner 265 is a better running watch than the Forerunner 55, but it's well over double the price. I'd always recommend sticking to your budget, as every Garmin has so much to offer. If you're looking for more budget-friendly options, weigh up Garmin vs Fitbit before making a final decision.
Are Garmin watches waterproof?
Yes, all Garmin watches have a waterproof rating of 5ATM or more. This means they can withstand water pressure equivalent to 50 meters and are suitable for basic water activities, such as showering, swimming, and recreational snorkelling.
Unless otherwise stated, these watches aren't suitable for continued submersion over multiple hours or swimming deeper underwater in activities like diving.
Does Garmin work with iPhone?
Yes, all Garmin devices are compatible with iPhone and Android models. This means they can connect to Bluetooth without an issue, and it's free to download the Garmin Connect app, which you need to use the device most successfully.
However, some smartwatch features are only available with Android devices. For example, on the Vivoactive 5, you can only send text messages via your watch if connected to an Android phone. That's where the Apple Watch has the advantage over Garmin.
Does Garmin track sleep?
All Garmin devices can track sleep duration, and most will record the sleep stages (light, deep, and REM sleep) and offer a Sleep Score at the end of the night from a rating of 100 - perfect if you want to learn how to sleep better.
As well as recording when you fell asleep and woke up in the morning, Garmin watches will record how long you were awake during the night and how long you spent in each of the three sleep stages.
Many advanced Garmin watches, such as the Lily 2, also record other data relating to sleep, such as respiration rate and blood oxygen saturation (Pulse Ox) levels through the night, which can tell you even more about your sleep quality.
However, no data on any Garmin device is designed to be a diagnostic tool. If you notice issues with your sleep data and have concerns, speak to your doctor.
