Garmin is one of the biggest names in smartwatches — and especially if you're looking for a wrist-based hiking, running or golfing companion. The brand makes dozens of different models, at different price points and offering different combinations of features, so making sense of your options can be confusing. If you're short on time, our best Garmin smartwatch guide will point you directly towards our recommendations for specific use cases. However, if you want to explore all the possibilities, you can stay right where you are.
This article is your guide to all the Garmin smartwatches (within reason; I've culled anything super-old or ridiculously tricky to get hold of). I've included not just the latest-and-greatest in each line, but previous models too, provided they're still available to buy. Opting for an older version can be a great way to save a bit of money, if you're not precious about having the most cutting-edge features.
You'll also notice I've separated my guide into product lines. I've added a short blurb at the start of each section, explaining who each range is primarily targeted towards and how the features are angled. However, bear in mind these are very broad definitions — there's lots of overlap between ranges, and all the main features you'd expect from a smartwatch will be included no matter which range you opt for. Hit the View details button for more info about each watch, and a link to our full review.
Garmin Forerunner
The Forerunner range is designed for runners, and offers strong GPS, distance and pace tracking, with further features geared towards training and improving performance. As well as the options listed here, there are two new, beginner-friendly Forerunner watches we're in the process of reviewing: the Forerunner 70 and the Forerunner 170, both of which went on sale on 15 May (the 70 replaces the veteran Forerunner 55).
The Forerunner lineup is extensive, and even the older models can still be worth a look — the soon-to-be-replaced Forerunner 55 was the watch worn by Sebastian Sawe as he smashed out his sub-two hour 2026 London Marathon.
Garmin Forerunner 70
Launched: 2026
Review to follow
Garmin Forerunner 170
Launched: 2026
Review to follow
Garmin Forerunner 170 Music
Launched: 2026
Review to follow
Garmin Forerunner 970
Launched: 2025
Pros
- Helpful Running Tolerance feature
- Clear, colorful maps great for trail running
- Watch light and a triathlon coach
- Customizable design
Cons
- Chunky for a running watch
- Lack of data as you run
Garmin Forerunner 570
Launched: 2025
Pros
- Bright, vibrant screen
- Aluminum bezel and colorful design options
- Elevate v5 heart rate sensor is accurate
- Built-in mic and speaker
Cons
- No ECG functionality despite new sensor
- Battery life has taken a hit
- Still no offline maps
Garmin Forerunner 165
Launched: 2024
Pros
- Retains many previously-premium training features
- Good-looking AMOLED touchscreen
- 13 days of battery life
Cons
- Not cheap enough to replace the Forerunner 55
- Music storage is extra
Garmin Forerunner 965
Launched: 2023
Pros
- Long, long battery life
- Premium titanium bezel
- New training metrics ideal for runners
Cons
- No solar option
Garmin Forerunner 265
Launched: 2023
Pros
- First small Forerunner with a touchscreen
- Small and pretty
- Run button easier to use with gloves
Cons
- Screen boost means (slightly) worse battery life
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Stuffed with features
- Huge battery
- Classic Garmin design
Cons
- Native running power features need an additional kit
- Touchscreen AND buttons seem unnecessary
Garmin Forerunner 55
Launched: 2021
Pros
- Workout suggestions
- Recovery time suggestions
- Well designed controls
Cons
- Relatively low-res display
- No on-watch sleep score
Garmin Forerunner 745
Launched: 2020
Pros
- Training advice and workout suggestions
- New smartwatch features
Cons
- Pricier than similar Coros tri watches
Garmin Forerunner 245
Launched: 2019
Pros
- Light, unobtrusive design
- Super comfortable, even during sleep
- Great battery life
Cons
- Feels a little cheap
- Sleep tracking could be more accurate
- No triathlon mode or Garmin Pay
Garmin Forerunner 45
Launched: 2019
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good value
- Music controls
Cons
- Limited sport profiles
- Plastic-heavy build
- No real swim tracking
Garmin Fenix
Fenix is Garmin's other main smartwatch range, this time geared towards a broader range of sports and outdoor activities, rather than focusing on running. The Fenix models boast features like topographical maps and waypoint tracking, and are designed to be rugged with long battery life. The current flagship model is the Fenix 8. Unlike the Forerunner lineup, the Fenix watch numbers increase with each new model.
Garmin Fenix 8
Launched: 2024
Pros
- Advanced GPS
- New heart rate sensor
- Garmin’s trademark modularity
Cons
- Bulky
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
Launched: 2023
Pros
- Packed with sports tracking modes
- A slightly clearer screen than Fenix 7
- Added flashlight for 7 Pro and 7S Pro
Cons
- Some minor heart rate accuracy improvements
- Still a pricey investment
Garmin Fenix 7
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Accessible training tools
- Superb navigation apps
- Extra-tough design
- Longer battery life without added heft
Cons
- Low-contrast display
- No mic for hands-free calls
Garmin Fenix 6
Launched: 2019
Pros
- Excellent outdoor tracking
- Solid, robust design
- Accurate activity tracking
Cons
- Not many new features over Fenix 5 Plus
- Not the most stylish
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
Launched: 2018
Pros
- Hardwearing
- Stylish, rugged design
- Huge range of multi-sport features
Cons
- Reduced battery life
Garmin Vivoactive
Vivoactive is a more affordable range, geared towards casual or beginner runners and anyone looking for a general lifestyle smartwatch. You'll still get plenty of fitness capabilities, as well as a big suite of general tracking and heath data tools, but with fewer advanced features than you'd get with a Forerunner.
Garmin Vivoactive 6
Launched: 2025
Pros
- Smart wake alarms
- Advanced running features like PacePro
- Slim and comfortable
Cons
- No multi-band GPS
- Elevate V4 HR sensor
- One size
Garmin Vivoactive 5
Launched: 2023
Pros
- Upgraded AMOLED display
- On-watch music streaming
- Powerful health and sports tracking options
Cons
- Minimal buttons
- No barometric altimeter
- No Training Readiness
Garmin Vivoactive 4
Launched: 2019
Pros
- Great exercise tracking, with full GPS
- On-watch music streaming
- Stacks of stats
Cons
- No Performance Condition monitoring
- Spotify/Deezer integration should be more friendly
Garmin Venu
Venu is more of a general lifestyle smartwatch range than one geared towards running and adventuring, although there are of course general fitness features built in. The most recent model is the Venu 4.
Garmin Venu X1
Launched: 2025
Pros
- Powerful, usable screen
- Outstanding suite of tools
- Slim, comfortable profile
Cons
- Alway-on display bleeds battery fast
- UX doesn’t quite fit the Apple-style form factor
- High price
Garmin Venu 4
Launched: 2025
Pros
- New flashlight
- Health Status and Lifestyle Logging
- Improved metal body
- Brighter screen
Cons
- No full-color maps
- Voice assistant limited
- No LTE
Garmin Venu 3
Launched: 2023
Pros
- Stunning AMOLED display
- Wheelchair user tracking
- Speaker and mic built-in
- Intuitive health guidance
Cons
- Lacks some premium training features
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Can receive calls and access phone voice assistant
- 10-day battery life in normal use
- Bright, crisp AMOLED display
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Only one size
Garmin Venu 2
Launched: 2021
Pros
- High-res AMOLED display
- Super accurate GPS
- Wide range of wellness tools
- Advanced fitness tracking
Cons
- Limited choice of third-party apps
- Minor design upgrades
Garmin Venu
Launched: 2019
Pros
- New flashlight
- Health Status and Lifestyle Logging
- Improved metal body
- Brighter screen
Cons
- No full-color maps
- Voice assistant limited
- No LTE
Garmin Venu Sq 2
Launched: 2022
Garmin Instinct
Instinct is an rugged series geared towards anyone looking for a more affordable outdoors and adventuring watch with exceptional battery life for multi-day expeditions — particularly if you opt for one of the solar-charged models. The latest model out is the Instinct 3.
Garmin Instinct 3
Launched: 2025
Pros
- Choice between AMOLED and MIP Solar
- Built-in flashlight
- All-new fitness tools
Cons
- No topo maps
- Polymer, not metal casing
Garmin Instinct 2
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Slimmer, but still tough
- Advanced training tools
- Excellent GPS tracking
- Extra long battery life
Cons
- Doesn't display maps well
Garmin Instinct Crossover
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Analog hands!
- New GPS chipset with 5 satellite systems
- Good battery life
Cons
- More expensive than Instinct 2
- No maps is a miss at price point
- Hands break up the screen
Garmin Instinct Solar
Launched: 2020
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Well designed interface
- Great range of activities, including triathlon
Cons
- Plastic case looks a bit cheap
- Black and white display
Garmin Instinct
Launched: 2018
Pros
- Fun, light and comfortable design
- Solid sports tracking performance
- Navigation support
Cons
- Lacks full mapping features
- No payment support
- No Connect IQ app support
Garmin Enduro
The Enduro range is built for endurance athletes, with multisport features similar to the Fenix line, lighter plastic cases, and solar charging to extend battery life. It'll be overkill for casual use, but if you need a watch that can run for days without needing to be plugged in, this is the range for you.
Garmin Enduro 3
Launched: 2024
Pros
- Solar charging lens technology
- Impressive battery life
- Fenix 8 sports tracking for less
Cons
- Misses new voice-enabled smart features
- A big watch for slimmer wrists
Garmin Enduro 2
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Epic battery life
- Topographical maps
- New route guidance functionality
- Bright flashlight
Cons
- Heavier and bigger than most smartwatches
Garmin Enduro
Launched: 2021
Pros
- Great battery life
- Great overall sports tracking
- Nice nylon strap
Cons
- Missing full mapping support
- Stainless steel model feels heavier
Garmin Approach
Approach is Garmin's golf range, and it includes not only GPS-enabled smartwatches, but things like handheld rangefinders and launch monitors. The smartwatch range includes features such as full-color course maps, a 'Virtual Caddy' and a screen that remains readable even in bright sunlight.
Garmin Approach S70
Launched: 2023
Pros
- Chock-full of excellent golf features
- Great screen and UI
- Super battery life
- Accurate yardages, and easy to use
Cons
- Less effective as an everyday smartwatch
- Proprietary charging cable is a bit short
Garmin Approach S50
Launched: 2025
Pros
- Garmin pedigree shines through
- Superb on-course performance
- Light but robust build
- Good value for money
Cons
- Two button system won’t be for everyone
- Inelegant proprietary charging setup
- Default strap is poor
Garmin Approach S12
Launched: 2021
Pros
- Great GPS accuracy and speed
- Powerful app
- Superb battery
Cons
- No colour display
Garmin Approach S62
Launched: 2020
Pros
- Tracks shots automatically
- Deep phone notification integration
- Comfortable and good looking
- Other sport and sleep tracking
Cons
- No putting tracking
Garmin Approach S42
Launched: 2021
Pros
- AutoShot detection
- See features on the hole
- Comfortable and well sized
Cons
- Lacks other sport tracking of flagship model
- Putting tracking not an option
More Garmin options
Finally, a grab-bag of some of Garmin's more niche propositions. The MARQ is Garmin's luxury watch effort, combining mechanical watch craftsmanship and styling with smartwatch features; the Lily is the brand's women-focused watch; the Tactix is an ultra-rugged option for survivalists and military personnel; Epix is like a premium-styled Fenix, for outdoor pursuits; and the Vivosmart is a fitness band rather than a full smartwatch; and the Descent series are smartwatch-style dive computers.
Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2)
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Stunning design and build quality
- Fantastic AMOLED display
- Crammed with training metrics
- Fast charging
Cons
- Expensive upfront cost for style
- Slightly smaller screen than Fenix
- No solar charging
Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2)
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Outstanding on-course features and performance
- Accurate yardages and shot tracking
- Supreme design and build quality that’s a joy to use
- Great as a day-to-day smartwatch
Cons
- Garmin’s default font is not the best
- No subscription to Garmin Golf Membership included
Garmin Epix (Gen 2)
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Stunning AMOLED display
- Advanced but accessible fitness tracking
- Accurate GPS and excellent maps
Cons
- Shorter battery life than Fenix 7
- No microphone for calls
Garmin Epix Pro
Launched: 2023
Pros
- Outstanding Garmin Fenix 7 base
- Torch works well during night runs
- Hill and Endurance scores are good
Cons
- A very iterative update
Garmin Tactix 8
Launched: 2025
Pros
- Well-implemented tactical tools
- Incredibly solid build
- Excellent connectivity and audio
Cons
- Cons
- Very expensive
- Bulky size
- Some security concerns
Garmin Lily 2 Active
Launched: 2024
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Built-in GPS
- Slim, comfortable, and stylish design
Cons
- Display won’t be for everyone
- No onboard music storage
- Not as rugged as other Garmin options
Garmin Lily 2
Launched: 2024
Pros
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Good running stats
Cons
- No sports tracking
- Touchscreen is clunky
- App could be laid out more clearly
Garmin Descent Mk3i
Launched: 2023
Pros
- Impressive battery life
- Comprehensive dive features
- Unbeatable activity tracking with metrics
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
- Others offer simpler user interfaces
Garmin Vivosmart 5
Launched: 2022
Pros
- Well designed interface
- Light and comfortable
- Auto activity tracking
- Particularly good sleep tracking
Cons
- Monochrome display
- No on-board GPS
- Polycarbonate lens rather than toughened glass
