10 Best Garmin Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile health and fitness GPS smartwatch designed for an active lifestyle. It features a bright and colorful 1.2-inch AMOLED display that offers clear visibility. One of its standout strengths is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which is great for users who prefer not to charge frequently. The built-in GPS provides accurate tracking for outdoor activities, and with over 30 sports apps, users can engage in activities ranging from running to swimming and even golf.

For health monitoring, the vívoactive 5 excels with features like Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep tracking with coaching, heart rate monitoring, and stress tracking. This comprehensive suite helps users gain detailed insights into their health and wellness. Durability and water resistance are also robust, making it suitable for various environments and conditions, including swimming.

The smart features such as music storage and playback, compatibility with both Android and iOS, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity enhance its functionality, making it a well-rounded smartwatch. Comfort-wise, the watch is lightweight at just 1.3 ounces and has a round design that fits well on most wrists. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The memory storage capacity of 4 GB might be limiting for users who store a lot of music or apps. Additionally, the advanced health metrics are approximations, which may not be precise for all users. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin vívoactive 5 remains a strong contender for those seeking a durable, feature-rich smartwatch for both fitness and everyday use.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a GPS running watch that excels in various areas, making it a strong choice for fitness enthusiasts. Its battery life is impressive, offering up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, which is ideal for long-term use without frequent charging. The GPS accuracy is reliable, essential for tracking running distances and routes accurately. It includes various health monitoring features like heart rate tracking, activity profiles, and advanced wellness metrics such as intensity minutes and all-day respiration, providing comprehensive fitness insights.

The watch also supports a range of activities beyond running, including cycling, swimming, and Pilates, making it versatile for different workouts. Durability and water resistance are notable, ensuring it can withstand different environments and activities. Smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, customizable watch faces, and access to the Connect IQ Store add convenience and personalization options. The 1.04-inch display is clear but might be small for some users, and the resolution is lower compared to higher-end models.

The design is lightweight and comfortable, suitable for prolonged wear. However, the watch operates with buttons rather than a touch screen, which might be less intuitive for some users. Lastly, while the PacePro feature is helpful for race day strategy, it does not support on-device courses, which could be a limitation for those looking for more advanced navigation features. The Forerunner 55 is a solid option for runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking an easy-to-use, reliable, and feature-rich smartwatch.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a feature-packed smartwatch designed for runners and fitness enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long training sessions and races without frequent recharging. The GPS accuracy is reliable, ensuring precise tracking of your runs and outdoor activities. Health monitoring is comprehensive with sleep tracking, heart rate variability (HRV) status, and wellness insights, although it's important to note these metrics are estimates.

Durability is a strong point; it’s designed to withstand rigorous use and is water-resistant, suitable for swimming and exposure to the elements. The always-on, full-color display is clear and easy to read even in direct sunlight, enhancing usability during outdoor activities. In terms of smart features, the ability to download up to 500 songs and pair with wireless headphones for phone-free listening is a convenient addition for music lovers. Moreover, the training insights, personalized workouts, and adaptive training plans offer valuable guidance for runners aiming to improve their performance.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The proprietary operating system may limit the availability of third-party apps compared to other smartwatches running more common OS platforms. The storage capacity is limited to 4GB, which might be restrictive for users who want to store a large amount of music or data. Additionally, some advanced metrics like wrist-based running dynamics require additional accessories that are sold separately. The size and comfort are user-friendly, with available sizes of 46 mm and 41 mm, ensuring a good fit for different wrist sizes. The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music excels in providing robust features for runners and fitness enthusiasts, though its proprietary OS and limited storage may be a drawback for some users.