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10 Best Garmin Forerunners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for runners seeking an easy-to-use smartwatch. Its built-in GPS provides accurate pace and distance tracking, which is essential for outdoor training. The AMOLED touchscreen display is bright and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to navigate through various features. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it lasts through long runs or workouts.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,272
Battery Life
Smartwatch Features
Display Quality

Most important from
1041 reviews

Battery Life
Worked 9 days on one charge, even with three swimming sessions.
Smartwatch Features
Comfortable to wear and visually appealing, with essential smartwatch features.
Display Quality
The display is nice, and having both buttons and a touchscreen is a great combination.
#2
10.0 score

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent choice for runners looking for a reliable and easy-to-use GPS running watch. Its built-in GPS tracks your runs accurately, providing detailed data on how far, how fast, and where you’ve run. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for both daily use and longer running sessions.

Rating
10.0
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4502 reviews

GPS Accuracy
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and suggested workouts.
Battery Life
Battery life is fantastic, lasting for days even with regular use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and suggested workouts.
Training and Performance Metrics
Accurate pace and distance tracking, with detailed post-run stats in the Garmin Connect app.
#3
10.0 score

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray

The Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch stands out in the running smartwatch category, bringing a range of features that cater specifically to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is the brilliant AMOLED display, which provides clear visuals and is responsive to touch, making it easy to navigate through various functions. With up to 13 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and around 20 hours in GPS mode, this watch offers impressive longevity, allowing users to engage in extended training sessions without the constant worry of recharging.

Rating
10.0
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
759 reviews

GPS Accuracy
GPS accuracy is a highlight, providing precise tracking for outdoor activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting up to several days on a single charge, even with regular use of GPS.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The heart rate and pulse ox tracking are very accurate, comparable to trustworthy dedicated devices.
Training and Performance Metrics
Workout options are varied and customizable, making it a versatile fitness watch.
Display Quality
The AMOLED display is exceptional, offering vibrant colors and sharp clarity, making it easy to read even under bright sunlight.

Top 10 Best Garmin Forerunners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black

GPS Accuracy: accurate tracking
Battery Life: up to 11 days smartwatch, 19 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: wrist-based monitoring
Training and Performance Metrics: daily workout suggestions
Smartwatch Features: notifications, Garmin Pay
Water Resistance: suitable for swimming or rain
Display Quality: AMOLED touchscreen

Chosen by 1272 this week

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00

GPS Accuracy: Built-in GPS tracks runs accurately
Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks, 20 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: Convenient, not a medical device
Training and Performance Metrics: Race time predictions, PacePro
Smartwatch Features: Bluetooth, customization from Connect IQ Store
Water Resistance: Suitable for pool swimming
Display Quality: 1.04-inch, 208 x 208 resolution

Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray

GPS Accuracy: multi-band GNSS with SatIQ
Battery Life: up to 13 days, 20 hours GPS
Training and Performance Metrics: training readiness, daily workouts, recovery insights
Smartwatch Features: incident detection, music on wrist
Display Quality: 1.3" Colorful AMOLED Display

Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02641-20

GPS Accuracy: Reliable tracking
Battery Life: 14 days smartwatch, 30 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: HRV status
Training and Performance Metrics: Advanced metrics, personalized workouts
Smartwatch Features: Download music, requires subscription
Water Resistance: Yes
Display Quality: Readable in direct sunlight

Garmin® Forerunner® 970, Premium GPS Running and Triathlon Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Built-in LED Flashlight, Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with Black Case and Black/Translucent Whitestone Band

GPS Accuracy: multi-band GPS
Battery Life: 15 days smartwatch, 26 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: advanced wrist-based heart rate metrics
Training and Performance Metrics: running dynamics, power, multisport, Garmin Coach
Smartwatch Features: calls, voice assistant, notifications
Display Quality: 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, button controls

Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray, 010-02809-00

GPS Accuracy: multi-band GNSS
Battery Life: up to 23 days, 31 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: wrist-based heart rate
Training and Performance Metrics: training readiness, daily workouts, running dynamics
Smartwatch Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, AMOLED display
Display Quality: AMOLED, vibrant colors, excellent visibility

Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Slate Gray

GPS Accuracy: commendable
Battery Life: up to 14 days, 30 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: HRV status, wrist-based heart rate
Training and Performance Metrics: personalized workouts, adaptive training plans
Smartwatch Features: morning reports, Bluetooth
Water Resistance: suitable for various weather
Display Quality: 1.3-inch, readable in sunlight

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, White

GPS Accuracy: reliable
Battery Life: 2 weeks smartwatch, 20 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: wrist-based
Training and Performance Metrics: PacePro, workouts
Smartwatch Features: Bluetooth, customizable faces
Water Resistance: swimming suitable
Display Quality: 208 x 208 resolution

Garmin Forerunner® 955 Solar, GPS Running Smartwatch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02638-00

GPS Accuracy: uses multiple satellite systems and frequencies
Battery Life: 20 days smartwatch, 49 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: includes HRV insights during sleep
Training and Performance Metrics: readiness scores, race widgets, workouts
Smartwatch Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, essential alerts
Water Resistance: suitable for swimming and triathlons
Display Quality: bright, full-color touchscreen, 260x260

Garmin 010-02638-10 Forerunner® 955, GPS Running Smartwatch, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black

GPS Accuracy: multiple GNSS and dual-frequency signals
Battery Life: 15 days smartwatch, 42 hours GPS, 80 hours UltraTrac
Heart Rate Monitoring: HRV status, training readiness scores
Training and Performance Metrics: daily workouts, race predictions, adaptive coaching
Smartwatch Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, iOS, Android compatibility
Water Resistance: yes
Display Quality: full-color, always-on, 260 x 260 pixels
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Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Forerunners

Choosing the right Garmin Forerunner can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of models available. However, understanding your specific needs and the key features of these devices can help you make an informed decision. Garmin Forerunners are designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering a range of functionalities from basic tracking to advanced performance metrics. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting the best Garmin Forerunner for you.
GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for tracking your runs, rides, and other outdoor activities. It ensures that the distance, pace, and route data are precise. Garmin Forerunners generally offer high GPS accuracy, but some models may have advanced features like multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for even better precision. If you frequently run or cycle in areas with challenging GPS conditions, such as dense forests or urban environments, opting for a model with multi-GNSS support can be beneficial.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your device can operate before needing a recharge. This is especially important for long-distance runners, cyclists, or those who plan to use the watch for extended periods. Garmin Forerunners come with varying battery life, from models that last a few days to those that can go for weeks in smartwatch mode. If you are an ultra-marathoner or someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, look for models with extended battery life.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring helps you track your fitness levels and exertion during workouts. It can provide insights into your cardiovascular health and help optimize your training. Garmin Forerunners offer wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and some models also support external heart rate straps for more accurate readings. If precise heart rate data is crucial for your training, consider models that support external sensors.
Training and Performance MetricsTraining and performance metrics include features like VO2 max, training load, recovery time, and race predictor. These metrics help you understand your fitness progress and plan your workouts effectively. Advanced models offer more detailed metrics and personalized training plans. If you are serious about improving your performance, choose a model with comprehensive training and performance metrics.
Smartwatch FeaturesSmartwatch features include notifications, music controls, contactless payments, and more. These features can enhance your daily life by allowing you to stay connected and manage tasks without needing your phone. If you want a device that serves both as a fitness tracker and a smartwatch, look for models with robust smartwatch capabilities.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is important if you plan to use your Garmin Forerunner for swimming or in wet conditions. Most models offer water resistance up to a certain depth, typically around 50 meters. If swimming is a key part of your fitness routine, ensure the model you choose is suitable for underwater use.
Display QualityDisplay quality affects how easily you can read the information on your watch, especially in bright sunlight or low light conditions. Garmin Forerunners come with various display types, including transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) displays that are easy to read outdoors. If you often train in varying light conditions, opt for a model with a high-quality, readable display.

FAQ