Best Garmin Watch (Complete Reviews with Comparisons)

Garmin offers a wide variety of different watch options for people to enjoy.

In each different model, you’ll get a unique experience when it comes to what the watch can do, how well it tracks, and the bells and whistles you may be able to enjoy.

From Forerunner 15 to the 230, you’re sure to find something that perfectly fits your needs.

All of these watches are especially fantastic for those who enjoy running, walking, or other forms of on-the-move exercise.

Many of these watches can track things like the distance you travel, the calories you burn, and the time you spend working out.

Read Related Article: Best Heart Rate Monitor For Weightlifting of [year]

It’s simply a matter of finding the one that focuses on what you need the most. Let’s take a look at the options.

IMAGE PRODUCT
EDITOR’S CHOICE 1. Forerunner 15
  • Easy to read
  • ​Connects quickly and efficiently
  • ​Great for runners looking to track and improve the habit
Check Price
RUNNER UP 2. Forerunner 25
  • ​Affordable and simple to use
  • ​Perfect for those who just want the basics
  • ​Capable of pairing with your phone
Check Price
3. Forerunner 30
  • Great for counting calories
  • ​Long battery life
  • ​Affordable price
Check Price
4. Forerunner 35
  • ​Classy design
  • ​Wrist-based heart rate tracker
  • ​Long battery life
Check Price
5. Forerunner 230
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • ​Easy to connect to a phone
  • ​GPS connection functions quickly
Check Price

Best Garmin Watch: Reviews

1. Forerunner 15

​The Forerunner 15 is a great choice for those who just want to have the basics handled. It’s a watch that is highly suitable for keeping track of your calories, steps, and the distance you travel while running, jogging, or biking.

That way, you can continue to challenge yourself to improve without having to worry about too much extra effort.

Furthermore, it’s easy to get a version of this watch that suits your color preferences. With options like teal, purple and more, everyone in the family can get the watch that suits them best.

When you’re using the watch for workout training, the battery can remain functional for up to 8 hours. Otherwise, it can last as long as 5 weeks before needing another charge.

PROS

  • check​Easy to read
  • check​Connects quickly and efficiently
  • check​Great for runners looking to track and improve the habit

CONS

  • ​Connection to a computer can be fussy
  • ​Breakages can occur with the buttons, band, or ability to count steps

2. Forerunner 25

​As you might imagine, the Forerunner 25 takes the capabilities of the Forerunner 15 and adds to them. That means you’ll still be able to enjoy having things like calories, distances, and steps tracked as well as 5 different color options to allow you to share your style.

However, the Forerunner 25 also includes a display area that is a bit bigger than you’ll see on the 15, meaning it will be easier to read.

Additionally, the Forerunner 25 offers the ability to connect to your phone. As a result, it becomes easier to let others know about the progress you’re making if you choose to.

On top of all of that, this watch also has a longer battery life, allowing you to get a little more action out of it before needing to recharge.

PROS

  • check​Affordable and simple to use
  • check​Perfect for those who just want the basics
  • check​Capable of pairing with your phone

CONS

  • ​Signal may not always be reliable
  • ​Can stop working unexpectedly

3. Forerunner 30

​The Forerunner 30 is a model that focuses more intently on keeping track of your heart rate and your level of fitness. In addition to that, it can also track the items you would expect, such as distance, calories, and the number of steps you take in a day.

As a result, you’ll be able to rely on this watch to let you know what improvements you’re making to your fitness level overall.

Like the other models, this one is also able to connect to your phone so that you don’t miss any important notifications while you’re enjoying your workout. It has everything you need in one handy little package.

PROS

  • check​Great for counting calories
  • check​Long battery life
  • check​Affordable price

CONS

  • ​Battery life shortened by GPS use
  • ​Maybe more expensive than other options

4. Forerunner 35

​If you’re looking for a great workout watch that doesn’t look too clunky, the Forerunner 35 is the ideal choice.

This watch offers the ability to track everything you need, from heart rate to distance, steps, calories, and more. On top of that, it’s going to look great while it tracks thanks to the smart, modern design.

An additional feature that makes this watch a lot easier to use than others is the screen. It’s a much clearer design that is made to allow you to see your numbers easily even in direct sunlight.

You’ll also be able to rely on this watch to adjust to your workout, so those who combine running and walking will have an easier time using it. Finally, the increased battery life ensures you don’t need to charge it as often.

PROS

  • check​Classy design
  • check​Wrist-based heart rate tracker
  • check​Long battery life

CONS

  • ​Can stop working after certain updates
  • ​Inaccurate pulse readings

5. Forerunner 230

This is the ideal watch for those who are looking for a high-quality design. It offers a battery life that is outmatched by other models, offering up to 5 weeks while you’re using it only in watch mode.

When it comes to using this watch for your workout or training, you can get up to 16 hours of life from the battery.

Furthermore, you’ll be able to track everything with this watch that the other models can track. That means you’ll have all the information to record and improve your workouts.

On top of that, this device is able to offer audio prompts that let you know where you’re at in your workout for every session.

PROS

  • check​Lightweight and comfortable
  • check​Easy to connect to a phone
  • check​GPS connection functions quickly

CONS

  • ​Occasional issues with GPS tracking
  • ​Less sturdy than other Garmin models

Final Verdict

When it comes to the top option in this list, the Forerunner 35 is a fantastic selection. Those who have already tried it out find it to be a highly worthwhile watch to own.

Additionally, it comes at a very reasonable cost, so you won’t need to worry about breaking the bank on the purchase.

While this watch may be very similar to the Forerunner 25, many are likely to find that the design of the 35 is much more modern, less bulky and much easier to use as an everyday accessory.

Read Related Readings: Best Heart Rate Monitor For Running

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt has been a tech geek for as long as he can remember. Whether it's laptops, cameras, or projects, he's obsessed with it all. When he's not researching the latest tech products, he likes to go on long hikes with his dogs.

Share the story

Recent Posts