Best Garmin watch | Top choices for cyclists, runners and more
Welcome to best garmin smartwatch review guide. Are you looking for the best sports watch for running, swimming or riding a bicycle? Are you looking for a good activity monitor in 2020? Brands such as Garmin watch offers exciting options in multisport watches, perfect for recording all kinds of workouts.
You may hear about Garmin smartwatch, but you may don’t know that for 30 years they are on the game and getting success in manufacturing the top ranking smartwatch. The Garmin smartwatches are best known for their innovative design.
As an athlete, I know how modern technology can change the game for a runner. Today by using this Garmin smartwatch with advanced technology, you can track your heart rate, running distance, and even the blood oxygen level.
The best smartwatches by Garmin will help you to stay in the right way and assist you in reaching the goals you’ve been struggling so hard to achieve. But the question arising in mind how could you get the best Garmin smartwatch for your needs?
Well, the range of Garmin watches with GPS is so extensive that sometimes it is difficult to know which is the most suitable for each profile. However, at the end of the day, they are the leaders, and no other brand maintains its rhythm of releases to the market year after year. In this guide, we will try to put a little light, choosing what the best Garmin smartwatch that can be purchased in 2020 is.
If you want to get down to business or do not have time to read the full article, below, you will get our selection of the best Garmin watches as well. Please stay with us until the end of this writing and read the entire review. There is a lot to tell. We start!
Top 10 Garmin Watch Review:
1. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire Review:
Editor’s Choice: The Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire smartwatch is a durable and multisport gadget from the Fenix brand. It is the first choice in our review list. It is designed for those who want a heavy duty watch along with sensors for different kinds of outdoor activities. The Fenix 5X is the only model from Garmin that comes with GPS maps. Thus it becomes the number one choice for hiking.
Highlighted features:
Are you ready to get the experience you need to take your performance to the next level? If yes, then you can check out the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire smartwatch and save a big nowadays. Let’s see the top-notch features of this Fenix 5X smartwatch by Garmin:
Multisport training companion:
- Best outdoor & fitness watch
- Colorful mapping (TOPO U.S.)
The garmin fenix 5 is compatible with multisport training. The top-notch performance makes it the best outdoor & fitness watch to the athletes. It is the Top line Fenix watch that offers colorful mapping (TOPO U.S.). Thus you can stay on your way and get back to your destination.
Durability:
- PVD-coated stainless steel bezel
- Coated buttons including a reinforced housing
The Fenix multi-sport watch comes with a defensive PVD-coated stainless steel bezel. It also features a coated buttons including a reinforced housing for maximum durability.
GPS technology:
- GPS technology
- GPS & GLONASS satellite
The game-changing feature of Garmin Fenix 5X is its GPS technology. The modern GPS & GLONASS satellite helps to monitor the harsh environment than GPS alone.
Design & display:
- Water resistant up to 100 meters
- High-resolution Garmin Chroma Display
The Fenix 5X watch is best known for its elegant design. It is also water resistant up to 100 meters that makes it demandable, especially to the swimmers. Besides the Fenix 5X comes with a LED display.
It is bright, full-color and high-resolution Garmin Chroma Display. The LED backlighting feature of this watch ensures maximum readability in any environment from bright daylight to gentle lighting.
The Fenix 5X features a transflective technology that reflects & transmits light. It also allows the watch display to become more readable under harsh sunlight.
Scratch-resistant sapphire lens:
- Scratch-resistant sapphire lens
- Wi-Fi function
The Garmin Fenix 5X features a scratch-resistant sapphire lens that makes it protective to the outdoor activities. The Wi-Fi function allows this watch to connect the wireless network and send the data automatically for sharing on Garmin Connect.
Advanced features:
- Current running dynamics & physiological metrics
- Elevate wrist heart rate technology
The Garmin watch also has some significant features. Some of their watches are very good for training. The current running dynamics & physiological metrics of the Fenix 5X helps those who want to improve their overall performance.
These are including Stride length, Lactate threshold, Cadence, and Performance condition. Also, you will find some modern features in this watch, such as built-in activity profiles, Elevate wrist heart rate technology, training status readings.
These features help you to see the fitness improving effects of your workout. You can stay in touch and go ahead by using these advanced features.
Pros
Amazing battery life
Waterproof up to 100 meters
Smart notifications to Garmin connect
Heart rate monitor and built-in maps
Travel-friendly design & colorful mapping
Attractive, durable and rugged design
GPS & GLONASS power to monitor the harsh environments
Readable & customizable Display with LED backlighting
Multi-sport support watch with stainless steel bezel construction
Cons
A little bit heavy for some
The price point is a little high
The Garmin connect app is overwhelming
Verdict:
Finally, the Garmin Fenix 5X watch is well worth the money for those who want to have a device with GPS, different activity trackers and of course with a sound budget. Some consumers said that they love the technology that used this watch. But it is not for those who have a low budget.
2. Garmin vívoactive 3, GPS Smartwatch review:
Editor’s Choice: The Garmin vívoactive 3, GPS Smartwatch is the second choice in our review list. It is a versatile and advanced wearable item in the Garmin lineup. The smart notifications, stylish design, sports tracking, and the latest pay and play system inspire us to add this watch in our review guide. It would be an excellent choice for the money for those who want a brilliant all-around performing smartwatch.
Highlighted features:
The garmin vivoactive 3 Smartwatch becomes a new trend to this year, mainly in the world of fitness watches. It is unique to Garmin vívoactive, which has loads of features. Let’s discuss these features below:
Design and comfort:
- Traditional-looking & round-faced watch
- Transflective and touchscreen Display
The vívoactive 3 Smartwatch by Garmin looks like a traditional watch style. Its round-faced design with fitness tracking feature makes it more standard for those who love smart wearables.
It features excellent hefty silver bezel around the edge of the screen, which would be the main prospect by which to communicate with the menus, for example, the Gear smartwatches of Samsung.
The Built-in GPS technology is a unique feature to its design that helps you to track the pace, distance, location, and so on for your outdoor functions.
The Garmin vívoactive 3 comes with a transflective and touchscreen display. Also, it features a waterproof design up to 50m, which is a top notch to the swimmers.
Daily Fitness & Stress Tracking:
- Elevate heart rate technology (wrist-based)
- VO2 max and fitness age
- Built-in GPS
The Garmin vívoactive 3 is the favorite to the fitness lovers due to its Elevate heart rate technology (wrist-based). This technology helps you to track the main features of your stress & fitness to let you know how your body responds to different situations.
For instance, It can calculate your VO2 max & fitness age. These are the 2 signs of physical fitness that can frequently enhance over time with daily exercise.
Another top-notch feature of this smartwatch is the ability to monitor heart rate variability(HRV), which is used to track and estimate the stress level of a person.
This will make you conscious when emotional or physical nature causes your stress level to increase as you can get a way to reduce the pressure.
Always Connected:
- Compatible with Smartphone
- Social media updates
The Garmin vívoactive 3 allows you to stay connected when you are working or playing hard. You can get an even reply to text messages once you paired your watch to the well matched Smartphone.
Also, this vívoactive 3 smartwatch enables you to receive emails, social media updates, and much more right on your wrist.
You can access music commands, get your phone, and help friends live to monitor your outdoor activities.
Share and Compete:
- Garmin Connect Mobile app
- Social media share
The Garmin vívoactive 3 lets you share your activities to the online community. This can directly upload your finished outdoor performances to the Garmin Connect (online fitness community).
Garmin Connect is a growing online group. People can connect & compete here by attending challenges, inspire each other’s successes, and share their achievements through social media.
Garmin Connect is available and free on the Smartphone or web, including the Garmin Connect Mobile app.
Pros
Excellent design
Easy to read Chroma display
Live track and smart notifications
Inevitable uploads to Garmin connect
Contactless Garmin pay and play system
In GPS mode Battery life is up to 13 hours
In smartwatch mode, Battery life is up to 7 days
GPS and various indoor sports apps (Swimming, Yoga, running, etc.)
Customize watches with free apps, watch faces and widgets from connect IQ store
Cons
GPS accuracy is not perfect
Single button operation system is not ideal
The Garmin Pay system is not globally available
Verdict:
There you have the garmin vivoactive 3 review. It is very modern and appealing to look at. You can easily use this smartwatch that makes it user-friendly. Also, the data screens are customizable to every exercise to your particular requirements.
3. Garmin Fenix 5X Plus review:
Editor’s Choice: The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is the third choice in this review guide. It is one of the most significant fitness watches in Garmin’s Fenix line. The black silicone band and stainless steel bezel make this watch comfortable to the uses to wear. It is one of the great additions to this list for those who want to enjoy their outdoor activities much.
Highlighted features:
The Fenix 5X Plus by Garmin comes with a combination of performance & features that make it standalone to the others out on the market. Let’s discuss these possible features and performances below:
Design and Display:
- Superior -grade materials
- Garmin Chroma LED Display (colorful, bright and high resolution)
- Transflective technology
The Fenix 5X Plus is designed for rugged outdoor activities. The superior grade materials make this device durable enough.
You will find this watch available in different finish options. These are including DLC titanium bezel form & stainless steel bezel (PVD-coated).
The Fenix 5X Plus comes with a LED Garmin Chroma Display. It features full-color, bright, high-resolution, and backlighting that ensures high readability in any ambient environment.
The Display of the Fenix 5X also features a transflective technology. Throughout this technology, the Display can reflect & transmits light together. This allows the watch to become even more readable under the acute sunlight. The screen of this watch is scratch resistance. It uses a high- power lens (domed sapphire) in it’s built that makes it different from the others.
Built-in mapping:
- Full-color TOPO mapping
- Garmin Connect data
The fēnix 5 Plus comes with an integrated mapping and navigation system. Thus you can stay on the way or track whether you are in the city or on the trail.
The fēnix’s map features a full-color TOPO mapping that has map data customized for quick navigation & location tracking.
The fēnix 5 Plus comes with Trendline popularity routing for cyclists & runners, which uses Garmin Connect data to assist you in finding and staying on track to the right routes & trails.
Multinetwork Navigation:
- GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS
- Built-in altimeter
The fēnix 5 Plus watch comes with a multi-network system (including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) to monitor more ambient conditions than GPS alone.
Also, this smartwatch offers ABC (barometer, altimeter, and compass) sensors for outdoor activities. The altimeter (built-in) gives advance data to exactly track activities like hiking.
Garmin payment solution:
- Contactless Garmin Pay
- Keep the lifestyle secure and smart
The fēnix 5 Plus smartwatch makes your life easier when it comes to payment needs. It offers you a contactless payment solution that changes your lifestyle. You can use it for shopping as well.
So you can leave your cards and cash at home while you are on the market. You can try it, where contactless payment is allowed.
Stay Smartly Connected:
- Compatible with Smartphone to send notifications
- Uploads and share data with social media
The fēnix 5 Plus watch allows you to stay connected with your Smartphone. Thus you can receive texts, emails, and alerts on your wrist wearable – if you are on the way or just away from your table.
Also, this watch allows you GroupTrack, live tracking, as well as social media sharing via Garmin Connect Mobile Apps.
Pros
Multisport GPS watch
Built-in navigation sensors
Contactless Garmin pay solution
Scratch-resistant sapphire lens
Successfully monitor the heart rate
Rugged design and entirely fit for outdoor activities
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) Titanium or stainless Steel bezel
Battery performance 7 days (watch mode)/ and 4 hours (GPS mode)
Colorful TOPO mapping lets you find the best ways to the destination
The Ox Acclimation sensor (wrist-based) can detect the blood oxygen levels
Cons
This is large but expensive
Garmin Connect app is busy
Heart rate accuracy is not ideal
Verdict:
The fēnix 5 Plus smartwatch is the best choice for those athletes who want to monitor and track their activities and save a lot of money.
4. Garmin Approach S20, GPS Golf Watch Review:
The Approach S20 by Garmin is the entry level golf Watch with GPS connection. It becomes the best partner for the Golfers. It offers loads of features at low costs. Let’s see the best features of this watch below:
Highlighted features:
Design:
- Sleek, stylish and lightweight
- GPS Golf Watch
The Approach S20 by Garmin is elegant, stylish, and lightweight in design. The GPS of this device is versatile, which comes with over 40,000 courses.
This GPS Golf Watch offers regular activity monitoring, automatic map updates, and smart notifications to join with your healthy lifestyle.
Keep a Digital Scorecard:
- Monitor your scorecard via your round
- Upload and share that performance
The Garmin Approach S20 can successfully monitor your score via your round. While you have performed, you can protect, read, and even use the Garmin Connect (Mobile fitness app) with your Smartphone to upload and share that performance with your golfing lovers online.
Smartphone Notifications:
- Bluetooth technology
- Get notifications from Smartphone
The Approach S20 allows you to get notifications from your Smartphone. So you don’t need to worry about the email, texts or alerts though you drop your phone on the bag.
The Garmin Approach acts as a wireless device which is compatible with your Smartphone, showing notifications right on your wrist.
Today, you can review that text, or email via Bluetooth technology though you are in the center of the golf course.
Green view display:
- Green view display
- Monochrome, high-resolution and Sunlight-readable
The Garmin Approach S20 comes with a Green view display. This will help you to see the original shape & layout of the green, though you are behind it. The monochrome Display of this watch features high-resolution, which is Sunlight-readable.
AutoShot Round Analyzer & Garmin Connect:
- AutoShot round analyzer
- Garmin Connect Mobile app
The Approach S20 features an AutoShot round analyzer. This analyzer helps you to calculate your shot distances.
Also, this will record your performances automatically for reviewing on Garmin Connect community. Garmin Connect Mobile app helps you to track and share your progress with friends.
Pros
Battery Life 15hrs (GPS)/8wks (watch)
GPS Golf watch including pace tracking
Round analyzer calculate shot distances
Approach S20 is stylish and comfortable to use
Monochrome, high-resolution and Sunlight-readable Display
Garmin TruSwing golf swing sensor develops swing firmness
Auto recording the performances through AUTOSHOT technology
Different tracking options let you monitor distance, calories burned, and hours of sleep
Cons
Auto-shot function misses swings during a round
You cannot play music via Bluetooth with this watch
Verdict:
The Garmin Approach S20, GPS Golf Watch could be the best choice for those who are looking for a highly visible, attractive, and versatile GPS watch at a decent price.
5. Garmin vívoactive 3 Music, GPS Smartwatch review:
The Garmin vívoactive 3 Music, GPS Smartwatch is famous as an impressive fitness device. It is one of the best in class wrist wearable from playing favorite songs to playing sports. Below we will go through some of the basic features of this device that gives it 5th position in this review list.
Highlighted features:
GPS Smartwatch with Music Storage & Playback:
- GPS Smartwatch with Music Storage
- Wrist-based heart rate and 15 preloaded sports apps
The vívoactive 3 Music, GPS Smartwatch might be the top choice for your active life. It is the perfect companion for playing songs and sports.
The music storage feature of this device helps you to enjoy your tunes while you are on the workout.
This smartwatch also comes with wrist-based heart rate and over 15 preloaded sports apps that allow you to stay in fit. You can track and monitor your outdoor activities via built-in GPS as well.
Garmin Pay system:
- Garmin Pay facility
- Shopping with your Watch
The vívoactive 3 Smartwatch comes with Garmin Pay facility. Throughout this system, you can pay for shopping with your Watch. This contactless payment solution changes your lifestyle.
So you can leave your cards and cash at home while you are on the market. You can try it, where contactless payment is allowed.
Connect IQ store:
- Connect IQ store
- SmartThings app & AccuWeather MinuteCast app
The vívoactive 3 Smartwatch is well suited to the Connect IQ store, where you can download widgets, apps, and watch faces that change this smart device into your Watch.
When Uber is arriving, keep eyes on and switch on your lights at home including the SmartThings app. You can also use the AccuWeather MinuteCast app to consider when the rain will begin.
Download & Create Workouts:
- Make workout routine up to date
- Exercises, sets, reps and leisure time
If you want to make your workout routine up to date, the vívoactive 3 Smartwatch would be the best option for you.
Select from preloaded ones; you can make your cycling, running strength or cardio workouts and download them into your Watch.
Then, you can get a complete schedule that helps you to monitor exercises, sets, reps, and leisure time for you.
Daily Fitness & Stress Tracking:
- Elevate calculated wrist-based heart rate technology
- VO2 max and fitness age
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
The vívoactive 3 Smartwatch is best known for its Elevate calculated wrist-based heart rate technology. This technology lets you track the main features of your stress & fitness to prove how your body replies under different conditions.
For instance, it can calculate your VO2 max & fitness period, vital signs of your physical fitness that can frequently develop over time with daily work out.
Also, it monitors your heart rate variability (HRV), which is applied to estimate and track your stress level.
This will also make you conscious while emotional or physical facts cause your stress level too high so you can get a way to reduce the pressure.
Always Connected:
- Compatible with smartphone
- Receive & reply emails, text messages
The vívoactive smartwatch helps you to stay connected when you are working or playing hard. This smartwatch is consistent with a smartphone.
Thus you can receive & reply emails, text messages, see social media updates, and more right on your Watch.
Garmin Connect (growing online community) is available & free on the web, which is a compatible smartphone.
It features LiveTrack option which helps you to get your phone, access music controls, and follow outdoor activities. You can also share your performances to the online community via Garmin Connect mobile apps.
Pros
Compatible with smartwatch
Contactless Garmin pay solution
Battery life 5hrs (GPS)/7 days (watch) mode
GPS smartwatch including music storage & playback
This Watch allows you to download up to 500 songs
Track your fitness level and manage heart rate variability
You can listen to songs via headphones or Bluetooth technology
It offers over 15 sports apps (such as running, cycling, swimming, etc.
Customizable with loads of free apps, watch faces and more from Connect IQ store
Cons
GPS accuracy is not perfect
It doesn’t have built in a music player
Verdict:
The vívoactive smartwatch is very modern & visually attracting. This is very easy to use Watch as well. You must keep in mind that no watch will ever be accurate, but when installing accurately this is an indeed great watch & I would highly suggest it.
6. Garmin Fenix 3 HR Special Edition review:
Since its inception, the ‘Garmin’s Fenix has been manufacturing high standard smartwatches to the users. The Fenix 3 HR is one such Special Edition by Garmin that comes with loads of features.
Highlighted features:
Design and durability:
- PVD-stainless steel bezel & buttons
- Silicon band and recovered housing
The Garmin Fenix 3 HR Special Edition is sleek, functional, and stylish in design. It comes with protective PVD-stainless steel bezel & buttons. It is used a silicon band and recovered enclosure for maximum durability.
The Garmin Fenix 3 HR Special Edition is the top-notch Watch for fitness enthusiasts who would like to have versatile fitness device for the money. Nevertheless, you will find different band choices available, from leather to nylon to metal. You can buy them separately. In reality, the user can choose from any band they would like to have.
Display:
- Garmin Chroma Display
- Sunlight-visible and high-resolution color
The Garmin Fenix 3 HR comes with Garmin Chroma Display. It is a sunlight-visible and high-resolution color display. The LED backlight of this display helps you to see the data in any ambient conditions.
Waterproof and battery life:
- Waterproof up to 100 meters
- UltraTrac battery saver mode
The Fenix 3 HR is waterproof up to 100 meters. It has great battery life. You can get full support up to 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode.
On the other hand, in GPS mode, you can use it up to 16 hours. Also, you can use up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode.
Apps:
- Connect IQ store
- Downloadable apps and widgets
Fenix 3 HR is ideal for any training competition and activity. This will allow you to get access to the connect IQ store. You can customize your data fields & watch faces. It offers downloadable apps and widgets.
Advance features:
- Built-in heart rate monitoring
- Barometer, altimeter, 3-axis compass, and TracBack option
The Fenix 3 HR comes with some modern features that make it standalone to the other fitness watch out on the market.
It features barometer, altimeter, 3-axis compass, and TracBack option, which are great for outdoor navigation. Also, this Watch allows you to receive text messages, emails, and notifications.
The built-in heart rate monitoring power helps you to estimate the rest and recovery time, vertical ratio, vertical oscillation, calories burned, and VO2 Max, etc. It can also wirelessly and automatically update your data to the Garmin connect community as well.
Pros
Waterproof up to 100 meters
Ideal for any workouts and competition
A built-in GPS watch is ideal for multisport training
Sunlight visible, Garmin Chroma display with high power lens
Elevate wrist heart rate technology lets you know the heart rate
GPS/GLONASS satellite reception for monitoring any outdoor activities
It offers barometer, altimeter and trackback feature for outdoor navigation
Battery life 16 hrs(GPS)/2 weeks (watch)mode/ 40 hrs (UltraTrac battery saver mode)
Omni-directional stainless Steel exon transmitting aerial for tracking ambient environments
Cons
It does not perform in swim mode
It’s not touch screen
Verdict:
Overall, you would be very pleased with this Garmin Fenix 3 HR smartwatch. It would be a great watch for those who consider getting the best fitness watch for the money.
7. Garmin Forerunner 35; Easy-to-Use GPS Running Watch review:
If you are an athlete who loves to share your fitness progress, then the Garmin Forerunner 35 Running Watch is the best choice. The stylish design & user-friendly feature makes it best to the users. Keep reading the in-depth Garmin Forerunner 35 review to discover if it is worth investment.
Accuracy and Built-in GPS:
- Best sport watch
- GPS is very accurate
Garmin Forerunner 35 is the best garmin watch for running. It is known as the great sports watch for those who run for fun, fitness, and competition.
Built-in GPS is very reasonable, which is comparable to the same watches by different brands. The GPS allows you to track how fast, how far, and where you run through you are under the tree.
Heart rate monitoring:
- Elevate wrist heart rate technology
- Track your heart rate 24/7
The Garmin Forerunner 35 comes with a high wrist heart rate technology. Throughout this technology, you can track your heart rate 24/7 without any chest Strap right on your wrist.
Vibration alerts:
- Vibration alert system
- Run/walk mode
The Forerunner 35 by Garmin has vibration alert system. It is useful to inform you of running fasts, performance tracking achievements, virtual pacing progression, and smart notifications.
The run/walk mode of this Watch lets you know when it is time to speed up or slow down during training sessions.
Display and Smartphone compatibility:
- Updated display
- Transflective and sunlight visible
The Forerunner 35 comes with an upgraded display. It is a high-resolution display which is ideal for both indoor and outdoor viewing. Also, the display is transflective and sunlight visible. It is also compatible with Android, iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Smart connectivity:
- Garmin connect the online community
- Show text, emails, social media notifications
The Forerunner 35 allows you to upload your performances automatically to the Garmin Connect online community. Thus you can share your progress to meet your goal.
When you paired your Watch to the smartphone, then this will let you show text, emails, social media, and different notifications as well as it warns you on your wrist.
Pros
The battery has a long life
The display is transflective and sunlight visible
Built-in GPS helps you track distance and pace under tree
It is compatible with Android, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad
Vibration alert system is useful to check the smart notifications
It has an accelerometer to calculate the distance for indoor workouts
Elevate wrist heart rate technology helps you to track your heart rate 24/7
The Run or walk mode lets you know when it is time to speed up or slow down your run
Cons
Doesn’t monitor swimming
Restricted fitness tracking
Low heart rate monitoring
Verdict:
The Garmin Forerunner 35 is a good, but ordinary, sport watch. It features a safe design, connects fast to GPS. Overall, it would be an excellent choice for tracking and improving your fitness level.
8. Garmin Descent Mk1, Watch review:
The Garmin Descent Mk1, Watch is the natural, do it all dive computer you have been expecting if you dive with or without tanks, in fresh or salt water, breathing (trimix, nitrox) or keeping your breath.
It is known as the first watched sized dive computer to give GPS navigation. ‘Let’s dive into the details of this Watch below:
Dive better and breathe easier:
- Best choice for the diving activities
- Show real-time statistic for safe dive
The Garmin Descent Mk1 is the best choice for diving activities. This will let you make a plan dives on the device for technical, recreational, and free diving.
The Descent Mk1 has a real-time statistic that is essential for making a safe dive. When you hit the water, the computer activated automatically.
It displays your running depth, water temperature, dive time, no-deco time, ascent or descent ratio, decompression stop alert, battery life, and more on the color display.
Multiple Navigation Sensors:
- High-sensitivity GPS and GLONASS
- Altimeter, barometer & compass
The Descent Mk1 by Garmin comes ith some special sensors known as ABC (altimeter, barometer & compass). These are significant to give you maximum navigation.
The Topnotch feature of this Watch is its high-sensitivity GPS & GLONASS feature which is responsible for map-based surface navigation.
It comes with a compass display which is accessible and available for underwater use. The built-in altimeter offered elevation data when the slope compensated 3-axis electronic compass holds your bearing – if you are moving or not.
Easy tap to compass feature allows you double-tap the screen alternatively pressing the function buttons.
Wrist-based Heart Rate:
- Elevate heart rate technology
- Garmin Connect community
The Elevate heart rate technology (wrist-based) of the Descent Mk1 watch helps to track your heart rate. It monitors the exertion levels of your body and uploads your heart rate stats directly to the Garmin Connect community for review & analysis (post-dive).
Multisport Watch Features:
- Fitness, sports, and outdoor navigation equipment
- Timekeeping, map monitoring functions, and lap counts
The Descent Mk1 has loads of new (sport multisport watch) Features. It provides fitness, sports, and outdoor navigation equipment.
Also, it comes with running dynamics, physiological metrics, fitness tracking features, and more to track your workout data and estimate your improvement.
You will find some activity profiles in this Watch for running, swimming, rowing, skiing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding, and more.
You can even get different timekeeping, map monitoring functions, and lap counts. From Garmin Connect you can download new training & workouts plans to your gadget for extra motivation.
Premium Materials, Elegant Style:
- Stainless steel bezel
- Deluxe titanium bezel
The Descent Mk1 watch uses premium grade materials in its manufacturing. It is obtainable in 2 different styles including
a) A stainless steel bezel with treated silicone watch band
b) A deluxe titanium bezel version including brushed DLC titanium bracelet
Both styles come with modern GPS & GLONASS tracking, by an EXO unidirectional antenna in the bezel, for greater monitoring in any ambient conditions.
Display:
- Garmin Chroma Display
- Scratch resistance
The Descent Mk1 watch comes with Garmin Chroma Display. It is a bright and high-resolution color display.
It features LED backlighting ensures excellent readability in any lighting conditions (below or above the water). The great domed sapphire lens display is also scratch resistance that gives it a particular concern to the users.
Pros
Color display & topo mapping
Watch-Sized Dive Computer with GPS
Gray Sapphire including DLC Titanium Band
Supports multi-gas, single-gas, gauge & apnea diving
Dive log allows you store & read data (up to 200 dives)
Elevate wrist heart rate technology to track heart rate
Garmin connect mobile app lets you share your performances
Battery life 20 hrs (GPS)/ 19 days (watch) mode/ 40 hrs (dive mode)
Receives smart notifications like text, email, and activity metrics
Built-in sensors to track dive entry and exit points for navigation
Cons
It’s titanium which is expensive
It is not an air integrated computer
It does not work with any transmitter
Verdict:
The Descent Mk1 watch is so comfortable, smooth, and elegantly made. It would be a great wearable for the money.
9. Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch review:
The Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch by Garmin comes with an excellent tracking power for outdoor activities like riding, hiking, biking, and so on.
It is proven as the right smart Watch for the people who dislike smart Watch. ‘Let’s follow the features of this Outdoor Watch below:
Highlighted features:
GPS network:
- GPS, Galileo and GLONASS satellite
- Barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass
The Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch is the best option for tracking and monitoring more challenging conditions. It features GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite that ensures accurate tracking than GPS alone.
The built-in barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass assist you to hold your bearings. The TracBack feature of this device keeps you on the right track on your journey.
- Calculates your heart rate, stress, and activity
- Preloaded work outlines for biking, running, swimming
The Instinct watch calculates your heart rate, stress, and activity throughout the day; thus, you understand how much you work and how hard you are performing to do it. We have found you protected with preloaded work outlines for biking, running, swimming and so on.
Stay Connected:
- Receive the smart notification in your Watch
- Garmin Connect mobile app
The Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch is compatible with your smart phone. So you can receive the quick notification in your Watch from the phone though you leave it in your home.
Once you paired your Watch to a smartphone, then you can upload your performances, live tracking and GroupTrack to the Garmin Connect mobile app automatically.
Durability and Battery life:
- US military standard
- Excellent battery life
The Instinct watch is made to US military standard that makes it durable enough. It is a shock, thermal, and water resistant up to 100 meters. This smart Watch also comes to great battery life.
You can use it up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. In GPS mode, this battery will support you up to 16 hours. The UltraTrac battery saver mode let you use your Watch up to 40 hours as well.
Pros
Comfortable and lightweight
Exceptional screen visibility
It is compatible with smartphone
US military standard construction
A built-in GPS watch can resist any ambient environment
It is thermal, shock and water resistant (up to 100 meters)
Built-in barometric altimeter and 3-axis compass ensures accurate tracking
GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for tracking more ambient conditions (than GPS alone)
Battery life 14 days (smartwatch mode); 16 hours (GPS mode); 40 hours (in UltraTrac battery saver mode)
Cons
It ‘doesn’t store music to play
Doesn’t have Garmin pay and TOPO maps
Verdict:
This is all about the Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch by Garmin. If you would love to value your outdoor monitoring skills, but you ‘don’t want to spend huge bucks, the Garmin Instinct might be the right option to buy.
10. Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS review:
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS watch is the final choice in our top 10 best smart watch review guide. It is a first multi-sports watch with high activity monitoring.
It is the well-suited device for the athletes and ultramarathoners. ‘Let’s dive into an entire review of this Running GPS watch below:
Track your workout, training & improvement:
- Make ready for training round
- Track workout, training & development
The Garmin Forerunner 935 will help you track your practice & improvement so you can be prepared for training round.
The training level is the latest achievement tracking tool that analyzes your instant exercise report & performance signs automatically to let you know if you are training productively.
Examine your performance:
- Increase your performance
- Biomechanical evaluations
The Garmin Forerunner 935 makes it easy to get the data you need to increase your performance. This will let you calculate relevant running data that you can use to examine your performance.
Biomechanical evaluations like step length, cadence, ground touching time & balance, vertical ratio, and vertical oscillation are the basic to knowing your performance so you can get your maximum on the event.
These are available with the adding of a balanced heart rate strap which fastens right on your waistband.
Exercise routine:
- Change your method easily for cycling, running, skiing, etc.
- Consistent with modern workouts
The built-in activity plan of Forerunner 935 helps you to change your routine easily for cycling, running, cross-country skiing, hiking, swimming, trail running, paddle sports, strength training, and so on.
For triathlon races and brick exercises, the auto multisport feature of this device helps you change sports with only one button push. It is consistent with modern workouts for cycling, running, and even swimming.
Smarter Connections:
- Garmin Connect, music controls, & audio prompts
- GroupTrack or LiveTrack feature
The Garmin Forerunner 935 allows you to receive smart notifications right on your wrist. It also gives you access when paired with a smartphone to upload your performances automatically to Garmin Connect, music controls, audio prompts & more.
The GroupTrack or LiveTrack feature of this Watch let your friends enjoy your rides and run at a particular time. The Wi-Fi connection helps you to get the data from the cloud.
Heart rate monitoring:
- Heart rate technology (Wrist-based)
- HRV stress test & lactate threshold
If you want to stay stress-free on your race day, the heart rate technology (Wrist-based) of Garmin Forerunner 935 might be your right choice.
It offers you the choice to open into much more stats with the addition of a consistent heart rate strap. A heart rate strap opens modern features like HRV stress test & lactate threshold.
Pros
Premium grade GPS running watch
Offers latest dynamics for cycling, running and swimming
Heart rate technology (wrist-based) for tracking heart rate
It is compatible with smartphone, iPhone, Android, and Windows
Strava Live Segments enabled you to beat performance yesterday
Battery life 2 weeks (watch mode)/24 hrs (GPS mode)/ 50 hrs (UltraTrac mode)
Built-in altimeter, barometer, and electronic compass helps keep the support
The multisport and modern running features make it best wearable to the athletes
The Garmin connect mobile app allows you to share your daily accomplishments to the community
Your device is also customizable with free watch faces, data fields, apps like Uber from Connect IQ
Cons
It is designed only for support & sell in North America
It is not a touch screen device, but the buttons are awesome
Verdict:
So if you are an athlete who loves to beat the challenge of yesterday, then this premium grade GPS running watch assists you to improve your training & recovery to be a better sportsman.
Best Garmin Watch Buying Guide
What to consider before purchasing the best Garmin watch?
If we look at the wrist of any runner, we will surely see a GPS watch. And if you look at something else, you may have a Garmin product.
Thanks to the full range of this manufacturer, it is easy to find a model adapted to your needs, whether you are a novice or if you are an experienced runner. That is why it is essential to consider some facts before buying the best Garmin watch.
1. Design:
We all want to have a product that is so easy that anyone can navigate the programming. The Garmin watch is one such device that ensures that you can do all you need.
It is the trend that the users love to have products that have a modern aesthetic design, but some users love simplicity as well.
Garmin is a well-built and reliable timepiece. It features an elegant design that makes it more appealing to the female market. You will find loads of Garmin watch with amazing designs and different colors to choose from.
Most of the people around us do not like to use music players or smartphone when they run. So you need to check the compatibilities of your Garmin watch.
Many watches from Garmin brand can record a reasonably sized playlist and enable you to navigate it easily. You need to ensure that you are buying a high-end technology that has all the necessary features you need.
2. Activity:
Although you can buy a Garmin watch that is designed for all activity but not all will be included in a single model. So you need to decide which & how you use your Garmin watch before buying. If you are an athlete, you need to track pace, distance, and rhythm.
If you want to improve your Golf game, then you need to track your distance or length to get a clear concept about the sports and functions you use your Garmin watch for and make that your beginning position for selecting the best model for you.
3. Display:
It is significant to have a large LCD in a smartwatch. The Garmin watch comes with that large touch screen and LCD. This will help the user to operate the watch efficiently via the touch screen
Though you are on sunshine or underwater, the display is designed to let you show the time or other notifications easily. The Garmin LCD is made thoughtfully to match the activities needs as well.
4. Compatibility:
The best Garmin watch is compatible with Android, iOS, and windows. Also, it works well with the smartphone. You will get Wi-Fi, and Blue-tooth connection in the Garmin watch that makes it
standard to the user. It enables you to customize your Garmin phone completely.
5. App:
The Garmin watch comes with its App system. You will find this app available on Google play; App store and Microsoft store, namely Garmin Connect Mobile.
It comes with different kinds of motivational activities such as bold, colorful work cards to show all your essential health data.
You can customize your dashboard to connect with different users for extra motivation and encouragement.
6. Durability:
A Garmin watch is made, designed, and built to last for long since. They use durable and heavy wearing equipment, including glass, stainless steel, and silicon in their construction.
You should go for a watch which is robust, sturdy, and durable enough that stands the test of time and maintains your performance levels.
7. Water resistance:
If you run or live in a place with high rainfall or high humidity, then water resistance is a must. Today if you consider that does not use to you think about that you will find different circumstances where this type of structural integrity could be beneficial.
Post gym showering implies you would not have to keep your costly device in storage or locker. Also, water resistant does not mean only water; it also uses a moist environment.
Some people have problems with excessive perspiration, and having a watch that would not damage only, because you sweat a lot is value your thought.
8. USE:
The Garmin watch is easy to use, but it relies on the user. Sometime you may face some problem when it comes to connecting your smartphone or using a unique training program.
Before buying a smartwatch like that; you should review the instructions at first. If you want to purchase the Garmin watch as a gift, then consider whether they will enjoy to use it or not.
Some adults also find the watch challenging to use at first but never give up. You will find videos with instruction on Garmin’s website that makes you clear how to use this watch.
9. Style:
If you are looking for a stylish watch, then you can quickly go for a Garmin watch brand. They give a unique trend that can be changed, so you never need to purchase a new watch, you only change the direction. You will find many different color choices you can select from. They are much more readable, as well.
10. Screen and battery
For your Garmin watch to perform correctly, it is necessary to have a quality screen and a battery that supplies the power required to the device.
It is an essential feature when facing any comparison of Garmin watches to which you take a look. Starting with the screen, the first question is whether one is better in color and the other in black and white.
The answer is that this depends on your personal preferences, although it is true that a color model always makes it easier to see everything clearly.
But since not everything is a matter of color, you should especially consider the size of the screen. In general, these screens have measured around 2 inches, either with square or round design
There is a lot to choose from. On the battery side, this is the one that is responsible for keeping the product active during its use.
Again we have to think about what activity we are going to perform because you will not need the same battery if you train an hour running than if you have to measure a long stage of cycling. So the autonomy of the battery is another fundamental element.
11. Transfer and data analysis
As the last crucial aspect of our advice, it is time to see the system of transfer and analysis of the collected data. Something fundamental because these data will be beneficial when it comes to knowing your performance, to see where you have to press or get other exciting information when exercising.
In this process of data transfer, there are two large product groups. On the one hand, we have the models that use a cable for it, which you must connect to your PC so that the data is loaded correctly, being the usual option in the cheapest models.
The alternative is the models with wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or similar, which uploads that data directly to your mobile phone without the need for cables.
In terms of data analysis, it is convenient to verify which applications are attached to your watch. Among these options should not miss the one that allows you to see the routes you run, the calories consumed and other data such as those provided by the heart rate monitor, if included in the device.
And as an extra, it is advisable to check the compatibility of this app with other common applications, which give you more convenience when managing these training sessions.
Garmin Watch: Frequently asked and questions (FAQ)
Question 1: What is a Garmin watch?
Answer: A Garmin watch is a famous US brand. Over 30 years they are manufacturing watches. They made their watches for air travel, automotive and marine industries. Nowadays, they become the best choice for the runner who loves to stay on top o
The Garmin watch is not just showing you the time but also helps you to give a powerful, responsive, and accurate statistics and data.
It is an excellent device that keeps you in control of your progress and output. You can track all form your calorie intake, heart rate, distance covered, and steps taken by using a Garmin wristwatch.
Some watches also monitor your stress level. It becomes so much more than a watch and a fitness tracker as well. It is indeed a gift by a modern technology that can do anything. Today Garmin is the name of the brand which offers the sports and running watches on the market.
Question 2: Why Garmin watches are the best choice for the users?
Answer: There are loads of watches that come with different budget and needs but all backed by the 30 years of product development and industry expertise of Garmin.
- Garmin has been manufacturing GPS watches longer than any other brands out on the market. They are innovative and marketing latest items like “Garmin smartwatches “more offensively than ever.
- Garmin watches are highly praised for their great battery life and on wrist customized notifications.
- It doesn’t matter what your fitness levels or the activities you want to join in on a weekly or daily basis; the Garmin watch would be the right choice. It helps you to move a little every day and reaching those goals if they are diet, fitness, and performance related. By showing the progress and data right there on the wrist, you can easily stay on track.
- Garmin watches are designed to get exact timekeeping, great styling, extended battery life, outstanding brand quality, and all the fitness functions you need.
- Garmin is the name of an open platform to the users. This allows you to share your data with different apps. You can track your workouts with several devices and sensors and then share those stats with many different platforms.
Question 3: What does the Garmin smartwatch do?
Answer: Garmin watch plays a significant role for those who participate in different sports activities such as cycling, running where speed, slope, and distance are the critical aspect and kind of continuing standard for success and improvement.
Based on what model of Garmin you buy even if it can do a lot more than that. Let’s see what the Garmin smartwatch does:
Clock and sensors:
The top end Garmin watch comes with all from time & date, alarm clock, GPS time sync, stopwatch & timer, sunset & sunrise times to automatic daylight savings.
The Garmin watch features a barometric altimeter, heart rate monitor so you can monitor the weather with a gyroscope and compass. Some watch from Garmin also comes with a thermometer and accelerometer.
Social connectivity:
You can connect your Garmin watch to your smartphone via WIFI, and Bluetooth technology. Thus you can stay in touch with your social media notifications, alerts, and your messages from various social apps. Also, this watch allows you to listen to your favorite music that keeps you happy in your social life.
fitness features:
You will find some watches from Garmin that comes with a range of indoor fitness figures to help you with progressing your rowing, cycling, training, and cardio workouts.
Works as a Personal trainer:
A Garmin could be your personal trainer 24/7 on your wrist. You can track single or multi-sports like golfing, hiking, paddle-boarding, snowboarding, skiing, and swimming, etc.
Heart rate monitoring:
Almost all the watches from Gamin can track your heart rate. Today you will find some latest version Gamin watch that has wrist monitoring technology.
Question 4: Can I swim with my Garmin running watch?
Answer: Garmin manufactures multi-sports items in which swimming is the activity that is monitored. So the answer is yes for some models.
Garmin does not manufacture watches only for runners alone. They have special swimming mode watches as well. It can track pace, distance, strokes, and many more.
Note: There are exclusive watches, namely Garmin swim watch, which is designed for swimmers & professionals. Garmin Swim watch is indeed a perfect device for swimming.
Conclusion:
There you have the ultimate guide of the Top 10 best Garmin watch review. Garmin expertise in the sports watch segment is no longer to be proven; the American manufacturer has demonstrated its expertise through watches as convincing as one.
Whether for running, swimming, or triathlon, the brand’s range is rich and targets both athletes and the general public.
Performance, power, and neat design – that’s what Garmin watches look like. From the Forerunner series to the Fenix catalog to the Vivoactive, Garmin watches are suitable for any use.
Finally, you can buy any of the Garmin watches in this review list because all these products are well researched.