GoKawiilIn certain circles, the “best Garmin watch” doesn't refer to just a brand but a category definer, like Q-Tip or Band-Aid. From casual hikers to nationally ranked professional athletes, anyone who loves outdoor sports can glean useful information from the bevy of sensors, safety features, and sophisticated software that come with every Garmin watch. A few other fitness trackers have come close to replicating Garmin's durability, wearability, and reliability—notably Suunto and Coros—but the company remains the industry standard. And unlike an Apple Watch, a Garmin watch also works with both iPhones and Android phones.
While other smartwatches and fitness trackers now tout features like sleep tracking, blood oxygen measurements, and fall detection, these have been quietly and unobtrusively on Garmin watches for years. For almost a decade, I've tested dozens of Garmin watches while running, rock climbing, hiking, biking, and walking my dog. Our top pick for most people is the hybrid lifestyle Garmin Vivoactive 6 ($300), but the undisputed best Garmin watch, and the best sports watch period, is still the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED ($1,100).
Don't be scared by the high prices; the best part is that even though Garmin watches are costly, they age very well. That's that Midwest practicality for you (the company is based in Olathe, Kansas). Once you're set up with your Garmin, check out the rest of our outdoor buying guides, like the Best Merino Wool Clothing, the Best Electric Bikes, and the Best Gravel Running Shoes.
Updated March 2026: We've added the Garmin Venu X1 and added more information about the latest Garmin software features. We've also updated links and prices.
Best Overall
Garmin has a ton of entry-level lifestyle trackers that look just like regular smartwatches. Sorting through them can be difficult, especially since they come at a range of price points and feature sets. The entry-level Garmins start with the basic fitness-tracking band, which is the Vívosmart line. The last time this line was updated was in 2022, but as I said, Garmin devices age very well. For a mere $150, the Vívosmart 5 has features like a week-long battery life, connected GPS, incident detection, and a bright OLED screen.