Garmin Smartwatch Comparison
Choosing the right Garmin smartwatch can be tough, with so many options available. This article provides a concise comparison of six Garmin products to help you make an informed decision.
Garmin Smartwatch Comparison
|
#1
|
#2
|
#3
|
#4
|
#5
|
#6
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Garmin Instinct
|
Garmin Forerunner 255 Music
|
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
|
Garmin HRM-PRO
|
Garmin Vívoactive 5
|
Garmin vivofit jr. 2
|
|
| Price | $234.75 | $399.99 | $549.98 | $139.95 | $199.99 | $128.88 |
| Overall Score | ||||||
| Star Rating | ★★★★☆ |
★★★★☆ |
★★★★☆ |
★★★★☆ |
★★★★☆ |
★★★★☆ |
| Bottom Line | Rugged and reliable GPS watch for outdoor enthusiasts. | Advanced running smartwatch with music and training features. | Ultimate multisport GPS watch with mapping and navigation. | Premium heart rate strap for accurate data and running dynamics. | Stylish smartwatch with AMOLED display and comprehensive health tracking. | Fun and engaging activity tracker for kids. |
Key Comparisons:
- Durability: The Garmin Instinct is built for tough environments, while the others are more suited for general fitness and daily wear.
- Features: The Forerunner 255 Music and Vívoactive 5 offer music storage, while the Fenix 5X Sapphire has advanced mapping.
- Target Audience: The vivofit jr. 2 is specifically designed for kids, while the HRM-PRO is for serious athletes needing precise data.
Ultimately, the best Garmin smartwatch depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you and choose accordingly.
Key Features of Garmin Products: A Comprehensive Guide
Garmin is a leading brand in the world of GPS technology, fitness trackers, and smartwatches. This article provides an in-depth look at the key features of six different Garmin products, highlighting what makes each unique and valuable.
1. Garmin Instinct: Rugged Outdoor Watch
Editor’s choice
Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS
Built to withstand the toughest environments
$234.75
in stock
- Rugged Construction: U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (100 meters).
- Navigation: Built-in 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo).
- Health Monitoring: Tracks heart rate, activity, and stress levels.
- Smart Notifications: Stay connected with smart notifications (compatible smartphone required).
- TracBack Feature: Navigate the same route back to your starting point.
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, 16 hours in GPS mode, 40 hours in UltraTrac mode.
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Amazon price updated: 10/26/2023
2. Garmin Forerunner 255 Music: GPS Running Smartwatch
Editor’s choice
Garmin Forerunner 255 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch
Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery
$399.99
in stock
- Slim Design & Display: Always-on, full-color display, available in 46 mm and 41 mm sizes.
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode.
- Music Storage: Download up to 500 songs, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer.
- Morning Report: Summarizes sleep, HRV status, and daily workout suggestion.
- Race Preparation: Training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts, and completion time predictions.
- Training Status: Evaluates training status and offers performance monitoring features.
- HRV Status: Tracks heart rate variability while you sleep.
- Garmin Coach: Free adaptive training plans for 5K, 10K, and half-marathon.
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Amazon price updated: 10/26/2023
3. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire: Ultimate Multisport GPS Watch
Editor’s choice
Garmin 010-01733-00 Fenix 5X Sapphire
Slate Gray with Black Band
$549.98
in stock
- Multisport Functionality: Full-color Topo U.S. mapping, routable cycling maps, and outdoor navigation features.
- Rugged Design: Stainless steel bezel, buttons, and rear case.
- Navigation Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter.
- Preloaded Run Profiles: Running, treadmill running, and trail running.
- Performance Widget: Displays training status and training load.
- Connected Features: Smart notifications and automatic uploads to Garmin Connect.
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Amazon price updated: 10/26/2023
4. Garmin HRM-PRO: Premium Heart Rate Strap
Editor’s choice
Garmin 010-12955-00 HRM-PRO, Premium Heart Rate Strap
Real-Time Heart Rate Data and Running Dynamics
$139.95
in stock
- Real-Time Data: Transmits heart rate data via ANT+ and BLUETOOTH Low Energy.
- Running Dynamics: Captures vertical oscillation, ground contact time, stride length, and vertical ratio.
- Data Storage: Stores heart rate data during swimming and automatically sends data to the watch when finished.
- Activity Tracking: Stores steps, calories, intensity minutes, and heart rate.
- Comfortable Design: Small, lightweight module with a soft, comfortable strap.
- Battery Life: Up to one year.
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Amazon price updated: 10/26/2023
5. Garmin Vívactive 5: Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch
Editor’s choice
Garmin Vívactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch
AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery
$199.99
in stock
- AMOLED Display: Bright, colorful display for easy viewing.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode.
- Body Battery Monitoring: Understand when you’re charged up or need to rest.
- Sleep Coaching: Personalized sleep coaching and key metrics like HRV status.
- Built-in Sports Apps: Over 30 indoor and GPS sports apps.
- Wheelchair Mode: Tracks pushes and includes activities for wheelchair users.
- Nap Detection: Automatic nap detection and logging.
- Extensive Health Monitoring: Wrist-based heart rate, morning report, fitness age, and stress tracking.
- Workout Features: Workout benefit and recovery time insights.
- Music Download: Download music from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer.
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Amazon price updated: 10/26/2023
6. Garmin vivofit jr. 2: Kids Fitness/Activity Tracker
Editor’s choice
Garmin vivofit jr. 2, Kids Fitness/Activity Tracker
Star Wars the Resistance
$128.88
in stock
- Theme: Star Wars the Resistance.
- Swim-Friendly: Designed for swimming.
- Durable: Kid-tough adjustable band with customizable color screen.
- Long Battery Life: 1+ year battery life (no recharging needed).
- Parent App: Syncs with free mobile app for chore management and schedule alerts.
- Adventure App: Kids advance in BB-8’s adventure by meeting 60-minute daily activity goals.
- Activity Tracking: Tracks steps, sleep, and 60 minutes of daily recommended activity.
I may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Amazon price updated: 10/26/2023
Smartwatch Pros & Cons
Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch
82
OVERALL SCORE
PROS
- Extremely durable
- Accurate GPS with Glonass and Galileo support
- Long battery life
- Comprehensive activity tracking
CONS
- Screen resolution could be better
- Limited smart features compared to other smartwatches
Smartwatch Pros & Cons
Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music
88
OVERALL SCORE
PROS
- Excellent running metrics and training plans
- Built-in music storage with Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer support
- Long battery life in smartwatch and GPS modes
- Slim and comfortable design
CONS
- Can be pricey
Smartwatch Pros & Cons
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
85
OVERALL SCORE
PROS
- Full-color Topo U.S. mapping and outdoor navigation features
- Rugged design with stainless steel bezel, buttons, and rear case
- Comprehensive multi-sport tracking
CONS
- Bulky design
- High price point
Accessory Pros & Cons
Garmin HRM-PRO, Premium Heart Rate Strap
90
OVERALL SCORE
PROS
- Provides accurate heart rate data
- Captures running dynamics such as vertical oscillation and ground contact time
- Stores heart rate data during swimming
- Comfortable to wear
- Long battery life
CONS
- Pricey compared to other heart rate straps
Smartwatch Pros & Cons
Garmin Vívomove 5
87
OVERALL SCORE
PROS
- Bright, colorful AMOLED display
- Extensive health monitoring features
- Good battery life
- Music storage
CONS
- Some metrics are estimations
Fitness Tracker Pros & Cons
Garmin vivofit jr. 2, Kids Fitness/Activity Tracker
80
OVERALL SCORE
PROS
- Swim-friendly and durable
- Long battery life (1+ year)
- Chore management and schedule alert tools for parents
- Engaging app adventures
CONS
- Limited features compared to adult fitness trackers
1
2
