The Best Garmin Smartwatches for 2024

Garmin, a renowned player in the smartwatch industry, is known for its superior GPS-enabled devices. The company got its start in 1989, then aptly named ProNav, and their first commercial product was a GPS unit, which says alot about how engrained navigation is into the DNA of the company. They have then not only changed name, but also branched out into different markets, such as dog trackers, fishfinders, avionics and, the reason why we are here: smartwatches. Garmin smartwatches are not just about navigation; they are about lifestyle enhancement. From tracking fitness goals, improving sleep patterns, aiding connectivity, to providing health tracking, Garmin watches have become an indispensable part of our lives.

In this article, we'll be exploring four of the best Garmin watches set to dominate in 2024, carefully analysing their features, pros and cons, and how they stand out in the ever-evolving smartwatch market.

And while you're picking your next great gadget, don't forget that a watch is only as good as its watch strap. Luckily, there is a great selection of Garmin straps on the market - availible in different styles and materials, certainly to fit your personality and taste.

Let's start by looking at our first contender.

Garmin Venu 3

Overview

The Garmin Venu 3 is the epitome of versatility, making it a top choice for both hardcore athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts. It's an excellent alternative to the Apple Watch, offering a multitude of features geared towards fitness and lifestyle tracking.

Key Features

The Garmin Venu 3 is packed with features that are bound to impress any smartwatch enthusiast. It's equipped with animated on-screen workouts, a 14-day battery life, and a 1.4” touchscreen display. The watch can track various activities, monitor your pulse, blood oxygen levels, heart rate variability, and other health metrics.

The Venu 3 pairs seamlessly with your phone, allowing you to take calls, dictate or read texts, and receive notifications instantly. However, some users may find the buttons hard to press, and the watch itself can be quite expensive.

Why Choose Garmin Venu 3?

The Garmin Venu 3's Swiss Army Knife-like functionality makes it a top contender in the smartwatch market. Its ability to perform various tasks efficiently, from tracking your bike ride or gym workout to helping you navigate, makes it a worthy investment.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

Overview

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a fitness tracker that's sleek, minimalist, and highly capable. It's a budget-friendly option that offers a range of functionalities without compromising on quality.

Key Features

Despite its simple monochrome face, the Vivosmart 4 is packed with features. Beyond being a fitness tracker and watch, this device can pair with your smartphone, providing notifications, incoming call alerts, and even allowing you to reply to texts directly from your wrist.

The Vivosmart 4 is always tracking multiple health metrics in real time, giving you an overview of your health status when you check the Garmin Connect app. However, some pairing functions only work with Android, and its sleep tracking can often be inaccurate.

Why Choose Garmin Vivosmart 4?

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is a robust yet lightweight device that's perfect for everyday use. If you're looking for a reliable fitness tracker that's not heavy on the pocket, the Vivosmart 4 is an excellent choice.

Garmin Forerunner 265

Overview

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is an elite smartwatch designed specifically for runners. It's an invaluable tool that provides detailed insights into each run as well as your performance over time.

Key Features

The Forerunner 265 uses highly accurate real-time GPS monitoring to track your location, pace, distance, and intervals. It's equipped with an incident detection safety feature that can detect a fall and automatically send your location to your emergency contacts.

While it has a poor battery life when GPS is enabled and lacks blood oxygen monitoring, the Forerunner 265 is still an excellent choice for runners owing to its unique features and affordable price.

Why Choose Garmin Forerunner 265?

If running is your preferred form of exercise, the Forerunner 265 is a perfect fit. With its advanced metrics and user-friendly features, the Forerunner 265 helps enhance your running experience.

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro

Overview

The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is an advanced multisport watch that's perfect for athletes involved in various sports including swimming, cycling, running, and more. It's known for its topographical maps in navigation mode and biometric tracking.

Key Features

The Fenix 7 Pro offers a wide range of features including an altimeter, barometer, compass, and GPS capabilities. It also has a battery that can last up to 51 days under perfect circumstances, making it the best option for those who prioritise battery life.
However, the watch face is monochromatic and more basic in terms of appearance, which may not appeal to all users. Its pulse ox is often inaccurate, which can be a downside for those who require precise health tracking.

Why Choose Garmin Fenix 7 Pro?

The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro is an advanced watch designed with athletes in mind. Its unique features, long-lasting battery life, and durability make it a worthy investment for any sports enthusiast.

Summation

Garmin watches are known for their top-notch quality, unique features, and user-friendly interfaces. Whether you're a professional athlete or a casual fitness enthusiast, there's a Garmin watch designed to suit your needs.

The Garmin Venu 3, Vivosmart 4, Forerunner 265, and Fenix 7 Pro are among the best Garmin watches set to dominate in 2024. Each of these watches offers a unique set of features that cater to different user needs, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality smartwatch, as well as a smartwatch strap.

Remember, the best Garmin watch for you will depend on your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget. So, consider these factors carefully before making your final decision. With a Garmin watch on your wrist, you can certainly look forward to a more active and healthier 2024!