We all make excuses when it comes time to get our fitness levels back on track. But it's never too late. And excuses aside, there's never a bad time to focus on your health. New year, new you and all that. As far as we're concerned, it just takes the right bit of smart tech to get you started. That's where Garmin comes in.
Indeed, hiring a personal trainer is excellent, of course, but the technology exists now to put a mini PT in your pocket. Or even better, on your wrist. And Garmin is one of the very best brands in health and fitness-based wearable tech. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fitness newbie or hardened triathlete, there’s a Garmin smartwatch for you.
But how do you choose the right Garmin device? There are lots of Garmin watches available, all geared towards different types of sport or fitness goals. But fear not: We can help you choose the right Garmin watch for your sporty needs. Here's a need-to-know guide on all things Garmin and a selection of the brand's very best devices.
What is Garmin?
Anyone who knows anything about wearable smart tech knows the name Garmin. The brand makes wearables for an impressive range of activities and even makes smartwatches for kids, which are all decorated with popular comic characters that encourage and reward activities. Whatever it takes to get 'em moving.
What sports do Garmin watches track?
When we say the words “fitness tracker” you almost certainly think of watches for running, which is the go-to option for exercise and tracking. But Garmin watches track running, cycling, and swimming. Some high performing models combine the three and have specialist features for triathlon training. It doesn’t stop there. Garmin smartwatches also include features for rowing, diving, indoor activities, weight training, open sea swimming, climbing, golf, and HIIT. Phew. Have we missed anything? Almost certainly. Because the range of options is huge. And top models will cover lots of activities at once, making them perfect for multi-sport enthusiasts.
What features do Garmin smartwatches offer?
First and foremost, Garmin prides itself on excellent GPS, which is of course crucial for mapping and tracking running, cycling, and swimming activities. Garmin watches also monitor your heart rate (even underwater on some watches, which puts them several strokes ahead of other brands). Depending on the model, you’ll also find features than track recovery, sleep, energy, hydration, respiration, and other health-based stats.
Also impressive are the coaching features, which guide you through training programmes and suggest workouts based on recent activities. Garmin smartwatches can guide you to specific achievements and fitness goals. In some Garmin smartwatches you’ll also find plenty of sports apps and storage space for music.
What is the best Garmin watch?
Like a fitness plan, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. It depends on the specifics of your preferred activities and fitness goals. If you’re a runner, Garmin has a watch for you. If you’re a golfer, Garmin has a watch for you. If you’re a diver… well, you get the idea. And we’ve done the work of researching the very best Garmin for you.
These are the best Garmin watches in 2025.
