Recommended Garmin Watches
Our favorites are the fēnix, Forerunner, and Instinct lines.
| Garmin fēnix 8 | Garmin Instinct 3 | Garmin Forerunner 165 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| $800 MSRP | $400 MSRP | $200 MSRP |
| ❌ WOO Jump Estimation | ❌ WOO Jump Estimation | ❌ WOO Jump Estimation |
| ✅ Display Jumps with WOO 4.0 | ✅ Display Jumps with WOO 4.0 | ✅ Display Jumps with WOO 4.0 |
| ✅ Record GPS with WOO App | ✅ Record GPS with WOO App | ✅ Record GPS with WOO App |
| 🤿 Dive Rated to 40m | 🤿 Swim Rated | 🤿 Swim Rated |
| 📍 47 Hours GPS Tracking | 📍 32 Hours GPS Tracking | 📍 19 Hours GPS Tracking |
| 🏋️♂️ 73-80 grams | 🏋️♂️ 53 grams | 🏋️♂️ 39 grams |
| 🗓️ Released August 2024 | 🗓️ Released January 2025 | 🗓️ Released February 2024 |
Our Take
Garmin Watches have a reputation for long battery life, rugged design, and simple interface (sound familiar 😉). They work with both Apple and Android phones, plus pair nicely with the WOO 4.0 to display jumps and record GPS sessions.
When it comes to choosing a model, we recommend starting with the Instinct 2 and working upward from there. If you want a brighter screen, move up to the Instinct 3 or Forerunner 165. If you want a metal construction, the fēnix line has you covered. You'll want physical side buttons for water use, so we tend to skip the Venu and vivoactive models (even though they're technically supported).
Older models can still offer great value and a lot of battery life, so consider going a generation back and looking second-hand if you're on a budget. Some of our favorite older models are the fēnix 6, the Instinct 2, and the Forerunner 945.
Most Popular: Garmin fēnix 8
Best Value: Garmin Instinct 2 or Forerunner 165
Budget: Garmin Forerunner 55
Updated about 2 months ago