HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GARMIN WATCH?
Garmin offers a wide range of models suited for every sport, no matter your level! Whether you're a beginner or an expert athlete, focusing on running, trail running, hiking, triathlon, or fitness, we help you find the Garmin watch that's right for you.
Which Garmin Watch is Right for Me?
Garmin GPS heart-rate watches are true multisport devices. Even though each model is designed with a specific sport in mind, they allow you to track a wide range of activities. By choosing the model that truly matches your needs, you get advanced features tailored to your training and a reliable tool that will last over time.
Our mission is to help you find the Garmin watch that fits you best, so you can make the most of its features and enjoy your passion for sports every day.
Garmin Watch Comparison: Model comparison and battery life
Not sure which Garmin watch to choose? Discover the differences between each model with our comparison table.
* Multi-GNSS allows a cardio-GPS watch to accept multiple satellite positioning systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BeiDou, IRNSS, etc.). However, you can only use one satellite at a time to determine your position. Multi-band, on the other hand, allows the watch to receive signals from several satellites simultaneously to improve location accuracy anywhere on the globe.
** The inReach technology lets you receive and send messages and SOS via satellite, even without mobile coverage and without a phone. LTE connectivity takes over in areas covered by terrestrial antennas. This complementarity enables secure communication and requires a Garmin inReach subscription to use the service.
Garmin Fenix, EPIX and Enduro: what are the similarities?
Garmin Fenix 7X
- Solar glass
- Touchscreen + buttons around the case
- Mapping + barometric altimeter
- GPS, GLONASS & GALILEO
The Garmin Fenix 7X features a transflective MIP display. Low power consumption, with up to 122 hours of battery life in GPS-only mode.
It is challenged by the Garmin Enduro 2, which is very similar in terms of features.
Garmin Enduro 2
- Sapphire solar glass and titanium case
- Touchscreen + buttons around the case
- Mapping + barometric altimeter
- GNSS multi-band positioning
Equipped with a transflective MIP display, it offers exceptional battery life.
Up to 320 hours in GPS mode, almost three times more than the Fenix 7X.
Garmin EPIX Gen 2
- Sapphire glass and titanium case
- Touchscreen + buttons around the case
- Mapping + barometric altimeter
- GNSS multi-band positioning
Equipped with an AMOLED display: vivid colors, high contrast, highly legible even in bright sunlight.
Very similar to the Fenix 7, but with an AMOLED screen instead of a solar MIP display.
In conclusion, if battery life is your top priority, the Garmin Enduro is the watch you should choose. If what matters most to you is screen resolution, readability and color quality, then the Garmin EPIX is the ideal option. As for the Fenix 7X, it is also a high-end watch, comparable to the Garmin Enduro 2 (which, by the way, offers even longer battery life than the Garmin Fenix 7)!
GARMIN FORERUNNER
Garmin Forerunner watches are designed for everyone, from beginner runners to seasoned competitors.
From the Forerunner 55, ideal for new runners and occasional athletes, to the Forerunner 965, built for expert athletes and triathletes, you’ll easily find the Forerunner model that suits your level and your goals!s.
The Garmin Forerunner collection comes in three key ranges:
- Forerunner 55: ideal for beginner runners
- Forerunner 255 / 255 Music: perfect for amateur triathletes
- Forerunner 955 / 955 Solar: suitable for experienced athletes
GARMIN EPIX
Choose versatility with the Garmin EPIX watches, designed to follow you on both your urban adventures and your outdoor explorations!
Known for their durability and ultra-bright AMOLED display, the EPIX models are ideal for active men and women, as well as for the most daring and adventurous athletes.
GARMIN ENDURO
Garmin Enduro watches are built to take on any sporting challenge.
They are designed for experienced runners and trail or ultra-trail enthusiasts looking to push their limits. They stand out as the Garmin watches with the longest battery life. We highly recommend them for all outdoor athletes driven by performance and for lovers of epic outdoor adventures!
GARMIN FENIX
The iconic Garmin Fenix multisport GPS watches are renowned for their durability, long battery life, and exceptional GPS accuracy.
Garmin Fenix models are the perfect companions for outdoor athletic achievements. Whether you're heading out for trail runs, hikes, or multi-day expeditions, these high-end sports watches are engineered to perform in every environment, even the most extreme ones..
Available in three models designed to match every wrist size and lifestyle:
GARMIN INSTINCT
We recommend Garmin Instinct watches for hiking as well as for urban or mountain adventures.
They are equipped with multi GNSS technology, providing precise positioning in any environment. Built to be rugged and waterproof up to 100 meters, Instinct watches feature a scratch-resistant display and a reinforced structure.
Garmin Instinct models are available in several specialized versions for military use, fishing, hunting and surfing.
Find the Instinct version that best fits your lifestyle!
GARMIN VENU
The Garmin Venu watch provides advanced technology and precise activity tracking for your everyday life.
This smartwatch is specially designed for beginner to intermediate athletes who care about their health and well-being. Its modern design, combined with innovative features, offers detailed tracking during your fitness, cross-training, HIIT, running sessions and much more!
Optimize your workouts and daily routines with intuitive tools that are accessible to everyone..
The most frequently asked questions about Garmin sports watches, answered!
What are the differences between a Garmin Fenix, Epix, and Enduro?
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and seasoned adventurers, the Garmin Epix, Enduro, and Fenix collections share many common features. However, some key differences are worth noting:
- Garmin Enduro: Garmin's watches with the longest battery life, perfect for ultratrail runners, marathoners, and endurance sports fans.
- Garmin Fenix: The ultimate multisport watches from Garmin. Versatile and capable, the Fenix lineup covers a wide range of sports, from running and hiking to skiing.
- Garmin Epix: Quite similar to the Fenix series, Garmin Epix stands out thanks to its AMOLED display, offering exceptional readability and an optimal interface.
Which Garmin watch should I choose for running?
Most Garmin watches offer accurate running tracking. However, the Garmin Forerunner series is the ideal choice for runners, with many models suited to different experience levels.
From the Forerunner 55, perfect for beginners, to the latest Forerunner 965 aimed at competitive runners, and the mid-range Forerunner 255 to help you set new goals, you will be sure to find the right watch.
What is the purpose of the SOLAR function on a Garmin multisport watch?
To increase battery life, Garmin introduced the Solar function in 2020. This feature leverages solar energy to slow down battery drain or even recharge the watch on certain models.
Photovoltaic sensors built into the watch glass and around the bezel capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. As you might guess, this means the watch needs prolonged exposure to sunlight during the day to noticeably impact battery life.
Why choose a Garmin watch?
Choosing a Garmin watch means choosing performance and precision. The tracking a Garmin watch offers is far more accurate than any manual estimate. Throughout your day, it provides you with comprehensive health monitoring.
But it is during your workouts that it truly shines: virtual coaching, predicted finishing times, workout tracking, calorie counting, mapping and GPS for outdoor activities, altimeter and more. Choosing Garmin means choosing to reach and surpass all your athletic goals.
Garmin watch: MIP or AMOLED display?
Garmin often offers two types of displays: the transflective MIP screen and the AMOLED screen. How to choose?
It is simple: if battery life is your top priority or you do extremely long training sessions, the MIP screen is ideal.
If you care more about interface quality and readability, then you should opt for the AMOLED display, at the expense of a few extra hours of battery life.
Should you choose a Garmin watch with mapping?
Mapping is one of Garmin's most appreciated features. It gives you access to preloaded maps optimized for your sport.
You can create routes, use the popular route generator, access route data, or benefit from preloaded maps for more than 2,000 ski resorts.
If you enjoy outdoor adventures, long outings, or discovering new places, a watch with mapping is undoubtedly the perfect choice.
How to choose a Garmin watch for trail running?
For trail running, the ideal features to look for in your Garmin watch are:
- An altimeter: Essential for accurately measuring elevation gain during your runs.
- Mapping and route navigation: To help you stay oriented and avoid getting lost during long outings in unfamiliar terrain.
- Long battery life: Trails can last more than 24 hours for ultras, so adequate battery life is crucial.
- Accurate GPS tracking: In mountains or forests, GPS accuracy can degrade quickly. Choosing a model with GNSS and multi-band greatly improves precision.
Can I sleep with my Garmin watch on?
Yes, you can. Most Garmin watches offer accurate sleep tracking, including sleep quality, cycles, and nighttime heart rate, so tracking your sleep has never been easier.
Of course, you are free not to wear it if it bothers you at night. Just remember to activate sleep mode or disconnect your phone to avoid disturbances from notifications or calls.
Garmin watch: which screen size should I choose?
Garmin offers different screen sizes depending on the model. Similar watches like Fenix or Epix include sizes from 42 mm to 51 mm. Larger screens offer more visibility and longer battery life but may feel bulkier.
Which Garmin watch is best for starting sports?
If you are just getting into sports such as trail running, running, or fitness, congratulations. The ideal starter watch is the Garmin Forerunner 55. It includes beginner-friendly features and supports multiple sports.
With its affordable price, it is a perfect entry-level option while still offering features like workout suggestions, wellness tracking, and PacePro, which helps define your target pace. This is very impressive for a starter watch.