The connected watch market jumped 47% in 2021 with 18 million products sold in the second quarter. Garmin has been a big part of this success, offering a variety of models to suit every need and every wallet. Want to buy one? This guide to the best Garmin watches of the moment should help you choose among the dozens of models available.
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This is a Garmin connected watch that is highly sought after in the sports world. Performance, resistance, autonomy and multifunctionality, it has all the essential characteristics of a superior smartwatch.
176 £ on AmazonGarmin's Instinct is a connected watch designed to withstand the most hostile environments. Hikers, trail runners and triathletes will get the most out of it. Indeed, this device supports applications such as altimeter, internet search and also serves as a heart rate monitor. In short, it is perfect for improving your performance during your physical activity sessions both indoors and outdoors. In particular, you will be able to monitor heart rate and stress through sports applications.
Garmin has taken into account the needs of all its users by designing this model that can cope with shocks, resist heat and water up to 100 m deep. Indeed, this connected watch is equipped with a reinforced polymer case and a screen manufactured to resist scratches. Note also that this model has 14 hours of autonomy in connected mode and up to 16 hours in GPS mode.
This Vivosmart 4 connected watch from Garmin breaks all records in terms of sales price. In addition, the performance is good.
79,99 £ on AmazonIf you're looking for a Garmin watch with the essential smartwatch features, go for the Vivosmart 4. Since its release, users have been snapping it up, especially those who regularly run, swim, do cardio, fitness and even yoga. Indeed, this device allows you to track the number of steps taken, calories burned, distance and heart rate of the user.
You will also enjoy the fitness function, a device that measures the body's energy. Thanks to its Lithium-ion battery, the Vivosmart 4 watch has 7 days of autonomy. This watch can withstand water up to 50 m deep. Note also that it allows you to receive calls, SMS while giving you access to your music directory. Finally, if you choose this model, you will also have a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
By launching its Fenix 6x pro model, Garmin has pushed the limits of the various smartwatches available at the moment. This device is a jewel in terms of technology.
423 £ on AmazonThis is a connected watch with 24 days of battery life and a map of up to 2,000 ski resorts around the world. By supporting all the essential applications for tracking physical and sporting performance, this model is one of the best on the market today. Many trail runners, trekkers and other adventurers will attest to this without hesitation.
You'll benefit from the heart rate sensor and pulse oximeter, devices that are enough to help you understand the value of sports activities. If you're looking to get into cross-country running or other activities that take place on different types of terrain, give the PacePro function a whirl and you'll tell us all about it. Finally, you should know that like the other Fenix devices, this one can withstand up to 100 meters underwater.
Give yourself the means to optimize your physical and sports performance with this connected watch Forerunner 245, one of the flagship products of the house Garmin.
175 £ on AmazonThe Forerunner 245 watch has been a big part of the success of Garmin and smartwatches in general. In fact, it has been the most popular smartwatch model to date. You will appreciate the functions that allow you to evaluate your performance by indicating whether you are in training or over-training. You will also be pleased to know that this watch can detect incidents and send your position in real time to the competent services through the smartphone.
Ground contact time, stride length, this watch is perfectly suited to its name because it is intended for people who want to start running. Thanks to the various features of the watch, you will be able to run up to 5 to 10 km in the following months, provided you use it correctly.
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The best entry-level Garmin watch
The best high-end Garmin watch
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | BEST TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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Garmin Instinct Graphite Gray
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Garmin Vivosmart 4
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Garmin Fenix 6X PRO
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Garmin Forerunner 245 Black
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This is a Garmin connected watch that is highly sought after in the sports world. Performance, resistance, autonomy and multifunctionality, it has all the essential characteristics of a superior smartwatch.
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This Vivosmart 4 connected watch from Garmin breaks all records in terms of sales price. In addition, the performance is good.
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By launching its Fenix 6x pro model, Garmin has pushed the limits of the various smartwatches available at the moment. This device is a jewel in terms of technology.
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Give yourself the means to optimize your physical and sports performance with this connected watch Forerunner 245, one of the flagship products of the house Garmin.
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Screen size
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1.27 inches
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0.5 inch
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1.4 inch
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1.2 inches
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Connectivity
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Bluetooth
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Bluetooth
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Bluetooth
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Bluetooth
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Water resistance depth
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100 m
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50 m
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100 m
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50 m
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Autonomy
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14 days (Connected Watch); 16 hours (GPS); 40 hours(power saving)
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7 h
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24 days (Connected Watch); 66 hours (GPS); 120 days( Power Saving)
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7 days (Connected Watch); 24 hours (GPS)
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Manufacturer warranty
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2 years
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2 years
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2 years
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2 years
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The Garmin brand has revolutionized the world of smartwatches by offering customers products with the latest technology, but at perfectly affordable prices, including high-end models. However, everything there is to complain about some devices provided by this American company. Want to know more about the characteristic strengths and weaknesses of watches of this brand, go to the following paragraphs.
Applications
Garmin has built its reputation in the design of GPS devices, a technology that it has wonderfully integrated into its smart watches. Indeed, these allow users to locate themselves easily, even if they do not fully master this technology. Apart from GPS, the strength of this device also lies in the presence of applications that allow you to optimize your running, fitness or swimming sessions thanks to heart rate monitors and pulse oximeters. The precise and varied physiological metrics systems really impress everyday users and have everything to surprise neophytes.
Autonomy
As far as battery life is concerned, there is not much to complain about with Garmin watches. In fact, they have sufficient autonomy for users to go about their business without fear of running out of juice at the worst possible moment. And if the device were to be discharged, 1 to 1.5 hours is more than enough time for the battery to be fully charged. In addition, most of the devices offered by this brand can have a solar charger.
Resistance
Garmin watches are made with resistant materials, whether it is the case, glass or bracelet. These elements are designed to resist shocks, scratches and even the intense pressure of the sea or water. Indeed, entry-level products can remain waterproof up to a depth of 50 m, while high-end models offer a minimum resistance threshold of 100 m.
Price
While Garmin offers watches for every pocketbook, it must be said that the best models are not cheap. One example is the Fenix Pro range, the only ones that can connect to WiFi. Given that connectivity is one of the most important aspects to get the most out of this type of device, it would not be too much if Garmin started offering more affordable models, but with wifi connectivity.
Solar charging
Many users have reported on the forums that the solar charging is not very efficient. It would be interesting to fix this detail to optimize the performance of each model. And we are sure that the brand is already working on it.
The performance of Garmin watches leaves no room for doubt. Moreover, they are available at particularly affordable prices, even if the top-of-the-range models require you to put your hand in the wallet. All this allows us to recommend without hesitation Garmin watches to users looking for a quality smartwatch that will last for many years.
Garmin watches have an excellent reputation among athletes, thanks in part to the precise biological metrics that allow you to monitor your heart rate. If you want a device dedicated to sports activities, the Garmin will suit you. The shortcomings of these devices lie in the inability to make or receive calls, a detail that makes a difference to many users.
Apple's smartwatches impress users with their convenience. Indeed, this type of device allows you to make calls and send messages while providing the essential biometric data to monitor your physical condition. On the other hand, these data are less accurate, if we compare with the Garmin models and that makes a big difference.
Garmin watches are perfect for those who practice regular and sustained physical activity. The on-board metric systems allow you to monitor your performance in order to gradually improve it. If you want a device that allows you to make and take calls, an Apple watch will perfectly suit your needs.
One of the advantages of Garmin watches is the accuracy of the data, especially the biometrics. Heart rate, calories burned or kilometers traveled will allow you to optimize your performance over the long term. Needless to say, if this data lacks accuracy, you'll have trouble getting the most out of your device.
The majority of Garmin's smartwatches have Bluetooth connectivity, which is a good thing. On the other hand, if you want to have Wifi, you're going to have to opt for the higher-end devices. In other words, if Wi-Fi is essential to you, you'll have to settle for a high-end Garmin like the Fenix Pros.
Before you buy a Garmin watch, take the time to read the user instructions, manuals, and video tutorials if you can find any. If the use seems a bit too complex, don't bother with this device and look for other models because there are many. On the other hand, don't give up too quickly because some of the instructions are quite complicated, you may never find a model that fits you.
Garmin watches are valued for their battery capacity, which many observers and users say is superior to other models available right now. You will find devices that offer 7 hours of battery life and others that can go up to 24 hours in connected watch mode. Choose the watch according to your needs and habits. For example, if you want to go on 3-day treks, opt for models that offer maximum autonomy.
The design is often considered a secondary criterion for some users but it is important to the majority of consumers. Indeed, given that it is a device to optimize physical activities, attractive shapes and colors would not be too much to bring an additional source of motivation.
Garmin watches are classified as smartwatches, a range of devices that are extremely popular but not yet unanimously accepted, given the many choices in terms of technological tools. However, connected watches have serious arguments to make, the main ones being
They provide essential health data
The main and true strength of Garmin watches is the presence of applications used to monitor one's fitness. One of the most requested features is the pedometer that measures the number of steps taken during a day. This information is vital, as these daily walks gradually improve the cardiorespiratory health of users. It also measures calories burned, heart rate and many others. In addition to providing the necessary information, these applications advise users on the activities they should engage in to optimize their health.
They take the place of the phone
Garmin watches are also a great alternative to phones because they display urgent notifications on social networks, text messages. Some high-end models allow you to receive calls, which can be very useful when you don't have access to your smartphone. Athletes who practice jogging and endurance activities are the ones who benefit the most because they can check notifications with a few gestures. It goes without saying that this type of device is not as developed as a smartphone but it can compensate, for lack of a better word.
It entertains
Some Garmin watches allow users to be entertained, as they provide access to the internet and, therefore, to various streaming platforms and the like. Being able to benefit from this connectivity with a few clicks on the wrist is a real innovation that, a few years ago, was still the stuff of science fiction and spy films.
To monitor your health
The real strength of Garmin watches compared to other smartwatches on the market today lies in the accuracy of the biometric data related to the cardiovascular, muscular and respiratory health of users. By having access to this data, one can compare with the figures provided by doctors and nutrition experts. The data provided by Garmin watches will allow you to adjust your diet to improve your health.
To optimize your sports performance
If you've been doing physical activities regularly, but find that it's not really improving, it would be a good idea to start tracking your performance using a Garmin watch. With this device, you'll be able to see how many calories you've burned, how many miles you've traveled and everything else you need to move forward in your sports activities with knowledge.
Control your playlist remotely
Thanks to the Bluetooth connectivity of connected watches, you can manage your connected devices. So when you're at home going about your business, you won't always have time to arrange your music repertoire or add a few songs. You'll be able to do that via your Garmin watch.
To find your way wherever you are
The Garmin brand has made its name in the design of GPS devices. In this field, its position as a world leader is not in doubt. The engineers and experts of this brand have integrated this technology in its smartwatches in order to give its customers the possibility to find their way and geolocalize themselves if you want to explore unknown places.
To give as a gift
If you don't know what to give to a loved one and you also think that some physical exercise would do them a world of good, a Garmin watch would do the trick. Practical, elegant and ergonomic, this watch has everything to motivate the most reluctant.
We believe these are the best alternative brands to the Garmin watches:
Apple Watch is establishing itself as one of the main competitors to the Garmin brand. Apple Watches offer various features that are not yet present on Garmin models, for the moment.
Timex is an American company that was founded in 1854 and has designed quality watches that have received the most glowing reviews from consumers. Its GPS watches are also appreciated for the accuracy of their physical and biometric data.
TomTom is a Dutch company founded in 1991 that is known for having launched the first GPS for the public. TomTom's connected watches are appreciated for their ease of use, which makes them very competitive with Garmin.
Polar's connected watches are as popular as Garmin's, especially among experienced and novice athletes. This Finnish brand has created a collection of GPS watches equipped with heart rate monitors that are reputed to be accurate and efficient.
Suunto is also a Finnish manufacturer of connected watches that overshadows Garmin models. Indeed, this brand is known for the performance of its devices but also the selling prices.
Familiarize yourself with the device before you start
Garmin connected watches are easy to learn devices. However, you will have to learn a few tricks to familiarize yourself with the various features present on the watch. Once you know exactly how it works, you'll be able to use the watch the way it should be used.
Customize the visual interface
During the step of getting familiar with the Garmin watch's interface, you'll discover many buttons to set up according to your needs. Just as you would with your smartphone, you'll be able to adjust the brightness, sound, and various other elements. This will put you at ease to make the best use of the Garmin watch.
Create your own workouts
During the first few workouts with the Garmin connected watch, set up workouts based on your initial results. For example, if your cardio is good, consider working on your performance and increasing your endurance. If not, start with these cardio exercises.
Track breathing activities
Garmin watches will help you at various times of the day, not just during workouts. Indeed, among the applications present, you will find some that will help you regulate your breathing daily. These exercises are even more important than regular workouts.
If you're just starting out, keep track of your performance
The best way to evolve in the best way with the Garmin watch is to write down your performance. Do this for a month and and take the time to see how that performance changes. You'll be better able to define which exercises are best to undertake.
To connect the Garmin watch with a smartphone, you will need the Garmin Connect application and then select Menu, then Settings, then Bluetooth and finally pair mobile. Note that the last operations are done on the Garmin watch. Normally, this should work normally, the Bluetooth are operational.
This operation is quite simple. On your Garmin watch, select the action button and then enter the settings. Then you'll need to go to system, then clock and set local time. Finally, go to manual setting then enter the time you want, validate and it's done.
To unlock a Garmin watch, take it in your hand and hold for about 15 seconds the power button of the device. This button is usually located at the top left of the dial. In this way, the watch will automatically restart where you start it by pressing. This will also allow you to recharge all the components of your Garmin.
You will have access to your data by going to PowerCenter on the Garmin. This is a feature that allows you to analyze your data down to the second. This will allow you to see general trends. To make it easier for you, it's a good idea to start the automatic sync.
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