Best Garmin Watch for Running: Top Picks for 2024

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise, and for good reason. It’s a great way to stay healthy, clear your mind, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, having the right gear can make all the difference. One of the most important pieces of gear for runners is a reliable GPS watch, and Garmin is one of the most trusted brands in the market.

When it comes to finding the best Garmin watch for running, there are a few things you should consider. First and foremost, you want a watch that is accurate and reliable. You also want a watch that is comfortable to wear and easy to use, with a clear and easy-to-read display. Other features to consider include battery life, water resistance, and compatibility with other devices.

After researching and testing several models, we have identified the top Garmin watches for runners. These watches offer the best combination of accuracy, comfort, and features to help you get the most out of your running experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these watches are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Garmin Watches for Running

As avid runners ourselves, we understand the importance of having a reliable and accurate running watch. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Garmin watches for running. Garmin is a trusted brand in the fitness industry, known for their advanced features and durable designs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, these watches will help you track your progress and improve your performance. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best Garmin watches for running.

1) Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

If you’re looking for a GPS smartwatch that can track your running stats and play music, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a great option.

We’ve been using the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music for a while now, and we’re impressed with its features. The watch is comfortable to wear and fits securely on our wrist while running. The GPS tracking is accurate, and we appreciate the advanced running dynamics that provide insight into our form and performance.

The ability to store music on the watch is a game-changer, and we love being able to leave our phone at home while still listening to our favorite songs. The battery life is impressive, and we can go a whole week without having to charge the watch.

While the watch is a bit expensive, we think it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about running and want a watch that can provide detailed stats and play music. The small watch face can be a bit difficult to read at times, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Overall, we highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music to anyone looking for a high-quality GPS smartwatch for running.

2) Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 weeks of Battery Life, Aqua Aqua Watch

If you’re looking for a running watch that is easy to use and packed with features, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great option.

Overall, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner 55 for runners who want a reliable and feature-packed watch. The watch offers a variety of activity profiles, including running, cycling, track run, virtual run, pool swim, Pilates, HIIT, breathwork, and more. Additionally, the advanced wellness features, such as intensity minutes, fitness age, and all-day respiration, allow you to tune in to your body and make the most of your workouts. With the ability to customize your watch with free watch faces, data fields, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ Store, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great choice for runners who want a watch that can keep up with them.

3) Garmin Forerunner 45

We highly recommend purchasing the Garmin Forerunner 45 for anyone looking for a reliable GPS running watch with all the necessary features.

This watch is perfect for runners who want a reliable and easy-to-use device to help them achieve their fitness goals. The Garmin Coach training plans are particularly helpful for those who want personalized coaching without the expense of a personal trainer. The wrist-based heart rate monitor and GPS tracking ensure accurate measurements of pace and distance, while the lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear all day. However, the small screen size and lack of advanced features may not be suitable for everyone.

4) Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music

If you’re looking for a running smartwatch that can help you train and recover smarter, the Garmin Forerunner 255S Music is an excellent option.

We found the Forerunner 255S Music to be a great running smartwatch with a ton of features that can help you train and recover smarter. The morning report is a particularly useful feature that summarizes your sleep, HRV status, and daily workout suggestion in one place as soon as you wake up. We also loved being able to download up to 500 songs to our watch and connect with our wireless headphones for phone-free listening.

The slim design and always-on, full-color display make it easy to read even in direct sunlight, and the battery life is impressive, with up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours in GPS mode. However, keep in mind that the device is intended to give an estimate of your activity and metrics, so it may not be 100% accurate. Additionally, when using a Running Dynamics Pod or HRM-Pro monitor (sold separately), the measurement of how much power you’re applying to the road as you run may not be completely accurate.

Overall, we would recommend the Garmin Forerunner 255S Music to anyone looking for a high-quality running smartwatch that can help them train and recover smarter.

5) Garmin Forerunner 35 Watch

If you’re looking for a basic GPS running watch that can track your distance, speed, and heart rate, the Garmin Forerunner 35 Watch might be a good choice for you.

We’ve been using the Garmin Forerunner 35 Watch for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its simplicity and accuracy. The watch is easy to set up and use, and the GPS tracking is reliable. We also appreciate the wrist heart rate monitor, which eliminates the need for a chest strap.

However, we do wish the battery life was longer. If you forget to charge the watch every few days, you may find yourself without tracking on your next run. We also found the display to be a bit small, especially when compared to other GPS watches on the market.

Overall, if you’re looking for a basic GPS running watch that won’t break the bank, the Garmin Forerunner 35 Watch is a solid choice. It provides accurate tracking and heart rate monitoring, and it’s easy to use. However, if you need advanced features like music storage or custom workouts, you may want to look elsewhere.

6) Garmin Forerunner 55 (White) GPS Running Watch

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use GPS smartwatch to track your stats and chase your fitness goals, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great option for runners of all skill levels.

Overall, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly heart rate monitor watch with time, pace, and speed tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a great choice. With its advanced health features, multisport tracking capabilities, and easy-to-use GPS technology, this running watch is perfect for anyone looking to improve their fitness and achieve their goals.

7) Garmin Forerunner 735XT

If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed GPS running watch, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is definitely worth considering.

We found the Garmin Forerunner 735XT to be a great running watch that provides a wealth of data to help you improve your running performance. The heart rate monitor at the wrist is a great feature that works well, and the advanced dynamics provide useful insights into your running form. The battery life is also impressive, and we found that it easily lasted through long runs.

The watch is not without its flaws, however. The price tag is quite steep, and the screen can be difficult to read in bright sunlight. We also experienced some issues with the Bluetooth connectivity, although this was only occasional.

Overall, we would recommend the Garmin Forerunner 735XT to serious runners who are looking for a feature-packed GPS running watch that provides a wealth of data to help them improve their performance.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best Garmin watch for running, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop:

GPS Accuracy

One of the most important features for any running watch is GPS accuracy. Look for a watch with a reliable GPS system that can accurately track your distance, pace, and route. This will help you get the most out of your training and ensure that you’re accurately tracking your progress over time.

Battery Life

Another important factor to consider is battery life. You want a watch that can last through long runs and multiple workouts without needing to be charged. Look for a watch with a battery life of at least 5-6 hours, if not longer.

Heart Rate Monitoring

Many Garmin watches come with built-in heart rate monitors, which can be a valuable tool for runners. This feature allows you to track your heart rate during workouts, which can help you optimize your training and avoid overexertion. Look for a watch with accurate heart rate monitoring that’s easy to use.

Water Resistance

If you’re a runner who likes to train in all weather conditions, look for a watch that’s water-resistant. This will allow you to continue tracking your progress even in rainy or wet conditions.

Display

Finally, consider the display of the watch. Look for a watch with a clear, easy-to-read display that’s easy to navigate. You may also want to consider a watch with customizable display options, so you can see the data that’s most important to you during your runs.

By considering these key features, you’ll be able to choose the best Garmin watch for running that meets your needs and helps you achieve your fitness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a Garmin watch for running?

When choosing a Garmin watch for running, we recommend looking for features such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and advanced running metrics. Other important features include water resistance, long battery life, and compatibility with running apps and software.

How does the Garmin Forerunner series compare for marathon training?

The Garmin Forerunner series is a popular choice for marathon training due to its accurate GPS tracking, advanced running metrics, and long battery life. The Forerunner 945 and Forerunner 745 are both great options for marathon runners, offering features such as training plans, recovery time estimates, and race predictions.

What are the benefits of using a Garmin watch over other brands for running?

Garmin watches are known for their accuracy and reliability when it comes to tracking running metrics. They also offer a wide range of features specifically designed for runners, such as training plans, personalized coaching, and the ability to track progress over time. Additionally, Garmin watches are often compatible with popular running apps and software, making it easy to analyze and share data.

Can I use Garmin watches for interval training and advanced running metrics?

Yes, Garmin watches are designed to track a wide range of running metrics, including interval training and advanced metrics such as ground contact time and vertical oscillation. Many Garmin watches also offer personalized coaching and training plans to help runners improve their performance.

What is the battery life like on Garmin watches for long-distance runners?

Garmin watches are known for their long battery life, with some models offering up to 20 hours of GPS tracking on a single charge. For long-distance runners, we recommend choosing a watch with at least 10 hours of battery life to ensure it can last through a full marathon or ultramarathon.

How do Garmin watches integrate with running apps and software?

Garmin watches are often compatible with popular running apps and software such as Strava, Nike Run Club, and Garmin Connect. This allows runners to easily analyze and share their data with others, as well as track progress over time. Many Garmin watches also offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to sync data with other devices.