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Garmin is the global leader in GPS running watches—and it’s not close. In a recent WeeViews community survey, 56% of runners said they use a Garmin.
From basic run tracking to wrist-based running dynamics, turn-by-turn navigation, and multi-day battery life, Garmin delivers the tools you need for every training block and every finish line.
In this guide, we highlight the best Garmin watches by activity, along with the professional athletes who trust them most.
👉 Curious how Coros stacks up against other brands? Check out our Garmin vs. Coros comparison to see how the two GPS giants compare in features, price, and performance.
The Forerunner 165 is Garmin’s best value-for-money GPS watch. It’s ideal for runners who want a lightweight design with all the essential run features.
Garmin’s top-tier running watch with AMOLED display, sapphire/titanium construction, onboard music, LED flashlight, and speaker/mic. The Forerunner 970 is a premium GPS watch designed for marathoners and data-focused athletes.
The Fenix 8 is Garmin’s multisport powerhouse. It supports triathlon mode and delivers elite performance for every leg of the race. Ultra-rugged with solar power, AMOLED or MIP options, multi-band GPS, topo maps, and built-in flashlight.
The Enduro 3 is purpose-built for ultrarunners and mountain athletes. Designed for extreme endurance with unmatched battery life, solar charging, maps, flashlight, and rugged build.
The Forerunner 165 is the perfect entry point into Garmin’s world. Lightweight, simple to use, and packed with just enough training tools (like Garmin Coach, wrist-based HR, and stress tracking), it’s ideal for runners building toward their first race or looking to stay consistent without overcomplicating things.
Why it’s a great fit:
Trusted by pros:
Keira D’Amato, American marathoner and former U.S. record holder (2:19:12), Keira has credited data-driven training with her post-collegiate resurgence. She regularly uses Garmin watches to monitor training load and recovery, helping her balance elite-level performance with everyday life.
Garmin’s most advanced road-running watch yet. The Forerunner 970 offers dual-frequency GPS, wrist-based running dynamics, real-time stamina tracking, and native support for lactate threshold, heat acclimation, and HRV status. It’s everything a serious racer or structured training enthusiast could ask for.
Why it’s a great fit:
Emily Sisson, the current American record holder in the marathon (2:18:29), trains with precision. Her Garmin watch helps track performance across every interval, long run, and recovery day—key to staying at the top of the U.S. distance scene.
Built to go long in every sport. The Fenix 8’s triathlon mode seamlessly transitions between swim-bike-run disciplines while tracking advanced metrics like stroke type, power zones, and VO2 max. Plus, it adds mapping, music storage, contactless payments, and solar charging for full-scope multisport and lifestyle coverage.
Why it’s a great fit:
Trusted by pros:
Mirinda Carfrae, three-time Ironman World Champion and Kona legend, “Rinny” relies on Garmin for its tri-specific metrics, durability, and recovery insights. Whether training or racing, she’s known to use Garmin watches to fine-tune every part of her day.
For runners who go deep into the wild, the Enduro 3 delivers unmatched battery life (up to 150 hours GPS with solar), ultrarun-specific features like rest timers and climb pacing, and precision tools like grade-adjusted pace and real-time elevation.
Why it’s a great fit:
Trusted by pros:
Adam Peterman, 2022 Western States 100 champion and World Trail Running gold medalist, Peterman is known for blending science with mountain grit. He uses Garmin to track elevation gain, manage pacing, and make data-informed decisions across grueling courses.
Yes, it’s back again—for good reason. The Fenix 8 combines turn-by-turn trail navigation, downloadable topographic maps, ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass), and expedition mode for multi-day outings. It’s the ultimate backcountry companion.
Why it’s a great fit:
Trusted by pros:
Dylan Bowman, trail runner, podcast host, adventure race enthusiast, and founder of Freetrail, Bowman is a longtime Garmin user. From 100-milers to exploratory hikes, he relies on his watch for route planning, altitude acclimatization, and critical navigation cues.
Whether you’re aiming for a 5K PR, training for an Ironman, tackling ultra-trail races, or exploring remote wilderness, there’s a Garmin watch designed to match your ambition. Each model in this guide offers cutting-edge performance, tailored to how—and where—you move:
Garmin watches are engineered for athletes and trusted by the world’s best. Whichever you choose, you’ll get industry-leading GPS accuracy, exceptional battery life, and tools to train smarter, push farther, and conquer any challenge.
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