10 Best Garmin Watch For Running And Cycling 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is an excellent choice for runners and cyclists, offering a range of features tailored to those who want to track their performance closely. One of its standout features is the brilliant AMOLED display, which makes it easy to read data even in bright conditions. The multi-band GPS ensures that you can confidently navigate even in challenging environments, while the battery life is impressive—lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, which is especially beneficial for long-distance activities.

Another strength of the Forerunner 965 is its comprehensive training metrics and recovery insights. It provides a training readiness score that takes into account your sleep quality and recovery, helping you decide when to push hard or take it easy. The watch also adapts daily suggested workouts based on your performance and recovery, which is a fantastic feature for those serious about improving their fitness.

The durability of the watch is commendable, featuring a lightweight yet robust titanium bezel along with water resistance, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Plus, the customizable user interface and smart connectivity through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enhance its appeal. The Garmin Forerunner 965 meets the needs of serious runners and cyclists who appreciate detailed training metrics and a robust GPS system, but it may be more than what casual users require. If you're committed to tracking your fitness journey in-depth, this smartwatch is worth considering.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music smartwatch is designed to cater to both running and cycling enthusiasts with its robust set of features. Its built-in GPS offers accurate tracking of pace and distance, which is crucial for outdoor activities. The watch excels in battery life, providing up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it lasts through long training sessions without frequent recharging.

The wrist-based heart rate monitoring helps you keep an eye on your health metrics effectively. Additionally, the personalized workout suggestions and Garmin Coach feature aid in achieving specific fitness goals by adapting to your performance and recovery needs. The AMOLED touchscreen display is vibrant and user-friendly, complemented by traditional button controls for ease of use, especially during workouts. The watch’s lightweight design and 43 mm size make it comfortable to wear for extended periods.

For music lovers, the ability to download and listen to playlists from services like Spotify and Amazon Music without needing your phone is a great plus. Safety features like incident detection and Assistance add a layer of security by sending your live location to emergency contacts when paired with your smartphone. However, the smartwatch also has some limitations. The relatively new model might face occasional software bugs that Garmin needs to address through updates. The contactless payment feature, Garmin Pay, may not be supported by all banks or payment networks, limiting its usability.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is an impressive smartwatch designed especially for runners and cyclists, particularly those involved in triathlons. One of its standout features is the GPS accuracy, which is enhanced by multiple global navigation satellite systems, ensuring you get precise readings even in challenging environments. This is a significant advantage for serious athletes who need reliable data on their performance. The 15-day battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours in GPS mode means you won’t have to worry about frequent charging during long training sessions or races, which is a major plus.

The heart rate monitoring capabilities are robust, helping users track their fitness levels and recovery efficiently. The training features, including personalized workout suggestions and a race widget that predicts performance, cater well to athletes looking to improve. The customizable user interface allows for a tailored experience, making it easier to access the data that matters most to you.

It does have some drawbacks. While the touchscreen is responsive, some users may prefer the traditional button interface for quick navigation during workouts. Additionally, while the watch is waterproof, it’s still important to be mindful of its limits in certain swimming environments. The price point may also be considered high for casual users who may not utilize all the advanced features.