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

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for both runners and cyclists looking for a versatile GPS smartwatch. Its bright AMOLED display offers clear visibility, making it user-friendly while on the go. With a battery life of up to 11 days, it ensures that you can track your activities without frequent recharging, which is a significant advantage for long training sessions or multi-day events. The built-in GPS provides accurate tracking of distances and routes, essential for outdoor activities like running and cycling.

This smartwatch is packed with health monitoring features, including wrist-based heart rate tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring, which can help users optimize their training and rest periods. The extensive range of more than 30 sports apps caters to various fitness activities, accommodating both traditional runners and more niche users, such as those in wheelchair sports.

For those who enjoy smart features, the vívoactive 5 supports music downloads and offers connectivity with popular streaming services, allowing for phone-free listening during workouts. The user interface is generally intuitive, but some users may find the multitude of features overwhelming at first. The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a feature-rich smartwatch that meets the needs of fitness enthusiasts, particularly in running and cycling, combining essential fitness tracking with smart features.

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 255 Music is a solid choice for runners and cyclists seeking a reliable smartwatch. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, which is very beneficial for long training sessions or races. The GPS accuracy is generally praised, ensuring you can track your route effectively. Additionally, it comes equipped with advanced health metrics, like heart rate variability tracking and personalized training suggestions, which can help users improve their performance and recovery times.

The ability to download music directly to the watch and listen through wireless headphones adds a fun element, making it easy to enjoy tunes without carrying a phone. The watch’s customizable user interface, along with adaptive training plans from Garmin Coach, offers tailored workout options and evaluations, catering to users at various fitness levels.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The watch might feel slightly bulky for those with smaller wrists, even though it has a slim design. Some users may also find the need for subscriptions to music services a limitation if they want to make full use of the music feature. While the watch offers a lot of data and metrics, beginners may feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available and might not utilize all features. In terms of durability, the watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor activities, but it's always good to be cautious with water exposure. Lastly, while it does have Bluetooth and USB connectivity, some users have reported occasional syncing issues with their smartphones.

If you prioritize features like GPS accuracy, battery life, and health monitoring, the Forerunner 255 Music is a great option for dedicated runners and cyclists looking to enhance their training experience.