10 Best Garmin Heart Rate Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is an excellent choice for those serious about running and fitness. With its built-in GPS, you can accurately track your pace and distance, and the wrist-based heart rate monitor keeps you informed about your fitness levels. The colorful AMOLED touchscreen is vibrant and easy to read, and the traditional button controls provide intuitive operation. Its lightweight design ensures comfort during long runs or workouts.

One of the standout features is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, which means less frequent charging worries. The watch supports over 25 activity profiles, making it versatile for various exercises like running, cycling, and strength training. The personalized daily workout suggestions and recovery insights are particularly helpful for those aiming to optimize their training.

Additionally, the safety and tracking features, such as incident detection and live location sharing, add an extra layer of security. Smart notifications keep you connected, and Garmin Pay allows for contactless payments on the go. The Garmin Connect app also offers a platform to compete with friends and track your progress. However, there are a few downsides. The watch requires a compatible smartphone for certain features, and its reliance on network coverage for safety alerts could be a limitation in remote areas. The 1.2-inch screen may also feel small for some users, and the 4 GB memory might be insufficient for storing extensive music or apps. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Forerunner 165 remains a robust and feature-rich smartwatch for anyone looking to enhance their running and fitness regimen.

The Garmin Venu 3 is a versatile smartwatch with a robust set of features. It excels in heart rate monitoring with its wrist-based sensor, offering accurate and continuous tracking. The built-in GPS is ideal for outdoor activities, ensuring precise location tracking. A standout feature is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 14 days, which is beneficial for users who prefer less frequent charging. Additionally, the watch supports extensive activity tracking, including stress tracking and animated on-screen workouts, making it a great companion for fitness enthusiasts. The water resistance ensures that it can be used in various conditions without worry, adding to its durability.

Smart features like the built-in speaker and microphone, along with compatibility with Android Wear, enhance its functionality by enabling calls and voice commands. The AMOLED touchscreen display is vibrant and easy to navigate, contributing to its user-friendly design. The silicone band and 45mm black case offer both comfort and style, suitable for daily wear.

However, the smartwatch does have some drawbacks. It might feel bulky to those preferring a more compact design, and the high number of features might be overwhelming for users seeking simplicity. The price point may also be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Despite these minor issues, the Garmin Venu 3 stands out as a highly capable smartwatch, particularly suited for fitness tracking and smart functionalities.

The Garmin Enduro 3 is a robust heart rate watch tailored for ultra-endurance athletes. It excels in several areas crucial for this category. Its heart rate monitoring is complemented by real-time stamina tracking, which is valuable for those engaging in long-duration activities. The built-in GPS and preloaded TopoActive maps ensure precise tracking and navigation, making it an excellent companion for outdoor adventures. One of its standout features is the extreme battery life, which can last up to 90 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging, reducing the need for frequent recharges during extended activities.

The watch is also equipped with a built-in LED flashlight, adding to its utility in low-light conditions. The design prioritizes durability and comfort, featuring a titanium bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and an UltraFit nylon strap that remains comfortable during prolonged use. However, the watch is relatively large with a 51 mm face, which might not suit users with smaller wrists. Additionally, while it offers numerous smart features like Bluetooth connectivity and notifications, it operates on Garmin OS, which may not be as versatile as other operating systems like Android or iOS.

The water resistance and multisport tracking capabilities further enhance its appeal for athletes engaging in diverse activities. Despite being lightweight at 63 grams, the comprehensive features and rugged build justify its position as a high-performance smartwatch for extreme conditions.