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

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 55 is a versatile GPS running watch that caters to both runners and cyclists. Its strengths include excellent GPS accuracy, which allows you to track your runs and rides precisely. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. This can be particularly useful for long training sessions or races. The heart rate monitoring feature helps you keep track of your fitness levels, although it's important to note that it is not a medical device. The watch also offers a range of training and performance metrics, such as race time predictions and finish time estimates, making it a valuable tool for those looking to improve their performance.

Additionally, it supports various activity profiles including swimming and Pilates, broadening its usability beyond just running and cycling. Durability and water resistance are also commendable, allowing you to use it in various environments. Connectivity features are robust, with Bluetooth support enabling seamless integration with smartphones. Customizability is another highlight, with options to personalize watch faces and access a plethora of apps from the Connect IQ Store.

However, there are some drawbacks. The screen size is relatively small at 1.04 inches, which might be a limitation for users who prefer a larger display. Moreover, the PacePro feature is not compatible with on-device courses, which could be a downside for those who rely heavily on this feature for pacing during races. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a highly capable watch for runners and cyclists, with strong GPS accuracy, impressive battery life, and a range of useful features, though it may fall short for those looking for a larger display or full PacePro integration.

The Garmin Forerunner 265S is a well-rounded smartwatch designed for running and cycling enthusiasts. It features a bright AMOLED touchscreen with traditional buttons, making it user-friendly and easy to navigate even during intense activities. Its lightweight design, especially the 42 mm size, makes it comfortable for those with smaller wrists. The battery performance is impressive, offering up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode, which is excellent for extended training sessions and long races.

GPS accuracy is enhanced with multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology, ensuring precise tracking even in challenging environments. The heart rate monitoring is robust, providing essential metrics like HRV status, training readiness, and sleep tracking to help optimize your workouts and recovery. Additionally, it has over 30 activity profiles, including running, cycling, and open-water swimming, catering to various training needs.

The smartwatch's 1.1-inch display might feel small for users who prefer larger screens. Also, the battery capacity of 4 milliamp hours might seem low, but it achieves impressive battery life through efficient power management. The connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, ensure you stay connected with smart notifications for calls and texts from your smartphone. Safety features like incident detection and live location sharing add peace of mind during outdoor activities. Customizability and user interface are strong, with personalized workout suggestions and a race widget to plan your strategy. While it’s well-suited for its target audience, the high level of detailed metrics might be overwhelming for casual users.