The ultimate Garmin smartwatch cheat sheet: how to choose the right model for you

• May 19, 2026

Garmin is one of the biggest names in smartwatches — and especially if you’re looking for a wrist-based hiking, running or golfing companion. The brand makes dozens of different models, at different price points and offering different combinations of features, so making sense of your options can be confusing. If you’re short on time, our best Garmin smartwatch guide will point you directly towards our recommendations for specific use cases. However, if you want to explore all the possibilities, you can stay right where you are.

This article is your guide to all the Garmin smartwatches (within reason; I’ve culled anything super-old or ridiculously tricky to get hold of). I’ve included not just the latest-and-greatest in each line, but previous models too, provided they’re still available to buy. Opting for an older version can be a great way to save a bit of money, if you’re not precious about having the most cutting-edge features.

You’ll also notice I’ve separated my guide into product lines. I’ve added a short blurb at the start of each section, explaining who each range is primarily targeted towards and how the features are angled. However, bear in mind these are very broad definitions — there’s lots of overlap between ranges, and all the main features you’d expect from a smartwatch will be included no matter which range you opt for. Hit the View details button for more info about each watch, and a link to our full review.

Garmin Forerunner

The Forerunner range is designed for runners, and offers strong GPS, distance and pace tracking, with further features geared towards training and improving performance. As well as the options listed here, there are two new, beginner-friendly Forerunner watches we’re in the process of reviewing: the Forerunner 70 and the Forerunner 170, both of which went on sale on 15 May (the 70 replaces the veteran Forerunner 55).

The Forerunner lineup is extensive, and even the older models can still be worth a look — the soon-to-be-replaced Forerunner 55 was the watch worn by Sebastian Sawe as he smashed out his sub-two hour 2026 London Marathon.

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Launched: 2023

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Launched: 2023

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Launched: 2022

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Launched: 2021

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Launched: 2020

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Launched: 2019

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Launched: 2019

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Garmin Fenix

Fenix is Garmin’s other main smartwatch range, this time geared towards a broader range of sports and outdoor activities, rather than focusing on running. The Fenix models boast features like topographical maps and waypoint tracking, and are designed to be rugged with long battery life. The current flagship model is the Fenix 8. Unlike the Forerunner lineup, the Fenix watch numbers increase with each new model.

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Garmin Vivoactive

Vivoactive is a more affordable range, geared towards casual or beginner runners and anyone looking for a general lifestyle smartwatch. You’ll still get plenty of fitness capabilities, as well as a big suite of general tracking and heath data tools, but with fewer advanced features than you’d get with a Forerunner.

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Garmin Venu

Venu is more of a general lifestyle smartwatch range than one geared towards running and adventuring, although there are of course general fitness features built in. The most recent model is the Venu 4.

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Garmin Instinct

Instinct is an rugged series geared towards anyone looking for a more affordable outdoors and adventuring watch with exceptional battery life for multi-day expeditions — particularly if you opt for one of the solar-charged models. The latest model out is the Instinct 3.

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Garmin Enduro

The Enduro range is built for endurance athletes, with multisport features similar to the Fenix line, lighter plastic cases, and solar charging to extend battery life. It’ll be overkill for casual use, but if you need a watch that can run for days without needing to be plugged in, this is the range for you.

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Garmin Approach

Approach is Garmin’s golf range, and it includes not only GPS-enabled smartwatches, but things like handheld rangefinders and launch monitors. The smartwatch range includes features such as full-color course maps, a ‘Virtual Caddy’ and a screen that remains readable even in bright sunlight.

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More Garmin options

Finally, a grab-bag of some of Garmin’s more niche propositions. The MARQ is Garmin’s luxury watch effort, combining mechanical watch craftsmanship and styling with smartwatch features; the Lily is the brand’s women-focused watch; the Tactix is an ultra-rugged option for survivalists and military personnel; Epix is like a premium-styled Fenix, for outdoor pursuits; and the Vivosmart is a fitness band rather than a full smartwatch; and the Descent series are smartwatch-style dive computers.

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Launched: 2024

Read the full review","brand":"Garmin ","price":null,"wasPrice":null,"currency":null,"review":{"rating":80,"pros":["Excellent battery life","Built-in GPS","Slim, comfortable, and stylish design"],"cons":["Display won\u2019t be for everyone","No onboard music storage","Not as rugged as other Garmin options"]},"label":"","image":null,"link":{"url":"","linkText":"","editorialMerchantName":""},"noAffiliateTracking":false},{"modelName":"Garmin Lily 2","productName":"Lily 2","productDescription":"

Launched: 2024

Read the full review","brand":"Garmin","price":null,"wasPrice":null,"currency":null,"review":{"rating":70,"pros":["Lightweight ","Long battery life","Good running stats "],"cons":["No sports tracking","Touchscreen is clunky","App could be laid out more clearly"]},"label":"","image":null,"link":{"url":"","linkText":"","editorialMerchantName":""},"noAffiliateTracking":false},{"modelName":"Garmin Descent MK3i","productName":"Descent Mk3i","productDescription":"

Launched: 2023

Read the full review","brand":"Garmin ","price":null,"wasPrice":null,"currency":null,"review":{"rating":100,"pros":["Impressive battery life","Comprehensive dive features","Unbeatable activity tracking with metrics"],"cons":["More expensive than rivals","Others offer simpler user interfaces"]},"label":"","image":null,"link":{"url":"","linkText":"","editorialMerchantName":""},"noAffiliateTracking":false},{"modelName":"Garmin Vivosmart 5","productName":"Vivosmart 5","productDescription":"

Launched: 2022

Read the full review","brand":"Garmin","price":null,"wasPrice":null,"currency":null,"review":{"rating":80,"pros":["Well designed interface","Light and comfortable","Auto activity tracking","Particularly good sleep tracking"],"cons":["Monochrome display","No on-board GPS","Polycarbonate lens rather than toughened glass"]},"label":"","image":null,"link":{"url":"","linkText":"","editorialMerchantName":""},"noAffiliateTracking":false}]}}” data-model-name=”Garmin Marq Athlete (Gen 2),Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2),Garmin Epix (Gen 2),Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2),Garmin Tactix 8,Garmin Lily 2 Active,Garmin Lily 2,Garmin Descent MK3i,Garmin Vivosmart 5″ data-render-type=”fte” data-source-blocks=”featured-products” data-widget-type=”collection” class=”hawk-root”>

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Garmin is one of the biggest names in smartwatches — and especially if you’re looking for a wrist-based hiking, running or golfing companion. The brand makes dozens of different models, at different price points and offering different combinations of features, so making sense of your options can be confusing. If…