13 Best Garmin GPS Watches for Running

We know running is an intensive workout and too much effort that is truly worth it. Since it’s one of the workouts, many people are interested in; there are many sports gear made especially for making running more interesting and more effective. One of the devices you can invest in is a Garmin GPS watch for running. This type of watch can do a lot to leverage your running exercises. For example, it can track your speed, heart rate, burned calories, and many more features. Also, they have GPS to know the trail and what to expect throughout the running session.
Garmin products are one of the best to rely on for quality. That’s why we prepared a full list of Garmin watches to keep you updated with this reliable brand’s latest and best products. Let’s get directly to the list to know what’s on for today.

Garmin Forerunner® 255

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Our first recommendation is Garmin Forerunner® 255, a lightweight, slim Garmin GPS watch for runners. It’s preferable for many runners as they prefer not to feel they’re carrying weight around their wrists. Also, the watch has nice different options for the strap, so the choices are more than what is available for any Garmin GPS running watch.

This model from Garmin isn’t new, yet it’s still one of the best. It’s available in two display sizes. Plus, it has a relatively good memory for storing downloaded songs. Also, the tracking features, metrics, and suggested running workouts are accurate enough to consider such a watch. You can also rely on it for hours of use until it runs off charge. Overall, it’s a great option to start with for new runners who are seeking a good running watch with advanced features.

Garmin EPIX 2

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We have been looking for a killer Garmin GPS watch for runners with features that compete with any other running watch. We found it in this Garmin EPIX 2 watch. It’s epic, with the best screen and the best body for unbeatable quality. The screen is an AMOLED touchscreen that makes reading through the watch easier. Whether you’re using it indoors or outdoors, you won’t find any problems using this screen.

Further, the features are a full package. You’ll enjoy all the features you can find in a highly-rated Garming GPS running watch such as Fenix, including tracking and smartwatch features. Also, they didn’t forget to include multi-band GNSS technology to provide accurate measurements. All of these features come with a screen protector to protect this highest-quality screen.

Garmin Enduro

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Best battery life. Garmin Enduro, in our opinion, is the best Garmin GPS watch for runners who seek a long-lasting battery. The watch has a solar charging lens that saves electricity and works very well to maintain operating for longer times. Also, there is a battery-saver mode for extended battery life while running.

In terms of the features, it’s packed with advanced features such as the trail run VO2 max and the ClimbPro trail. These features track your fitness level and give you details about descents and flats for a more-informed running session based on accurate data. It can also give you recommendations about the next running session based on the available recorded data. So, it’s a very intelligent watch to use.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus

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Many of the Garmin GPS watches for runners combine smartwatch features with GPS tracking features. However, Garmin Venu 2 Plus goes the extra mile in this area. You’ll be able to receive phone calls and answer them while using the GPS feature despite some problems in connectivity. The watch also includes the main features you’d like to have in GPS watches, such as tracking movements and, even more, giving instant feedback. Like most other Garmin smart devices, this watch has a storage capacity for up to 650 songs and music streaming from third-party music Apps. On top of all, it comes in three attractive colors and a very sleek strap for a luxuriously sporty look.

Garmin Forerunner® 955

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Garmin Forerunner® 955 is similar to the previous 945 models but with some upgraded features. It comes in solar and non-solar versions and other options, such as the smartwatch alone or the watch with a dynamics pod. The solar option is very useful in saving electricity and using the sun’s energy. This increases the battery life. However, many buyers expected more from such a model at this price point.

On the run, the watch is very powerful. It’s a top Garmin running GPS watch with a sleek touchscreen that displays accurate data in a very easy-to-read way. Many advanced features and running metrics have been added to this watch to make your running exercise easier and more effective. One of those top metrics is the training readiness metric to know if it’s the right day to hit the track or not. Check out this detailed YouTube review by The Run Testers for more information about the features.

Garmin Forerunner 745

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What about a sporty-looking Garmin GPS watch for runners to take their running sessions up to the next level? Garmin Forerunner 745 is a simple running watch with a colorful strap of your choice and a very intuitive display to ease running and other workouts. It may be used for swimming and can go up to 100 meters below the water. Check out this YouTube video review for a complete overview of the features.

For running, you can choose one of the available running profiles, and the watch will start tracking your progress and performance. Based on this data, it’ll suggest upgrading your running exercises for the next time. You can also download music to the watch or sync your favorite music from any of the known music Apps to save the memory for something else.

Garmin Fenix 7

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Best for a variety of features. Garmin Fenix 7 has a battery that can work for up to 40 days without recharging according to the mode. This Garmin GPS watch for running is a solid, rugged option for those seeking the highest quality and features. It’s very pricey, but when you know the watch’s features, you’ll have an idea why it’s sold at this price. Starting with the running and intensity features, the watch has more than 30 built-in sports profiles for storing data. It loads maps using multi-GNSS satellite systems. Also, it measures your performance using advanced metrics. Next, the smartwatch features include sleep monitoring, pulse Ox, sleep tracking, and stress-level tracking as well. Above all, it’s a great Garmin GPS watch for golf. It has preloaded golf courses, so it’s a one-for-all GPS watch.

Garmin Forerunner 55

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Sometimes, a small watch is exactly what you need for running despite the hard-to-read screen. Garmin Forerunner 55 is a reliable Garmin GPS watch for runners that suit small wrists. Yet, the screen might not be the best in terms of readability. The watch also has enough features to meet runners’ needs. The watch comes with different running modes, and you can even plan your running day using the PacePro feature if you’re a professional runner. Also, there are activity profiles to keep you up with your progress in running and different workouts. This watch will be your companion in all exercises from now on. And thanks to its lightweight and small size, you won’t feel annoyed wearing it all day.

Garmin Forerunner 645

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Garmin Forerunner 645 offers music features, running features, and, even more, contactless payment solutions. Having this watch means you can download around 500 songs on the watch itself or sync music and songs from other third-party Apps. Also, it means you can track your progress while running and doing other exercises, but it’s better while running. Overall, it’s one of the highly-rated Garmin watches at Walmart and Amazon. One other extra feature is the contactless payment solution with some supported banks and cards. This way, you don’t need any cash with you if you want to pamper yourself with a drink after a long run. All of these features come in a lightweight Garmin running GPS watch that suits all wrists.

Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch

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Best for battery recharging. As the name suggests, Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch recharges using solar energy. This watch works very well to save electricity and make use of the natural resource we all have, namely, the sun. You can recharge your watch during the day and use it at night. However, this isn’t the only feature this watch has. It’s already full of Garmin features you might be expecting.

The watch works with multiple global navigation satellite systems. In addition, you can swim with this watch around your wrist. It’s rated for 100 meters underwater. Also, it keeps records of your running progress and even more other day-to-day health features. Best of all, it’s a rugged watch to be used in all outdoor activities, including hiking and camping. You might want to check those best GPS watches for hiking. Check this comprehensive YouTube video review as well because the watch has a lot to do.

Garmin Venu

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The Garmin Venu doesn’t only track your running progress, including the pace and interval, but it also tracks your overall health by monitoring certain features. For example, the watch can track your energy level, heart rate, sleep intervals, and menstrual cycle for women. All of this data is stored to give you estimates about your overall health status and running activity you should do. Moreover, the watch works for other activities rather than running. It has preloaded GPS apps for indoor and outdoor sports venues to run, play yoga, and swim. Also, it pairs with smartphones to connect to your favorite music App and download songs and music to play independently using the watch without needing the smartphone to be near.

Garmin Forerunner 45

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Best value for money. Garmin Forerunner 45 comes relatively cheap compared to many Garmin GPS watches for runners. The watch isn’t new, and there are many Forerunner models that came after this one with more advanced features. Yet, this one makes the best Garmin GPS running watch for those looking for the basic features at the best price. From monitoring heart rate to tracking the pace and intervals, all of the main features, any runner needs are available in this watch. Further, it’s a lightweight watch with a very simple strap that comes in different colors, such as red and purple. Also, it’s compatible with the free Garmin coach adaptive training plans. Thus, you get a lot at a reasonable price.

Garmin Fenix 6

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Garmin Fenix 6 is a best-selling Garmin running GPS watch and one of the best watches any runner can get. It’s packed with lots of features you’ll need days to discover and get acquainted with. However, the first thing you need to do is to choose which model from this Fenix 6 you want. There are 6S, 6S pro, 6X pro, and many other models; each comes with a slight improvement to the features. Mainly, it has preloaded maps for more than 2K ski resorts. Also, it works with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems. So, the accuracy and connectivity are unbeatable.

Further, there are some features runners will love the most, such as offline music play. The watch has storage for music where you can subscribe to music Apps and download your favorite tracks to play when you want with no need for internet connectivity. Also, the smart notification option is great for instantly knowing what’s going on without touching the watch.

Our Verdict!

So, you’re in the market for a new running GPS watch and have narrowed it down to a Garmin GPS watch for runners. Here are our recommended four options based on their top features.

• Best value for money: Garmin Forerunner 45
• Best for battery recharging: Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch
• Best for a variety of features: Garmin Fenix 7
• Best battery life: Garmin Enduro

How To Choose The Best Garmin GPS for Running?

When buying a new Garmin GPS running watch, there are a few things to consider. Here are the most important criteria.

Features

Do you want a GPS watch with nothing else except training metrics and a GPS feature? Or do you want to use it as a smartwatch as well? Is listening to music while running an essential feature for you? Or can you use the watch just for tracking your performance? You should know what you need exactly from the watch before buying because the more features you have, the more you’ll pay.

Battery

The battery life is something you can’t compensate for. Always look for the longest battery life because you can’t just stop running to recharge your watch. Solar-powered watches are a good option here but are more expensive than other watches.

Style

Garmin watches are mostly rugged, but very sleek and slim designs have been recently added to the collection. Think of how you want your watch to look. Also, try getting a lightweight watch with a readable screen to ease your life when outdoors.

Should I buy a GPS running watch?

Even if you have a smartwatch and you don’t need to listen to music, you need to track your performance and use the GPS to know the running tracks.

Why are Garmin running GPS watches the best?

These watches are very reliable with very accurate tracking features as they use GLONASS, Galileo, and GPS satellite systems.

How long should I expect my GPS watch to last?

If you maintain the watch, it may last for more than seven years, according to your use.