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10 Best Garmin Watch For Running And Cycling 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Garmin Vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Slate Aluminum Bezel with Black Case and Silicone Band
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.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,152
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Training and Performance Metrics
Most important from
9093 reviews
#2
Garmin Forerunner® 255S, Smaller GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Light Pink
The Garmin Forerunner 255S is a smaller, lightweight GPS smartwatch designed specifically for runners and cyclists who want detailed training insights without bulk. Its GPS is reliable for tracking outdoor activities, and the watch supports up to 26 hours of GPS use, which is excellent for long workouts or races. The 12-day battery life in smartwatch mode means you don't have to charge it frequently, providing convenience. Heart rate monitoring is continuous and enhanced by features like HRV status, giving you a snapshot of your recovery and overall wellness, though these readings are estimates rather than clinical measurements.
Rating
7.9
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Most important from
3893 reviews
#3
Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Light Pink and Powder Gray
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.
Rating
7.6
GPS Accuracy
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Most important from
2400 reviews
Top 10 Best Garmin Watch For Running And Cycling 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Garmin Vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Slate Aluminum Bezel with Black Case and Silicone Band
Garmin Vívoactive 5, Health and Fitness GPS Smartwatch, AMOLED Display, Up to 11 Days of Battery, Slate Aluminum Bezel with Black Case and Silicone Band
GPS Accuracy: accurate distance and route tracking
Battery Life: up to 11 days
Heart Rate Monitoring: wrist-based heart rate tracking
Training and Performance Metrics: Body Battery, 30+ sports apps
Connectivity and Smart Features: music downloads, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
Customizability and User Interface: intuitive user interface
Chosen by 1152 this week
Garmin Forerunner® 255S, Smaller GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Light Pink
Garmin Forerunner® 255S, Smaller GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Light Pink
GPS Accuracy: reliable for outdoor activity tracking
Battery Life: 26h GPS, 12 days smartwatch mode
Heart Rate Monitoring: continuous, enhanced by HRV status
Training and Performance Metrics: personalized workouts, race predictions, analysis
Durability and Water Resistance: sweat-ready, water resistant outdoors
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth, contactless pay, wireless charge
Customizability and Comfort: smaller 41mm, comfortable, not bulky
Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Light Pink and Powder Gray
Garmin Forerunner 265S Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Light Pink and Powder Gray
GPS Accuracy: multi-band GNSS, SatIQ technology
Battery Life: up to 15 days, 24 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: HRV status, training readiness, sleep tracking
Training and Performance Metrics: over 30 activity profiles, including running
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, notifications
Customizability and User Interface: personalized workout suggestions, race widget
Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02641-20
Garmin Forerunner® 255 Music, GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02641-20
GPS Accuracy: Generally praised
Battery Life: 14 days smartwatch, 30 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: Heart rate variability tracking
Training and Performance Metrics: Personalized training, advanced health metrics
Durability and Water Resistance: Water-resistant
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth, USB, music, wireless headphones
Customizability and User Interface: Customizable UI, adaptive training plans
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Music on Your Wrist, Whitestone
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Music on Your Wrist, Whitestone
GPS Accuracy: accurate tracking of pace, distance
Battery Life: up to 11 days, 19 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: wrist-based heart rate monitoring
Training and Performance Metrics: personalized workout suggestions, Garmin Coach
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
Customizability and User Interface: AMOLED touchscreen, button controls
Related Products
Up to 28% off
Garmin 010-02540-34 Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, Adventure smartwatch, Solar Charging Capabilities, Rugged Outdoor GPS Watch, Touchscreen, Health and Wellness Features, Black DLC Titanium with Black Band
Garmin 010-02540-34 Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, Adventure smartwatch, Solar Charging Capabilities, Rugged Outdoor GPS Watch, Touchscreen, Health and Wellness Features, Black DLC Titanium with Black Band
GPS Accuracy: Multi-band frequency, GNSS network support
Battery Life: Up to 22 days, 73 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-based heart rate monitor
Training and Performance Metrics: Advanced metrics, Pulse Ox sensor
Durability and Water Resistance: Scratch-resistant, water-resistant
Connectivity and Smart Features: Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth
Customizability and User Interface: 30 sports apps, touchscreen, buttons
Garmin 010-02638-10 Forerunner® 955, GPS Running Smartwatch, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black
Garmin 010-02638-10 Forerunner® 955, GPS Running Smartwatch, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black
GPS Accuracy: multiple global navigation systems
Battery Life: 15-day smartwatch, 42 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: robust
Training and Performance Metrics: personalized workouts, race widget
Durability and Water Resistance: waterproof
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi
Customizability and User Interface: customizable interface
Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray, 010-02809-00
Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black and Powder Gray, 010-02809-00
GPS Accuracy: Multi-band GPS
Battery Life: 23 days smartwatch, 31 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-Based Heart Rate
Training and Performance Metrics: Training readiness, daily workouts, recovery insights
Durability and Water Resistance: Titanium bezel, water resistance
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Customizability and User Interface: Customizable user interface
Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music, Smaller GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Whitestone
Garmin Forerunner® 255S Music, Smaller GPS Running Smartwatch with Music, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Whitestone
GPS Accuracy: True
Battery Life: 12 days smartwatch, 26 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: Heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring
Training and Performance Metrics: Race predictions, running power, workouts
Durability and Water Resistance: Water resistance for outdoor activities
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth, USB, 500 songs storage
Customizability and Comfort: Lightweight, small, slim, bright display
#10
Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 Weeks of Battery Life, Aqua
Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 Weeks of Battery Life, Aqua
GPS Accuracy: excellent
Battery Life: up to two weeks, 20 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-Based Heart Rate
Training and Performance Metrics: race time predictions, finish estimates
Durability and Water Resistance: commendable
Connectivity and Smart Features: Bluetooth support
Customizability and User Interface: personalize watch faces, access apps
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Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Watch For Running And Cycling
Choosing the right Garmin watch for running and cycling can significantly enhance your training and performance. The right watch will provide you with accurate data, help you track your progress, and offer features that can make your workouts more efficient and enjoyable. To make the best choice, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your personal needs and goals.GPS AccuracyGPS accuracy is crucial for tracking your routes, distance, and pace accurately. This is especially important for runners and cyclists who rely on precise data to monitor their performance and progress. Garmin watches are known for their reliable GPS, but some models offer multi-band GPS or additional satellite systems (like GLONASS and Galileo) for enhanced accuracy. If you often train in challenging environments like dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings, opting for a watch with advanced GPS capabilities can be beneficial.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your watch can function before needing a recharge. For long-distance runners and cyclists, a watch with extended battery life is essential to ensure it lasts through your entire workout or race. Garmin watches offer varying battery life, from models that last a few days to those that can go for weeks in smartwatch mode. If you frequently engage in long training sessions or multi-day events, choose a watch with a longer battery life to avoid interruptions.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring helps you track your cardiovascular performance and ensure you're training within your target heart rate zones. This can improve your efficiency and prevent overtraining. Garmin watches come with built-in optical heart rate sensors, and some models also support external chest strap sensors for more accurate readings. If precise heart rate data is crucial for your training, consider a watch that supports both wrist-based and external heart rate monitoring.
Training and Performance MetricsTraining and performance metrics provide insights into your fitness level, training load, recovery time, and more. These metrics can help you optimize your training plan and avoid overtraining. Garmin watches offer a range of metrics, from basic ones like pace and distance to advanced ones like VO2 max, lactate threshold, and training effect. If you're serious about improving your performance, look for a watch that offers comprehensive training and performance metrics.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance are important for ensuring your watch can withstand the rigors of your training and various weather conditions. Garmin watches are designed to be robust, with many models offering water resistance up to 50 meters or more. If you often train in harsh environments or participate in activities like swimming, choose a watch with high durability and water resistance to ensure it can handle your lifestyle.
Connectivity and Smart FeaturesConnectivity and smart features enhance the functionality of your watch by allowing you to sync data with your smartphone, receive notifications, and use apps. Garmin watches offer various connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+. Some models also support music storage and playback, contactless payments, and smart notifications. If you value staying connected and having additional features at your fingertips, consider a watch with robust connectivity and smart features.
Customizability and ComfortCustomizability and comfort are important for ensuring your watch fits well and meets your personal preferences. Garmin watches come with various strap options, watch faces, and widgets that you can customize to suit your style and needs. Additionally, the comfort of the watch is crucial, especially for long training sessions. Look for a watch with a comfortable strap and a size that fits your wrist well to ensure it doesn't cause discomfort during your workouts.