10 Best Garmin Heart Rate Monitor Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use smartwatch. Its standout feature is the bright, colorful 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, which makes viewing stats and notifications clear and enjoyable. The built-in GPS accurately tracks your pace and distance, which is key for runners and outdoor activities. Wrist-based heart rate monitoring is reliable, helping you keep an eye on your effort without needing a chest strap.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours when using GPS continuously, so you won’t have to charge it too often. It also includes helpful safety features like incident detection and assistance messages, though these require a paired smartphone with network coverage. You get a wide variety of activity profiles beyond running, including cycling and HIIT, making it versatile for different workouts.

Smart features include notifications for calls and texts, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and integration with the Garmin Connect app to track health trends, compete with friends, and get personalized workout suggestions that adapt based on your recovery and performance. The Forerunner 165 suits anyone focused on running and general fitness who wants accurate tracking, long battery life, and smart features in a compact design. It might be less ideal if you want specialized water sports tracking or prefer a larger display, but for its price and features, it offers great value.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a versatile smartwatch featuring a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. This device excels in heart rate monitoring, providing wrist-based heart rate tracking along with stress tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring. This makes it highly suitable for users interested in comprehensive health insights. With built-in GPS and over 30 sports apps, including walking, running, swimming, and golf, it is perfect for fitness enthusiasts. The watch offers up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, reducing the need for frequent recharges.

Water-resistant and equipped with a 41mm case, it's designed to withstand various activities, including swimming. The convenience of making and taking phone calls from the wrist, voice assistant integration, and the ability to respond to texts directly from the watch are significant smart features that enhance everyday usability. The sleek design with a soft gold stainless steel bezel and silicone band ensures comfort and style, appealing to casual users.

However, the battery capacity of 4 milliamp hours might appear low, potentially affecting battery longevity under heavy usage. Additionally, while the 1.2-inch screen is clear and vibrant, it may be small for users who prefer larger displays. The Garmin Venu 3S is a well-rounded smartwatch catering to a wide range of users, particularly those focused on health and fitness, without compromising on style and smart features.

The Garmin Forerunner® 965 Running Smartwatch is an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts who seek a comprehensive health monitoring device. Its standout feature is the brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display, complemented by a lightweight titanium bezel, making it both visually appealing and comfortable to wear during workouts. The watch boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it can keep up with extensive training sessions.

One of its key strengths is the advanced GPS tracking, which includes full-color built-in maps and multi-band GNSS capabilities for enhanced accuracy in various environments. This is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy running in unfamiliar areas. The watch also offers an array of smart features, including training readiness scores, personalized workout suggestions, and various sport profiles that cater to triathletes and other multisport athletes.

The Forerunner 965 excels in many areas, but it may be a bit overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive features and metrics. Users not familiar with detailed training data might find it challenging to interpret some of the advanced statistics it provides, such as VO2 Max and HRV status. Additionally, the watch's price point could be a concern for those on a budget, as high-end features come at a premium cost. In terms of design, it strikes a good balance between style and functionality, but some users may prefer a more subtle appearance. Its water resistance is adequate for most activities, though those who plan extensive water sports might want to verify its suitability for specific conditions. The Garmin Forerunner 965 is best suited for dedicated athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want an advanced fitness tracker and are comfortable navigating through a wide range of features.