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

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.

This smartwatch is packed with health monitoring features, including wrist-based heart rate tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring, which can help users optimize their training and rest periods. The extensive range of more than 30 sports apps caters to various fitness activities, accommodating both traditional runners and more niche users, such as those in wheelchair sports.

For those who enjoy smart features, the vívoactive 5 supports music downloads and offers connectivity with popular streaming services, allowing for phone-free listening during workouts. The user interface is generally intuitive, but some users may find the multitude of features overwhelming at first. The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a feature-rich smartwatch that meets the needs of fitness enthusiasts, particularly in running and cycling, combining essential fitness tracking with smart features.

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 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.