Garmin
- Founded
- 1989
- Based in
- Olathe, Kansas, USA
- In our catalog
- 2 watches from $450 to $1,200
Garmin makes smartwatches for people who care more about training data and battery life than notifications. Its watches track runs, rides, swims, climbs and dives with real precision, and many of them go days or weeks between charges. For serious athletes, Garmin is often the default choice.
History
Gary Burrell and Min Kao founded Garmin in 1989 (the name combines their first names) to make GPS navigation devices. The company became a major name in aviation, marine and car navigation. In 2003 it launched the Forerunner, one of the first GPS running watches, and later the fēnix outdoor watch in 2012 and the rugged Instinct in 2018.
Garmin watches now offer heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, training load, maps, payments and music. Newer models have AMOLED displays, and some include solar charging for even longer battery life.
Signature models
- Fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm: Garmin's flagship multisport watch with maps, an AMOLED screen, dive features and a rugged case.
- Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm: A tougher, more affordable watch built for outdoor use.
- Forerunner: The running line, from basic to advanced training watches.
What it's known for
Garmin watches work with both iPhone and Android, and the Garmin Connect app is popular with athletes. They're less polished as smartwatches than an Apple Watch, but better for training.
Price and positioning
Garmin watches run from about $200 to over $1,000. They compete with Apple, Samsung and specialized sports brands like Coros and Suunto. If you want a watch to train with rather than a phone on your wrist, Garmin is the safe pick.
Garmin watches in our library
- Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm ($450 to $500)
- Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED 47mm ($1,000 to $1,200)