Garmin watches are pricier than ever before. Whether due to post-tariff strategies, inflation, or Garmin’s awareness of its devices’ popularity, the company is charging more than most competitors in the fitness watch market. After reviewing numerous Garmin watches, I can direct both new and returning Garmin users to the models they should prioritize. Otherwise, you might overspend without being ready for the drawbacks.
In my perspective, Garmin watches can be categorized into three levels: Baseline, mid-range, and high-end. Garmin generally markets different styles of watches within each tier:
| Audience | Baseline ($200–349) | Mid-range ($350–550) | High-end ($600+) |
|———————-|————————————|———————-|——————————|
| Running | Forerunner 55 / 165 / 255 | Forerunner 265 / 570 | Forerunner 965 / 970 |
| Adventurers / hikers | Instinct E / 2 | Instinct 3 (Solar) | Enduro 3, Fenix 8, Tactix 8 |
| Gym / all-around | Vivoactive 5 / 6, Lily 2 Active, Vivomove Trend | Venu 3 | Venu X1, MARQ Gen 2 |
| Golf | Approach S12 / S44 | Approach S50 | Approach S70 |
The baseline models are appealing because they come at a reasonable cost for fitness watches, but they typically feature older hardware, like last-generation health metrics and GPS tracking, or MIP displays, along with software that encourages upgrades to mid-tier models. They also have the “worst” battery life, yet still manage between 1–2 weeks, outperforming competitors.
I usually suggest mid-tier Garmin watches, such as the Venu 3 or Instinct 3, as they provide an enhanced experience for only a bit more than an Apple Watch. However, these models also experience compromises and stripped-down features designed to make the expensive tier more enticing, like the outdoor-oriented Instinct 3 lacking maps.
As impressive as watches like the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 are, I cannot recommend spending a thousand dollars on a watch for anyone unfamiliar with Garmin’s UI idiosyncrasies and complex Connect app. Instead, let’s start you off with Garmin watches that will allow you to explore the ecosystem without feeling overwhelmed.
Which Garmin watches offer beginner-friendly value
With a significant occasion like Amazon Prime Day on the horizon, you might be anticipating a substantial discount on Garmin watches. However, from my years of experience covering these events, I’ve noticed that Garmin usually lowers prices on its watches according to these unofficial tiers.
Older Garmin Fenix or Epix models may see price drops of several hundred dollars, yet newer mid-range watches typically receive a $100 discount, while budget Garmin models might only get a $50 reduction. Keep this information in mind to set realistic expectations; a mid-range Garmin watch is unlikely to dip into my baseline tier, even during a fantastic sale.
If you are looking to enter the Garmin brand at a reasonable price with relatively updated hardware, consider the 2025 Garmin Vivoactive 6. A colleague of mine, a recent convert to Garmin who casually lifts weights, described it as fantastic “if you’ve never used Garmin before” for how it gradually introduces users into the ecosystem and its confusing interface without overwhelming them; he particularly valued the Strength Coach and walking recommendations.
(If you’re inclined to buy something right now, the Vivoactive 5 is $100 off ($199), featuring the same 1.2-inch AMOLED display, 11-day battery life, health sensors, all-systems GNSS accuracy, and aluminum bezel.)
My next suggestion (and my personal favorite in the budget category) is the Garmin Forerunner 165. It offers the same 11-day battery life, 1.2-inch AMOLED display, and GNSS accuracy as the Vivoactive 6. While it may not be as visually appealing and is missing many of the Vivoactive’s sports modes, it adds an altimeter for elevation tracking — essential for hikers and runners — along with daily suggested running workouts.
I wish it included tools found in the Forerunner 265’s training load or the Forerunner 970’s running tolerance, but the Forerunner 165 is suitable for runners getting started with Garmin Coach, training effects, and post-run recovery suggestions without feeling overloaded. It’s currently $40 off on Amazon, close to an all-time low.
My final recommendation for beginners, the Garmin Lily 2 Active, is one I have not personally tried, but I was surprised to learn that my sister Megan purchased one (without any suggestion from me) and is thrilled with it.
Unlike short-lived Garmin hybrids like the Vivomove Trend that lack integrated GPS, the Lily 2 Active lasts up to nine days, or nine hours with GPS. Yet it still appears
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