No matter what type of Garmin watch you own, you’ll need to know which apps to download to it. The Connect IQ app store is a hub of interesting and practical applications that you can use to make your everyday life more fun and more functional, especially after opening up its platform relatively recently so external developers could create apps of their own for use on Garmin watches. This has led to a host of exciting add-ons that are well worth looking at if you’re the proud owner of a Garmin device. So, let’s take a look at the best Garmin Connect IQ apps.
Many Garmin watches have compatibility with Connect IQ, especially the most recent devices. Although not every device offers the same level of support for this app store, the most popular models such as the Fenix 3, 5, and 6, many of the Forerunners and Vivoactives, and all Instinct and Marq models along with several others all boast at least some compatibility.
So, what are the best Garmin Connect IQ apps you can download to your device to make the most of your smartwatch’s capabilities?
Strava Routes
Garmin owners are almost certainly also logging each workout in Strava, so the Strava Routes app is a good bet for a free download. This app can be shared with friends so you can both follow an identical route, and if you’ve gone off course, it will alert you so you won’t get lost.
RunSafe+
Whether you’re a runner or a walker, this app boasts tracking profiles for a host of purposes, including cross country, pool running, and even stroller running. It offers a wide variety of data fields to cover your session as well as features such as race estimations and transitions for several leg activities. Although this is a paid app, it’s well worth the money that you spend.
Learn to run
If you’re a newcomer to running and have just invested in a Garmin device, this app comes with a number of training programs to help you work up to running 5K. Once you’ve achieved this goal, the app will take you further to 10K and then for longer runs along with interval training so you can really get into shape.
Spotify
Whether you’re playing your favorite tunes to help maximize your workout effort or whether you’re just listening for fun, the dedicated Spotify app for Garmin devices is a great choice. You’ll have offline support for your playlist, too, so you won’t need to take your phone with you when you head out on a ride or run.
Beep Test
Many people remember the Beep Test from school, and now you can try it all over again from your smartwatch with this app. You can set your watch up to create a twenty-meter shuttle run that will help you rapidly determine your fitness level and whether you need to work a little harder to get in shape.
dwMap
Whether you’re a runner, hiker, or cyclist, this is a helpful app to have on your smartwatch screen. It’ll allow you to zoom in 4 ways, see your current position and view a breadcrumb trail right from your wrist. All you need to do is visit the dwMap webpage, set up your route, and then sync it with your device before you hit the trail.
Swimming App Professional
Most Garmin devices are designed to be waterproof, so this app is a perfect choice for swimmers. Designed for open water swimming, this app displays your key metrics such as pace, distance, and speed along with customizable data fields. This app also offers you the option of displaying your heart rate data if you pair it up with an external sensor.
Uber ETA
Sometimes, you just don’t want to run to get where you’re going, and that’s why the Uber ETA app is so handy. It’ll keep you up to date with the status of the cab that you’ve ordered, giving you a progress countdown to your location, an estimated arrival time, the car’s make, model, and license plate, and even the directions to the location for your pick up.
Public Transport r485
When you’re out and using public transport, this app can fire out a request to Google so you can find the best route to get where you have to go with no need to use your smartphone. So long as you’ve paired your smartwatch with your phone to deal with the request, it’s then possible to follow the directions offline. Furthermore, it can also be set up to save new addresses and current locations so you can get the travel help you need easily and quickly.
Meditate
Mental well-being couldn’t be more important, and now Garmin has introduced some mindful features to its devices. Meditate is one such app that allows you to achieve a clear mind and de-stress whenever you need it most. It taps into your stress measurements and heart rate to provide vibration alerts that guide you effectively through each exercise so you can chill out and achieve zen quickly.
Toothbrush Timer
This may not be a fitness tracking app, but it’s certainly helpful for your well-being! The Toothbrush Timer will make sure you do your full two minutes of brushing as recommended by your dentist in the morning when you wake up and before going to bed. It will also highlight the specific areas you need to focus on, sending small vibrations so you know when you should move to a different area of your mouth.
Commute Tracker
If you’re a regular commuter, this app will be a fantastic addition to your smartwatch, giving you daily feedback on the effectiveness of your commute along with statistics about how long you spent moving or stopped, the total length of time you spent in transit, the number of stops you made and your maximum speed. When all of these details are tracked then aggregated over time, you will begin to identify the best times to head to the office or home again.
These are just some of the best Garmin Connect IQ apps that you might want to download to your new Garmin device. Whether you’re improving your fitness or just improving your lifestyle, these are great choices for your smartwatch.
If you haven’t yet got a Garmin device then check out the 7 best Garmin Fitness Trackers for 2021.
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Last Updated on August 10, 2021
Emma is an experienced multifaceted copywriter and is our Copy and Visual Editor, Social Media Manager and regular Content Contributor.
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