10 Best Garmin Fitness Trackers of 2021

Garmin has long been a forerunner in the fitness wearables industry for the more outdoorsy and active crowd. Garmin is well-known for its GPS functions and athletic style, and they are always releasing new and creative devices. However, which are the best Garmin fitness trackers?

Their emphasis and dedication to performance distinguish them from other companies such as Fitbit (and others). Garmin doesn’t only manufacture gadgets that look nice; they also create versions that can fulfil all of your workout and lifestyle demands. 

Garmin provides a tracker to match every athletic demand. Whether you’re a swimmer and want something waterproof or ride and require maps. With so many options on the market today, how does one pick the finest?

1. Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar

First on our list of the best Garmin fitness trackers is the top-of-the-line Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar. However, it’s not for everyone. With the longest battery life and biggest display in the game, this GPS watch is no laughing matter. It was designed with the hard-core explorer in mind, including mapping for terrain, ski slopes (over 2,000 resorts), golf courses (over 41,000), and Multi-GNSS support for precise mapping where GPS suffers. Of course, all of this comes at a cost. However, this is undoubtedly the best for those searching for the finest in the sector.

2. Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S

This newest upgrade to the Vivoactive model line is really appreciated. The Vivoactive 3 was already a favourite of many, and this update brings a slew of additional capabilities, like making integrated music/music streaming standard (previously optional). 

It’s also available in two versions: 4 (45mm across) and 4s (40mm across). It’s a very welcomed adjustment for individuals with tiny wrists since the 40mm is considerably more comfortable and inconspicuous on the wrist.

3. Garmin Vivomove Style

The Vivomove Style is an excellent choice for someone searching for an everyday wristwatch with good fitness monitoring capabilities but with exceptional… well, style. Overall, its display quality and absence of GPS are its worst aspects. However, it is Garmin’s more urban product in their broad lineup.

4. Garmin Venu 2 (and Venu Sq)

The new Garmin Venu 2 (and square version, the Sq) is among the greatest sports watches on the market, combining serious fitness capabilities with an amazing variety of smartwatch functions for daily use. 

Although its design isn’t revolutionary and is quite identical to the earlier Garmin Venu, it’s suited for both workouts and everyday use, which is a difficult balance to find. Its brilliant, high-resolution AMOLED display is the true star, enabling you to view a massive amount of data at once and displaying a plethora of information on your training progress and general health directly on your wrist. The Venu 2 is one of the greatest Garmin watches to date, having been thoughtfully planned and implemented.

5. Garmin Forerunner 945

Garmin’s Forerunner series also caters to a specialised segment of fitness, notably those focusing on running and triathlon (obviously). Apart from the typical feature set (contactless payments, onboard music and GPS, etc.). 

The Forerunner 945 has many running-specific applications to help you train. However, its capacity to correctly track your cadence, ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, balance, and even vertical ratio is quite astounding. With this much information, you’ll be able to perfect your stride before your next big run.

Interestingly, there’s a Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE version about to be released.

6. Garmin Forerunner 645 Music

Garmin’s Forerunner 645 Music is a really fascinating watch. It has many of the same features as luxury watches like the 945 or Fenix 6, but it is much less expensive. You may even save a bit by selecting the non-music version if you don’t intend to utilise it.

The multisport modes, open water tracking, and sturdy build of the more costly watches are worth the additional money for athletes, triathletes, runners, and marathoners. However, the 645 provides virtually everything they might want in a smart running watch for practically everybody else.

7. Garmin Instinct

Last but not least on our list of the best Garmin fitness trackers; the Garmin Instinct is a new (ish-2020) line that has been introduced to Garmin’s already wide collection. It is geared for use in the great outdoors.

Whereas the Garmin Fenix is available to go on hikes, trail runs, and open water swims, it is not inexpensive. So the Instinct is a cheaper option that delivers the same essential functionality as the Fenix but lacks certain larger features.

The Instinct has a design that is unlike anything else in Garmin’s watch lineup. It has a bolder, more colourful casing design and a screen that employs a tiny sub-display to showcase your numbers more interestingly. In addition, because it is a transflective screen, it is visible in strong light and remains operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It has all of the necessary sensors, including a built-in GPS and various outside and ambient sensors, such as a compass and temperature, for that extra data hit. There’s also a heart rate monitor on board for continuous monitoring of heart rate while exercising, which should be enough for long walks and moderate trail runs but may fall short in terms of accuracy for high-intensity activities. The pulse oximeter sensor, which appears on the current Garmin Instinct Solar watch, has been omitted.

If you’re keen to compare Garmin with another well-established brand, check out how we think Garmin fares against Suunto.

8.Forerunner 55

When it comes to fitness trackers, the Forerunner 55 is one of the best on the market right now. Whether you’re an avid runner or looking to pick the sport up, this watch will help you reach your potential!

With wrist-based data sensors, the Forerunner 55 give you heart rate data and more. The watch uses data to suggest personalized runs that are unique to you. You can also use the built-in GPS to track speed, distance, and pace when you’re active. The Forerunner 55 also boasts a long 2-week battery life to make sure you can always use your watch on the go. 

Explore the watch here.

9.Garmin Lily

If you want a more feminine and sleek Garmin fitness tracker, the Lily might be perfect for you. With a minimalist and lightweight design, this watch is easy to wear and doesn’t weigh you down. The watch has a stylish design and comes in a range of color, band, and metal options too.

With the Garmin Connect app, Lily users can track their health through the Lily watch. This watch gives data on your energy levels and activity, helping you plan your workouts and recovery days. You can also access sports modes and track activities like yoga, cardio, running, and pilates. GPS can be used outside. 

The Lily watch also includes women’s health features including a menstrual tracking app and a pregnancy tracker. This is an important feature as no watch has included health data like this before. If you want an overall health picture, this feature is very helpful.

Learn more about the Lily here. 

10.Garmin Enduro

The Garmin Enduro is a smartwatch that focuses on fitness for endurance athletes. With a range of complex features, this watch is the complete package when it comes to health and fitness tracking. Due to its features, this Garmin fitness tracker is more expensive at approx $849.

Features included on this high-performance fitness tracker include solar power charging, energy-conserving modes, GPS signals, lightweight feel, and more. The Enduro has up to 80 hours of battery life in GPS mode and approx 300 hours in standard mode – no need to charge every day!

The watch also features heat and altitude sensors, performance metrics, a recovery advisor, climbpro, ultra run, and more.

Learn more about the Garmin Enduro here.

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Last Updated on October 21, 2021