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10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS 46mm Running Smartwatch, Lightweight, Advanced Training & Insights, Safety & Tracking Features, up to 14 days Battery Life, Slate Grey

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,373
Activity Tracking
Battery Life
Smart Features
Activity Tracking
A phenomenal device that offers extensive data for runners, surpassing expectations with its heart rate, sleep metrics, and training analysis without any monthly fees.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting over 13 days with minimal charging and remaining reliable during activities.
Smart Features
Running features are enhanced with intelligent workout planning for upcoming races, adapting to your health data in real time.
Design and Comfort
Setup is intuitive and quick, with a clear, uncluttered display that adapts to your needs, whether for running or everyday use.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a well-rounded smartwatch tailored for runners and fitness enthusiasts. It offers robust activity tracking capabilities, including heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, sleep tracking, and adaptive workout suggestions that evolve based on your performance and recovery.

One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30 hours in GPS mode, making it highly reliable for long-term use without frequent recharging. The GPS accuracy benefits from multi-band satellite tracking, ensuring precise tracking even in challenging environments. Additionally, the safety and tracking features allow you to share your location with selected contacts, adding an extra layer of security during runs.

The smartwatch also supports Garmin Pay for contactless payments and smart notifications for emails, texts, and alerts when paired with your smartphone. However, the watch has a relatively small memory storage capacity of 4 GB, which might be limiting for users who desire to store more music or apps directly on the watch. The design is lightweight and comfortable, but the 1.3-inch screen size may feel small for those accustomed to larger displays. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Forerunner 255 excels in providing advanced training insights and safety features, making it a great choice for dedicated runners and those seeking comprehensive health tracking.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,373
Activity Tracking
Battery Life
Smart Features
Activity Tracking
A phenomenal device that offers extensive data for runners, surpassing expectations with its heart rate, sleep metrics, and training analysis without any monthly fees.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting over 13 days with minimal charging and remaining reliable during activities.
Smart Features
Running features are enhanced with intelligent workout planning for upcoming races, adapting to your health data in real time.
Design and Comfort
Setup is intuitive and quick, with a clear, uncluttered display that adapts to your needs, whether for running or everyday use.
#2

Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS 42mm Running Smartwatch, Easy to use, Lightweight, Training Guidance, Safety & Tracking Features, Black, Whitestone

Rating
10.0
Activity Tracking
GPS and Navigation
Battery Life
Activity Tracking
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a fantastic lightweight option, especially for those transitioning from other smartwatches like the Apple Watch, and offers superb activity tracking.
GPS and Navigation
Setting up and navigating the watch is straightforward, with seamless connectivity to apps like Strava enhancing its usability.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting for extended periods before needing a recharge, although charging isn't the fastest.
Design and Comfort
This watch is an excellent choice for those with small wrists due to its non-bulky design, making it comfortable for all-day wear.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a compact and lightweight smartwatch, ideal for running enthusiasts looking for easy-to-use features. It excels in activity tracking with built-in GPS, offering accurate running and training guidance, which is particularly helpful for those who are focused on improving their fitness levels. Its GPS navigation is reliable for outdoor activities, ensuring you stay on track during your runs. With a battery life that can last up to two weeks in smartwatch mode, it's suitable for those who don’t want to recharge frequently.

This watch also features water resistance, meaning it can handle sweat and rain during intense workouts without issue. When it comes to smart features, the Forerunner 55 offers Bluetooth connectivity and basic smartwatch capabilities, though it may not be as advanced in smart functionalities compared to more premium models. The design is comfortable, featuring a round, sunlight-visible display that is easy to read even in bright conditions, making it user-friendly during outdoor activities.

However, its screen size is relatively small at 1.04 inches, which might be a limitation for users who prefer larger displays for better readability and navigation. Additionally, its memory storage is ample, allowing for a variety of workout data to be stored, but it might not support extensive app installations due to its focus on fitness tracking rather than general smartwatch use. This device is tailored for runners seeking straightforward features and guidance rather than complex smartwatch functionalities. It’s an affordable choice for those prioritizing fitness features over extensive smart tech integrations.

Rating
10.0
Activity Tracking
GPS and Navigation
Battery Life
Activity Tracking
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a fantastic lightweight option, especially for those transitioning from other smartwatches like the Apple Watch, and offers superb activity tracking.
GPS and Navigation
Setting up and navigating the watch is straightforward, with seamless connectivity to apps like Strava enhancing its usability.
Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, lasting for extended periods before needing a recharge, although charging isn't the fastest.
Design and Comfort
This watch is an excellent choice for those with small wrists due to its non-bulky design, making it comfortable for all-day wear.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Smart Watches

When choosing a Garmin smart watch, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Garmin offers a range of smart watches designed for different activities, from running and cycling to swimming and hiking. Understanding your primary use case will help you focus on the features that matter most to you. Additionally, consider the design and comfort, as you'll likely be wearing the watch for extended periods. Battery life, compatibility with your smartphone, and the availability of apps and features are also crucial factors to consider. By evaluating these aspects, you can find a Garmin smart watch that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
Activity TrackingActivity tracking is a core feature of Garmin smart watches, allowing you to monitor various physical activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more. This feature is important because it helps you keep track of your fitness progress and set goals. Garmin watches offer different levels of activity tracking, from basic step counting and heart rate monitoring to advanced metrics like VO2 max and training load. If you're a casual user, basic tracking might suffice, but if you're an athlete or fitness enthusiast, you might want a watch with more advanced tracking capabilities.
GPS and NavigationGPS and navigation features are crucial for outdoor activities like running, hiking, and cycling, as they allow you to track your route and distance accurately. Garmin smart watches come with varying levels of GPS functionality, from basic GPS tracking to advanced navigation with topographic maps and route planning. If you frequently engage in outdoor activities, a watch with robust GPS and navigation features will be beneficial. For indoor or casual use, basic GPS might be enough.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use your Garmin smart watch for long workouts or multi-day adventures. Garmin watches offer a range of battery life options, from a few days to several weeks, depending on usage and features. If you need a watch for extended outdoor activities, look for models with longer battery life. For everyday use, a watch with moderate battery life should be sufficient, but always consider how often you're willing to charge your device.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is a key feature if you plan to use your Garmin smart watch for swimming or in wet conditions. Garmin watches come with different levels of water resistance, typically measured in meters. For swimming, look for a watch with at least 50 meters of water resistance. If you're only concerned about rain or sweat, a lower level of water resistance might be adequate. Always match the water resistance level to your intended activities to ensure durability and performance.
Smart FeaturesSmart features on Garmin watches include notifications, music control, and contactless payments, which enhance the overall user experience. These features are important if you want to stay connected and manage your daily tasks without reaching for your phone. Garmin offers a range of smart features, from basic notifications to more advanced options like music storage and playback. Consider which smart features are essential for your lifestyle and choose a watch that offers those capabilities.
Design and ComfortDesign and comfort are important factors, as you'll be wearing your Garmin smart watch for extended periods. Garmin offers a variety of designs, from sporty to more classic looks, with different materials and strap options. Comfort is subjective, so consider the size and weight of the watch, as well as the type of strap that suits your wrist. If you plan to wear the watch all day, choose a design that feels comfortable and matches your personal style.