In recent years, the market for wearable technology has exploded, with countless brands and models vying for a spot on your wrist. When it comes to fitness and outdoor enthusiasts, one brand stands out among the rest – Garmin. With its long-standing reputation for producing top-of-the-line GPS devices, it’s no surprise that their line of smartwatches have become immensely popular.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right Garmin watch for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive review of their latest models, highlighting their design, features, performance, and value for money. Whether you’re a runner, hiker, or just looking for a versatile everyday watch, read on to find out which Garmin watch is the best fit for you.
Overview of Garmin Watch Models
Garmin offers a wide range of smartwatch models, each with its own unique set of features and target audience. From basic fitness trackers to advanced multisport watches, here’s a breakdown of their most popular models:
| Model | Target Audience | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Venu | Fitness Enthusiasts | AMOLED Display, Music Storage, Advanced Sleep Tracking |
| Garmin Forerunner 945 | Runners, Triathletes | Built-in Maps, Training Plans, Race Predictor |
| Garmin Fenix 6 | Outdoor Adventurers | Multi-GNSS Support, ABC Sensors, Expedition Mode |
| Garmin Instinct Solar | Hikers, Campers | Solar Charging, Military-Grade Durability, Navigation Sensors |
| Garmin Vivoactive 4 | Casual Athletes | Animated Workouts, Stress Tracking, Contactless Payments |
For the purpose of this review, we’ll focus on the Garmin Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6 – three of their most popular and versatile models.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, Garmin watches have a distinct sporty look with a focus on durability. This makes them stand out from other smartwatch brands that tend to have a more sleek and modern aesthetic. However, within the Garmin lineup, there are variations in terms of build quality.
The Garmin Venu has a slim and lightweight design, making it comfortable for everyday wear. It features a stainless steel bezel and a silicone strap that can be easily swapped out for different colors. The Forerunner 945 has a similar design to the Venu but with a more rugged feel, thanks to its fiber-reinforced polymer case. The Fenix 6 takes it to the next level with a titanium bezel and a sapphire crystal display, giving it a premium and robust look.
All three models have a 5 ATM water-resistant rating, which means they are suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, only the Fenix 6 is designed for scuba diving, with a water resistance rating of 10 ATM.
One unique feature of the Fenix 6 is its interchangeable QuickFit bands, allowing you to switch between silicone, leather, and metal options. This adds to its versatility, making it suitable for both outdoor adventures and formal events.
Display and User Interface
The Garmin Venu and Forerunner 945 have a 1.2-inch color display, while the Fenix 6 has a slightly larger 1.3-inch display. All three models use transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) technology, which means they are easy to read even in direct sunlight. However, the Fenix 6’s sapphire crystal display gives it an added layer of scratch resistance.
The user interface of all three models is intuitive and easy to navigate. They feature five buttons – three on the left and two on the right – allowing you to access different functions with a simple press. The Fenix 6 also has a unique feature called “Power Glass” which allows for touchless interactions, perfect for when you’re wearing gloves or have wet hands.
One downside to the Venu’s display is that it doesn’t have an always-on option, which can be a dealbreaker for some users. However, both the Forerunner 945 and Fenix 6 have this feature, making it easier to check the time or your stats at a glance.
Health and Fitness Tracking Features
Garmin watches are known for their extensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, and the Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6 are no exception. Here are some of their standout features:
Heart Rate Monitoring
All three models have a wrist-based heart rate monitor that uses Garmin’s Elevate technology. This means you can track your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts without needing a chest strap. The accuracy of the heart rate readings is generally good but may vary depending on factors such as skin color, tattoos, and motion artifacts.
The Fenix 6 takes it a step further with its Pulse Ox sensor, which measures oxygen saturation levels in your blood. This is useful for high-altitude activities such as hiking and mountaineering, where oxygen levels can drop significantly.
Activity Tracking
The Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6 all have built-in activity tracking features, including steps, distance, and calories burned. They also have Move Bar reminders and inactivity alerts to encourage you to stay active throughout the day.
For runners, the Forerunner 945 stands out with its advanced running dynamics, including ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical ratio. It also has a recovery advisor, which tells you how long you should rest before your next hard workout based on your training load and heart rate variability.
Sleep Tracking
The Venu and Forerunner 945 have advanced sleep tracking features, using sensors to monitor your movement and heart rate during the night. You can view your sleep stats on the watch or in the Garmin Connect app, including your sleep stages (light, deep, REM) and any interruptions or disturbances. The Fenix 6, on the other hand, only tracks total hours slept and doesn’t offer a breakdown of sleep stages.
GPS and Navigation Capabilities
One of Garmin’s biggest strengths is its GPS technology, and their watches are no exception. All three models have multi-GNSS support, which enables them to connect to multiple satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. This results in more accurate and faster location tracking, especially in challenging environments such as dense forests or urban canyons.
The Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6 all have built-in maps, with the Fenix 6 having the most robust navigation capabilities. It has detailed topographic maps with contour lines, trail names, and points of interest, making it an excellent companion for outdoor adventures. It also has a ClimbPro feature, which displays the remaining ascent, distance, and grade for each climb on your route.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a smartwatch, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who may not always have access to a charging point. As expected, the battery life varies between the Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6, depending on their features and usage.
The Venu has the lowest battery life, lasting up to five days in smartwatch mode and up to six hours in GPS mode with music. The Forerunner 945 has longer battery life, lasting up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode. The Fenix 6 takes the crown with its impressive battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 60 hours in GPS mode.
All three models use a proprietary charging cable, which can be a bit of a hassle if you lose or forget it while traveling. However, the Fenix 6 also has a solar charging option, allowing you to extend its battery life by harnessing the power of the sun.
Smart Features and Connectivity
In addition to health and fitness tracking, Garmin watches have several smart features that make them versatile everyday wearables. The Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6 all have smartphone notifications, allowing you to receive calls, texts, emails, and social media alerts on your wrist. They also have music storage and control, making it convenient to listen to your favorite tunes while working out.
The Venu and Forerunner 945 both have contactless payments through Garmin Pay, which allows you to make purchases at participating retailers without needing your phone or wallet. The Fenix 6 doesn’t have this feature, but it does have support for offline music streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer.
Performance and Usability
When it comes down to it, the performance and usability of a smartwatch are what ultimately matter. And in this regard, the Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6 all excel in their own ways.
The Venu is designed for casual athletes, offering an easy-to-use interface and all the essential features for tracking your fitness goals. It’s also the most affordable option among the three, making it an excellent entry-level watch for those new to Garmin.
The Forerunner 945 is a top choice for runners and triathletes, thanks to its advanced running dynamics and training features. Its built-in maps also make it a suitable option for hikers and cyclists. However, it may be overkill for those who only need basic fitness tracking.
The Fenix 6 is the most rugged and feature-packed among the three, making it the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and serious adventurers. Its battery life and navigation capabilities are unmatched, but its high price tag may be a barrier for some.
Price and Value for Money
As with any purchase, value for money is an important factor to consider when choosing a Garmin watch. The Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6 all have different price points, with the Venu being the most affordable and the Fenix 6 being the most expensive.
| Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Garmin Venu | $349.99 – $399.99 |
| Garmin Forerunner 945 | $599.99 |
| Garmin Fenix 6 | $599.99 – $1,149.99 |
Each model offers unique features and capabilities, so it ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. However, if you’re looking for the best value for money, the Forerunner 945 strikes a good balance between performance and price.
Conclusion
After reviewing the Garmin Venu, Forerunner 945, and Fenix 6, it’s clear that all three models are impressive in their own ways. Whether you’re a casual athlete or a serious adventurer, there’s a Garmin watch that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. With cutting-edge features, top-notch performance, and durable build quality, it’s no wonder why Garmin remains a leader in wearable technology. So which model will you choose?
