8 Best Garmin Walking Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a solid choice for those looking for a walking watch that doubles as a comprehensive health and fitness tracker. With its vibrant AMOLED display, it offers a user-friendly interface that enhances visibility and interaction. One of its major strengths is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which means you can wear it for longer without frequent recharging.

When it comes to health insights, the vívoactive 5 excels with features such as Body Battery monitoring, sleep tracking, and heart rate monitoring. These tools help you understand your energy levels throughout the day while providing personalized recommendations for improving your sleep and overall health. The ability to track a wide range of activities—including walking, running, and even wheelchair pushes—makes it versatile for different users.

The watch is equipped with built-in GPS for accurate tracking, though it may occasionally experience inaccuracies in challenging environments like dense urban areas or heavily wooded paths. The extensive health metrics it provides are beneficial, but the data is based on estimations. While it supports various music services, the 4 GB storage may limit options for those who prefer larger playlists. The connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are convenient, but a broader compatibility with devices would enhance its appeal. Additionally, the watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor activities or workouts involving water, although the wealth of features may feel overwhelming for casual users who seek basic tracking.

The Garmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2 is a robust outdoor smartwatch designed for those who enjoy walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Its strengths lie in its impressive battery life, lasting up to 28 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, making it a reliable companion for long adventures without frequent recharging. The watch is also built to withstand harsh conditions, being water-resistant up to 100 meters and featuring thermal and shock resistance, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

With multiple satellite support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), it offers accurate tracking of your routes, complemented by a built-in compass and barometric altimeter. This makes navigating varied terrains easier, especially for those who love exploring remote areas. Health tracking features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox provide valuable insights into your activity levels.

On the downside, the display is relatively small at 1.12 inches, which might not be as user-friendly for some, especially when reading notifications or data. While it offers smart notifications and connectivity with compatible smartphones, the basic audio output and limited interface (buttons only) might not appeal to users looking for a sleek, touch-screen experience. The watch's design is rugged but may not suit everyone's aesthetic preferences. It caters well to active individuals, especially those engaged in training, exercise, and outdoor lifestyles, but casual users who prioritize style or extensive smart features might find it lacking.

The Garmin Venu® Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch is a versatile walking watch that excels in several areas. Its bright AMOLED display with always-on mode ensures you can easily see information at a glance. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, making it convenient for continuous health monitoring without frequent charging.

The smartwatch provides comprehensive health tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep score, respiration, hydration, and stress levels, which can be very beneficial for those who focus on personal wellness. Additionally, it offers over 25 built-in sports apps, including walking, running, and cycling, which can help keep your fitness routine varied and engaging.

The smart notifications feature ensures you stay connected without needing to check your phone constantly, and Garmin Pay adds convenience for on-the-go payments. Safety features like incident detection and Assistance provide peace of mind during activities. The watch's connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, ensure it stays well-integrated with your devices. Weighing only 1.3 ounces, it's lightweight and easy to wear. This smartwatch is ideal for those who want a comprehensive health and activity tracker with robust connectivity and a long-lasting battery.