You want a watch that tracks your run, your sleep and your day. You do not want to pay for things you will never use. We get that.
Garmin has built GPS smartwatches for years. Today you can pick a running watch, an outdoor watch or a daily smartwatch. Prices start near $249 and go past $1,000. This guide shows you what is on offer, what each watch costs, and who should buy which one.
Garmin Deals You Can Use
Garmin changes its sale prices often. We cannot promise a date for any sale, so check the price on the product page before you buy.
Here is what we can confirm right now:
- Garmin Connect+ free trial. New users get a 30-day trial of the paid plan.
- Free Garmin Connect app. Garmin has said that existing features and data in Garmin Connect stay free.
- Seasonal sales. Garmin lists sale prices on its site during big shopping periods. Look at the price tag and the sale label on each watch.
Tip: add the watch to your cart and look at the final price. That is the only price that counts.
What Is Garmin, in Plain Words?
Garmin makes GPS devices. They started with car navigation. Now they make watches for running, cycling, swimming, golf, hiking and everyday life.
Their watches work with the free Garmin Connect app. You see your steps, heart rate, sleep and workouts in one place.
6 Garmin Watches Shoppers Keep Buying
Garmin Forerunner 970. This is the top running and triathlon watch in the line. It launched at $749.99. Pick it if you race and want every feature.
Garmin Forerunner 570. It launched at $549.99. It is a strong middle step for runners who want training tools without the top price.
Garmin Forerunner 165. It lists at $249. This is the easy start for new runners. It tracks your runs and your health in a small, light watch.
Garmin Venu 4. It costs $549.99. It looks like a smartwatch and tracks your health and workouts. Good if you want style and fitness in one watch.
Garmin Instinct 3. It lists from $449 for the 45 mm size. It is a tough watch for outdoor days.
Garmin Fenix 9. It starts at $999.99. This is the full outdoor and multisport watch. The Fenix 9 Pro starts at $1,099.99.
Prices above come from Garmin launch notices and review sites. Your price may be lower or higher on the day you shop.
Garmin vs Apple, Google and Samsung
| Watch | Starting price | Battery claim | Paid plan needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 570 | $549.99 | See the Garmin spec page. | No. Connect+ is optional. |
| Apple Watch Ultra 4 | $799 | 50 hours normal use, 84 hours Low Power | Check Apple. |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | $349.99 | 30 hours (41 mm), 40 hours (45 mm) | Coaching uses Google Health Premium. 3 months free |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | $649.99 | Up to 100 hours of power saving | None are named on its page. |
Best for: pick Garmin if you run, bike or hike a lot and want training tools built in.
Garmin Connect+ Plan
You do not need a paid plan to use your Garmin watch. Garmin Connect+ is an extra you can add.
| Plan | Price | Trial |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Connect | Free | Not needed |
| Garmin Connect+ | $6.99 per month | 30 days |
| Garmin Connect+ yearly | $69.99 per year | 30 days |
The yearly plan costs less than twelve monthly payments. You save about $13.89 a year.
Tip: start the trial first. Keep it only if you use the extra tools.
Why Consider Garmin
- Built for sport. Running, cycling, swimming and hiking are core to what they make.
- Many price points. You can spend $249 or $1,000. They have a watch for both.
- Free app. Your data lives in Garmin Connect at no cost.
- Wide choice. Pick a sport watch, a rugged watch or a smart look.
- One brand, many uses. You can use the same app as you move up to a better watch.
Who Garmin Fits Best
- New runners who want a simple watch with GPS and health tracking.
- Race runners and triathletes who want deeper training tools.
- Hikers and trail fans who want a tough watch for long days outside.
- Everyday users who want a clean look and health tracking on the wrist.
- People who dislike monthly fees and want a watch that works without a plan.
How to Pick the Right Garmin
Start with what you do most. Do not start with the price.
If you run three times a week, look at the Forerunner line. The 165 is the easy start. The 570 adds more training tools. The 970 is for people who race and want everything.
If you want a watch that also looks good at dinner, look at the Venu 4. It costs $549.99. You get health tracking and workout tracking in a smartwatch style.
If you spend your weekends outside, look at the Instinct 3 or the Fenix 9. The Instinct 3 lists from $449 in the 45 mm size. The Fenix 9 starts at $999.99 and is built for long, hard days.
Here is a simple way to decide. Write down your top two activities. Write down the most you want to spend. Then pick the lowest-priced watch that fits both. You can always move up later, and your Garmin Connect data stays in the same app.
Garmin Connect, in Plain Words
Garmin Connect is the free app that works with your watch. It shows your steps, heart rate, sleep and workouts. Garmin has said that existing features and data stay free.
Garmin Connect+ is the paid extra. It costs $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year. You get a 30-day trial first. We think the smart move is to use the trial, see if you miss it, and only then decide.
Tips Before You Buy
- Choose your main sport first. Then choose the watch.
- Compare the watch size to your wrist.
- Check the price on the product page on the day you shop.
- Try the free Connect+ trial before you pay.
A Simple Buying Path
Here is how we would shop. Set your budget. Pick your main sport. Look at the watch in your range. Read the product page for the battery and size. Then check the final price at checkout.
If the price feels high, look one step down the line. If you want more tools, look one step up. Either way, the free Garmin Connect app works with your watch.
FAQs
How much does a Garmin watch cost?
Prices run from $249 for the Forerunner 165 to $999.99 for the Fenix 9.
Do I need Garmin Connect+?
No. The free Garmin Connect app still works.
How much is Connect+?
It is $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Connect+ has a 30-day trial.
Which Garmin is best for beginners?
The Forerunner 165 is a good start at $249.
Final Verdict
Garmin gives you a watch for almost every budget and every sport. The free app keeps your data in one place. Start with the Forerunner 165 if you are new. Move up to the Forerunner 570 or 970 when you train harder. Check the price on the day you buy.