45,000 reviews analyzed
Winner
GarminThe Garmin Forerunner 955 is designed primarily for fitness enthusiasts and serious athletes who want detailed tracking and durable performance. Its always-on, full-color LCD display is bright and easy to read even outdoors, making it practical for various lighting conditions. With a lightweight build (53 grams) and compact size, it should be comfortable for daily wear and intense workouts. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and up to 42 hours using GPS, which is ideal for long training sessions or multi-day outings without frequent charging.
The watch supports multi-band satellite tracking (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), offering accurate distance and speed measurements even in tough environments like urban areas or trails. It also offers over 30 sport and activity modes, including triathlon and swimming, allowing users to switch between sports quickly via a single button—great for multisport athletes. Health monitoring covers sleep and training load, giving a rounded picture of fitness and recovery. On the smartwatch side, it allows music storage and playback with Bluetooth headphones, letting you leave your phone behind during workouts.
The display resolution is moderate (240x240), so it doesn't offer the sharpest visuals compared to some competitors. The user interface relies on buttons rather than a touchscreen, which some might find less intuitive but can be more reliable during intense activities. The Forerunner 955 effectively balances advanced tracking and smartwatch features, making it especially suitable for athletes who need accurate GPS and various sport profiles with strong battery life.
GarminThe Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a durable and rugged multisport watch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the long battery life enhanced by solar charging, which helps keep the watch powered during extended adventures. You get built-in GPS for accurate location tracking and a wide variety of sport and activity modes, including team sports like soccer and racquet sports, so it’s versatile for many types of exercise.
Health monitoring is solid with features like heart rate tracking, endurance and hill scores that give useful insights into your fitness progress. The display is clear and responsive with touchscreen and button controls, though the resolution is modest compared to some other smartwatches. The watch is water-resistant and built with tough materials like titanium and sapphire glass, making it comfortable yet sturdy enough for rough use. It also includes handy extras like an LED flashlight and smartwatch functions via Bluetooth connectivity.
At 180 grams, it’s slightly heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort for smaller wrists. While the price is on the higher side, the Fenix 7 Pro delivers a comprehensive package for users wanting a reliable multisport GPS watch with advanced training features and strong battery performance.
The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is a sturdy and feature-rich watch designed for active users who want detailed health and fitness tracking. Its 51mm size might feel large for some wrists but offers a bright, easy-to-read display with touchscreen and button controls. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 31 days in smartwatch mode or 58 hours when continuously using GPS, which is excellent for long outdoor activities.
Built-in GPS and a new heart rate sensor help provide accurate tracking for various sports and endurance training. The watch includes multiple sport and activity profiles, giving useful insights tailored to your workouts. It also features helpful lighting options for low-light conditions, adding safety during night training. Health monitoring covers key metrics like heart rate and calorie tracking effectively.
The watch supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic smartwatch functions but isn't as focused on apps or notifications as some other brands. Its carbon gray titanium build with a silicone band feels durable and comfortable for daily wear, with good water resistance for swimming or rain. While the larger size may not suit everyone and the user interface might take some getting used to if you’re new to Garmin, this model is a rugged, long-lasting Garmin watch with deep fitness features and reliable GPS. Those seeking a smaller or more lifestyle-focused smartwatch might want to consider other options.