How to Choose a Garmin Watch?

A brand synonymous with outdoor sports, activity tracking, and providing you with all the perks of a smartwatch but in a hard-wearing, outdoor-friendly format, Garmin has been a staple in the fitness watch market for just under 18 years. Each model in the Garmin range presents its own benefits and functionality – some lending themselves to a sleeker presentation while others are built to optimise usability and allow you to make the most of every run, swim and cycle. So, when it comes to choosing a Garmin watch, the first and most important thing that you need to do is understand exactly how you want to use your device. From there, it’s all in the details.

What you need to know when choosing a Garmin Watch

The way that you use your Garmin watch will dictate which model is best for you. For example, if you are someone who wants to be able to monitor your sleeping patterns, count your daily steps and log the odd jog or sporting activity, then one of the simpler models will suit your needs perfectly. If you are a more serious athlete, getting out for daily workouts and looking to track your heart rate and other important stats along the way, you will require something more complex. And if you’re a fan of water sports, you too will need a different Garmin watch – this time one of the waterproof models which you can find here at Hudson Marine. Without further ado, this guide is all about understanding the various functions which separate the different Garmin watches, so that when you come to buying the right Garmin watch, you know where to start and what to look for.

Everything you need to consider when choosing the right Garmin Watch

1. What functions do you need?

Different Garmin watches support different functionalities and different sports. While all of them track things like step count and speed while running and can be linked with various sports apps like Strava for shareability, specific models are designed for specific sports and uses – so if you have certain needs, it’s important to check that your chosen watch supports them. In addition to straightforward activity tracking, many of the Garmin watches offer other functions which are designed to make them even more accessible and easier to use. If, for example, you are a triathlete, the multisport function allows you to switch between activities with ease – saving you from wasting precious seconds in transition as you switch from swim to cycle.

2. How does it look/does it suit your aesthetic preferences?

When compared with the rest of the smartwatch market, it’s safe to say that Garmin watches present more of a rugged outdoor vibe than, say, the Apple watch. What this means is that choosing the best Garmin for you should be a case of function as well as style – considering when you will wear your watch and whether it can be integrated into your everyday look. If you want to exclusively wear your Garmin while working out then aesthetic likely isn’t as important – however, many buyers want a daily wearable that tracks their movement, steps and even sleep. For the latter customer group, appearance is a major sticking point in choosing the right watch. It’s also worth noting under the aesthetic category that Garmin’s can be personalised in terms of the watch strap, with buyers able to mix and match accordingly.

3. How does the battery life compare?

There’s nothing worse than owning a great watch but constantly fearing that it won’t last long enough to complete an activity with you. Battery life is all about the convenience of the watch, and while modern and new Garmin models all have optimised batteries which last days, weeks and sometimes even longer if you keep it out of GPS tracker mode, matching usage with battery longevity is an important consideration. If battery life is your major concern, for example if you enjoy long distance hiking or week-long outdoor adventures, then one of the best Garmin watches for you is the new model Fenix 6X Pro – which boasts a built-in solar charging mode which extends the lifespan by 3 full days.

4. Is the watch waterproof and weatherproof?

If there’s one thing that we care about above all else here at Hudson Marine, it’s waterproofing. Each of the Garmin models we sell online are heralded for their waterproofing features – with the Quatix 5 models suitable for sailing, while the Fenix 3 models are built for advanced fitness and outdoor athletics, and the Quatix 3 watch includes sailing, fishing and cruising capabilities for all manner of water-based activities. Beyond simple waterproofing, weatherproofing is another main feature to look out for – considering how easily accessible the different functions are in different situations and climates.

5. GPS and navigation

For those who are tracking their sporting activity, for example a long distance run or a cycle, GPS and navigation is crucial – and it’s the quality and reliability of Garmin’s GPS function that makes it such an iconic brand among athletes and outdoor adventurers. Garmin taps into three different GPS navigation systems – the first of which is straightforward GPS, the second being linked to Russian satellites (GONASS) and the third connecting to the European Union’s Galileo satellite system. The main benefit of this is that wherever you are in the world, your Garmin can and will track your activity with reliable results – even across the most demanding environments.

6. Extra features, accessories, and user functions

If you’re looking for a sports watch which will also receive your text messages, let you play your favourite music and podcasts, and monitor your sleeping pattern, then Garmin is the brand for you. Most of these extra functions and features are available across some models but not all of them – for example to access the music tool then you need to select one of the music-compatible models which can connect to Bluetooth headphones, which embeds your playlist into the device. The Fenix collection is also renowned for its multisport functionality and the inclusion of a solar charging function for outdoor enthusiasts, while the Forerunner collection is built for runners and the Lily collection has been specially formulated for those with smaller wrists.

7. Budget

The range of prices within the Garmin brand is huge. The newer and more complex models are sold for hundreds of pounds, while you can often pick up an older model or even a used watch for a relatively cheap price. The cost of your Garmin watch will rest largely on what you need it to do – for example the Forerunner models are much cheaper than the marine models because they boast fewer features and are simpler devices to use. So, before committing to a specific model, think about how you actually want to use your Garmin and whether you really need all of the complex heart rate monitors and outdoor activity features.

Why is Garmin such a popular brand?

As you can tell from the above features and points, Garmin is a brand which puts usability front and centre of every single model. From the simplest fitness watches to the most complex waterproof models available on the smartwatch market, Garmin is a brand which does not force buyers to compromise – and it’s for that reason that buyers can’t get enough. The fact is, Garmin is actually renowned for its tracking and GPS functionality above all – channelling this expertise and quality into wearable technology to support athletes and adventurers. So, with an unrivalled location and tracking system at its core, it’s no wonder that Garmin has become the go-to brand for athletes all over the world. In addition to the multitude of models and features you can benefit from with a Garmin purchase, these watches are extremely high in quality and offer the kind of lifespan that most smartwatches can never dream of. Not to mention, with the power to track and improve performance sitting comfortably on your wrist, the right Garmin is the activity partner and personal trainer that you didn’t know you needed.

Choosing the right Garmin watch for you

Garmin has risen to the top of the wearables market in the activity and sporting world, largely because every one of its collections boasts its own selling points, advantages, and features which enhance accessibility and usability. From veteran sailors to long distance runners, hobby fishermen and more, there is a Garmin for every activity – and a model to suit every user. And if you’re looking for more advice and support in identifying and sourcing the best Garmin watch for you, with or without accessories and added functions, the team at Hudson Marine are here to help. Visit our website for the best in class across the waterproof Garmin watch range, and check out the individual products for comparison on everything from price to user experience, built-in features and unrivalled functionality.