10 Best Garmin Smartwatches 2025 in the UK

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a lightweight, easy-to-use GPS running smartwatch that excels in several key areas. Its battery life is commendable, lasting up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long-distance runners and those who prefer fewer charges. GPS accuracy is reliable, an essential feature for runners who need precise tracking of their routes and performance.

The watch also offers robust health monitoring features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring, providing a comprehensive overview of your well-being. Activity tracking is another strong point, with the watch offering various modes to track different activities, ensuring versatility for users engaged in multiple sports or fitness regimens. Durability and build quality are impressive, with a water-repellent design and sturdy construction that can withstand daily wear and tear. The transflective memory-in-pixel display enhances readability in sunlight, making it practical for outdoor use.

However, the smartwatch's screen size of 1.04 inches might feel small for some users, limiting the amount of data displayed at once. While it includes basic smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, it lacks some of the advanced smart features found in higher-end models, such as contactless payments or music storage. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is best suited for fitness enthusiasts and runners looking for a reliable, durable, and easy-to-use smartwatch with excellent battery life and accurate GPS tracking.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical edition is designed for users who need a tough, dependable smartwatch that can handle outdoor adventures and training. One of its biggest strengths is the solar charging feature, which can extend battery life practically indefinitely in smartwatch mode, lasting up to 28 days without charging. This makes it ideal for long trips or extended use without access to power. Its GPS system uses multiple satellite networks (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), offering reliable and accurate location tracking, which is great for navigation and activity tracking during running, biking, or hiking. The watch also comes with a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, which are helpful for outdoor navigation and weather awareness.

In terms of health and activity monitoring, it supports a variety of sports apps including swimming and strength training, plus metrics like VO2 Max for fitness insights. While it doesn’t have a large screen (0.9 inches), the display is protected by scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass and housed in a rugged fiber-reinforced polymer case that is both thermal- and shock-resistant. It’s also water-rated to 100 meters, so it handles swimming and tough conditions well.

Smart features include Bluetooth connectivity for notifications and compatibility with Connect IQ for app customization, which keeps you connected without overwhelming complexity. However, with only 32 MB of memory, it might be limited for storing large amounts of data or apps. The watch is relatively lightweight at 53 grams, suitable for all-day wear. This watch fits best for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and those needing a durable, long-lasting GPS smartwatch with tactical features. It does not prioritize a large, high-resolution display or extensive smart app capabilities, but it provides a strong balance of ruggedness and smart tracking for active lifestyles.