Best 2023 Garmin Wearable Tech for smartwatch features

Narrow by product type

Showing Wearable Tech only. Switch back to all Smartwatches anytime.

Narrow by brand

Showing Garmin only. Switch back to all brands anytime.

#1 Garmin vivomove Trend
4.4

Smartwatch features were viewed as useful for a hybrid, with reviewers praising the balance of hidden smarts, notifications, settings, and Garmin's subscription-free platform.

Pros: activity auto-detection, build quality

Cons: blood oxygen tracking, Bluetooth connectivity

#2 Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)
4.0

Smartwatch features are capable for a sports watch, but reviewers agree the Epix Pro is not as slick as mainstream smartwatch platforms.

Pros: GPS accuracy, charging speed

Cons: ECG functionality, voice assistant quality

#3 Garmin Vivoactive 5
3.8

Smartwatch features were useful but not complete; reviewers liked the smarts while noting less all-day functionality than richer platforms.

Pros: fitness tracking accuracy, wellness insights

Cons: software smoothness, ECG functionality

#4 Garmin fēnix 7X Pro
3.4

Smartwatch features were mixed: reviewers liked the lifestyle basics, but several said it is not an Apple Watch-level smartwatch.

Pros: GPS accuracy, app ecosystem

Cons: ECG functionality, calorie tracking usefulness

#5 Garmin Approach S70
3.4

Smartwatch features are versatile but not best-in-class, with reviewers praising breadth while preferring dedicated smartwatch platforms for everyday use.

Pros: recovery insights, GPS accuracy

Cons: software smoothness, fitness tracking accuracy

#6 Garmin Venu 3
3.3

Smartwatch features are convenient but clearly secondary to fitness: reviewers liked calls, music, pay, and notifications, while repeatedly noting weaker apps, LTE, and phone integration.

Pros: health tracking accuracy, software smoothness

Cons: LTE connectivity, mapping and navigation

#7 Garmin Forerunner 965
3.0

Smartwatch features were the main compromise: useful basics exist, but reviewers repeatedly called the experience barebones or limited.

Pros: water resistance, workout tracking variety

Cons: LTE connectivity, ECG functionality

#8 Garmin Forerunner 265
2.7

Smartwatch features were mixed: the AMOLED screen made the watch feel more modern, but missing mic, speaker, LTE, ECG, and richer apps kept it fitness-first.

Pros: step counting accuracy, third-party app support

Cons: ECG functionality, LTE connectivity