Best 2023 Garmin Smartwatches for smartwatch features

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#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