The best Garmin smartwatches and bracelets in 2022

As you know, Garmin's main activity is electronic devices for GPS navigation, but global economic trends are forcing well-known companies to diversify their business and look for new economic niches for development. Today, this popular company has taken up the innovative business of designing and manufacturing a wide range of different fitness gadgets for people leading an active lifestyle.

What are fitness gadgets

The company's products are distinguished by their reliability, durability, well-founded technical solutions, style and ease of use. Many models of Garmin multisport watches are universal, have many useful functions for solving various problems in various sports.

Fitness bracelets and sports watches from Garmin have a wide range of useful features:

1. Determine the state of the cardiovascular system;
2. Analyze according to various criteria training in the gym and in nature;
3. The resource of work without additional charging is more than 24 hours.

They allow you to determine the number of kilometers traveled or run for a certain period of time, monitor the pulse and give an alarm when a predetermined level is exceeded, and analyze night rest.

The gadget manufacturer offers users to download various, useful programs for their devices in a special Garmin Connect IQ store.

Navigating the wide range of watches from Garmin is quite difficult. The company produces a large number of models with a unique look and social fiction, designed for the convenience of users involved in various sports.The review of devices from this well-known company presented below in the text will help the reader to choose an accessory that completely satisfies him.

The main criteria for the right choice of electronic devices from Garmin

The main module of each fitness device is an electronic sensor that allows you to determine the degree of human mobility, called an accelerometer. In different models, information about the athlete's activity is transmitted to various devices - to a special smartphone program that analyzes the data and builds load curves, or to a processor built into the gadget that converts movement indicators into steps or meters.

A heart rate sensor, GPS navigation, a barometer, a compass, a monitor for displaying information on the screen can be built into the design of a fitness watch. Each device has a miniature battery and a lightweight, elastic strap for everyday wear.

In order to choose a sports watch that can best meet the needs of a particular person, he needs to decide on the set of required functions. If an athlete is running, then the device must have a GPS sensor, if a person will play sports only in the gym, then he will be satisfied with a cheaper model without the function of tracking location in space. A versatile athlete will already need a multi-sport device with the ability to track the parameters of the human body during various sports loads: cardio, strength or dynamic.

Popular features of these devices

All fitness bracelets are able to determine the number of steps taken and convert them into meters or kilometers, the majority of devices can measure heart rate and determine sleep phases.This "smart alarm clock" will wake up a person in the phase of active sleep, when it is easy for him to wake up.

Using GPS

A watch with a GLONASS and GPS navigation system will be required for people training in nature, they will allow you to record the routes of the athlete's movements. Using this data, a person can easily analyze their workouts in the Garmin Connect web app or its mobile version. The athlete will see the progress or deterioration of their performance and will be able to view the detailed parameters of any sports activity. This device will help with navigation on a hike.

Monitor

Early models of electronic sports bracelets were produced without monitors, only the most expensive devices were equipped with displays. Nowadays, even the cheapest devices are made with screens that display the time, date, calories burned, steps taken, and heart rate. In the presence of wireless communication devices, it is possible to synchronize the gadget with a smartphone and receive information on the display about notifications and calls. In expensive models, it is possible to set the parameters for playing data on the monitor, it is possible to change the image of the dial and set different screensavers.

Human heart rate display

A very important function for every person involved in sports is the measurement of the intensity of training, it is done using a heart rate monitor. There are two types of monitors:

1. Wrist monitor with Elevate system;
2. Chest heart rate monitor with transmitter.

The use of a chest heart rate monitor with an information transmitter is not the most convenient, but the most accurate option for tracking the load, although today's developments of wrist-based optical heart rate monitors have ceased to be inferior to them in accuracy. In any case, when choosing a sports watch, you need to take into account the option that a device with a wrist monitor will be more expensive.

Support system for sensors located outside the device

Cyclists will be interested in devices that communicate with special devices designed for bicycles, which allow them to control the dynamics of movement, roll to the right or left, the energy spent on movement. Runners will benefit from advanced gadgets that can interact with Running Dynamics Pod sensors that allow you to capture special data:

1. The length of the athlete's stride;
2. Time of contact with the Earth's surface;
3. Balance.

Enhanced watches connect wirelessly to sensors using ANT+ or Bluetooth.

Barometer, compass and altimeter

Hiking enthusiasts and professional climbers will use devices with the ABC system, which includes:

• altimeter
• barometer
• compass.

Sensors function quietly in the absence of GPS signals and allow you to build weather forecasts and lay new routes.

Battery capacity

Budget models of sports watches will have to be recharged every 3 days or even once a day if they work in an energy-intensive mode. More expensive devices have larger batteries, so they can last a week or even a month without recharging.

Moisture protection

The characteristic of protection against penetration into the device is determined by the IP index. Dust and raindrops will not get into devices with IP 65, in a gadget with IP 67 you can dive to a depth of no more than 1 m for 30 minutes, and with IP 68 you can dive to a depth without fear for its performance.

Additional functions

Each model has its own uniqueness due to the presence of additional features, for example, vibration and sound alerts about the need to get up and move around after a long immobility, or there is the possibility of scheduling classes.

The price of watches with multifunctional electronics from Garmin

The investment in these devices will not disappoint users because they are very well made, have great durability and high performance. With a limited budget, you can refuse fancy, additional features:

1. Sapphire glass;
2. Wrist-based heart rate monitor
3. Providing switching signals from external sensors.

Ordinary people who lead an active lifestyle may not need such additional features.

date of manufacture

All modern devices update their software via the Internet, sports watches from Garmin also use programs developed by employees and firms. For example, the Garmin Connect software shell is constantly being improved and updated by the company's programmers. In this regard, you should not buy a supported watch that has been in operation for a long time, it is likely that after a short period of time, their software will no longer be supported.

Rating of multisport watches from Garmin

Garmin Vivoactive 4S

This smart watch allows the user to monitor the energy level of the body in order to calculate the most favorable periods for work and rest. The model has a breath tracking function that allows you to find out how a person breathes throughout the day and during sleep, as well as during breathing exercises and yoga.

The Garmin Connect app gives you the ability to monitor your menstrual cycles, save physiological and emotional symptoms, and learn helpful exercise and nutrition information at every phase of your cycle. The owner can view cycle data directly on the gadget's display. In addition, the device shows cycle alerts, details and metrics for a specific day.

The stress monitoring option will notify the user about how his day went - calmly, balanced or tense. In addition, if the need arises, the model will offer the owner to do a short breathing exercise.

Maintaining a balanced water balance is very important for the physiological state. The user can record the volume of liquid drunk throughout the day to find out if he needs to comply with the norm. This model, which comes with interchangeable straps, is protected by durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3rd generation.

The model is designed for constant wear. The owner may not take them off even while swimming, as they are protected from water up to 5 atm. The continuously active Chroma DisplayTM screen guarantees excellent picture quality in different lighting conditions.

• round-the-clock health monitoring with a large number of functions;
• you can download your favorite tracks to listen to music without being tied to a smartphone;
• the ability to record different types of training thanks to 20 pre-installed programs for sports using a GPS module;
• intuitive animated exercises are shown directly on the display;
• excellent autonomy: up to a week in smartwatch mode and about 5 hours in navigation and music playback mode.

• not detected.

Cost: 29000 rubles.

Garmin INSTINCT

This rugged GPS-navigated model is protected by military standard 810G. The watch can be submerged under water to a depth of no more than 100 m. The case, made of fiber-reinforced polymer, guarantees high reliability and wear resistance. The monochrome screen with glass made of a special scratch-resistant chemistry guarantees a rich picture with high contrast and good quality in different lighting conditions.

If the owner does not like to walk on the same road, then this model will be a chic choice for him. The fact is that GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite navigation systems guarantee a stable connection where GPS alone cannot cope.

An integrated 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter help keep track of the desired course, and with the TracBack option, the user no longer needs to worry about the way back - the device will show the owner the route to the starting point along the same road.

This model monitors heart rate, exercise parameters and stress throughout the day, so that the user is aware of how much time he has been exercising and how much effort he has made.

• created according to the military standard MIL-STD-810G (United States of America), which guarantees high resistance to temperature extremes and mechanical stress;
• high-quality water protection - the maximum depth is 100 meters;
• integrated 3-axis compass;
• barometric altimeter;
• support 3 world navigation systems - GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO;
• heart rate monitoring;
• exercises using preset training modes;
• stress level control;
• works with phone notifications.

• not found.

Cost: 26200 rubles.

Garmin Forerunner 235

Representatives of the company position the Garmin Forerunner 235 model as suitable for active people involved in running and cycling. This watch is great for daily wear.

The case of the sports watch is made of strong plastic, it has a color display mounted in it. The watch is equipped with a light and durable strap made of high quality silicone rubber. In active mode, with support for communication with GPS satellites, they work without additional charging for more than 11 hours.

The advanced functionality of the device, small size and weight attract the attention of runners and cyclists to this sports watch model. The Garmin Foot Pod's external sensor communication system provides accurate and comprehensive information about an athlete's run.The heart rate monitor built into the body of the gadget provides the user with information about the intensity of the loads, and the GPS and GLONASS navigation systems ensure movement along a predetermined route, with the ability to return to the starting point.

Suitable for people involved in running and cycling, a gadget with advanced functionality, configured for these sports at a fairly reasonable cost.

• the presence of a wrist heart monitor;
• provision of GPS and GLONASS systems;
• the presence of a color display;
• optimal ratio of cost to quality of the device.

• lack of swimming mode;
• no barometer installed.

Cost: 26 385 rubles.

Fenix ​​5

Garmin's most popular multi-sport watch, which has won the hearts of many users, is called the Fenix ​​​​5. If you compare this device with the Forerunner 235, the athlete will see that the body of this device is made of a stronger material, the electronic filling has more functionalities optimized for training swimming, climbing, cycling, outdoor training and team sports. But, unfortunately, this miracle device has a higher price than the model discussed above.

The design of Fenix ​​5 additionally includes:

• barometric altimeter;
• barometer (for forecasting weather changes);
• compass;
• thermometer.

The gadget has three modifications with different sizes, the display is protected by sapphire crystal, which is very difficult to scratch. The Fenix ​​5X has the ability to support topographic maps to make it easier to navigate the terrain.This sports watch will be an indispensable assistant for people leading a varied active lifestyle and doing two or more sports.

• the watch is designed for people involved in 2 or more sports;
• the display is protected by sapphire crystal;
• built-in heart rate monitor;
• supports GLONASS and GPS navigation systems;
• reliable and durable watches;
• a barometer built into the structure.

• high cost of the device;
• some models are quite heavy.

The cost is from 31,000 rubles.

Garmin Fenix ​​Chronos

The flagship premium model has a luxurious design and three types of performance:

1. The case is made of durable steel, the strap for attaching to the hand is made of genuine leather;
2. The body of the device and the strap are made of steel;
3. The body of the device and the bracelet for fastening are made of titanium.

The electronics support all multisport modes and navigation. These sports watches have few competitors in terms of features and value.

• sports watches have a rare, stunning design;
• support all multisport modes;
• beautiful display protected by sapphire crystal;
• built-in analyzer of cardiac activity;
• support for GLONASS and GPS navigation systems;
• built-in altitude sensor, compass;
• reliable durable device.

• high price.

Cost: about 106,437 rubles.

How to choose a Garmin fitness bracelet

Asking a question when buying a fitness bracelet, which model to choose after all, you first need to decide for yourself what is required of the gadget. Someone only counts steps, but someone wants to put on an almost smart gadget with watch functions. There are suitable options for everyone.

The heart of any fitness bracelet is the accelerometer. This is a special device that can respond to movements. The bracelet has a built-in processor that will process the readings and immediately interpret them into steps and mileage, which is displayed on the gadget screen. Some models transfer all the information collected by the sensor to the application on the smartphone, which is able to immediately process the information received and build a beautiful graph of the athlete's activity.

When buying a fitness bracelet, it is recommended to pay attention to the relevant characteristics:

• functionality;
• screen;
• autonomy;
• moisture protection;
• additional features;
• design;
• price.

The following are the best fitness bracelets among those that are currently provided on store windows.

Garmin Vivosmart 4

This fitness bracelet will emphasize the image of the owner and improve his physiological state. This small-sized model is equipped with options to help the user manage their health and fitness, as well as lead an active lifestyle. The wrist-mounted Pulse Ox sensor analyzes the user's blood oxygen level not only at night, but also during the day. The device calculates the heart rate on the wrist, provides useful tools in the form of continuous monitoring of stress levels and a timer for relaxing breathing exercises. By tracking the energy of the Body Battery, the owner will always be aware of whether his body is ready for intense stress or if it is better to relax now.

With this model, you can take a shower and swim in the pool. The autonomy of the device provides a week period of continuous operation without recharging.Vibrate phone notifications keep the wearer always connected (works when paired with a compatible mobile device).

This eye-catching model is available in a variety of colors, has an exclusive metal finish and is equipped with a bright, readable screen. The latter is turned on only when it is needed. At the same time, the screen automatically adjusts its brightness according to the ambient light level for better readability even when the display is exposed to direct sunlight. This model will be an excellent option for any usage scenarios - office style, training in the gym, swimming.

• small sizes;
• multifunctionality;
• attractive appearance;
• the Pulse Ox sensor analyzes the oxygen level in the blood not only at night, but also during the day;
• calculates the heart rate on the wrist.

• missing.

Cost: 11375 rubles.

Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2

This fitness bracelet, which is ideal for a child, is equipped with a practical and reliable strap that can be easily removed / put on. The model is sold in a number of different colors of bracelets. The child can walk with the model in any scenario - swimming, sleeping in it, etc.

The replaceable battery is enough for 12 months of active use, so parents do not need to worry about the battery level. In addition, they can control the model through a compatible program.

Parents can add a number of children to the application and, during the automatic pairing process with the phone, see the following information: number of steps, sleep analysis, daily workouts and housework.Parents can give their children tasks around the house, see the number of prize coins for any of the children and invite relatives to join the competition for the maximum number of steps per day - all the described functionality is available on phones running on iOS or Android operating systems.

• battery life is 12 months (it does not need recharging);
• attractive appearance, which was created purposefully for children;
• comfort of wearing;
• reliable assembly;
• can be used when swimming;
• monitoring the number of steps, sleep duration and 1 hour of recommended exercises for each day;
• a smartphone-compatible app on the parent's phone activates household chores;
• when doing household chores, children are given coins, which can then be exchanged for a reward from their parents.

• missing.

Cost: 7990 rubles.

Garmin Vivofit Jr

With an attractive design that can be used while swimming, this swimsuit will encourage your kids to get active. The manufacturer also did not forget about the parents.

Kids can use the branded smart phone collaborative app to discover exciting mobile adventures, while parents can track their child's step count and activity time, set DMs, and even reward kids with virtual prizes.

This device will help parents forget about the problem of involving children in household chores. Parents can indicate chores through the smartphone application, and children will see on the tracker display whether there are tasks for them. Through the settings, you can specify whether these tasks should be duplicated daily or weekly.This is a great option for kids who need to be reminded to brush their teeth or make their bed. For toddlers who like to put off doing chores until later, you can set a timer so that the device notifies the child that they should finish, for example, school lessons.

• the operating life of the battery is 12 months without the need for recharging;
• fashionable appearance, purposefully created for children;
• comfort of wearing;
• reliable assembly;
• you can use the bracelet when swimming;
• monitoring of the number of steps;
• sleep tracking;
• an hour of recommended exercise each day;
• A compatible smartphone app allows parents to activate household monitoring tools.

• not detected.

Cost: 9320 rubles.

Garmin Approach X40

Preloaded with 41,000 golf courses scattered across the planet, this device comes with daily activity monitoring options, a wrist-based heart rate monitor, and vibration phone notifications to keep you connected.

The heart rate monitor calculates the user's heart rate around the clock. So, when performing exercises, the owner may not wear an auxiliary chest structure. Based on heart rate indicators, the device calculates the number of calories burned and exercise load, so that the user can accurately assess their own efforts.

This is a beautiful and small model that combines a GPS navigation module, golf options and activity monitors.This reliable and comfortable device is protected from water (immersion to a depth of up to 50 m is allowed), and also operates from a Li-Ion battery. The model also has an alarm clock. The device displays the current time and date, making it a useful accessory for everyday wear.

• small sizes;
• lightness;
• navigation GPS module;
• wrist heart rate monitor;
• activity monitoring options.

• not found.

Cost: 13900 rubles.

Garmin Vivofit 3

The budget model from a well-known company has shock protection, against moisture penetration, which allows them to swim gently, but not dive under water. The model is provided with an elastic removable strap, can determine the number of steps taken, recognize the phases of a person's sleep. The design provides a small display, there is a timer.

A serious advantage of this device is the presence of a removable battery that allows you to operate the device for a year without recharging.

The device sits very comfortably on the wrist and effectively determines the type of physical activity.

• the presence of synchronization with a smartphone, allowing the use of a proprietary program for analyzing physical activity;
• year of operation without recharging;
• low cost.

• the design does not provide a heart rate monitor;
• there are difficulties with automatic detection of physical activity.

Cost: from 4 490 rubles.

GSMIN WR11

The fitness bracelet has a standard design. All information is displayed on a monochrome OLED screen equipped with a backlight and having a resolution of 124x64, the diagonal is 0.96 inches.

The display is mounted in a silicone strap, which can be adjusted according to the hand if necessary, and also changed to others, for example, different in color.

The device is synchronized with the smartphone via Bluetooth version 4.0. Internet is missing. On the display, you can get information about an incoming call, an SMS message or in social networks, an event from the calendar or a received email.

The gadget will inform about this or that notification by means of vibration.

Among the functional sensors: a calorie counter, indicators of sleep and physical activity, a heart rate monitor (built-in with the possibility of continuous heart rate monitoring), an accelerometer.

• The presence of moisture protection IP67;
• Decent autonomy indicators: on a charged Li-Polymer battery, the bracelet can work up to 168 hours, and in standby mode - up to 360 hours;
• Availability of functionality for measuring blood pressure, ECG;
• Anti-lost service.

• The pressure measurement results cannot be viewed on the watch display, only in the application on the smartphone;
• Some users note the inconvenience of the charging process as a removable cradle.

The cost of GSMIN WR11 is about 6000 rubles.

Garmin Vivofit 4

The Vivofit 4 is considered the best device designed and manufactured by Garmin. A distinctive feature of this gadget is the battery life, it can fully function without recharging for a year. The fitness bracelet performs such functions as monitoring and analyzing the calories spent by the human body, its physical activity, and tracks sleep phases. When synchronized with a smartphone, you can view all training modes in a proprietary application from Garmin.

The device is provided with a color display, quickly and accurately performs all calculations.

• built-in color display;
• sleep phase tracking mode;
• accuracy and speed of registration of parameters;
• excellent value for money ratio.

• inability to receive notifications from the phone.

Average cost: 6500 rubles.

Vivosmart 3

Garmin's Vivosmart 3 device is designed to monitor activity and stress levels in fitness and strength training. The Vivosmart 3 activity tracker has all the features you need to analyze your workouts in the gym, including a heart rate monitor. The device has a built-in barometric altimeter, light sensor, accelerometer, alarm clock. Bluetooth is provided for connection with a smartphone. Data from the device is transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone, on which, using the Garmin Connect program, an analysis of the activity of the trainee is carried out, and synchronization with the phone allows you to receive notifications from it and control the smartphone's music player. Also, this mobile application will give you the opportunity to view the archive of training, set up various alerts.

Garmin's Vivosmart 3 is the perfect choice for active people who want a powerful, lightweight and comfortable tracker for everyday use.

• work without recharging for about 5 days;
• low cost;
• built-in wrist heart monitor;
• the presence of a barometer and an accelerometer;
• voltage level control.

• the device is most effective only when doing sports in gyms;
• The device has a non-removable strap.

Cost: from 9 969 rubles.

Garmin Vivosmart HR+

This device from Garmin differs from the previous model in the presence of a GPS navigation module and, accordingly, a higher price. The manufacturer also expanded the functionality of the device:

• the device has increased the number of training modes;
• added running/walking mode;
• the device has the ability to turn on notifications about the intensity of the workout;
• there was a function of monitoring the phases of sleep.

• five days of work without recharging, with the disabled GPS module;
• There is a sleep monitoring function.

• long waiting time for synchronization with a smartphone;
• The device is quite large.

Average cost: 14500 rubles.

Garmin Vivosport

More expensive, but stylish and with a large set of functions, the bracelet is a representative of the “golden mean” of gadgets from Garmin. The built-in GPS sensor will allow you to make long runs and long bike rides in unfamiliar terrain. Reliably protected from water and dust, this device will work without recharging for a whole week. The presence of a smart watch in the gadget will allow you to control the phases of a person’s sleep and wake him up at the most favorable time.
The strap of the device connects to the gadget without joints and is fixed on the arm with a reliable classic buckle. The device's display is based on a TFT-matrix with a resolution of 77x144 pixels. The display sensor allows you to control the device even with wet fingers, water does not interfere with the susceptibility of the screen.

The weight of the fitness bracelet is only 27 g, it is practically not felt on the hand. Taking readings from the heart rate monitor, the gadget calculates the value of the degree of stress.The device continuously registers the heart rate and fixes its value. In the GPS navigation mode, the device will work without recharging for about 7 hours, and its full charge will be about 1.5 hours.

• the product accurately captures all movements and quickly recalculates them;
• light weight;
• the presence of a heart rate monitor;
• sleep phase tracking.

• the device does not have a swim mode function;
• rather high price.

Cost: from 18 358 rubles.

A new generation of sports watches and fitness bracelets are smart and reliable assistants for people who lead an active lifestyle and watch their figure. The use of Garmin multisport gadgets, which have universal capabilities for solving various sports tasks and a large selection of various functions, will allow you to organize your training process and make life easier for an athlete.