Fitness Tracker - Garmin

[weareallqueens]

Hi all

Apologies - I've searched but can't find any up to date recommendations. I'm looking for a new fitness smart watch as my Fitbit is pretty crap now. Thinking about a Garmin but there are a few options out there that don't seem to have a lot of differences between them.

I only walk and run, but I run quite a bit so accuracy is important. Sleep tracking is useful but not a deal breaker. I want to be able to read texts and see phone calls but not bothered about answering. I also want it to be reasonably stylish as it'll be my only watch. Hoping not to go too far above £200.

Thanks in advance!

I have a Garmin Forerunner 235, and I’ll replace it instantly when it dies. That said, it’s nearly 10 years old and still going strong, albeit with a new screen. It does everything you want, but I think you’d struggle to get one for under £200.

I prefer the Garmin app to Apple health, and I only need to charge my Garmin once or twice a week, as opposed to every day like an Apple Watch.

I have a garmin forerunner 245 music. I've previously had a vivosmart4. Love the forerunner, has the ability to store music / Spotify, Bluetooth to earbuds. 100% recommend

I have just replaced my Fitbit with a Garmin venu 2s. That does everything you are looking for. It was £199 in the sale last week. I'm really pleased with it.

I have a Garmin 45S. I am an orienteer and so accuracy is important to me and I find it good enough. Garmin also have the best data privacy policy imo.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I went for the Venu 2s, as the £199 was too good to miss! Looking forward to ditching my Fitbit Versa 4 which is horrible. I do not recommend that at all.

My first Garmin was a Garmin Venu SQ. As an activity tracker it's fab. The tracking of my running and other activities is accurate (in line with race results/maps and running companions). Gives you 'lap' updates for each km/mile and if you have decent eyesight there are other metrics you can see whilst running. Can do all the usual notification jazz, has a touchscreen interface and is quite sleek looking as active watches go.

I still use the SQ as a day to day watch because it's genuinely a great all rounder, but have "upgraded" my running watch to a fenix 6 secondhand.

The biggest difference for me is that it actually judges your activity/effort and makes suggestions on the kind of run you should do that day (including rest days). It's also far more geared up for running with interval settings and pacing as options. As a day to day watch though, it's clunky and not as user friendly IMO.

If you're happy with an activity tracker any of the Garmin models will be fine. They're a very decent brand and all have the same basic functions.

If you want a watch that doubles up as almost a wearable coach (pacing, effort, naps) then you'll be fortunate to get a brand new one under £200 and they are definitely bigger/less 'watch' looking because of the tech involved. Hope that helps

I have a vivoactive 4S which does everything you asked. I LOVE it. But will upgrade to a forerunner next time around as I believe it has voice coaching. I also want one with solar charging.

But my first Garmin was this vivoactive which i have had since November 20. So four years now and its as good as new never had a problem. (Except a new strap as I broke mine, but that was an own goal not the fault of the strap)

I love my venu 2s, I got it when it came out. I only charge it every 5 days, daily use for what, 3 years going on 4? Granted when I jogged daily and used the GPS thing it was more often but so many years on, battery holds well.