The best Garmin watches of 2026

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.Personal TechI tested Garmin’s most popular watches — here are the best for runners, health tracking and moreForerunner? Instinct? Venu? Which one is right for you?Updated Aug. 5, 2026, 10:41 AM EDTHarry RabinowitzTech ReporterSkip to table of contentsGarmin makes a lot of different watches. I’ve tested nearly a dozen in an effort to better understand which is right for you.Courtesy Harry RabinowitzIn this articleOur top picksThe best Garmin watches in 2026How I test Garmin watchesHow to shop for a Garmin watchWhy trust NBC Selected?See 2 MoreGarmin makes a lot of different watches. While brands like Apple, Google and Samsung have two or three smartwatches to choose from, Garmin has dozens, which can make it hard to know which one is right for you.As NBC Selected’s fitness and tech reporter, I test out smartwatches, fitness trackers and smart rings regularly: that includes all of Garmin’s latest watches. Below are my top recommendations for anyone looking to make the switch or upgrade an older model.Selected.Our top picksBest overallGarmin Vivoactive 6$undefined$299.99AmazonLearn moreBest for runnersGarmin Forerunner 570$undefined$549.99AmazonLearn moreBest for battery lifeGarmin Instinct 3 (Solar)$349.99$399.99AmazonLearn moreBest premiumGarmin Fenix 8 (43mm) (AMOLED)$undefined$1,099.99AmazonLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedI’ve tested dozens of workout headphones: These are the bestWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best Garmin watches in 2026Because Garmin makes so many different watches, it probably makes one that is just right for you. Below are my top recommendations. Every option on this list were samples I requested from the brand for testing purposes for this story.Best overallGarmin Vivoactive 63,184 Amazon Reviews$299.99Amazon$299.99Best Buy$299.9...