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Garmin offers such a wide range of watches I have an entire explainer to help you make sense of (some of) their model numbers. Things get even more confusing whenever there's a sale, since you may be able to get a discounted fancier watch at the same price as a newer entry-level watch—especially if you're willing settle for an older model. (Since Garmins wear their age well, older models are absolutely still on the table if you're looking for a good deal.)
Here are the basics: Garmins in the "Forerunner" series with a number in their name are the most popular options for runners and for general fitness purposes. If the number ends in "70," it's a brand-new model and will get the latest software updates. Fenix, Epix, and Enduro are higher-end watches (with prices to match). The Vivoactive and Venu lines are more of what I'd call lifestyle watches, with casual use as their top priority and fitness as a strong second. These models tend to handle more of their functions via the touchscreen rather than relying on buttons.
And finally, newer Garmin watches almost all have AMOLED screens (similar to a smartphone or smartwatch), but older models may have MIP screens, an older technology that is a bit dimmer in appearance, but they're energy efficient if you like having an always-on display. I have a breakdown of the pros and cons of MIP screens here.
Many of the Garmin deals I'm seeing this week are from Garmin's "Summer Sale," which isn't exactly an Amazon Prime event, but is happening at the same time. That's why they may not show up if you search only for Prime deals—although there are a bunch of Prime deals on refurbished watches. With all that in mind, here's what I think is worth buying from the Garmin deals you can find today, sorted by price category.
Deals on Garmins for $250 or less
Refurbished Forerunner 265S: $229.95, normally $319.99. (Brand new, it was originally $449.99.) This is an excellent deal, since the 265 is one of my favorite running watches. It's one generation back from the current, so it no longer gets the best software updates. But it has dual-band GPS, training status, can connect to power meters, and other features only available in mid-range Garmin watches. It's seriously punching above its weight at this price.
Forerunner 165: $199.99, normally $249.99. This is Garmin's entry-level watch, one generation back from the current 170. Our marathoner Meredith Dietz loved it, although I'll note that it only has single-band GPS (dual is best, if you can get it). This version doesn't have offline music storage, but you can get the 165 Music for $50 more.
Vivoactive 5: $189.99, normally $229.99. This is a mostly touchscreen watch that is meant for casual use, but still tracks workouts quite well, and has physical buttons to help you do so. It's the slightly older version (the current version is the Vivoactive 6), but I think it's one of Garmin's most underrated watches.
Forerunner 55: $149.99, originally $199.99. This is a very basic watch, from two generations back. It has single-band GPS and a MIP screen. But you don't need more than the basics to get a job done: Sabastian Sawe wore one for his record-breaking sub-2 marathon.
Refurbished Forerunner 55: $99.99, normally $159.99. I've been saying for years that if the 55 were to drop to $100 or less, it would be my pick for a no-nonsense beginner watch. Well, here we are—as long as you don't mind a refurbished model.
Non-Garmins to consider: The Suunto Run, normally $199, is on sale for $148.99. It's one of my favorite budget running watches (here's my review), and has dual-band GPS and music storage. The Coros Pace 4 is a similar watch that isn't on sale right now, but even at regular price it's $250, so it fits into this category. The older (MIP screen) Pace 3 is $199.
What do you think so far?
Deals on Garmins for $500 or less
Normally, $500 may not be enough to get you a mid-range Garmin, but these deals include some of the newer models that would normally be over $500, plus a few premium watches that would normally be significantly more.
Instinct 2 Solar: $279.99, originally $449.99. This is an older model (the current is the Instinct 3). It has a black-and-white MIP screen, but it also has solar charging and some less-common outdoorsy features like GPS coordinates and area calculations.
Refurbished Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire: $429.95, normally $549.99, and originally $1,099.99 new. (It was briefly on sale yesterday for $365.45, and may fluctuate, so be sure to check the price on different sizes of the watch whenever you read this.) This is an AMOLED watch released alongside the Fenix 7, which was an MIP watch at that time. It doesn't have the newest software updates that the Fenix 8 generation gets, but it's still a full-featured premium watch with an ultra-durable sapphire crystal display.
Forerunner 570: $449.99, originally $549.99. This is one of Garmin's newest running watches, an upgrade from the 265. I liked it a lot, but thought it was overpriced; at the new sale price, I like it more. I've logged plenty of miles with this watch, and I think it's a solid pick.
Venu 4: $499.99, originally $549.99. This is Garmin's higher-end lifestyle watch. It has all the newest software updates, ECG capability, and a feature set similar to the Forerunner 570—plus a built-in flashlight. The discount is a modest one compared to the others on this list, but the Venu 4 is the perfect watch for a lot of people.
Forerunner 965: $499.99, originally $599.99. This is the top of the Forerunner line, but one generation back. So it doesn't have the newest software updates, but it's still a great watch, and it has offline maps built in. I'd buy this over the 570, since it's only $50 more and has those maps.
Deals on premium Garmins for $1,000 or less
Garmin's nice watches can get really nice—and quite pricey. Here are a few of the higher-end watches that are $100 off or more:
Forerunner 970, $649.99, originally $749.99. This is the newest version of the top-of-the-line Forerunner. Our resident marathoner Meredith Dietz loved this watch, especially as an upgrade from lower-end Garmins. You can read her review here.
Enduro 3, $749.99, originally $899.99. This is a MIP screen watch that was released alongside the Fenix 8. It gets the newest software features, but keeps the older style of screen for those who prefer it. It has a sapphire crystal display and a built-in flashlight.
Fenix 8 Pro, $949.99, originally $1,299.99. This is the newest generation of a top-of-the-line watch. It has every feature you could think of and plenty you probably couldn't (golfing? Fishing? Diving? Yep, it's all in there). This is its lowest ever price.
Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy run Prime Day-style sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.
Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from June 22-28 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+.
Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from June 22-28, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.
Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from June 23-26, with deals up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free.
