Tags: Selection Guide | Garmin | Smart

3.2.2026

5 questions you should ask yourself before buying a Garmin smartwatch

Watches, especially smart watches, vary widely and it can be quite a challenge to get to know them. Some have that extra sensor, different controls, and choosing something that fits your requirements requires hours of intense study. And what is the aim of this article? To save you those hours, so that in the shortest possible time, you'll have a much better idea of what you require from a Garmin smart device, and conversely, what you don't require at all.

Someone wants to know everything about heart rate, someone requires maps, someone else wants to pay and listen to music with the watch, but for someone else it is enough to know the number of steps. As with everything, people are different and so are the requirements. And what do you want? Whether you know exactly, or this is your first contact with a smart device, hopefully this article will help you. So let's do it.

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1. Do I need a heart rate sensor?

If your goal is to get up off the couch, start moving, you don't necessarily need an accurate measurement of your sporting activity, and you're happy with a step count, a smarter wristband with a pedometer will do the trick. But if you're serious about sport and want to get to know your body better, a heart rate monitor can tell you a lot and take your training a step further.

A low resting heart rate often means a long life

For example, did you know that a low resting heart rate is associated with longevity? The heart is literally our engine, and how much it is stressed tells us more about our body than any other organ.

For example, athletes can have a resting heart rate well below 40 beats per minute. This means that their heart is so strong that it only needs a smaller number of beats to spill blood throughout the body. The heart therefore doesn't wear out as much and is likely to be able to work for longer. So if your heart beats even a hundred times a minute at rest, it's a good indicator that it's wearing down unnecessarily and you might want to do something about it.

Heart rate during training affects all the processes in the body

Heart rate is most often used to determine aerobic and anaerobic workload. Aerobic exercise is associated with low heart rate. Your body gets enough oxygen, your muscles won't stiffen as quickly, you'll burn primarily fat (ideal for weight loss), and you won't feel completely wiped out after your workout. Anaerobic exercise is the opposite of aerobic exercise, where the heart works at a high rate, the body burns sugars, and large amounts of lactic acid are formed, which causes muscles to stiffen and fatigue to set in more quickly.

I would definitely recommend aerobic exercise for beginners. Your body will get used to the movement and gradually you will be able to run faster and longer without feeling fatigue. An unnecessarily high heart rate is the most common mistake beginners make and you need to keep an eye on it. With a low heart rate you will enjoy the movement, you will be able to run again the next day and it will be beneficial for your body. And that's the main thing.

I don't think I need a heart rate monitor

If your answer sounds something like this, the Garmin VívoFit 4 smart wristband may be right for you. This lowest-priced wristband from Garmin offers basics like step count, setting daily goals, and sleep monitoring. Thanks to its small size and weight (26g), you'll hardly feel it on your hand and the one-year battery life makes it almost completely worry-free.

I definitely need a heart rate sensor

So you're serious about your workout and want to know more about your body. The absolute cheapest option from Garmin is the Vívosmart 5 smart wristband. Nice price, heart rate sensor, _VO2Maxestimation and pulse oximeter (measures blood oxygenation). Plus, it's lightweight (25g) and boasts a week of battery life (the watch doesn't have a battery like the bracelet above, but a rechargeable battery).

In the smartwatch ranks, I'd recommend the Garmin Forerunner 55, which is the cheapest among the newer models and, compared to the Vívosmart 5, has an integrated GPS receiver to accurately record your route. Functionally, however, it's a bit more feature-rich, an example being the Garmin Coach virtual trainer, which will guide you through your workout based on your fitness level or have the watch recommend the best workout that day. If this model doesn't appeal to you, don't despair, as the vast majority of Garmin devices have a heart rate sensor.

All models with a heart rate sensor in our range.

2. Should I choose button control or touchscreen?

More than the pros and cons, this question is about you. If you will primarily use the smartwatch during the day in the office, you probably won't be limited by the touchscreen and I would venture to say that in the "touch age" you will find it more convenient and faster to use. However, an advanced or even top athlete would probably never get a watch with a touchscreen.

After all, a touchscreen can be difficult to operate with a sweaty hand, in the rain or cold, or with gloves on. Buttons are a sure thing. No matter what the weather is like and you have a wet hand, the button will always be there 100% ready to do its job. The same is true when you're on the move. When running, touchscreen watches can be a bit cumbersome to operate. Fumbling for the button is much easier. The recreational athlete is very rarely exposed to such problems, but the advanced and top athlete regularly.

When choosing the controls, the most important thing to think about is in what conditions you will use the watch most often.

I would want a touchscreen on the watch

If you're more attracted to touchscreen controls, I'd definitely recommend the Garmin Venu 4, which has a richly coloured AMOLED display, contactless payment, music player and even the ability to make phone calls. Sounds good, right?

All the touchscreen models in our range.

I rather prefer the button controls

Whether it's because you're an advanced athlete or simply don't want a touchscreen, we'll make you happy. Garmin strongly prefers this type of control, which is why you'll see it on most models, from the Forerunner 55, Forerunner 265, to flagship models like the Fenix 8 and Forerunner 970. Personally, I would highlight the Garmin Forerunner 265. Why? It offers light weight, contactless payment, music player and perhaps the best price/performance ratio in the Garmin ranks.

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3. Should I have a music player in my watch?

Paradoxically, this question should be more like "Do I always have my phone on me?". A lot of Garmin devices support a music player and streaming services (Spotify, Deezer, etc.), but for someone who carries a phone at all times, it's honestly completely unnecessary. What a lot of users don't know is that even if they have music playing on their phone, they can control it with their watch. I, on the other hand, am the type of person who is happy to run out without my phone and enjoy the music in my ears. If you are the same, I would definitely recommend a music player.

I don't need a device with a music player

Whether it's because you don't listen to music, or you're happy with the music controls on your phone, the aforementioned Forerunner 55, which is Garmin's cheapest modern sporttester, may be a good choice.

I would like a music player in a smartwatch

If we take price into account, the cheapest model with a music player is the Garmin Vívoactive 5. What can we say about it? It's affordable and could be described as the definition of value for money.

All models with music player in our offer.

4. Will I use contactless payment?

This is similar to the music player. If you have your phone or wallet on you at all times, you'll find it pretty useless. If you're the kind of person who likes to run on empty, this can be very useful.

However, I must point out that this is one feature that you will quickly get used to. You don't have to search for your phone or wallet, you simply reach out and you're paid.

Yes, the counter-argument might be that it's dangerous. But I have to disagree. The first time you pay during the day, the watch will ask you for a four-digit code. The next time you pay on that particular day, they won't ask you for the code. Which may seem dangerous, but... Even if you take the watch off for just a few seconds, the watch will automatically recognize this and ask for the code again the next time you pay.

Contactless payment is now handled by almost all of Garmin's model lines. The very cheapest piece that handles contactless payment is again the Vívoactive 5.

All models with contactless payment in our offer.

5. Why should I have topographic maps in my watch?

Yes, answering the question with a question is not entirely appropriate, but let's try. Are you an inquisitive person who is always exploring new places, paths and needs to keep track of your location on a detailed map right from your wrist? If your answer is yes, topographical maps in your watch are something just for you. On the wrist of someone who glances at a map every now and then during a hike or occasionally uses navigation, a watch with such equipment is pretty useless. Either your phone or a cheaper Garmin watch with simple arrow navigation will do.

I don't need topographic maps, just simple navigation

Arrow navigation is the simplest type of navigation. Topographic maps, on the other hand, are the absolute pinnacle of smartwatch navigation features. The golden mean is curve navigation, which at least roughly displays individual routes. In the ratio of navigation quality and price, the clear winner is the Garmin Instinct 2 with its simpler route display, military-standard durability and a price of under seven thousand crowns.

Topographic maps in the watch I need

Detailed topographic maps are offered by watches in the higher price range. The most popular top-equipped model (including topographic maps) is the Fenix 8. Because of the design, people often reach for the similarly equipped Tactix 8, which has an even lighter upgrade of military features.

If you care about the weight of the watch, the Forerunner 965 is a good choice. It has almost the same features, but has no metallic elements due to which they save a substantial amount of weight.

And if you also appreciate the dial, LED light and sapphire crystal, you might be interested in the Forerunner 970.

All models with topographic maps in our range.

Not much information - which watch was which?

For better clarity, I've attached a table with all the models and features mentioned in the article.

* HR stands for optical heart rate sensor | Instinct 2 has NFC only in the solar version

The cherry on top. I want the best!

This whole article is based on rationality. What I need, what I don't need. But sometimes in the shop we can't stop marvelling at how many customers come in with the simple task of wanting the best outdoor watch. Rationality aside. Just the best. So here comes the Garmin Fenix 8.

And why do I think that rationality goes by the wayside? Honestly, this model has so many conveniences that there are only a handful of people who would use it to its full potential. But it's simply Garmin's flagship. A heart rate sensor, button and touch controls, music player, contactless payments, topographic maps, plus a titanium lunette, sleek design and a 4-week battery. Want it? Here you go.