Last year, Garmin introduced a Pro version that included the InReach for satellite communications lovers. Not only does it cost at least $400 more than the Apple Watch Ultra and $200 more than the regular Fenix 8, but you also have to pay for the InReach subscription plan, which has multiple tiers and ranges from $8/month to $50/month, depending on whether you want features like unlimited texting or photo messaging.
At this staggering price you get a sports watch that can do anything and everything. It has best-in-class battery life (each Fenix can last for weeks on a single charge, and up to a month with solar charging) and features like the depth sensor from Garmin’s Descent line, meaning this watch works as a full-on dive computer for scuba and free diving. It has a microphone and speaker for basic voice commands (though there’s no onboard cellular connectivity), a surprisingly useful built-in LED flashlight, and Garmin’s signature built-in topographic maps, 24/7 health monitoring, and tracking for over a hundred different activities.
I’ve taken the 51-mm version on nearly every outdoor sport—snowboarding, trail running, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Every time I use it, its capabilities are far superior to mine. I have annoyed many fellow climbers by attempting to track route difficulty, duration and descent while integrating my body battery metrics, etc. The danger is always that you’ll spend more time messing with your Garmin Fenix 8 than playing your actual game. I have the version with the sapphire glass face and titanium bezel, and have broken it into rock faces without any scratches. If you’re willing to pay the price and want a good-looking watch that will last forever (I have friends who are still wearing their Fenix 5s and 6s, and honestly they’re fine), then this might be what you get.
best running watch
The Garmin Forerunner series launched in the early 2000s and became the quintessential watch for runners. Like all Garmins, the Forerunner comes in a range of price points, each offering different features. Last year, Garmin released the Forerunner 570 ($550), a midrange model with no LED flashlight or onboard maps, and the Forerunner 970 ($750), which is the premium version. Before I go into detail about why the Forerunner 970 is the best choice, I should also say that I’ve tested several previous Garmin Forerunners at different price points. If you’re not a triathlete, the older Forerunners are still worth considering, and the entry-level $200 Forerunner 165 is clearly aimed at runners, rather than engaging triathletes like more expensive models.
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