(checked 2026-10-10)
A budget Garmin running watch with an AMOLED screen and GPS and heart-rate accuracy that Android Central found as good as pricier Forerunners, plus about 11 days of battery. It holds back Training Load and Training Status, music costs extra, and it's a fitness watch first, not a full smartwatch.
Top complaints
- Key training features held back
Android Central lists the missing Training Load and Training Status as a con, saying Garmin reserves them, along with Training Readiness and multisport profiles, for the pricier Forerunner 265.
Source: Android Central review - Confusing at first and fiddly pairing
Amazon's summary calls the interface mixed, with some owners saying it isn't intuitive. Low-star Walmart reviews say it has too many buttons to figure out, Bluetooth pairing isn't user-friendly, and it came without instructions. Android Central says the button layout has a learning curve.
- Plain plastic build, limited smarts, extra costs
Android Central dislikes the plastic, button-heavy look and the glass, which isn't Gorilla Glass. It says the watch feels substandard next to full smartwatches, and music storage and Wi-Fi cost extra. A Walmart reviewer complains about needing an adapter to charge.
What owners love
- Accurate GPS and heart rate
Android Central's tester found GPS distance and heart rate as accurate as costlier Forerunners: 6,016 steps on a 6,000-step test, and the same average heart rate as a chest strap on a 5-mile run. Amazon owners say it tracks steps, distance and heart rate accurately.
- Light and comfortable
Android Central praises the comfortable weight (39 g) and the secure, breathable band.
Source: Android Central review - Good value with no subscription
Daily suggested workouts with no monthly fee (Android Central). Amazon owners call it good value, and Wirecutter lists it as a cheaper Garmin with a touchscreen.
- You want apps, voice assistants or a full smartwatch
- You track Training Load or train for triathlons
- You want music without paying for the Music edition
- Runners who want Garmin coaching on a budget
- Accurate GPS distance and pace
- Over a week between charges
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Android Central: 'Barely a compromise': proven GPS and heart-rate accuracy. The cons are paying extra for music and Wi-Fi, no Training Load or Status, and a big-bezel display without Gorilla Glass.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a current pick (Coros Pace 4 and Forerunner 70 are). It's listed as the way to spend less on a touchscreen Garmin, at about $200, with a barometric altimeter.