If you’re looking for a way to boost your fitness game, whether you’re a casual runner, a seasoned cyclist, or just someone trying to make sure your heart doesn’t betray you in the middle of a workout, then you’re probably eyeing a heart rate monitor watch. And if you’re also considering the best of the best in the fitness tech world, Garmin is definitely on your radar.
Garmin has been a leading name in fitness watches for years, offering watches that can track everything from your heart rate to your sleep patterns and even your blood oxygen levels. For 2024, they’ve kicked things up a notch with newer, sleeker, and even more powerful devices to keep you in the know about your fitness and health.
But choosing the right Garmin heart rate monitor watch can feel like picking a favorite child—there are just so many options! So let’s take a deep dive into the best Garmin watches for heart rate monitoring in 2024, and we’ll help you find the one that’s just right for you.
Garmin Forerunner 965: The All-Rounder
If you want a Garmin watch that’s a jack of all trades, the Garmin Forerunner 965 might just be the one for you. This is the kind of watch that’s perfect for those who need performance but don’t want to look like they’re ready for NASA training.
The Forerunner 965 features an advanced Elevate™ optical heart rate sensor, giving you accurate heart rate tracking during your workouts. Whether you’re running a marathon, cycling a few miles, or taking a leisurely walk, this watch will monitor your heart rate with precision.
But it doesn’t just stop there. The Forerunner 965 is packed with features like built-in GPS, VO2 max estimation (for you science geeks), sleep tracking, and advanced training features. If you’re someone who loves stats and data (who doesn’t?), this watch will keep you entertained for hours with its fitness insights.
And let’s not forget the AMOLED display. It’s crisp, bright, and clear, which is perfect for those of us who don’t like squinting at our watch in the middle of a workout.
Key Features:
- Elevate™ optical heart rate sensor for real-time heart rate monitoring
- AMOLED display for a high-quality visual experience
- Built-in GPS and VO2 max estimation for fitness tracking
- Advanced sleep and recovery tracking
Best For:
The serious fitness enthusiast who wants a bit of everything, from heart rate tracking to advanced metrics like VO2 max and recovery time.
Garmin Fenix 7: The Beast Mode Watch
The Garmin Fenix 7 is the watch that you wear when you want everyone to know that you’re serious about fitness. It’s big, it’s tough, and it’s capable of tracking practically every activity under the sun. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, swimming through a lake, or tackling an Ironman triathlon, the Fenix 7 is the watch that’ll go the distance with you.
This rugged watch boasts the same Elevate™ heart rate sensor as the Forerunner, giving you accurate heart rate readings whether you’re running at your max or doing a 10-minute stretching routine. Plus, it includes Pulse Ox to monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels, which can give you even deeper insight into how well your body is handling tough workouts or high-altitude training.
One of the stand-out features of the Fenix 7 is its multi-sport modes. From running to skiing to swimming, it’s built to handle everything, and with the Fenix 7, you’ll be able to track heart rate through it all. It’s also designed to handle the outdoors, with a rugged design, scratch-resistant glass, and a battery that just doesn’t quit.
Key Features:
- Advanced heart rate monitoring with the Elevate™ optical sensor
- Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen level tracking
- Multi-sport tracking for various activities
- Long battery life (up to 18 days in smartwatch mode)
Best For:
Outdoorsy folks and extreme athletes who need a durable watch that can track every aspect of their performance in any environment.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus: Style Meets Heart Rate Tracking
If you’re someone who wants a heart rate monitor watch that’s sleek, stylish, and still packed with advanced features, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is your go-to. It’s essentially Garmin’s version of a “lifestyle” watch, but don’t let the sleek looks fool you—it still packs a serious punch when it comes to fitness tracking.
The Elevate™ heart rate sensor here does an excellent job of tracking your heart rate in real time, but it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also get body battery monitoring, stress tracking, and sleep insights, all designed to help you optimize your fitness and well-being.
But the Venu 2 Plus isn’t just about fitness. It has a gorgeous AMOLED touchscreen display that makes checking your stats feel more like checking your Instagram than your heart rate (though we think the heart rate stats are more important). Plus, it’s got music storage and smart notifications, so you can leave your phone behind while you run or workout.
Key Features:
- Elevate™ heart rate sensor for accurate tracking
- AMOLED touchscreen display for easy navigation
- Built-in music storage and smart notifications
- Body battery, stress, and sleep tracking for holistic health insights
Best For:
Anyone looking for a stylish, high-tech fitness watch that also offers smartwatch features without compromising on performance.
Garmin Instinct 2: The Rugged Minimalist
For those who don’t need all the bells and whistles but still want an accurate heart rate monitor and a watch that can take a beating, the Garmin Instinct 2 is an excellent choice. This watch is built for outdoor adventures, with its rugged build and military-grade durability.
It might not have all the advanced features like the Fenix 7 or Venu 2 Plus, but the Instinct 2 still offers accurate heart rate monitoring with the Elevate™ sensor. And it’s all about getting back to the basics here—track your steps, heart rate, and GPS, and that’s about it.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you. The Instinct 2 excels in what it does. It’s not about flashy displays or endless features; it’s about performance in tough conditions. It’s got a battery life that lasts up to 28 days in smartwatch mode and is built to survive extreme environments, from hot deserts to freezing mountains.
Key Features:
- Elevate™ heart rate sensor for accurate heart rate readings
- Multi-sport tracking and built-in GPS
- Military-grade durability for outdoor adventures
- Long-lasting battery (up to 28 days in smartwatch mode)
Best For:
Minimalists and outdoor lovers who need a durable, no-nonsense heart rate monitor watch.
Garmin Epix Pro: The Ultra-Premium Powerhouse
If you’re ready to step up your game and spend a little more for the best of the best, the Garmin Epix Pro is the watch you’ll want to look at. This is Garmin’s ultra-premium offering, combining all the high-end features of the Forerunner and Fenix lines into one stunning device.
The Elevate™ heart rate sensor gives you top-tier heart rate accuracy, while the AMOLED display blows you away with its vibrant colors and clarity. But the Epix Pro isn’t just about looks—it’s a powerhouse when it comes to fitness tracking, offering everything from advanced running metrics to golf course maps, all while offering top-tier GPS accuracy.
If you’re serious about your performance, the Epix Pro also includes advanced performance metrics, like lactate threshold and running dynamics, to help you fine-tune your training. Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, or cyclist, this watch will help you level up.
Key Features:
- Elevate™ heart rate sensor for precision tracking
- AMOLED display for vibrant visuals
- Advanced running and cycling metrics for performance-focused athletes
- Top-tier GPS and multi-sport tracking
Best For:
Those who want a high-end, feature-packed watch that combines fitness tracking with an ultra-premium experience.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to heart rate monitor watches, Garmin remains one of the top choices in 2024, offering a range of models that cater to everyone, from the casual exerciser to the extreme athlete. Whether you want a sleek design, a rugged outdoor watch, or a feature-packed smartwatch, there’s a Garmin out there for you.
So, whether you’re looking to track your heart rate accurately, monitor your stress levels, or just need a solid companion for your workouts, Garmin’s got you covered. With this range of watches, you’re not just getting a device—you’re getting a fitness companion that can help you level up your training and keep your heart in check.
Whichever model you choose, just remember to get out there and move your body—because after all, it’s not just about the data, it’s about how you feel.