Best Garmin Watches 2025 - The Only 7 You Should Consider Today

The first watch is Garmin’s flagship golf-first smartwatch that does it all. And, guys, this is the watch that I personally wear every day. I love this thing!

If you’re looking for Garmin’s most advanced, golf-specific watch, this is it. The Approach S70, which starts at $649.99, is the top dog in their golf-focused lineup. That means every feature and every design decision is centered around making this the best possible companion for your time on the course.

But here’s the thing: It’s also built as a totally badass smartwatch for off-course.

It’s not cheap. But you’re getting a razor-sharp AMOLED screen, full-color maps of more than 43,000 courses, in-depth performance insights, and a surprisingly strong suite of health and fitness tracking tools. In fact, this thing does so much that it’s starting to blur the line between a golf watch and a full-blown multisport smartwatch.

Let’s break it down.

The screen here is a big deal. It’s easily one of the most impressive displays Garmin’s ever made, and it makes a real difference when you’re looking at hole layouts, green contours, or even just checking the time. The overall feel is more premium than any other watch in the Approach series.

As for golf features, you’ve gotten everything Garmin’s come up with, which is a lot. There is no golf watch out there, from any company, that’s more loaded than this thing.

I’m talking things like wind speed and direction, a virtual caddie that actually learns your game and makes club recommendations, hazard maps, a PinPointer, stat tracking, and compatibility with Garmin’s shot-tracking tags. It just goes on forever.

If you’ve ever looked at a Garmin golf feature and thought, “I wonder if it does that,” the answer here is “yes!”

But then on the health and smart side of things, you’ve got things like:

• Wrist-based heart rate

• Sleep tracking

• Body Battery

• Pulse OX

• Stress tracking

• Smart notifications

• Garmin Pay

• Music storage and controls

• V02 Max

• Fitness age

• Daily suggested workouts

One of the most impressive things about the S70 is how good it is off the course. It tracks your training. It tracks your recovery. It’ll even track your naps.

You’ve got 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. But, seriously, I wear this thing every day, and I think the battery life is actually much greater than that.

How the S70 Compares

Let’s look at the S70 relative to the watches that surround it in Garmin’s lineup.

Compared to the Garmin Approach S50, this is a significant upgrade in nearly every category. More golf data, deeper fitness insights, and an overall higher-end finish.

But it’s also $250-plus more expensive, so the S70 is clearly for golfers who want (and will use) the absolute best.

Now, compared to the higher-end Fenix 8, you’re trading off some rugged outdoor tools and battery life for a slimmer profile and a more golf-optimized interface. The Fenix has broader multisport utility; the S70 feels more tailored to golf.

Who It’s For

If golf is your main sport and you want a watch that brings every possible tool to your game, while also doubling as a great smartwatch and fitness tracker, the S70 is the one. It’s the premium choice in the golf-specific lane.

Alright, now let’s talk about the beast.

If the Garmin Approach S70 is the sleek, purpose-built golf specialist, the Fenix 8 is its tougher, more versatile counterpart. This is for the person who golfs, sure, but also runs marathons, hikes mountains, and probably knows how to start a fire with a rock.

This is Garmin’s most advanced multisport watch that still plays incredibly well on the golf course. And while the $1,000 Fenix 8 wasn’t built as a golf-first watch, it absolutely earns its spot in this guide because of just how much it brings to the table.

I made a whole video out of it, guys. I legitimately think that the Fenix 8, which wasn’t even supposed to be a golf watch, might be Garmin’s best golf watch.

Think of it this way: If you want everything Garmin knows how to do in a smartwatch, and you want it wrapped in a rugged, tactical-style body that feels like it could survive a fall off a cliff, this is the watch.

Let’s dig in.

You’ve got a bright AMOLED display (or memory-in-pixel if you go for one of the Solar models), an onboard LED flashlight, full topo and satellite mapping, and insane battery life for something with this much tech. Depending on your settings and the model size you choose, you’re talking multiple weeks in smartwatch mode and dozens of hours in GPS.

And the golf stuff? All here. Full-color CourseView maps, PlaysLike distances, wind speed and slope adjustments, Green Contours, Virtual Caddie, stats tracking, and compatibility with Garmin’s shot-tracking sensors. It doesn’t look like a golf watch. But, believe me, it does the job and then some.

But what separates the Fenix 8 from the S70 or S50 is how much further it goes outside the world of golf.

You’ve got:

• Advanced performance metrics like real-time stamina, training readiness, and V02 max.

• Multiband GPS for insane accuracy in the woods, on mountains, or wherever else in the back country you go.

• Preloaded maps and turn-by-turn navigation for trails and hikes.

• Dive features (on certain models), ski dynamics, triathlon support, and basically every sport imaginable.

• A legit LED flashlight, which may sound like a gimmick, but this thing is nice.

It’s also got a built-in speaker and mic for phone calls, voice commands, and text responses (when paired with your phone), plus full smart notifications, Garmin Pay, music storage, and all the health and wellness features you’d expect: wrist-based heart rate, sleep tracking, Body Battery, Pulse Ox, stress levels — the works.

And it’s all packed into a rugged, ultra-durable titanium or steel case with multiple size options (42, 47, or 51 mm), so you can find the right balance of screen size, comfort, and battery life.

How the Fenix 8 Compares

Compared to the Approach S70, the Fenix 8 is a more serious multisport tool. You’re getting broader fitness, training, and navigation features. But you lose a little bit of that golf-specific polish. The interface isn’t as golf-optimized, and there’s no hole layout bezel or dedicated golf styling. But functionally? You’ve got all the same golf brains.

Compared to the S50, it’s no contest. The Fenix is in another league in terms of mapping, fitness tracking, training insights, and durability. It’s also about double the price, so this is definitely an “invest in your entire lifestyle” type of watch.

Who It’s For

If golf is just one of the things you do and you want the most powerful, rugged, do-it-all Garmin smartwatch available, the Fenix 8 is the pick. It’s for the golfer who also skis, runs, hikes, and needs a tool that can keep up.

This is the watch for the hardcore, the explorers, the athletes. And, yeah, it also does a killer job on the golf course.

If there’s a single Garmin golf watch that hits the “just right” balance of features, price, and everyday usability, it’s probably the Approach S50 for $399.99.

This is where Garmin really starts to blend solid golf tech with the stuff you’d expect from a modern smartwatch. And that’s what makes the S50 so appealing: It’s not just a simple golf watch, it’s a watch that you’ll actually want to wear when you’re not on the course.

Let’s get into it.

At its core, the S50 gives you everything a recreational golfer could need: distances to the front, middle, and back of the green; full-color maps of 43,000-plus courses; hazard views; scoring; and PlaysLike distances. You can pair it with Garmin’s club-tracking sensors, too, for automatic shot detection.

But what separates it from the more basic models like the S12 and S44 is that the S50 starts to feel like a real smartwatch, not just a golf device.

You’re getting a crisp 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that’s easy to read even in direct sunlight. The interface is smooth, responsive, and noticeably more polished than earlier models. It makes interacting with maps, features, and menus way more enjoyable.

And Garmin’s included a suite of wellness and fitness features that add legit value. Things like wrist-based heart rate, stress tracking, sleep monitoring, Body Battery, and multiple sport profiles. No, it’s not as robust as what you’ll find in something like the S70 or a Fenix, but it’s enough to support an active lifestyle.

The battery life is strong, too: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS.

How the S50 Compares

The Approach S50 slots neatly above the more affordable S12 and S44 and below the higher-end S70.

Compared to the S44, the S50 offers:

• A more refined and responsive AMOLED display

• More advanced features (PlaysLike, full-color hazard views)

• Expanded smart and wellness tools (sleep tracking, Body Battery, Garmin Pay)

But it does all that without jumping to the S70’s higher price. So if the S70 is a little out of reach, or you just don’t need every advanced feature Garmin makes, the S50 is a seriously compelling middle-ground pick.

On the flip side, compared to the S70, you’re giving up things like wind data, the virtual caddie, green contour maps, and the S70’s bigger screen.

Who It’s For

The Approach S50 is the watch I’d recommend to most casual to serious golfers who want something modern and capable without breaking into premium pricing territory.

If you want a good screen, accurate yardages, helpful health tracking, and a touch of smart functionality, then this is Garmin’s most well-rounded option.

Alright, next we’ve got the entry-level upgrade that actually feels modern. The S44 is the watch that Garmin introduced in January 2025 as a kind of their new $299.99 entry-level model. They still kept the S12, but this is a big step up in terms of what it can do and how it looks.

If the Garmin S12 is the golf watch for the minimalist, the S44 is for the golfer who wants just a little more without going overboard. Think of it like the S12’s more polished, slightly smarter improvement.

At first glance, the S44 might not seem like a huge step up. But the addition of a full-color touchscreen alone changes the user experience in a big way. The 1.2-inch AMOLED screen is bright, vibrant, and far more enjoyable to interact with compared to the S12’s basic black-and-white display.

You still get the core golf functionality that Garmin is known for:

• Yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green

• Hazards and doglegs

• 43,000-plus preloaded courses

• Scorekeeping

• Auto hole advance

• Shot distance tracking (manual)

But now it’s all easier to see, faster to use, and just looks way better.

The S44 also introduces basic smartwatch capabilities. You can get text, call, and app notifications when paired with your smartphone. And while you’re not getting heart rate or sleep tracking here, those minor smart features are a nice bonus for anyone who wears their watch off the course.

Battery life? Very solid. Expect up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode.

How the S44 Compares

Versus the S12, the S44’s biggest upgrades are the full-color AMOLED touchscreen, a sleeker design, and smart notifications. You’re paying about $100 more, but the jump in user experience and daily wear appeal is absolutely noticeable.

Now, compared to the S50? The S44 is more of a dedicated golf watch, while the S50 is leaning toward full smartwatch territory with health and fitness features. If you care about sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, or fitness workouts, skip the S44 and go straight to the S50.

Who It’s For

The Garmin Approach S44 is perfect for the golfer who wants a more modern,touch-friendly interface without diving into smartwatch or fitness features. If you don’t need heart rate, but you do want something that looks and feels like it belongs in 2025, the S44 is a smart, straightforward upgrade.

Now let’s talk about the watch that keeps it simple in the best possible way, the Garmin Approach S12.

This is Garmin’s no-nonsense, entry-level golf watch. Priced at just $200, the S12 is all about doing the golf basics really well. No touchscreens, no heart rate sensors, no music controls. Just a clean, crisp black-and-white display that gives you the info you need to make your best decisions.

And honestly? For a lot of golfers, that’s exactly what they want.

The Approach S12 features yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as distances to hazards and doglegs across 43,000-plus preloaded courses. You can keep score on the watch and upload it to the Garmin Golf app to keep a digital log. It also pairs with Garmin’s CT sensors for automatic club tracking.

But the big story here is the battery life. Up to 30 hours in GPS mode. That’s better than any other Garmin golf watch on this list.

And the screen? While it’s not flashy, it’s perfectly readable even in bright sunlight.

How the S12 Compares

Compared to the S44, the S12 lacks a color touchscreen and smart notifications. You also won’t get any fitness or wellness features.

But you are saving $100. And for players who don’t need more than rock-solid GPS yardages, the S12 may be the perfect savings opportunity.

Stacked against the S50 or S70, of course, the S12 looks primitive. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what you’re looking for.

Who It’s For

If you want a simple, straightforward option that saves you money and doesn’t overcomplicate things, the S12 may still make sense. Yes, it’s been passed by in terms of Garmin innovations that are available in other watches. But as a first golf watch, or as a go-to option for someone who just wants to keep it simple, this is still a nice $200 watch.

Let’s take a quick detour for the golfers who don’t want a watch at all. The Garmin Approach G12 is basically the same thing as the S12, just in a compact handheld form factor.

You still get yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green. You still get 43,000-plus preloaded courses. You still get great battery life. But instead of wearing it on your wrist, you clip it to your belt, your bag, or your cart.

This is a no-frills GPS for golfers who want simplicity without wearing something on their arm. It doesn’t do fitness tracking. It doesn’t show hole layouts. But it’s light, it’s fast, and it’s easy to use.

Who It’s For

Golfers who want clean, accurate yardages but don’t want to wear a watch. The G12 is affordable at just $150, simple, and effective. If you were considering a G12 but hate watches, this is your play.

This next product, the G80, is kind of a unicorn. It’s not a watch. It’s not just a GPS unit. And it’s definitely not your typical launch monitor. It’s all three in a handheld device that’s totally unique.

The $500 Approach G80 gives you distances, yes. But it also gives you launch data. From your swing speed to ball speed to estimated carry distance, this is the only Garmin device that can be used as both a GPS and a launch monitor. Crazy!

The G80 features a bright 3.5-inch touchscreen that’s big enough to see clearly but small enough to carry easily. You’ll get all the same full-color CourseView maps (43,000-plus courses worldwide) that Garmin’s watches offer. You can zoom in on hazards, view green contours, keep your score, and use PlaysLike distance to factor in elevation.

But here’s where it separates itself: the integrated launch monitor. It uses radar-based tech to give you:

• Clubhead Speed

• Ball Speed

• Smash Factor

• Carry Distance

• Swing Tempo

Now, is it as precise as a $2,000-plus launch monitor? No. But for the average player looking to track progress and dial in distances, it’s shockingly useful.

How the G80 Compares

Compared to Garmin’s golf watches like the S70 or S50, the G80 offers the same GPS course functionality but adds launch monitor capabilities. What you lose is the convenience of having it on your wrist. The G80 is a handheld unit, so it’s not something you’ll be wearing or using for health tracking or smart notifications.

But if you already wear a traditional watch or don’t want to deal with wrist-based devices, the G80 is a perfect alternative.

Who It’s For

This one is for players who want one device that gives them more than one use case. If you want a larger screen than a smartwatch, and you also want a handheld that gives you yardages and measures your shot data, this really is your only choice. If you’ve ever considered a launch monitor but couldn’t justify the cost, this is your gateway.

The solar-powered Garmin Approach G20 will strike some people as brilliant and others as a gimmick.

It is pretty cool, I have to say, to have a solar-powered handheld. It means that you’ll never have to worry about charging it or changing the battery. That’s definitely a very nice convenience.

And if you’re the kind of person who loves the latest tech, I don’t know of any other solar-powered handheld GPS devices, so there’s that.

The G20 gives you yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green and also features a view of each green’s size and shape with a manually movable pin. You can also get distances to hazards and doglegs, and you can keep score on the device.

The screen is monochrome, but it’s super readable, even in the brightest sunlight.

There’s no touchscreen here. You navigate with buttons. But everything is fast and intuitive.

How the G20 Compares

Compared to the S12 watch or G12 handheld, the G20, for $299.99, is basically the same core experience. But, of course, the S12 is a watch. And the G12 is a much smaller, less-legitimate-feeling, less hefty product than the G20.

So if you’re someone who doesn’t like wearing a watch on the course, the G20 is definitely an excellent alternative to the S12. And if you like a handheld but want something considerably more substantial and larger than the G12, then again, the G20 will do nicely.

Who It’s For

Golfers who want something different may really like the G20. The solar power and the screen that looks so good even in direct sunlight will be big selling points. It’s also a great option if you’re someone who forgets to charge your devices or keep the batteries fresh. You’ll never have to worry about that with the G20.