When unveiling the new Pixel 9 series last week, Google revealed that the devices will be the first Android phones to offer its Satellite SOS support. Garmin wasted no time in adopting the upgrade, announcing how its support for the feature will allow more users to raise the alarm in an emergency.

Once available, users who are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity will be able to use Google’s satellite option to connect with Garmin Response. This round-the-clock service is staffed by professionally trained emergency incident coordinators. It can liaise with a global network of law enforcement agencies to react when an alert to an emergency situation is raised.

Until this point,  Garmin Response required you to have an inReach-enabled device or affiliated Satellite Emergency Notification Device, as well as an active satellite service plan. This move will bring the SOS service to Google Pixel 9 owners, with Garmin planning on extending it to more of the Android ecosystem in the future. It will initially only be available in the US. Garmin also hopes to expand the coverage more globally, although no timeframes have yet been provided.

Garmin Co-Chief Operating Officer Brad Trenkle gave the following quote in the press release:

“Garmin welcomes the opportunity to expand our proven, premium satellite emergency response coordination services to the Android ecosystem, starting with Google Pixel 9 in the U.S. Each year, Garmin Response supports thousands of SOS activations, likely saving lives in the process. We are looking forward to collaborating with Google to help people connect to emergency services when they need them.”

Google’s Satellite SOS support will be an Android 15 feature, which means it won’t be immediately available on the Pixel 9 handsets but will arrive later in the year. The SOS service will be free to Pixel 9 owners for the first two years.

There's a ton of options to choose from if you're looking to buy a new smartwatch. Some would even say the selection process is a bit daunting if you don't know what you're looking for. But if you're looking for a smartwatch that doesn't break the bank, offers excellent health and fitness tracking, and can last over a month on a single charge the Garmin Instinct Solar is going to be for you.

Garmin is extremely prolific when it comes to smartwatches, constantly churning out new models and updates. With the arrival of the Vivoactive 5, we see a very different watch to a line that hadn’t been updated since 2019, one much more akin to the Venu 3.

If you’re in the market for a new Garmin watch, you might have a tough time making a decision between these two. So which should you buy? Let’s take a look in this Garmin Vivoactive 5 vs Venu 3 comparison.

Garmin is one of the best in the business when it comes to top-tier smartwatches, and the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar didn’t fail to impress us in our review of the device. One of our few gripes was the hefty price tag, but this deal is a rare chance to save big on the wearable. It’s $200 off on Amazon right now.

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar for $599.99 ($200 off)

Garmin watches have become synonymous with peak performance and cutting-edge fitness tracking. These aren’t regular timepieces. Instead, they are more of sophisticated companions designed to ...

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Not every female-centric fitness hurdle needs a tech-based solution. When I’m ready to stop choking on my own hair as my unruly ponytail swings across my face, for example, I can probably braid it. However, there are many real shortcomings in fitness trackers and equipment designed for men first. In light of this, seeing a company prioritize women and female designers is always exciting. The Garmin HRM-FIT is one of the latest wellness tools launched with women in mind. The device provides an alternative way of monitoring heart rates, and after two weeks of testing, I’m impressed by its accuracy, even if I’m not ready to adopt the new design.

It’s hard to beat Garmin (that’s a heart rate pun)

If the word Garmin calls back the image of a dashboard navigator or detailed mapping device, you’re not alone. The company still excels at Global Positioning System tech, and that expertise has made its way into countless fitness tracking watches. However, Garmin also offers a much broader ecosystem of wellness tracking than simply tracing routes or counting steps. One area it shines is collecting heart rate data.

We’ve tested many of Garmin’s top watches, including those with the latest generation 5 Elevate optical heart rate sensor. Not only do Garmin’s devices provide data as accurate as other market leaders, but the results also align with our dedicated chest straps despite wrist-based tracking being trickier. Of course, Garmin also sells its own collection of chest strap heart rate monitors, which are generally well-reviewed regarding accuracy as well.

The HRM-Fit lives up to Garmin's consistently reliable heart rate tracking.

But all that brings me to Garmin’s latest offering, the HRM-FIT. It’s specifically designed to track from the chest without strapping anyone in. I’ll get to the design below, but my first priority is to discuss whether the device is capable of delivering reliable readings. Once I finagled the device to my sports bra (and hyped myself up enough to complete a workout), I started testing the HRM-FIT with a 30-minute workout. For comparison, I wore the highly-rated Polar Verity Sense on one arm and an Apple Watch Ultra 2 on the opposite wrist.

As you can see in the chart above, the devices recorded nearly identical stats throughout my workout, with similar peaks and valleys as I integrated sprints and recovery intervals. Over the course of two weeks, I repeated this multi-device tracking effort during a variety of workouts. The HRM-FIT remained neck and neck with the others, whether I was running, indoor cycling, weight training, or attempting a HIIT workout with entirely too many planks. You will always see minor variations from device to device, but I was very happy with the band’s reliability.

Fit for female users

Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike traditional chest straps, which wrap around your ribs like a small but mighty hug, the HRM-FIT is designed to attach to users’ sports bras. More specifically, the device is made for clipping onto medium- and high-support sports bras, the types generally used for high activity (think jogs vs yoga). Because the goal for any sensor is minimal movement, the HRM-FIT works best on bras with tighter bands, which will restrict the device from slipping.

Attaching the band is easy. The device features two central and two outer clips that clamp onto the band of your sports bra with nondestructive teeth. There’s a bit of fine-tuning as you adjust the clips to stretch it to rest flush against your chest, but overall, it’s a quick process. Opening the clips to remove or scoot the strap is slightly more trying and may cost a nail. I typically wear loose-fitting workout attire, including my tees and tanks. Under my clothes, the band was unobtrusive. Under form-fitting options, however, the additional bulge from the band side clips would be visible. Personally, my labored breathing is enough to dissuade me from worrying about appearances at the gym.

The strap is designed to clip to users' compatible sports bras rather than wrap around their chests.

As far as feel, the HRM-FIT is lightweight, but during the first few workouts, I found the band distracting. I kept worrying it would fall down or slide around too much and fail to accurately track my heart rate. However, it never actually fell off, and as mentioned, it proved highly accurate. Like on other chest straps, you do need to wet the electrodes before your workout, a process that always makes me feel like I’m prematurely sweating. Otherwise, though you’ll certainly be aware that you are wearing something attached to your bra, it’s by no means uncomfortable.

And yet, I don’t feel like the device solves an existing market pain. I’ll be the first to admit chest straps can be tight and constricting, but the HRM-FIT only works with similarly fitting sports bras. If you typically prefer sports bras on the looser side, the device won’t jive. Likewise, your bra must have a band between 3/4 inch and 2 inches wide, a range that covers many but not all bra designs. It also can’t have front embellishments like zippers, which would interfere with the HRM-FIT’s clips. By the end of reviewing Garmin’s sports bra fit guide, I realized I only had a select number of compatible options.

While it's nice to see Garmin continue to focus on women users, the device doesn't necessarily solve any existing problems.

When motivation can be fleeting, I don’t want an extra step (hunting down the right sports bra) between me and starting a workout. Again, this is a subjective take, and this design might be much more attractive than a traditional chest strap for some athletes. Just note that this option is quite a bit more expensive than alternative chest straps from Garmin. If the mini boa constrictor squeeze of a regular chest strap doesn’t bother you, you might want to stick with this cheaper option.

A band with bandwidth

Compared to a basic chest strap, the HRM-FIT’s loftier price isn’t just because of its unique design. Like the Garmin HRM PRO Plus (a higher-end chest strap), the device boasts several additional features and metrics, especially for those sporting a Garmin watch on their wrists. The device offers offline workout support and records pace, distance, running power, and running dynamics. Running dynamics, in particular, is pretty niche, but if you are shopping for a heart rate monitor, there’s a decent chance you are a data junkie and might enjoy more stats. These include form guidance such as vertical oscillation, ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical ratio.

Beyond its unique design, the HRM-Fit offers extensive compatibility and advanced tracking tools.

For the purpose of this review, I used the strap paired with my Garmin Venu 3. I was able to reliably record heart rate data with the band and then seamlessly download the data at the end of my workouts. Though many of Garmin’s smartwatches offer impressive heart rate monitoring from the wrist, some workouts, like swimming, benefit from chest-based readings. If you don’t have a watch, the band will report heart rate, intensity minutes, steps, and calorie data via your smartphone app.

The band can also be synced with compatible cycling computers and fitness equipment. It supports unlimited ANT+ connections and up to three Bluetooth connections.

Garmin HRM-FIT review: Up to Garmin’s typical standards

From an accuracy and connectivity standpoint, the HRM-FIT is a great product. It delivers reliable heart rate data and syncs up with compatible equipment, watches, and cycling computers. It also offers advanced metrics like Running Dynamics and Running Power, as expected from a strap at this price point. Despite my initial skepticism, the unique design stayed in place, and felt secure during various workout types. Most importantly, it also echoes Garmin’s commitment to serving female athletes.

And yet, with all that said, I don’t see myself using this band over a typical chest strap. While I love Garmin’s intention, I just don’t see an inherent benefit to the design compared to a regular chest strap. While others might appreciate that the HRM-FIT isn’t tight or constricting, I prefer wearing regular chest straps that are straightforward and independent of clothing. Opening HRM-Fit’s clips to attach it to my sports bra is slightly unpleasant, and some of my sports bras wouldn’t necessarily work. If you are someone who consistently wears medium or high-support sports bras, you probably won’t have an issue, though.

The highly-anticipated Garmin Venu 3 (and the smaller but otherwise identical Venu 3S) has officially made its way to wrists, and the series packs a lot of impressive features. In particular, for active shoppers looking for a smartwatch experience, the Venu 3 delivers all the basics, plus in-depth, accurate health and fitness tracking. It incorporates all the best tools of the Venu 2 (and Venu 2 Plus!) and sprinkles in a few extras. To learn more about what the newer watch offers compared to its older sibling, we’ve compiled a Garmin Venu 2 vs Venu 3 comparison.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Specs

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Design

Compared to Garmin’s fitness-focused wearables, the Venu moniker represents the company’s more approachable, everyday smartwatch. This is reflected in the device’s clean, minimalist aesthetics and beautiful AMOLED displays. When comparing the Garmin Venu 2 vs Venu 3, the two generations share nearly identical overall designs and dimensions.

Both series offer a full-size model as well as a second option for smaller wrists. The Venu 2 is less than 1mm larger than the Venu 3 and the Venu 2S is just a fraction of a mm smaller than the 3S. All four devices feature stainless steel bezels, fiber-reinforced polymer cases, and Gorilla Glass protection over their displays. Yet, thanks to minimized bezels, the Venu 3 and 3S offer slightly larger displays than their respective predecessors. Measuring 1.4 inches and 1.3 inches, the Venu 3 and 3S displays offer more room for on-device stats and sleeker overall appearances.

With a peek at the watches from the side, shoppers will also notice the addition of a third button on the newest lineup. Originally intended to activate the device’s speaker, this extra middle button first made an appearance on the Venu 2 Plus. Since the Venu 2 doesn’t offer a speaker or microphone, the older model only features two buttons.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Features

In terms of features, the Venu 3 offers everything found on the Venu 2, plus almost all the added tools of the Venu 2 Plus. This means a built-in microphone and speaker for on-wrist phone calls and voice assistant support, as well as music playback. The Venu 3 also adds a quick-access flashlight, a handful of new watch faces, and the ability to text photos (Android only). However, these crucial smartwatch features are far from the only improvements shoppers will find on the newest model.

The Garmin Venu 3 offers nearly all the best tools of the Venu 2 and Venu 3 including on-wrist phone call and voice assistant support.

On the wellness front, the Venu 3 epitomizes a dedicated focus on recovery and sleep tracking, offering and upgraded experience we loved during our Garmin Venu 3 review. One of the biggest highlights of the new device is its automatic nap detection, a first for the Garmin stable. The Venu 3 also records overnight HRV status as well as offers personalized sleep coaching with sleep recommendation factors. We found these tools helpful for diagnosing our sleep needs.

For training purposes, Garmin upgraded the device’s Body Battery feature and added a broad list of additional tools, including Recovery Time, Workout Benefit, Perceived Exertion, Morning Report, and a new Daily Summary (similar to Morning Report but in the evening). Users will also find a few added activity profiles, as well as wheelchair push detection and wheelchair-specific activities. We were particularly excited to see Open Water Swim make its way to the Venu 3 as well as a new Meditation activity. Users can even create custom interval workouts and pair the Venu 3 with additional sensors and power meters.

Most importantly, we found GPS and heart rate sensor accuracy significantly improved on the Venu 3. Garmin’s Gen 5 Elevate heart rate sensor is the current top-of-the-line. It provided reliable data throughout our workouts. It has also since been approved by the FDA for Garmin’s ECG app. Now both the Venu 3 and Venu 2 Plus offer users this advanced health tool.

The Venu 3 boasts improved GPS and heart rate sensor accuracy, and now features the same FDA-approved ECG app found on the Venu 2 Plus.

To poke around all its new features and tools, the Venu 3 also offers an updated user interface. The redesign streamlines navigation primarily by optimally organizing menus. We found the user experience greatly improved by the device’s recent widgets menu. Likewise, we also appreciated the new separation of sport profiles from other apps. The extra, customizable button (compared to the Venu 2) also positively impacts the usability of the watch.

Last but not least, the Venu 3 still offers fantastic battery life, especially compared to other leading smartwatches. The Venu 2 puts up impressive stats as well. However, the Venu 3 offers noticeable improvement despite its larger display and added features.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Price and colors

The Garmin Venu 2 launched in April 2021 at $399.99. The 45mm model is available in Silver with Granite Blue or Slate with Black. Shoppers can grab a 40mm model in Light Gold with Light Sand, Slate with Graphite, Silver with Mist Gray, or Rose Gold with White. In January 2022, Garmin introduced the half-step Garmin Venu 2 Plus priced at $449.99. The Venu 2 Plus is available in just one 43mm case size. It comes in Cream Gold with Ivory, Silver with Powder Gray, or Slate with Black.

In light of its added features, the Garmin Venu 3 also launched with a $449.99 price tag. The 45mm Venu 3 is available in Silver with Whitestone or Slate with Black. The 41mm 3S is available in a few more options. These include Soft Gold with Ivory, Slate with Pebble Gray, Silver with Sage Gray, or Soft Gold with Dust Rose.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Should you upgrade?

The newest Garmin smartwatch is well worth the upgrade for anyone holding onto a Venu 2 or older. It adopts all the useful smartwatch features introduced on the Venu 2 Plus. It also debuts a few new Garmin tools, including automatic nap detection. Meanwhile, the device’s top-notch sensor accuracy, detailed recovery tools, and added fitness-tracking features make it a powerful workout companion. Given how much the Venu 3 has to offer, we don’t recommend anyone buy older Venu models at this point. The only exception might be the Venu 2 Plus if you can get in on a great deal, but even then, the Venu 3 is a clear step up.

The Venu 3 offers shoppers plenty of improvements and new features worthy of an upgrade.

On the other hand, the smartwatch market is consistently heating up, with new tools, features, and devices landing constantly. Though a well-rounded fitness watch, the Venu 3 can’t really compete with wearables like the Apple Watch Series 9 ( ) when it comes to smartwatch features. Anyone after a true smartwatch experience should take a careful look at an Apple vs Garmin comparison before committing to Garmin’s stable, but if you want an amazing fitness tracker with some smartwatch features and attractive looks, plus killer battery life, the Venu 3 is a clear hit.

Are you upgrading from the Venu 2 to the Venu 3? Let us know in the poll below.

Garmin is launching two new fitness watches today — the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music. The two new wearables succeed Garmin’s uber-popular Forerunner 55 running watch that launched back in 2019. Needless to say, Garmin’s budget-friendly lineup was long due for a refresh.

The new Forerunner 165 series watches sport 1.2-inch AMOLED displays this time around — a welcome upgrade from the MIP screen on the Forerunner 55. That means you can expect brighter, more vivid colors from the screen. While MIP displays are more power efficient than AMOLED, Garmin promises robust battery life on both the new 165 series watches. The company claims you can get up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode. That’s way more than the Forerunner 55.

The biggest difference between the regular Forerunner 165 and the Forerunner 165 Music is, well, Music. The latter lets users download and store songs and playlists from Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music for phone-free listening with wireless headphones. It also provides audio prompts so users can follow guided workouts or hear performance alerts with wireless headphones connected to the watch.

Given that the new 165 duo are running watches, they feature some stable Garmin fitness features like Race Adaptive Training Plans for personalized training, Wrist-Based Running Power and Dynamics for real-time running metrics, Training Effect for tracking workout benefits, and more.

For fitness tracking, you get features like wrist-based heart rate measurement, sleep monitoring and sleep score, blood oxygen monitoring, nap detection, stress tracking, and more.

The watches also support more than 25 activity profiles, including trail running, open-water swimming, pickleball, tennis, HIIT, cardio, yoga, and pilates.

Moreover, both the Forerunner 165 series supports Garmin Pay, the company’s contactless payment service.

The Forerunner 165 and 165 Music are compatible with Android and iOS, letting users receive emails, texts, and alerts when paired
with compatible iPhones or Android smartphones.

The watches are now available for purchase. The Forerunner 165 has a suggested retail price of $249.99, while the Forerunner 165
Music is $299.99.

Garmin is launching two new fitness watches today — the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music. The two new wearables succeed Garmin’s uber-popular Forerunner 55 running watch that launched back in 2019. Needless to say, Garmin’s budget-friendly lineup was long due for a refresh.