Searching for a cheaper smartwatch? Read on as we take a look at the Best Garmin Smartwatches Under £300. If you are looking to buy a Garmin smartwatch without spending a fortune, you have many excellent options that deliver powerful features, reliable performance, long battery life, and great fitness tracking.
Garmin is widely respected for wearables that go beyond simple step counting, offering built in GPS, advanced health metrics, robust sport tracking, and intuitive smartphone connectivity. In this comprehensive, engaging review article, we will explore some of the best Garmin smartwatches available under £300.
This includes prices in both GBP and USD, the key features and benefits of each, a detailed pros and cons breakdown, and guidance on which watch is best suited for different types of users.
We aim to give you valuable, accurate and practical guidance so you can make the best decision for your needs. All prices are approximate and will vary slightly depending on retailer and promotions at the time of purchase. Everything here is written clearly and professionally to help you understand what makes each of these watches worth considering.
What to Look for in a Garmin Smartwatch Under £300
Before we dive into specific models, it helps to understand the kinds of features you should expect from Garmin smartwatches in this price range.
Garmin under £300 typically offers:
- Built in GPS for accurate distance and pace tracking during running, cycling or walking.
- Heart rate monitoring and basic health tracking such as sleep and stress.
- Multiple sport profiles that record and analyse workouts.
- Smartphone connectivity for notifications, music control, and app sync.
- Reliable battery life that often lasts multiple days without charging.
- Water resistance suited for swimming and everyday use.
While watches under £300 may not have every premium feature found on flagship Garmin models, they still deliver exceptional value and performance for everyday users and fitness fans alike.
Best Garmin Smartwatches Under £300
Below are some of the most popular Garmin smartwatches you can buy for under £300 today. These models balance features and price, making them ideal choices in the budget to mid-range category.
1. Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
Price: £199.99 (approximately $250 USD)
Overview: The Forerunner 165 Music is an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts who also want music storage on the watch itself. It combines solid Garmin sport tracking with easy control of your playlists.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Built-in GPS accurately tracks runs without a phone.
- Integrated music storage lets you play music without carrying your smartphone.
- Heart rate monitoring, stress tracking and sleep insights help you understand your health.
- Garmin Coach workout plans and personalised training suggestions.
- Lightweight and comfortable design for daily wear.
Pros:
- Music storage built into the watch at an affordable price.
- Excellent GPS and fitness tracking.
- Long battery life for workouts and daily use.
Cons:
- Display is functional but not as vibrant as some newer AMOLED screens.
- Not as feature rich for advanced multisport users.
Best Suited For: Runners and fitness fans who want an all in one training watch with music capabilities without paying flagship prices.
2. Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS
Price: £199.99 (approximately $250 USD)
Overview: The Forerunner 255 is a hugely popular running and multisport watch from Garmin. It offers excellent performance tracking and advanced metrics normally found on higher end models.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Multi band GPS and reliable tracking for runs, rides and outdoor activities.
- Advanced performance metrics such as training load, recovery time and VO2 Max.
- Heart rate monitoring and built in sleep tracking.
- Long battery life that lasts for days of use with GPS workouts included.
- Lightweight design that is perfect for daily wear and long training sessions.
Pros:
- Fantastic value with very accurate GPS and deep fitness insights.
- Garmin Coach and adaptive training suggestions.
- Great balance of features and price.
Cons:
- No built in music storage on the base model.
- Display is readable but lacks an AMOLED style brightness.
Best Suited For: Runners, cyclists and multisport athletes who want strong fitness analytics at a very affordable price.
3. Garmin Vivoactive 5
Price: £199.99 (approximately $250 USD)
Overview: The Garmin Vivoactive 5 strikes a perfect balance between smartwatch features, health tracking, and workout metrics. It is one of the most versatile Garmin watches under £300.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Bright and sharp AMOLED display that is easy to read in all light.
- Built in GPS tracks outdoor workouts without needing your phone.
- Comprehensive health monitoring including heart rate, sleep and respiration.
- Music storage and playback from the watch with compatible services.
- Over 30 sport modes and guided workouts.
Pros:
- Attractive AMOLED screen often found on more expensive watches.
- Excellent health and activity monitoring.
- Great value for everyday life and workouts.
Cons:
- Battery life is shorter than some non AMOLED Garmin watches but still good.
- Text replies on smartwatch notifications are limited.
Best Suited For: Active lifestyle users and fitness fans who want a stylish smartwatch with vibrant display and deep tracking features.
4. Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS
Price: £149.99 (approximately $190 USD)
Overview: The Forerunner 55 is Garmin’s friendly entry level GPS smartwatch that delivers excellent performance tracking and impressive battery life at a friendly price.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Built in GPS and basic training metrics for running and general fitness.
- Heart rate, sleep and stress monitoring.
- Simple daily suggested workouts and recovery insights.
- Strong battery life that lasts well beyond many competitors in this price range.
Pros:
- Easy to use for beginners.
- Excellent battery life.
- Accurate GPS tracking and essential fitness metrics.
Cons:
- Limited advanced analytics compared to more expensive models.
- No music capabilities.
Best Suited For: New runners and fitness beginners looking for a reliable starter Garmin watch with strong battery life.
5. Garmin Venu Sq Smartwatch
Price: £114.00 (approximately $150 USD)
Overview: The Venu Sq smartwatch targets users who want style and everyday health tracking at a lower cost, with a slim profile and bright display.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Touchscreen display and lightweight design for comfort.
- Built in GPS and essential fitness tracking.
- Heart rate, sleep and activity monitoring throughout the day.
- Good integration with smartphone notifications and controls.
Pros:
- Very affordable and stylish.
- Suitable for everyday wear and casual fitness.
- Good battery life and fitness insight basics.
Cons:
- Not as feature rich as higher end models under £300.
- Limited advanced training features.
Best Suited For: Everyday users who want a stylish smartwatch with core health and activity tracking on a smaller budget.
6. Garmin Venu Sq 2
Price: £179.94 (approximately $225 USD)
Overview: The Venu Sq 2 improves on the original with an upgraded display and better health monitoring features while keeping the price accessible.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Larger AMOLED display with clearer visuals.
- Built in GPS tracking and improved heart rate sensor.
- Long battery life and strong activity tracking.
- Comfortable design for all day use.
Pros:
- Great display at this price point.
- Strong fitness and health tracking.
- Excellent value under £200.
Cons:
- Music storage is limited on some variants.
- Not as advanced as Garmin’s running-focused Forerunner series.
Best Suited For: Users who want a vibrant smartwatch experience with good everyday fitness tracking and value.
7. GARMIN Instinct 2
Price: £189.99 (approximately $240 USD)
Overview: The Instinct 2 is rugged and built to withstand tough environments while still delivering reliable fitness and outdoor tracking.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Rugged design with strong build quality and water resistance.
- Built in GPS with support for multiple satellite systems.
- Robust activity tracking and outdoor tools like compass.
- Long battery life that can last weeks in smartwatch mode.
Pros:
- Excellent durability for outdoor users.
- Reliable GPS and activity tracking.
- Great battery life.
Cons:
- Display is monochrome and not as sharp as AMOLED options.
- Less focus on smartwatch features.
Best Suited For: Outdoor adventurers and rugged lifestyle users who prioritise durability and battery life.
8. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Running Smartwatch
Price: £180.00 (approximately $225 USD)
Overview: The Forerunner 245 Music is a classic running watch that can sometimes be found at deep discounts under £300. It remains a popular choice for runners.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Built in GPS and advanced running metrics.
- Music storage and playback support.
- VO2 Max and recovery time insights.
- Accurate heart rate monitoring.
Pros:
- Powerful running analytics for the price.
- Music integration built into the watch.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
Cons:
- Display is smaller and less modern than newer models.
- Can be harder to find new under £300.
Best Suited For: Runners who want strong performance tracking and music features at a great price.
Quick Feature Comparison
| Watch Model | Built in GPS | Music Storage | Display Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 165 Music | Yes | Yes | Bright LCD | Runners who want music on the watch |
| Garmin Forerunner 255 | Yes | No | Readable LCD | Serious runners and multisport athletes |
| Garmin Vivoactive 5 | Yes | Yes | AMOLED | Active lifestyle and everyday fitness |
| Garmin Forerunner 55 | Yes | No | LCD | Beginners and new runners |
| Garmin Venu Sq | Yes | Limited | Touchscreen LCD | Everyday smartwatch users |
| Garmin Venu Sq 2 | Yes | Limited | Larger AMOLED | Users wanting AMOLED on a budget |
| Garmin Instinct 2 | Yes | No | Monochrome | Outdoor and adventure users |
| Garmin Forerunner 245 Music | Yes | Yes | LCD | Runners who want music and value |
Pros and Cons of Garmin Smartwatches Under £300
Pros
Excellent Battery Life: Most Garmin watches in this range deliver days of use without charging, even with daily activity tracking and GPS sessions.
Accurate GPS Tracking: Garmin’s GPS technology is among the most reliable in the industry, making these watches ideal for runners, walkers and cyclists.
Strong Fitness and Health Metrics: Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, activity tracking and stress insights help you understand your health holistically.
Wide Range of Options: Whether you want a rugged outdoor watch, a stylish daily smartwatch or a dedicated running watch, there is a Garmin under £300 for you.
Cons
Limited Advanced Features: Some flagship features such as offline maps, advanced training load analytics and cellular connectivity are not available at this price point.
Display Trade Offs: Non-AMOLED displays on many models may not be as vibrant as those on premium smartwatches.
Music Storage on Some Models: Only select models include music storage, so you may need to choose carefully if this is important.
Who Should Buy a Garmin Smartwatch Under £300?
Garmin watches in this price range are ideal for:
Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts: Models like the Forerunner 165 Music and Forerunner 255 offer excellent run tracking and performance metrics without the premium price tag.
Everyday Active Users: Watches such as the Vivoactive 5 and Venu Sq 2 are perfect for those who want a balanced blend of health monitoring, smartwatch features, and comfort for daily use.
Outdoor Adventurers: Rugged watches like the Instinct 2 are designed to withstand tougher conditions while still delivering reliable GPS and activity data.
Beginners and Casual Users: Entry level models like the Forerunner 55 provide an easy introduction to Garmin’s platform without complexity.
Conclusion
Choosing a Garmin smartwatch under £300 is an excellent decision if you want reliable fitness and health tracking, dependable GPS performance, and strong battery life without paying premium prices. Garmin’s range in this price bracket offers something for everyone, from serious runners to everyday active users and outdoor explorers.
Each of the watches discussed here delivers a mix of performance, functionality and value, thriving in different situations depending on your priorities. Whether you want music storage on your wrist, advanced training analytics, a rugged GPS watch built for adventure, or a sleek everyday smartwatch, there is a Garmin under £300 ready to meet your needs.
By understanding the strengths and trade offs of each model, you can confidently choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and fitness goals. Garmin continues to deliver outstanding smartwatch value, and with this guide, you now have clear and detailed insight into the best options available right now.
Happy smartwatch hunting and enjoy your next steps towards better fitness and health!
Many Thanks!
Many thanks for taking the time to read this article on Best Garmin Smartwatches Under £300. I really hope that it has given you the information you require to make an informed purchase decision for your new smartwatch. For further reading on Garmin products, take a look at these related articles:
Top 5 Reasons To Buy The Garmin Forerunner 55 Smartwatch – Top 4 Smartwatches For Android
Top 5 Reasons To Buy The Garmin Venu 3 Smartwatch – Best 6 Smartwatches For Battery Life
Let us know in the comments section below which smartwatch or other wearable health tech device you are currently using or plan to buy in the future.
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All the best!
Eamon