Best Garmin watch for running: which refurbished Forerunner, Fenix or Venu to buy
The best Garmin watch for running depends on how far you run and how much data you want. For most runners in Ireland, a refurbished Forerunner 255 or Forerunner 265 is the sweet spot: accurate multi-band GPS, training readiness, two weeks of battery and a lower price than new. Beginners can start with the Forerunner 55, while marathon and ultra runners will get real value from the Forerunner 965 or the Fenix 7 with full maps. This guide compares every Garmin running watch we stock refurbished and explains what to check before you buy.
Garmin running watches compared
Battery figures are Garmin's own, in smartwatch mode and GPS mode for the standard size. Multi-band GPS means the watch uses two satellite frequencies at once, which matters on tree-lined trails and in city centres like Dublin or Cork.
| Model | Released | Display | Battery (smartwatch / GPS) | Multi-band GPS | Maps | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forerunner 55 | 2021 | MIP 1.04" | 14 days / 20 hours | No | No | Beginners, 5K to half marathon |
| Forerunner 245 | 2019 | MIP 1.2" | 7 days / 24 hours | No | No | Budget option with training features |
| Forerunner 255 | 2022 | MIP 1.3" | 14 days / 30 hours | Yes | No | Most runners, triathletes |
| Forerunner 265 | 2023 | AMOLED 1.3" | 13 days / 20 hours | Yes | No | Runners who want a bright screen |
| Forerunner 955 | 2022 | MIP 1.3" | 15 days / 42 hours | Yes | Yes | Marathon, ultra, trail |
| Forerunner 965 | 2023 | AMOLED 1.4" | 23 days / 31 hours | Yes | Yes | Serious runners who want maps and AMOLED |
| Fenix 7 | 2022 | MIP 1.3" | 18 days / 57 hours | Yes (Sapphire Solar) | Yes | Trail, hiking, multisport |
| Venu 3 | 2023 | AMOLED 1.4" | 14 days / 26 hours | No | No | Casual runners who want a lifestyle watch |
Forerunner 55: the best Garmin for new runners
The Forerunner 55 keeps things simple. It tracks pace, distance, heart rate and cadence, suggests a daily workout based on your recent training, and offers PacePro to help you hold an even pace on race day. The MIP screen is easy to read in direct sunlight and the battery lasts about two weeks between charges. There is no music storage, no maps and no barometer, so it will not count stairs or give precise elevation. For Couch to 5K through to a first half marathon, it does everything you need.
Forerunner 255 and 265: the sweet spot
These two watches share the same engine. Both have multi-band GPS, a barometric altimeter, HRV status, training readiness, race predictions and a triathlon mode. Both come in a smaller S size (41 or 42 mm) for narrower wrists, and the 255 is also available as a Music edition with storage for Spotify or Deezer playlists.
The difference is the screen. The Forerunner 255 uses a MIP display: always visible, excellent in sunshine, and kind to the battery at around 30 hours of GPS. The Forerunner 265 uses a bright AMOLED touchscreen that looks far better indoors and at night, at the cost of roughly a third less GPS battery. If you run before work in winter, the 265 is easier to read. If you do long weekend runs and want to charge less often, the 255 is the better tool.
Forerunner 955 and 965: maps and long battery
Step up to the 955 or 965 and you get full-colour topographic maps, turn-by-turn navigation on courses, a training status that accounts for heat and altitude, and much longer battery. The Forerunner 955 (MIP, with an optional Solar edition) runs up to 42 hours on GPS. The Forerunner 965 adds an AMOLED display, a titanium bezel and up to 23 days in smartwatch mode. These are the watches to choose if you are training for a marathon or ultra, or if you often run new routes and want the map on your wrist rather than on your phone.
Fenix 7: for trail and multisport
The Fenix 7 is tougher than any Forerunner, with a steel or titanium bezel, optional sapphire glass and 10 ATM water resistance. It has the same maps and training metrics as the Forerunner 965, plus a touchscreen alongside the five buttons and up to 57 hours of GPS in the 47 mm version. It is heavier, which some runners notice on the wrist. Choose it if you mix running with hiking, cycling and swimming, or if you want a watch that will survive years of hard use.
Venu 3: for runners who want a lifestyle watch
If running is one part of a wider fitness routine, the Venu 3 is worth a look. It has the same heart rate sensor as the Forerunners, a speaker and microphone for calls, sleep coaching and a 14-day battery. What it lacks is multi-band GPS and the deeper training metrics such as training readiness. For 5K runs, gym sessions and daily health tracking, it is the more comfortable everyday watch.
Which Garmin running watch should you buy?
- Starting out or running up to three times a week: Forerunner 55.
- Regular runner who wants accurate GPS and recovery data: Forerunner 255 or 265.
- Training for a marathon, running trails or exploring new routes: Forerunner 965 or Forerunner 955.
- Running plus hiking, cycling or swimming: Fenix 7.
- Running as part of general fitness, with calls and sleep tracking: Venu 3.
- Smaller wrist: the S versions of the 255, 265 and Fenix 7, or the Venu 3S.
What to check before buying a refurbished Garmin
A refurbished Garmin is a pre-owned watch that has been tested, cleaned and brought back to full working order. These are the points that matter.
- Battery health. Every watch we sell keeps at least 80 percent of its original battery capacity, confirmed with M360 Diagnostics during an 80-plus point inspection.
- Cosmetic grade. We offer three grades: Fair, Good and Excellent. All work identically; the grade only describes visible marks on the case and glass.
- The exact version. A Forerunner 255 Music stores songs, a standard 255 does not. A Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar has multi-band GPS, a standard Fenix 7 does not.
- Charging cable. All current Garmin watches use the same four-pin cable, which is easy to replace if missing.
- Phone compatibility. Garmin watches work with both iPhone and Android through the Garmin Connect app, with no network lock, so it makes no difference whether you are with Three, Vodafone or Eir.
- Warranty and returns. Refurb Phone gives 24 months warranty and a 14-day return period on every watch, with free DPD delivery to Ireland in 2 to 3 working days.
New to refurbished tech? Our explainer on what refurbished means covers the process in detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Garmin watch for running?
For most runners, the Forerunner 255 or 265. They offer multi-band GPS, training readiness and two weeks of battery. The Forerunner 965 is the best choice if you want maps.
Which Garmin watch should I buy as a beginner?
The Forerunner 55. It has daily suggested workouts, PacePro and a 14-day battery, and it is the most affordable Forerunner refurbished.
Are Garmin watches compatible with iPhone?
Yes. Every Garmin in this guide pairs with iPhone and Android through the Garmin Connect app. You get notifications, activity sync and software updates on both.
Are Garmin watches waterproof?
The Forerunner and Venu models are rated 5 ATM, which covers swimming, showering and rain. The Fenix 7 is rated 10 ATM. None are intended for diving.
How accurate are Garmin watches?
Models with multi-band GPS, such as the Forerunner 255, 265, 955, 965 and Fenix 7 Sapphire, are among the most accurate wrist GPS devices available. Wrist heart rate is reliable for steady running; for intervals, a chest strap is still more precise.
Does a refurbished Garmin get software updates?
Yes. Updates are tied to the model, not the owner. A refurbished Forerunner receives the same firmware updates as a new one.
Shop refurbished Garmin watches in Ireland
All watches are tested on more than 80 points, delivered with at least 80 percent battery health, and covered by 24 months warranty, 14-day returns and free delivery. Prefer an Apple Watch? Read our guide to buying a refurbished Apple Watch in Ireland.
