10 Best Smart Watches 2025 in the UK

The Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Smartwatch is designed with runners in mind, offering several features to enhance training and fitness tracking. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners. The GPS functionality is reliable for tracking runs, including distance, speed, and routes. The heart rate monitor at the wrist provides valuable health data, and the watch supports various activity profiles for a well-rounded fitness experience, including cycling, swimming, yoga, and more.

The Garmin Coach feature is particularly useful for personalized training plans, and the PacePro feature helps strategize race days effectively. Wellness features such as stress tracking and Body Battery energy monitoring provide insights into health and fitness levels. The battery life is decent, allowing for uninterrupted usage during long runs or intense training sessions. Connectivity through Bluetooth ensures easy data syncing with the Garmin Connect app, where users can also customize their watch faces and download additional data fields.

On the downside, the 1.04-inch display might feel small to some users, and its simplicity might not cater to those seeking advanced smartwatch functionalities beyond fitness. Additionally, users who are outside mainland UK should check delivery availability. The design is practical but may lack the premium feel of higher-end models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Forerunner 55 proves to be a reliable and functional running smartwatch, particularly for those focused on improving their running performance and fitness.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 GPS 46mm Running Smartwatch is particularly well-suited for fitness enthusiasts, especially runners, as it combines a lightweight design with advanced training insights. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, which ensures it can keep up with rigorous training schedules without the need for frequent charging.

Compatibility is a strong point, as this smartwatch pairs with both Apple and Android devices, allowing users to receive notifications directly on their wrists, and even respond to texts with Android devices. Fitness and health tracking capabilities are robust, featuring heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, sleep tracking, and adaptive workout suggestions tailored to individual performance and recovery.

The 1.3-inch round display, while not the largest in the market, provides sufficient readability for most users. Additionally, the Forerunner 255 includes multi-band satellite tracking, ensuring high accuracy in GPS tracking even in challenging environments, which is essential for runners who train in diverse terrains.

In terms of water resistance, the Forerunner 255 is waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor activities and running in all weather conditions. Garmin Pay adds convenience for contactless payments, eliminating the need to carry cash or cards during workouts.

On the downside, the smartwatch has a limited memory storage capacity of 4 GB, which might restrict the amount of music or apps you can store directly on the device. The design and customization options are somewhat basic, focusing more on functionality than style variety. This smartwatch is a great choice for those who prioritize training features and battery longevity over extensive customization or multimedia capabilities.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music GPS Smartwatch is a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts and casual runners alike. One of its standout features is the impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, which means less frequent charging and more time focusing on your activities. The built-in GPS supports robust fitness and health tracking, providing insights into your sleep, heart rate variability, and workouts, making it an excellent companion for those serious about monitoring their health metrics.

This smartwatch also excels with its music storage capability, allowing you to download up to 500 songs and listen via wireless headphones. This is extraordinarily convenient for those who like to run or workout without carrying a phone. Its lightweight design, combined with an always-on, full-color display, ensures it's comfortable to wear throughout the day and during exercise, while still being easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

On the downside, while it offers Bluetooth connectivity, it lacks some other advanced smartwatch features, such as LTE support, which may be a limitation for users wanting standalone calling features. The watch is primarily designed for Android users, which may limit its full functionality with iOS devices. Furthermore, while it includes personalized workout suggestions and completion time predictions, those new to advanced training might find these features somewhat complex to interpret without guidance.

In terms of design, the Forerunner 255 offers a sleek, round shape with customizable watch faces, but its aesthetic may not be as versatile for formal or business settings. However, its water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and exposure to the elements, making it a durable choice for outdoor fitness activities. This smartwatch is best suited for fitness-focused individuals who value long battery life and comprehensive health tracking over broader smartwatch functionalities.