Which Garmin fēnix model should you buy?

The first step to finding a fitness smartwatch is knowing what specs and features you need. The Garmin lineup is as robust as ever, especially for the fēnix watches. Keep in mind that these models aren’t geared toward beginners due to all the advanced features and premium perks, but you’ll find a wide array of options for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. We’ve rounded up some of the best Garmin fēnix models below.

Which Garmin fēnix model is right for me? How to choose

All of the Garmin fēnix models have something slightly different to offer. Depending on what you’re seeking, you may just find the perfect Android smartwatch to meet your needs. The Garmin fēnix 5 Plus Sapphire is a great mid-range option that offers an excellent feature set. You’ll have full-color mapping, advanced performance metrics, mobile payments, and music storage. Any of the models within the 5 Plus Series are a major upgrade from the standard 5 Series. If you don’t need the more advanced perks found on the Garmin fēnix 6 models, the 5 Plus is an ideal option that saves you some money.

If you want all of the juicy goodness that the 6 models offer, but you’d also like a watch that can be fashionable when necessary, the Garmin fēnix 6S Sapphire was made just for you. It’s big enough for most people at 42mm without being overwhelmingly huge. The main reason to choose this model is for its high-quality design and premium materials. It can still handle your outdoor expeditions, but it’s also attractive enough to wear for special occasions as well.

It’s worth reiterating that the Garmin fēnix 6 and fēnix 5 models share many of the same features. If you’re unsure whether you should upgrade from the 5 to the 6, let’s recap the differences. The fēnix 6 models provide you with the standard features you’d expect from Garmin as well as some new perks, like Body Battery energy monitoring that tells you when to be active and when to rest, animated on-screen workouts, the ClimbPro feature that offers details on current and upcoming climbs, mountain biking metrics, safety features, and more.

1. Consider the size

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a smartwatch is the size. Both the fēnix 5 and 6 models are available in three different size options: 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. As you can imagine, the size of your wrist comes into play here. If you have a small, dainty wrist, you’ll probably want to stick to a smaller model, such as the 5S or 6S Sapphire.

With that in mind, Garmin offers some insight into which model to consider for various wrist sizes. The 42mm models are ideal for wrists with a circumference that is between 4.25 and 7.16 inches. The 47mm models will work best on wrists that range from 4.96 to 8.18 inches. Finally, the massive 51mm models can accommodate wrists between 5 and 8.26 inches. All you have to do is take a tape measure and determine the circumference of your wrist to choose the best size.

2. Choose the right band

Generally speaking, silicone is the most common band material for fitness-focused smartwatches. However, the company uses interchangeable bands, so it’s easy to find a replacement if you’re not pleased with the one that your watch comes with. For example, the 42mm models work with 20mm bands, the 47mm models work with 22mm bands, and the 51mm models work with 26mm bands.

Depending on which Garmin fēnix model you choose, there may be more than one band option. Silicone is the standard band, but models such as the 6 Sapphire and 6X Pro Solar are also available with a stylish metal band. It’s important to note that this will increase the overall weight of the watch. It might look nice for an evening out, but it’s not exactly an ideal choice for high-intensity workouts or outdoor adventures.

3. Think about the features

While the Series 5 and 6 models have a lot in common, some differences may influence your final decision. The Pulse Ox sensor is a new feature exclusive to the fēnix 6 watches except for the Garmin 5X Plus models. This feature can measure the saturation of oxygen in your bloodstream. This is helpful when the altitude frequently changes during a workout, impacting your blood oxygen levels. It’s also useful for providing better sleep data.

Another new addition to the fēnix 6 models is PacePro, which allows you to create a pace plan. This can be done by creating a plan in the Garmin Connect app or simply by selecting a distance. You’ll then be able to customize the guidance based on your racing strategies. The watch will provide dynamic grade-adjusted pace guidance based on the elevation profile and the distance of your activity.

4. Battery life concerns

As you can probably imagine, the larger the watch is, the larger the battery will be. That’s why so many of the biggest Garmin fēnix models can offer a full two weeks of battery life in smartwatch mode. Even the 5S and 6S Sapphire will last for nine days in battery mode. So it’s safe to say that no matter which model you end up with, you won’t be disappointed by the battery life.

The battery-saving modes will help you tweak your watch settings to manage battery use when you’re in a pinch. For example, the battery saver lets you control your daily settings so you can adjust specific features like backlight, smartphone connection, and heart-rate monitoring. However, this perk is only available on the Garmin fēnix 6 smartwatches.

If you’re still unsure which model is right for you, consider checking out our roundup of the best Garmin Smartwatches guide. It includes several other Garmin wearables that you might find more suitable, especially if you’re not looking for a super-advanced watch at this point.