Best Garmin Watch for Triathlon to Track Your Progress [Buyers Guide]

If you’re after a triathlon watch, there’s a good chance Garmin has one in its catalog. 

But which is the best Garmin watch for triathlon? 

We will discuss and compare some of the top Garmin triathlon watches, highlighting their features, and capabilities to help you find the perfect one for your training and racing needs.

Let’s dive in!

Best Garmin watches for triathlon

What to Consider Before Buying Garmin Watches for Triathletes?

A wide variety of triathlon smart watches are available. But there isn't a single watch that can meet everyone's demands. 

Finding a triathlon watch that fits your budget while still having all the features you need is key.

Below are a few things you should think about before buying the best Garmin watch for triathletes:

Price

Take your budget into careful consideration

There’s no specific price for a new Garmin triathlon watch. 

The best Garmin watch for the money may range from $200 to $1,500, highly depending on the brand and the features you are looking for. 

Triathlon watches are known for their durability, allowing them to be worn for many years. 

This means that you can come across great deals on second-hand watches.

Battery life

If you participate in short-distance triathlons, there is no need to worry too much. 

However, if you participate in half or full-distance triathlons, it's important to consider the battery life.

Triathlon watch Garmin battery life

A reliable triathlon watch should have a battery life of at least 6-8 hours in GPS mode. 

This ensures that it won't run out of power on your wrist right before the race ends, preventing the loss of valuable data and the ability to prove your completion of the race later on. 

Water rating

When purchasing a Garmin watch triathlon, it's important to take into account the water rating, which indicates the watch's level of water resistance. 

This will ensure that the watch is capable of enduring swimming and other water-related activities. (See best Garmin watch for swimming)

Triathlon watches usually have a water rating of at least 5 ATM (atmospheres) or 50 meters. 

It indicates that they are appropriate for swimming and can withstand splashes, rain, and short periods of being submerged. 

Check the water rating of your best triathlon Garmin watch

However, it is important to mention that not all water ratings are equal. 

Certain watches may have higher water ratings, like 10 ATM or 100 meters, which provide increased water resistance for swimming and diving.

Look for a watch that has a water rating that meets your specific needs. 

Multisport mode

Another factor to consider when buying the best Garmin GPS watch for triathletes is multisport mode. 

It allows you to seamlessly switch between sports modes and accurately track your performance without having to press too many buttons. 

Multisport mode

After finishing swimming, you'll be busy removing your wetsuit and getting ready for cycling. 

It might be challenging to find the correct menu setting to switch from tracking swimming to tracking cycling. 

So, choose a watch that provides one-button multisport transitions and even includes a dedicated triathlon mode for enhanced experience.

Fit & comfort

When you're buying triathlon Garmin watches, it's important to prioritize "fit and comfort" to ensure you have the best possible experience during training and races. 

Fit and comfort are important criteria

Here are a few important factors to remember:

• Go for a comfortable and adjustable strap. Sports watches often use materials such as silicone or rubber because they are known for being durable, lightweight, and resistant to moisture. 

• Make sure that the strap is designed in a way that provides a secure fit without causing any discomfort when used for extended periods. 

• A triathlon watch should be lightweight so that they do not interfere with your performance. If a watch is too heavy or bulky, it can become uncomfortable when worn for long periods of activity.

See our post on the best Garmin watch bands for suggestions!

Ruggedness

When it comes to Garmin watches triathlon, durability is key. 

This essential piece of gear must be able to withstand the demanding nature of multiple activities, ranging from swimming and cycling to running and even more extreme conditions. 

How to buy the best Garmin triathlon watch?

By considering these factors, you can select the best Garmin watch for triathlon training that meets your specific needs, enhances your training, and helps you reach your performance goals.

Now it is time to find the watch that embodies your individuality. 

Read more: Best Garmin watch for hiking

Best Garmin Watch for Triathlon

To help you narrow down the options, we have categorized our top picks into trending, best-selling, and alternatives.

Let’s see which Garmin watch is best for triathlon!

Trending Garmin Watch for Triathlon

If you’re looking for a Garmin triathlon watch that can do a bit of everything and do it extremely well, the Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Solar is just the ticket. 

It is more durable and has a longer battery life compared to its previous model, which was noticeable in both wet and dry conditions.

Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Solar

One of the most notable enhancements in the latest version is the introduction of the Real-Time Stamina feature. 

This innovative addition is designed to provide users with valuable insights into their remaining energy levels.

Specifically, it allows for the measurement of both short and long-term stamina during running and cycling activities. 

By default, this feature is turned off and you need to enable it in the settings. 

It can be useful to know how much battery power you have remaining as it can motivate you to give your best effort towards the end of a session, which is particularly helpful during long triathlon races.

Best Selling Garmin Watch for Triathlon

When it comes to triathletes, there's no denying that the Garmin Forerunner and fēnix series have made quite the splash. 

These two powerhouse collections have become the go-to choices for athletes seeking advanced features that can take their training and performance to the next level. 

Below are two exceptional models that have garnered high praise as the best Garmin watch triathlon. 

Garmin fenix 6s Pro Solar	Garmin Forerunner 745
Extended battery life Rugged and durable design Comprehensive training insights Holistic health tracking Accurate GPS	A triathlon-focused Forerunner Handsome, vibrant display Almost identical to the Forerunner 945 but lighter and cheaper

Other Products

Garmin offers a broad range of high-quality multisport watches. 

Here are some popular Garmin GPS triathlon watches with their key features. Take a look!

Garmin Forerunner® 255S	Garmin Forerunner® 965	Garmin Enduro™ 2
Compact and comfortable to wear Full triathlon support Clear display New multi-band GNSS support Accurate GPS Good battery life	AMOLED display Hyper-accurate GPS, HRM  Lighter and thinner than its predecessor Reliably long-lasting battery Premium titanium bezel Added training metrics ideal for runners	Garmin's longest battery life  Useful integrated LED flashlight  Advanced mapping features Comfortable Ultrafit band Powerful Garmin ecosystem and capability