The clocks have sprung forward and that means running season is back. For folks getting serious about their training regimens — or who just want to make their workouts more data-driven and efficient — a fitness-tracking smartwatch can be an excellent motivator. We’re highlighting this deal on a first gen Garmin Venu, a smartwatch that boasts a “brilliant display, strong battery life and a full suite of fitness features,” according to TechRadar: It’s now on sale at Amazon for $174.99 (usually $349.99), which according to pricing data from CamelCamelCamel is the lowest price ever on Amazon. Check out the reviews below to see if this smartwatch would be a good fit for your fitness needs.
Garmin 010-02173-11 Venu, GPS Smartwatch with Bright Touchscreen Display
$349.99$174.99
Keep an eye on your health with all-day health monitoring features and a brilliant display. The Garmin Venu boasts up to 5-day battery life and the ability to easily download music to your watch for phone-free listening.
Buy at AmazonWhat reviewers say about the Garmin Venu: This Garmin smartwatch features a high-quality display, which “is paired with a solid selection of fitness tracking and general smartwatch features that make this watch a great all-rounder,” TechRadar writes. However, they note that the app library can, to some, still feel a little limited compared to other smartwatches (notably, the Apple Watch). “Garmin Venu is certainly comfortable to wear and work out in,” according to consumer and lifestyle magazine t3.
Reviewers at Amazon say the Venu stands up as a solid workout smartwatch. Its battery life is “as good as advertised” and GPS accuracy is “generally great” compared to comparable smartwatches, writes one reviewer. Another reviewer says the watch is the “perfect combo of smart watch and running watch.” One reviewer who purchased the Venu as an upgrade from another Garmin smartwatch says it is “fashionable and looks smaller on my wrist, which was one thing I was hoping for.”
Other things to consider: It is Garmin’s first smartwatch with a touch screen, which can be a little “fiddly,” TechRadar writes.And some say the design isn’t as snazzy as other smartwatches.
The Garmin Venu GPS Smartwatch with Bright Touchscreen Display is $174.99 at Amazon.
About this column: Since you’re here, let me introduce myself: I’m Maddy Perkins, deputy commerce editor for MarketWatch picks. And, full disclosure, I’m a distance runner who is also eyeing this deal! I’m a big online shopper who loves to hunt down savings — particularly when it comes to cool kitchen gadgets, electronics, fashion and beauty products. I’ll be here a few times a week to share the best deals I can find online with you. Have anything you’d like me to hunt down? Write me at maddy.perkins@marketwatch.com. Cheers!