Garmin - Venu X1

I would personally always take a Forerunner over the Venu series, as I am pretty serious about my fitness. I don't really care much about smart watch features, just need a bare minimum. And the venu series seems to take tradeoffs with fitness features to accommodate the increase in smart features.

I gave up and did both - Venu X1 on my left wrist and AWU3 on my right one. Initially I noticed some weird glances and then I stopped caring. It’s my body, my tech, my money, and each is a tool for a different purpose in my usage pattern. At 20+ fulls, I’m personally at the point where I run mostly for fun and the love of the game - but I want texting during my runs, I want Tapbacks, and I also want all my Garmin stats! 🤣 The X1 is one of Garmin’s best sleeper Pro watches imo - I’ve used them all up to the F8Microled and there’s just something ridiculously special about the X1’s minimalistic case design (note that I’m typing this from an iPhone Air, so perhaps I have a type) whilst still maintaining crazy accurate GPS.

Ah, so that’s where the real crazy comes in. 😜 For the most complete data, you’ve got to be willing to wear both, 24/7 (which I do). Garmin’s PhysioTrueUp (I think they just call it Device Priority now) helps keep everything in sync across the Garmin-verse. If I need to make things less showy for any reason I’ll sometimes keep the Garmin in my pocket’s coin pouch (less movement) since it’s reading from my Polar H10 anyways and doesn’t have to be on my wrist, and the entire point of the AWU3 for me is Tapbacks, SMS voice replies, and FindMy on my wrist via 5G. Sleep-wise, the Venu X1 barely feels like it’s even there, but even the Fenix8 MicroLED (the thickest of the lot) didn’t bother me for sleep comfort during the week that I was testing it, so perhaps I’m just an anomaly since I know many people (including my partner) don’t tolerate bigger watches during sleep - the Garmin Index Sleep band is a good workaround, but then you keep going further and further down this rabbit hole of more $ and niche tech.

You need to ask yourself what she’ll actually be using it for. If you’re just doing basic fitness tracking, then she likely doesn’t need a Fenix and a Vivoactive or Venu series would be the best bet for her. Use the website to compare devices with the activities she does regularly.

As someone who has been following reviews and sub-reddits pretty closely while making a decision on whether or not to go with the Venu X1 or Fenix 8, I thought I'd put some of my initial impressions out there, having purchased the X1 and currently "test driving" it. TL;DR - When making the decision, the question I keep asking myself is... ...what matters most to you...A beautiful "traditional" looking watch that always has the watch face "on" (Fenix 8)... ...or a big, easy to read display and comfortable fit. Are you ok with it not being always on, and charging it every 4-5 days while you shower and get ready (Venu X1). \- I've owned over a half-dozen smart watches ranging from the first Nike Fuelband, to Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin. I'm not an "athlete", just a casual fitness enthusiast. My favorite was the [Fitbit Ionic](https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/2/16392612/fitbit-ionic-smartwatch-fitness-tracker-review) due to it's slim form factor and comfort. The problem with it is that it would die almost as soon as it was out of warranty (I bought two before giving up)...otherwise I might still be wearing it. This lead me to be very interested when the Venu X1 was announced, as it had a similar form factor. I'm currently coming from a Forerunner 965 . It's my first Garmin, and I love the fitness ecosystem over traditional smart watches like Samsung and Fitbit....though it does require more work to get it dialed in. I have primarily used it for weight lifting, biking, and I intend to ramp up my running. I have found that other than the Ionic, I can't wear a fitness watch on my left hand to sleep, but I like to get a sleep score so I switch it to my right wrist at night. Even on the right hand, I found myself waking up to loosen the band, but after a year and a half I've gotten used to it for the most part. I had been considering moving to the Fenix 8 because of the gorgeous bezel and improved HRM sensor over the Forerunner 965, but was hesitant because it was even bigger than the Forerunner... ...then the Venu X1 was announced. I was very interested, and started researching. Here are a few of the key points that I saw from places like DC Rainmaker, Chase the Summit, and these Reddit subs that I can now comment on. \- * **Display -** This the best feature on this watch. As reviewers have noted, the square form factor lends to more useable space, but it's also significantly brighter and more detailed than the Forerunner 965. If you are hoping to use your Garmin as more of a smart watch...for example; you want to read a lengthy text message, rather than just get the alert...the X1 let's you do this far better than a circular display. Maps are easier to read, and you can pack more data fields on to the watch face. * **Comfort -** This is the most comfortable watch I have ever worn, hands down. I even switched out the band for a stiff [canvas & buckle style](https://www.amazon.com/Torbollo-Release-Military-Breathable-Replacement/dp/B088T1MGZ4/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=19BHATNNM2QHY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.j2p19sxf-0lkl_mYW9QqoiaOGph9aBfKvxxMbQD_Pxiz8P3ohhlFeNkI2BcryNUk3XqqJhrC27MRZpt130sbbRIEMWhmat50zmceWfJf2HRm69Un3WBYC61LvwjEJQsewW8G1dwRcX7U06iFBv37r1YAVZ-TYgndTjmZpX-5N9q5FH-y9FJvwrcwpE-jyALkazELF7jWnAvfV3TM_nfzfgMHksV79HmfvBl7XWIylH0JiSAz71O1xDQkFJ4yJbQ2oxS-lcXaLmUlZ8QcpdvzomFG3cnks_T-2PA_Ll6BiSI.LJwCFvLuz0OmfOB0ySPPG9WI9c5ARWNcJGPjUlGHpa8&dib_tag=se&keywords=24mm%2Bwatch%2Bstraps%2Bcanvas&qid=1755716178&sprefix=24mm%2Bwatch%2Bstraps%2Bcanvas%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&psc=1), and it's still great. I think this is primarily due to the weight, but also the curve of the backplate. For reference, my wrist circumference is about 6.5 inches. * **Style & Build Quality -** I think this is going to be a personal preference decision. If you don't like a square face watch, this isn't going to change your opinion. As mentioned above, I don't have huge wrists, but I think the size of the watch is fine (I would wear a Fenix 8 47). Some have said they feel like the casing looks cheap, but I think in person it looks good...that said, it is a polymer, and not to the standard of an Apple Watch Ultra (which seems to be the direct cross-brand comparison). That said, I find it hard to justify the $800 MSRP cost. If Garmin is going to charge the same price as the AWU2, the build quality should match. * **Watch Face -** This isn't something that has been brought up much in reviews, but I think could be a strong deciding factor (at least it was for me). I personally want a data-rich watch face, and therefore I like the default X1 watch face. I do not like the look of a round watch face on a square watch, as I think there is wasted real estate on the display...even when they put data fields in the corners, like the "Situation Indicator" watch face that is pre-loaded...though that is my favorite of the circular watch faces. [Here's a link to someone who went through the pre-loaded faces.](https://youtu.be/dRTyraCRhZU?si=JS9F64PBsQ_jU5z-) Also of note, with my Forerunner I found that non-pre-loaded watch faces drain the battery faster than the pre-loaded ones. \- If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer in the comments.

As of the first week, it has been fine for me. I charged to 100% out of the box and went about 5 days without charging...it was still at 30%. That included three workouts (so the screen was always on) that lasted over an hour. That said, it was not using the GPS. I'm currently testing out the always on display to see how long I get, though I don't really feel a need to. It's wake response is great, whereas the Forerunner 965 I would have to give an extra shake to wake it up from time to time.

I think a lot of it would be based on activities, preferences and habits, meaning; Wanting the AOD active... ...and... Not wanting to have to charge your watch every other day. For me, that's what it comes down to. I do like the look of the AOD, and now having tested it for longevity, I think I would build in a routine of placing it on the charger while I'm getting ready for the day. I could also see charging it while I'm sitting at my desk. ...but... If I felt that was cumbersome, I would switch off the AOD and I would get 5-7 days of battery life between charges. ...and also... If I was an endurance athlete, where I was keeping the watch active in a workout and using it for GPS for multiple hours at a time...even with AOD off you would have to charge it every few days, and AOD on would require daily recharging. - I think that last paragraph is where Matt LeGrande and DC Rainmaker would consider the battery life a deal-breaker. I can't speak to that, as I am more casual in my fitness. I think that's why the Venu X1 appealed to me over my Forerunner 965. The slim profile and screen brightness are more important than battery life...but I still want the health metrics, so it's a trade-off I'm willing to make.

Garmin lasts about 2 weeks without charging. Venu line.

It is beat with the Garmin Venu line.

I use a Garmin Venu watch and get about 5-7 days between charges. Not much gps tracking, but if you actually use it to track a run or bike ride every day you'll still get 3-4 days.

all the current garmins have pretty much the same level of wellness. Though would say from a style and health perspective maybe the venerable venu 3 or the newer venu x1 (but may be overkill) is your best option. They have some additional features not all the other models have including ecg and baseline temp monitoring (there are others that offer the same but have way more fitness features)- but if that isn't required the virtually any current model.

If you want a mic and speaker your cheapest option is the venu 3, whith likely best option the forerunner 570 (there is also the more expensive and fully featured FR970 and the top end fenix 8 or the multi-use venu x1 if you want rectangular). If you can live without mic and speaker your cheapest option is the FR165 Music, however I personally think you get way more by going for the Vivoactive 5 or 6 as it offers more in terms of other recreational leisure activities, or if you want more training metrics and fitness features around running, cycling and swimming then the FR265

Apple watch ultra 2 is your only real option for longer battery life and esim and the rest of the features you want. You do know that if you have a spotify premium sub you don't have to have an e-sim to listen to music, as you can download playlists and save them onto the device, unfortunately offline spotify is only available on wear os watches (not an option for iPHone as locked to android), apple watches and garmin. Garmin may be a good option as can do offline spotify playlists, and has built in route options or can pull them from strava, syncs data with strava way better than apple does; and the models that offer music all offer at least up to 10 days battery life, and they can offer way more than garmin does in terms of built in training metric and analytics and features. Note offline music + gps on watch is a heavy battery drain - so 1hr or gps activity + offline music and you are looking to recharge every 4-6 days (maybe longer) depending on the model, compared to multiple charge per day on AW (assuming you sleep with it) or daily charge on AWU2 If you want a mic and speaker look at venu 3, FR570, FR970, Venu x1 and Fenix 8 series. Otherwise you could go with vivoactive 5 or 6; FR265, FR965, FR955 and prior fenix 7 (and its variants like Epix 2 etc).

I have recently (2 weeks ago) received my Venu X1. I also own Fenix 8, Venu 3, Apple Watch 10, AND Apple Ultra 2 (I like smart sports watches). I do not wear my Fenix 8 much due to low, nearly unreadable screen under indoor ambient conditions when using always on. However I love the Venu X1. I wear my watches in always on mode and find that Venu X1 has excellent screen readability even in the “passive” mode meaning when screen is not awake. But do know that under these conditions you need to charge every 2 - 2 1/2 days. Another excellent digital watch face is Epix DTR - digital tactix R. It supports FULL always on mode. It is a pay watch face but worth it for me.

Sleep scores and body battery are gimmicks, junk science. Strength training is an afterthought for Garmin and you will need a chest strap to get accurate heart rates for your training, Garmin gets cadence lock and is not great at intervals - it lags, for strength training the sensor is not great either. The software and Ui are outdated and laggy, there are bugs on the VenuX1 as the software is essentially beta on all new releases, I personally would wait at lest 4-6 months from the release date before buying any new Garmin. You can get all the insights you need just by gaining knowledge and looking at the raw data in apple health, if that doesn't work for you Hevy and another app like PeakWatch, Athlytic, FitIV etc will give you all the relevant training data and insights you are looking for.

No, they are well overpriced for what you are getting. Outdated, laggy, buggy software, with watches that for the most part are made of plastic/resin and look cheap. The Connect app is a disaster. You will need a chest strap if you are interested in accurate heart rate data for activities. The bluetooth antennae range is short and has issue connecting for many - android and iPhone users alike. Yes they give you a great deal of data, is it fun to look at, absolutely, is it needed, absolutely not. There is so much of it that folks either don't understand or don't know what to do with it so they never action it. Further if the heart rate data is not accurate or consistent is any of the data valuable anyway? Garmin is falling behind its competitors, changing its focus in an attempt to add more smartwatch feature - doing so poorly it seems - and not staying true to being a great fitness tracker. They are relying more and more on their reputation and their prices are going up and up for watches that are going down in quality and usability due to software issues/bugs. Just have a look at all the issues that occurred when the Fenix 8 was released, the FR970/570 and VenuX1 are currently having software issues too.

Except that Garmin is now attempting to compete with Apple and Android. If you look at the new releases like the Venu X1, Venu4, the Fenix 8 Pro, the batteries are getting fewer days than their predecessors. The VenuX1 is rated for 2 days with AOD, the Fenix8 pro MicroLed is rated for 4 days with AOD both in Smartwatch mode. To get the battery life users are accustom to you need to turn off features.

Took those stats straight from the Garmin site. Fenix8 pro MicroLed Smartwatch: Up to 10 days (4 days always-on), VenuX1 - Smartwatch mode: Up to 8 days (2 days display always-on) I use my U2 with AOD and I can easily get 48 hours, 3 full days if I wanted and that is with at least an hour of GPS and another hour of activity tracking each day.

I did not - did you actually read the whole post or just skip parts of it because someone stated facts you didn't like about Garmin? I used Garmin for many years, they were a great brand at one time. Further the Fenix 8 pro MicroLED is still a Fenix 8 pro - get over yourself.

Why do you think Apple is any better at this stuff that Garmin who has been doing it for decades? Cardio and running are less than afterthoughts to Apple. I have the X1 and after one initial hiccup it has exceeded my expectations. I’m a 35 year runner and run 4-5 times a week with strength training The size is a huge benefit. I hardly know it’s there