Garmin Triathlon Watches: Best Smartwatches for Multi-Sport Athletes

By Dr. Krishna Athmakuri, Co-Founder & CEO of Clearcals

Triathlons require endurance, discipline, and precision tracking across swimming, cycling, and running.

Whether you're an amateur training for your first triathlon or a professional athlete competing at the highest level, choosing the right Garmin triathlon watch can make all the difference in optimizing your performance.

Garmin has an impressive lineup of multi-sport smartwatches designed for triathletes, offering advanced GPS tracking, performance metrics, and training insights.

In this guide, we explore the best Garmin triathlon watches, from budget-friendly options to premium performance models, helping you choose the right one for your training and races.

1. Garmin Forerunner 965 – Best Premium Garmin Triathlon Watch

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is an elite triathlon smartwatch with a brilliant AMOLED display and cutting-edge performance tracking. It's designed for serious triathletes who want the best in accuracy, metrics, and usability.

Key Features:

• Full triathlon mode with automatic sport transitions
• AMOLED touchscreen with multi-band GPS and SatIQ™
• VO2 max, load focus, training readiness, and race widget
• Battery Life**:** Up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, 31 hours in GPS mode

Who Should Buy?

• Competitive triathletes in need of high-end performance tracking
• Athletes looking for a premium multi-sport watch with advanced training tools

🔹 Available at the Garmin India Store (Hint Premium offer not applicable).

2. Garmin Forerunner 265 – Best Mid-Range Garmin Triathlon Watch

For triathletes looking for a balance between performance and affordability, the Garmin Forerunner 265 delivers impressive value with a stunning AMOLED display and full triathlon tracking.

Key Features:

• Triathlon and multi-sport tracking
• AMOLED touchscreen with Garmin Coach and race widgets
• Wrist-based running dynamics, HRV status, and adaptive training plans
• Battery Life: Up to 13 days in smartwatch mode, 20 hours in GPS mode

Who Should Buy?

• Triathletes seeking an affordable yet powerful multi-sport watch
• Runners and cyclists in need of detailed performance insights

🔹 Available for ₹ 52,990 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth Rs. 1999.

📺 Watch: Garmin Forerunner 265 Features Overview

Learn how the 265 supports serious training across disciplines.

3. Garmin Forerunner 165 – Best Budget Running Watch with Multi-Sport Support

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is perfect for entry-level triathletes or runners transitioning into multi-sport training. It combines core fitness tracking features with an intuitive interface and training guidance.

Key Features:

• Built-in GPS with pace, distance, and heart rate tracking
• Daily suggested workouts & Garmin Coach plans
• AMOLED display and lightweight design
• Battery Life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, 19 hours in GPS mode

Who Should Buy?

• New triathletes or casual multi-sport athletes
• Runners looking for guided training with triathlon potential

🔹 Available for ₹ 26,990 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth Rs. 1999.

📺 Watch: Garmin Forerunner 165 Features Explained

See how the Forerunner 165 helps beginners level up.

3. Garmin Instinct 3 (AMOLED or Solar) – Best Rugged Triathlon Watch for Endurance Athletes

The new Garmin Instinct 3 series, available in AMOLED and Solar variants, is designed for triathletes who thrive in extreme conditions. It combines rugged durability, next-gen performance metrics, and solar/AMOLED display choices to suit different training styles.

Key Features:

• Triathlon and multi-sport profiles with auto-sport transition
• Multi-band GPS with SatIQ™ for elite accuracy
• Military-grade toughness (MIL-STD-810) with built-in flashlight
• AMOLED model for display clarity; Solar model for unmatched battery life
• Battery Life: Up to 24 days (AMOLED) or unlimited (Solar in sunlight)

Who Should Buy?

• Ironman athletes and outdoor triathletes
• Endurance athletes in need of durability and battery life
• Those training in extreme terrain or ultra-distance events

🔹 Available for ₹ 52,990 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth Rs. 1999.

📺 Watch: Garmin Instinct 3 Feature Tour

See how the Instinct 3 powers endurance-focused triathletes.

4. Garmin Vivoactive 5 – Best Multi-Sport Watch for Casual Triathletes

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a versatile fitness smartwatch with built-in GPS and multi-sport tracking, making it a great entry-level Garmin triathlon watch.

Key Features:

• AMOLED touchscreen display with GPS tracking
• Preloaded sports modes include swimming, cycling, and running
• Body Battery™, stress, and sleep monitoring
• Battery Life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode

Who Should Buy?

• Beginner and casual triathletes
• Athletes who want a budget-friendly multi-sport smartwatch

🔹 Available for ₹ 34,990 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth Rs. 1999.

📺 Watch: Garmin Vivoactive 5 In-Depth Feature Tour

Understand how the Vivoactive 5 supports allround athletes.

5. Garmin Venu Sq 2 – Best Affordable Fitness Watch for Multi-Sport Training

If you're a triathlete looking for an affordable Garmin smartwatch with GPS tracking, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 is a great option.

Key Features:

• AMOLED touchscreen display
• Built-in GPS for running, cycling, and swimming tracking
• Health monitoring (SpO2, heart rate, stress tracking)
• Battery Life: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode

Who Should Buy?

• Athletes needing a budget-friendly fitness smartwatch
• Triathletes who want basic multi-sport tracking

🔹 Available for ₹ 20,490 at the Clearcals Store, along with one month of free Hint Premium worth Rs. 1999.

Exclusive Offer: Enjoy One Month of Free Hint Premium Access

When you purchase any of the select Garmin watches available on the Clearcals Store, you'll receive 1 month of free Hint Premium (worth ₹1999):

Your Hint Premium access includes:

✅ Unlimited dietitian consultations

✅ Personalized diet and workout plans

✅ Advanced calorie and nutrition tracking

🚀 Visit the Clearcals Store today and unlock your free Hint Premium access!

Final Thoughts: Which Garmin Triathlon Watch Should You Choose?

• ✅ Pro triathlete? Choose the Garmin Forerunner 965
• 💡 Balanced performance & price? Pick the Forerunner 265
• 🆕 Beginner-friendly option? Try the Forerunner 165
• 🔋 Need ruggedness & long battery life? Get the Instinct 3(AMOLED or Solar)
• 🧘‍♀️ Casual athlete? The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is your match.
• 💰 On a budget? The Venu Sq 2 offers excellent value

🔹 Garmin Forerunner 965 watches can be purchased from the Garmin India Store (Hint Premium offer not applicable).

About the Author

Dr. Krishna Athmakuri is the Co-Founder and CEO of Clearcals, where he leads the development of data-driven health technology through the Hint app.

With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, his expertise spans analytics, protein chemistry, and biotechnology.

Earlier in his career, he developed biotherapeutics for diabetes and metabolic diseases at companies like Aurobindo Pharma and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories.

At Clearcals, he now applies that scientific rigor to build personalized fitness tools, including Hint Pro Workouts, nutrition tracking, and real-time metabolic insights — helping users make smarter health decisions through technology.

🔗 Connect with Krishna on LinkedIn