Garmin Venu 4 review

Garmin Venu 4 sits between a fitness watch and a smartwatch, and it suits someone who trains often but still wants notifications and payments. The owner's manual lists up to 10 days of battery for the 41mm model and 12 days for the 45mm model in smartwatch mode, with battery saver watch mode reaching 18 and 25 days. Garmin Pay holds up to 10 credit or debit cards, though Garmin notes that participating financial institutions may restrict features, so check your bank first. Health Status tracks overnight heart rate, HRV, respiration rate, skin temperature and pulse oximeter data against your own baseline after three weeks of wear. A built-in LED flashlight with strobe modes, a speaker and microphone for voice notes, multi-band GPS and a 5 ATM water rating round out the hardware. It pairs with iPhone and Android, but quick text replies need a compatible Android phone. Garmin's US page listed the 41mm model at $549.99 with a sale price, which our checker could not confirm, so the price is pending.

Who it is for

active people who want days of battery and wrist payments

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Up to 10 days (41mm) or 12 days (45mm) in smartwatch mode
• Garmin Pay wallet with up to 10 credit or debit cards
• Health Status with HRV, respiration rate, skin temperature and sleep pulse oximeter data
• Built-in LED flashlight with strobe modes
• Built-in speaker and microphone for voice notes

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Battery saver watch mode stretches to 18 days (41mm) or 25 days (45mm)
• Strength: Works with iPhone and Android through the Garmin Connect app
• Strength: 5 ATM water rating
• Weakness: Text message replies work only with compatible Android phones
• Weakness: Garmin says financial institutions may restrict Garmin Pay features
• Weakness: Highest list price on this list at $549.99 for the 41mm model

Key facts

• Starting price: Pending (US list $549.99)
• Phones: iPhone and Android (Garmin Connect)
• Battery: Up to 12 days (45mm)
• Payments: Garmin Pay
• Water rating: 5 ATM

Where it ranks

Garmin Venu 4 is No. 6 in our Best Smartwatches verdict.