These are my favorite Black Friday Garmin smartwatch deals still in stock (for now!)

Why I recommend it: The Vivoactive 5 is basically a more affordable Venu 3 without the mic/speaker, only one (smaller) display size without a steel bezel, and no altimeter for hiking. But otherwise, it has 95% of the same training software for $150 less. It's a great starter option for Garmin newbies.

Why skip it: I personally prefer a larger display and I hike frequently, so it's not my first choice. Its 11-day battery life is solid, but you may prefer one that's even longer-lived (like my next recommendation). And I personally need elevation data for my hikes and runs, so I'd choose the Forerunner 165 myself.

Why I recommend it: The Forerunner 165 is a great starter running watch with a lightweight design, up to 11 days of battery life, and some of the best GPS and HR accuracy for any cheap tracker. Tools like running power/dynamics, training effect, course navigation, an altimeter, and daily suggested workouts make it perfect for frugal runners.

Why skip it: You may want to spend a little extra on the Forerunner 265 or 965 for even better tools like training load and readiness. It's fairly limited for other sports and makes you pay $50 extra for music storage.

Why I recommend it: The Garmin Venu 3 balances between the brand's traditional fitness focus and the improved smarts of the Fenix lineup. Its main unique perk is the mic/speaker for Bluetooth calls and passthrough commands, but its 14-day battery life, ECG and skin temp readings, bright AMOLED display, attractive steel bezel, and post-workout recovery time are all useful!

Why skip it: The Venu's "mainstream" focus means it's not as specialized as a Forerunner or Fenix for specific sports like running or cycling. The Vivoactive 5 might be better for thrifty beginners, while a Forerunner has things like training load and daily suggested workouts that Venu doesn't get.

Why I recommend it: The Instinct 2X Solar is basically the inverse of the Venu 3 for the same $100-off deal price. If you don't care about "smarts" and want weeks to months of battery life per charge thanks to the solar panel and low-res display — paired with the tools of a Forerunner like training load and the built-in flashlight of a Fenix 8 — then this is perfect for you. Plus, it's rugged as hell.

Why skip it: I mean, just look at it! Thick plastic and a dim MIP display with a permanent window taking up space may not be the best choice for you, and only serious outdoorsmen really need months of rechargeable battery life.

Why I recommend it: The Instinct 2 is much lighter and $150 less than the Instinct 2X Solar, but still lasts 28 days per charge, can take a beating on the trail, and offers useful training guidance for athletes. I loved the Instinct 2 Solar, but for those who don't actually get that much direct sunlight, you can save a bunch by skipping the solar panel entirely.

Why skip it: The Instinct 2 is a little older, missing some of the more common new features like dual-band GPS, and that low-res display will be a turn-off for some people.

Why I recommend it: Is FOMO pushing you to buy a Fenix 8 but you can't afford it? The last-gen 7 Pro Solar is $450 less and has nearly all of the same extreme sports features, maps, flashlight, and training guidance. You get the solar-powered longevity of an Instinct, but with a more colorful and large MIP display and a much more attractive titanium frame.

Why skip it: The Fenix 8 added dive functionality and offline voice commands, if that matters to you, and it's slightly longer lived. More importantly, the Fenix 7 series didn't offer AMOLED yet, and that's one of the main Fenix 8 draws for some people (leaving MIP behind).

Why I recommend it: Take everything I said about the MIP Fenix 7 Pro and add an AMOLED display; you get the Epix Pro, the first Garmin AMOLED flagship before the Fenix 8 replaced it. And right now, you can get one for $350 off, with 95% of the same tricks as the Fenix 8, a Sapphire glass panel, flashlight, and 31-day battery life. It won't feel like a compromise at all!

Why skip it: Even at $350 off, it's still quite expensive! Only get the Epix Pro Gen 2 if you're really invested in long battery life and its stylish titanium frame, which is quite heavy! I'd much rather point you to our next pick, the Forerunner 965, even though its software is more limited.

Why I recommend it: If I hadn't gotten the Fenix 8 as a review unit, the Garmin Forerunner 965 would still be my favorite running watch ever — and it costs $600 less than that with 90% of the same running tools like training load and real-time stamina, the same 1.4-inch AMOLED display, and built-in TopoActive maps. Buy this for the serious runner in your life and they'll probably faint.

Why skip it: The Fenix 8 has more multi-sport perks for things like diving, golf, and skiing, if you live that kind of rich, globe-trotting life. Otherwise, this price may be too high for you, even at $100 off.

Why I recommend it: The Forerunner 265 tops our list of the best running watches, and it deserves that spot! It may be shorter-lived than the 965, but it has the essentials like training load, training readiness, and a breakdown of low/high aerobic and anaerobic workouts that the Forerunner 165 lacks, and it helped me improve my VO2 Max with its guidance. Plus, it's hyper-accurate for GPS and HR data. This is the watch runners like me deserve.

Why skip it: It doesn't have the battery life or flashlight of the Instinct 2X or the mic/speaker and steel bezel of the Venu 3, which both cost the same. And you may want to pay that extra $150 for the 965's longevity.

Why I recommend it: I personally haven't tested the Venu Sq 2, but our reviewer — who doesn't consider himself a serious athlete — appreciated its long-lived battery life, health tracking, NFC support, and AMOLED display without being overwhelmed by a bunch of Garmin features. This is a solid option for beginners who think the Vivoactive 5 is a little too expensive and prefer a squircle look.

Why skip it: Frankly, the Vivoactive 5 is better, with newer features like recovery time, workout effect, HRV status, Sleep Coach, nap detection, and interval training with audio cues, plus a higher-res display and default music storage (the Venu Sq 2 Music doesn't seem to be in stock). I'd pay $50 more for that.

I'm not an expert on kids watches, but one parent on staff gave the Garmin Bounce a positive review because of its activity and sleep tracking, voice and text support, geofencing, and incentives to keep your kid healthy! It's number one on our best kids smartwatch guide.