Garmin for Small Wrists: [What You Need to Know]

Digital Life Central is reader-powered. We are a participant in the Amazon LLC Associates Program and other affiliates programs. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Which is the best Garmin fitness tracker for fitness enthusiasts with small wrists? As a fitness enthusiast with a small wrist, it would be right to say I know a thing or two about which fitness trackers are suitable for people with small wrists. Although the Apple Watch series is popular, don’t overlook Garmin. It is quickly becoming one of the more popular fitness trackers in the fitness industry. Garmin watches are packed with fitness features that make it easy to keep up with your fitness goals.

How to Choose a Garmin For a Small Wrist

When it comes to choosing a fitness tracker, there are many things you need to keep in mind. If you are a hard-core fitness fanatic like my husband likes to call me, Garmin is a top choice for fitness watches. But the fitness tracker market space is becoming so crowded that it is hard to make the right decision. 

You need to consider many things before you make a buying decision. As a triathlete, I have always tracked and kept an eye on fitness trackers. One of my challenges has been finding a fitness tracker that fits my morphology. Compared to many other female athletes, I have a tiny wrist. 

I am not the only one. I know that many women, and men for that matter, with small wrists, find it hard to decide what fitness tracker to buy. For instance, you may not want the watch face to dominate your wrist. 

Apple makes good fitness trackers even though the Apple Watch is more of a lifestyle device than a product aimed at athletes. 

Starting with GPS and avionics professional systems, the Garmin watch team make top-of-the-line devices that are excellent fitness trackers packed with features that will undoubtedly improve your training routine and overall performance. 

Out of the Garmin watch range, I think the following are the top fitness trackers:

  • Forerunner 255s
  • Lily
  • Vivomove
  • Fenix 7s

All four have advanced fitness features. Their closest cousins are perhaps the Apple Watch and Fitbit Inspire when it comes to fitness trackers for smaller wrists. In my opinion, the Apple Watch is okay, but sometimes it comes across as more of a gadget. In my world, the Apple Watch is not as popular as other smaller fitness tracking devices.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is also another fitness tracker. I was lucky enough to get a free one with my new Samsung washing machine. Again, a different way to get a sports watch.

What Are the Must-Have Features on Your Fitness Tracker? 

Apart from ensuring that your fitness tracker looks good on your small wrist, some features are probably more important than others. So before you buy, remember that the fitness tracking features on your tracker need to be right for you. Maybe you don’t need advanced features? 

But, once you get into fitness trackers, you will probably want more advanced features.

Popular features on the best fitness trackers include: 

  • GPS tracking
  • Long battery life
  • Heart rate
  • Activity Zone Minutes 
  • Sleep tracking features
  • Fitness tracking for various activities, including swimming
  • Water resistance
  • A clear watch face
  • Fitness Level Monitoring, better known as VO2 max
  • Stress levels
  • A range of health features

Can you get all of those key features on a fitness tracker for small wrists? Yes, you can. Even on the smallest fitness tracker, you can get many of these things. 

We will not review the smallest fitness trackers for small wrists on this page. Instead, we aim to give you an overview of the best fitness trackers for your small wrist. If you like, we like to open your eyes to smaller fitness trackers and what they can do for you. 

Let’s take a look at:

  • Garmin Forerunner 255s
  • Garmin Lily
  • Garmin Vivomove
  • Garmin Fenix 7s

We will also glance at the Apple Watch SE, Samsung Active 2, and Fitbit Versa. But, I have to admit that as far as fitness trackers are concerned, I am more of a Garmin girl. But, for fitness enthusiasts with small wrists, I certainly think they have a lot to offer. 

Let’s explore some of their key features and what makes Garmin such a famous brand in the fitness industry. But, first, is it the best fitness watch?

Garmin Forerunner 255s for Small Wrists

Garmin Forerunner 255S
  • Built with a slim design and an always-on, full-color display that’s light on the wrist and easy...
  • Smaller-sized Forerunner 255S Music provides up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up...
  • Download up to 500 songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer...
  • Morning report summarizes your sleep, HRV status and daily workout suggestion in one place as soon...
  • Get ready for your next race with training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts and...

Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Garmin Forerunner 255s is a trimmed-down version of another Garmin watch in the same series. When it comes to fitness trackers for small wrists, it is a good choice. One of the reasons Garmin is such a popular fitness tracker for athletes is its long battery life. If you choose the version without music, the battery seems to go on and on. 

It also has up to 30 hours of GPS tracking, which is really good. The display on the 1.1-inch screen is good, and you also benefit from a dual-band system. 

As a triathlete, I know that I can rely on Garmin to deliver the goods regarding fitness trackers. Garmin is one of the few fitness trackers to feature triathlon, and open water swimming profiles are critical features for people like me.

Needless to say, Heart Rate Variability monitoring is also available, and you also get a whole bunch of other ways of tracking your fitness. In addition, the circular watch face is sharp-looking without being too intrusive, making the Garmin Forerunner 255s perfect for tiny wrists. 

You also get Garmin Pay, which is excellent when you want to go for a run without having the burden of carrying your wallet with you in case you crave a snack or a drink. Just to remind you, this is an overview of the Garmin Forerunner 255s for small wrists – not a complete review. 

Garmin Lily For Small Wrists

Garmin Lily
  • Small stylish smartwatch complements your look with a unique decorative lens that reveals a bright...
  • Battery life: up to 5 days
  • Understand your body by monitoring your respiration, Pulse Ox (this is not a medical device), energy...
  • When paired with a compatible smartphone, stay connected with smart notifications for incoming...
  • Tracks yoga, Pilates, cardio, mindful breathing and more with sports apps; connects to your...

Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Garmin Lily is a pretty fitness tracker. It comes in classic and sports versions, which gives you a choice. 

The battery life on the Lily lasts for five days in smartwatch mode. For a smaller fitness tracker, it is both packed with features and smart-looking at the same time. Garmin likes to describe the Lily as tiny. Indeed, its 1.00″ x 0.84″ (25.4 mm x 21.3 mm) display should not appear bulky, especially considering its soft round edges. But, of course, this all depends on your wrist size. If you have a very small wrist, it may still look slightly oversized. 

One thing is certain; it has a clear watch face. If you wear it as a regular watch, you still benefit from stress tracking and heart rate monitoring. Especially for women, it also features women’s health tracking giving accurate data.

Another fitness tracking feature that makes the Lily worth buying is the Mindful Breathing feature. If you are into stress management, yoga, or tai-chi, it is interesting to monitor your breathing. 

Advanced sleep monitoring is another great feature of this more delicate fitness tracker for small wrists. As with many other Garmin fitness trackers, you also get your Morning Report. 

The price is right when looking for the best fitness trackers for smaller wrists. 

Garmin Vivomove for Smaller Wrists

Garmin Vivomove
  • Stylish 40 mm hybrid smartwatch with timeless analog look and smart features
  • Battery life: up to 5 days in smart mode and up to one additional day in watch mode (hands tell time...
  • Stay connected with smart notifications for incoming calls, text messages, calendar view and more...
  • Know your body better with extensive health monitoring features, including Body Battery energy...
  • Connects with your paired smartphone’s GPS to track outdoor walk or run activities; includes...

Last update on 2023-01-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Vivomove is an entire series of Garmin fitness trackers. One thing that they all have in common is that they are lightweight. This is what makes them so popular for smaller wrists. 

In 2022, Garmin launched the Vivomove Sport smartwatch. This is a good choice when you have a small wrist and don’t like the look or feel of a chunky fitness tracker but still want a tracking feature or two. 

The sport does not have built-in GPS tracking. Instead, the focus is on health and general wellness. You do get your standard text and call notifications. Sleep monitoring is available, which is good as it is a popular function.

The Vivomore Sport tracks steps and other fitness activities associated with the best fitness trackers. You can use it for your gym workouts, swimming, and yoga. One of the most exciting features is the access to guided breathing exercises. If you feel that you need to, you can also monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels and stress levels. Hydration monitoring is also available.

For a fitness tracker for small wrists, it is well-priced and does look very nice. However, I think the slim profile of this fitness tracker makes it look more like a regular watch. As a result, it does not stand out, which is something that may appeal to Vivomove Sports users. 

Garmin Fenix 7S For Small Wrists

Garmin Fenix 7S
  • Long-running solar powered, smaller-sized multisport GPS watch with always-on 1.2” display and new...
  • Battery performance: in smartwatch mode, up to 11 days while indoors or up to 14 days with solar...
  • Take your training to the next level with endurance and real-time stamina tracking, training status,...
  • Get 24/7 health and wellness monitoring with wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox (not available in all...
  • Navigate the outdoors with built-in sensors for the 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric...

Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Fenix 7S is a perfect watch for small wrists and is one of Garmin’s flagship devices. As such, it does not come cheap. Expect to pay close to $700, but if you are looking for a fitness tracker that does not overpower your wrist but comes with all the bells and whistles of a high-tech smartwatch, the Garmin Fenix 7S may be worth considering.

There is a larger version of this one. So, if you are not especially looking for a fitness tracker for a small wrist, there is another version for those who would also like a fitness tracker for a larger wrist. 

Yes, it is more expensive than other fitness trackers we have already looked at, but you certainly do get great value for money. 

It has a solar function, which is excellent for adding battery life when camping or outdoor activities. I like that there is a Sapphire Crystal Solar version with an extra tough screen. Great for an outdoor enthusiast like me. The Sapphire Crystal Solar version also features Garmin Pay, a bonus. 

The Fenix 7S is perhaps one of the best buys regarding fitness trackers for smaller wrists.

Small wrists easily end up being overpowered by larger fitness trackers. This is not a problem you will have with the Fenix 7S. The case is only 42 mm, and its band will suit 108–182 mm (4.25-7.16″) wrist sizes, making it a great pick. It has to be said that this is a Garmin fitness tracker that almost looks sleek.

It has to be said that the Fenix 7S is perhaps geared to females. But, if you are a guy with a small wrist, don’t think for one minute that the Fenix 7S looks too feminine. This is just a smart-looking smartwatch and fitness tracker. 

The Fenix 7S is excellent for sports tracking. I love running, so to me, the watch must support a range of different forms of running. This is precisely what you get with the Fenix 7S. It even has HIIT, which is terrific for me. 

My husband loves his because it supports golf and parachuting. But, if you are not a golf enthusiast, you can also rely on the Fenix 7S to track your surfing, yoga, elliptical training, cycling, skiing, and other winter sports. 

Garmin watches are well-known for their accuracy. The Fenix 7S is not any different. My husband has tested it and says it is super accurate. But, if you are buying this because you have a small wrist, it must be said that this is a fitness tracker that packs a punch. 

If you would like to perfect your sleep score, you have the chance to do that with the Fenix 7S. But, again, it proves that fitness trackers for small wrists can still be packed with features. You even have mapping and navigation functions with this fitness tracker. 

It is smaller and more fiddly regarding mapping and points of interest. However, it has to be said that on the upside, this is one of the better fitness trackers for smaller wrists. 

Which Garmin Watch is the Thinnest? 

If you are looking for a thin Garmin fitness tracker for a small wrist, the 255s is at the top of your list. 

But, it is not only about the thinness of your fitness tracker. You need to think that seeing the screen is what matters. But, once again, it is very much about horses for courses. So, which fitness tracker for smaller wrists is suitable for you? 

What Size Garmin Do I Need? 

This is so hard to say. But, when it comes down to it, it is a personal choice. 

Don’t forget when you buy any fitness tracker for small wrists, or otherwise, for that matter, it is about choosing the model which is right for you. Do you go for looks, weight, thinness, or features? Also, don’t forget that battery life is essential.

I have always found that people who buy fitness trackers and smartwatches such as the Apple Watch suddenly have a realization. Of course, they use it for a while and are slightly scared. But then, it dawns on them how useful they are in all health monitoring forms, including sleep stages.

I think you see many buyers starting with a cheap fitness tracker. Then, when they realize how helpful fitness trackers are, they buy a more expensive tracker. So your first Apple Watch may not change your life, but it will undoubtedly be an eye-opener.

What size Garmin do you need? The answer is that you need the size which is right for you. 

fitbit gorjana

Other Fitness Trackers for Small Wrists

The best fitness trackers for small wrists include the Fitbit Versa, Apple Watch SE, and Samsung Active 2. Remember that this is about choosing the best fitness tracker for you. We are giving you an insight into fitness trackers for small wrists—not trying to push you one way or the other regarding your choice of the best fitness tracker. 

Fitbit Versa For Small Wrists

Fitbit Versa 3
  • Receive a Daily Readiness Score that reveals if you’re ready to exercise or should focus on...
  • Run, bike, hike and more phone-free—and see your real-time pace & distance—with built-in GPS....
  • Active Zone Minutes uses your resting heart rate to gauge exercise effort and gives you a buzz when...
  • Better track heart rate 24/7 with PurePulse 2.0, Fitbit’s enhanced heart rate technology
  • Use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa Built-in to get quick news, set bedtime reminders and alarms,...

Last update on 2023-01-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Fitbit is a popular brand of fitness trackers. There is no denying that Fitbit trackers support advanced features such as sleep tracking and many other features we have mentioned. 

The Fitbit Versa is a well-designed fitness tracker which looks good on smaller wrists. In addition, the tracker offers a lot, including making contactless payments and downloading songs. Looking at the Fitbit Versa, you would not have thought you could download as many as 300 songs.

On the Fitbit Versa, you can also download other apps. In addition, you also get the functionality of using the Fitbit Versa as a smartwatch, which means you can access texts, calls, and notifications. 

The Fitbit Versa comes with over 15 exercise modes. Thanks to it being water resistant up to 50 meters, you can also go swimming with it. 

It does not have a built-in GPS and only has 4-day battery life. Still, it is an okay fitness tracker for small wrists. 

Apple Watch SE for Small Wrists

Apple Watch SE 40mm GPS+Cellular
  • LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME: Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular LTE Model lets you call, text, and get...
  • LARGE RETINA OLED DISPLAY: The SE sports a bright LTPO OLED Retina display, giving you a bright...
  • LOADED WITH FEATURES: When paired with your iPhone, you can make calls and send texts from your...
  • WORKOUTS THAT DON'T QUIT: Cycling, yoga, swimming, high-intensity interval training...the list goes...
  • GET LOST IN YOUR MUSIC: With Apple Music on your wrist, you've got 60 million tracks of musical...

Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Apple Watch comes in many sizes. However, when looking for an Apple Watch Series for smaller wrists, the Apple Watch Series SE is probably one of the best choices as it offers a slim 40 mm case.

The Apple Watch Series SE is relatively lightweight for small wrists. In addition, the face of the watch has been optimized so that it is easy to read and follow. 

Thanks to its Retina LTPO OLED display of 1000 nits, it is bright and sharp. One of the main pros of the Apple Watch Series SE is that you can receive calls, send texts, and check your email without your phone if you opt for the cellular version.

As a bonus, you can stream Apple Music, listen to podcasts, and enjoy audiobooks while on the move. You don’t even need to have your phone with you. 

Don’t forget that the Apple Watch ecosystem is massive and that, just as with a smartphone, adding a new feature is as easy as downloading a third-party app. 

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 For Small Wrists

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
  • ADVANCED SLEEP COACHING: Manage your overall sleep quality with an advanced sleep tracker that...
  • BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS (BIA)**: Galaxy Watch5 provides body composition data right on your wrist;...
  • IMPROVED SENSOR ACCURACY: Stay up to date on your wellness; Get an accurate heart rate thanks to an...
  • AUTO WORKOUT TRACKING: Make the most of every adventure with Auto Workout Tracking — from running...
  • IMPROVED BATTERY & GALAXY CONNECTED EXPERIENCE: Meet the watch that goes as long as you do; Galaxy...

Last update on 2023-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a very comfortable fitness tracker for smaller wrists that comes in 40mm diameter. It is an excellent all-around fitness tracker if you have a small wrist. You can wear it to bed or go for a swim and monitor other physical activity. The Galaxy Watch 4 also comes with all the health sensors you can think of, which makes it one of the best-rounded watches.

You still have your built-in sleep tracker and can easily monitor your fitness goals. The advanced sensors part of the tracker can help you achieve fitness goals and monitor your fitness level. With the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 available, the Galaxy Watch 4 benefits from numerous discounts and is certainly to consider.

Final Thoughts

A few years ago, you would not have been spoiled for choice regarding fitness trackers for smaller wrists, but now you are. 

There is plenty of choices. Garmin strictly used to be for what I like to call fitness pros. However, things have changed. Garmin has caught up and realized that people with small wrists like to use fitness trackers. Garmin indeed has some impressive activity tracking capabilities, and it also has good battery life.