Top Smartwatches for Bicycling in 2025: A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Wearable for Your Cycling and Health Needs
In the world of cycling, having the right gear can make all the difference. And when it comes to smartwatches, there are several options that stand out for their built-in heart rate monitors and compatibility with power meters. Here are some of the best smartwatches for cycling in 2025:
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a versatile smartwatch that offers a bright AMOLED display and good biking functionality. It pairs well with cycling peripherals such as power meters and heart rate monitors, providing a reliable wrist-based heart rate monitor. With around 7 days of battery life with GPS on, it's a reliable companion for your rides [1].
Coros Apex 2 Pro
The Coros Apex 2 Pro is another excellent choice, renowned for its highly accurate wrist heart rate monitoring using a five-LED system. It supports connection with power meters, offers extensive cycling and multisport tracking, including sleep and heart rate variability. With a battery life lasting up to 30 days with GPS tracking around 75 hours, it's a great choice for long rides [1].
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar
The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a GPS triathlon smartwatch that features Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology and is compatible with Vector and Rally power meters. It also includes advanced sensors like barometric altimeter and compass. Solar charging enhances battery life for long rides [4].
Additional Notable Mentions
- Garmin Forerunner 965: A premium multisport watch with accurate heart rate sensing and GPS tracking, suitable for cycling and triathlon use.
- Garmin Fenix 7: Highly rugged with solar charging capabilities and supports power meter connectivity. It is well-regarded for durability and long battery life.
- Amazfit Balance 2: Supports heart rate belts and power meters, with extensive multisport modes (170+), though it may be less specialized for cycling than Garmin or Coros models.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a smartwatch for cycling, consider the following key features:
- Wrist-based optical heart rate monitoring that has been tested for accuracy against chest straps.
- Compatibility with cycling power meters such as Garmin Vector and Rally series.
- Good battery life for long rides—premium GPS smartwatches can last from a week to a month depending on usage.
- Robust cycling profiles and metrics, including the ability to connect with additional sensors like cadence and speed sensors.
Overall, Garmin watches (Venu 2 Plus, Forerunner 955 Solar, and Fenix 7) and the Coros Apex 2 Pro emerge as top choices because of their proven heart rate monitoring accuracy, seamless integration with power meters, and strong cycling-specific features. The Amazfit Balance 2 is an option for a multisport focus but may not be as specialized for cycling power meter integration.
[1] Garmin Venu 2 Plus [2] Amazfit Balance 2 [3] Garmin Forerunner 965 [4] Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus, with its AMOLED display and smart cycling features, is not only a versatile wearable but also pairs well with sports technology like power meters and heart rate monitors [1]. In addition, the Coros Apex 2 Pro, renowned for its accurate heart rate monitoring, supports connection with power meters, making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts seeking extensive cycling tracking features [1].
