| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Type | Lifestyle and fitness smartwatch |
| Series | Venu |
| Released | 12 June 2025 |
| Price at launch | GBP 679.99 / USD 799.99 |
| Predecessor | None. Venu X1 is a new square-cased line, not a successor to the round-cased Venu. |
| Successor | Not yet announced. See Release Radar. |
| Sizes | One size (medium) |
| Colours | Black, Moss, Soft Gold |
Specifications and features as at launch.
Jump to: Expert opinion | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Software updates | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Venu X1 pairs Garmin’s thinnest and lightest high-end case, at 7.9mm and 34g, with a 2 inch AMOLED display protected by sapphire crystal, positioning it directly against the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on size, screen and price rather than against Garmin’s own round-cased Venu or Instinct lines.
At $799.99/£679.99 it matches Ultra 3 almost exactly, but the comparison stops at the price tag. Venu X1 has no ECG, no cellular option, and single-band rather than multi-band GPS, trading those for Garmin’s full training and recovery metric set and up to 8 days of battery life in smartwatch mode against Ultra 3’s roughly one to two days.
Specifications
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 inch (51.2mm) diagonal, 1304 sq mm display area |
| Type | AMOLED, optional always-on mode |
| Resolution | 448 x 486 pixels |
| Lens | Sapphire crystal |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 41 x 46 x 7.9mm |
| Weight | 34g case only, 40g with ComfortFit band |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced polymer with titanium caseback |
| Strap material | Nylon (ComfortFit) |
| Water rating | 5 ATM |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate wrist sensor |
| Other sensors | Pulse Ox, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer, ambient light |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Music | Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music |
Battery life
| Mode | Battery life |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 8 days (2 days always-on) |
| Battery Saver Smartwatch | Up to 11 days |
| GPS only | Up to 16 hours |
| All systems GNSS | Up to 14 hours |
| All systems GNSS with music | Up to 7 hours |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Venu X1 has no multi-band GNSS mode, using single-band GPS across all satellite systems.
Features
Feature explanations are covered in the relevant the5krunner Garmin features hub.
Health
- Health Status
- Body Battery
- Sleep Coach
- HRV Status
- Breathing Variations
- Lifestyle Logging
- Nutrition tracking via Garmin Connect
- Morning Report
- Evening Report
- Nap Detection
- Smart Wake Alarm
- Sleep Alignment
- Wrist-based heart rate
- Stress Tracking
- Health Snapshot
- Pulse Ox sensor
- Meditation
- Jet Lag Adviser
- Altitude and Heat Acclimation
- Respiration Tracking
- Red Shift display mode
Fitness
- 100+ preloaded activity profiles
- Training Readiness
- Training Status
- Garmin Fitness Coach
- Daily Suggested Workouts
- Strength Training
- Workout Creation
- Mixed Session
- Triathlon and multisport
- Course Planner
- Running Tolerance
- Running Economy (requires HRM 600)
- Rucking activity
- Step Speed Loss (requires HRM 600)
- Endurance Score
- Hill Score
- Wrist-based running dynamics
- Wrist-based running power
- PacePro pacing strategies
- ClimbPro
- Recovery Time
- Race Predictor
- Cycling sensor compatibility, including Rally power meter pedals and Varia radar
Navigation
- Full-colour built-in mapping
- Dynamic round-trip routing
- Golf activity with CourseView maps for 43,000+ courses
- ABC sensors: altimeter, barometer, compass
- Outdoor Maps+ subscription support
Connect
- Garmin Connect app
- Smart Notifications
- On-wrist texting
- Works with WhatsApp
- View photos on watch (Android)
- Music: Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music
- Garmin Pay
- Safety and tracking with live location
- Garmin Share
- Stocks tracker
- Sports Scores
- Connect IQ Store
Convenience
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Font sizes
- Colour filters
- Watch face customisation
- Calculator
- Focus Modes
- Calendar
- Timer and stopwatch
- Find my phone
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Ultra Running, Obstacle Racing, Adventure Racing, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running, Virtual Running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road Biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bike Commuting, Bike Touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking, Cyclocross, BMX |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Multisport | Triathlon, Swimming/Running |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio, Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor Rowing, Jump Roping, Walking, Pilates, Yoga, Indoor Walking, Mobility, Meditation, Breathwork, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts |
| Outdoor | Hiking, Indoor Climbing, Bouldering, Climbing, Hunting, Rucking, Mountaineering, Expedition, Horseback Riding, Golfing, Disc Golf, Archery |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Backcountry Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, XC Skate Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing. Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Fishing, Boating, Sailing, Sailing Expedition. Team sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Football, American Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball. Racket sports: Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel, Platform Tennis, Racquetball. Motorsports: Motorcycling, Overlanding, Motocrossing, ATVing, Snowmobiling. Other: Inline Skating, Gaming. |
Garmin Venu X1 software updates
The current Garmin Venu X1 software is version 18.29 and 18.30. Garmin is still updating the Venu X1, with 2 software releases since May 2026. This section is updated when Garmin releases a new version.
| Current version | 18.29 and 18.30, released 8 September 2026. |
| Public beta | No beta newer than the current version. |
| Last update | 18.29 and 18.30 on 8 September 2026. |
Features added since May 2026
- 18.29 and 18.30, 8 September 2026.
- Voice command enabled with the “OK Garmin” wake word
- Suggested quick workout added for running
- XC Ski Indoor activity added
- Volume control now carries context
- Flashlight shortcut cycles through on, off and strobe modes during an activity
- Fewer false unlocks when touch lock is in use
- 17.33, 27 May 2026. Silent mode shortcut added. Approach CT1 golf sensor support added.
Full version history, 4 releases including betas and fixes
| Version | Type | Date | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.29 and 18.30 | Stable | 8 September 2026 | Voice command enabled with the “OK Garmin” wake word. Suggested quick workout added for running. |
| 18.14 | Beta | 15 July 2026 | Button tones default to off while headphones are connected. Fewer false unlocks when using the touch lock. |
| 18.12 | Beta | 2 July 2026 | Hands-free voice control activated with the “OK, Garmin” wake word. Quick workout suggestion added for running sessions. |
| 17.33 | Stable | 27 May 2026 | Silent mode shortcut added. Approach CT1 golf sensor support added. |
Version history is recorded from May 2026. See also known problems and fixes and Garmin’s release notes for the current version.
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Venu X1 released?
Garmin released the Venu X1 on 12 June 2025. The launch price was GBP 679.99 or USD 799.99.
Is the Venu X1 waterproof?
Venu X1 has a water rating of 5 ATM. It includes Pool Swimming and Open Water Swimming profiles as well as Triathlon.
Does the Venu X1 have maps?
Yes, Venu X1 has full-colour built-in mapping with dynamic round-trip routing, and golf CourseView maps for more than 43,000 courses.
Does the Venu X1 have ECG or LTE?
No, Venu X1 has no ECG and no cellular option. It does have a built-in LED flashlight.
What size and weight is the Venu X1?
Venu X1 comes in one size, measuring 41 x 46 x 7.9mm, and weighs 34g for the case or 40g with the ComfortFit band. It has a 2 inch AMOLED touchscreen under sapphire crystal.
How long does the Venu X1 battery last?
Garmin rates Venu X1 for up to 8 days in smartwatch mode, or 2 days with the display always on, and up to 16 hours in GPS-only mode. It has no multi-band GNSS mode.
Further reading
- the5krunner Venu X1 first look and review
- Garmin watch specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin watches
Related watches
Looking at alternatives to the Venu X1?
- Also consider: Apple Watch Ultra 3, a similarly priced and sized smartwatch with cellular, ECG and multi-band GPS, against Garmin’s deeper training and recovery metrics and longer battery life.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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