It could hardly be better: the Garmin Venu boasts of almost all the features that a hobbyist sportsperson can only dream of in a chic looking device. The larger models from the Fenix series, for example, offer a longer battery life and a few additional functions, such as running analysis or trail...

All-round beautiful and functional design; Comprehensive tracking features; Great training plans; Exellent software

Ecosystem not particularly open; Battery has issues

Very happy with my Garmin Venu. Great overall fitness watch especially strength training and running for me.

Great looking watch, love that it doesn’t look like a sports watch. Easy to use, nice clear display

Only had it a few weeks, it has done what everything Garmin said it would do, so far.

Great functions and battery life. Able to navigate easily . Good ergonomic functions.

The Garmin Venu is available now for $399.99 in four different colors with one size, 43mm. Available color options include slate stainless steel bezel with black case, rose gold stainless steel bezel with light sand case, silver stainless steel bezel with granite blue case, and gold stainless steel...

Lovely AMOLED display; Responsive touchscreen interface; Advanced health tracking and fitness features; High quality materials; fit; and finish; Offline music and Garmin Pay support; Animated workouts

Battery life bit shorter due to AMOLED display

The Venu’s steep asking price is hard to ignore; it's likely be a better purchase for some once the price drops. However, if you’re a fitness buff who needs a stellar workout companion that can also double as a stylish timepiece, then the Garmin Venu is for you.

Best-in-class fitness tracking; Up to 5-day battery life; Bright AMOLED display

High asking price; Too similar to the Vivoactive 4

The Venu’s screen is Garmin’s best, but it’s not enough to recommend it over its cheaper stablemates

The always-on AMOLED screen is bright and easy to see in all conditions, and it hasn’t had too much of an effect on battery life – I got three or four days out of a charge; You get the usual excellent Garmin sports tracking, and the guided strength, yoga and Pilates workouts with animations are...

The smart features are limited; with Garmin Pay having only one UK high street bank partnered and the ConnectIQ app store lacking apps beyond extra watch faces and data screens for sports.

If you're looking for a true smartwatch with a colour screen that can outlast the Apple Watch, the Venu is your answer.

Bright and sharp display; Plenty of sports tracking features; Solid battery life

Design a little uninspiring; Shorter battery life in always-on mode; Garmin Connect still a bit overwhelming

The screen and sports-tracking features are impressive, but the Venu lacks the smarts to really compete with the Apple Watch

Vibrant; always-on AMOLED screen; Music playback with Spotify support; Guided workouts with animations

Shorter battery life than other Garmin watches; Same features as Vivoactive 4; Limited app store