Im not buying a Garmin Fenix 9 at those prices heres what Im looking at instead

Date:
Fri, 28 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Description:
The Garmin Fenix 9 is an expensive smartwatch, but there are plenty of other options on the table.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Do you ever feel that some smartwatches have just too much smartwatch in them? Thats what struck me when Garmin announced the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro today. Sure, they look like
great devices but at over $1,000 / 850 / AU$1,500 a pop, Ive been wondering how many people actually need everything they have to offer.

I know I dont. While I love working out, Im not a pro athlete and dont need anything like the suite of features you get with Garmins new watches but Garmin's first live event launch seemed aimed at people like me, the Apple Watch crowd. It's telling Garmin didnt actually mention how much they cost during the show itself. If you feel like me and baulk at the expense required to slap one of these devices on your wrist, its not all bad news. There are plenty of other options out there, and none of them will break the bank in quite the same way. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Or you could just wait for the features to trickle down to more affordable devices. Either way, theres no need to open your wallet just yet unless youre 100% sure you need one of these watches. Top devices, high prices (Image credit: Garmin) Lets get one thing out of the way first: the Fenix 9 and
Fenix 9 Pro look like great smartwatches possibly even some of the best smartwatches money can buy. Theyre full of top-of-the-range features that are perfect for people who push their exercise regimes to the fullest, who regularly stride off into the wilderness in search of adventure, and who demand some of the most specialized features you can get in a consumer smartwatch. You may like Garmin 'Play Harder' event live: Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro revealed Why wait for the Garmin Fenix 9? Here are 10 top-tier adventure watches you can buy right now Garmin Fenix 9 revealed here are 5 things you need to know

The brighter AMOLED display in particular looks fantastic, especially if you previously struggled to read your watchs screen in certain weather
conditions. I was also heartened to see the rumors of solar charging were
bang on the money while it might be limited to the 47mm models and up of the Fenix 9 Pro, its ability to extend the life of your watch exponentially is tailor-made for off-grid escapades.

But theres a big difference between interesting features and interesting features that cost a minimum of $1,099.99 / 949.99 / $1,749 AUD. Im an Apple Watch Series 10 owner, and while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has been on my
radar, its $799 / 749 / $1,399 AUD price has moved it out of must-buy territory for me. Its therefore unsurprising that Garmins latest launches havent ratcheted up my temptation meter. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

There might be some wider context here. Garmin doesnt normally do big, flashy events like it did for the Fenix 9 series, so the fact that it did this time suggests to me that it wants to introduce its smartwatches to a wider audience. Instead of its core crowd of sports buffs and fitness fanatics, it might be looking to broaden its horizons a bit and crack the more casual market.

The problem is that the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro have done exactly the
opposite of that with their pricing. Theyre not exactly entry-level options for people who have never heard of Garmin before. The flashy show puts it in the same company as Apple and Samsung who also do glitzy product launches but by limiting its announcements to some of its most premium devices, Garmin hasnt quite hit the nail on the head. Patience is a virtue (Image credit: Garmin) If Garmins Fenix 9 show has whetted your appetite for a smartwatch
but you just cant justify spending almost a thousand smackers on one, what
can you do? Well, luckily youre spoiled for choice. What to read next Forget the Garmin Fenix 9, Casios G-Shock pro surfer watch goes on sale I wore Garmin's powerful microLED Fenix watch for months here's why it's a
five-star buy The Garmin Fenix 8 is as cheap as it's ever been but is it worth buying? I've been wearing it for two years, and here's why I'd
recommend waiting

You dont even have to look outside the Garmin ecosystem to find some
excellent options. How about the Garmin Venu 4 , which is our pick for the best Garmin smartwatch ? We summed it up as being perfect for people who wouldnt describe themselves as hardcore adventurers or triathletes, but still lead an active lifestyle, and might take on a big challenge once a year such as a marathon. Its full of top features that you need without breaking the bank thanks to its $549.99 / 469.99 / AU$949 price.

For an even more affordable option, theres Garmins Vivoactive 6 , which will set you back a mere $299.99 / 279.99 / AU$549. But this isnt some undercooked offering that youll regret buying. You get 11 days of battery life, a beautiful AMOLED display, and plenty of premium features that once lived exclusively on Garmins more expensive products.

And that highlights a key point about the latest Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro releases. While theyre incredibly high-end options right now with price tags to match, Im willing to bet that it wont be long before many of their
features are rolled out to much more affordable devices in Garmins smartwatch line-up. That kind of move has happened plenty of times in the past, and theres no reason to think that Garmin is going to change its tune.

So, while I wont be buying the Fenix 9 or Fenix 9 Pro right now, whos to say
I wont pull the trigger further down the line? As these products prices drop and their features migrate to other wearables, chances are Ill no longer be obstructed by an eye-watering price tag. A little patience is all it takes. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Todays best Garmin deals Garmin Venu 4 364 View See all prices Garmin Vivoactive 6 212.87 177.65 View See all prices Garmin Fenix 8 789 View See all prices voucher gift Garmin Instinct 3 299 View See all prices Garmin Forerunner 70 GPS Watch 219.99 178 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



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