Garmin makes some of my favorite smartwatches for tracking fitness goals and logging outdoor adventures. With no shortage of models to choose from, ranging from ~$160 for the entry-level Forerunner 55 running watch all the way up to top-tier, pro-athlete-oriented models like the $1,100 Fenix 8, there’s truly a Garmin for everyone.
Of course, Garmin’s massive catalog means that you might have to spend a little extra to secure your preferred features, both fitness-focused and ‘smart.’ For example, the aforementioned Forerunner 55 doesn’t offer offline music storage, nor do any of Garmin’s most basic models, but the next model up, the $299 Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, does.
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Just one sub-$500 Garmin has my favorite feature
(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
My favorite Garmin feature isn’t a function of the operating system, but a tiny piece of hardware tucked into the case of several Garmins. I’m speaking, of course, about Garmin’s LED ‘Torch’ flashlight.
This tiny yet powerful LED has proven itself useful time and again, in all sorts of settings, from walking the dog at night to navigating a darkened hotel room without bumping into furniture or waking my sleeping partner.
My favorite Garmin feature isn’t a function of the operating system, but a tiny piece of hardware tucked into the case.
Unfortunately, in 2026, only the following Garmin models (that we’ve reviewed) offer the Torch: the Garmin Instinct 3 (from $399), Garmin Venu X1($699), Garmin Forerunner 970 ($749), and the Garmin Fenix 8 (from $1,099).
As you can see, all but the Instinct 3 cost a proverbial arm and a leg. Fortunately, the Instinct 3 is a fantastic smartwatch — though not quite as advanced when it comes to hardcore training/recovery tools as the other listed — boasting not just an LED flashlight but a best-in-class battery, a rugged build with 100 meters of water resistance, a plethora of outdoor adventure tracking modes, and plenty of post-workout insights.
It also happens to be not just my preferred Garmin model and my go-to smartwatch for logging hikes, bike rides, and snowboard excursions.
Imitation through flattery
(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
While Garmin mostly relegates the Torch flashlight to the brand’s highest-end offerings — with the Instinct 3 being the sole exception — some of Garmin’s competitors have begun including similar design elements in their more moderately priced watches.
For example, the $299 Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, a budget-minded Fenix 8 competitor, sports an onboard LED flashlight at the top of the case just like Fenix 8. So does the $599 Suunto Vertical 2 (another Fenix 8 competitor), along with the just-released $549 Amazfit T-Rex 2 Ultra.
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When will Apple, Google, and Samsung catch on?
(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)
While other fitness and outdoor-focused smartwatch makers have seemingly caught on to the usefulness of an actual onboard flashlight, the full-featured big boys have yet to incorporate such tech… though it would be warmly welcomed.
Sure, all of the best smartwatch models from brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung offer a ‘flashlight mode’ that turns the screen white and maxes out the brightness, but this is nowhere near as useful or powerful as a dedicated LED flashlight hidden within the case.
Ultimately, I’m hopeful that 2026 will deliver more smartwatches with this incredibly useful, albeit not particularly high-tech feature; it would be especially nice to see it show up in a truly budget-minded smartwatch. If not a Garmin, perhaps an Amazfit.
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