Best Garmin Watch Accessories in 2023

1. Garmin HRM-Pro

Although Garmin watches have heart rate monitors built in, chest straps are by far the most accurate way of measuring your heart rate. This is significant if you use heart rate zones in your training.

The HRM-Pro is our top choice and it will save you countless moments of annoyance when your board HRM doesn’t quite seem to match up with your effort.

In fact, one of the best features of this strap is that you actually don’t need to be wearing your watch at all when you use it. Built-in memory allows you to exercise with just the strap, while your phone remains safe in your gym bag or at home.

Once you’re back within range, it automatically uploads to the app so you can view your workout stats. It can handle 18 hours worth of data before it’s full, so as long as you’re close to your phone every now and then, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Athletes who use smart training apps like Zwift will be pleased to learn that the strap can maintain multiple active connections at once – two Bluetooth and unlimited ANT+.

It’s light and unobtrusive, so much so that you could even wear it all day for tracking purposes. The unit is built into the strap, which means you won’t be able to replace the strap if something does go wrong, but it makes it a bit more streamlined.

The CR2032 battery should last for about a year before needing to be replaced. Thankfully, it’s a quick and easy job.

Runners, in particular, will love this strap as it comes with Running Dynamics built into it. You can track metrics like cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and running power.

Take note, though, that you’ll only be able to access these if you have a later model Garmin watch. It also can’t store this data on the strap to upload later, so if you want to make use of the Running Dynamics, you’ll need your phone nearby at all times.

Apart from this, the biggest downside to this strap is the price in comparison to some others, such as the Wahoo Tickr. If you want the Running Dynamics, though, it does offer a significant advantage over the Wahoo that could justify the cost.

2. Garmin Running Dynamics Pod

If you like having a tiny, inconspicuous pod to measure your running dynamics rather than an HRM, then the Running Dynamics Pod is an excellent choice.

It’s super little and weighs less than half an ounce, so you’ll hardly notice it on your shoe or belt.

It’s actually too small to even fit a standard CR2032 battery, so it uses a CR1632 battery. Important to know if you’re going to get one!

This handy little droplet of a pod measures 6 different running metrics – ground contact time, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, cadence, stride length, and L/R balance.

It also comes with an IPX7 water rating, so it’s hardy enough to withstand runs in the rain or through puddles.

Although it’s not a huge con, this device doesn’t work with Bluetooth. You’ll need to make sure you’ve got an ANT+ receiver on whatever device you’re planning on using it with, including smart trainers.

3. YIN SONG Anti-Lost Rope

Not a fan of clipping your running pod to your shoe or belt? Maybe your running pod has ended up in the washing machine a few too many times, or you forget to remove it from your shoe.

The Anti-Lost rope allows you to tie your pod around your waist. You won’t lose it, but you also won’t accidentally throw it into the laundry basket. It’s 4.6 feet in length, more than long enough to wrap nicely around your waist.

On the string, there’s a handy little pod holder that you clip your running pod onto. You can slide it along the string to place it wherever is comfortable for you.

When you take it off, it has a compact protective case to store it in. It’s easy to slip into a gym bag or even a jacket pocket.

It also comes with a 3-month warranty, so if there are any quality issues up front, you can get in touch and get a replacement or refund.

4. Garmin Carrying Case

This handy carrying case allows you to keep multiple devices together and safe while you’re on the move.

There’s nothing fancy about it, but it does a great job of holding your various bits and pieces. It’s specified (on the Garmin website) to fit Forerunner or Edge watches, along with accessories.

You can comfortably fit a heart rate monitor and strap, USB cable, and charging cradle into the elasticated pockets within the case. The mesh top allows for ventilation so your devices and accessories don’t get overheated.

There’s also a handy loop on the end to either help you carry it or attach it to something for easy carrying.

Take note, though, that this is a soft case and may not protect your things against hard bumps or knocks.

5. Garmin QuickFit 26 Watch Bands

There comes a time when a watch strap needs to be replaced. Or perhaps you’re one of those athletes who enjoys having a matching strap for every outfit!

Either way, the QuickFit 26 watch bands are our pick.

It’s wise to double-check that your watch is compatible with 26mm bands before buying one of these! They come in a variety of materials to suit every taste and preference.

This is excellent news, as those with silicone allergies no longer need to worry. Choose from silicone, metal, nylon, or leather to suit you.

No tools are required to change straps. They’re super quick and easy to adjust, thick, sturdy, and durable, and also come in a range of colors.

6. Garmin USB ANT+ Stick

For those auto-update devices, you’ll need an ANT+ device. This USB ANT+ stick is a super handy device to sync your data between your strap or watch and your computer.

It has a range of 16.4 feet and works automatically when your compatible devices come into range. The transfer is seamless and easy – once it’s plugged in, you really don’t have to even think about it again.

It’s tiny and won’t be intrusive at all. You’ll also gain access to Garmin Training Center when you buy this device, which can analyze your training sessions and help you put together custom workouts.

The only slight problem you may encounter is it seems to no longer have drivers and may give trouble when installing on a new laptop.