Just a quick heads up that I’ve published my complete guide for the new Garmin Venu X1, diving into not just all the new features and how they merge together the Forerunner/Venu/Fenix lineups, but of course the watch as a whole. If you’re coming from either older Garmin watches, or other watches altogether, this would get you quickly up to speed. Or, if you’ve got something like a Fenix 8 or Enduro 3, you could look at the new feature sections (mostly running features) to understand how those will likely look when they land on your watch.
As always, I start with the hardware basics and software basics, before expanding further and further into more complex features – both athletic and non-athletic. This includes sports modes, training load & recovery metrics, Training Readiness, the new Running Tolerance, Running Economy, and related features, plus of course contactless payments, offline music, the flashlight, and more. All, of course, based on real-world usage with the watch across numerous sport types.
Best of all, you can skip right to the video section you’re looking for using the YouTube chapters in the video itself, or the quick links below:
0:00 Quick Overview
0:42 The Hardware Basics
2:24 Widgets & Watch Faces
4:56 Sleep Metrics
6:27 HRV Explained
9:19 Morning Report & Evening Report
10:50 LED Flashlight Features
12:46 AMOLED Display & Always-on Battery
16:12 Speaker/Microphone Features
19:48 Sport Modes & Options
24:27 GPS Options & Battery Burn
26:01 Starting/Ending a Workout
28:12 Sensor Pairing & Accessories
30:37 Impact Load, Running Tolerance
33:48 Running Economy
35:03 Projected Finish Time Feature
35:25 Adding Races & Garmin Coach
37:29 Training Readiness Explained
39:42 Training Status Explained
42:40 Endurance Score & Hill Score
44:32 Mapping & Navigation
50:41 NFC Payments (Garmin Pay)
51:46 Offline Music (Spotify, etc…)
Enjoy, and thanks for watching!
Found This Post Useful? Support The Site!
At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase. These posts generally take a lot of time to put together, so if you're shopping for the Garmin Venu X1 or any other accessory items, please consider using the affiliate links below! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases help support this website a lot.
And of course – you can always sign-up to be a DCR Supporter! That gets you an ad-free DCR, access to the DCR Quarantine Corner video series packed with behind the scenes tidbits...and it also makes you awesome. And being awesome is what it’s all about!
Did you use the music during a workout our just show it on the video. Because I was using my X1 a few days ago during a rune and I went to change the song. My Garmin froze up and I could do anything. Just the frozen music screen.
I had a message chat with Garmin and they acknowledge it was “known” issue but didn’t tell me what the issue was. Their only fix was to download the beta operating system. Have you heard anything on this?
Interesting (and would definitely not surprise me).
I used it a bit back in June with music, but not much since (with music, I’ve been using it 24×7 since then, for better or worse).
I just tried it now, during a run, on public beta, and using the speaker (as opposed to headphones), and was able to skip/change to next song without a crash or freeze on the music screen.
Which firmware version?
More curious for the next Coros which you already know all about
excellent content. thanks
Hi, thank you for this test.
Just ohne question.
How is the vibration level, do you feel it when you sleep ?
I had the first vivoactive wich is really good, the venu SQ2 wich is lower … even at the maximum.
And for the X1 ?
I wake up before my wife for working cycling etc
I have used it once as an alarm, and it did wake me up no problem, despite only being 2hr 45mins of sleep due to flight misconnects.
Is this one coming as a long form written review? Just my preference but do like the written reports. (If not, I’ll watch the vid :) )
Yup, still coming (as a final review). Ensure exactly when that’ll happen. I’d love to say next week, but…that’s looking busy already.
Now the features behind the gamin paywall –
It’s getting beyond a joke
Included In Your Subscription
Active Intelligence BETA
Get insights and recommendations delivered throughout the day from Garmin’s AI-powered feature
Performance Dashboard
Customize how you view your training data
Live Activity
View key stats during your indoor workouts live in the Garmin Connect app
Enhanced LiveTrack
Upgrade LiveTrack with sharing via text message and a personalized profile page
Garmin Trails
Navigate Garmin Trails easily by sending them to your compatible device
Training Guidance
Get exclusive expert guidance for select Garmin Coach training plans
Exclusive Badges
Gain access to exclusive badges, badge challenges and more
I’d love something similar, but a more reasonable price.
Desired specs:
– rectangular form factor
– dual GPS
– easily visible in the full fun
– decent running fields
– notifications with my phone
– strava support
– possibilitu to load music on the watch
– bluetooth headset pairing
– frontal light
Not desired:
– speaker + mic as a phone
– 4g or 5g connection
– 500 datas (maybe 5 well done, no more)
– human price
Will this ever be produced?
Is the evening report only available in beta, software version at the moment ? Thanks 12.63 or something?