Garmin recently launched Garmin Connect+, a premium subscription service designed to enhance the user experience for Garmin smartwatch owners. This new tier introduces AI-powered insights and additional features, leaving some users wondering if the free version of Garmin Connect will remain robust. This article explores the new subscription, detailing the features, cost, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Morning report on the Garmin Instinct 3
Garmin Connect+ Pricing and Availability
Garmin Connect+ is priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually, offering a 30-day free trial for users to explore the premium features. The subscription became available on March 27, 2025. Importantly, the standard Garmin Connect platform remains free and continues to provide the core health and fitness tracking functionalities users have come to expect.
Garmin Vivosmart 5 Connect app
What Does Garmin Connect+ Offer?
Garmin Connect+ builds upon the existing free platform, introducing a range of new tools and insights. Let’s break down the key additions:
AI-Powered Active Intelligence
Garmin Connect+ app.
Leveraging AI, Garmin Connect+ analyzes user health and activity data to offer personalized recommendations and insights. This “Active Intelligence” feature is currently in beta, but promises to become more tailored to individual goals over time, as detailed in Garmin’s press release.
Enhanced LiveTrack Functionality
LiveTrack, a crucial safety feature allowing users to share their real-time location during workouts, receives significant upgrades in Connect+. The premium version automates the generation and sharing of LiveTrack links, simplifying the process for users and their contacts. Additionally, users can create personalized LiveTrack profiles for easier sharing of activity data.
New Challenges and Badges
Connect+ introduces new challenges and digital badges to further motivate users. For example, the Running Climbs challenge rewards users for accumulating 500 meters of ascent in a month, while the Power Cycling challenge encourages intense cycling efforts by requiring at least four hours in power zone 3. These additions gamify the fitness experience and provide tangible rewards for achieving goals.
Comprehensive Performance Analysis
Connect+ provides customizable graphs and charts for visualizing fitness and health data, offering a more comprehensive overview of progress. While the integration with AI insights is still speculative, the enhanced data visualization tools promise valuable insights into long-term wellness trends.
Real-Time Indoor Workout Data
Users recording indoor workouts with their Garmin smartwatch can access real-time data on their phones via Connect+. This includes metrics such as heart rate, pace, reps completed, and even workout videos, enhancing the indoor training experience.
Is Garmin Connect+ Worth the Price?
Garmin Fenix 8 hero photo on a wrist
The value proposition of Garmin Connect+ depends on individual needs and priorities. The 30-day free trial offers a risk-free opportunity to assess the premium features. While the additions may not be revolutionary, they address key areas like safety (LiveTrack), personalized guidance (AI insights), and motivation (challenges and badges). Ultimately, trying the free trial is the best way to determine if the $6.99 monthly fee aligns with your fitness goals and usage.
