Garmin
Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) designs and manufactures GPS-enabled consumer wearables, FAA-certified avionics, marine electronics, automotive navigators, and JL Audio premium audio products, serving millions of mass-market consumers alongside enterprise aviation, marine, and OEM customers globally.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersOlathe, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Garmin does
Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) is a Swiss-incorporated, globally operating designer and manufacturer of GPS-enabled consumer, aviation, marine, and automotive electronics, headquartered operationally in Olathe, Kansas with 10,000+ employees. Its core technology stack combines proprietary multi-band GNSS/GPS positioning with SatIQ automatic satellite selection, Garmin Elevate optical heart-rate sensors, AMOLED and solar-charging displays, NMEA 2000 marine networking, FAA-certified avionics (GFC 600 autopilot, G5000/G600 TXi flight decks, ADS-B transponders), and Iridium-backed inReach satellite communications. The product portfolio spans Forerunner, fēnix, Venu, Instinct, Enduro, epix, Descent, MARQ, tactix, and D2 smartwatches; Edge cycling computers and Tacx indoor trainers; marine chartplotters, LiveScope sonar, Signal VHF radios with integrated AIS, and trolling motors; aviation avionics and the Garmin Pilot flight-planning app; and automotive/RV/motorcycle navigators, with the JL Audio brand extending into car and luxury home audio.
The business is primarily a consumer and OEM hardware franchise, monetized through unit sales ranging from $249 entry-level Forerunner 70 watches to $2,499 Xero L60i rangefinders and a $105,000 JL Audio Primacy home audio system. Recurring revenue is layered on top via inReach satellite subscriptions, Garmin Pilot aviation database subscriptions ($449/yr Africa; Transatlantic OnePak from $999/yr), Garmin Connect+ premium, and Garmin Health B2B data services (Garmin Health API powering partners such as Soaak Technologies). Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer e-commerce (garmin.com), mass-market retail (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Argos, AliExpress), authorized regional distributors (e.g., AMIT GPS in India), enterprise OEM channels (Garmin Automotive OEM, RV OEM, aviation integrators such as West Star Aviation), and dedicated Garmin Health enterprise sales.
Operationally, Garmin runs as a profitable, cash-generative public company with FY2025 revenue of approximately $5.85B, Q1 2026 revenue of $1.75B (+14% YoY), and FY2026 guidance of approximately $7.9B with pro forma EPS of $9.35. The capital structure supports a $4.20 per share annual dividend (approved June 2026) plus quarterly dividends, funded entirely from operating cash flow that has also sustained a steady tuck-in M&A cadence — AeroData (2021), Vesper Marine (2022), JL Audio (2023), Lumishore (2024), and MyLaps (2025). Garmin self-positions as the world's largest marine electronics manufacturer and holds an estimated ~18% US smartwatch revenue share, ranking third behind Apple and Samsung.
Garmin firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Garmin
- Legal name
- Garmin Ltd.
- Website
- https://garmin.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) designs and manufactures GPS-enabled consumer wearables, FAA-certified avionics, marine electronics, automotive navigators, and JL Audio premium audio products, serving millions of mass-market consumers alongside enterprise aviation, marine, and OEM customers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Garmin industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Consumer Electronics
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651), Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Smartwatches (CRACAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sensors & Modules (IMU, GPS, Camera, RF) Retail (CRACAKAC), Smart Fitness & Training Devices (Connected Fitness Sensors, Smart Jump Ropes, etc.) (CRACAQAH), Consumer Drones for Imaging (Camera Drones) (CRACAPAD), Mental Wellness & Stress Management Devices (Biofeedback, Meditation/Neurostimulation Devices) (CRACAQAL), Travel, Hospitality & Local Discovery Recommendations (HDAAAGAG), Racing & Flight Simulation Hardware (Wheels, Pedals, HOTAS) (HDACANAE), Wireless Interface Adapters (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/Cellular Modems) (HDAFAEAJ), Mobile & Wireless Connectivity SoCs (Modem/Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/GNSS) (HDAHABAA), Game Controllers & Input Devices (Gamepads, Wheels, Flight Sticks) (CRACAOAD)
Keywords
Where Garmin is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Olathe
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Garmin business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Consumer Hardware Sales: Primary revenue driver; one-time sale of finished devices including smartwatches (Forerunner, Fenix, Venu, Vivoactive, Instinct, Enduro, epix, Descent, Lily, MARQ), cycling computers (Edge), handheld GPS, action cameras, dog trackers, inReach satellite communicators, automotive navigators, and accessories across all major product categories.
- Subscription Services (inReach, Garmin Pilot): Recurring revenue from subscription plans including inReach satellite messaging/safety subscriptions, Garmin Pilot aviation database subscriptions (e.g., Africa database at $449/year, Transatlantic OnePak from $999/year), and feature unlocks via Garmin Connect+ premium service.
- Map and Software Licensing: Sale of map products (TopoActive, City Navigator, marine charts, outdoor maps) as downloads or SD cards, plus subscription-based aviation databases. Maps support activity-specific navigation on Garmin smartwatches, Edge cycling computers, and GPS handhelds.
- Aviation and Marine Avionics/Electronics: Sale of certified avionics (autopilot systems like GFC 600, integrated flight decks, transponders, ADS-B, audio panels), marine chartplotters, fishfinders, LiveScope sonar, trolling motors, autopilots, radar, and Signal VHF marine radios. Garmin bills itself as the world's largest marine electronics manufacturer.
- Automotive OEM and Aftermarket Solutions: OEM automotive and RV navigation solutions (Garmin Automotive OEM, RV OEM), JL Audio car audio products (acquired 2023), Stealthbox, motorcycle GPS (zūmo), truck navigation, and OEM sensor/board solutions supplied to other manufacturers.
- Health and Wellness Data Services: B2B services including the Garmin Health API enabling third-party platforms to integrate biometric data, and the Garmin Health enterprise offering for patient monitoring.
- Premium Home Audio (JL Audio Primacy): Luxury fully active, DSP-driven speaker systems ($105,000 Primacy) leveraging JL Audio's integration into Garmin's premium consumer electronics portfolio after the 2023 acquisition.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin Forerunner 70 entry-level GPS running smartwatch |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin Forerunner 170 / Forerunner 170 Music |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin fēnix 8 premium multisport smartwatch |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition smartwatch |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin Venu 4 advanced health and fitness smartwatch |
| Subscription | Monthly | Garmin inReach Satellite Subscription |
| Subscription | Annual | Garmin Aviation Database Subscriptions |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin Catalyst R1 Racing Radar |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin Xero L60i Laser Rangefinder |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin TopoActive North America Maps |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | Garmin Blaze Equine Wellness System |
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | JL Audio Primacy Luxury Speaker System |
| Subscription | Annual | Garmin Connect+ Premium Subscription |
Go-to-market motion5 records
Garmin product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Garmin designs and manufactures GPS-enabled hardware across five verticals — Fitness, Outdoor Recreation, Marine, Aviation, and Automotive — including smartwatches (Forerunner, fēnix, Venu, Instinct, MARQ), Edge cycling computers, marine chartplotters/fishfinders, FAA-certified avionics, automotive/RV navigators, handheld GPS units, and inReach satellite communicators. The company also sells JL Audio car and home audio products, software platforms (Garmin Connect, Connect IQ, Garmin Pilot, Navionics, ActiveCaptain), and the Garmin Health enterprise biometrics API.
Product overview
Garmin offers a broad, multi-segment product portfolio organized around GPS technology and wearable computing rather than a single unified product. The portfolio spans five core verticals — Fitness/Outdoor, Automotive, Marine, Aviation, and Wearables — each with its own dedicated product lines. The wearable family is the most extensive, anchored by the Forerunner running line, the fēnix 8 flagship multisport/adventure series, the Venu and vivoactive lifestyle lines, the rugged Instinct and Enduro lines, plus specialized editions (MARQ luxury, tactix tactical, D2 Mach aviator, Descent dive, quatix marine, Approach golf). These smartwatches connect via Bluetooth and ANT+ to the Garmin Connect cloud platform and mobile app, which serves as the central data and AI-driven coaching hub powering features like Garmin Coach, Training Readiness, Body Battery, HRV Status, Sleep Coach, and the Connect IQ app marketplace. Garmin Connect interoperates with third-party platforms (Strava, Google Maps, Apple iOS under the EU DMA, Soaak Technologies via the Garmin Health API, Bosch eBike systems on Edge cycling computers). The Edge cycling computer line and Tacx indoor trainers extend the platform into cycling. The marine portfolio includes chartplotters, fishfinders, Live Sonar, autopilot systems, radar, the Signal VHF marine radios, and integrates with the Navionics and ActiveCaptain apps. Aviation spans avionics such as the GFC 600 autopilot, G5000/G600 TXi integrated flight decks, ADS-B transponders, audio panels, plus the Garmin Pilot flight planning app with SmartCharts. The automotive line offers car, motorcycle (zūmo), and truck GPS, dash cams, and — following the 2023 JL Audio acquisition — premium car and home audio (JL Audio car speakers/subwoofers/amplifiers and the new JL Audio Primacy luxury speaker system). Outdoor recreation extends into GPSMAP/eTrex/Montana handhelds, inReach satellite messengers, Alpha/Astro dog trackers, the Xero L60i laser rangefinder, and the Blaze equine wellness system. Aviation database services and Garmin Health (enterprise biometrics API) round out the offering as B2B platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Tacx: Indoor bike trainers and accessories brand
- JL Audio
- Navionics
- DeLorme
Products and services
- Forerunner Series Running Smartwatches Garmin's running-focused GPS smartwatch family including Forerunner 70, 165, 170, 255, 265, 570, 965, and 970 with AMOLED displays, advanced training metrics, Garmin Coach adaptive plans, multi-band GPS, and health monitoring features such as VO2 Max, recovery time, and running dynamics.
- fēnix 8 Premium Multisport Smartwatch Flagship multisport smartwatch with AMOLED and Solar display options, solar charging, advanced navigation, ECG app, and comprehensive health tracking for serious outdoor and multisport athletes.
- Venu Series Lifestyle Smartwatches Lifestyle-focused smartwatches with AMOLED displays including Venu 4 (41mm/45mm) and Venu X1, featuring built-in flashlight, ECG measurements, and advanced health and fitness tracking.
- Instinct Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch Rugged outdoor smartwatches available in multiple sizes and editions (AMOLED, Solar, Tactical, Crossover) with extended battery life, military-standard toughness, and built-in sports apps for hiking, trail running, and tactical applications.
- vivoactive Casual Fitness Smartwatch Casual fitness smartwatches including vivoactive 5 and vivoactive 6 with AMOLED displays, body battery energy monitoring, sleep tracking, wheelchair mode, and over 30 indoor and GPS sports apps.
- Edge Cycling Computers Cycling computer lineup including Edge 130, 540, 550, 830, 840, 850, 1030/1030 Plus, 1040, 1040 Solar, 1050, and Explore 2 with multi-band GNSS, advanced cycling metrics, climb tracking, and Bosch eBike integration.
- Tacx Indoor Bike Trainers Garmin's indoor smart bike trainers including the Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainer, a premium direct-drive trainer with +/- 1% accuracy and performance metrics.
- Garmin Catalyst R1 Racing Radar Purpose-built radar system for high-performance drivers featuring heads-up indicator lights in the cockpit and a rear-facing sensor with IP67 dust/water rating.
- Garmin Signal VHF Marine Radios Marine radios with 3.5-inch color touchscreen, integrated AIS transponders, advanced noise cancellation, NMEA 2000 and Garmin Marine Network integration, and Wi-Fi over-the-air software updates via the ActiveCaptain app. Includes VHF 400, VHF 220, and RM 100 remote station.
- Marine Chartplotters, Sonar and Autopilots Marine electronics lineup including chartplotters, fishfinders, LiveScope sonar, transducers, trolling motors, radar, autopilots, lighting, VHF and AIS, sonar black boxes, antennas, sensors, cameras, sailing instruments, and digital switching.
- Aviation Avionics and Flight Decks Aviation electronics including navigation and radios, autopilots (e.g., GFC 600 digital autopilot), flight displays and instruments, integrated flight decks (e.g., G5000, G600 TXi), engine indication systems, audio panels, weather, traffic, ADS-B and transponders, and datalinks.
- Automotive GPS Navigation Car, RV, motorcycle (zūmo series), and semi-truck GPS navigation products, including dash cams, backup cameras, and OEM automotive navigation solutions.
- JL Audio Car and Home Audio JL Audio car speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, Stealthbox, and the JL Audio Primacy luxury fully active DSP-driven home speaker system, integrated into Garmin's automotive and home audio portfolio following the 2023 acquisition.
- inReach Satellite Communicators Two-way satellite messengers with SOS and messaging beyond cell service, including inReach Mini 3, Mini 3 Plus, and the Garmin Messenger app; supports Iridium satellite network for global coverage.
- Handheld GPS Devices Rugged handheld GPS devices for hiking including GPSMAP 65/65s/66i/66s/66sr/66st/67i/79 Series, eTrex 22x/32x/SE/Solar/Touch, Montana 700/700i/710/710i/750i/760i, Rino 750/750t/755t, and Overlander.
- Dog Tracking and Training Devices GPS dog collars and tracking/training devices including Alpha 100, 200, 200 Plus, 200i, 300, 300i and Astro 430/900 series.
- Xero L60i Laser Rangefinder Laser rangefinder with 7x magnification, 32mm objective lens, full-color DLP augmented reality overlay (960x540) for distance, mapping, navigation, and Applied Ballistics Elite solver; ranges trees to 2,000 yards and animals to 1,500 yards with IPX7 water resistance. Priced at $2,499.99 USD.
- Blaze Equine Wellness System Equine tail-mounted health sensor with Bluetooth connectivity providing heart rate, strides, gait, distance, skin temperature, and heat score data via the Blaze mobile app or compatible Garmin smartwatch; up to 25 hours battery life. Priced at $499.99.
- Garmin Off-Road and Motorsports Products Off-road GPS devices, powersport navigation, and the Garmin Catalyst R1 racing radar system for motorsports applications.
- Garmin Connect Platform Garmin's central cloud platform and mobile app for syncing, analyzing, and sharing health, fitness, and activity data; powers insights, Garmin Coach, daily suggested workouts, Connect IQ Store, and third-party partner integrations.
- Garmin Connect IQ Developer Platform Developer platform and app store for Garmin smartwatches allowing third-party developers to build watch faces, data fields, widgets, and apps that extend device functionality.
- Garmin Health Enterprise API Enterprise health data platform offering the Garmin Health API that enables healthcare and wellness providers (e.g., Soaak Technologies) to access biometric data (heart rate, HRV, sleep, activity) for patient monitoring and remote health programs.
- Garmin Pilot Aviation App Aviation flight planning and navigation application for pilots with Premium subscription providing SmartCharts dynamic charting, navigation database coverage (Africa, Europe, Americas), and Garmin Pilot Web for computer-based flight planning.
- Navionics Boating App Marine navigation app with detailed charts, sonar data, and routing for boating; integrates with Garmin chartplotters and is available via the Navionics Chart Installer.
- TopoActive Outdoor Maps Multiuse outdoor map product compiled from the OpenStreetMap database, covering roads, trails, natural features, parks, and points of interest; available in multiple regional downloads (North America, Europe, Australia/Oceania, South America, Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, Greenland, Antarctica). Priced at $59.99 USD per region.
- Garmin Pay Contactless Payment Contactless payment solution available on supported Garmin smartwatches (e.g., Forerunner 170) for tap-to-pay transactions via participating payment networks.
Companies that use Garmin
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Garmin technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
AI capability14 records
Feature10 records
Garmin partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Garmin Pros (Athletes and Outdoor Ambassadors)coreGarmin Pros is a formal athlete and outdoor ambassador program recruiting sponsored professionals across running, cycling, golf, marine, and aviation to endorse Garmin products and represent the brand at events including the Garmin Marathon Series (Durham, Toledo, Tucson).
- Bielefeld University (World Cup Fever Study)minorResearchers at Bielefeld University in Germany launched the World Cup Fever Study inviting football fans to share smartwatch/fitness tracker data to measure physiological response during 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. Originally launched with Garmin support, the study now works with 13 brands including Apple Watch, Samsung Health, Fitbit, and Oura.
- PADI and DAN (Rescue Diver Ready founding collaborators)coreRescue Diver Ready launched as a new diver preparedness initiative with Garmin, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), and DAN (Divers Alert Network) as founding collaborators. The initiative creates an ecosystem around training, research, safety, technology, and ongoing preparedness, with a Rescue Ready Assessment benchmarking tool and Rescue Ready Weekend on September 19-20, 2026 in Fort Lauderdale.
- West Star Aviation (Citation avionics installation)coreWest Star Aviation, a business aviation services provider, promotes avionics upgrade services for legacy Citation aircraft using Garmin's G5000 flight deck (Excel/XLS series) and G600 TXi (CJ series). West Star positions itself as a Citation-specialized provider with in-house engineering, installation, and certification capabilities.
- AliExpress (Garmin Forerunner promotional partner)minorAliExpress ran promotional Marque+ and Summer Sales campaigns (June 2026) offering Garmin Forerunner 165, 255, 265, and Edge 540 at significant discounts (up to 60% off), with French warehouse shipping, free delivery, and two-year manufacturer warranty.
- Soaak TechnologiescoreSoaak Technologies announced a collaboration with Garmin to integrate the Garmin Health API into its AI-enabled human performance platform, creating a closed-loop system that uses biometric data from Garmin devices (heart rate, HRV, sleep) to generate personalized sound-based readiness, recovery, stress, and sleep protocols. Feature available to Soaak members, expanding beyond OURA and WHOOP integrations.
- Strava strength training launch partners (Garmin among 14 brands)coreGarmin is one of 14 launch partners in Strava's major strength training update, including Amazfit, COROS, WHOOP, Fitbod, Hevy, Runna, JEFIT, Caliber, Liftoff, Motra, REMAKER, iFIT Personal Trainer, and 24 Hour Fitness. Update includes new Workout Log, auto-populated muscle maps, and shareables, rolling out globally summer 2026.
- StravaflagshipStrava announced enhanced partnerships with Garmin (alongside Coros, Amazfit, Whoop, and others) to improve how workouts from these devices populate Strava's muscle heat map diagrams and strength workout tracking features. The update introduces a workout log, auto-populated muscle maps, and new shareables, rolling out across Strava's global user base in 2026 with Garmin as a launch partner.
- Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF)coreGarmin has partnered with CBF to provide GPS-enabled Garmin watches to referees during the second PRO Refereeing Training session in Rio de Janeiro (May 18-22, 2026), with 72 referees participating. Garmin's technology helps monitor referee performance remotely during on-pitch activities, with FIFA instructor alignment.
- AMIT GPS & Navigation LLPflagshipAMIT GPS & Navigation LLP is Garmin's authorized distributor in India since 2015, handling distribution of Garmin products including the Forerunner 70 and Forerunner 170 launches in India (scheduled June 2026).
- Bosch eBike SystemscoreBosch announced a free Performance Upgrade 2.0 software update for eBikes with Bosch motors including a new interface for Garmin Edge GPS devices displaying real-time riding data without additional sensors. The integration covers Bosch Performance Line CX and CX-R motors.
- Apple (EU DMA interoperability)coreApple released iOS 26.5 bringing AirPods and Apple Watch-exclusive features like notification responses and proximity pairing to third-party wearables including Garmin, Amazfit, and Huawei in the EU under the Digital Markets Act. Users outside the EU unlikely to receive similar updates.
- JL AudioflagshipGarmin completed its acquisition of JL Audio, a U.S.-based manufacturer of audio solutions including speakers and amplifiers, on September 21, 2023. JL Audio continues to operate under its own name and at its current Florida facilities. The acquisition enhances Garmin's marine segment with JL Audio's premium audio products and has since expanded into home audio (JL Audio Primacy, $105,000) and JL Audio car audio sold on garmin.com.
- Vesper MarineflagshipGarmin acquired Vesper Marine on January 3, 2022, a New Zealand-based (Auckland) provider of marine communication equipment and services including AIS, VHF, and vessel monitoring systems. The acquisition strengthens Garmin's marine product portfolio and is part of Garmin's strategy to bolster marine industry offerings.
- AeroData, Inc.flagshipGarmin International acquired AeroData, Inc. in May 2021, a provider of aircraft performance software and airside performance solutions serving over 135 airlines worldwide. The acquisition expanded Garmin's commercial aviation presence. AeroData now operates as part of Garmin's aviation segment under garmin.com/en-US/aviation/aerodata/.
- Currys & PC World (Top Ten Christmas 2014 Tech Gifts)minorGarmin's Forerunner 15 was featured on Currys & PC World's Top Ten Christmas 2014 Tech Gifts list alongside Samsung Gear Fit and Fitbit Force, demonstrating Garmin's longstanding presence in UK retail channels.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Garmin competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Apple: Apple is the dominant consumer smartwatch vendor with Apple Watch and the broader iPhone-anchored health ecosystem; directly competes with Garmin in fitness/wellness wearables and holds 45-50% US smartwatch revenue share versus Garmin's ~18%.
- Samsung Electronics: Samsung's Galaxy Watch line is the #2 US smartwatch by revenue share and competes across fitness, health, and lifestyle wearables, overlapping with Garmin's Venu, vivoactive, and Forerunner lines on features and mid-tier pricing.
- Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell is a broad incumbent in avionics, flight management systems, and certified cockpit equipment for commercial and business aviation, competing with Garmin's avionics, flight decks, and autopilot portfolio.
Direct peers
- Polar Electro: Polar is a direct competitor in sports/fitness watches and heart rate monitoring (chest straps and optical), with similar athlete-focused positioning to Garmin's Forerunner and fenix lines.
- Coros Wearables: Coros is a direct competitor in premium multisport and outdoor GPS watches (Apex, Vertix), competing head-to-head with Garmin's fenix and Enduro lines on battery life and endurance features.
- Fitbit (Google): Fitbit (acquired by Google) competes across fitness trackers and mid-tier smartwatches, with overlapping health/fitness tracking features; competes with Garmin's entry-level Forerunner and vivoactive lines.
- Raymarine (FLIR Systems): Raymarine is a direct marine electronics competitor offering chartplotters, sonar, radar, and AIS — overlapping with Garmin's marine product portfolio in chartplotters, fishfinders, and VHF marine radios.
- Suunto: Suunto competes in sports, dive, and outdoor GPS watches (Suunto 9, Vertical, D5), directly overlapping with Garmin's Forerunner, fenix, and Descent dive computer lines.
- TomTom: TomTom competes with Garmin's automotive GPS navigation portfolio across aftermarket and OEM automotive mapping and location services, both as standalone devices and embedded software.
Emerging players
- Whoop: Whoop is a subscription-only fitness band focused on recovery, strain, and sleep, capturing share in the wellness/biometric segment where Garmin's Body Battery and HRV Status features compete.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Garmin social profiles
Digital presenceGarmin financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Garmin leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Garmin subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Garmin funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Garmin M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A38 records
Investments3 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Garmin
What does Garmin do?
Garmin designs and manufactures GPS-enabled hardware across five verticals — Fitness, Outdoor Recreation, Marine, Aviation, and Automotive — including smartwatches (Forerunner, fēnix, Venu, Instinct, MARQ), Edge cycling computers, marine chartplotters/fishfinders, FAA-certified avionics, automotive/RV navigators, handheld GPS units, and inReach satellite communicators. The company also sells JL Audio car and home audio products, software platforms (Garmin Connect, Connect IQ, Garmin Pilot, Navionics, ActiveCaptain), and the Garmin Health enterprise biometrics API.
Is Garmin a public or private company?
Garmin is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Garmin founded?
Garmin was founded in 1989. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Garmin based?
Garmin is headquartered in Olathe, United States, in the North America region.
How does Garmin make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Consumer Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are subscription Services (inReach, Garmin Pilot), map and Software Licensing, aviation and Marine Avionics/Electronics, automotive OEM and Aftermarket Solutions, health and Wellness Data Services and premium Home Audio (JL Audio Primacy).
Who are Garmin's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Apple, Samsung Electronics and Honeywell Aerospace. Direct peers are Polar Electro, Coros Wearables, Fitbit (Google), Raymarine (FLIR Systems), Suunto and TomTom. Whoop is listed as an emerging player.
Does Garmin have an API?
Yes. Garmin offers a developer platform (developer.garmin.com) that includes the Connect IQ SDK for building watch faces, data fields, widgets, and apps for Garmin smartwatches. Garmin also offers the Garmin Health API, a partner-facing API that enables third-party platforms to access biometric data (heart rate, HRV, sleep, stress, activity) from Garmin devices. The Health API was confirmed in use by Soaak Technologies for integrating biometric data into an AI-enabled human performance platform. The Garmin Connect Mobile app and Garmin Express desktop application serve as the consumer-facing companion software for device management and data sync. Developer documentation is at developer.garmin.com.
What industry is Garmin in?
Garmin's product category is Consumer Electronics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACAIAA, Smartwatches, with a secondary code of CRACAKAC, Sensors & Modules (IMU, GPS, Camera, RF) Retail. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.