Looking for an honest Garmin Forerunner vs Honor Band 8 comparison in 2026? We scored both fitness trackers on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Honor Band 8 comes out ahead 33/100 to 53/100 — a 20-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Honor Band 8 pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Honor Band 8 undercuts the Garmin Forerunner by 237% ($59 vs $199), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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Honor Band 8 clearly outperforms the Garmin Forerunner in the fitness trackers category, especially in value ($59 vs $199), scoring 53 vs 33. If you want the better overall fitness trackers, Honor Band 8 is the recommended choice.
Picking Honor Band 8 over Garmin Forerunner means trading these off.
Rien d'essentiel — les spécifications sont pratiquement identiques
$199
Scores are relative within the fitness trackerscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
| Spec | Garmin Forerunner | Honor Band 8W |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.04" | 1.6"✓ |
| Display Type | Transflective | AMOLED |
| Heart Rate | true | true |
| SpO2 | false | true |
| ECG | false | false |
| GPS | true | false |
| Battery Life | 168hrs | 180hrs✓ |
| NFC | false | false |
| Weight | 37g | 28g✓ |
| Price | 199$ | 59$✓ |
Buy Garmin Forerunner if…
The Garmin Forerunner is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy Honor Band 8 if…
Buy the Honor Band 8 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Honor Band 8 clearly outperforms the Garmin Forerunner in the fitness trackers category, especially in value ($59 vs $199), scoring 53 vs 33. If you want the better overall fitness trackers, Honor Band 8 is the recommended choice.
No, Honor Band 8 scores higher (53 vs 33).
Honor Band 8 is cheaper at $59 vs $199 for the Garmin Forerunner.
The Garmin Forerunner is worth considering if you prefer its specific design, ecosystem, or brand — though it scores lower overall in our comparison.
Buy the Honor Band 8 if you want the best overall value in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Honor Band 8 lasts longer with 180 hours vs 168 hours for the other.
Honor Band 8 has the larger display (1.6" vs 1.04").
Honor Band 8 is lighter at 28g vs 37g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.