10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin tactix 8 is a robust and feature-packed smartwatch designed especially for tactical and outdoor use. It stands out with its 1.4-inch solar-charged display, titanium bezel, and sapphire lens, making it very durable and scratch-resistant. Its battery life benefits from solar charging, which can extend use during outdoor activities. GPS accuracy is excellent due to multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, ideal for precise navigation in challenging environments.

Heart rate monitoring is comprehensive and includes advanced health tracking like sleep, respiration, Pulse Ox, and an ECG app. Water resistance is strong, supporting dives up to 40 meters, making it suitable for swimming and diving. Smart features cover a wide range, from tactical functions like jumpmaster and stealth mode to general fitness tracking and compatibility with a companion app for managing profiles and targets. The watch also offers aviation navigation and preloaded maps, making it versatile beyond just fitness.

The watch excels in durability and specialized features, though its weight is slightly on the heavier side at 95 grams, which might feel bulky for casual users. The memory is limited, and the smartwatch operates on Garmin's OS, which is user-friendly but may feel different if you're used to other platforms. For those seeking a top-tier tactical smartwatch with broad outdoor capabilities and premium build, this model is a strong choice. However, if you prefer a lighter, simpler everyday smartwatch, this might be more than you need.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a robust multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable performance and durability. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED display offers bright, sharp visuals protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. The titanium bezel and pebble gray band add to its premium and rugged feel.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours with continuous GPS use, so it easily supports long adventures without frequent charging. GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology and built-in sensors, ensuring precise location tracking and turn-by-turn navigation for varied workouts or outdoor exploration. The watch provides comprehensive health monitoring, including wrist-based heart rate tracking, advanced sleep analysis, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox measurements. It also offers an ECG app to check heart rhythm for atrial fibrillation.

With a 40-meter dive rating and leakproof metal buttons, it supports scuba and apnea diving, reinforcing its water resistance and durability. Smart features include making and taking calls directly from the wrist, voice assistant integration, and offline voice commands, adding convenience for daily use. This smartwatch is well suited for active users who want a high-end, durable device with excellent battery life, reliable GPS, and extensive fitness tracking capabilities.

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a robust multisport GPS smartwatch that offers an impressive array of features suited for active individuals. One of its standout features is the Power Sapphire solar charging lens, which extends battery life significantly, making it ideal for long outdoor activities. The watch's GPS accuracy is enhanced with multi-band technology, ensuring precise tracking even in challenging environments. Water resistance and a durable build, including a titanium bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer case, make it suitable for various sports, including swimming and hiking.

Activity tracking is comprehensive, covering a wide range of metrics from running power to advanced sleep monitoring, helping users get a detailed understanding of their performance and recovery. The built-in flashlight is a unique addition that enhances safety and convenience during nighttime activities. Smart features such as Bluetooth connectivity, wireless communication, and preloaded maps for golf courses and ski resorts add to its versatility.

However, the watch's high price and somewhat bulky design may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, while the display quality is good, it may not be as vibrant as some competitors. The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is best suited for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who need a rugged, feature-rich smartwatch that can keep up with their demanding lifestyles.