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10 Best Garmin Waterproof Watch 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar, Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Charging Capability, Fog Gray/Ember Orange

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,140
GPS Functionality
Battery Life
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1589 reviews

GPS Functionality
GPS connectivity and accuracy are excellent, providing reliable performance for outdoor activities.
Battery Life
The new added features like the touchscreen, transflective display, and extended battery life make it a significant upgrade from older models.
Durability and Build Quality
The sapphire crystal lens is incredibly tough and resistant to scratches, perfect for active lifestyles.
Smart Features
Seamless NFC connection for wallet and payments adds convenience to daily use.
Display Type and Size
The new added features like the touchscreen, transflective display, and extended battery life make it a significant upgrade from older models.

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a robust multisport GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its standout feature is the Power Sapphire solar charging lens, which extends battery life significantly, particularly useful for extended outdoor activities. The built-in flashlight with different intensities is a practical addition for nighttime training or emergencies.

This watch also excels in health and fitness tracking, boasting features like heart rate variability (HRV) status, Pulse Ox for altitude acclimation, and advanced sleep monitoring, making it a comprehensive tool for monitoring your overall health and training progress. The new hill score and endurance score features provide insights into your running strength and endurance over time, adding more depth to your training data analysis.

Advanced navigation with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology ensures accurate positioning and optimized battery life, crucial for outdoor explorations. Durability is another strong point, with its fiber-reinforced polymer case, titanium bezel, and rear cover, making it resilient against harsh conditions. The 1.3-inch display is clear and easy to read, complementing the watch's robust build. However, the watch may be a bit bulky for those with smaller wrists, and some might find the multitude of features overwhelming if they are only looking for basic functionality.

The watch is priced on the higher end, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Nevertheless, with 32 GB of storage, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with iOS and Android, it offers ample smart features alongside its fitness and navigation capabilities. This watch is particularly well-suited for athletes, outdoor adventurers, and those who value extensive health monitoring and long battery life.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,140
GPS Functionality
Battery Life
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
1589 reviews

GPS Functionality
GPS connectivity and accuracy are excellent, providing reliable performance for outdoor activities.
Battery Life
The new added features like the touchscreen, transflective display, and extended battery life make it a significant upgrade from older models.
Durability and Build Quality
The sapphire crystal lens is incredibly tough and resistant to scratches, perfect for active lifestyles.
Smart Features
Seamless NFC connection for wallet and payments adds convenience to daily use.
Display Type and Size
The new added features like the touchscreen, transflective display, and extended battery life make it a significant upgrade from older models.
#2

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm Dust Rose Case and Silicone Band

Rating
9.4
GPS Functionality
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4746 reviews

GPS Functionality
Fitness tracking is highly accurate, with seamless GPS tracking for activities like running, biking, and swimming.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting several days even with heavy use, which is a significant advantage.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The heart rate monitor is precise, and the watch automatically tracks workouts without needing manual input.
Display Type and Size
The vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, enhancing usability in various lighting conditions.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a versatile smartwatch that stands out for its impressive health monitoring capabilities and smart features. With a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, it not only looks good but also offers clear visibility in various lighting conditions. The watch boasts a solid water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. Users can enjoy up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, which is quite generous for a device packed with features.

A key highlight is the Body Battery energy monitoring, allowing you to track your energy levels and recover effectively. It also provides personalized insights into your sleep and stress levels, which can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. With built-in GPS functionality, fitness enthusiasts can track outdoor activities accurately without needing a phone.

The smartwatch also includes a variety of smart features, such as the ability to make and receive calls, respond to messages via voice, and stream music from popular services. For wheelchair users, it has a dedicated mode to track pushes, making it inclusive for a broader audience. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The watch may be a bit bulky for those with smaller wrists, and while it offers a wide range of health metrics, some users may find the data presented to be just estimates rather than precise measurements. Additionally, syncing with certain apps might require a premium subscription, which could deter some potential buyers. In terms of usability, while the touch screen is convenient, navigating through numerous features may feel overwhelming for less tech-savvy users. Nonetheless, its user-friendly interface generally mitigates this concern.

Rating
9.4
GPS Functionality
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
4746 reviews

GPS Functionality
Fitness tracking is highly accurate, with seamless GPS tracking for activities like running, biking, and swimming.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting several days even with heavy use, which is a significant advantage.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The heart rate monitor is precise, and the watch automatically tracks workouts without needing manual input.
Display Type and Size
The vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, enhancing usability in various lighting conditions.
#3

Garmin Instinct® 3 50mm, AMOLED Display, Rugged Outdoor GPS Smartwatch, Metal-Reinforced Bezel, Built-in Flashlight, Up to 18 Days of Battery Life, Charcoal

Rating
9.4
Durability and Build Quality
Display Type and Size

Most important from
999 reviews

Durability and Build Quality
The build quality is exceptional, combining durability with a rugged yet refined appearance.
Display Type and Size
The large, vibrant color screen significantly enhances readability in various conditions.

The Garmin Instinct 3 is built tough with a 50mm fiber-reinforced polymer case and a metal-reinforced bezel, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a rugged, waterproof outdoor watch. Its 1.3-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, which is a nice upgrade over traditional screens in this category, helping you easily read data outdoors. GPS functionality is strong, featuring multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology for accurate navigation and optimized battery use, aided by a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. This makes it reliable for hiking, trail running, or other adventures.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 days under normal use and even longer with power-saving modes, so you won’t worry about frequent charging on trips. Health tracking is comprehensive, including wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox, and advanced sleep monitoring, though it’s important to remember these are estimates and not medical-grade. The built-in flashlight with adjustable brightness and strobe modes adds practical value in low-light situations.

The watch is fairly large at 50mm, which might feel bulky for smaller wrists. Also, its weight is just under 60 grams, so it’s not the lightest option if you prefer something more minimal. While it offers smart features like notifications and multisport tracking, it may lack some of the app variety or touchscreen responsiveness found on other smartwatches. This Garmin model is especially well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, reliable GPS, long battery life, and solid health monitoring in a waterproof package.

Rating
9.4
Durability and Build Quality
Display Type and Size

Most important from
999 reviews

Durability and Build Quality
The build quality is exceptional, combining durability with a rugged yet refined appearance.
Display Type and Size
The large, vibrant color screen significantly enhances readability in various conditions.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Waterproof Watch

When choosing a Garmin waterproof watch, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the watch. Whether you're a swimmer, diver, or just someone who wants a durable watch for everyday use, understanding the key specifications will help you make the best choice. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the perfect fit for you.
Water Resistance RatingThe water resistance rating indicates how well the watch can withstand water exposure. This is crucial if you plan to use the watch for swimming, diving, or other water activities. Ratings are usually given in meters (e.g., 50m, 100m, 200m). A rating of 50m is suitable for swimming, 100m for snorkeling, and 200m or more for diving. Choose a rating based on the water activities you engage in most frequently.
GPS FunctionalityGPS functionality allows the watch to track your location, distance, and pace, which is particularly useful for outdoor activities like running, hiking, and cycling. Some watches offer basic GPS, while others provide advanced features like route planning and navigation. If you need precise tracking and navigation, opt for a watch with advanced GPS capabilities.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is important for long-duration activities or multi-day trips. Watches with basic features may last several days, while those with advanced features like GPS and heart rate monitoring may have shorter battery life. Consider your usage patterns and choose a watch with a battery life that matches your needs.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring tracks your heart rate during activities, providing valuable data for fitness and health tracking. Some watches offer basic heart rate monitoring, while others provide advanced metrics like VO2 max and stress levels. If you are focused on fitness and health, choose a watch with comprehensive heart rate monitoring features.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality ensure the watch can withstand rough conditions and long-term use. Look for materials like stainless steel, titanium, or reinforced polymers. If you engage in rugged activities or need a watch that can handle daily wear and tear, prioritize durability and high-quality materials.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include notifications, music control, contactless payments, and more. These features can enhance convenience and connectivity. If you want a watch that integrates seamlessly with your smartphone and offers additional functionalities, look for models with a wide range of smart features.
Display Type and SizeThe display type and size affect readability and usability. Options include LCD, OLED, and transflective displays, each with different visibility in various lighting conditions. Larger displays are easier to read but may be bulkier. Choose a display type and size that offers good visibility and fits comfortably on your wrist.

FAQ