10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

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 Instinct 3 is a rugged outdoor GPS smartwatch designed to handle tough environments while offering useful smart features. Its standout strength is the impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 days, which is excellent if you need long-lasting performance without frequent charging. The display is a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED screen, providing clear visuals, though its size is relatively small which might not suit everyone. Durability is a key focus here, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal bezel that protect the watch from rough use. It’s also water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and outdoor adventures.

GPS accuracy is enhanced with multi-band SatIQ technology, combined with a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, helping you navigate confidently in the wild. Heart rate monitoring and advanced health features like Pulse Ox and sleep tracking give you good insights into your fitness and health, although these measurements are approximate and not medical-grade. The built-in flashlight is a helpful addition for low-light situations.

Smart features include activity tracking, notifications, and multisport modes, but the watch doesn’t have as many app options or customization as some other smartwatches designed primarily for everyday urban use. This makes it best suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, reliable GPS, and long battery life over extensive touchscreen apps. For those seeking a tough, dependable smartwatch with solid health tracking and excellent battery endurance for outdoor activities, the Garmin Instinct 3 is a fitting choice.

The Garmin tactix® 8 is a premium tactical GPS smartwatch that stands out with its 1.4-inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel, and sapphire lens, ensuring durability and clarity. One of its standout features is the extensive battery life, offering up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and up to 84 hours in GPS mode, making it perfect for long adventures. The multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology provides superior positioning accuracy, which is essential for tactical and outdoor activities. Dedicated tactical features such as jumpmaster, stealth mode, and night vision compatibility make it highly suitable for military and tactical professionals. Additionally, it includes a built-in LED flashlight for visibility in low-light conditions.

Health monitoring is comprehensive, with 24/7 heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox, though it's important to note that some features may not be available in all regions. The 40-meter dive rating is impressive, supporting scuba and apnea diving activities, making it a versatile choice for water sports enthusiasts. The smartwatch also offers a full range of smart features, including notifications and connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB.

On the downside, its advanced features and robust design come with a higher price tag, which might not be justified for casual users. Additionally, its weight of 92 grams may feel bulky for some users. While the tactix® 8 excels in tactical and outdoor scenarios, it might be overkill for those who need a simpler smartwatch for everyday use. For those who need a rugged, feature-packed smartwatch, it's a solid choice.