10 Best Garmin Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin tactix 8 Elite is a robust, premium tactical GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals needing advanced navigation and durability. Its standout features include a large 1.4-inch solar-charged display which helps extend battery life, paired with a sturdy titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it highly durable. The watch excels in GPS and navigation with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology for pinpoint accuracy, plus built-in sensors like compass and barometric altimeter to aid outdoor navigation. It supports specialized tactical functions such as jumpmaster mode, waypoint projection, stealth mode, and compatibility with night vision goggles which are ideal for tactical use.

For fitness and health tracking, it offers comprehensive monitoring including wrist-based heart rate, sleep, respiration, Pulse Ox, and even an ECG app. It supports a wide range of sports and training plans to improve endurance and strength. The watch is water-resistant to 40 meters, suitable for swimming and diving activities, including scuba and apnea diving.

Smart features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, notifications, and the ability to sync with the AB Quantum mobile app for managing ballistic profiles and targets. Its battery capacity is modest and while solar charging helps, heavy use of GPS and smart features may require frequent charging compared to simpler models. The price and feature set may be more than casual users need, as it is tailored to tactical and serious multisport users. Weighing 95 grams, it offers a reasonable balance of size and build but could feel bulky on smaller wrists. This watch suits those seeking a highly durable, feature-rich tactical smartwatch with advanced navigation and health tracking, while casual fitness users might prefer something simpler and lighter.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a solid choice if you're looking for a premium multisport GPS smartwatch packed with features for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Its large 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and sharp, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and encased in a durable titanium bezel, which makes it sturdy enough for tough conditions. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours when using GPS continuously, so it can keep up with extended trips or intense training sessions without frequent charging.

GPS and navigation tools shine with multi-band satellite accuracy plus added sensors like a barometric altimeter and compass, plus a cool round-trip routing feature for varied workouts. Health and fitness tracking is comprehensive, including heart rate monitoring, sleep and respiration tracking, and even an ECG app. For water lovers, it offers a 40-meter dive rating and supports scuba and apnea diving, which is quite rare in smartwatches.

Smart features include making calls directly from your wrist, voice assistant compatibility, and offline voice commands, adding convenience beyond fitness. While it weighs a bit over 100 grams, it balances comfort with durability. The high-end materials and features come with a premium price, and the depth of data might be overwhelming if you're new to fitness tracking. If you want a rugged, feature-rich watch that excels in sports, navigation, and health monitoring, the fēnix 8 is a strong contender.

The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition smartwatch is designed for high-performance with a focus on advanced training technology. One of its standout features is the large 1.4-inch AMOLED display, which is always-on and protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it durable and suitable for larger wrists. The integrated LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes adds a layer of convenience and safety for nighttime training or general illumination needs. Health monitoring is comprehensive, with 24/7 tracking of metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV), Pulse Ox, and advanced sleep monitoring. These features help users gain insights into their health, training, and recovery, although it's important to note that this is not a medical device and the data is an estimation.

GPS accuracy is enhanced by advanced navigation sensors and multi-band reception technology, ensuring precise positioning even in challenging environments. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 384 hours with optimized usage thanks to SatIQ technology. The smartwatch supports a wide range of sports and activities, making it versatile for various athletic pursuits. Smart features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, along with notifications and activity tracking, offer convenience and integration with Android and iOS devices.

The watch's size and weight may be less comfortable for users with smaller wrists. The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is well-suited for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, accurate GPS, and comprehensive health monitoring in their smartwatch.