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10 Best Garmin Altimeter Watches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS, Built for All Elements, Multi-GNSS Support, Tracback Routing and More, graphite

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,205
Battery Life
GPS and Navigation Features
Smart Features

Most important from
2930 reviews

Battery Life
The monochrome LCD screen is easy to read in bright sunlight and the battery life is measured in weeks, not hours.
GPS and Navigation Features
Dedicated buttons make navigation intuitive and prevent accidental inputs, providing a clear and easy-to-use interface.
Smart Features
Garmin Pay is available, though it requires phone connectivity and support from your bank.

The Garmin Instinct 2 is a rugged smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable GPS and navigation features. One of its standout strengths is its durability; it is water-rated to 100 meters and can withstand thermal and shock impacts due to its fiber-reinforced polymer case and Gorilla Glass. This makes it an excellent choice for adventurers who engage in activities like hiking, biking, and swimming.

Battery life is another highlight, offering up to 28 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, which is impressive for a device with such advanced features. Users can enjoy smart notifications and access Garmin’s Connect IQ store for additional apps, enhancing the connected experience.

The built-in barometric altimeter and support for multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) provide good altitude tracking and navigation capabilities, essential for outdoor activities. It also features a 3-axis compass, which aids in orientation during treks. On the health monitoring side, this watch tracks metrics like heart rate, sleep, and Pulse Ox. However, the Pulse Ox feature may not be available in all areas.

There are some drawbacks. While the screen size is compact at 1.12 inches, it may be difficult for some users to read in bright sunlight due to its lower resolution (480 x 272). The watch's design might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a more stylish option for everyday wear. Additionally, while the watch is feature-rich for fitness enthusiasts, some users may find the learning curve steep if they're not familiar with smartwatches.

The Garmin Instinct 2 is a solid choice for outdoor adventurers seeking a rugged, feature-packed watch that excels in durability, battery life, and navigation capabilities.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,205
Battery Life
GPS and Navigation Features
Smart Features

Most important from
2930 reviews

Battery Life
The monochrome LCD screen is easy to read in bright sunlight and the battery life is measured in weeks, not hours.
GPS and Navigation Features
Dedicated buttons make navigation intuitive and prevent accidental inputs, providing a clear and easy-to-use interface.
Smart Features
Garmin Pay is available, though it requires phone connectivity and support from your bank.
#2

Garmin epix Gen 2, Premium active smartwatch, Health and wellness features, touchscreen AMOLED display, adventure watch with advanced features, white titanium

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
245 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting for multiple weeks even with the always-on display enabled, which is a significant improvement over other smartwatches.
Durability and Build Quality
The titanium version looks impressive, although the bezel may scratch if not handled carefully.

The Garmin epix Gen 2 is an advanced smartwatch designed for an active lifestyle, featuring a bright 1.3-inch AMOLED display that is always-on. Its altimeter accuracy is reliable, thanks to the multi-band GNSS technology that ensures precise positioning even in challenging environments. The watch offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 16 days in smartwatch mode with gestures, and up to 42 hours in GPS mode. However, the battery life reduces significantly with the always-on display mode, which might be a trade-off for some users.

The durability and build quality are top-notch, with select models offering a sapphire display and titanium bezel, making it robust for outdoor adventures. GPS and navigation features are extensive, including preloaded maps for skiing and golfing, and the ability to download TopoActive maps via Wi-Fi. The smartwatch also excels in health and wellness monitoring, offering features like Pulse Ox, heart rate, stress tracking, and advanced sleep monitoring. However, it's important to note that these health metrics are estimations and not medical-grade data.

Comfort and fit are well-addressed, but individual preferences may vary. The watch supports a plethora of sports apps and training features, making it versatile for various activities. Smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, smart notifications, and safety tracking add to its modern appeal. While it is a premium product with comprehensive functionalities, its high price point and reduced battery life in always-on mode could be potential drawbacks for some users. Those who prioritize advanced features and robust build quality for an active, adventurous lifestyle will find this watch particularly beneficial.

Rating
9.6
Battery Life
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
245 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting for multiple weeks even with the always-on display enabled, which is a significant improvement over other smartwatches.
Durability and Build Quality
The titanium version looks impressive, although the bezel may scratch if not handled carefully.
#3

Garmin Forerunner® 955 Solar, GPS Running Smartwatch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02638-00

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
GPS and Navigation Features
Smart Features

Most important from
1406 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life on this watch is next level, making it perfect for extended use without frequent charging.
GPS and Navigation Features
Great tracking for running and swimming, with easy-to-use start, pause, and stop functions.
Smart Features
The watch is packed with features, from tracking sleep, HRV, heart rate, and stress levels to syncing with Strava for endurance activities.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a standout, with users often forgetting they are even wearing the watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a highly capable smartwatch designed especially for triathletes and outdoor enthusiasts. One of its standout features is its battery life, lasting up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and even longer with solar charging, which is excellent for extended outdoor activities. The GPS and navigation capabilities are impressive, offering built-in mapping and access to multiple global navigation systems for accurate tracking, even in challenging environments. This can be particularly beneficial for those who engage in running or cycling on varied terrains.

The watch's durability is solid, built to withstand outdoor conditions, making it a dependable companion for adventure-seekers. The touchscreen is responsive, allowing easy navigation through maps and stats, which enhances the user experience.

On the smart features front, the Forerunner 955 provides a wealth of insights into training readiness, sleep quality, and heart rate variability, helping users optimize their training and recovery. Its morning report feature is a thoughtful addition, offering a comprehensive overview at the start of the day. The design, while functional, may not appeal to those looking for a more classic watch aesthetic.

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
GPS and Navigation Features
Smart Features

Most important from
1406 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life on this watch is next level, making it perfect for extended use without frequent charging.
GPS and Navigation Features
Great tracking for running and swimming, with easy-to-use start, pause, and stop functions.
Smart Features
The watch is packed with features, from tracking sleep, HRV, heart rate, and stress levels to syncing with Strava for endurance activities.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a standout, with users often forgetting they are even wearing the watch.

Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Altimeter Watches

Choosing the right Garmin altimeter watch can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, or skiing. These watches come with a variety of features that can help you navigate and track your performance. To make the best choice, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs.
AltimeterAn altimeter measures altitude, which is crucial for activities like hiking and climbing where knowing your elevation can help with navigation and safety. Altimeters can be barometric or GPS-based. Barometric altimeters are more accurate in measuring elevation changes, while GPS-based altimeters are better for overall altitude tracking. If you need precise elevation data for climbing or hiking, a barometric altimeter is ideal. For general altitude tracking, a GPS-based altimeter will suffice.
Battery LifeBattery life is important because it determines how long you can use the watch without needing to recharge. Garmin altimeter watches can have varying battery lives depending on their features and usage modes. For example, watches with GPS tracking will consume more battery. If you plan on long outdoor adventures, look for a watch with extended battery life or power-saving modes. For shorter trips or daily use, a standard battery life should be adequate.
GPSGPS functionality allows the watch to track your location, which is essential for navigation and mapping your routes. Some Garmin watches offer multi-GNSS support, which means they can connect to multiple satellite systems for better accuracy. If you need precise location tracking for complex routes or off-the-grid adventures, opt for a watch with advanced GPS features. For casual use or simple navigation, basic GPS functionality will be sufficient.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the watch can withstand harsh conditions like extreme temperatures, water, and physical impact. Garmin altimeter watches are often designed to be rugged and durable, but the level of durability can vary. If you engage in intense outdoor activities, look for watches with high water resistance, shockproof features, and robust materials. For everyday use or less demanding activities, standard durability features will be enough.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow the watch to sync with your smartphone or other devices, enabling features like notifications, data transfer, and app integration. If you want to stay connected and access additional functionalities, choose a watch with strong connectivity options. For users who prefer a standalone device without much interaction with other gadgets, basic connectivity features will be adequate.
DisplayThe display is important for readability and ease of use. Garmin altimeter watches come with various types of displays, including LCD, OLED, and transflective screens. Transflective screens are great for outdoor visibility, while OLED screens offer vibrant colors and better indoor visibility. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, prioritize a watch with a transflective display. For mixed indoor and outdoor use, an OLED or LCD display might be more suitable.
Additional SensorsAdditional sensors like heart rate monitors, thermometers, and compasses can enhance the functionality of your watch. These sensors provide valuable data for fitness tracking, environmental monitoring, and navigation. If you need comprehensive data for health and performance tracking, choose a watch with multiple sensors. For basic altitude and navigation needs, a watch with fewer sensors will be sufficient.

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