10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for users seeking premium performance and rugged reliability. It features a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, delivering sharp and easily readable display quality in various lighting conditions. Its titanium bezel adds durability while keeping the watch lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.

Battery life is robust for a feature-rich device, supported by a 759mAh lithium-ion cell, though intensive use of GPS and satellite communication may reduce it. The built-in GPS is highly accurate and enhanced by preloaded TopoActive maps and navigation tools, making it ideal for activities like hiking, skiing, and golf. Comprehensive health monitoring includes wrist-based heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, HRV, ECG app, and a Pulse Ox sensor, offering detailed wellness insights without serving as a medical device.

Water resistance rated to 40 meters supports swimming and scuba diving, with leakproof metal buttons to prevent moisture ingress. A standout feature is the inReach satellite technology, providing two-way messaging and SOS functions even when off the grid, which requires an active subscription but can be lifesaving during remote adventures. Smart features include LTE calls and messaging, music playback, and tracking sharing without needing a nearby phone. The watch is somewhat larger and heavier, which may not appeal to those preferring minimalist wearables, and its premium materials and advanced technology come with a higher price point. It is best suited for serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, and anyone needing robust navigation, safety, and detailed health tracking.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a stylish smartwatch featuring a vibrant 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that offers sharp, colorful visuals, making it easy to read your stats and notifications. Its battery life of up to 10 days in standard smartwatch mode is impressive, allowing you to go many days between charges, which is convenient for everyday use. The watch includes built-in GPS that supports over 30 sports apps, so it’s a good choice if you enjoy activities like running, cycling, swimming, or golf and want reliable location tracking.

It also offers advanced health tracking with features like Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep coaching, and heart rate monitoring, helping you understand your fitness and rest better. You can even make and take calls or respond to texts right from the watch when connected to your smartphone, which adds useful smart features. While the watch has a built-in speaker and microphone, these functions depend on your phone connection, so it’s not fully standalone for calls. The watch is designed to be durable and water-resistant, suitable for swimming and daily wear.

With a lightweight design and a soft silicone band, it feels comfortable to wear all day. The Garmin Venu 3S is suitable for those who want a health-focused smartwatch with good battery life, vibrant display, reliable GPS, and useful smart features in a compact and stylish design. It might be less ideal if you need a watch with fully independent calling.

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.