10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 (47 mm) is a solid choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a premium multisport smartwatch. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, so it looks good and stands up well to rough use. The titanium bezel adds extra durability while keeping the watch lightweight. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and about 47 hours with GPS active, which is great for long trips or extended training sessions.

GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, making it reliable for navigation and tracking even in challenging environments. The watch also includes a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter to support outdoor adventures. It offers excellent water resistance with a 40-meter dive rating, suitable for swimming and scuba diving.

For health tracking, the watch has continuous heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep and respiration tracking, and a Pulse Ox sensor to estimate blood oxygen levels, although these readings are not medical-grade. Smart features are well thought out, with a built-in microphone and speaker allowing calls from the wrist, voice assistant support, and even off-grid voice commands without needing your phone nearby. Its 32 GB memory and Garmin OS ensure smooth operation, and the touchscreen is responsive. The Garmin fēnix 8 is an excellent option for serious athletes and adventurers who want a tough, versatile smartwatch with long battery life, accurate GPS, and rich health and smart functionalities. Casual users might find it more than they need, but for those pushing their limits outdoors, it serves as a dependable companion.

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a solid choice if you want a versatile fitness smartwatch with a bright and clear AMOLED display, making it easy to see your stats even outdoors. It offers an impressive battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which means fewer charges compared to many other smartwatches. The built-in GPS is reliable for tracking your outdoor activities like running or cycling, while heart rate monitoring is comprehensive, including features like stress tracking, sleep scoring, and menstrual cycle tracking. This watch goes beyond basics by giving personalized health insights and animated workouts, which is great if you want guidance on exercises and recovery.

The watch is designed to be durable and water-resistant, suitable for swimming and various sports. It also supports smart features like notifications and alarms, helping you stay connected without constant phone checking. The lightweight design and comfortable band add to everyday wearability.

A relatively small 1.2-inch screen might feel a bit cramped if you prefer larger displays, although the AMOLED quality helps compensate with sharp visuals. While the battery life is excellent in normal use, using GPS and advanced features continuously will reduce it faster, which is typical for this kind of device. The watch runs on Garmin’s own OS, so app options are more limited compared to some other smartwatches but are focused on fitness and health tracking. The vívoactive 6 is well-suited for fitness enthusiasts and those wanting detailed health monitoring with good battery life and reliable GPS, wrapped in a stylish and durable package.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile health and fitness GPS smartwatch, ideal for those who want comprehensive health monitoring and fitness tracking. Its standout feature is the bright, colorful AMOLED display, which makes it easy to view information clearly. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you don't have to worry about frequent charging. GPS accuracy is reliable, which is great for outdoor activities like running and cycling. The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and various water sports.

Activity tracking is extensive, covering over 30 built-in sports apps, including unique features like wheelchair mode and nap detection for a more personalized fitness experience. Additionally, it provides useful smart features such as music downloads, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. However, the 1.2-inch screen size might feel a bit small for some users, and the memory storage capacity is limited to 4 GB, which might not be enough for those who like to store a lot of music or data directly on the watch.

The watch's durability and build quality are robust, ensuring it can withstand regular use. The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in health and activity tracking, making it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to improve their health.