10 Best Garmin Smartwatch 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 stands out as a premium multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Its bright 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a sapphire lens offers excellent display quality that’s both vibrant and durable, well-suited for varied lighting conditions. The titanium bezel adds to its robustness, complemented by a 40-meter dive rating and leakproof metal buttons, making it a reliable companion for water sports and rugged environments. When it comes to battery life, this watch impresses with up to 16 days in regular smartwatch mode and around 47 hours using GPS continuously, which is great for long trips without frequent charging. The GPS system is enhanced with multi-band SatIQ technology and onboard sensors like compass and barometer, providing precise navigation and tracking for outdoor activities.

Health monitoring is comprehensive, including wrist-based heart rate, sleep analysis, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox for blood oxygen levels. Advanced features like an ECG app help track heart rhythm, though some metrics are approximations rather than medical-grade readings. Activity tracking covers many sports with tailored workouts and real-time stamina feedback, helping users train smartly and avoid injury. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, enabling calls, notifications, and voice assistant use directly from the wrist, even offline commands for certain controls.

The watch is packed with features and built to last but may feel a bit bulky for casual users or those seeking a simpler smartwatch. It is best suited for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged, feature-rich smartwatch with excellent battery life and accurate GPS, while it might be more than needed for everyday casual use.

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is a rugged multisport GPS watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes who want reliable performance and detailed health insights. Its standout feature is the solar charging lens, which extends battery life significantly when exposed to sunlight, making it great for long adventures. The watch offers strong GPS accuracy thanks to its multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, which is helpful for precise navigation in challenging environments.

It includes extensive health monitoring like heart rate variability, Pulse Ox for altitude adjustment, and advanced sleep tracking, giving a broad view of your wellness, though it’s important to remember this data is an estimate, not a medical diagnosis. Activity tracking is diverse with features supporting running power, strength training, and endurance scoring across multiple sports, making it suitable for athletes wanting to improve performance. The built-in LED flashlight is a unique addition, boosting safety during nighttime workouts. The 1.3-inch touchscreen display is clear and responsive, housed in a tough fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium bezel that adds extra durability. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, allowing easy syncing and updates.

On the downside, the watch is relatively heavy at 73 grams and a bit bulky at 47 mm, which might feel large for those with smaller wrists. The battery capacity listed (30 mAh) seems low but is supplemented by solar charging and power-saving GPS modes, so actual battery life is much better than that number suggests. To summarize, this smartwatch suits active users who want a durable, feature-rich device with excellent GPS and health tracking, but it may be more than casual users need or want to wear daily due to its size and weight.

The Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a strong choice for anyone looking for a rugged multisport GPS smartwatch. Its standout feature is the solar charging lens, which extends battery life significantly by using sunlight, letting you go for weeks between charges in smartwatch mode—great if you spend a lot of time outdoors. The built-in GPS uses advanced multi-band SatIQ technology, which improves positioning accuracy while conserving battery, so you can trust it during runs, hikes, or other activities. This watch provides extensive health monitoring, including heart rate variability, Pulse Ox for oxygen levels, and advanced sleep tracking, giving a well-rounded view of your wellness and recovery.

Activity tracking is thorough with new fitness features like hill and endurance scores to help you gauge your training progress. The 1.2-inch round display offers clear visuals and is protected by a tough Power Sapphire lens, making it durable against scratches. The case material and bezel options enhance its strength without making it bulky; at 58 grams, it’s comfortable to wear. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, USB, and Wi-Fi, allowing easy syncing and updates. An added practical touch is the built-in LED flashlight, useful for nighttime workouts or low-light conditions.

On the downside, the screen resolution (480 x 272) isn't the sharpest compared to some competitors, and while the smartwatch OS is effective, it might feel less intuitive for those used to more mainstream platforms. Also, some health features like Pulse Ox may not be available everywhere. This watch is well suited for active individuals who want a durable, feature-packed device that excels in battery life and GPS accuracy, especially outdoors, but it might be more than casual users need.