10 Best Garmin Smartwatch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable performance and durability. It features a bright and sharp 1.4-inch AMOLED display protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it easy to read in various conditions. The titanium bezel enhances its ruggedness, and a unique built-in LED flashlight adds functionality for night activities. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 29 days in regular smartwatch mode and 84 hours with GPS active, reducing the need for frequent charging during extended adventures.

The GPS functionality is highly accurate, utilizing multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology to provide precise navigation even in challenging environments. Health and activity tracking cover a wide range of metrics including heart rate, sleep, respiration, Pulse Ox, and ECG for heart rhythm monitoring. While these features offer valuable insights, the watch is not a medical device. It supports targeted training plans and monitors readiness based on recovery and sleep quality, helping users train more effectively. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and built-in speaker and microphone for calls and voice commands, with offline commands available to control the watch without a nearby phone.

The watch is dive-rated to 40 meters and sealed with metal buttons, making it suitable for scuba and apnea diving enthusiasts. However, its premium price and relatively heavy weight of 102 grams may feel bulky for some users. Additionally, some advanced health features like Pulse Ox and ECG may not be available everywhere. This smartwatch is well-suited for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers who want a durable, feature-rich device with excellent battery life and accurate GPS, although it might exceed the needs of casual users.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a high-end smartwatch designed especially for runners and triathletes who want detailed insights and durability. Its vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display is sharp and easy to read even in different lighting conditions, enhanced by a built-in LED flashlight for early morning or nighttime runs. Battery life lasts up to 15 days in regular smartwatch mode and up to 26 hours with GPS active, supporting long training sessions or races.

The GPS uses multi-band technology and full-color maps, providing accurate tracking and smart route suggestions if you stray from your planned path. Health monitoring offers advanced features like running economy and running power metrics (some requiring additional accessories), sleep quality analysis, and ECG heart rhythm detection, which depends on your country. For activity tracking, it supports multisport auto-transition, enabling easy switching between swim, bike, and run without manual input.

The lightweight titanium bezel and sapphire lens add durability while keeping the watch comfortable to wear. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB, allowing phone calls and voice assistant use directly from the wrist when paired with your smartphone. The smartwatch is best suited for dedicated athletes wanting detailed performance insights and reliable outdoor use, rather than casual users looking for basic fitness tracking.

The Garmin fēnix® 8 is a standout choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a robust multisport GPS smartwatch. Its bright 1.3” AMOLED display, coupled with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, ensures clarity and durability in various environments. One of its biggest strengths is battery life, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 28 hours in GPS mode, which is impressive for extended adventures. The device excels in fitness and health tracking, offering features like real-time stamina tracking, heart rate monitoring, and advanced sleep analytics, making it ideal for serious training regimens.

For navigation, the fēnix® 8 boasts advanced multi-band GPS technology that provides exceptional accuracy, complemented by built-in sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter. The dynamic round-trip routing feature is particularly useful for those who want to explore new running or biking routes. Additionally, it has a remarkable dive rating of 40 meters, which caters to scuba and apnea diving.

While the smartwatch includes smart features such as making calls and responding to messages, the reliance on a smartphone for full functionality could be a limitation for some users. The ECG app for heart rhythm monitoring may not be available in all regions, potentially limiting its appeal to those interested in detailed health metrics. Furthermore, the price point may be on the higher side for casual users who may not fully utilize all the advanced features. The Garmin fēnix® 8 is a highly capable smartwatch suited for serious athletes and adventurers who require extensive health tracking and navigation features. However, casual users might find it overly complex or not fully leverage its capabilities.