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 tactix® 8 is a premium tactical GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and professionals who need advanced navigation and durability. Its 1.4-inch solar-charged display helps extend battery life by using sunlight, which is great for long trips away from charging sources. The watch's GPS is highly accurate, using multi-band SatIQ technology and sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter to provide precise positioning even in challenging conditions.

Health monitoring is comprehensive, offering wrist-based heart rate, sleep tracking, respiration, Pulse Ox, and even an ECG app for heart rhythm checks—though it’s important to note these features provide estimates, not medical-grade data. For activity tracking, it supports a broad range of sports and tactical functions, including jumpmaster mode, waypoint projection, and rucking, plus detailed strength training and stamina tracking to boost performance. Durability is strong with a titanium bezel, sapphire lens that resists scratches, and a 40-meter dive rating suitable for swimming and diving.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, allowing syncing with smartphones and apps like the Applied Ballistics Quantum for managing targets and profiles. The display quality is bright and clear outdoors, which is essential for tactical uses. The device comes with a relatively high price and a somewhat bulky 51mm size, which might feel large on smaller wrists. Additionally, some advanced features may require smartphone integration to unlock their full potential. For those seeking a tough, feature-packed smartwatch excelling in navigation and tactical scenarios while also covering fitness and health, the Garmin tactix® 8 is a solid choice.

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.