10 Best Garmin Smartwatches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a versatile multisport GPS smartwatch designed for people who want a reliable companion for outdoor activities and fitness tracking. Its 1.2-inch round display is bright and clear, housed in a tough 42mm case made from fiber-reinforced polymer with a steel or titanium bezel, making it very durable and resistant to scratches, thanks to the Power Sapphire solar lens. This solar feature extends the battery life significantly by charging with sunlight, allowing the watch to last for weeks in smartwatch mode, which is great for long adventures without frequent charging. The built-in LED flashlight is a handy addition for nighttime training or low-light situations, adding practical value beyond typical smartwatches.

In terms of health and fitness, the watch offers extensive tracking, including heart rate variability, Pulse Ox for oxygen saturation, advanced sleep monitoring, and new metrics like hill score and endurance score to help runners and athletes better understand performance and recovery. It’s well-suited for multisport athletes, with wrist-based running power and strength training features, plus advanced pacing options. GPS navigation is very accurate thanks to multi-band technology and SatIQ, and preloaded TopoActive maps, golf courses, and ski resorts provide useful routes and real-time navigation prompts.

Smart features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and compatibility with Android and iOS ensure easy syncing and notifications. The interface combines touchscreen and button controls, which can be convenient in various conditions. Although the watch is packed with advanced features, it remains fairly lightweight at 65 grams and offers 32GB of storage for maps and apps. One challenge could be the complexity of all the data for users new to fitness tracking, but Garmin’s morning report and training readiness tools help simplify this. The price tends to be on the higher side, reflecting its premium build and capabilities. This watch is an excellent choice for active individuals who value durable gear with long battery life, accurate GPS, and detailed health insights, especially those involved in multiple sports or outdoor activities.

The Garmin tactix 8 Elite is a robust, premium tactical GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals needing advanced navigation and durability. Its standout features include a large 1.4-inch solar-charged display which helps extend battery life, paired with a sturdy titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it highly durable. The watch excels in GPS and navigation with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology for pinpoint accuracy, plus built-in sensors like compass and barometric altimeter to aid outdoor navigation. It supports specialized tactical functions such as jumpmaster mode, waypoint projection, stealth mode, and compatibility with night vision goggles which are ideal for tactical use.

For fitness and health tracking, it offers comprehensive monitoring including wrist-based heart rate, sleep, respiration, Pulse Ox, and even an ECG app. It supports a wide range of sports and training plans to improve endurance and strength. The watch is water-resistant to 40 meters, suitable for swimming and diving activities, including scuba and apnea diving.

Smart features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, notifications, and the ability to sync with the AB Quantum mobile app for managing ballistic profiles and targets. Its battery capacity is modest and while solar charging helps, heavy use of GPS and smart features may require frequent charging compared to simpler models. The price and feature set may be more than casual users need, as it is tailored to tactical and serious multisport users. Weighing 95 grams, it offers a reasonable balance of size and build but could feel bulky on smaller wrists. This watch suits those seeking a highly durable, feature-rich tactical smartwatch with advanced navigation and health tracking, while casual fitness users might prefer something simpler and lighter.

The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition smartwatch is designed for high-performance with a focus on advanced training technology. One of its standout features is the large 1.4-inch AMOLED display, which is always-on and protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it durable and suitable for larger wrists. The integrated LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe modes adds a layer of convenience and safety for nighttime training or general illumination needs. Health monitoring is comprehensive, with 24/7 tracking of metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV), Pulse Ox, and advanced sleep monitoring. These features help users gain insights into their health, training, and recovery, although it's important to note that this is not a medical device and the data is an estimation.

GPS accuracy is enhanced by advanced navigation sensors and multi-band reception technology, ensuring precise positioning even in challenging environments. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 384 hours with optimized usage thanks to SatIQ technology. The smartwatch supports a wide range of sports and activities, making it versatile for various athletic pursuits. Smart features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, along with notifications and activity tracking, offer convenience and integration with Android and iOS devices.

The watch's size and weight may be less comfortable for users with smaller wrists. The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is well-suited for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, accurate GPS, and comprehensive health monitoring in their smartwatch.