10 Best Garmin Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want robust performance and durability. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and clear, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it easy to read even in bright conditions. The titanium bezel adds to its sturdy build, enhancing durability for tough environments.

GPS accuracy is excellent, supported by multi-band SatIQ technology and sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter, which makes navigation reliable during outdoor activities. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and around 84 hours with continuous GPS use, suitable for long adventures or training sessions without frequent charging. Water resistance is strong, with a 40-meter dive rating and leakproof buttons, allowing use in swimming and diving scenarios.

It offers comprehensive health and activity tracking, including wrist-based heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep analysis, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox, though these are approximations and not medical-grade. The watch also features smart capabilities such as calls and voice assistant support through a built-in speaker and mic, plus off-grid voice commands that work without a smartphone. The battery capacity is relatively small in milliamps, so longevity depends heavily on efficient software, and some advanced health features like ECG and Pulse Ox aren’t available everywhere due to regional restrictions. Weighing over 100 grams, the watch may feel bulky for some users. This Garmin watch suits those needing a durable, feature-packed multisport GPS watch with long battery life and strong outdoor navigation, but might be more than necessary for casual fitness users or those who prefer lighter wearables.

The Garmin fēnix® 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and adventurers. It boasts a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and its durable titanium bezel ensures resilience in harsh environments. GPS accuracy is stellar, thanks to multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, which is excellent for navigation in remote areas. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 47 hours in GPS mode, making it reliable for long excursions.

The watch is dive-rated up to 40 meters, supporting scuba and apnea diving activities, which adds to its versatility. Health and wellness monitoring include heart rate, advanced sleep, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox, providing comprehensive insights into your physical status. Activity tracking covers a wide range of sports with real-time stamina tracking and sport-specific workouts, making it beneficial for fitness enthusiasts. Smart features are robust, as you can make and take calls directly from the watch and interact with your smartphone's voice assistant.

Durability is further enhanced by leakproof metal buttons and the sturdy build quality. However, its relatively high weight of 80 grams might be less comfortable for some users during intense activities. Also, the premium materials and advanced features come at a higher price point, which might not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers. The Garmin fēnix® 8 is ideal for serious athletes and adventurers who need a durable, feature-rich smartwatch with excellent GPS accuracy, long battery life, and comprehensive health monitoring.

The Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical Edition is designed for outdoor and tactical use, featuring a tough 50mm fiber-reinforced case and a sharp 1.3-inch AMOLED display that’s bright and clear in various lighting. Its multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology ensures highly accurate positioning, ideal for hikers, military personnel, or adventurers needing reliable navigation. The watch offers impressive battery life—up to 24 days in smartwatch mode and 40 hours when using GPS continuously—so frequent charging during extended trips is not a concern.

It comes packed with tactical features like jumpmaster mode, waypoint projection, stealth mode, compatibility with night vision goggles, and a kill switch, making it suited for mission-critical scenarios. For everyday health tracking, it monitors your heart rate, sleep quality, and oxygen levels, though these readings are estimates and not medical-grade. The watch is also water-resistant up to 10 ATM and built to military standards for thermal and shock resistance, ensuring durability against tough conditions.

Smart conveniences include Garmin Pay for contactless payments and a built-in LED flashlight with multiple settings. While the weight is light at 59 grams, the size might feel bulky on smaller wrists due to its 50mm case. Customization options with interchangeable bands add versatility to the style and comfort. Some advanced ballistic features require an additional purchase, and the watch’s complexity might exceed what casual users need. This model is well-suited for those seeking ruggedness, tactical tools, and reliable GPS in one durable smartwatch.