10 Best Garmin Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a robust and feature-packed multisport GPS smartwatch. Its standout feature is the solar charging capability, which significantly extends battery life, making it ideal for long outdoor activities. The GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, ensuring precise tracking even in challenging environments. The built-in LED flashlight adds an extra layer of convenience and safety for night activities. Heart rate monitoring and comprehensive health metrics, including HRV status and Pulse Ox, provide valuable insights into your health and fitness. However, it's important to note that these are estimations and not medical-grade data.

The advanced navigation sensors and preloaded maps for various activities make it a versatile companion for both urban and wilderness adventures. With a durable design featuring a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and options for a steel or titanium bezel, it withstands tough conditions. The display quality is clear and readable, even in direct sunlight, thanks to the 1.2-inch screen.

On the downside, the 42 mm case size might be somewhat bulky for users with smaller wrists. Additionally, while the smartwatch offers a plethora of smart features, its interface may take some time to get used to for those who are not tech-savvy. Water resistance ensures it can handle swimming and other water activities. If you are an outdoor enthusiast or a serious athlete looking for a reliable, durable, and feature-rich smartwatch, the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a strong contender.

The Garmin tactix® 8 smartwatch is designed for those who need a rugged, feature-rich device with advanced tactical capabilities. Its 1.4-inch solar-charged display ensures long battery life, making it suitable for extended outdoor activities. The titanium bezel and sapphire lens enhance durability, and the built-in LED flashlight is useful for low-light conditions. GPS accuracy is impressive with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology, making navigation reliable.

The watch includes dedicated tactical features like jumpmaster activity, dual-position GPS format, and compatibility with night vision goggles, catering to military and tactical users. Additionally, it offers a 40-meter dive rating for underwater activities, and comprehensive health monitoring with heart rate, sleep, and respiration tracking, although it is not a medical device.

Smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone notifications, and the ability to download the AB Quantum mobile app for target management add to its versatility. The display quality is robust and clear, suitable for various lighting conditions. The smartwatch might be overwhelming for general users due to its advanced features and higher price point, making it more suited for professionals in demanding environments or avid outdoor adventurers.

The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro is a premium multisport GPS smartwatch designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. It offers excellent GPS accuracy with built-in support for satellite communication through inReach technology, allowing two-way messaging and SOS functions even when off the grid, which is a rare and valuable feature for remote adventures. The watch has a bright and sharp 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen encased in durable titanium with a sapphire lens, providing strong scratch resistance and a rugged feel. Its battery life is solid for a smartwatch with an AMOLED display and advanced features, though heavy use of satellite communications or LTE may drain it faster.

Health and activity tracking are comprehensive, including wrist-based heart rate, sleep tracking, Pulse Ox, ECG app, and more, offering detailed insights but not medical-grade accuracy. The watch supports multiple sports with advanced training metrics and preloaded maps for hiking, golf, and skiing. It is water-resistant up to 40 meters, suitable for scuba diving and apnea activities, with metal buttons designed to prevent leaks. Smart features include LTE connectivity for calls and messages without a phone, LiveTrack location sharing, and an LED flashlight for convenience in low-light conditions.

While it comes with a comfortable graphite/black silicone band, customization options are available for personal style. The main drawbacks are the need for an active subscription for inReach and LTE services, which adds extra cost, and the relatively high price reflecting its premium build and features. This watch is ideal for outdoor adventurers and multisport athletes who need reliable navigation, robust health tracking, and emergency communication capabilities in a durable, stylish package.