10 Best Garmin Watches 2026 in the United States

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.

The Garmin fēnix 8 (43mm) is a solid choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a premium multisport GPS smartwatch. Its bright 1.3-inch AMOLED screen paired with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens offers clear and durable display quality that holds up well in varied conditions. The watch’s GPS system features multi-band SatIQ technology and built-in sensors, which means it delivers very accurate positioning for outdoor navigation, a big plus for hikers and runners. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and about 28 hours with continuous GPS use, making it reliable for long adventures. It’s water-resistant up to 40 meters, supporting scuba and apnea diving, so swimmers and divers can trust it underwater.

Heart rate monitoring and activity tracking cover a wide range of metrics, including sleep, respiration, and even blood oxygen levels, helping users stay on top of their health and training readiness, though the health data should be seen as approximate rather than medical-grade. The watch also offers handy smart features like on-wrist calls, voice assistant access, and offline voice commands, adding convenience. Its build quality is strong, with a durable steel or titanium bezel and leakproof buttons, ready for rugged use.

The watch’s weight and size might feel a bit bulky for those with smaller wrists or those seeking a minimalist design. The Garmin fēnix 8 is a versatile and tough smartwatch that excels in accuracy, battery life, and durability, making it well suited for serious sports and outdoor activities, though it may be more than casual users need.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a feature-rich running smartwatch that excels in several areas important for fitness enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the built-in GPS, which offers reliable accuracy for tracking pace and distance during runs. The heart rate monitoring is wrist-based, making it convenient and easy to use without needing a chest strap. Its vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display provides a clear and engaging interface, complemented by traditional button controls for versatile navigation. The watch is lightweight and comfortable, which is ideal for extended wear during various activities.

It also boasts a solid battery life, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long training sessions or even multi-day use without frequent charging. The Forerunner 165 is equipped with over 25 activity profiles, including running, cycling, and strength training, providing comprehensive tracking and insights for a wide range of workouts. Its smart features, such as notifications for calls and texts, Garmin Pay, and incident detection for safety, add convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, the integration with the Garmin Connect app allows users to monitor their health and fitness data, compete with friends, and participate in various challenges.

However, there are a few areas where the Forerunner 165 may fall short. The 1.2-inch display, while colorful and bright, may be considered small for those who prefer larger screens. The 30mAh battery capacity might seem limited compared to other models, although Garmin's efficient power management mitigates this. Finally, while the watch offers robust features, its premium pricing might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is well-suited for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, feature-packed smartwatch, albeit at a higher price point.