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 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 Venu 3S is a stylish smartwatch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen that offers vibrant display quality. It excels in battery life, providing up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, which is convenient for users who prefer not to charge frequently. The built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking for outdoor activities, while the heart rate monitoring feature delivers precise health insights, including Body Battery energy monitoring and stress tracking.

For fitness enthusiasts, the watch includes over 30 indoor and GPS sports apps such as running, cycling, and swimming, making it versatile for various activities. The water resistance feature ensures it can handle swimming and other water-related activities without any issues. Additionally, smart features like making and taking calls, responding to texts, and using voice assistants add to its convenience and functionality. The Venu 3S also provides detailed sleep tracking and personalized sleep coaching, which helps users understand their sleep patterns better and improve their rest.

Durability is another strong point, with a stainless steel bezel and a sturdy silicone band ensuring the watch can withstand daily wear and tear. However, the 41mm case might be considered small for some users, especially those with larger wrists. The watch also runs on a proprietary operating system, which may limit app compatibility compared to other smartwatches that use more common OS platforms. Its lightweight design at 1.4 ounces makes it comfortable to wear, but the 4 milliamp-hour battery capacity is relatively low, which might affect performance if all features are heavily used. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Venu 3S stands out as an excellent choice for those looking for a comprehensive health and fitness smartwatch with added smart features.