10 Best Garmin Waterproof Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable smartwatch. It stands out with its built-in GPS functionality, which accurately tracks pace and distance, making it a great companion for outdoor activities. The AMOLED display is bright and colorful, ensuring visibility even in bright sunlight, while the lightweight design adds to its comfort during extended wear.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, which means you can go on long runs or multi-day adventures without worrying about charging. The watch is designed with various training metrics and recovery insights, helping users understand their fitness levels and plan workouts effectively. Safety features, such as incident detection and assistance, enhance peace of mind during outdoor activities. The watch also supports smart notifications and Garmin Pay, allowing you to stay connected and make purchases without carrying extra items.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the Forerunner 165 is packed with features, it may feel overwhelming for someone who is not tech-savvy. The need for a paired smartphone for certain functionalities, like incident detection and smart notifications, might limit its usability for those who prefer standalone devices. Additionally, while it offers a variety of built-in activity profiles, it may not cater to niche sports as effectively as some specialized devices. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is best suited for serious runners and those invested in tracking their fitness journeys, thanks to its robust GPS, health monitoring features, and smart functionalities. However, casual users or those seeking a simpler watch may find it a bit complex.

The Garmin Venu 3S is a versatile smartwatch that stands out for its impressive health monitoring capabilities and smart features. With a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, it not only looks good but also offers clear visibility in various lighting conditions. The watch boasts a solid water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. Users can enjoy up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, which is quite generous for a device packed with features.

A key highlight is the Body Battery energy monitoring, allowing you to track your energy levels and recover effectively. It also provides personalized insights into your sleep and stress levels, which can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. With built-in GPS functionality, fitness enthusiasts can track outdoor activities accurately without needing a phone.

The smartwatch also includes a variety of smart features, such as the ability to make and receive calls, respond to messages via voice, and stream music from popular services. For wheelchair users, it has a dedicated mode to track pushes, making it inclusive for a broader audience. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The watch may be a bit bulky for those with smaller wrists, and while it offers a wide range of health metrics, some users may find the data presented to be just estimates rather than precise measurements. Additionally, syncing with certain apps might require a premium subscription, which could deter some potential buyers. In terms of usability, while the touch screen is convenient, navigating through numerous features may feel overwhelming for less tech-savvy users. Nonetheless, its user-friendly interface generally mitigates this concern.

The Garmin Forerunner 965 Running Smartwatch stands out in the waterproof watch category with its robust features. It boasts a water resistance rating suitable for swimming, making it ideal for tracking wet sports or activities. The GPS functionality is impressive, with multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology ensuring accurate tracking even in challenging environments. Battery life is a strong point, providing up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode, which is excellent for long training sessions or multi-day events without frequent recharges.

The heart rate monitoring is comprehensive, offering insights into various metrics like HRV status and wrist-based running dynamics, which can be beneficial for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Durability is ensured with a lightweight titanium bezel, while the 1.4-inch AMOLED display provides a vibrant and clear viewing experience, even in bright conditions. Smart features include personalized daily suggested workouts, multi-sport profiles, and full-color mapping, enhancing the watch's functionality for training and everyday use.

However, the complexity of its features might be overwhelming for casual users who prefer simpler interfaces. Additionally, while the build quality and lightweight design are advantageous, some users might find the 1.4-inch screen slightly bulky for everyday wear. Those who are deeply invested in their fitness and training routines will find this watch highly beneficial, while casual users or those seeking a simple smartwatch might find it more than they need.