10 Best Smartwatches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and multisport athletes who want a rugged, feature-packed GPS smartwatch. Its 1.3-inch round display is clear and protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens that also supports solar charging, helping extend battery life significantly—ideal for long adventures without frequent recharging. Weighing 73 grams, it’s sturdy with a titanium bezel but remains comfortable enough for daily wear, thanks to the fiber-reinforced polymer case.

Fitness tracking is a highlight, with a variety of advanced metrics like heart rate variability, Pulse Ox for altitude adjustment, and new scores measuring hill climbing strength and overall endurance. Its 24/7 health monitoring, sleep tracking, and detailed training readiness reports help users understand recovery and performance better. The built-in LED flashlight is a handy addition for nighttime activities.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, supporting seamless syncing and broad app compatibility via Garmin’s ecosystem, though it runs on GarminOS, which is less flexible than mainstream smartwatch platforms. Navigation features are top-notch, with multi-band GPS and preloaded maps for golf, skiing, and hiking, ensuring accurate positioning and route guidance.

Battery life benefits greatly from solar charging, offering weeks in smartwatch mode, which is excellent for extended outdoor use. However, the screen resolution (480 x 272) is not as sharp as some competitors, and the watch’s bulkier size might not appeal to those wanting a sleeker design. Also, some advanced health metrics like Pulse Ox aren’t available everywhere.

This watch suits serious athletes and outdoor lovers who prioritize durability, comprehensive fitness insights, and long battery life with solar support. For multisport tracking and navigation, the fēnix 7 Pro is a strong choice, though users seeking a slimmer profile or a smartwatch mainly for casual everyday use might consider other options.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed especially for athletes and adventurous users who want a durable, feature-packed companion. Its large 1.4-inch AMOLED display offers bright, clear visuals protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, which is great for outdoor use. The titanium bezel and pebble gray band offer a premium, sturdy design that feels comfortable despite its solid build. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours with GPS active, so you won’t need to recharge often during extended outdoor activities.

Fitness and health tracking are comprehensive, including heart rate, advanced sleep analysis, respiration, Pulse Ox, and even an ECG app for heart rhythm checks. The watch supports targeted training plans, real-time stamina tracking, and built-in sports apps covering many activities, making it useful for improving performance and injury prevention. Connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a built-in speaker and mic allow phone calls and voice assistant use directly from the wrist, adding convenience. The watch also stands out with its 40-meter dive rating and leakproof buttons, making it suitable for swimming, scuba, and apnea diving.

Navigation is enhanced by multi-band GPS, a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter, plus a dynamic routing feature to keep workouts varied and on track. On the downside, it uses Garmin’s own OS, which means app choices are more limited compared to some other smartwatches, and the Pulse Ox and ECG features may not be available in all regions. Also, with a weight of 102 grams, it’s a bit heavier than some other smartwatches, which might be noticeable if you prefer something ultra-light. Considering these points, it is a robust, feature-rich option for dedicated fitness fans and outdoor explorers needing reliable tracking, long battery life, and rugged design.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch designed for users who want both traditional looks and modern tech benefits. It has a 1.3-inch round touchscreen with a bright display and a handy rotating bezel, making it easy to navigate. Powered by Wear OS and Bluetooth connectivity, it works well with a range of devices, although it’s best suited if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem for the smoothest experience.

The watch includes strong fitness and health features like advanced sleep coaching, a running coach, heart and vascular monitoring, and an Energy Score that summarizes your daily wellness. Its built-in GPS and activity tracking are reliable for workouts and outdoor activities. The battery life is designed to last through a busy day, supported by a 445mAh battery, which means you might need to charge it nightly depending on usage.

Comfort-wise, it’s lightweight at just over 63 grams with a new lug system for easy band changes, making it customizable and wearable for long periods. App support is strong thanks to Wear OS, giving you access to many apps and the convenience of a personal AI assistant for hands-free help. The watch’s 64GB memory is quite large for a smartwatch but may be more than needed for casual users, and the battery life, while decent, could be limiting for heavy users or multi-day trips without charging. This watch suits those seeking a classic-looking smartwatch loaded with health tracking, smart features, and good connectivity, especially if you’re invested in Samsung’s ecosystem.