10 Best Smartwatches 2026 in the United States

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 Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm blends style, health features, and smart connectivity into a sleek, lightweight design that’s comfortable for all-day wear, including during sleep. It offers a bright, always-on Retina display that’s toughened with scratch-resistant glass, making it durable enough for everyday use and outdoor activities. Its water resistance up to 50 meters and dust resistance mean you can swim and exercise worry-free. Battery life covers a full day of typical use, with fast charging that quickly restores power for tracking sleep or workouts. Health tracking is a strong point here: the watch can monitor blood oxygen, heart rate, irregular rhythms, sleep quality with a sleep score, and even alert for hypertension and sleep apnea signs. It also supports ECG readings and has safety features like fall and crash detection that can call for help automatically. Fitness tracking is enhanced by detailed workout metrics, heart rate zones, and a companion Workout Buddy feature, plus three months of Apple Fitness+ to get you started.

Connectivity relies on GPS and syncs with your iPhone over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling calls, texts, music, and Siri commands right from your wrist. This model depends on an iPhone to unlock its full potential, so it’s best suited for Apple users. The 24-hour battery life may feel short if you want multi-day use without charging. While the watch is packed with sensors and apps for health monitoring, not every feature (like sleep apnea notifications) replaces professional medical advice. For those seeking a smartwatch that combines elegant design with advanced health insights and seamless iPhone integration, the Series 11 is a compelling choice, especially for fitness enthusiasts and those keen on proactive health tracking.

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.