10 Best Solar Powered Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical Edition is a strong choice for those seeking a rugged solar-powered watch, especially outdoor enthusiasts and tactical users. Its solar charging feature is impressive, offering unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with just a few hours of daily sunlight, which reduces the worry about running out of power during extended outdoor activities. The watch is built tough, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal bezel, designed to handle shocks and harsh conditions, meeting military standards for durability. Its 10 ATM water resistance means it can withstand swimming and water exposure comfortably. Design-wise, the 50 mm size is quite large, which suits active users but may feel bulky for everyday wear or smaller wrists. The black tactical look is functional but not meant for formal occasions.

Beyond durability and power, it packs useful tactical features like jumpmaster mode, stealth settings, waypoint projection, and compatibility with night vision goggles, making it a specialized tool for military or extreme adventure users. It also includes health monitoring like heart rate and sleep tracking, though it's not a medical device, so accuracy might vary. Navigation is reliable with multi-band GPS and a built-in compass. Some handy extras include a built-in flashlight and Garmin Pay for contactless payments, adding convenience without extra gear.

The watch operates with physical buttons rather than a touchscreen, which might take some getting used to if you prefer more modern interfaces. This device excels as a durable, feature-rich solar smartwatch for tactical and outdoor use but may feel oversized and specialized for casual users.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a rugged GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want a tough, reliable watch with solar charging. Its standout feature is the Power Glass lens, which boosts solar charging efficiency by about 50% compared to Garmin's earlier solar models. This means if you spend just a few hours daily in strong sunlight, the watch can essentially run indefinitely in smartwatch mode, which is impressive for anyone who spends a lot of time outside. The watch meets tough U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, making it durable in harsh conditions and suitable for swimming or rugged activities. At 50 mm, the case is large and bold, which fits the rugged style but may feel bulky on smaller wrists.

Beyond just telling time, it packs many smart features including a built-in flashlight with different lighting modes and an SOS strobe for emergencies. It tracks health metrics like heart rate, sleep, and blood oxygen. Sports lovers will appreciate the multi-band GPS for more accurate location tracking, plus built-in apps for running, biking, swimming, and more. Connectivity with Android and iOS is smooth via Bluetooth. On the downside, with 64 MB of memory and a display size of 1.1 inches, the screen and storage are modest compared to some other smartwatches, and the watch’s bulk might not suit everyone’s taste.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is ideal for users needing a durable, solar-powered watch with strong GPS and health tracking suited for outdoor adventures, rather than those looking for a sleek everyday smartwatch or advanced medical monitoring.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition stands out as a tough and reliable smartwatch designed for outdoor and tactical use. Its rugged build meets U.S. military standards for shock, thermal, and water resistance, making it durable enough for rough environments. The standout feature is its advanced solar charging capability: the Power Glass lens can extend battery life significantly, offering infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with just a few hours of sunlight daily. This makes it a great choice if you want a watch that can keep going without frequent charging.

With a 1.27-inch round display and a relatively lightweight design (67 grams), it’s comfortable enough for all-day wear, though the 50mm case may feel large on smaller wrists. Besides toughness and solar power, it includes handy extras like a built-in LED flashlight with various modes, perfect for low-light situations or emergencies. For fitness and health tracking, it offers 24/7 monitoring of heart rate, sleep, respiration, and oxygen levels, plus specialized training features such as VO2 max and multi-band GPS for accurate location tracking.

While the battery capacity is modest, the solar panel effectively compensates in sunny conditions. The watch supports both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth and has enough memory for your activity data. Its design is functional and tactical, suited for adventure seekers or those needing a resilient smartwatch with extended battery life. If you prefer a smaller or more traditional style watch, or mostly use it indoors, this model might be bulkier and the solar feature less impactful. This device is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts who value durability, long battery life through solar charging, and versatile tactical features.