10 Best Solar Powered Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Instinct 3 is a rugged outdoor GPS smartwatch designed for active users who want a durable, reliable solar-powered watch. Its solar charging lens supports unlimited battery life under ideal conditions (about 3 hours daily in strong sunlight), which is impressive for extended outdoor use, though real-life results vary based on exposure. The watch has a tough 45mm fiber-reinforced polymer case with a metal bezel, built to military standards for shock and thermal resistance, and it is water-rated to 10 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and most water activities. The 0.9-inch round display is compact but clear, prioritizing function over flashy style.

Beyond basic timekeeping, it offers a range of health monitoring tools such as heart rate, sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox (not medical-grade), which are helpful for fitness enthusiasts. Navigation features include multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology plus a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, ensuring reliable positioning in challenging environments. The built-in LED flashlight is a thoughtful addition for outdoor visibility. Additional conveniences like Garmin Pay for contactless payments and smartphone notifications add to its versatility.

The relatively small screen and weight might not appeal to those seeking a more stylish or larger display watch. While the solar charging extends battery life, it still requires exposure to strong light to maintain that, so users mainly indoors might not benefit fully. This watch is ideally suited for outdoor adventurers needing ruggedness, solid GPS, and health tracking with solar charging as a helpful boost rather than the sole power source.

The Garmin fēnix® 8 stands out with its advanced multisport GPS capabilities and a solar-charged display that promises up to 48 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. This is impressive for outdoor enthusiasts who spend ample time in the sun. Its durable, scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel ensure long-lasting resilience, complementing its 40-meter dive rating, making it suitable for a variety of water activities including scuba diving. The built-in LED flashlight adds practical value for adventures after dark.

Additionally, it features a comprehensive suite of sport-specific workouts, real-time stamina tracking, and health monitoring tools, like heart rate, sleep, and pulse oximetry sensors, which are useful for athletes aiming to optimize their performance. The watch also supports smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for phone calls and voice assistant integration directly from your wrist. The dynamic round-trip routing and superior GPS accuracy enhance navigation during outdoor activities.

However, the reliance on specific conditions for optimal solar charging (3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux) might not always be practical for all users. Additionally, while packed with features, the watch is on the higher end of the price spectrum, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Its complexity and advanced features may also present a learning curve for those new to multisport smartwatches. That said, the Garmin fēnix® 8 is well-suited for serious athletes and adventure seekers who demand high performance and durability from their gear.

The Garmin Instinct Solar is a robust outdoor smartwatch that shines in durability and long-lasting battery life thanks to its solar charging capability. It features a solar cell that helps extend battery life significantly, which is great for those spending lots of time outdoors without frequent access to charging. The watch meets tough military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, and it is water-rated up to 100 meters, making it reliable for swimming and rugged conditions. With a 1.27-inch screen and button-based controls, the design focuses more on practicality and toughness than sleekness.

It supports multiple navigation systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo), plus a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, ensuring accurate tracking in challenging environments. Health monitoring is thorough, offering heart rate, stress tracking, Pulse Ox, and sleep analysis, which helps users keep an eye on their wellbeing, although it's not a medical device. Additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and various built-in sports apps make it versatile for fitness tracking.

The screen resolution is quite basic (128x128), so visuals aren’t very sharp compared to some competitors. The design is more rugged than stylish, which might not appeal to everyone for everyday wear. Also, while solar charging extends battery life, it depends on exposure to sunlight, so indoor use will still require charging. This watch is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and active users who value durability, reliable navigation, and health tracking with the bonus of solar power, rather than those looking for a sleek style or high-definition display.