10 Best Garmin Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want robust performance and durability. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and clear, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, making it easy to read even in bright conditions. The titanium bezel adds to its sturdy build, enhancing durability for tough environments.

GPS accuracy is excellent, supported by multi-band SatIQ technology and sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter, which makes navigation reliable during outdoor activities. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and around 84 hours with continuous GPS use, suitable for long adventures or training sessions without frequent charging. Water resistance is strong, with a 40-meter dive rating and leakproof buttons, allowing use in swimming and diving scenarios.

It offers comprehensive health and activity tracking, including wrist-based heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep analysis, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox, though these are approximations and not medical-grade. The watch also features smart capabilities such as calls and voice assistant support through a built-in speaker and mic, plus off-grid voice commands that work without a smartphone. The battery capacity is relatively small in milliamps, so longevity depends heavily on efficient software, and some advanced health features like ECG and Pulse Ox aren’t available everywhere due to regional restrictions. Weighing over 100 grams, the watch may feel bulky for some users. This Garmin watch suits those needing a durable, feature-packed multisport GPS watch with long battery life and strong outdoor navigation, but might be more than necessary for casual fitness users or those who prefer lighter wearables.

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a well-rounded fitness smartwatch that offers a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, making it easy to read outdoors and indoors. It supports built-in GPS, which provides solid tracking for outdoor activities like running, cycling, and swimming, covering over 80 sports modes to keep workouts varied and engaging. The battery life is impressive for a smartwatch with an AMOLED screen, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t need to charge it frequently.

Health tracking is a standout feature here, with Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep analysis including personalized coaching, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, menstrual and pregnancy tracking, plus automatic nap detection. These give a detailed picture of your overall wellness. Garmin’s animated workouts and adaptive training plans offer helpful guidance, especially if you’re looking for motivation or to improve your exercise form.

Smart features include notifications and a gentle smart wake alarm, but while it offers solid fitness insights, it may not have as many third-party apps or advanced smartphone features compared to some other smartwatches. The watch is lightweight and durable, suitable for active users, and its round shape with customizable bands allows for a comfortable fit and personal style. The battery capacity is modest, but Garmin's power management stretches it well. If you want a smartwatch that balances everyday wear with detailed health and fitness tracking, the vívoactive 6 is a strong choice. Those who prioritize a larger display or more advanced smartwatch apps might find other models better suited.

The Garmin tactix® 8 smartwatch is designed for those who need a rugged, feature-rich device with advanced tactical capabilities. Its 1.4-inch solar-charged display ensures long battery life, making it suitable for extended outdoor activities. The titanium bezel and sapphire lens enhance durability, and the built-in LED flashlight is useful for low-light conditions. GPS accuracy is impressive with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology, making navigation reliable.

The watch includes dedicated tactical features like jumpmaster activity, dual-position GPS format, and compatibility with night vision goggles, catering to military and tactical users. Additionally, it offers a 40-meter dive rating for underwater activities, and comprehensive health monitoring with heart rate, sleep, and respiration tracking, although it is not a medical device.

Smart features like Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone notifications, and the ability to download the AB Quantum mobile app for target management add to its versatility. The display quality is robust and clear, suitable for various lighting conditions. The smartwatch might be overwhelming for general users due to its advanced features and higher price point, making it more suited for professionals in demanding environments or avid outdoor adventurers.