10 Best Garmin Waterproof Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Instinct 3 is built tough with a 50mm fiber-reinforced polymer case and a metal-reinforced bezel, making it a solid choice for anyone needing a rugged, waterproof outdoor watch. Its 1.3-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, which is a nice upgrade over traditional screens in this category, helping you easily read data outdoors. GPS functionality is strong, featuring multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology for accurate navigation and optimized battery use, aided by a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. This makes it reliable for hiking, trail running, or other adventures.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 days under normal use and even longer with power-saving modes, so you won’t worry about frequent charging on trips. Health tracking is comprehensive, including wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox, and advanced sleep monitoring, though it’s important to remember these are estimates and not medical-grade. The built-in flashlight with adjustable brightness and strobe modes adds practical value in low-light situations.

The watch is fairly large at 50mm, which might feel bulky for smaller wrists. Also, its weight is just under 60 grams, so it’s not the lightest option if you prefer something more minimal. While it offers smart features like notifications and multisport tracking, it may lack some of the app variety or touchscreen responsiveness found on other smartwatches. This Garmin model is especially well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, reliable GPS, long battery life, and solid health monitoring in a waterproof package.

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a solid choice if you want a waterproof smartwatch that covers a wide range of fitness and health tracking needs. It features a bright and sharp 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, making it easy and enjoyable to view your stats and interact with the watch. The built-in GPS works well for tracking outdoor activities like running, cycling, and swimming, which is great if you want accurate location data without carrying your phone. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t have to charge it frequently, even with regular use.

This watch stands out for its extensive health monitoring, including wrist-based heart rate, Body Battery energy levels, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, and even menstrual cycle support. It also offers personalized workout suggestions and animated exercise guides, which can help beginners stay motivated and exercise correctly. The watch is durable enough for daily wear and sports, though its lightweight design means it’s comfortable rather than ruggedly bulky.

The watch offers many smart features like notifications and alarms, but it doesn’t support as many third-party apps as some other smartwatches. The Garmin vívoactive 6 is especially well suited for those looking for a feature-rich, sporty, and health-focused smartwatch with reliable GPS and long battery life.

The Garmin Instinct 3 stands out as a rugged outdoor GPS smartwatch with several impressive features. Its water resistance rating of 10 ATM makes it suitable for swimming and other water activities. The built-in GPS with multi-band SatIQ technology ensures reliable navigation and positioning. Additionally, the solar charging feature offers unlimited battery life under optimal conditions, which is great for extended outdoor adventures.

The 0.9-inch display, while not large, is sufficient for essential readings and notifications, and the solar charging lens adds significant value for outdoor use. This watch excels in durability with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal-reinforced bezel that meet military standards for thermal and shock resistance. The built-in flashlight with various intensities is a practical touch for outdoor enthusiasts. Health monitoring features like heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox provide valuable insights, though they are not intended for medical use.

Smart features such as Garmin Pay, smart notifications, and compatibility with the Connect IQ Store enhance its usability. However, the 0.9-inch display might feel small for users who prefer larger screens, and the memory storage capacity of 128 MB is limited compared to other smartwatches. Additionally, the need for solar exposure for optimal battery performance could be a limitation in less sunny environments. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Instinct 3 is particularly well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, reliable GPS, and extended battery life.