10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin tactix® 8 is a high-end tactical GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who need robust navigation and health tracking features. Its standout strength is the long-lasting battery life, offering up to 48 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging and 149 hours in GPS mode, which is excellent for extended outdoor missions. The 1.4-inch solar-charged display is clear and durable thanks to its titanium bezel and sapphire lens, making it tough enough for rough environments.

GPS accuracy is top-notch with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology ensuring precise location tracking, essential for tactical and adventure use. Heart rate monitoring and health tracking are comprehensive, covering advanced sleep metrics, respiration, Pulse Ox, and even an ECG app. The watch is water-resistant up to 40 meters, supporting scuba and apnea diving activities, which adds versatility for water sports and underwater exploration. Smart features include tactical modes like jumpmaster, waypoint projection, night vision goggle compatibility, and a kill switch for privacy, alongside fitness-focused tools like strength training plans and real-time stamina monitoring. The inclusion of an aviation navigation system and worldwide maps further broadens its functionality.

A possible downside is the watch’s premium price and relatively heavy weight (95 grams), which might be less comfortable for everyday casual wear. The Garmin tactix® 8 excels in durability, battery life, and tactical functions, making it ideal for serious outdoor users and professionals who need both ruggedness and advanced tracking.

The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for users seeking premium performance and rugged reliability. It features a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, delivering sharp and easily readable display quality in various lighting conditions. Its titanium bezel adds durability while keeping the watch lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.

Battery life is robust for a feature-rich device, supported by a 759mAh lithium-ion cell, though intensive use of GPS and satellite communication may reduce it. The built-in GPS is highly accurate and enhanced by preloaded TopoActive maps and navigation tools, making it ideal for activities like hiking, skiing, and golf. Comprehensive health monitoring includes wrist-based heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, HRV, ECG app, and a Pulse Ox sensor, offering detailed wellness insights without serving as a medical device.

Water resistance rated to 40 meters supports swimming and scuba diving, with leakproof metal buttons to prevent moisture ingress. A standout feature is the inReach satellite technology, providing two-way messaging and SOS functions even when off the grid, which requires an active subscription but can be lifesaving during remote adventures. Smart features include LTE calls and messaging, music playback, and tracking sharing without needing a nearby phone. The watch is somewhat larger and heavier, which may not appeal to those preferring minimalist wearables, and its premium materials and advanced technology come with a higher price point. It is best suited for serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, and anyone needing robust navigation, safety, and detailed health tracking.

The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, designed for larger wrists, stands out with its 1.4-inch always-on AMOLED display that offers excellent visibility. The scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel contribute to its durability, making it a reliable companion for various activities. Its battery life is impressive, lasting up to 384 hours, ensuring you won't need frequent recharges. However, this can vary depending on usage, particularly with GPS and other intensive features active.

The built-in LED flashlight is a handy addition for night training, offering variable intensities and strobe modes for better visibility. Advanced training technology like hill score and endurance score features provide detailed insights into your physical activity and progress, making it a great tool for serious athletes. The smartwatch also supports multi-band GPS and multi-GNSS with SatIQ technology for accurate positioning and navigation, even in challenging environments, which is a significant plus for outdoor enthusiasts. Health and wellness monitoring features, including HRV status, Pulse Ox, and advanced sleep monitoring, give a comprehensive view of your health, though it's worth noting that these are estimations and not medical-grade measurements.

Smart features like notifications, music control, and compatibility with both Android and iOS ensure it integrates well with your daily life. While the advanced features and durable build justify the higher price, it might be more than necessary for casual fitness users who don't need detailed performance metrics. The watch is water-resistant and offers various activity profiles for different sports, enhancing its versatility. Despite its robust build, the 88-gram weight might feel slightly heavy for some users.