10 Best Garmin Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a robust and feature-packed multisport GPS smartwatch. Its standout feature is the solar charging capability, which significantly extends battery life, making it ideal for long outdoor activities. The GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, ensuring precise tracking even in challenging environments. The built-in LED flashlight adds an extra layer of convenience and safety for night activities. Heart rate monitoring and comprehensive health metrics, including HRV status and Pulse Ox, provide valuable insights into your health and fitness. However, it's important to note that these are estimations and not medical-grade data.

The advanced navigation sensors and preloaded maps for various activities make it a versatile companion for both urban and wilderness adventures. With a durable design featuring a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and options for a steel or titanium bezel, it withstands tough conditions. The display quality is clear and readable, even in direct sunlight, thanks to the 1.2-inch screen.

On the downside, the 42 mm case size might be somewhat bulky for users with smaller wrists. Additionally, while the smartwatch offers a plethora of smart features, its interface may take some time to get used to for those who are not tech-savvy. Water resistance ensures it can handle swimming and other water activities. If you are an outdoor enthusiast or a serious athlete looking for a reliable, durable, and feature-rich smartwatch, the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a strong contender.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a premium smartwatch aimed at runners and triathletes, offering one of Garmin's brightest AMOLED displays paired with durable materials like a titanium bezel and sapphire lens. Its GPS capabilities are enhanced by multi-band reception and full-color maps, making it reliable for accurate route tracking. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours when using GPS continuously, which is beneficial for long training sessions or multi-day events. The built-in LED flashlight is a thoughtful addition for early morning or late night workouts.

It excels in heart rate monitoring and running dynamics, providing detailed insights such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and even running power to help improve performance. The watch supports personalized training plans that adapt based on your recovery and performance, making it useful for structured training. Smart features include call handling, voice assistant support, and notifications, which enhance everyday usability beyond fitness. It also offers multisport auto-transition, a helpful feature for triathletes to seamlessly track swimming, biking, and running segments.

The device is best suited for serious runners and triathletes looking for advanced training tools combined with smartwatch conveniences and a durable, high-quality build. Note that some advanced heart rate monitoring features may require a separate compatible device.

The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro is a premium multisport GPS smartwatch designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. It offers excellent GPS accuracy with built-in support for satellite communication through inReach technology, allowing two-way messaging and SOS functions even when off the grid, which is a rare and valuable feature for remote adventures. The watch has a bright and sharp 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen encased in durable titanium with a sapphire lens, providing strong scratch resistance and a rugged feel. Its battery life is solid for a smartwatch with an AMOLED display and advanced features, though heavy use of satellite communications or LTE may drain it faster.

Health and activity tracking are comprehensive, including wrist-based heart rate, sleep tracking, Pulse Ox, ECG app, and more, offering detailed insights but not medical-grade accuracy. The watch supports multiple sports with advanced training metrics and preloaded maps for hiking, golf, and skiing. It is water-resistant up to 40 meters, suitable for scuba diving and apnea activities, with metal buttons designed to prevent leaks. Smart features include LTE connectivity for calls and messages without a phone, LiveTrack location sharing, and an LED flashlight for convenience in low-light conditions.

While it comes with a comfortable graphite/black silicone band, customization options are available for personal style. The main drawbacks are the need for an active subscription for inReach and LTE services, which adds extra cost, and the relatively high price reflecting its premium build and features. This watch is ideal for outdoor adventurers and multisport athletes who need reliable navigation, robust health tracking, and emergency communication capabilities in a durable, stylish package.