10 Best Garmin Waterproof Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a solid choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable smartwatch. It stands out with its built-in GPS functionality, which accurately tracks pace and distance, making it a great companion for outdoor activities. The AMOLED display is bright and colorful, ensuring visibility even in bright sunlight, while the lightweight design adds to its comfort during extended wear.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours in GPS mode, which means you can go on long runs or multi-day adventures without worrying about charging. The watch is designed with various training metrics and recovery insights, helping users understand their fitness levels and plan workouts effectively. Safety features, such as incident detection and assistance, enhance peace of mind during outdoor activities. The watch also supports smart notifications and Garmin Pay, allowing you to stay connected and make purchases without carrying extra items.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the Forerunner 165 is packed with features, it may feel overwhelming for someone who is not tech-savvy. The need for a paired smartphone for certain functionalities, like incident detection and smart notifications, might limit its usability for those who prefer standalone devices. Additionally, while it offers a variety of built-in activity profiles, it may not cater to niche sports as effectively as some specialized devices. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is best suited for serious runners and those invested in tracking their fitness journeys, thanks to its robust GPS, health monitoring features, and smart functionalities. However, casual users or those seeking a simpler watch may find it a bit complex.

The Garmin fēnix® 8 is a robust multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and adventurers. It features a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, which is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight. The stainless steel bezel and leakproof metal buttons ensure durability, making it suitable for challenging environments. Its impressive water resistance rating of 40 meters means it supports various dive activities, including scuba and apnea diving, providing reliable performance underwater.

The built-in LED flashlight is a handy feature for nighttime visibility, adding to its versatility. The watch offers long-lasting battery life, with up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and 47 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it can keep up with extended outdoor activities without frequent recharging. The multisport functionality provides a range of targeted training plans and sport-specific workouts, which are ideal for serious athletes looking to improve performance and endurance.

Health monitoring features include wrist-based heart rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox, although it is important to note that these are not medical devices and provide close estimations of metrics tracked. The built-in speaker and mic allow for phone calls and voice assistant use, adding convenience for an active lifestyle. Additionally, the off-grid voice command feature enables access to select watch controls without a smartphone connection, useful for remote adventures. The superior positioning accuracy with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology aids in precise navigation. However, the premium build means it could be heavier (80 grams) compared to other smartwatches. This watch might be best suited for individuals who engage in a range of sports and outdoor activities, and who need a durable, reliable, and feature-rich smartwatch to support their active lifestyle.

The Garmin Approach S12 is tailored for avid golfers, boasting a robust set of features that cater to the specific needs of the sport. With its water resistance up to 164 feet, it can withstand the elements, making it a suitable companion for all-weather play. Highlighted by its GPS functionality, this watch offers access to over 42,000 preloaded golf courses, providing precise yardages to the green, hazards, and doglegs, which is invaluable for strategizing on the course.

The battery life is commendable, offering up to 30 hours in GPS mode. This ensures it can last through multiple rounds without needing a recharge, a key strength for those long days on the course. The high-resolution, sunlight-readable display is a practical feature, allowing golfers to easily view information even under direct sunlight, although the 0.9-inch screen might be considered small by some users.

Heart rate monitoring isn't featured, which could be a limitation for those looking to track their fitness metrics. The build quality is durable, designed to withstand the rigors of golfing. While it includes smart features like score tracking and Bluetooth connectivity to the Garmin Golf app, it is worth noting that it lacks some advanced smart features found in other smartwatches.

The Garmin Approach S12 excels in providing essential golfing features and durability, ideal for golfers prioritizing golf-specific capabilities over general smartwatch features. Its simplicity and focused functionality make it a great fit for those who prioritize golfing tools integrated into their wristwatch.