10 Best Garmin Waterproof Watch 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a rugged GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who needs a durable, waterproof watch. Its standout feature is the solar charging capability that can extend battery life significantly—under good sunlight, the watch can run indefinitely in smartwatch mode, which is ideal for long trips without frequent charging. The watch meets tough U.S. military durability standards, making it resistant to water, shock, and extreme temperatures. It has a bright, 1.27-inch round display that’s large and clear enough to easily read outdoors. GPS functionality is strong thanks to multi-band GNSS, providing accurate location tracking even in challenging environments.

The watch also offers useful health tracking features like continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and Pulse Ox, although the health data should be seen as estimates rather than medical-grade measurements. Smart features include Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with Android and iOS devices, and it has built-in sports apps for various activities including swimming, running, and biking. One unique addition is the built-in LED flashlight with adjustable brightness and strobe modes, which is handy during nighttime workouts or emergencies.

On the downside, the display is not a touchscreen and is more basic compared to some other smartwatches, which might feel limiting if you want advanced smart features or an app-rich experience. Also, the watch is relatively large and bulky at 50 mm, which might not suit smaller wrists. It offers a solid mix of durability, battery life, and outdoor-focused functions, making it very well suited for active users who prioritize ruggedness and long battery life over sleek design or extensive app ecosystems.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is an excellent choice for triathletes and fitness enthusiasts who need a reliable GPS smartwatch with robust features. Its waterproof build ensures durability during swimming and outdoor activities, making it suitable for various sports. One of the standout points is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 42 hours in GPS mode, which is perfect for long training sessions or races. The always-on, vibrant display enhances usability, even in bright sunlight, allowing for easy navigation through its functions.

This watch shines with its GPS functionality, offering multi-GNSS support for accurate tracking. Users can rely on its built-in mapping feature, ensuring you stay on the right course while running or cycling. Moreover, the heart rate monitoring capabilities, including features like HRV status and training readiness scores, enable athletes to keep track of their health and performance effectively.

On the downside, the Forerunner 955 can be considered a bit overwhelming for casual users due to its extensive features and settings. Some might find it challenging to navigate through various functions initially, especially if they are less tech-savvy. The price point may also be a concern for those on a budget, as it is on the higher end compared to simpler models. Additionally, while the watch is packed with smart features, some users might not fully utilize them, leading to a perception of underuse.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a waterproof GPS smartwatch designed especially for triathletes and serious runners. Its standout feature is solar charging, which extends battery life to up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and up to 49 hours when using GPS with solar assistance. This means less frequent charging, which is great for long training sessions or races. The watch has a bright, always-on color touchscreen that's easy to read even in bright sunlight, paired with traditional buttons for easier control during workouts. It provides very accurate GPS tracking by using multiple satellite systems and frequencies, making it reliable even on trails or in challenging environments. Heart rate monitoring is advanced, offering insights like HRV status that help you understand your recovery and training readiness. The watch also delivers helpful smart features like daily workout suggestions, race planning tools, and a customizable morning report on your sleep and overall condition.

It’s built to be lightweight and comfortable, with a sturdy design that can handle tough outdoor use. While it offers many high-end features, some users might find the screen resolution a bit modest compared to more premium smartwatches, and the various health metrics can be overwhelming if you prefer a simpler device. This watch is well-suited for active athletes seeking detailed training data, long battery life, and dependable GPS in a durable, waterproof package.