10 Best Garmin Smartwatches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a solid choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a robust multisport GPS smartwatch. Its 1.2-inch round display is bright and clear, housed in a durable fiber-reinforced polymer case with a scratch-resistant sapphire solar lens that extends battery life by using sunlight—this means you can get weeks of use in smartwatch mode without worrying about charging often. The watch includes a useful built-in LED flashlight, handy for nighttime training or low-light situations. Garmin’s GPS and sensor accuracy stand out with multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology, ensuring reliable location tracking and efficient battery use.

It supports a wide range of sports and activity modes, including new features like hill and endurance scores, which help you track climbing strength and overall fitness. Health monitoring is comprehensive, offering 24/7 tracking of heart rate variability, Pulse Ox for altitude adaptation, and advanced sleep tracking, although the data should be seen as estimates rather than medical-grade measurements. Smart features like morning reports and training readiness summaries make understanding your performance easier. Navigation is enhanced with preloaded maps for golf courses, ski resorts, and TopoActive maps, plus helpful turn-by-turn prompts.

Comfort-wise, the watch is lightweight at 58 grams and designed to fit well on smaller wrists with its 42 mm case. On the downside, the 1.2-inch screen might feel small for some users compared to larger smartwatches, and the proprietary OS could limit app variety. Also, while solar charging improves battery life, heavy GPS use will still drain it faster. This Garmin model is well suited for those who value durability, precise outdoor tracking, and detailed training insights, though it may be less appealing if you want a larger display or a wide range of third-party apps.

The Garmin Instinct 3 45mm is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need a tough, reliable smartwatch. Its standout feature is the solar-charged display, which can keep the battery running almost indefinitely if you spend a few hours outside daily, making it excellent for extended adventures without worrying about charging. The watch has a strong build, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal bezel, plus it meets military standards for shock and thermal resistance and is water-rated to 10 ATM, so it can handle rough conditions and swimming.

Navigation is a strong point here, thanks to built-in GPS combined with a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and multi-band GPS technology, allowing accurate location tracking and efficient battery use. The included LED flashlight is a handy bonus for nighttime use, adding practical value for outdoor activities. Health and fitness tracking cover basics like heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and Pulse Ox, giving a well-rounded view of your wellness without being medical-grade. Smart features include notifications, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and safety tools like incident detection and emergency assistance, which require a paired smartphone.

The display is relatively small at 0.9 inches and round in shape, which might feel limited for some users used to larger screens. Customization options are available through the Connect IQ Store, allowing you to add apps and watch faces. This watch is ideal for those who prioritize durability, long battery life, and reliable outdoor navigation instead of flashy displays or extensive smartwatch features. It may not suit users wanting a larger screen or a full set of advanced smart capabilities but excels as a rugged companion for outdoor and fitness activities.

The Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its large 1.4-inch round display is easy to read, housed in a tough 51 mm case made from fiber-reinforced polymer with a titanium bezel, which makes it durable and scratch-resistant. The standout feature is its solar charging lens that significantly extends battery life by using sunlight, meaning you can go for weeks without needing a charge in smartwatch mode. The built-in LED flashlight is a handy addition for nighttime activities, offering variable brightness and strobe modes for safety and convenience.

Accuracy is strong thanks to advanced multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, which helps optimize battery use while providing precise location tracking. The watch supports numerous sports and activity modes, including advanced running metrics like hill and endurance scores to monitor performance improvements. It also offers comprehensive health tracking such as heart rate variability, Pulse Ox for oxygen levels (helpful for altitude), and detailed sleep monitoring, although it’s important to note these are estimation tools, not medical devices.

Smart features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, and it runs on Google’s Wear OS for compatibility with various apps and notifications. Preloaded maps for golf courses, ski resorts, and TopoActive maps aid navigation, with real-time turn prompts making outdoor adventures safer. Weighing 89 grams, it balances a rugged build with reasonable comfort, though its large size might feel bulky for smaller wrists. The watch’s premium materials and features come with a higher price point, and some users might find the interface complex initially. Also, the Pulse Ox sensor isn’t available everywhere, which limits its usefulness depending on location. The battery life is excellent but varies with GPS and solar exposure. This makes the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar a strong choice for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and value reliable, detailed activity insights.