10 Best Garmin Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 (47 mm) is a solid choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a premium multisport smartwatch. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED display is bright and clear, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, so it looks good and stands up well to rough use. The titanium bezel adds extra durability while keeping the watch lightweight. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and about 47 hours with GPS active, which is great for long trips or extended training sessions.

GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, making it reliable for navigation and tracking even in challenging environments. The watch also includes a 3-axis compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter to support outdoor adventures. It offers excellent water resistance with a 40-meter dive rating, suitable for swimming and scuba diving.

For health tracking, the watch has continuous heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep and respiration tracking, and a Pulse Ox sensor to estimate blood oxygen levels, although these readings are not medical-grade. Smart features are well thought out, with a built-in microphone and speaker allowing calls from the wrist, voice assistant support, and even off-grid voice commands without needing your phone nearby. Its 32 GB memory and Garmin OS ensure smooth operation, and the touchscreen is responsive. The Garmin fēnix 8 is an excellent option for serious athletes and adventurers who want a tough, versatile smartwatch with long battery life, accurate GPS, and rich health and smart functionalities. Casual users might find it more than they need, but for those pushing their limits outdoors, it serves as a dependable companion.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a running smartwatch that combines functionality with a sleek design. One of its standout features is the vibrant AMOLED touchscreen, which offers easy navigation through its various functions, complemented by traditional button controls for a more tactile option. It's lightweight and comfortable at 43 mm, making it suitable for long durations of wear during workouts or daily use.

In terms of battery life, the Forerunner 165 excels with up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 19 hours when using GPS, which is ideal for both regular users and avid runners who require consistent tracking over long distances. GPS accuracy is reliable, providing precise pace and distance measurements which are crucial for runners.

Heart rate monitoring is another strong point, offering accurate wrist-based readings without the need for a chest strap. The watch also learns and adapts, providing personalized workout suggestions and recovery insights based on your performance, which is a beneficial feature for those serious about improving their fitness levels.

Water resistance and durability are well-covered, allowing you to take the watch through various activities without worry. However, while the smart features such as notifications and Garmin Pay are handy, some users might find the connectivity options limited to Bluetooth less versatile than watches offering more connectivity options like Wi-Fi.

While the watch covers a broad spectrum of activities beyond running, such as cycling and HIIT, the lack of advanced smart features might not suit those looking for a more comprehensive smartwatch experience. But for someone focused on fitness with an emphasis on running, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a robust choice, offering essential training tools and health metrics all in one device.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile health and fitness GPS smartwatch, ideal for those who want comprehensive health monitoring and fitness tracking. Its standout feature is the bright, colorful AMOLED display, which makes it easy to view information clearly. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you don't have to worry about frequent charging. GPS accuracy is reliable, which is great for outdoor activities like running and cycling. The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and various water sports.

Activity tracking is extensive, covering over 30 built-in sports apps, including unique features like wheelchair mode and nap detection for a more personalized fitness experience. Additionally, it provides useful smart features such as music downloads, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. However, the 1.2-inch screen size might feel a bit small for some users, and the memory storage capacity is limited to 4 GB, which might not be enough for those who like to store a lot of music or data directly on the watch.

The watch's durability and build quality are robust, ensuring it can withstand regular use. The Garmin vívoactive 5 is a well-rounded smartwatch that excels in health and activity tracking, making it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and those looking to improve their health.