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 Venu 3S is a versatile smartwatch that stands out for its impressive health monitoring capabilities and smart features. With a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, it not only looks good but also offers clear visibility in various lighting conditions. The watch boasts a solid water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. Users can enjoy up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, which is quite generous for a device packed with features.

A key highlight is the Body Battery energy monitoring, allowing you to track your energy levels and recover effectively. It also provides personalized insights into your sleep and stress levels, which can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. With built-in GPS functionality, fitness enthusiasts can track outdoor activities accurately without needing a phone.

The smartwatch also includes a variety of smart features, such as the ability to make and receive calls, respond to messages via voice, and stream music from popular services. For wheelchair users, it has a dedicated mode to track pushes, making it inclusive for a broader audience. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The watch may be a bit bulky for those with smaller wrists, and while it offers a wide range of health metrics, some users may find the data presented to be just estimates rather than precise measurements. Additionally, syncing with certain apps might require a premium subscription, which could deter some potential buyers. In terms of usability, while the touch screen is convenient, navigating through numerous features may feel overwhelming for less tech-savvy users. Nonetheless, its user-friendly interface generally mitigates this concern.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar - Tactical Edition is a robust, feature-rich GPS smartwatch designed to meet demanding outdoor and training needs. Its most impressive strength is its durability, built to U.S. military standard 810, ensuring resistance to thermal, shock, and water. The watch supports solar charging, significantly extending battery life, potentially offering infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with sufficient sunlight exposure. This feature is particularly useful for extended outdoor activities where charging options might be limited.

The built-in flashlight with variable intensities and SOS strobe mode enhances visibility and safety in low-light conditions. It also includes a ballistics calculator, which could be beneficial for tactical scenarios. The GPS functionality is robust, with multi-band signal reception for more accurate positioning, catering well to outdoor navigation needs. Health and fitness tracking is comprehensive, featuring wrist-based heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, respiration tracking, and Pulse Ox. It is important to note that these readings are estimates and not substitutes for medical advice.

The 1.27-inch round display is relatively small but sufficient for its intended use. Smart features, including connectivity with Android & iOS via Bluetooth, enhance its versatility. One of the drawbacks might be its 67 grams weight, which is relatively hefty for a wristwatch, potentially impacting comfort for some users. Additionally, with a memory storage capacity of 64 MB, it may have limited capability for storing apps or data. The display may feel outdated compared to more advanced smartwatches with higher resolution screens. This rugged smartwatch is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals in tactical professions who need a reliable, multi-functional device that can withstand tough environments.