10 Best Garmin Smartwatches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a solid choice if you're looking for a premium multisport GPS smartwatch packed with features for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Its large 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and sharp, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and encased in a durable titanium bezel, which makes it sturdy enough for tough conditions. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours when using GPS continuously, so it can keep up with extended trips or intense training sessions without frequent charging.

GPS and navigation tools shine with multi-band satellite accuracy plus added sensors like a barometric altimeter and compass, plus a cool round-trip routing feature for varied workouts. Health and fitness tracking is comprehensive, including heart rate monitoring, sleep and respiration tracking, and even an ECG app. For water lovers, it offers a 40-meter dive rating and supports scuba and apnea diving, which is quite rare in smartwatches.

Smart features include making calls directly from your wrist, voice assistant compatibility, and offline voice commands, adding convenience beyond fitness. While it weighs a bit over 100 grams, it balances comfort with durability. The high-end materials and features come with a premium price, and the depth of data might be overwhelming if you're new to fitness tracking. If you want a rugged, feature-rich watch that excels in sports, navigation, and health monitoring, the fēnix 8 is a strong contender.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a strong choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts needing a versatile multisport smartwatch. Its bright 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens offers clear, sharp visuals even in bright light. The titanium bezel not only adds durability but keeps the watch lightweight (about 80 grams), helping with comfortable wear during long activities. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 16 days in normal mode and up to 47 hours with GPS active, which is excellent for extended adventures without frequent charging. GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band SatIQ technology plus sensors like a compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter, ensuring reliable navigation outdoors. The watch supports a broad range of sports modes including targeted strength training, scuba diving (up to 40 meters), and apnea, making it suitable for many types of athletes.

Smart features such as phone call handling, voice assistant use, and off-grid voice commands add convenience, although using all these may reduce battery life faster. The built-in LED flashlight is a helpful touch for low-light conditions. Health tracking is thorough, covering heart rate, sleep, respiration, and even an ECG app, though the data should be considered a close estimation rather than medical-grade. While the watch is water-resistant and designed to be tough, its premium materials and advanced features come with a higher price tag. Those looking for a rugged, feature-packed smartwatch with excellent battery life and strong outdoor capabilities will appreciate the fēnix 8, though casual users might find some features more than they need.

The Garmin fēnix 8 Pro is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want robust navigation and communication features. Its bright 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen offers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it easy to read maps and stats even in bright sunlight. The watch’s titanium bezel and sapphire lens add durability, while its 40-meter water resistance supports swimming and diving activities. Battery life is solid for an AMOLED display, though heavy use of GPS and satellite messaging can drain it faster.

A standout feature is the built-in inReach satellite technology, which enables two-way messaging and SOS emergency alerts even when you are far off the grid, but this requires an active subscription and may have coverage limits depending on your location. GPS accuracy and sensor data are reliable, supporting a wide variety of sports and training modes, plus health monitoring like heart rate, advanced sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox, although these health features are estimates and not medical-grade. Comfort-wise, the 47mm size and 77-gram weight are moderate but might feel bulky for smaller wrists.

Smart functions like LTE calls and messages let you stay connected without your phone, which is great for active users who want freedom. The fēnix 8 Pro excels in ruggedness, multisport tracking, and off-grid communication; however, the need for subscriptions and the premium price point might be a downside for casual users. This watch is best suited for adventurers and athletes who demand durable gear with advanced navigation and safety features.