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 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.

The Garmin Instinct 3 stands out as a rugged outdoor GPS smartwatch with several impressive features. Its water resistance rating of 10 ATM makes it suitable for swimming and other water activities. The built-in GPS with multi-band SatIQ technology ensures reliable navigation and positioning. Additionally, the solar charging feature offers unlimited battery life under optimal conditions, which is great for extended outdoor adventures.

The 0.9-inch display, while not large, is sufficient for essential readings and notifications, and the solar charging lens adds significant value for outdoor use. This watch excels in durability with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and metal-reinforced bezel that meet military standards for thermal and shock resistance. The built-in flashlight with various intensities is a practical touch for outdoor enthusiasts. Health monitoring features like heart rate monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and Pulse Ox provide valuable insights, though they are not intended for medical use.

Smart features such as Garmin Pay, smart notifications, and compatibility with the Connect IQ Store enhance its usability. However, the 0.9-inch display might feel small for users who prefer larger screens, and the memory storage capacity of 128 MB is limited compared to other smartwatches. Additionally, the need for solar exposure for optimal battery performance could be a limitation in less sunny environments. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Instinct 3 is particularly well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability, reliable GPS, and extended battery life.