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 Solar smartwatch is a rugged and durable option ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its impressive water resistance rating up to 100 meters means it can handle swimming and water sports without issues. The solar charging feature extends battery life significantly, making it a reliable companion for long adventures away from power sources.

It boasts comprehensive GPS functionality supported by multiple satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, and Galileo), ensuring accurate tracking in various challenging terrains. Battery life is further enhanced by its solar capabilities, reducing the frequency of recharges required during extended use. Health monitoring features are robust, including heart rate tracking, stress monitoring, sleep estimates, and Pulse Ox, although it's important to note that Pulse Ox is not intended for medical diagnosis.

The build quality meets U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, indicating excellent durability. The watch includes smart features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in sports apps, though it lacks the more advanced smart features found in higher-end smartwatches. The display is relatively small at 1.27 inches with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels, which might limit its usability for some users. However, its button-operated navigation system ensures reliable performance even in rugged conditions. The Garmin Instinct Solar is well-suited for outdoor activities and robust health monitoring, though its display and advanced smart features might fall short for users seeking a more sophisticated smartwatch.