10 Best Garmin Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a robust and feature-packed multisport GPS smartwatch. Its standout feature is the solar charging capability, which significantly extends battery life, making it ideal for long outdoor activities. The GPS accuracy is enhanced by multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology, ensuring precise tracking even in challenging environments. The built-in LED flashlight adds an extra layer of convenience and safety for night activities. Heart rate monitoring and comprehensive health metrics, including HRV status and Pulse Ox, provide valuable insights into your health and fitness. However, it's important to note that these are estimations and not medical-grade data.

The advanced navigation sensors and preloaded maps for various activities make it a versatile companion for both urban and wilderness adventures. With a durable design featuring a scratch-resistant Power Sapphire lens and options for a steel or titanium bezel, it withstands tough conditions. The display quality is clear and readable, even in direct sunlight, thanks to the 1.2-inch screen.

On the downside, the 42 mm case size might be somewhat bulky for users with smaller wrists. Additionally, while the smartwatch offers a plethora of smart features, its interface may take some time to get used to for those who are not tech-savvy. Water resistance ensures it can handle swimming and other water activities. If you are an outdoor enthusiast or a serious athlete looking for a reliable, durable, and feature-rich smartwatch, the Garmin fēnix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar is a strong contender.

The Garmin Forerunner 970 is a premium smartwatch aimed at runners and triathletes, offering one of Garmin's brightest AMOLED displays paired with durable materials like a titanium bezel and sapphire lens. Its GPS capabilities are enhanced by multi-band reception and full-color maps, making it reliable for accurate route tracking. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 26 hours when using GPS continuously, which is beneficial for long training sessions or multi-day events. The built-in LED flashlight is a thoughtful addition for early morning or late night workouts.

It excels in heart rate monitoring and running dynamics, providing detailed insights such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and even running power to help improve performance. The watch supports personalized training plans that adapt based on your recovery and performance, making it useful for structured training. Smart features include call handling, voice assistant support, and notifications, which enhance everyday usability beyond fitness. It also offers multisport auto-transition, a helpful feature for triathletes to seamlessly track swimming, biking, and running segments.

The device is best suited for serious runners and triathletes looking for advanced training tools combined with smartwatch conveniences and a durable, high-quality build. Note that some advanced heart rate monitoring features may require a separate compatible device.

The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a well-rounded fitness smartwatch that offers a bright 1.2-inch AMOLED display, making it easy to read outdoors and indoors. It supports built-in GPS, which provides solid tracking for outdoor activities like running, cycling, and swimming, covering over 80 sports modes to keep workouts varied and engaging. The battery life is impressive for a smartwatch with an AMOLED screen, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, so you won’t need to charge it frequently.

Health tracking is a standout feature here, with Body Battery energy monitoring, sleep analysis including personalized coaching, heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, menstrual and pregnancy tracking, plus automatic nap detection. These give a detailed picture of your overall wellness. Garmin’s animated workouts and adaptive training plans offer helpful guidance, especially if you’re looking for motivation or to improve your exercise form.

Smart features include notifications and a gentle smart wake alarm, but while it offers solid fitness insights, it may not have as many third-party apps or advanced smartphone features compared to some other smartwatches. The watch is lightweight and durable, suitable for active users, and its round shape with customizable bands allows for a comfortable fit and personal style. The battery capacity is modest, but Garmin's power management stretches it well. If you want a smartwatch that balances everyday wear with detailed health and fitness tracking, the vívoactive 6 is a strong choice. Those who prioritize a larger display or more advanced smartwatch apps might find other models better suited.