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10 Best Garmin Waterproof Watch 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Charging Capability, Multi-Band GNSS, Graphite

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a rugged GPS smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who needs a durable, waterproof watch. Its standout feature is the solar charging capability that can extend battery life significantly—under good sunlight, the watch can run indefinitely in smartwatch mode, which is ideal for long trips without frequent charging. The watch meets tough U.S. military durability standards, making it resistant to water, shock, and extreme temperatures. It has a bright, 1.27-inch round display that’s large and clear enough to easily read outdoors. GPS functionality is strong thanks to multi-band GNSS, providing accurate location tracking even in challenging environments.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,170
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
703 reviews

Battery Life
Battery life is exceptional, especially with solar charging, enabling near-indefinite use in smartwatch mode under good sunlight.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The optical heart rate sensor can struggle on tattooed skin, but applying a clear acrylic sticker resolves tracking issues effectively.
Durability and Build Quality
Despite its large size, the watch feels manageable even on petite wrists and offers a rugged, aggressive style that appeals to those who prefer a bold look.
Smart Features
The watch face and data fields are highly customizable via the Garmin ConnectIQ app, allowing users to tailor the experience to their fitness and outdoor needs.
Display Type and Size
Customizing the display brightness and screen wake settings makes the screen perfectly readable outdoors while balancing battery life.
#2
10.0 score

Garmin Forerunner 165, Running Smartwatch, Colorful AMOLED Display, Training Metrics and Recovery Insights, Black

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.

Rating
10.0
Battery Life
Smart Features
Display Type and Size

Most important from
1028 reviews

Battery Life
Worked 9 days on one charge, even with swimming three times.
Smart Features
Provides just the right amount of tracking data for workouts and basic smartwatch features.
Display Type and Size
The display is bright and it's great to have both buttons and a touch screen.
#3
9.8 score

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar - Tactical Edition, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Ballistics Calculator, Solar Charging Capability, Coyote Tan

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.

Rating
9.8
Battery Life
Durability and Build Quality
Smart Features

Most important from
425 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is incredible, with solar charging significantly extending the time between charges.
Durability and Build Quality
The watch's durability makes it comfortable to wear during all activities.
Smart Features
Receiving notifications from the phone makes the device even more valuable as it ensures no missed texts, calls, or reminders.

Top 10 Best Garmin Waterproof Watch 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Charging Capability, Multi-Band GNSS, Graphite

GPS Functionality: True, multi-band GNSS
Battery Life: Indefinite in smartwatch mode sunlight
Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous
Durability and Build Quality: Meets US military standards; water, shock resistant
Smart Features: Bluetooth, sports apps, LED flashlight modes
Display Type and Size: 1.27-inch round, not touchscreen

Chosen by 1170 this week

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar - Tactical Edition, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Ballistics Calculator, Solar Charging Capability, Coyote Tan

Water Resistance Rating: U.S. military standard 810
GPS Functionality: True
Battery Life: Infinite in smartwatch mode with sunlight
Heart Rate Monitoring: True
Durability and Build Quality: Built to U.S. military standard 810
Smart Features: Connectivity with Android & iOS
Display Type and Size: 1.27-inch round display

Garmin 010-02638-10 Forerunner® 955, GPS Running Smartwatch, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black

Water Resistance Rating: waterproof
GPS Functionality: multi-GNSS support
Battery Life: 15 days smartwatch, 42 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: HRV status, training readiness
Durability and Build Quality: durable
Smart Features: PacePro, VO2 Max, Garmin Coach
Display Type and Size: always-on, 1.3 Inches

Garmin Forerunner® 955 Solar, GPS Running Smartwatch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black - 010-02638-00

Water Resistance Rating: waterproof
GPS Functionality: GPS enabled, accurate multi-satellite tracking
Battery Life: 20 days smartwatch, 49 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: advanced, includes HRV status
Durability and Build Quality: lightweight, sturdy, tough outdoor use
Smart Features: workout suggestions, race tools, reports
Display Type and Size: bright, always-on 1.3 inch touchscreen

Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar, Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Charging Capability, Fog Gray/Ember Orange

GPS Functionality: Built-in GPS, multi-band, SatIQ
Battery Life: Extended with solar charging lens
Heart Rate Monitoring: HRV status, Pulse Ox
Durability and Build Quality: Polymer case, titanium bezel, rear cover
Smart Features: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, 32 GB storage
Display Type and Size: 1.3-inch display

Garmin Instinct® 3 45mm, Solar Charged Display, Rugged Outdoor GPS Smartwatch, Metal-Reinforced Bezel, Built-in Flashlight, Black

Water Resistance Rating: 10 ATM
GPS Functionality: Built-in GPS with multi-band SatIQ
Battery Life: Unlimited with solar charging
Heart Rate Monitoring: Yes
Durability and Build Quality: Fiber-reinforced polymer case, metal bezel
Smart Features: Garmin Pay, smart notifications, Connect IQ
Display Type and Size: 0.9-inch display

Garmin Forerunner® 255, GPS Running Smartwatch, Advanced Insights, Long-Lasting Battery, Slate Gray

Water Resistance Rating: suitable for swimming
GPS Functionality: GPS Enabled
Battery Life: up to 14 days
Heart Rate Monitoring: HRV tracking
Durability and Build Quality: durable build
Smart Features: workout suggestions, recovery assessments
Display Type and Size: 1.3 Inches, full-color

Garmin Venu 3S Soft Gold Stainless Steel Bezel 1.2-Inch AMOLED Touchscreen Display Smart Watch with 41mm Dust Rose Case and Silicone Band

Water Resistance Rating: suitable for swimming
GPS Functionality: Built-in GPS
Battery Life: up to 10 days
Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-Based Heart Rate
Smart Features: make and receive calls, stream music
Display Type and Size: 1.2-inch AMOLED

Garmin fēnix® 8 – 47mm, AMOLED, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, Long-Lasting Battery Life, Dive-Rated, Built-in LED Flashlight, Slate Gray with Black Band

Water Resistance Rating: 40 meters
GPS Functionality: Built-in GPS, multi-band GPS
Battery Life: 16 days smartwatch, 47 hours GPS
Heart Rate Monitoring: Wrist-based heart rate tracking
Durability and Build Quality: Stainless steel bezel, metal buttons
Smart Features: Built-in speaker, mic, phone calls
Display Type and Size: 1.4-inch AMOLED display
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Buying Guide for the Best Garmin Waterproof Watch

When choosing a Garmin waterproof watch, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the watch. Whether you're a swimmer, diver, or just someone who wants a durable watch for everyday use, understanding the key specifications will help you make the best choice. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the perfect fit for you.
Water Resistance RatingThe water resistance rating indicates how well the watch can withstand water exposure. This is crucial if you plan to use the watch for swimming, diving, or other water activities. Ratings are usually given in meters (e.g., 50m, 100m, 200m). A rating of 50m is suitable for swimming, 100m for snorkeling, and 200m or more for diving. Choose a rating based on the water activities you engage in most frequently.
GPS FunctionalityGPS functionality allows the watch to track your location, distance, and pace, which is particularly useful for outdoor activities like running, hiking, and cycling. Some watches offer basic GPS, while others provide advanced features like route planning and navigation. If you need precise tracking and navigation, opt for a watch with advanced GPS capabilities.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the watch can operate before needing a recharge. This is important for long-duration activities or multi-day trips. Watches with basic features may last several days, while those with advanced features like GPS and heart rate monitoring may have shorter battery life. Consider your usage patterns and choose a watch with a battery life that matches your needs.
Heart Rate MonitoringHeart rate monitoring tracks your heart rate during activities, providing valuable data for fitness and health tracking. Some watches offer basic heart rate monitoring, while others provide advanced metrics like VO2 max and stress levels. If you are focused on fitness and health, choose a watch with comprehensive heart rate monitoring features.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality ensure the watch can withstand rough conditions and long-term use. Look for materials like stainless steel, titanium, or reinforced polymers. If you engage in rugged activities or need a watch that can handle daily wear and tear, prioritize durability and high-quality materials.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include notifications, music control, contactless payments, and more. These features can enhance convenience and connectivity. If you want a watch that integrates seamlessly with your smartphone and offers additional functionalities, look for models with a wide range of smart features.
Display Type and SizeThe display type and size affect readability and usability. Options include LCD, OLED, and transflective displays, each with different visibility in various lighting conditions. Larger displays are easier to read but may be bulkier. Choose a display type and size that offers good visibility and fits comfortably on your wrist.

FAQ