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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 by1,492
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
701 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 010-02638-10 Forerunner® 955, GPS Running Smartwatch, Tailored to Triathletes, Long-Lasting Battery, Black

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is an excellent choice for triathletes and fitness enthusiasts who need a reliable GPS smartwatch with robust features. Its waterproof build ensures durability during swimming and outdoor activities, making it suitable for various sports. One of the standout points is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 15 days in smartwatch mode and 42 hours in GPS mode, which is perfect for long training sessions or races. The always-on, vibrant display enhances usability, even in bright sunlight, allowing for easy navigation through its functions.

Rating
10.0
Water Resistance Rating
GPS Functionality
Battery Life

Most important from
1540 reviews

Water Resistance Rating
The touch screen works deceptively well underwater. I've never seen a touch screen work when wet.
GPS Functionality
Battery life on this watch is next level and the ultimate selling point. I wear it nonstop to track my sleeping data, HRV, heart rate, stress levels, steps, and sync with Strava for all endurance activities.
Battery Life
Battery life on this watch is next level and the ultimate selling point. I wear it nonstop to track my sleeping data, HRV, heart rate, stress levels, steps, and sync with Strava for all endurance activities.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Battery life on this watch is next level and the ultimate selling point. I wear it nonstop to track my sleeping data, HRV, heart rate, stress levels, steps, and sync with Strava for all endurance activities.
Smart Features
The customizable watch face is very cool. I love being able to glance at my watch and see the weather outside, what time the sunsets or rises, or see if a text message was important.
Display Type and Size
The touchscreen is responsive and easy to read in the daylight or darkness.
#3
10.0 score

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

The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a waterproof GPS smartwatch designed especially for triathletes and serious runners. Its standout feature is solar charging, which extends battery life to up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and up to 49 hours when using GPS with solar assistance. This means less frequent charging, which is great for long training sessions or races. The watch has a bright, always-on color touchscreen that's easy to read even in bright sunlight, paired with traditional buttons for easier control during workouts. It provides very accurate GPS tracking by using multiple satellite systems and frequencies, making it reliable even on trails or in challenging environments. Heart rate monitoring is advanced, offering insights like HRV status that help you understand your recovery and training readiness. The watch also delivers helpful smart features like daily workout suggestions, race planning tools, and a customizable morning report on your sleep and overall condition.

Rating
10.0
GPS Functionality
Battery Life
Heart Rate Monitoring

Most important from
1540 reviews

GPS Functionality
The watch is robust and well-suited for multisport athletes, with excellent GPS accuracy across various environments and activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting over a week on a single charge even with regular GPS use, far surpassing typical smartwatches.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The watch delivers powerful, detailed workout data that keeps you obsessed with tracking VO2 max, heart rate, and run power after every session.
Durability and Build Quality
The watch is robust and well-suited for multisport athletes, with excellent GPS accuracy across various environments and activities.
Smart Features
Smartwatch features are basic; notifications appear but you cannot respond or interact with calls and texts directly on the watch.
Display Type and Size
The touchscreen is bright and responsive, even in bright sunlight and underwater, while physical buttons offer reliable control during workouts.

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 1492 this week

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 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 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 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 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