Top 10 Garmin Waterproof Watch Deals Right Now

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 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.

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.

The watch also offers useful health tracking features like continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and Pulse Ox, although the health data should be seen as estimates rather than medical-grade measurements. Smart features include Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with Android and iOS devices, and it has built-in sports apps for various activities including swimming, running, and biking. One unique addition is the built-in LED flashlight with adjustable brightness and strobe modes, which is handy during nighttime workouts or emergencies.

On the downside, the display is not a touchscreen and is more basic compared to some other smartwatches, which might feel limiting if you want advanced smart features or an app-rich experience. Also, the watch is relatively large and bulky at 50 mm, which might not suit smaller wrists. It offers a solid mix of durability, battery life, and outdoor-focused functions, making it very well suited for active users who prioritize ruggedness and long battery life over sleek design or extensive app ecosystems.