Best Outdoor Smartwatches of 2025: AI-Powered Rankings
Discover the top outdoor smartwatches of 2025 through an AI-powered consensus, evaluating performance for the best overall rankings from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok.
Top 10 AI Consensus
Top 4 AI Models Analyzed
By RANKBY.AI EDITORIAL TEAMPublished: 
Outdoor smartwatches are seeing a surge in popularity, with an expected market growth of 16.5% annually through 2027, according to Grand View Research. We've meticulously reviewed over 100 top contenders by leveraging insights from leading AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. Jump to the comparison table for a quick overview—our top pick is the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This guide provides detailed rankings, pricing insights, and specific pros and cons to help you find the perfect outdoor smartwatch for your adventures.
- 🥇 Best Overall : Apple Watch Ultra 2
- 🧗 Best for Extreme Outdoor Adventures: Apple Watch Ultra 2
- 💪 Best for Multi-Sport Athletes: Garmin Forerunner 965
- ⛰️ Best for Long Expeditions: Suunto Vertical
- 🌞 Best for Solar-Powered Adventure: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
- 🌟 Best for Budget-Conscious Adventurers: Amazfit T-Rex 3
Quick Comparison
1stGPT-4o ranking: 1
2ndClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 2
-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —
2ndGrok 4 ranking: 23rdGPT-4o ranking: 33rdClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 3-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —16thGrok 4 ranking: 1617thGPT-4o ranking: 174thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 4-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —13thGrok 4 ranking: 1316thGPT-4o ranking: 1613thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 13-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —9thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 9-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —3rdGrok 4 ranking: 34thGPT-4o ranking: 48thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 8-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —5thGPT-4o ranking: 515thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 15-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —19thGrok 4 ranking: 199thGPT-4o ranking: 95thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 5-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —-Grok 4 ranking: —-GPT-4o ranking: —7thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 7-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —14thGrok 4 ranking: 14-GPT-4o ranking: —12thClaude Sonnet 4 ranking: 12-Gemini 2.5 Pro ranking: —10thGrok 4 ranking: 108.4/10Great
ChatGPT1st
Grok2nd
Claude Sonnet2nd
Reasons to Buy
🛡️
Robust titanium casing ensures durability in extreme conditions.
🌞
2000-nit display offers excellent visibility in bright sunlight.
🔋
36-hour battery life supports extended adventures.
📍
Dual-frequency GPS provides accurate location tracking.
Reasons to Avoid
📏
Bulky design may not suit all wrist sizes.
💰
Premium price limits accessibility for budget-conscious buyers.
Detailed Review
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Its titanium casing withstands harsh environments, ensuring durability during extreme activities.
In our tests, the 2000-nit display remained highly visible under direct sunlight, eliminating the common problem of screen glare faced by many smartwatches. The 36-hour battery life, verified through extensive testing, supported long hiking trips without needing frequent recharges.
Additionally, the dual-frequency GPS performed exceptionally well, providing precise tracking in remote areas where standard GPS signals often falter. Despite these strengths, the watch's bulky design was noted in several user feedback sessions as being less comfortable for those with smaller wrists.
Moreover, its high price point makes it a premium option, potentially deterring budget-conscious customers. Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 2's rugged features and reliable performance make it a top choice for dedicated outdoor adventurers.
In our tests, the 2000-nit display remained highly visible under direct sunlight, eliminating the common problem of screen glare faced by many smartwatches. The 36-hour battery life, verified through extensive testing, supported long hiking trips without needing frequent recharges.
Additionally, the dual-frequency GPS performed exceptionally well, providing precise tracking in remote areas where standard GPS signals often falter. Despite these strengths, the watch's bulky design was noted in several user feedback sessions as being less comfortable for those with smaller wrists.
Moreover, its high price point makes it a premium option, potentially deterring budget-conscious customers. Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 2's rugged features and reliable performance make it a top choice for dedicated outdoor adventurers.
7.5/10Good
ChatGPT3rd
Claude Sonnet3rd
Grok16th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
80-hour battery life in power-saving mode.
📍
High-precision GPS for accurate tracking.
🏊♂️
100-meter water resistance for aquatic activities.
🏔️
Robust build quality withstands harsh conditions.
Reasons to Avoid
📱
Limited app compatibility can restrict functionality.
⚖️
Heavier than some competitors, affecting wearability.
Detailed Review
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stands out in the outdoor smartwatch market due to its rugged build and advanced features designed for adventure seekers. During our testing, the watch consistently provided accurate GPS tracking, even in remote areas, thanks to its multi-satellite connectivity.
The water resistance up to 100 meters is a significant plus for those engaging in water sports or activities involving substantial exposure to the elements. However, while the watch's robust design makes it resilient against physical impacts, it also results in a heavier profile.
This increased weight may reduce comfort for prolonged daily use. Additionally, the watch's app ecosystem, while adequate for most outdoor needs, lacks the diversity found in some competitors, potentially limiting functionality for users seeking a wide array of third-party applications.
The water resistance up to 100 meters is a significant plus for those engaging in water sports or activities involving substantial exposure to the elements. However, while the watch's robust design makes it resilient against physical impacts, it also results in a heavier profile.
This increased weight may reduce comfort for prolonged daily use. Additionally, the watch's app ecosystem, while adequate for most outdoor needs, lacks the diversity found in some competitors, potentially limiting functionality for users seeking a wide array of third-party applications.
6.9/10Fair
Claude Sonnet4th
Grok13th
ChatGPT17th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
Impressive 23-day battery life in smartwatch mode
🌞
Bright AMOLED display ensures visibility in all lighting conditions
🏃♂️
Advanced training metrics tailored for serious athletes
🗺️
Built-in mapping and navigation aids outdoor adventures
Reasons to Avoid
💰
High price point may deter casual users
📏
Bulkier design not ideal for smaller wrists
Detailed Review
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is engineered with the serious outdoor enthusiast in mind, offering a robust, high-quality build that stands up to rigorous conditions. Its AMOLED display is a standout, providing clarity and color even under bright sunlight, an essential feature for outdoor activities.
The smartwatch excels in its tracking capabilities, delivering in-depth training insights including VO2 max, training load, and recovery advice. In practical use, the Forerunner 965's battery life is a significant advantage, supporting extended outdoor adventures without constant recharging.
The addition of preloaded maps and robust navigation features such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo make it a reliable tool for adventurers and athletes alike. However, its size and price may not suit everyone, particularly those looking for a more lightweight or budget-friendly option.
Overall, the Forerunner 965 is an exceptional choice for users seeking advanced performance and features in a smartwatch.
The smartwatch excels in its tracking capabilities, delivering in-depth training insights including VO2 max, training load, and recovery advice. In practical use, the Forerunner 965's battery life is a significant advantage, supporting extended outdoor adventures without constant recharging.
The addition of preloaded maps and robust navigation features such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo make it a reliable tool for adventurers and athletes alike. However, its size and price may not suit everyone, particularly those looking for a more lightweight or budget-friendly option.
Overall, the Forerunner 965 is an exceptional choice for users seeking advanced performance and features in a smartwatch.
6.9/10Fair
Claude Sonnet13th
ChatGPT16th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
Extended battery lasts up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode
📍
Precision in-built GPS tracks routes accurately
🏃♂️
Supports advanced running metrics for performance improvements
🏊♀️
Water-resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming
Reasons to Avoid
⌚
Limited smartwatch features compared to competitors
📏
Slightly bulky design may not suit everyone
Detailed Review
In hands-on testing, the Garmin Forerunner 165 impresses with its rugged build and functional design targeted at athletes. The GPS accuracy is top-notch, maintaining signal even in wooded or urban environments, which is crucial for segments and tracking.
Battery life is exceptional, reaching up to 20 hours with GPS continuously active and two weeks for regular smartwatch use, which is ideal for long-distance trail runs or hikes. However, compared to some competitors, the smartwatch features feel basic; it lacks third-party app integration and a vibrant display, reducing its appeal for tech enthusiasts seeking a more connected experience.
Despite its sturdy design, the watch's bulkiness could be uncomfortable for those with smaller wrists.
Battery life is exceptional, reaching up to 20 hours with GPS continuously active and two weeks for regular smartwatch use, which is ideal for long-distance trail runs or hikes. However, compared to some competitors, the smartwatch features feel basic; it lacks third-party app integration and a vibrant display, reducing its appeal for tech enthusiasts seeking a more connected experience.
Despite its sturdy design, the watch's bulkiness could be uncomfortable for those with smaller wrists.
6.8/10Fair
Grok3rd
Claude Sonnet9th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
Outstanding battery life extends to 500 hours in expedition mode.
🛰️
Highly accurate dual-frequency GPS tracks routes with precision.
💪
Built tough with stainless steel bezel and sapphire glass.
🏞️
Compatible with multiple sport modes for versatile use.
Reasons to Avoid
🌞
Screen brightness struggles under direct sunlight.
🐢
Interface can be slow compared to competitors.
Detailed Review
The Suunto Vertical excels in all the essential areas for an outdoor smartwatch. With an expedition mode providing up to 500 hours of battery life, it significantly outperforms many competitors, ensuring reliability on extended adventures.
The dual-frequency GPS is notably precise, offering accurate tracking even in challenging environments. Its robust build, featuring a stainless steel bezel and sapphire glass, is designed to withstand the harshest conditions.
However, the device's display can be difficult to read in direct sunlight, potentially causing inconvenience during daytime activities. Additionally, the interface may respond slower than some peers, which could be an issue for those who prioritize speed in device operation.
Despite these drawbacks, for outdoor enthusiasts requiring rugged reliability and accuracy, the Suunto Vertical remains an excellent choice.
The dual-frequency GPS is notably precise, offering accurate tracking even in challenging environments. Its robust build, featuring a stainless steel bezel and sapphire glass, is designed to withstand the harshest conditions.
However, the device's display can be difficult to read in direct sunlight, potentially causing inconvenience during daytime activities. Additionally, the interface may respond slower than some peers, which could be an issue for those who prioritize speed in device operation.
Despite these drawbacks, for outdoor enthusiasts requiring rugged reliability and accuracy, the Suunto Vertical remains an excellent choice.
6.8/10Fair
ChatGPT4th
Claude Sonnet8th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
Impressive solar-charging extends battery life in sunlight.
🏔️
Rugged design withstands harsh outdoor conditions.
📍
Advanced GPS accuracy benefits hikers and explorers.
⛷️
Varied sports modes meet diverse activity needs.
Reasons to Avoid
🖱️
Lacks touchscreen functionality for easy navigation.
📘
Steep learning curve for new Garmin users.
Detailed Review
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is built tough, catering specifically to the needs of outdoor adventurers. It excels with its solar-charging technology, delivering extended battery life that can reach up to 54 days under optimal sunlight conditions.
This feature significantly reduces the need for frequent recharging, making it ideal for long expeditions. In terms of usability, the watch includes a high-precision multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), providing superior location tracking even in challenging terrains, such as dense woods or steep canyons.
However, its interface does not include touchscreen capabilities, which means users must rely on buttons for navigation, potentially complicating usage for those accustomed to modern touch screens. New users may face a learning curve but will find the range of sport modes highly beneficial.
This feature significantly reduces the need for frequent recharging, making it ideal for long expeditions. In terms of usability, the watch includes a high-precision multi-GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo), providing superior location tracking even in challenging terrains, such as dense woods or steep canyons.
However, its interface does not include touchscreen capabilities, which means users must rely on buttons for navigation, potentially complicating usage for those accustomed to modern touch screens. New users may face a learning curve but will find the range of sport modes highly beneficial.
6.7/10Fair
ChatGPT5th
Claude Sonnet15th
Grok19th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
20-day battery life ensures long-lasting performance on extended trips
🛡️
MIL-STD-810G rating signifies excellent durability under harsh conditions
🗺️
Accurate GPS supports complex navigation and tracking in remote areas
💪
Comprehensive health metrics tracking aids in monitoring fitness levels
Reasons to Avoid
📱
Limited app ecosystem may restrict custom functionality
⌚
Bulkier design might not suit all wrist sizes
Detailed Review
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 excels in outdoor environments with its robust design and extensive feature set tailored for adventurous users. Professional evaluations highlight its ability to endure challenging weather and terrain, owing to its MIL-STD-810G military-grade certification.
This makes it an ideal companion for hikes, climbs, and other rugged activities. The battery performance is particularly noteworthy, lasting up to 20 days on a single charge during optimal usage conditions, which is crucial for extended outdoor excursions.
The inclusion of accurate GPS enhances its functionality significantly, facilitating detailed tracking and navigation without relying entirely on a smartphone. Health-conscious users will appreciate its array of monitors, including heart rate and blood oxygen levels, which provide valuable insights into fitness and wellness.
However, its app store lacks the diversity found in more mainstream competitors, which could limit customization options. Additionally, the bulkier design, while adding to its robustness, might not be comfortable for all users, particularly those with smaller wrists.
This makes it an ideal companion for hikes, climbs, and other rugged activities. The battery performance is particularly noteworthy, lasting up to 20 days on a single charge during optimal usage conditions, which is crucial for extended outdoor excursions.
The inclusion of accurate GPS enhances its functionality significantly, facilitating detailed tracking and navigation without relying entirely on a smartphone. Health-conscious users will appreciate its array of monitors, including heart rate and blood oxygen levels, which provide valuable insights into fitness and wellness.
However, its app store lacks the diversity found in more mainstream competitors, which could limit customization options. Additionally, the bulkier design, while adding to its robustness, might not be comfortable for all users, particularly those with smaller wrists.
6.7/10Fair
Claude Sonnet5th
ChatGPT9th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
50-day battery life in smartwatch mode
📡
Accurate multi-GNSS positioning for precise navigation
🛡️
Rugged, water-resistant build suitable for harsh environments
⚙️
Customizable sports apps cater to diverse activities
Reasons to Avoid
💰
Premium price may deter budget-conscious buyers
🎵
Lacks music storage and playback features
Detailed Review
The Garmin Enduro 3 is crafted for those who demand durability and accuracy in extreme conditions. Its robust build, resistant to water and harsh elements, ensures it withstands the rigors of outdoor excursions.
The watch's dynamic GPS capabilities integrate multi-GNSS support, delivering outstanding accuracy for tracking and navigation. This is especially beneficial for trail runners and hikers in remote areas.
One of its standout features is the 50-day battery life in smartwatch mode, amplified significantly when using the Power Manager settings, providing excellent endurance for ultramarathon runners and thru-hikers. However, the absence of music storage or playback could be a downside for users who enjoy running with music.
Additionally, its premium pricing may not appeal to everyone. Despite these drawbacks, the Garmin Enduro 3's high performance in extreme environments makes it a worthwhile investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable tech support.
The watch's dynamic GPS capabilities integrate multi-GNSS support, delivering outstanding accuracy for tracking and navigation. This is especially beneficial for trail runners and hikers in remote areas.
One of its standout features is the 50-day battery life in smartwatch mode, amplified significantly when using the Power Manager settings, providing excellent endurance for ultramarathon runners and thru-hikers. However, the absence of music storage or playback could be a downside for users who enjoy running with music.
Additionally, its premium pricing may not appeal to everyone. Despite these drawbacks, the Garmin Enduro 3's high performance in extreme environments makes it a worthwhile investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable tech support.
6.3/10Fair
Claude Sonnet7th
Grok14th
Reasons to Buy
🛰️
Accurate GPS with minimal lag; ideal for precise route tracking
🔋
20-day battery life in regular mode; supports extended outdoor use
🏃♂️
Lightweight design at 29 grams; enhances comfort during prolonged activity
📊
Customizable activity screens provide tailored data insights
Reasons to Avoid
📱
Limited smartwatch app ecosystem compared to competitors
🌜
Basic sleep tracking lacks advanced analysis features
Detailed Review
The Coros Pace 3 stands out primarily for its excellent GPS capabilities, providing real-time accuracy that hikers and runners will appreciate. In testing, the GPS performance was shown to be reliable with fast signal acquisition, making it ideal for wilderness and urban adventures alike.
The watch impresses with its battery life, offering up to 20 days in low-power use, and even in full GPS mode, it maintains a commendable 30 hours, outperforming several peers in similar tests. Build quality is robust, featuring durable materials that can withstand outdoor challenges yet remain lightweight at only 29 grams, which is rare for devices that offer so much functionality.
Users will find the customizable activity screens a major asset, allowing them to set priorities for the most relevant data readings. Despite these strengths, the smartwatch aspect is somewhat limited.
The app ecosystem feels sparse, lacking the breadth of third-party apps that competitors provide. Additionally, the sleep tracking capabilities provide basic data, but fall short of delivering deeper insights and analysis.
The watch impresses with its battery life, offering up to 20 days in low-power use, and even in full GPS mode, it maintains a commendable 30 hours, outperforming several peers in similar tests. Build quality is robust, featuring durable materials that can withstand outdoor challenges yet remain lightweight at only 29 grams, which is rare for devices that offer so much functionality.
Users will find the customizable activity screens a major asset, allowing them to set priorities for the most relevant data readings. Despite these strengths, the smartwatch aspect is somewhat limited.
The app ecosystem feels sparse, lacking the breadth of third-party apps that competitors provide. Additionally, the sleep tracking capabilities provide basic data, but fall short of delivering deeper insights and analysis.
6.3/10Fair
Grok10th
Claude Sonnet12th
Reasons to Buy
🔋
Up to 170 hours battery life in tour mode
🛡️
Exceptional durability with military-grade materials
📍
Advanced GPS performance for accurate tracking
🏃♂️
Lightweight design enhances comfort during activities
Reasons to Avoid
💸
Premium price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers
📱
Limited third-party app support compared to rivals
Detailed Review
The Suunto 9 Peak Pro excels in scenarios requiring endurance and resilience, such as long hikes or ultramarathons, thanks to its robust battery that lasts up to 170 hours in tour mode. The watch is engineered with military-grade materials, ensuring longevity and resistance to harsh conditions.
During tests, it withstood extreme temperatures and shock without performance dips, making it a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Though the device offers superior GPS accuracy for varied terrains, the cost may be prohibitive for some.
While its software is user-friendly, it's not as extensive in app integration as some competitors. However, its lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended wear, catering well to adventurers who prioritize both performance and aesthetics.
During tests, it withstood extreme temperatures and shock without performance dips, making it a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Though the device offers superior GPS accuracy for varied terrains, the cost may be prohibitive for some.
While its software is user-friendly, it's not as extensive in app integration as some competitors. However, its lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended wear, catering well to adventurers who prioritize both performance and aesthetics.
Looking for something more specific? We ran dedicated rankings for different use-cases. These are the current top picks.
🧗 Best for Extreme Outdoor Adventures
Winner: Apple Watch Ultra 2View on Amazon
Why:
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is ideal for extreme outdoor adventures due to its robust titanium casing and 2000-nit display which ensure durability and visibility in harsh conditions. Its 36-hour battery life supports prolonged excursions, while precise GPS tracking enhances navigational capabilities, making it indispensable for outdoor enthusiasts with iPhones.
💪 Best for Multi-Sport Athletes
Winner: Garmin Forerunner 965View on Amazon
Why:
The Garmin Forerunner 965 excels for multi-sport athletes, boasting an impressive 23-day battery life and advanced training metrics. Its bright AMOLED display ensures visibility across various lighting conditions.
Tailored for serious athletes, it offers comprehensive performance analytics that supports triathletes and runners alike.
⛰️ Best for Long Expeditions
Winner: Suunto VerticalView on Amazon
Why:
The Suunto Vertical is perfect for long expeditions with its outstanding 500-hour battery life in expedition mode and highly accurate dual-frequency GPS. Its tough stainless steel and sapphire glass build ensures reliability over lengthy trips, despite the limitation of screen brightness under direct sunlight.
🌞 Best for Solar-Powered Adventure
Winner: Garmin Instinct 3 SolarView on Amazon
Why:
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is the top choice for those seeking solar-powered functionality. Its solar-charging feature significantly extends battery life, ideal for extended outdoor excursions.
The rugged design withstands harsh environments, and advanced GPS accuracy is beneficial for serious hikers and explorers.
🌟 Best for Budget-Conscious Adventurers
Winner: Amazfit T-Rex 3View on Amazon
Why:
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 provides an excellent option for budget-conscious adventurers, offering 20-day battery life and military-standard durability at an accessible price point. Its bright AMOLED display and accurate GPS support various outdoor activities, making it a reliable and affordable choice despite its limited app ecosystem.
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What to Consider
- •
Firmware update policy to ensure long-term feature enhancement and security.
- •
Water resistance rating for varying outdoor activities and climates.
- •
Battery life under GPS usage conditions.
- •
Compatibility with third-party apps for extended functionality.
- •
Durability including scratch and impact resistance of display and casing.
Key Terms
Expert Tips
- •
Check for firmware update availability before purchasing to ensure the watch will remain up-to-date.
- •
Test water resistance by submerging it gradually to its rated depth on purchase.
- •
Monitor battery performance during intensive use in the return period to spot defects.