Top 10 Best Rugged Smartwatches Today: Buying Guide
There’s no doubt that smartwatches have greatly evolved. From being just a digital display of time to adding step tracking and finally as the versatile product we see today.
There are many kinds of smartwatches now; we have got health watches and fitness ones, and the newest addition is rugged smartwatches. These bad boys can handle harsh sporting and environmental conditions.
Got a heavy storm but still going out for your jog?
No worries, your rugged smartwatch won’t even grunt in dismay.
These watches are the peak of the smartwatch industry. They eliminate the aspect of being wary of wearing your watch.
Now, you can just strap on your AI buddy and have no care in the world. So, intrigued? I’ve got the 10 best-rugged watches for you to consider!
My #1 Choice ❤
There’s a lot to choose from, I know. I’ll even admit that picking a number one choice wasn’t easy. It was a close tie between the Amazfit t-rex pro and the Samsung galaxy watch 3.
In the end, I had to go with Amazfit T-rex Pro.
- 【TOUGHNESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT】The Amazfit T-Rex Pro comes with a 1.3" HD AMOLED always-on color screen; The outer bezel undergoes a metal-spraying process, which enhances the rich textures of the light 60g watch body. Having passed 15 military-grade tests1, this smart watch can battle with you through hot deserts, humid rainforest and polar glaciers. Witness endurance that braves the elements with ease..Suported Application:Alarm,Calendar,Calorie Tracker,Heart Rate Monitor,Distance Tracking,Elevation Tracker,Email,Fitness Tracker,GPS,Multisport Tracker,Music Player,Pedometer,Phone,Social Media,Text Messaging,Time Display. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- 【YOUR PARTNER IN EXPLORATION】The Amazfit T-Rex Pro smartwatch is high-level exploration partner, suporting four global navigation satellite systems, a blood-oxygen saturation measurement system, a heart rate monitor, a sleep monitor, a weather tracker, a sunrise and sunset monitor, a current moon phase display, a compass and barometric altimeter.
- 【Ultra-long 18 Day Battery Life】When fully-charged, you can relax and enjoy upto 18 days of activity and progress with typical usage, or upto 9 days with heavy usage, or upto 40 hours with GPS continuous working mode. Go nonstop with T-Rex Pro watch
- 【10 ATM WATER RESISTANT】With a 10 ATM grade, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro smartwatch is water-resistant to a depth of upto 100 meters and can accompany you as you surf, swim, or explore the mysterious underwater world together.
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It’s my favorite rugged smartwatch because: It has an exceptional level of toughness. Tested on a 15 toughness criterion, this watch does not budge.
Its impeccable sturdiness paired with the SpO2 monitor, heart rate sensor and the latest bio tracker easily make it my number one choice.
How To: Choose The Best Rugged Smartwatch
As I said, these watches all differ by hair. It’s pretty hard to look for a good watch when the adverts all seem so convincing. Let me help you out here, too.
Here are a few major points to consider when choosing a rugged smartwatch.
Battery life
Let’s face it, is it a rugged watch if the battery runs dead in 3 hours? Therefore, you should make sure that the watch you pick has a decent battery life of at least a few days.
Otherwise, it’s just a puny watch, not a rugged one.
Water-Resistance
If you’re going to be outdoors for prolonged periods then you might want to consider your watch is water-resistant.
Since the weather is a very unpredictable thing it’s best to make sure your device won’t fall into the hands of a bit of rain.
OS Compatibility
For a perfect watch, you might want to prefer it being synced to other phones or devices. For this, you need to make sure that the watch you own is compatible with your available device.
Like how Apple watches only sync with Apple, it’s best to confirm the OS compatibility before you get your smartwatch.
Design
Just because the name has “rugged” in it doesn’t mean it should look like a Viking. Instead, you could look for a sleek, smooth design that offers you resistance and long battery hours.
After all, aesthetics is equally as important as any other factor.
Top 10 Best Rugged Smartwatches Compared
Our top picks with assessed cost range and final ratings are given below. Each choice from the list is hyperlinked with the Amazon link, so it is easier for you to track down every product with its relevant information.
The table is positioned from the most reasonable smartwatch first to the most expensive choice at the base.
| Name | Price | Rating |
| Fitbit Versa 2 | $118.95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Amazfit T-Rex Pro | $124.95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | $109.31 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Instinct Solar | $319.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Forerunner 945 | $368.43 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Casio Men's G-shock GSW-1000 | $419.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 | $106.38 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Suunto 9 | $569.93 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Fenix 6 Pro | $419.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Casio WSD-F30 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
#1 Casio Men’s G-Shock GSW-1000
Price Range:$$$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.4/5
Key Features:
- GPS
- Dual-layer display
- Shock resistant
- 20-bar water resistance
- Titanium case back
- Altitude sensors
- Compass
Let’s start off by a name you probably don’t hear much in the smartwatch industry. Casio might not be on the top of the charts but over the years it has definitely made a name for itself — And the brand is my all-time favorite.
Although you would find models on the leaner side, this isn’t the case with the G-shock GSW-1000.
But with its bulk, it is no doubt a perfect rugged piece for sure. With a water resistance of 20-bars, it surely is well made.
This monstrous watch is more inclined towards the fitness side than it is on the hiking side. But it still manages to include GPS connectivity, altitude sensors, a barometer, and a compass.
So it’s not completely a wimp in the woods.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great built quality | Wear OS is not good |
| Good battery life | Awkward charger |
- Shock Resistant
- 5-Sensors
- 200-meter water resistance
- Bluetooth Connected w/ GPS
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#2 Garmin Instinct Solar
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.7/5
Key Features:
- Solar-powered
- GPS
- Phone notifications
- SpO2 sensor
- Pulse Ox
- Stress tracking
The most practical watch on the list, this watch, as the name suggests, runs on solar power. This helps its inbuilt battery some ease as the device can charge in the sun, too.
If that wasn’t enough wilderness perk, then the watch also has a SpO2 sensor, customizable battery option, a GPS, and a range of activity tracking.
Does that satisfy your needs?
I have written a separate guide on Best Solar-Powered Smartwatches — Do check it out!
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional battery life | Black and white display |
| Good interface | Casing seems cheap |
| Include triathlon |
- Vastly extended battery life through solar charging.Supported Application:GPS. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- Rugged GPS Watch is water-rated to 100 meters and constructed to U.S. military standard 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance
- Built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
- Track your activities for running, biking, swimming, strength and more
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#3 Amazfit T-rex Pro
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.8/5
Key Features:
- AMOLED color display
- SpO2 monitor
- Heart rate monitor
- 100m water resistance
- GPS
- 100 tracking modes
- Moon phase display
Perfect for hiking and skiing, the smartwatch is your ideal companion to take on long adventure trips. If you’re interested in measuring your vitals and mapping your adventures, then this one’s definitely for you.
Granted you’ll have to sacrifice the design for all the features but it does have hefty specs.
The watch has 100 sports modes including snowboarding and hiking. It is equipped with a GPS, and SpO2 sensor and is water-resistant up to 100 meters.
And that’s not all as it even gives sleep readouts and notifications directly from your phone.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clear data to display | No GPS navigation |
| Week-long battery | No third party app integration |
| Color display | Dull design |
- 【TOUGHNESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT】The Amazfit T-Rex Pro comes with a 1.3" HD AMOLED always-on color screen; The outer bezel undergoes a metal-spraying process, which enhances the rich textures of the light 60g watch body. Having passed 15 military-grade tests1, this smart watch can battle with you through hot deserts, humid rainforest and polar glaciers. Witness endurance that braves the elements with ease..Suported Application:Alarm,Calendar,Calorie Tracker,Heart Rate Monitor,Distance Tracking,Elevation Tracker,Email,Fitness Tracker,GPS,Multisport Tracker,Music Player,Pedometer,Phone,Social Media,Text Messaging,Time Display. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- 【YOUR PARTNER IN EXPLORATION】The Amazfit T-Rex Pro smartwatch is high-level exploration partner, suporting four global navigation satellite systems, a blood-oxygen saturation measurement system, a heart rate monitor, a sleep monitor, a weather tracker, a sunrise and sunset monitor, a current moon phase display, a compass and barometric altimeter.
- 【Ultra-long 18 Day Battery Life】When fully-charged, you can relax and enjoy upto 18 days of activity and progress with typical usage, or upto 9 days with heavy usage, or upto 40 hours with GPS continuous working mode. Go nonstop with T-Rex Pro watch
- 【10 ATM WATER RESISTANT】With a 10 ATM grade, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro smartwatch is water-resistant to a depth of upto 100 meters and can accompany you as you surf, swim, or explore the mysterious underwater world together.
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4 Suunto 9
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.3/5
Key Features:
- Heart rate sensor
- 80 sports mode
- GPS
- 120-hour battery life
- Altitude information
- Inbuilt music
This rugged watch brings in a new spectrum of smartwatches. This robust and sturdy watch can handle even the toughest of environments and has features that can withstand all your wildest adventures.
One of the most major upgrades is its battery life which can last for 5 days. It has a whopping 120 hours of running time without any need to charge all the while using the watch’s most intense features.
Aside from the intense battery life it also has a range of features from sleep tracking to more than 80 sports modes.
It’s one of the best tactical smartwatches in my opinion.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long battery life | Hard to read screen |
| Hard-wearing | Confusing menus |
| Good training features |
- Three predefined battery modes – Performance, Endurance and Ultra – deliver from 25 hours to up to 120 hours* of recording time with GPS tracking on. When you start a recording, you’ll get an estimate of how much battery you have left with the current mode. If it’s not enough, switch to another mode at any time.
- On long ultra runs, battery life is often the limiting factor for recording distance and track accurately, as GPS is a heavy drain on the battery. Suunto’s unique FusedTrack algorithm combines GPS and motion sensor data to improve track and distance accuracy. This allows you to extend battery life by lowering GPS power without significantly compromising accuracy.
- Suunto 9 is designed and built to meet the demands of professional athletes. Tested to the extreme with thousands of hours of real use in the toughest conditions by Suunto’s internal testing team and athletes all over the world, it is your trusted companion to confidently see you through any adventure!
- Pair Suunto 9 with the new Suunto app to track all your adventures, as well as follow your long term trends, including daily activity and sleep. Easily share your greatest achievements and connect with others in the app community.
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#5 Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.7/5
Key Features:
- GPS
- Galileo satellite
- GLONASS
- PulseOx sensor
- Heart rate sensor
- Calories burned
- Hydration tracking
When the release of a watch causes a frenzy over the world you know the device is no joke.
For the Fenix 6 pro, many people were left wondering what new additions Garmin could bring but when the product came out, it didn’t disappoint.
The watch was a bottleneck of features and tech that wasn’t seen in any previous Fenix models. With longer battery life, 36 hours worth of GPS, and music runs, this one has it all.
The watch is also 10 ATM waterproof with a pulse-ox sensor, heart rate sensor, and a barometric altimeter. All that you need for a good trip in the woods.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long battery life | Expensive |
| High-quality training analysis | No accurate heart rate monitoring |
- Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated design that features an always-on 1.3” (18% larger than previous Fenix models) sunlight-readable display with bezels in stainless steel, titanium or diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.Special Feature:Bluetooth.
- Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation at high elevations (this is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition)
- Advanced training features include PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity plus environmentally adjusted VO2 max and training status estimates
- Navigate the outdoors with preloaded topo maps, ski maps for over 2,000 worldwide ski resorts, multiple global navigation satellite system (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) support and built-in sensors for 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» Read my blog post about: Best Smartwatches For Swimming
#6 Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.7/5
Key Features:
- Stress tracking
- Women’s health options
- 7 auto-start sports tracking
- Sleep tracker
- VO2 Max reading
- SpO2 sensor
- ECG
- Gyroscope
- Water-resistant
A staple name on every smartwatch enthusiast’s wishlist, Samsung has once more outdone itself by the release of this rugged watch.
One of its biggest perks is that it can auto-start track without even having to set the sports mode for 7 different sports. Other than this, it also asks if you’re done with a specific sport and moved on to the next one.
It also has fall detection and on-demand VO2 max readings. This along with a SpO2 sensor make it a reliable buddy to have outdoors.
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing design | Expensive |
| Solid fitness features | Poor battery |
- STYLE YOU CAN COUNT ON: Galaxy Watch3 combines style—two sizes, two finishes, three colors and, 50,000 plus watch faces-with military-grade durability and water resistance
- LEAVE YOUR PHONE BEHND: Galaxy Watch3 gives you the freedom to call, text, stream music and get notifications via Bluetooth connectivity
- You can share the PDF report of your ECG recording with your health care provider using the Samsung Health Monitor app on your compatible Galaxy phone
- BATTERY BUILT FOR ENDURANCE: The Galaxy Watch3’s long-lasting battery can go for more than a day on a single charge, and you can always get a quick boost from your compatible Galaxy phone with Wireless Power Share
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#7 Casio WSD-F30
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.1/5
Key Features:
- Sleep tracking
- GPS
- Distance traveled
- Calories consumed
- Compass
- Accelerometer
- Up to 3 days of battery life
This durable watch is built keeping the adventurous souls in mind. It is jam-packed with features to record and monitor every possible sort of sport. From hiking to cycling to even fishing; it’s got all.
On the underside, there’s a pressure sensor for altitudes and air pressure. A microfeature is hidden right under your nose. Along with this, it has a GPS system with GLONASS and an accelerometer.
Moreover, the wear OS has several external apps that aid your wilderness experience. All it takes is to press a button on the side that can automatically turn the mapping feature on. This comes in handy for when you go back to that area and it notifies you.
The real deal comes in its battery life. It’s got three modes; normal, extended, and multi. These modes determine how long the watch can last without needing to recharge it.
At a minimum, the watch can work with a GPS system and color displays which can make it last about a day and a half.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable | Expensive |
| Many sensors for outdoors | Poor performance |
| Dual-layer saves battery life | No heart rate monitor |
| Too bulky for small wrists |
- Imported; Wear OS by Google; OLED (High Visibility); New Timepiece Mode; 50 M Water Resistant
- Digital Compass; Altimeter; Barometer; Activity Tracker; Dual Layer LCD Structure; Original Watch Face; Microphone; Casio Moment Setter App
- Touchscreen. Magnetic charging terminal. Anti-fouling coating
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» This could also be something for you: Best Clip On Fitness Tracker
#8 Garmin Forerunner 945
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.7/5
Key Features:
- Syncs music
- 10 hours of battery
- Has Garmin pay
- Safety and tracking features
- GPS
- heart rate sensor
Fitbit‘s for the professionals and fitness freaks. This small smartwatch holds all that a fitness enthusiast could need. It may not have the most flattering design but it’s one heck of a watch.
It’s equipped with every possible feature you might need. These include GPS tracking, navigational capabilities, downloadable workouts, and preloaded maps.
Plus, it’s lightweight so you won’t have to worry about it pulling you down. But despite all this, its most defining feature has to be its functionality. It surpasses Coros and Suunto in this aspect as it manages to swiftly access features.
Another likable feature is how you don’t need to scratch your head in confusion looking at the data. It’s easily analyzed and compiled for your comprehension giving easy-to-read metrics.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Expensive |
| Thin profile | dull design |
| All features | poor heart rate accuracy |
- Premium GPS running/triathlon smartwatch with music
- Download songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer (may require premium subscription with a third party music provider)
- Performance monitoring features include Vo2 Max and training status with adjustments for heat, altitude Acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects
- Garmin Pay contactless payment solution (available for supported cards from participating banks) lets you make convenient payments with your watch so you can leave your cash and cards at home
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#9 Fitbit Versa 2
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.6/5
Key Features:
- Heart rate sensor
- Long battery life
- GPS
- Sleep tracking
- SpO2 monitoring
- Goal-based exercises
- Real-time, distance, and pace tracking
Fitbit’s first-ever “real” smartwatch — Has met all expectations. This watch gets its “rugged” title because of its array of outdoor features paired perfectly with its durability.
For starters, the watch has blood oxygen monitors that work even when you sleep. Along with this, it also has smart alarm features, an always-on AMOLED display, and up to 5 days of battery life. It’s not as impressive as its competitors but it’s still a lot.
Aside from being able to listen to music via Spotify, it can also help you make calls and receive texts all from the comfort of your wrist.
What I personally like is there’s even a sleep mode in Fitbit Versa 2 so you’re not awakened by the buzzing of notifications.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable and lightweight | Always-on feature not customizable |
| Long battery life | Productivity lacks features |
| Easy to read screen | Alexa is clumsy |
| Brightness is good |
- Use amazon Alexa built in to get quick news and information, check the weather, set timers and alarms, control your smart home devices and more all through the sound of your voice (third party app may be required; amazon Alexa not available in all countries)
- Based on your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, sleep score helps you better understand your sleep quality each night. Also track your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages and get personal insights
- Get a 90-day free trial of the Fitbit Premium to help you stay active, sleep well and manage stress. Unlock it all in the Fitbit app. (The valid payment method required. Cancel before free trial ends to avoid subscription fees. Offer valid for new Premium users only)
- With a larger display and an always on option, your information?s always a quick glance away (always on display requires more frequent charging)
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#10 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.8/5
Key Features:
- Gyrometer
- Bioelectrical impedance
- Ambient light sensor
- SpO2 monitor
- Heart rate sensor
- ECG monitor
- Waterproof
- Brighter screen
This watch gives a sense of deja vu but in the best possible way. It is your ideal galaxy smartwatch but with a more lean look. It looks like what a watch would be after it hit puberty.
This time the brand went for a more homogenous look that could allow them to make a staple outlook when anyone mentions Samsung smartwatches.
The watch has a 3-in-1 health sensor with an ECG, heart rate sensor, and reading body composition.
Body composition is the newest edition in the smartwatch world. This integrates 3 sensors; heart rate monitoring, ECG, and a bioelectric impedance monitor. These are kept snug over your skin for an accurate reading.
Aside from this, it also tracks calories, a SpO2 monitor, and a range of sporting trackers.
It’s also great for treadmill running. I have covered more on this topic in Best Smartwatches for Treadmill Running.
| Pros | Cons |
| Slim design | Inconsistent battery life |
| the first smartwatch with body composition analysis | |
| Affordable |
- BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS: Galaxy Watch4 is the first smartwatch to off body composition data right on your wrist, On your own schedule, now you can get readings on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate, and Body Mass Index.Water resistance depth:50 meters.Supported Application:Fitness Tracker,GPS,Sleep Monitor. Connectivity technology:Bluetooth. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- BETTER SLEEP STARTS HERE: Wake up feeling refreshed and recharged with advanced sleep tracking; When you go to bed, your Galaxy Watch4 sleep tracker starts monitoring your sleep and SpO2 levels continuously
- BE SMART ABOUT YOUR HEART: Take care of your heart with accurate ECG monitoring and keep an eye on possible atrial fibrillation, a common form of irregular heart rhythm; Share personalized readings with your doctor using the Samsung Health Monitor app on your compatible Galaxy phone
- MAKE EVERY WORKOUT COUNT: Get the most out of every exercise session with advanced workout tracking that recognizes 6 popular activities, from running to rowing to swimming, automatically in just 3 minutes; Stay motivated by connecting to live coaching sessions via your smartphone or to dynamic Group Challenges with your friends
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Now, did that clear up your confusion on what the best-rugged watches are?
I chose these 10 watches as they felt the most suited to be classified as the list toppers. These watches are all those that comply with the main features I listed above.
Aside from those, there are a few important features of navigation and the works that need to be considered, too. All in all, the best-rugged smartwatch will stay as no solid name but instead a vast list that keeps on increasing or decreasing depending on your requirements.
Regardless, I hope this article has cleared your mind up a bit and given you a better picture of what the top 10 best-rugged smartwatches are.
