9 Best Tactical Smartwatches Today – The Buyers Guide
Today I’m talking about 9 of the best Tactical Smartwatches out on the market.
Tactical smartwatches are the latest in a long series of technological advancements that have aided soldiers and military personnel in their missions.
This, however, does not mean that these watches are limited to armed personnel only:
Mountaineers, Trekkers, wildlife and nature photographers/videographers, and extreme sports personnel like, dirt bikers, Rally racers, and paragliders; all of these people can make good use of a tactical smartwatch.
Advantages of Tactical Smartwatches
Regular smartwatches are incompatible with the tough and demanding outdoor conditions. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you’ll need a tough and tactical smartwatch.
Tactical watches are not like other smartwatches in terms of design. The vast majority of them are composed of solid polymers which makes them more durable.
My No.1 Choice ❤️
Without further ado, I present to you my top pick among the best tactical smartwatches – Garmin Instinct 2 Solar.
- Go longer than ever with solar charging that gives you unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode (assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions)
- Battery life: in smartwatch mode, unlimited with solar charging in 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day; in GPS mode, up to 48 hours with solar charging continuously in direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
- Built-in sports apps to take on running, biking, swimming, strength training and more; plus, VO2 Max and other training features
- Live the ultimate connected life with smart notifications and Connect IQ compatibility when paired with your compatible smartphone.
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It’s my favorite because: This beauty contains several sport-specific features itself: It boasts GPS and GLONASS reception, as well as a barometric altimeter, 3-axis accelerometer, and compass sensor for precise navigation.
This tough watch’s preinstalled sports apps ensure that you stay on track with all of your fitness goals, no matter what you’re doing. It is perfect for activities such as skiing, hiking, and running.
This smartwatch is waterproof and dustproof as well. The water depth with which it was measured was 100 meters, which is adequate for both open and closed water swimming.
Now I present the 9 best tactical smartwatches along with some of the features that help make them a part of my list.
Tips On Choosing A Tactical Smartwatch
Let’s get started on the ‘how-tos’ of finding the best tactical smartwatch for you, now that you know what they are.
Durability
Because some smartwatches have titanium casings and others have reinforced wrist straps, not all of them are built similarly.
The smartwatch’s materials, particularly for tactical watches, are usually the determining factor in its durability.
Also consider the build quality of a product, which refers to how closely it adheres to the requirements and how well it is constructed.
Battery
Knowing how long a charge may last is always an advantage, whether it works on a removable battery or an inbuilt one.
Higher battery capacity smartwatches are always preferred over lower-capacity ones.
Onboard Sensors
The fundamental benefit of tactical smartwatches over their mechanical counterparts is the integration of tech within them.
GPS navigation, barometers, altimeters, and digital compasses are examples of these technologies. Aside from these, certain watches can link to your smartphone via Bluetooth for additional functionality.
A Comparison Of The Best Tactical Smartwatches
The following table shows our top picks with the estimated price range and our final rating. There is also a link placed on each option so it will be easier for you to find the product (Amazon links).
The table is ranked from the most affordable product first to the most premium choice at the bottom.
| Name | Price | Rating |
| GUCABE Military Smartwatch For Men | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Suunto Core All Black | $190.29 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Casio Pro Trek (PRG-270-1) | $129.00 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Amazfit T-Rex Pro | $159.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Suunto 7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| Casio G-Shock Mudmaster (GGB100-1A) | $298.85 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (Mist Gray) | $299.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Fenix 6X Pro | $419.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Garmin Tactix Delta Solar | $1,281.99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Let’s dive into the details of the best tactical smartwatches.
#1 Suunto 7
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge: 4.3/5
Key Features:
- Body: Stainless steel with Gorilla glass
- Water resistance: 50 m
- Extra: Over 70 sports modes
- Battery: Smartwatch mode – 48 hrs, Training mode with GPS – 12 hrs
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi
This is one of the greatest tactical smartwatches. The Suunto 7 is a big watch (44mm) with a lengthy strap (24mm). The 1.24-inch touch screen is colorful and brilliant, with a brightness of around 1000 nits.
There are four lovely buttons on it, but none of them spin, which is unusual. You only want quick buttons to notice stuff if you’re going on a long trail run frequently.
Many of the exercises and parts of the watch can be managed using a touch screen, although many programs can also be handled with buttons.
The smartwatch is attractive and features a huge screen, giving it a premium appearance.
The Suunto 7 has exceptional durability and resilience, making it the finest tactical smartwatch. Wear OS will provide you with a plethora of intriguing health tracking and other activity tracking apps.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish and premium design | Does not support external heart rate sensors |
| Bright display | Low water resistance as compared to others |
| Multi dial faces | |
| Accurate Time |
- Suunto 7: This versatile smart watch combines Suunto's sports expertise with smartwatch technology; Track exercise accurately with access to more than 70 sports modes, GPS, and wrist heart rate sensor
- Make Life Easier: Compatible with Android and iOS phones, the Suunto 7 is powered by Wear OS by Google so you can see incoming calls and messages, make payments with your watch and download music to your watch to listen offline
- Get Connected: Connect to your favorite sports apps and services from the Suunto app to get more from your watch; Share with your sports communities and access specific training analysis and guidance
- Adventure Starts Here: Combining Scandinavian design with ultra durable materials, our watches track your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you keep life, training and recovery in balance
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» You can also read my post: Best Smartwatches For Music
#2 Garmin Tactix Delta Solar
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge: 4.6/5
Key Features:
- Display: sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
- Battery: Up to 21 days with solar, with GPS – Up to 60 hours with solar
- Sensors: GPS, GLONASS, Compass, Blood Oxygen monitor
- Water Rating: 10 ATM
- Memory: 32 GB
One of the greatest tactical smartwatches available is the Garmin Tactix Delta Solar.
It not only meets military specifications but also goes a step further with an embedded user “death switch” that disables location sharing and deletes all user data on the device. (Hmm. Intimidating or simply cool!?)
Specialized modes such as Jumpmaster (for parachuting), stealth (which disables GPS and WiFi connectivity), and night vision are also available (can be read with night vision goggles).
It also comes with AB-developed software that allows users to perform advanced ballistic calculations in the field, using presets for over 1,200 custom-measured bullets.
The design for this Garmin is intended to be long-lasting. It comes with PVD-coated steel back and a black steel bezel.
It also features a beautiful 1.4-inch Always-on display, a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and a tough military-grade nylon band with quick-fit technology. Everything is painted in a bleak black color.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rugged and durable | Expensive |
| Comes with MIL-STD-810 certification | |
| Built-in with Applied Ballistics (AB) technology | |
| Solar charging extends battery life |
- The solar charging lens uses sunlight to extend battery life and uses custom power manager modes to achieve weekslong battery life
- Battery performance: in smartwatch mode, up to 21 days or up to 24 days with solar charging in 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day; up to 15 hours in GPS mode or up to 16 hours with solar charging continuously in direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
- Comes equipped with Applied Ballistics Elite software that calculates aiming solutions for long-range shooting
- Specialized tactical features include Jumpmaster mode, waypoint projection, dual-position format and preloaded tactical activity, stealth mode and kill switch
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» Read my blog post about: Best Smartwatches For Nursesclick here!
#3 Amazfit T-Rex Pro
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge: 4.6/5
Key Features:
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM
- Body: Tempered glass + Polymer body
- Display: 1.3″ AMOLED, always-on display
- Battery: 18 days typical use, 66 days basic watch mode, 40 hours continuous GPS tracking
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 + BLE; GPS+GLONASS
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is packed with features for those looking for a tactical and durable smartwatch.
There are 14 professional sports modes to choose from. Running, walking, cycling, treadmill, mountain, swimming, elliptical trainer, exercise, skiing, and hiking are among them.
The watch provides highly accurate results that assist you in reaching your exercise goals.
This tactical smartwatch has received 12 military-grade certifications, making it more durable and suitable for use in difficult environments.
A 1.3-inch HD AMOLED display with a 360-degree resolution is featured on this military-grade wearable device. It’s easy to wear because the sweat-absorbing silicone strap keeps moisture from collecting and becoming uncomfortable. (Nice!)
For a superior navigation experience, this military-grade smartwatch integrates four GPS capabilities. It also has a water resistance rating of 100 meters (a 10 ATM rating).
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro has an optical heart rate sensor, 3-axis acceleration sensor, gyroscope, barometric altimeter, and ambient light sensor.
This watch also provides continuous, 24-hour heart rate and sleep monitoring. (But I doubt you’ll be sleeping for that long!)
| Pros | Cons |
| Great price | Limited Support for 3rd party apps |
| In-built GPS | GPS accuracy issues |
| MIL-STD-810 (G) certified | |
| 100+ Sports modes |
- TOUGHNESS FROM WITHIN: The T-Rex Pro smartwatch features a HD AMOLED always-on color screen. Having passed 15 military-grade tests, this smart watch can battle with you through hot deserts, humid rainforest and polar glaciers
- 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. Dimensions - 47.7 * 47.7 * 13.5mm
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#4 Garmin Fenix 6X Pro
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge: 4.7/5
Key Features:
- 1.4 inches transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, bright and easy to read outdoors
- Golfing, cycling, running, and other outdoor recreational features
- Water Resist: 10 ATM
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi
The Fenix 6X Pro is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch with a sophisticated design.
It’s made with the toughest materials to endure even longer and packed with activity-tracking capabilities like full-color TOPO and Ski maps, as well as Pacepro.
The Fenix 6 series, like the 5 Plus series, is fully prepared to track your active life with a variety of sensors, including the pulse OX sensor, which monitors blood oxygen during acclimatization and sleep.
It also has incidental fall detection, which sends out your location quietly when you fall.
| Pros | Cons |
| Accurate and extremely detailed activity tracking | Smartwatch functionality limited |
| Cannot be beaten for outdoor tracking | Connect IQ store still a bit of a hassle |
| Two-week battery life |
- Solar Powered Multisport GPS Watch with large 1.4 inches display (36% larger than previous fenix models) uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life and assure more on-wrist time for your off-grid activities
- 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 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» Read my blog post: Best Smartwatches With Speaker
#5 Suunto Core All Black
Price Range: $
BestSportsLounge: 3.8/5
Key Features:
- Body: Aluminum Body with mineral crystal glass
- Battery: 12 months (time only)
- Water Resistant: 30m
- Operating temperature: -20° C to +60° C / -5° F to +140° F
Suunto Core is frequently highlighted and associated with the military. That’s as good a seal of approval as you’ll find on my list, and the Suunto Core certainly delivers.
This outdoor smartwatch has a number of features that set it apart from the competition.
The Suunto Core, for example, features a Storm Alarm feature that keeps you informed about the weather prediction in your current area.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a special forces soldier, this function will come in handy.
Outdoor smartwatch features like an altimeter, barometer, and compass should also be included.
| Pros | Cons |
| Displays elevation in 3-ft intervals | Some functions disabled in low battery |
| Tracks both weather and sunset/sunrise | Backlight may not work properly.in colder temperatures |
| Altimeter tracks vertical movement | No GPS |
| Barometer tells the air pressure trend | |
| Accurate Compass |
- Suunto Core: This classic outdoor sports watch is packed with intelligent features like a Storm Alarm, Altimeter, Barometer and compass to keep you informed of conditions while you hike, bike, or camp
- Essential for Adventure: This watch has dual times, date display, and alarm, plus predicted times for sunrise and sunset to help maximize your daylight hours and a depth meter accurate up to 30 feet
- Suunto Sports Watches: Versatile and durable, Suunto sports watches are great for running, swimming, cycling, gym workouts, hiking, and other outdoor sports; Whatever your needs, Suunto has a watch for you
- Adventure Starts Here: Combining Scandinavian design with ultra durable materials, our watches track your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you keep life, training and recovery in balance
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#6 Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (Mist Gray)
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge: 4.8/5
Key Features:
- Display: 0.9″ Memory in Pixel, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Solar Panel (optional)
- Sensors: GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO, HRM, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, and more
- Battery: Smartwatch – 28 Days, with GPS – 30 hours
- Connectivity: NFC (Garmin Pay), Bluetooth, ANT+
The Instinct 2, Garmin’s latest tough solar-powered smartwatch, claims an indefinite battery life. All you have to do is stay in the sun.
» For more solar-powered smartwatches options, read my article: Best Solar Powered Smartwatches (For Long Battery Life)
The Garmin smartwatch, with its monochrome screen, physical buttons, and solid chassis, looks more like a rugged digital watch like Casio’s iconic G-Shock than an Apple or Samsung wristwatch.
Garmin’s smartwatch technology, which includes market-leading sport, health, and location tracking, is hidden beneath the robust casing.
It connects to your smartphone via the Connect app on an Android or iPhone for notifications, alarms, and data syncing.
The Instinct 2 is comparable to many other Garmin sports watches, but what sets it unique is its promise of long battery life even when the sun isn’t shining.
| Pros | Cons |
| 10 ATM and MIL-820 water/fall protection | Fairly expensive for a Solar watch |
| Bright MIP display | No music storage or calls |
| Works with Garmin Pay and Connect IQ |
- Go longer than ever with solar charging that gives you unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode (assuming all-day wear with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions)
- Battery life: in smartwatch mode, unlimited with solar charging in 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux) per day; in GPS mode, up to 48 hours with solar charging continuously in direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
- Built-in sports apps to take on running, biking, swimming, strength training and more; plus, VO2 Max and other training features
- Live the ultimate connected life with smart notifications and Connect IQ compatibility when paired with your compatible smartphone.
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#7 Casio G-Shock Mudmaster (GGB100-1A)
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge: 4.4/5
Key Features:
- Case / Bezel Material: Stainless steel / Resin
- Glass: Sapphire crystal Glass with non-reflective coating
- Water Resistivity: 200-meter
- Toughness: Shock, Vibration, Mud Resistant
- Others: Screw Lock Crown, Solar powered battery
While the G-Shock Mudmaster does not have GPS, it makes up for it with its other sensors.
This device is ideal for any extreme sport because it has an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, digital compass, and step counter.
It is popular with citizens and military personnel alike, probably due to its reasonable pricing.
However, because fakes and imitations are common in the marketplace, this success comes with a price.
Do consider going through the Mudmaster if you want a decent tactical smartwatch that you can wear practically anyplace and anytime.
| Pros | Cons |
| Well built and durable in quality | Lack of GPS capabilities |
| Well built and durable in quality |
- This watch features a carbon core guard structure case, in black with grey accents, that allows the internal mechanics of the watch to be protected from shock-induced damage
- Additionally, this watch connects via Bluetooth to a special G-Shock app that helps with the configuration, as well as records altitude data, route information, and step counts
- This watch is mud resistant with metal buttons that form a tight seal on the case, a dual back cover that consists of a stainless steel panel back and an outer cover made of shock resistant fine resin embedded with glass fibers, and the bezel has three layers of fine resin with carbon fiber inserts
- The Quad Sensor capabilities provide instant access to a compass, altitude/barometer, thermometer, and an accelerometer that keeps track of your step count
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
» Read also: Best Fitness Tracker for Ankles
#8 Casio Pro Trek (PRG-270-1)
Price Range: $
BestSportsLounge: 4.0/5
Key Features:
- Display: LED-based + Backlight (Super Illuminator)
- Solar-powered
- Low-temperature resistant (–10°C/14°F)
- Digital compass, Sunrise, sunset, world times, Barometer, Altimeter
- 100m water-resistant
The Casio Pro Trek (PRG-270-1) is the most power-efficient tactical smartwatch on the market.
It not only runs on solar power but also on the Triple Sensor Version 3 engine.
The conventional barometer, altimeter, and temperature sensors on the PRG-270-1 model are 95 percent smaller and use 90 percent less energy as a result.
Aside from Casio’s high build quality standards and solar charging, the Pro Trek is a relatively ordinary watch that nonetheless does the job.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very affordable considering what it has to offer | Lack of GPS and Bluetooth |
| Solar charging capability | Lack of features |
- Tough Solar Power,100M Water Resistant,Low Temperature Resistant (-10 C / 14 F),Module 3415,Approx. Battery Life: 9 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
- Accuracy: +/- 15 seconds per month ,Full Auto Calendar (Pre-programmed until the year 2099),5 Daily Alarms (4 one-time and 1 snooze alarm),World Time 31 time zones (48 cities + UTC), city name display, daylight saving on/off
- Full Auto LED (Super Illuminator) Backlight with Afterglow,Countdown Timer Measuring unit: 1 second Countdown range: 24 hours Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments ans 1-hour increments)
- Barometer Display range: 260 to 1,100 hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg) Display unit: 1 hPa (0.05 inHg),Thermometer Display range: -10 to 60 C (14 to 140 F) Display unit: 0.1 C (0.2 F)
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#9 GUCABE Military Smartwatch For Men
Price Range: $
BestSportsLounge: 4.1/5
Key Features:
- An accurate health monitor, heart rate detection
- 13 exercise modes, and long battery life
- BlueTooth calls and messages notifications
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Waterproof
The GUCABE Military smartwatch with a tactical fitness tracker has multiple exercise modes that include running, walking, skipping, cycling, etc.
The smartwatch display accurately measures steps, calories burned and distance covered.
And the best part is that it even shows detailed data on the App, so a user can always have a clear picture of the progress and activity throughout the week or a day.
The Military smartwatch even shows the user the weather index for a particular location, so they can plan their activity ahead of time.
Other than that, it has an advanced feature for monitoring the heart rate, which helps you understand your health in a better way. A user can assess if his/her heart health will allow him/her to exercise or not.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long battery life | Complains of Inaccurate blood pressure measurement |
| GPS connectivity | |
| Accurate fitness tracker |
- COMPATIBILITY & 12 MONTHS GUARATANTEE SERVE-This GUCABE smartwatch is compatible with smart phones that use iOS 9.0 or Android OS 4.4 or above, aAndroid 4.4 and above smartphones(not for PC, iPad or tablet). you need turn on the phone's Bluetooth and connect to the smart watch via APP. And this GUCABE watch also has alarm, stop watch, remote camera control, sedentary reminder, music control and weather forecast functions.
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
These robust tactical smartwatches are the best companions you can obtain, regardless of whether you use them as a simple wristwatch, or make use of their more complex functions.
With so many military-grade tactical smart wear to choose from, for men and women both, hopefully, this fast guide was of assistance to you in making the best decision.
