The 7 Toughest Smartwatches On the Market Today

CASIO Men's GW-9400
  • Solar-powered digital watch
  • Features digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise and sunset date, time stamp, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms
  • Water resistant to 660 fee
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So, how many times have you dropped your phone this week?

Yeah, me too.

Thankfully, my industrial strength phone case has saved my screen from some rather nasty falls.

What does this have to do with smartwatches? Well, have you ever cracked your smartwatch screen? Or forgotten to take it off when you’ve gotten into the shower?

Smartwatches are becoming more and more popular, but the biggest issue has always been their fragility. It seems like as soon as you drop your phone, the screen shatters, or the watchband pops off.

But what if there were smartwatches that were tough enough to withstand anything you could throw at them – even if you literally throw them on the ground?

Here are the 7 toughest smartwatches on the market today:

1. The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400

CASIO Men's GW-9400
  • Solar-powered digital watch
  • Features digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise and sunset date, time stamp, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms
  • Water resistant to 660 fee
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This smartwatch is designed for the “outdoors type” who needs a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. It has a triple sensor that can measure altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature.

It’s also water resistant up to 200 meters, but it’s also shock resistant, making it perfect for swimming, diving, or just wearing in the shower. So, if you’re the type of person who is constantly dropping their phone (or their watch), this is the perfect option for you.

It also has a LED light, so you can see the time in any lighting conditions, and it has a solar charging feature, so you never have to worry about your watch dying on you.

2. The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus
  • Premium Multi-Sport GPS Smartwatch
  • Features Color TOPO Maps
  • Heart Rate Monitoring
  • Music and Garmin Pay
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If you need a tough smartwatch that can do it all, then the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus is the one for you. It has GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite support, so you can track your location anywhere in the world. It’s also water resistant up to 100 meters, making it perfect for swimming or surfing. Plus, it has a Sapphire crystal lens, so you don’t have to worry about scratches.

It also comes with built-in music storage, so you can leave your phone at home and still listen to your favorite tunes. And, for serious athletes, the performance monitoring features tell you your VO2 max and recovery time.

3. The Suunto 9 Baro

SUUNTO 9 Baro
  • Premium GPS for Running and Cycling
  • Adventure Watch with Route Navigation
  • Large 50mm Size Touch Screen
  • Up to 170 Hours GPS Battery Life
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This smartwatch is designed for adventurers who need a watch that can keep up with them on their toughest expeditions. It has an impressive battery life of up to 120 hours, so you don’t have to worry about it dying on you in the middle of nowhere. Plus, it has a built-in barometer that can help you track your altitude, and it’s water resistant up to 100 meters.

It also has a compass and GPS, so you can always find your way back home. And, if you’re a runner, you’ll appreciate the heart rate monitor and the running performance monitoring features.

4. The Garmin Instinct

Garmin Instinct
  • Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS
  • Features Glonass and Galileo
  • Heart Rate Monitoring
  • 3-Axis Compass
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This smartwatch was designed with military standards in mind, so you know it can withstand anything you throw at it. It’s water resistant up to 100 meters, and it’s shock and thermal shock resistant. Plus, it has a built-in GPS, so you can always find your way back to base camp.

It also has a compass and an altimeter, so you can navigate your way through the wilderness with ease. It also comes in 18 different colors and 5 different editions, so you can personalize your fitness tracking experience!

5. The Timex Ironman GPS

TIMEX IRONMAN GPS
  • Long battery life up to 25 days with regular use.
  • On-wrist optical heart rate with HR zones & HR zone training.
  • 24/7 activity tracking
  • Multiple workout modes.
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This smartwatch is perfect for athletes who need a tough watch that can keep up with their training. It has a water-resistant rating of 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming or surfing. Plus, it has a built-in GPS, so you can track your run or ride without having to carry your phone with you.

It also has a heart rate monitor, so you can keep an eye on your heart rate during your workout. And, if you’re into triathlons, you’ll appreciate the multi-sport mode that lets you track your progress across different disciplines.

6. The Apple Watch Series 3

Apple Watch Series 3

It is fully water resistant up to 50 meters and offers 18 hours of battery life. It is comfortable, and offers both GPS and LTE support, making it a strong standalone choice.

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This smartwatch may not be as tough as some of the other options on this list, but it’s still a great option for those who need a durable watch. It has a water-resistant rating of 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming or surfing. Plus, it has a built-in GPS, so you can track your location without having to carry your phone with you.

It also has an altimeter, so you can track your elevation gain (or loss), and it has a heart rate monitor, so you can keep an eye on your heart rate during your workout. And, if you’re into running, you’ll appreciate the built-in Nike+ Run Club app.

7. The Samsung Galaxy LTE

The Samsung Galaxy LTE
  • It has a water-resistant rating of 50 meters.
  • It has a built-in GPS.
  • Has LTE connectivity.
  • built-in heart rate monitor and the ability to track your steps, calories burned, and active minutes.


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This smartwatch is a great option for those who need a durable watch that can do it all. It has a water-resistant rating of 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming or surfing. Plus, it has a built-in GPS, so you can track your location without having to carry your phone with you.

It also has LTE connectivity, so you can make calls and send texts without having to carry your phone with you. And, if you’re into fitness tracking, you’ll appreciate the built-in heart rate monitor and the ability to track your steps, calories burned, and active minutes.

How to Choose the Right Smartwatch For You

Now that we’ve gone over some of the toughest smartwatches on the market, it’s time to help you choose the right one for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

  1. What activities will you use it for?
  2. Do you need a built-in GPS?
  3. Do you need LTE connectivity?
  4. How important is battery life to you?
  5. What is your budget?

To narrow down your options, start by thinking about what activities you’ll use your smartwatch for. If you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll need a watch that can withstand the elements and has features like GPS and altitude tracking.

If you’re a runner, you’ll need a watch with built-in GPS and a heart rate monitor. And, if you’re into fitness tracking, you’ll need a watch with a heart rate monitor and the ability to track your steps, calories burned, and active minutes.

Once you’ve considered how you’ll use your smartwatch, take a look at your budget. Smartwatches can range in price from around $100 to over $1,000, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and your budget.

If you’re looking for a durable watch with all the bells and whistles, you’ll need to be prepared to spend a bit more. However, if you just need a basic watch for fitness tracking, you can likely find a good option for less than $200.

No matter what your budget is, there’s a tough smartwatch out there that’s perfect for you. So, get out there and find the one that best fits your needs!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to durable smartwatches, there are none out there that are better than those on this list! These seven tough smartwatches can withstand anything you throw at them, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or a fitness enthusiast.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and find the perfect tough smartwatch for you!

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AUTHOR

Joe Davies
Joe has a keen interest in wearable tech, after running marathons and triathlons and trying just about every Garmin watch there is.