Are you looking for some of the best rugged smartwatches on the market? Looking for smartwatches that can withstand course conditions or any strenuous training sessions? The following 7 watches fall into this category. These devices will never fall short of your standards and will always be the perfect match for your requirements.
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What is a rugged smartwatch?
A rugged smartwatch can be described as a ruggedized wearable that is specifically designed and built to withstand not only heavy physical activity and rough conditions but also environmental factors such as dust, water, extreme temperature, and more. These rugged smartwatches will resist these harsh conditions while providing great durability and ruggedness. So, rugged smartwatches are perfect for those who lead a rough lifestyle or work in challenging conditions such as sports or military personnel.
For those who want to use their watch for more than just telling time, we recommend buying one of these rugged devices with excellent battery life, so you never have to worry about charging it again!
If you are looking for a Tactical Smartwatch, check our latest article on the best Tactical Smartwatches in 2022.
I have created this list of durable watches after hours of research and reading reviews to help you choose the most durable rugged watch in the market today. As a result, you don’t have to waste time by reading tons of reviews and buying guides.
7 Best Rugged Smartwatches in 2022
- Garmin Instict GPS Smartwatch
- Amazfit T-Rex Pro GPS Watch
- Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Advanced Outdoor Watch
- Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE
- Tic Watch Pro 3
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 with GPS
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 with GPS
Garmin Instinct
This smartwatch can withstand extremes in temperature, shock, and water. i.e., it holds for military standards. It is so because of its tough and strengthened fiber-reinforced polymer case. Its high contrast display is readable even in full bright daylight because of its chemically reinforced and scratch-less display.
Features
- Shock-resistant and waterproof
- Smart notifications
- Different global navigation satellite systems
- Includes a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
- Traceback, in case you get lost, allows you to navigate your route back to the starting point
Amazfit T-Rex Pro
Amazfit T-Rex Pro is one of the best and affordable rugged smartwatches in 2022. It can accompany you in any challenging environment due to its rugged and design.
This gadget comes with a 360 x 360 resolution, 1.3-inch HD AMOLED display. It is comfortable to wear as its sweat-absorbing silicone strap doesn’t let the moisture accumulate, thus preventing itching.
For a better experience of navigation, this gadget has four GPS functions combined. It also provides water resistance to 100 meters (a 10ATM rating). The Amazfit T-Rex Pro is loaded with a 3-axis acceleration sensor, barometric altimeter, optical heart rate sensor, gyroscope sensor, and ambient light sensor. Like others, it also has a 24-hour heart rate and sleeps quality monitoring.
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro has over 100 sports modes. Its ExterSense workout recognition algorithm has eight sports modes and can keep a track record of the concerned workout.
As per the company’s own claim, its battery can last up to 18 days on a single charge due to its 390mAh battery size. As for connectivity, it is compatible with Android and iPhone. The constraint for compatibility for Android is 5.0 or above, while for iOS, it should be 10.0 or above.
Features
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- GPS
- Long battery life
- Withstands extreme temperatures
- Sweatproof
Garmin Fenix 6
The Garmin Fenix 6 is The exclusive multi-sport smartwatch, and it’s the best Garmin has currently. Truth be told, the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar is the very best, but the Fenix 6 range is truly top-of-the-line in terms of wearables.
With the help of GPS and a heart rate monitor that operates even underwater, the Garmin Fenix 6 can track almost any physical pursuits you can think of.
It has amazing battery life. Also, GPS locks on quickly and efficiently, and the watch feels sturdy – if bulky (but this is on-brand for Garmin).
Many people would be reluctant to buy it due to the high price. So if it’s out of your budget, take into account one of the more affordable alternatives on this list. However, the Fenix 6 comes highly recommended for competitive athletes and explorers, specifically, someone who doesn’t adhere to just one sport and therefore needs a rugged smartwatch.
Features
- Ultimate sports watch
- Long battery life
- Smart notifications
- GPS
Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE
As smartwatch technology progresses day by day, we have seen an increasing number of wearables with LTE connectivity. The TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE is Mobvoi’s first attempt, and it makes for a great rugged smartwatch.
It’s not the latest or even most up-to-date smartwatch, but its edge is that it is the only one that facilitates LTE. You don’t have to bring a mobile with you at all times as it enables you to remain linked. One might assume that this is a significant boon for those who are used to the gym or other outdoor activities.
The TicWatch Pro 4G/LTE does not only keep you connected. When it comes to usability, Mobvoi did not skimp here either. This model includes a PPG heart rate sensor, accelerometer, e-compass, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, and low latency off-body sensor, among other features. Everything you need for a rugged fitness tracker.
Taking calls and using Google Assistant is easy as the watch comes with a microphone and speaker. Bear in mind that this is somewhat of a stubby watch at 45mm. This could be the best choice for you if you think the extra connectivity is worth the price.
Features
- Google Assistant
- Mic/speaker
- LTE connectivity
- GPS, HRM, NFC
Tic Watch Pro 3
You will marvel at the TicWatch Pro 3. With a large range of features, an incredible battery life, and various activity tracker features, this smartwatch has it all. Making it one of the best-rugged fitness trackers on this list. The eye-catching display is likely to be the first thing you consider. The thing which adds to TicWatch Pro 3’s battery life is its layered monitor. If you want to get the most out of your watch, then Daily Mode is there for you. The compromise to be made is that you have to charge it every night. If you want to avoid repetitive charging, Extended Mode may be used, restricting the watch to basic functionalities.
There is a lot to be discussed when it comes to features and monitoring. Voice-activated Google Assistant, built-in GPS, mobile payments using Google Pay, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep detection, smartphone alerts are only a few of the features you’ll love. Even though the layout is skinnier and simpler than previous Pro versions, it still has a 47mm shell. This should be kept in mind as this gadget could be somewhat bulky for some, but sometimes this is needed for a rugged smartwatch.
Features
- Innovative dual display
- New Snapdragon Wear 4100
- Incredible performance
- Improved health sensors
- Unbeatable battery life
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is the newest model in the market that comes with many features. The significant change in this device is that it has gone from Tizen OS to Wear OS 3.0.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a rugged and durable design. It comes with a stainless steel case, and the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX+, making it suitable to wear in any challenging environment.
This new Wear OS watch has an IP 68 waterproof rating, which signifies that the durable smartwatch is capable of withstanding a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic comes with all the essential sensors such as Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, built-in GPS, etc., to navigate and track your movements.
Features
- Durable Classic and attractive design
- New Wear OS 3.0
- Advanced health-tracking features, including the FDA Approved ECG
- Fall detection
- New Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis(BIA) Sensor for body composition analysis
- Availability of LTE model
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
If you are in search of a somewhat traditional-looking but still rugged smartwatch, and a rather modern and compact Galaxy Watch Active 2 doesn’t inspire you, then you must have a look at the Galaxy Watch 3.
This one has some genuinely useful fitness-tracking features and is thus more appealing than earlier versions. The floating bezel is an attractive addition. This rotating bezel facilitates the handling of the smartwatch.
As for connectivity, the Galaxy Watch 3 is compatible with almost every Android and even iOS device, but it isn’t flawless. If you compare it with an Apple Watch, it’s software and accessory ecosystem are lacking.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 somewhat greatly outweighs the drawbacks, and you will not be disappointed.
Features
- Compatible with both iPhone and Android
- Features for stress management and wellness
- Intelligent features
- Exceptional battery life
- There are two sizes available
Conclusion – What Makes a Smartwatch Tough?
If you are unsure what aspects to consider while searching for the toughest smartwatches, check this out. Before proceeding to any purchase, think about the following:
Strength
If you want to pick the best rugged smartwatch available, the first thing to consider is its strength and power. If you go for a military-grade watch, then you’ll have no worries about accuracy and durability. Not just resistant to shock and water, the best rugged smartwatches are also thermally tolerant in high temperatures.
Battery
The battery life is also a deciding factor when it comes to rugged smartwatches. One cannot be dependent on a charger in the middle of nowhere after only a few hours of use. Also, it’s wise to pick a watch that can switch between various working modes depending on your activity to optimize the battery life.
GPS and Compass
Consumers who want rugged smartwatches expect that the gadget will facilitate their outdoor activities. So, having GPS or a compass is a must for such a watch as one wants to be trackable where one is rushing in the most challenging situations.
Altimeters and barometers will also be used in conjunction with in-built compasses to help you navigate your route and measure altitude and air pressure. So tracking capabilities such as GPS, GLONASS or Galileo is ideal.
Health
Health is typically a concern for those who are going to buy a rugged smartwatch. You can keep track of your progress, focus on enhancing your fitness, and make sure you’re in good enough shape to continue on your journey. For this purpose, these gadgets come with a variety of health tracking apps.
The best rugged smartwatches are equipped with heart rate monitors and stress level tracking because they know that life full of the hustle and bustle can expose you to an excessive amount of strain.
Weather
Having the most reliable smartwatch is essential when you plan to spend a lot of time in the wild or outdoors, particularly if you are planning to somewhere with volatile weather or weather that can turn severe without warning.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has ruggedness and durability, same as Garmin Instinct. However, the battery life of the Garmin Enduro is far much better than that of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. If you are looking for an affordable smartwatch, the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is perfect because of its rugged and durable design and excellent battery life.
