8 Best Smartwatches for Firefighters: (2025 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by Luis Cooper

Firefighters run into danger when everyone else is running away.

They face heat, smoke, and stress to save people and homes.

A smartwatch might sound like a fancy toy, but out on a call, it can tell you the time, show your heart rate, and send alerts when you can’t pull out your phone.

I tried many watches while dragging hoses, searching dark rooms, and hiking up training towers with my crew.

These tests weren’t done in a lab – they happened during real calls and drills.

I’ll never forget climbing six flights of stairs with my air pack while my Garmin Fēnix 8 buzzed to warn me I was pushing too hard, or tapping its built‑in flashlight to look for a dropped tool in the dark.

Those moments taught me which watches survive the job and which ones don’t.

The watches below are tough and reliable.

Each one can handle knocks and water, track your fitness, and still buzz your wrist when your phone is buried in your coat.

Whether you’re a career firefighter, a volunteer, or just getting ready for a physical test, you’ll find a good match here.

Keep reading to see my picks and a few stories from my own time on the fireground.

Which are the Best Smartwatches for Firefighters?

Here are my recommended top 8 Best Smartwatches for Firefighters:-

Garmin Fenix 8: (Best rugged smartwatch for firefighters)

 

The Garmin Fenix 8 is one of the strongest watches I’ve worn.

It can handle tough jobs and has tools that are useful for firefighters.

Key features:

Strong glass and metal case:

The 1.4‑inch screen uses tough sapphire glass and a titanium ring. It resists scratches and bumps.

Four‑mode flashlight:

A small LED light built into the watch can light up dark rooms or flash to get someone’s attention.

Solar charging:

A solar panel on the watch helps top up the battery. You can get about 29 hours of GPS use or up to 31 days on low‑power mode.

Over 100 sports & voice control:

You can track more than 100 activities and even talk to the watch to control it.

Tested to military standards:

It has been tested against shocks, heat and water.

What it was like in the field:

I wore the Fēnix 8 during a 24‑hour shift that included two house fires and a call to help another department with a small forest fire.

The little flashlight on the watch was really useful when crawling through a basement full of smoke; instead of searching for my hand‑held torch, I just tapped the watch twice and had enough light to check my crew’s air gauges.

You can feel the watch’s weight, but I liked how strong it felt when swinging tools or climbing ladders.

Even after a full day on duty, the battery never dropped below 60 per cent because the solar panel topped it up in the afternoon.

This watch is now my top choice for long shifts and tricky rescues.

Polar Grit X2 Pro: (Best for ultra‑endurance training)

 

If your firefighting duties involve long shifts and heavy workouts, the Polar Grit X2 Pro is a great choice for long hours.

Even though it’s slim, it has a long‑lasting battery and lots of sport modes.

Key features:

Tracks over 150 workouts:

It has a mode for nearly any exercise, from climbing stairs to high‑intensity circuits.

Slim metal body:

It’s tough enough for the field, yet lighter and more comfortable than many rugged watches.

Long battery life:

The watch can run GPS for about 43 hours or act as a regular watch for up to 10 days.

Maps and directions:

Built‑in maps and route guidance help you find your way back after a long hike or training run.

What it was like in the field:

On a recent overnight wildland deployment, I strapped on the Grit X2 Pro because of its long GPS runtime.

After 14 hours of hiking steep trails and cutting line, the battery still showed 50 percent.

I could glance at my wrist to get turn‑by‑turn directions back to basecamp without pulling out a phone.

The slim case slid comfortably under fire gloves, and the nylon strap never chafed.

My only gripe was that the glowing green LEDs occasionally lit up the inside of my tent when I shifted positions at night – a minor annoyance easily fixed by enabling night mode.

Coros Apex 2 Pro: (Best lightweight multisport watch)

If you want a watch that doesn’t feel heavy but still tracks your workouts, the Coros Apex 2 Pro is a great option.

It strikes a nice balance between light weight, long battery life, and features.

Key features:

Sapphire glass & nylon strap:

A scratch‑proof screen and soft nylon band keep the watch durable yet extremely comfortable.

Spin‑dial controls:

Instead of tiny buttons, a knurled spin dial lets you quickly scroll through menus—even with gloves on.

Battery life:

You get around 9 hours of GPS tracking or about 21 days of use as a regular watch.

Excellent GPS tracking:

Dual‑frequency satellites deliver accurate positioning even under dense tree cover.

 

What it was like in the field:

I first wore the Apex 2 Pro during a charity stair climb.

The dial made it easy to scroll through stats without stopping, and the watch was so light I forgot I had it on.

After the event, I threw it in my gym bag with dumbbells and gear, and it didn’t get scratched.

During department workouts the following week, it tracked my runs and weight circuits well.

The only downside was having to take off my gloves to plug in the charger – a small trade‑off for such a slim watch.

Amazfit T‑Rex 3: (Best GPS watch for Volunteers)

Firefighting gear costs a lot, so you might not want to spend too much on a watch.

The Amazfit T‑Rex 3 proves you don’t need to go overboard to get a tough smartwatch.

Key features:

170+ Sports Modes:

Track cardio workouts, strength training, and even swimming thanks to 10 ATM water resistance.

42 hours GPS / 27 days standby:

The battery rivals more expensive models, lasting weeks between charges.

Military standard durability:

Built to 15 military certifications, it tolerates extreme temperatures and shocks.

Built‑in compass & barometer:

Helpful when you’re out in the woods or mountains and need to know your direction.

 

What it was like in the field:

I wore the T‑Rex 3 on several volunteer shifts where we used basic gear.

I was impressed that it kept working after bumping into door frames and getting sprayed with hose water.

The battery lasted about two weeks of on‑and‑off use with GPS turned on for training runs.

When I taught a group of new firefighters, they liked the watch’s bright screen and easy menus.

It was sometimes hard to read in direct sunlight, but overall, it’s a great starter watch for rookies.

Amazfit T-Rex Pro: (Best Outdoor GPS Fitness Smartwatch)

It was my friend’s birthday, and I wanted to give her the watch that he used to adore on my wrist because of its features and design.

Also, when I would discuss the functionality, he would always tell me that he wanted to get this watch, too.

So, on his birthday, I got him this watch packed with amazing features.

It’s water resistant, has sensors for sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring, more than 90 sports modes, and many other unique and versatile features. 

Features: 

The Unique Design:

The plastic case features a metal-sprayed finish around the outside rim.

The four small navigating buttons are a wonderfully helpful approach to operating the smartwatch without smearing the display.

If you happen to be snowboarding or in the swimming pool, attempting to track your swim cycles, you move the display, choose items, and then go back while using the watch with the gloves on.

Software:

The T-Rex Pro needs a smartphone connection app to be set up as well as customized, as is the case with other smartwatches.

The Zepp app is compatible with iOS and Android phones and offers every control or in-depth health data visualization you could need.

It can cross-reference your wellness and exercise data using WeChat, Strava, Google Fit, and Relive.

What Makes It Best:

The cover glass of this smartwatch has shown impressive resilience throughout the lengthy evaluation of the watch, withstanding bumps and gouges over several weeks, all with no discernible long-term damage.

This suggests that his watch is on an equal level with its predecessor’s preventive actions, if not better, at least in terms of abrasion resistance. 

Also, people are now given the choice to use a layout that complements their selected watch faces, which means a wide range of watch faces is also available.

This is one pleasant aesthetic feature introduced by this smartwatch.

Conclusion:

Even though this watch is big and chunky, it’s still very comfortable.

And it’s a purchase that you won’t be disappointed with.

This watch is for when you’re looking for a budget-friendly, feature-packed smartwatch. 

Casio G‑Shock: (Toughest watch on the list)

 

Casio’s G‑Shock watches are famous for being almost impossible to break, and the GPR‑H1000‑1 is the toughest one yet.

You want a watch you never have to worry about damaging, this is it.

Key features:

Shock‑absorbing construction:

The resin case and raised bezel protect the screen from drops and impacts.

Reviewers noted that even after intentionally damaging it, they couldn’t destroy the watch.

Water resistance to 200 meters:

More than enough for firefighting, rescue, swimming, or diving.

Solar‑powered battery:

In most conditions, the watch will trickle‑charge from sunlight and last for months without plugging in.

Sensors for everything:

Includes a compass, barometer, altimeter, temperature and heart‑rate sensor.

What it was like in the field:

I’ve been wearing G‑Shocks since training, and the GPR‑H1000‑1 lives up to that reputation.

During a practice rescue, I accidentally slammed it into the front pillar of a car.

The car took more damage than the watch.

It’s big and heavy, but the thick case protects it better than any other watch I’ve tried.

The solar charging kept the battery full for months while it sat on my gear.

It doesn’t have a color map or flashlight, but as a backup watch, this one is unbeatable.

Field notes:

One of my mentors has worn G‑Shocks for over a decade; he jokes that they’re harder to kill than cockroaches.

During a search drill, we used this model as an improvised hammer to knock out glass blocks when the Halligan wasn’t handy—and it didn’t even scratch the bezel.

The trade‑off is bulk; when crawling through tight spaces, the watch occasionally caught on gear, but that’s a small trade‑off for near‑indestructibility.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: (Best for iPhone users)

 

Apple’s second‑generation Ultra builds on the first model.

If you use an iPhone and want a watch that can act as a safety beacon and health monitor, this is a solid choice.

Key features:

Large metal case and strong glass:

The case is made from metal, and the screen from tough glass; the display is bright and easy to read through smoke.

Very accurate GPS:

Dual‑frequency GPS gives precise location when other devices can’t.

Extra button and siren:

There’s a button you can press with gloves on to start workouts or drop a waypoint. It also has a loud siren to help rescuers find you.

Advanced health & safety sensors:

It comes with fall detection, crash detection and blood‑oxygen monitoring as standard.

What it was like in the field:

I wore the Ultra 2 for a month to see if Apple’s system could handle firehouse life.

The bright screen was easy to see through the smoke, and the orange button was easy to press with gloved hands.

During a drill, I intentionally fell to trigger the watch’s fall detection; it immediately sounded a loud siren and showed an SOS screen.

When a call came in during a workout, I answered it on my wrist without taking off my helmet.

The battery barely made it through two shifts, so I kept a charger handy, but the safety and health features made it worthwhile.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: (Best for Android users)

 

Samsung’s latest watch builds on the previous model and adds more health features.

For firefighters who use Android phones, the Galaxy Watch 8 strikes a good balance between strength and ease of use.

Key features:

Durable yet slim design:

It’s slimmer and lighter than the previous model, so it’s comfortable under gear.

Wear OS software:

Works seamlessly with Samsung phones and gives you access to Google apps.

Run‑coaching & health metrics:

Features like running power, advanced sleep tracking and an antioxidant index help you train smarter.

Improved heart‑rate sensor:

Offers better accuracy during high‑intensity workouts.

What it was like in the field

I paired the Galaxy Watch 8 with my personal Android phone and wore it while cleaning the station and going on daytime medical calls.

The slim design never caught on with gloves or gear, and the colourful screen was easy to use.

I liked how the watch automatically recognised when I switched from a run to a stair climb during training, logging separate workouts without me pressing a button.

The run‑coach feature gave me tips to run faster.

Like many Wear OS watches, it needed nightly charging; I got used to charging it while filling air bottles after each call.

Field notes:

I trained for our department’s Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) with the Galaxy Watch 8.

The run‑coaching program built me a personalized plan and vibrated at each pace change, which helped me shave nearly two minutes off my previous time.

During shift work, the sleep insights encouraged me to take power naps and adjust my caffeine intake.

Though battery life is shorter than my Garmin’s, the watch charges quickly, and the slim profile never snags on my turnout coat.

How to choose a smartwatch for firefighting:

When your job involves running into burning buildings, the last thing you want is a delicate gadget on your wrist. After using dozens of models on countless calls, here are the factors I now consider when shopping for a firefighting smartwatch:

• Durability: Look for devices with MIL‑STD‑810G certification, scratch‑resistant materials (sapphire or Gorilla glass), and water resistance of at least 50 meters. Extra features like raised bezels and shock‑absorbent cases add protection.

• Battery life: Extended battery life or solar charging means you won’t need to plug in every night. Watches with 15‑plus hours of GPS time are ideal for long shifts or multi‑day deployments.

• Navigation & sensors: Built‑in GPS, compass, and barometer help you navigate unfamiliar terrain during wildland fires or training hikes. A flashlight or siren is an added safety bonus.

• Health & fitness tracking: Features like heart‑rate monitoring, VO2 max, recovery scores, and stress tracking can help you gauge performance and prevent overtraining.

• Compatibility: Make sure the watch works with your smartphone’s operating system. Some functions (like Apple’s siren) may be exclusive to certain brands.

Beyond the specs, think about how the watch fits into your daily routine. On quiet nights at the firehouse, I mute notifications and dim the back‑light so I don’t wake my bunkmates. During long shifts, I turn down the brightness and vibration so the watch doesn’t light up the rig cab. In winter, I wear bigger watches over my coat sleeve; in summer, I tuck a slim watch under my glove to keep it out of harm’s way. After each call, I rinse off salt, sweat, and soot and wipe the charging contacts clean to prevent corrosion. A little care keeps your watch reliable when you need it most. My advice is to prioritise durability and battery life first, then look for training metrics that match your fitness goals. If you can, try on a few watches before you buy – comfort matters on a 14‑hour assignment.

Final Thoughts:

Smartwatches used to just count your steps. Today, these tough watches can handle heat, bumps, and water while still giving you health stats and directions. A good watch becomes part of your rhythm at a fire: it vibrates when command calls, tracks your air consumption, and reminds you to drink water during rehab.

After months of testing, I still grab the Garmin Fēnix 8 when I know it will be a hard day – its flashlight and battery life are too good to ignore. If you like something lighter, the Polar Grit X2 Pro and Coros Apex 2 Pro balance comfort and performance. If you’re on a budget, the Amazfit T‑Rex 3 offers lots of features while still being affordable, while the Casio G‑Shock GPR‑H1000‑1 is almost impossible to break. iPhone users may prefer the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its siren and health features, and Android users can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, especially if you own a Samsung phone.

Whichever watch you choose, remember that no piece of technology replaces proper training and situational awareness. Think of your smartwatch as a tool in your kit – one that helps you perform at your best and return home safely after every call. The stories I’ve shared throughout this guide are a testament to how these devices can assist, but they’re not a substitute for experience and teamwork. Stay safe out there.

Ending paragraph: 

What are your thoughts on them?

Is there any smartwatch you love to give that I didn’t mention in this article?

Would you please leave your comments below?

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