If you’re searching for the best tactical smartwatch to pair with your iPhone, you’ve come to the right place.

Tactical Smartwatches, often known as military smartwatches, are not your everyday wearables. 

Crafted with a robust design and top-notch build quality, they can easily brave the most challenging conditions. 

That’s precisely why they are the top choice for soldiers, extreme sports enthusiasts, and anyone needing a resilient timepiece and feeling lost in the vast sea of choices. Don’t fret. 

In this Guide, we’ll dive deep into what sets these smartwatches apart and unveil the 11 Best Tactical Smartwatches For iPhone users.

Are you in a hurry?

Here are our quick winners:

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Also See: 11 Best Tactical Watches For Men

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Why should you buy a tactical smartwatch?

#1. Built Tough: 

Unlike regular smartwatches, tactical ones are made to endure. Whether it’s a drop, bump, or scratch, they can take it all and still function perfectly.

#2. All-Weather Friend: 

Come rain or shine, these watches are built to perform. Most are water-resistant and can handle extreme temperatures with ease.

#3. Long Battery Life: 

You can only sometimes charge your watch when you’re out in the wild or on an adventure. Tactical smartwatches typically come with extended Battery life to keep you connected longer.

#4. Feature-Packed: 

From GPS tracking to altimeters and barometers, these smartwatches have features that can be lifesavers in tricky situations.

#4. Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts: 

If you love hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity, a tactical smartwatch can be your trusty companion, offering navigation aids and vital data at a glance.

#5. Compatible with iPhone: 

Get all your notifications, updates, and more right on your wrist, ensuring you stay connected without pulling out your phone.

#6. Durability That Lasts: 

With a tactical smartwatch, you’re making a long-term investment. These watches are built to last, giving you value for your money.

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Best Tactical Smartwatch For iPhone: Buying Advice

When seeking the best tactical smartwatch to pair with your iPhone, here’s some buying advice:

1. Compatibility Check: Always ensure the smartwatch is fully compatible with iOS. This will allow for seamless integration with your iPhone and its apps.
2. Battery Life: Look for a watch that can last several days on a single charge. The last thing you want is for your tactical smartwatch to die in the middle of an adventure.
3. Durability Factors: A genuine tactical watch should be water-resistant, shockproof, and dustproof. It’s a bonus if it has certifications like MIL-STD-810G, which indicates military-grade toughness.
4. Feature Set: Beyond telling time, your watch should offer added benefits such as GPS, a compass, an altimeter, and a barometer. These can be essential for outdoor activities.
5. App Ecosystem: Ensure the watch has a good set of apps or can access a store where you can download more, especially those that enhance its tactical functions.
6. Customizable Straps: Look for a model where you can easily swap straps. This lets you switch between a rugged strap for outdoor activities and a sleek one for daily use.

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Top 11 Best Tactical Smartwatch For iPhone: List

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Best Tactical Smartwatches For iPhone: Review

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Features:

• Size: 49mm case.
• Processor: S9 SiP chip.
• Display: Flat sapphire front crystal. Brightness up to 3000 nits.
• Battery Life: 36-hour standard, up to 60 hours in a low-power setting.
• GPS: Dual-frequency L1 and L5.
• Buttons: Action button for quick functions.
• Apps: Depth app for divers.
• Durability: Water-resistant up to WR100 and EN 13319 standards. Certified to MIL-STD-810H.
• Extra Features: Double Tap gesture, Siri on-device processing, Ultra Wideband chip, Crash Detection.
• Band Options: Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, Ocean Band.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is our top pick and, undoubtedly, the best compatible smartwatch for iPhone. It is truly a game-changer for adventurers.

Its large 49mm size houses a treasure trove of features, from the unique Double Tap gesture to the exceptionally accurate dual-frequency GPS. 

This isn’t just a smartwatch; it’s a lifeline for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether diving deep or hiking mountains, this watch ensures you stay connected, informed, and safe. 

With an unrivaled brightness level, it’s easily readable even under the bright sun. 

Its durability standards make it ideal for those who are always on the move. 

Its plethora of niche features justifies its slightly higher price tag, making it a worthwhile investment.

Pros:

• Tough and Durable
• Long Battery Life
• Advanced GPS
• Double Tap gesture, Crash Detection, and Ultra Wideband chip.

Cons:

• Its 49mm size may not fit comfortably on people with smaller wrists.
• Priced at $800, it’s on the higher side for a smartwatch.

Garmin Tactix Delta Solar

Features:

• Solar Charging: Uses sunlight to boost battery life.
• Battery Life: 21 days in smartwatch mode; up to 24 days with solar.
• Display: Always-on 1.4″ with a rugged DLC-coated bezel.
• Navigation: Comes with TOPO maps, ski maps, and advanced sensors.
• Design: Rugged with military-grade protection.
• Special Features: Jumpmaster, kill switch, stealth mode, and more.

Garmin Tactix Delta Solar is compatible with the iPhone, like the Swiss Army knife of smartwatches.

It’s designed for folks who push limits – be it on an adventurous trek or a military mission. 

The solar charging is a game-changer, minimizing the need to plug in frequently. 

Its rugged design ensures it can take a hit and keep on ticking. Plus, with many tactical features, it’s more than just a watch. 

It’s a trusty companion that ensures you’re always ready, come what may.

Pros:

• Solar charging provides extra juice.
• Military-Grade Durability
• Accurate mapping tools for explorers.

Cons:

• Premium features come with a higher tag.
• Not for those wanting just the basics.

Garmin Tactix 7 Pro

Features:

• Display: 1.4″ screen that’s legible in direct sunlight and darkness.
• Night Vision Compatibility: This can be used with night vision goggles.
• Maps: Preloaded routable TOPO maps for outdoor activities.
• Navigation: Supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo for precise location tracking.
• Water Resistance: 10ATM – suitable for swimming but not deep diving.
• Features: Jumpmaster, waypoint projection, and dual-position GPS formatting.
• Health Monitoring: 24/7 heart rate tracking.
• Battery Life: Up to 28 days; extendable to 90 days in power-saving mode.

For those who thrive in the world of challenges and adventures, the Garmin Tactix 7 Pro is a beacon of reliability. 

Equipped with military-grade durability, this smartwatch stands out, especially in challenging terrains and high-stakes situations. 

Its bright 1.4″ display ensures visibility under any condition, whether in blazing sunlight or pitch dark. 

With navigational prowess provided by the trio of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, one is never lost. 

While it’s packed with tactical tools, it also closely watches your health. 

Its commendable battery life ensures that it stands by you throughout your endeavors and is compatible with the iPhone.

Pros:

• Top-Notch Display
• Extensive Navigation
• Health Focused
• It can last more than 2 weeks in typical usage.

Cons:

• Though water-resistant, it’s not suitable for deep-sea activities.
• It may feel overwhelming for some users.

Polar Grit X Pro

Features:

• Display: 1.2″ Screen Size.
• Unique Feature: GPS.
• Shape: Round.
• Audience: Unisex Adult.
• Compatibility: Works with Smartphones.
• Durability: Sapphire glass screen, FKM wristbands, MIL-STD-810G premium design. Water-resistant up to 100m.
• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours with GPS and HR tracking (up to 100 hours with power save); 7 days in watch mode with 24/7 HR tracking.

The Polar Grit X Pro isn’t just another tactical smartwatch; it’s a testament to Polar’s legacy in pioneering wearable devices. 

Every aspect of this watch screams durability and precision while simultaneously being compatible with your iPhone.

The Grit X Pro is designed for the most challenging situations, whether it’s the rugged sapphire glass or the promise to work efficiently in extreme temperatures. 

The watch isn’t all brawn, though. It has intelligent features like sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and turn-by-turn navigation. 

In a market teeming with tactical smartwatches, the Grit X Pro stands tall with its unique military-grade durability and cutting-edge technology blend.

Pros:

• Sapphire glass and stainless steel body ensure durability.
• Exceptional battery life is suitable for extended missions.
• State-of-the-art GPS and heart rate tracking.
• Efficiently works in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C.

Cons:

• It could be on the higher end in terms of cost.
• It might have a learning curve for first-time users.

Suunto 9 Baro

Features:

• Primary Features: Comes with a barometer, altimeter, and compass.
• Satellite Navigation Systems: Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BEIDOU.
• Material & Durability: Made of stainless steel with a sapphire crystal on top for added protection.
• Health & Fitness Monitoring: Over 80 sports modes to accurately track workouts and monitor body health.
• Display: Full touchscreen for ease of navigation.
• Battery Life: Offers up to 14 days without solar charging.

The Suunto 9 Baro isn’t just a run-of-the-mill tactical smartwatch; it’s an adventurer’s best companion. 

Its myriad features, ranging from the ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) sensors to the support for various satellite navigation systems, ensure you’re always on track and well-equipped for the wild. 

Its robust stainless steel construction, topped with a sapphire crystal, guarantees durability. 

Its unique selling point is its full touchscreen, a rarity among tactical smartwatches. 

The only caveat is its battery life, which, while substantial, pales compared to some competitors. 

If you’re looking for a versatile and user-friendly tactical smartwatch without breaking the bank, the Suunto 9 Baro is a solid choice.

Pros:

• Features like a touchscreen and ABC sensors enhance its functionality.
• Stainless steel is built with sapphire crystal protection.
• Supports multiple satellite navigation systems.
• Over 80 sports modes for accurate workout tracking.

Cons:

• At 14 days, it has a shorter lifespan than other models.
• Some users have found the Suunto app challenging to navigate.
• No Solar Charging

Garmin Instinct 2

Features:

• Display: Improved resolution for clarity and crispness.
• Design: Slimmer than its predecessor, identical weight.
• Features: Incident detection, Training status, VO2 Max, Recovery time.
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours (28 hours in testing).
• Version: 2nd Generation of Garmin Instinct.

The Garmin Instinct 2 emerges as a powerful successor to the already revered original Garmin Instinct. 

The enhanced display resolution makes it stand out, promising a sharper and clearer view. 

While its design might mirror the original, it sports a slimmer profile without compromising weight. 

Feature-packed, the Instinct 2 boasts cutting-edge additions like Incident detection and VO2 Max. 

But what genuinely steals the show is its improved battery life, almost doubling its predecessor’s endurance. 

Given that its price point remains almost unchanged, the Garmin Instinct 2 represents unmatched value in the tactical smartwatch realm in 2023, particularly for those seeking a top-tier men’s tactical watch.

Pros:

• Enhanced display resolution.
• Feature-rich with new additions.
• Remarkably improved battery life.
• Slimmer design without added weight.
• Competitive pricing for the features offered.

Cons:

• Minor battery life discrepancy from the company claim.
• The design may be too similar to the original.

Amazfit Falcon

Features:

• Display: AMOLED, 1.28″, 416×416 resolution
• Battery: Up to 14 days, 500 mAh
• Connectivity: WLAN 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 & BLE
• Material: Titanium body, Liquid Silicone strap
• OS: ZeppOS
• Sensors: BioTrackerTM3.0, acceleration, gyroscope, geomagnetic, barometric altimeter
• Size & Weight: 49.45×47.2×12.95mm, 64g

The Amazfit Falcon sets itself apart with a blend of rugged durability and health-centric features. 

Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, it boasts a titanium unibody and a resilient sapphire crystal glass screen and is compatible with the iPhone. 

Its high-definition AMOLED display, visible even under direct sunlight, ensures you never miss a beat. 

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive list of over 150 sports modes, while the adventurous will benefit from its robust build, passing 15 military-grade tests. 

The ZeppOS provides a user-friendly experience and, combined with an impressive 14-day battery life, ensures the Falcon is always ready for action.

Pros:

• Robust titanium build
• High-definition AMOLED display
• Over 150 sports modes
• Military-grade durability tests passed
• Efficient ZeppOS

Cons:

• Lacks some third-party app integrations
• Some users might prefer longer battery life

Coros Apex 2 Pro

Features:

• Design: Durable sapphire glass and grade 5 titanium alloy bezel.
• Display: 1.3″ Always-On Memory LCD Touch Sapphire Screen.
• Battery Life: Up to 30 days of regular use, 75 hours with GPS.
• GPS: Dual frequency connection to 5 satellite systems.
• Navigation: Global Landscape and Regional Topo maps.
• Features: Training load trend, underwater heart rate, altitude mode, and more.
• Durability: Functional from -20 °C to +50 °C; Water-resistant up to 50m.

Coros Apex 2 Pro stands out in the 2023 tactical smartwatch arena. 

This gadget isn’t just about rugged good looks but also a powerhouse of features. 

Whether you’re scaling mountains or diving deep, its robust build and water resistance have got you covered. 

The improved GPS, long battery life, and a slew of training tools make it a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. 

And if that wasn’t enough, its navigation tools ensure you’re always aware of it. 

This is a sure-shot winner for iPhone users seeking a mix of durability and top-tier functionality in their wristwear.

Pros:

• Sturdy and premium build.
• Impressive battery longevity.
• Accurate GPS with enhanced connectivity.
• Comprehensive training tools.

Cons:

• It might be pricey for some.
• It is too feature-rich for those seeking simplicity.

Coros Vertix 2

Features:

• Design: Crafted from grade 5 titanium alloy and protected with scratch-resistant sapphire glass.
• Display: 1.4-inch always-on touch screen with visibility of 8 data fields.
• Battery Life: Up to 140 hours in GPS tracking mode; 60 days with regular use.
• GPS: Advanced accuracy with multi-satellite system communication.
• Navigation: Route creation, topo maps, and elevation profile.
• Features: Integration with apps like Strava, heart rate, sleep, and stress monitoring.
• Durability: Engineered for the harshest of military environments.

The Coros Vertix 2 is another excellent rugged smartwatch compatible with the iPhone. 

Designed to be the stalwart companion for those in military applications, it marries robustness with high-end features. 

The accurate GPS ensures you know where your mission takes you. 

And with a battery that seems to last an eternity, it’s built for long hauls. 

While its sturdiness is its major draw, it doesn’t skimp on the smart features, ensuring soldiers remain at the top of their game. 

Though a tad on the heavier side, it’s a small price to pay for a watch that ticks almost every box for those braving extreme conditions.

Pros:

• Tough and durable construction.
• Exceptional battery lifespan.
• Pinpoint GPS accuracy.

Cons:

• On the pricier end of the spectrum.
• Slightly bulky design.

Suunto Core

Features:

• Design: Military-grade sturdiness tailored for outdoor and wilderness environments.
• Tactical Features: Altimeter, Barometer, Compass.
• Alerts: Sunrise and sunset alarms and a weather change alert for incoming storms.
• Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters.
• Durability: Sturdy construction, with some users reporting over 6 years of use.

For iPhone users who search for a rugged companion on a shoestring budget, the Suunto Core is a worthy contender. 

Built with the essentials of tactical activities in mind, this smartwatch may lack GPS, but it compensates with pivotal features like an altimeter, barometer, and compass. 

Its sunrise and sunset alarms ensure you’re always in sync with nature’s clock, while its storm alert system ensures safety by predicting weather shifts. 

While the absence of GPS and TOPO maps can be a setback for some, its impressive durability, water resistance, and budget-friendly price make it a solid choice for those wanting reliability without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• It is highly affordable for a tactical watch.
• Robust build quality.
• Water-resistant up to 100 meters.
• Features to ensure awareness of the environment.

Cons:

• Lacks GPS functionality.
• No TOPO maps.

Amazfit T-Rex 2

Features:

• Design: Rugged plastic construction with MIL-STD-810G certification.
• Display: Slightly larger touchscreen display with side buttons optimized for glove use.
• Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters (10 ATM).
• Sensors: Enhanced tracking with Dual-frequency band.
• Operating System: Proprietary Zepp OS.
• Battery Life: Up to two weeks with regular use.
• Price: Under $200.

The Amazfit T-Rex 2 is the 2nd most affordable tactical smartwatch on our list for iPhone. 

Its rugged design ensures it can endure rough terrains and the occasional bumps. 

While it lacks premium screen protection, it offers a glove-friendly touchscreen and convenient side buttons. 

Enhanced sensors and the Zepp OS provide accurate tracking and a smooth user experience. 

Remarkably, the battery life is a stand-out feature, lasting up to two weeks on regular use. 

Given its budget-friendly price point, the T-Rex 2 is reliable for those seeking durability without a hefty price tag.

Pros:

• Highly durable and rugged design.
• Impressive battery life.
• Affordable price for a tactical smartwatch.
• Waterproof up to 100 meters.

Cons:

• Limited app ecosystem.
• Lack of microphone and speaker.

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Final Thoughts

Picking the proper tactical smartwatch for your iPhone can be challenging, with so many choices. 

That’s why we made this guide – to help you find the best fit for your needs. We hope our list helps you make a great choice! 

Let us know if you have more questions or need to know more about a particular watch. We’re here to help. 

Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

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