The best smartwatches are excellent fitness gadgets. They’re built to track your activity levels, record your workouts, and show you health and recovery insights. But they also do much more. The top smartwatches around today connect to your smartphone, delivering notifications, and even phone calls, to your wrist, as well as give you quick and easy access to a range of apps, like meditation apps, timers, weather insights, and so much more.
Whether you need a workout companion or simply want a stylish-looking watch with some extra features, a smartwatch is a great piece of tech to invest in, and the good news is that these days there’s a lot of choice – even a sold selection of cheap smartwatches if you’re on a budget.
We’ve tested and reviewed many smartwatches, including the most popular and high-end entries, like the latest Apple Watch models, including the Series 9 and Ultra 2, and Samsung smartwatches. We’ve also spent time with Fitbit’s offerings and Wear OS watches from brands like Fossil, Ticwatch and Mobvoi, too, ensuring that there’s something for everyone in our best smartwatches guide below.
LIST OF PRODUCTS IN THE ARTICLE
The best watch overall
(Best Smartwatch)Apple Watch Series 9
Specifications:
- Display: 41mm or 45mm OLED Retina display
- Processor: S9 dual-core processor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE (cellular model)
- Sensors: Heart rate sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Compass, Always-On Altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours (up to 36 hours with low power mode)
- OS: watchOS 9
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Sleek and premium design
- Seamless integration with iPhone
- Powerful new S9 chip for improved performance
- Watchos 9 brings useful new features
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive, especially the cellular model
- Short battery life compared to some competitors
- Limited customization options
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch you can buy right now. It builds on the success of the previous models, offering improved fitness and health tracking, a sleek and premium design, and seamless integration with your iPhone.
One of the standout features of the Series 9 is its fitness and health tracking capabilities. It can track a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga, and provides detailed metrics and insights to help you reach your fitness goals. The watch also includes an ECG app, blood oxygen sensor, and can detect falls and call for help in emergencies.
The design of the Series 9 is also a standout, with a beautiful OLED Retina display and a range of stylish case options. The watch is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, and there are many different band options to choose from, allowing you to customize the look to your personal style.
Under the hood, the Series 9 is powered by Apple’s latest S9 dual-core processor, which delivers improved performance and efficiency compared to previous models. This, combined with the watchOS 9 operating system, ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
Of course, the Series 9 is not without its drawbacks. It’s an expensive smartwatch, especially the cellular model, and the battery life could be better, with up to 18 hours of use (up to 36 hours in low power mode). Additionally, the customization options, while better than previous models, are still somewhat limited compared to some of the competition.
Overall, though, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch on the market, offering an unbeatable combination of fitness and health tracking, style, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 41mm or 45mm OLED Retina display |
| Processor | S9 dual-core processor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE (cellular model) |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Compass, Always-On Altimeter |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours (up to 36 hours with low power mode) |
| Operating System | watchOS 9 |
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Sleek and premium design
- Seamless integration with iPhone
- Powerful new S9 chip for improved performance
- watchOS 9 brings useful new features
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive, especially the cellular model
- Short battery life compared to some competitors
- Limited customization options
The best cheap Apple Watch
(Best Smartwatch)Apple Watch SE
Specifications:
- Display: 40mm or 44mm Retina display
- Processor: S8 dual-core processor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS
- Sensors: Heart rate sensor, Compass, Always-On Altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours
- OS: watchOS 9
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price point for an Apple Watch
- Solid fitness and health tracking features
- Seamless integration with iPhone
- Runs the latest watchOS 9 software
Reasons to avoid:
- No ECG or blood oxygen sensors
- Older S8 chip compared to Series 9
- Limited customization options
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is the best cheap Apple Watch you can buy. It offers a great balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point than the flagship Series 9 model.
While the SE doesn’t have some of the more advanced health and fitness sensors found on the Series 9, such as the ECG and blood oxygen sensor, it still provides a solid suite of tracking capabilities. It can monitor your heart rate, track your daily activity, and record workouts. The always-on altimeter is also a handy feature for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the key advantages of the Apple Watch SE is its seamless integration with the iPhone. It’s a great companion device that allows you to view notifications, respond to messages, and control various aspects of your smartphone right from your wrist. This makes it a convenient choice for those who are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
The SE also runs the latest watchOS 9 software, ensuring you get access to the latest features and improvements, despite its more affordable price tag. However, it is powered by the older S8 chip, which may not offer the same level of performance as the newer S9 chip in the Series 9.
In terms of design, the SE follows the same sleek and minimalist aesthetic as the rest of the Apple Watch lineup. It’s available in 40mm and 44mm case sizes, with a range of band options to choose from. While the customization options are more limited compared to the Series 9, you can still find a look that suits your personal style.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the benefits of an Apple Watch without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for those who don’t require the most advanced health and fitness sensors or the latest processor.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 40mm or 44mm Retina display |
| Processor | S8 dual-core processor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor, Compass, Always-On Altimeter |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours |
| Operating System | watchOS 9 |
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price point for an Apple Watch
- Solid fitness and health tracking features
- Seamless integration with iPhone
- Runs the latest watchOS 9 software
Reasons to Avoid
- No ECG or blood oxygen sensors
- Older S8 chip compared to Series 9
- Limited customization options
The best Samsung watch
(Best Smartwatch)Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Specifications:
- Display: 40mm or 44mm Super AMOLED display
- Processor: Exynos W930 dual-core processor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE (cellular model)
- Sensors: Heart rate sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Compass, Altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 40 hours (up to 80 hours in low power mode)
- OS: Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch 5
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Beautiful and customizable AMOLED display
- Impressive battery life
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices
- Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch 5 brings useful features
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited compatibility with non-Samsung Android phones
- Expensive, especially the cellular model
- Limited third-party app selection compared to Apple Watch
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best Samsung smartwatch you can buy right now. It builds on the success of the previous Galaxy Watch models, offering improved fitness and health tracking, a stunning AMOLED display, and seamless integration with Samsung devices.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its fitness and health tracking capabilities. It can track a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga, and provides detailed metrics and insights to help you reach your fitness goals. The watch also includes an ECG app, blood oxygen sensor, and can detect falls and call for help in emergencies.
The design of the Galaxy Watch 6 is also a standout, with a beautiful and customizable AMOLED display that offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. The watch is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and there are many different band options to choose from, allowing you to customize the look to your personal style.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch 6 is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos W930 dual-core processor, which delivers impressive performance and efficiency. This, combined with the Wear OS 4 operating system with Samsung’s One UI Watch 5 overlay, ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
One of the key advantages of the Galaxy Watch 6 is its seamless integration with Samsung devices. If you’re a Samsung smartphone user, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of features and functionalities that are not available on other Android smartwatches.
However, the Galaxy Watch 6 does have some drawbacks. It’s an expensive smartwatch, especially the cellular model, and its compatibility is limited to other Samsung Android devices. Additionally, the selection of third-party apps available on the Wear OS platform is still not as extensive as the Apple Watch’s App Store.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best smartwatch for Samsung device owners, offering an unbeatable combination of fitness and health tracking, style, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 40mm or 44mm Super AMOLED display |
| Processor | Exynos W930 dual-core processor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE (cellular model) |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Compass, Altimeter |
| Battery life | Up to 40 hours (up to 80 hours in low power mode) |
| Operating System | Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch 5 |
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Beautiful and customizable AMOLED display
- Impressive battery life
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices
- Wear OS 4 with One UI Watch 5 brings useful features
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited compatibility with non-Samsung Android phones
- Expensive, especially the cellular model
- Limited third-party app selection compared to Apple Watch
The best Google watch
(Best Smartwatch)Google Pixel Watch
Specifications:
- Display: 41mm circular AMOLED display
- Processor: Exynos 9110 dual-core processor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE (cellular model)
- Sensors: Heart rate sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Compass, Always-On Altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours (up to 72 hours in low power mode)
- OS: Wear OS 3 with Google Assistant
Reasons to buy:
- Sleek and premium design
- Seamless integration with Google services
- Solid fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Google Assistant and other Wear OS 3 features
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited battery life compared to some competitors
- Expensive, especially the cellular model
- Limited app selection at launch
The Google Pixel Watch is the best Google smartwatch you can buy right now. It’s a premium wearable that offers a sleek and sophisticated design, seamless integration with Google services, and a solid suite of fitness and health tracking features.
One of the key highlights of the Pixel Watch is its design. It features a circular AMOLED display with a stainless steel case, giving it a premium and elegant look. The watch is available in a single 41mm size, but there are a variety of band options to choose from to customize the appearance.
Under the hood, the Pixel Watch is powered by the Exynos 9110 dual-core processor, which provides decent performance, though it’s not as powerful as the latest chipsets found in some competitor watches. It runs Wear OS 3, Google’s latest smartwatch operating system, which brings a range of useful features, including Google Assistant, Google Pay, and the ability to control smart home devices from your wrist.
The Pixel Watch also offers a solid set of fitness and health tracking capabilities. It can track a variety of activities, monitor your heart rate, and even take ECG and blood oxygen readings. The always-on altimeter is also a handy feature for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the downsides of the Pixel Watch is its relatively limited battery life. While Google claims up to 24 hours of use, in reality, it’s more likely to last around 18-20 hours, which is shorter than some of the competition. The watch also has a limited selection of apps at launch, though this is expected to improve over time as more developers optimize their apps for Wear OS 3.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Google Pixel Watch is an excellent choice for those who are deeply invested in the Google ecosystem and want a premium, well-designed smartwatch that integrates seamlessly with their Android device and Google services.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 41mm circular AMOLED display |
| Processor | Exynos 9110 dual-core processor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS, LTE (cellular model) |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Compass, Always-On Altimeter |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours (up to 72 hours in low power mode) |
| Operating System | Wear OS 3 with Google Assistant |
Reasons to Buy
- Sleek and premium design
- Seamless integration with Google services
- Solid fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Google Assistant and other Wear OS 3 features
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited battery life compared to some competitors
- Expensive, especially the cellular model
- Limited app selection at launch
The best Android smartwatch
(Best Smartwatch)Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid
Specifications:
- Display: 44mm circular AMOLED display
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS
- Sensors: Heart rate sensor, Compass, Altimeter
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours (up to 3 days in extended mode)
- OS: Wear OS 3 with Google Assistant
Reasons to buy:
- Hybrid design offers the best of both analog and smart worlds
- Solid fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Customizable watch faces and bands
- Runs the latest Wear OS 3 software
- Affordable price point
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited smart features compared to full-fledged smartwatches
- No cellular connectivity or on-board speakers
- Battery life could be better
The Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is the best Android smartwatch you can buy right now. It offers a unique hybrid design that blends the traditional look and feel of an analog watch with the modern features and functionalities of a smartwatch.
One of the standout features of the Gen 6 Hybrid is its AMOLED display, which provides a vibrant and crisp visual experience. The 44mm circular display is large enough to display notifications, fitness tracking data, and customizable watch faces with ease. The watch is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor, ensuring smooth performance and responsiveness.
In terms of connectivity, the Gen 6 Hybrid offers Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, and GPS capabilities. While it lacks cellular connectivity and on-board speakers, it still provides essential smartwatch features like notification alerts, activity tracking, and music control. The heart rate sensor, compass, and altimeter add to its functionality as a fitness companion.
Battery life on the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is decent, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge. In extended mode, which disables some features to conserve power, the battery can stretch up to 3 days. While not the longest-lasting smartwatch on the market, it should be sufficient for most users’ daily needs.
The watch runs on Wear OS 3, Google’s latest smartwatch operating system, which brings improvements in performance, battery life optimization, and user interface enhancements. With Google Assistant built-in, you can easily access information, set reminders, and control smart home devices using voice commands.
One of the main advantages of the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid is its affordable price point compared to other full-fledged smartwatches. It offers a good balance between smart features and traditional watch aesthetics, making it a versatile choice for those who appreciate both worlds.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 44mm circular AMOLED display |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ processor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, GPS |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor, Compass, Altimeter |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours (up to 3 days in extended mode) |
| Operating System | Wear OS 3 with Google Assistant |
Reasons to Buy
- Hybrid design offers the best of both analog and smart worlds
- Solid fitness and health tracking capabilities
- Customizable watch faces and bands
- Runs the latest Wear OS 3 software
- Affordable price point
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited smart features compared to full-fledged smartwatches
- No cellular connectivity or on-board speakers
- Battery life could be better
The best cheap smartwatch
(Best Smartwatch)Amazfit Bip U Pro
Specifications:
- Display: 1.43-inch square TFT LCD display
- Processor: Custom
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
- Sensors: Heart rate sensor, SpO2, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
- Battery life: Up to 9 days
- OS: Amazfit OS
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price point
- Long battery life
- Variety of fitness tracking features
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Built-in GPS
Reasons to avoid:
- Basic smartwatch features
- Limited app support
- Not as stylish as premium smartwatches
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that still offers a range of features, the Amazfit Bip U Pro is an excellent choice. Despite its low price point, this smartwatch packs a punch with its long battery life, variety of fitness tracking capabilities, and lightweight design.
The Bip U Pro features a 1.43-inch square TFT LCD display that may not be as vibrant as AMOLED displays found on more expensive watches, but it gets the job done. The custom processor ensures smooth operation, though it may not be as powerful as higher-end chipsets. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0 and GPS, allowing you to track outdoor activities accurately.
In terms of sensors, the Bip U Pro includes a heart rate sensor, SpO2 monitor, accelerometer, and gyroscope, providing comprehensive health and fitness data. The watch boasts an impressive battery life of up to 9 days on a single charge, making it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about frequent charging.
While the Bip U Pro may lack some advanced smartwatch features found in pricier models, such as NFC for mobile payments or LTE connectivity, it covers the basics well. It offers notifications, music control, weather updates, and customizable watch faces. The built-in GPS is a notable feature for tracking outdoor workouts without needing to carry your phone.
Overall, the Amazfit Bip U Pro is a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize fitness tracking and long battery life in a simple and functional smartwatch.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.43-inch square TFT LCD display |
| Processor | Custom |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, GPS |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor, SpO2, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
| Battery life | Up to 9 days |
| Operating System | Amazfit OS |
Reasons to Buy
- Affordable price point
- Long battery life
- Variety of fitness tracking features
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Built-in GPS
Reasons to Avoid
- Basic smartwatch features
- Limited app support
- Not as stylish as premium smartwatches
How to choose the best smartwatch for you
When it comes to choosing the best smartwatch for your needs, there are several factors to consider:
- Compatibility: Make sure the smartwatch you choose is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system. For example, an Apple Watch will work best with an iPhone, while most Wear OS watches are designed for Android devices.
- Design: Consider the size, shape, and style of the smartwatch. Some people prefer larger displays for easier navigation, while others may prioritize a sleek and minimalist design.
- Features: Think about what features are important to you. Do you need advanced fitness tracking capabilities, built-in GPS, or mobile payment options? Make a list of must-have features to narrow down your choices.
- Battery life: Check the battery life of the smartwatch and see if it meets your daily usage needs. Some watches offer longer battery life but may sacrifice certain features.
- Price: Set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on a smartwatch. There are options available at various price points, from budget-friendly to premium models.
- Brand: Consider the brand reputation and customer reviews when choosing a smartwatch. Some brands have a track record of quality and reliability.
By evaluating these factors and prioritizing what matters most to you, you can find the best smartwatch that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Can you use Apple Watch with an Android phone?
As of now, the Apple Watch is designed to work seamlessly with iPhones and does not have official support for Android phones. The Apple Watch relies on the iOS ecosystem for features like notifications, call handling, and app integrations, which are not compatible with Android devices.
While there have been third-party apps and workarounds that claim to enable limited functionality between an Apple Watch and an Android phone, they are not officially supported by Apple and may not provide a reliable user experience.
If you own an Android phone and are looking for a smartwatch that offers similar features to the Apple Watch, consider options like Wear OS watches or Samsung Galaxy watches, which are designed to work with Android devices.
Which is the best smartwatch?
The best smartwatch ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and value seamless integration with your iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 7 is a top choice with its advanced features and health tracking capabilities.
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 stands out with its excellent fitness tracking features, beautiful display, and long battery life. The Google Pixel Watch is also a strong contender for its sleek design and integration with Google services.
If you’re on a budget, the Amazfit Bip U Pro offers a variety of features at an affordable price point, making it a great value option for those looking for basic smartwatch functionalities.
Ultimately, the best smartwatch is the one that aligns with your specific requirements, whether it’s fitness tracking, style, battery life, or app compatibility.
How we test smartwatches
Our team of experts rigorously tests each smartwatch based on various criteria, including design, display quality, performance, battery life, fitness tracking accuracy, smart features, and overall user experience.
We evaluate the build quality and comfort of wearing the smartwatch throughout the day, assessing its durability and ergonomics. Display quality is scrutinized for brightness, clarity, and visibility in different lighting conditions.
Performance testing involves navigating the interface, launching apps, and monitoring responsiveness to touch and voice commands. Battery life is measured under typical usage scenarios to determine how long the smartwatch can last on a single charge.
Fitness tracking features are put to the test through various activities like walking, running, cycling, and strength training to assess accuracy and reliability. Smart features such as notifications, voice assistants, and app integrations are evaluated for convenience and usability.
Based on our comprehensive testing process, we provide unbiased and detailed reviews to help you make an informed decision when choosing the best smartwatch for your lifestyle.
Latest updates
Stay tuned for the latest updates on new smartwatch releases, software upgrades, and industry trends. As technology continues to evolve, smartwatches are becoming more advanced and feature-rich, offering exciting possibilities for users looking to enhance their daily lives with wearable technology.
Whether you’re interested in fitness tracking, communication, productivity, or style, there’s a smartwatch out there to suit your needs. Keep an eye on our updates to stay informed about the newest innovations in the world of smartwatches.
the world of smartwatches offers a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences and requirements. From the top-of-the-line Apple Watch Series 7 to the budget-friendly Amazfit Bip U Pro, there’s a smartwatch for every user.
When choosing the best smartwatch for you, consider factors like compatibility, design, features, battery life, price, and brand reputation. Whether you prioritize fitness tracking, smart features, or style, there’s a smartwatch that can meet your needs.
By understanding your priorities and doing thorough research, you can find the perfect smartwatch that seamlessly integrates into your lifestyle and enhances your daily activities. Stay informed about the latest updates and trends in the smartwatch industry to make informed decisions and get the most out of your wearable technology.