These wearables, tested by our friends, keep you connected without relying heavily on your phone.
A quality timepiece is more than just a way to tell the time; it enhances your style and confidence. The top smartwatches go beyond this, offering features like workout tracking, heart rate monitoring, notifications, and access to voice assistants. With a connected watch on your wrist, you can easily keep your phone tucked away and handle everyday tasks.
The Apple Watch is our top pick for iPhone users, while Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7 and Google’s Pixel Watch 2 are excellent choices for Android enthusiasts. We’ve also found several other impressive options, each offering unique styles and smart features.
Below, you’ll find our selection of the best smartwatches we’ve tested. If you’re specifically interested in fitness or sleep tracking, check out our additional guides on the Best Fitness Trackers, Best Fitbits, Best Garmin Watches, and Best Sleep Trackers.
1. Apple Watch Series 9: Elevate Your iPhone Experience
The Apple Watch stands out as the top smartwatch available today. It runs on WatchOS, the best operating system in the category, offering a wide range of apps that minimize the need to reach your phone. The Series 9 closely resembles the Series 8 but introduces the ability to process Siri requests directly on the device, making responses faster and more private (unless web access is required).
This means you can quickly ask Siri about your health data from the past week. The improved performance is driven by the S9 chip, which is more efficient and provides slightly better battery life—though regular recharging is still necessary. The most notable new feature is Double Tap, allowing you to tap two fingers on your watch hand to answer or reject calls, reply to messages, control timers, and more. It’s an incredibly useful addition.
The new second-generation ultra-wideband chipset enhances your ability to precisely locate your iPhone from a greater distance. As always, the health features are strong, including an FDA-cleared electrocardiogram sensor and the ability to measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), which is useful for athletes training at high altitudes or those with certain health conditions.
However, due to a patent dispute, this feature will no longer be available on Apple Watches sold in the U.S. after January 18, 2024. For more information, refer to our Best Apple Watch guide, and explore our Apple Watch Accessories guide for additional recommendations.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch7: The Perfect Samsung Partner
The Galaxy Watch7 is Samsung’s latest addition to its smartwatch lineup, featuring a sleek, refined design with a simple, rounded shape. The 20-mm accented straps, particularly in green, add a stylish touch, though they’re easily swappable if you prefer a different look. Each year, Samsung elevates the smartwatch experience, and this model introduces artificial intelligence algorithms that enhance health tracking, including a new Energy Score and improved sleep tracking. The Energy Score provides a helpful daily metric, allowing you to decide whether to push yourself or take it easy.
The watch also includes FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, although it requires two nights of monitoring and is not something you’ll use daily. Afterwards, you’ll receive feedback on whether you show any symptoms. It’s important to note that advanced features like sleep apnea detection, the electrocardiogram, and irregular heart rhythm notifications are only available when paired with a Samsung phone, but the watch still works well with any other Android device.
The Galaxy Watch7 offers two size options and comes in either a Bluetooth-only version or one with LTE. I tested both sizes but found the battery life disappointing compared to previous models. With the always-on display active, I struggled to get a full 24 hours, even with just two tracked activities and overnight sleep tracking. Turning off the always-on display helped somewhat, but I still barely made it through a full day. You’ll need to manage the battery carefully and make use of power-saving modes when possible. Despite the battery challenges, the watch is packed with features. It’s incredibly easy to check notifications, reply to messages, and even control smart home devices through SmartThings or Google Home. If you keep your charger close by, the Galaxy Watch7 is a highly capable companion.
3. Pixel Watch 2: The Perfect Match for Android
When the original Pixel Watch launched, it lacked many features, but Google gradually introduced them over the following year. As a result, the Pixel Watch 2 now includes almost everything you could want. It offers auto-start and auto-stop workout detection, fall detection, SpO2 measurements, and a redesigned Fitbit app with a more modern look. Google has also introduced Safety Check, which lets you share your location with emergency contacts if you don’t respond after a set time. The watch’s Body Response feature can detect both positive and negative stress levels, offering coping strategies like guided breathing sessions. Recent updates have also added Car Crash Detection and Bicycle Fall Detection to the feature list.
In my opinion, this remains the most stylish smartwatch, and it’s incredibly comfortable to wear. It excels in health and fitness features, offering accurate heart rate and sleep tracking, along with an improved workout screen that highlights key data like heart rate zones at a glance. You can also take electrocardiograms and monitor for irregular heart rhythms. However, the battery life is just average, lasting about a day, and the watch isn’t repairable—any issues will require a replacement under the one-year warranty. Another downside is the introduction of a new proprietary charger, different from the original Pixel Watch charger, although it does charge the watch more quickly.
4. Fashion Meets Fitness: Garmin Vivomove Trend
Fitness watches usually lack the sleek design and ease of use of more advanced smartwatches, but the Vivomove Trend stands out for its elegance. It’s also Garmin’s first watch to support wireless charging, allowing you to finally ditch the cumbersome Garmin plug-in charger.
The Vivomove Trend offers a comprehensive set of features, including wireless charging, blood oxygen measurements, sleep tracking, auto-activity tracking, and Garmin’s top-notch fitness algorithms. Although it’s not as feature-packed as other smartwatches, it excels in battery life, lasting up to five days on a single charge. If you value longevity over extra features, this watch is a great choice. For more options, check out our Best Fitness Watches guide.
5. Fitbit Ace LTE: The Perfect Kids’ Smartwatch
6. CMF Watch Pro 2: Budget Smartwatch Champion
CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, offers impressive value with its Watch Pro 2. It has a sleek, minimalist design, and you can customize it by changing the strap or bezel shape to suit your style. It’s one of the few smartwatches under $100 that I genuinely enjoy wearing, as it not only feels comfortable but also stands out with a unique design, unlike many other budget options that often lack character.
The watch operates on a proprietary OS but is compatible with both iPhones and Android devices. It allows you to view notifications from your phone, though you can only respond to some with pre-set replies. The heart rate and sleep tracking are impressively accurate for a budget device, even if processing and displaying results take a bit longer. However, the step count can be significantly off compared to higher-end models.
The watch supports exercise tracking and includes GPS for basic mapping, though the data is fairly simplistic and lacks additional context. You can control music playback, switch between attractive watch faces on the AMOLED display, and check the weather. The companion app is well-designed, though the watch occasionally disconnects, leading to missed notifications. Sometimes, the screen freezes, requiring you to press the crown to return to the home screen. Despite these minor issues, the watch’s exceptional 10-day battery life is impressive—I travelled to Paris for a few days without needing to charge it. For $69, this kind of value is hard to beat.
7. Long-Lasting Power: OnePlus Watch 2 & 2R
The OnePlus Watch 2 is an excellent choice for Android users seeking a Wear OS smartwatch that excels in battery life. With a single charge, it typically lasts around three days, and even longer if you use power-saving features. This impressive battery performance is achieved through the use of two chipsets and two operating systems, but the overall user experience is comparable to that of the Galaxy Watch6 or Pixel Watch 2, with OnePlus handling the health and fitness aspects.
One standout feature is its versatile charging capability—you can use any USB-C cable, eliminating the need for a dedicated charger. However, be aware that the watch is quite large, so it may not be the best fit for those with smaller wrists.
The health features of this smartwatch are limited—it lacks fall detection and an electrocardiogram. However, it does offer sleep tracking, which is generally quite accurate. Other health metrics like heart rate, distance, and step count showed mixed results in our testing, so it might not be the best choice if you rely heavily on these functions.
On the plus side, the watch allows you to manage your smart home devices through Google Home, control music playback, respond to Slack messages, and delete emails without needing to pull out your phone. OnePlus has also introduced a more affordable model, the OnePlus Watch 2R, though I have not had the opportunity to test it yet.
8. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Adventure Awaits
If you’re the type who escapes to the mountains every weekend, especially into rugged, remote terrain, consider investing in the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 2. Although it’s a bit pricey, this watch is built to last with its ultra-durable design. The larger size accommodates a bigger battery, giving you nearly four days of power with typical use. Upgraded microphones enhance voice clarity, while an 86-decibel siren can help alert others to your location in an emergency. The Ultra 2 also boasts a more accurate GPS for precise hike tracking and includes the Backtrack feature to guide you back to your starting point. A customizable Action Button on the left side allows you to quickly launch your preferred activity. The watch’s titanium case offers robust protection for the display, which is safeguarded by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
9. Galaxy Watch Ultra: The Perfect Match for Samsung Fans
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is the brand’s answer to the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin, marking a strong debut in the realm of high-end, feature-packed smartwatches tailored for professional athletes. With its large 47-mm size, the watch houses a robust battery that provides over two days of power on a single charge. The design includes a durable titanium case and sapphire glass face, and it boasts a 10 ATM and IP68 rating, allowing it to be submerged up to 100 meters. The heart rate monitor is impressively consistent, rivalling that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the dual-band GPS ensures precise mapping. While the software might not be as user-friendly and some features fall short compared to other performance-focused smartwatches, it’s a solid option for Android users venturing into the world of premium wearables.
10. Casio CA53W-1CR: Calculator on Your Wrist
It’s a calculator—on your wrist. How much more genius could you get? Sure, the buttons are small, but you’ll impress everyone when you calculate the tip at dinner without reaching for your phone. This affordable Casio watch is a timeless classic—comfortable, lightweight, and packed with features. You can switch between modes like a stopwatch, an alarm, and even a second-time zone. With a five-year battery life and a fully automatic calendar that runs through the year 2099 (which means about 15 battery swaps), it’s both practical and enduring.
11. Classic Look, Smart Tech: Withings ScanWatch 2
The Withings ScanWatch 2 offers a sleek design that could easily be mistaken for a classic analogue watch. Despite its traditional appearance, it boasts an impressive range of health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, an electrocardiogram, blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking. The battery life is a standout, lasting up to 30 days with light use or around 22 days with heavier use before needing a recharge.
However, the small display is a drawback, making some notifications difficult to read. Additionally, the GPS is not built-in and requires your phone to be connected. While there’s an optional Health+ subscription, it doesn’t add much value and can be skipped. Unlike feature-rich smartwatches like the Apple Watch, the ScanWatch 2, similar to the Garmin Vivomove Trend, lacks extensive apps and smart features. But if your primary focus is on health tracking and you prefer a watch with a more traditional look, it’s a solid choice.
12. Casio ProTrek PRW-61: Rugged Simplicity
This Casio watch was worn daily for over a month, and its various functions were utilized consistently, a feat not often achieved with many smartwatches. The stopwatch was used to time rest intervals between gym sets, while the world time feature was set to New Delhi, aligning with a sibling’s time zone. The compass proved handy for finding directions after emerging from the subway in New York City, and the barometer was explored for its ability to forecast weather, adding a touch of novelty without needing a voice assistant.
The watch boasts a rugged, outdoorsy design with a touch of class, and it’s exceptionally comfortable to wear—so much so that it was never taken off during the entire month of testing. It has withstood showers, workouts, and even a move, enduring bumps and paint without showing any signs of wear. Crafted from biomass plastics like castor seeds and corn, it’s both eco-friendly and durable. The dial is easy to read, with glowing indices and a button below the case that lights them up for visibility at night. Additionally, the Tough Solar technology ensures that it charges itself using sunlight, eliminating the need for recharging.
Smartwatches to Skip
Not all smartwatches live up to expectations. Here are a couple to avoid based on our experience:
Fossil Smartwatches
Although Fossil has officially exited the smartwatch market, it still offers these models for sale. Avoid them, as they are unlikely to receive significant updates, if any.
Montblanc Summit 3 ($1,270)
While this smartwatch is strikingly large and stylish with Wear OS 3, the high price tag isn’t justified. It lacks a speaker or Google Assistant, and its fitness features are underwhelming. Essentially, it offers little more than its impressive appearance.
Fitness Trackers vs. Smartwatches: Understanding the Difference
If you’re not finding what you need here, you might want to explore our Best Fitness Trackers guide. The choice between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch depends on your specific needs.
Smartwatches generally offer a broad range of smartphone-like functions through apps, allowing you to control smart home devices, send messages via WhatsApp or Slack, and interact with virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. Alongside these features, smartwatches also provide standard health and fitness tracking and usually have a touchscreen interface. However, they often come with a trade-off in battery life, typically lasting just a day or two, or a bit more with lighter use.
