A modern watch transcends its traditional role as a timekeeping device. While it still fulfills this fundamental function, contemporary watches harness cutting-edge technologies to offer a plethora of capabilities. Today's finest smartwatches not only keep track of time but also seamlessly integrate with your communication channels, enabling you to stay connected with calls and messages. Moreover, they empower you to monitor and manage your health and fitness goals effectively.
With a plethora of options available, selecting the ideal smartwatch becomes pivotal. However, not every option may align perfectly with your requirements in terms of functionality, price, or battery life. Through meticulous market analysis, comparison, and feature testing, we have identified the finest choices. Leading the pack is the new Apple Watch Series 9, acclaimed for its comprehensive features and performance. Nonetheless, for Android aficionados, the Samsung Watch 6 stands out as a compelling alternative. Drawing upon our team's firsthand experiences and rigorous in-house testing, we present today's most exceptional smartwatches tailored to meet your diverse needs.
Apple Watch Series 9 | ||
Amazfit GTR 4 | ||
Apple Watch Ultra 2 | ||
Fitbit Sense 2 | ||
Garmin Venu 2 Plus | ||
Google Pixel Watch 2 | ||
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 |
Best Smartwatch Overall: Apple Watch Series 9
An All-In-One Smartwatch With Advanced Features
Battery life: Up to 18 hours | Operating system: Apple WatchOS | Optional apps: Yes | Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 50 meters | Case size: 41mm or 45mm
Best for: Health and wellness features that’s also compatible with your other Apple devices.
The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts an array of invaluable features designed to enhance your safety and well-being. Equipped with built-in fall and crash detection capabilities, it automatically connects you to emergency services when needed. Alongside its built-in GPS functionality, the integrated fitness tracker monitors your heart rate and alerts you to any irregular rhythms. Furthermore, the Series 9 offers comprehensive health insights by measuring vital statistics such as blood oxygen levels, temperature, and menstrual cycles. With sleep tracking functionality, you can effortlessly monitor your sleep patterns, including REM and deep sleep stages. The watchOS store provides the option to expand its capabilities with additional apps.
Driven by the powerful S9 chip, this watch boasts an ultra-bright Retina display that remains visible at all times. Seamlessly compatible with your Apple devices, including iPhone and Mac, it enables convenient synchronization and offers the convenience of Apple Pay for seamless transactions at supported retailers. Available in aluminum or stainless steel builds and two sizes, both variants offer durability with crack-resistant and water-resistant features certified with IP6X standards.
Pros:
Siri built-in
Vivid, bright display
Carbon neutral construction
Cons:
Double Tap takes some getting used to
Mediocre battery life
Some features only work with iPhone 15
Best Budget Smartwatch: Amazfit GTR 4
Save A Buck Without Sacrificing Features
Battery life: Up to 14 days | Operating system: Zepp OS | Optional apps: Yes | Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 5 feet | Screen size: 36.2 mm
Best for: Those on a budget that are seeking basic features including calling your friends.
Priced competitively below $200, the Amazfit GTR 4 offers exceptional value without compromising on features. Equipped with the BioTracker 4.0 PPG biometric sensor, it facilitates effortless 24-hour health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking. With over 150 sports modes, including instant recognition of eight popular sports, fitness enthusiasts are well catered to. Integration of Alexa, alongside dual-band GPS, ensures precise tracking and navigation.
Designed for versatility, the GT4 combines aluminum alloy and classic stainless steel for durability. Its expansive 1.4-inch AMOLED display is protected with anti-fingerprint coating and anti-glare technology on the glass bezel cover. Personalization options abound with over 200 watch faces and 30 animations to choose from. Furthermore, a built-in speaker ensures continuous music playback, while ample music storage allows easy access to your favorite tunes. Compatible with Android phones, seamless Bluetooth pairing facilitates convenient phone call management on the go.
Pros:
OLED display
Integrated navigation
Generous battery life
Cons:
Lacks NFC
Not scratch-resistant
Limited app store
Best Premium Smartwatch: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple’s Latest Smartwatch Is The Splurge You Deserve
Battery life: Up to 36 hours | Operating system: Apple WatchOS | Optional apps: Yes | Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 100 meters | Case size: 49mm
Best for: Rugged adventuring with premium features.
Introducing the Apple Watch Ultra 2, featuring the cutting-edge S9 SiP powered by a 64-bit dual-core processor, and Siri voice assistant preloaded for seamless use. Enjoy comprehensive health tracking capabilities, including temperature sensing, cycle monitoring, and notifications for heart rate and low cardio levels. With integrated fall and crash detection, along with accessible Blood Oxygen and ECG apps, safety is prioritized. The inclusion of Emergency SOS with international calling and precision dual‑frequency GPS further enhances security.
Crafted from aerospace-grade titanium, the oversized 49-millimeter case exudes durability. The Always-on Retina display incorporates Apple’s innovative Double Tap gesture for enhanced usability, while its water resistance up to 100 meters ensures worry-free swimming experiences. Dual speakers deliver immersive audio, complemented by a three-microphone array for crystal-clear calls.
According to Apple Expert David Phelan, reviewing the Apple Watch 2, “For those seeking the largest screen, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ideal choice. The Digital Crown and slightly raised side button are designed for easy operation, even with gloves, making it suitable for various activities, from skiing to diving or simply in colder conditions.”
Pros:
Fast S9 processor
Double Tap feature
Bright display
Cons:
Limited navigation
Mediocre battery
iPhone 15 required for some features
Best Smartwatch For Fitness Tracking: Fitbit Sense 2
Athletes Rejoice With Leading Fitness Features
Battery life: Up to 6 days | Operating system: Fitbit OS | Optional apps: No | Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 50 meters | Screen size: 1.69 inches
Best for: Tracking all of your physical fitness with extensive features.
The Fitbit Sense 2 offers a seamless blend of comfort and functionality, delivering the trusted fitness and health features synonymous with the Fitbit brand. Its standout feature is an expansive 1.6-inch touchscreen display, ensuring effortless navigation. Stay connected with notifications for calls, texts, and messages, while the integration of Amazon Alexa enhances its utility. Additionally, features like Fitbit Pay, Google Wallet & Maps further enrich the user experience.
Equipped with an all-day activity tracker and built-in GPS, the Sense 2 supports over 40 exercise modes, with automatic exercise recognition for added convenience. Continuous heart rate monitoring, including alerts for irregular rhythms, and access to the ECG app, ensure comprehensive health monitoring. Stress management is prioritized with a built-in stress detector, providing users with a daily Stress Management Score. The inclusion of a sleep tracker, complete with personalized Sleep Profile creation and Smart Wake Alarm functionality, helps users optimize their sleep quality and wake up refreshed.
Pros:
Detailed stress tracking
Lightweight build
6-month Premium membership included
Cons:
Some features require subscription
Lacks music streaming
No third-party apps
Best Smartwatch for Health Tracking: Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Get Active With Premium Health Insights
Battery life: Up to 9 days | Operating system: Apple iOS, Android | Optional apps: Yes | Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 50 meters | Case size: 43mm
Best for: Adventurers of the great outdoors who want premium health and fitness features.
Garmin pushes boundaries with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, introducing a range of features typically uncommon in smartwatches. Users can access the Health Snapshot feature, monitor Body Battery energy levels, and track custom sleep scores and fitness ages. With over 25 indoor and GPS sports apps to choose from, including walking, running, swimming, cycling, and golf, users can tailor their fitness routines to their preferences. Preloaded workouts are available, or users can create and monitor their own workouts using the Garmin Connect app.
The device sports a vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED display and ample storage capable of holding up to 650 favorite songs, including playlists from popular streaming services. Integrated GPS facilitates precise tracking, while seamless Bluetooth pairing enables convenient phone calls, text message access, and contactless payments. Moreover, users can control smart home devices directly from their smartwatch, adding another layer of convenience to their daily routines.
Pros:
In-depth fitness tracking
AMOLED display
Accepts phone calls
Cons:
Easy to customize
Shorter battery life
One size only
Best Smartwatch for Google Users: Google Pixel Watch 2
The Newest Kid On The Block
Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Operating system: Google Wear 4.0 | Optional apps: Yes | Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 50 meters | Case size: 41mm
Best for: Google enthusiasts looking to complete their Google ecosystem.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 emerges as a fresh contender in the smartwatch arena, boasting a host of notable advancements that set it apart from the competition. Its redesigned aesthetics incorporate a trio of cutting-edge sensors, enabling more precise data reporting. Users can now effortlessly monitor their skin temperature and blood oxygen levels, with added stress detection features facilitating enhanced stress management. Furthermore, heart rate tracking has been refined to offer up to 40% greater accuracy.
With a full 24-hour battery life, complete with an always-on display for added convenience, the Pixel Watch 2 ensures uninterrupted usage throughout the day. Voice support is seamlessly integrated, allowing users to activate hands-free assistance with a simple "Hey Google" command.
Available in a range of attractive colors, including a captivating bay blue band and champagne gold case, this smartwatch offers both style and functionality. As an added bonus, purchasers receive a six-month membership to Fitbit Premium and one month of YouTube Music Premium.
In his review of the Google Pixel Watch 2, mobile and wearables expert Adam Doud shares his impressions, describing it as "a stunning smartwatch that not only makes a statement but also excels in tracking health data. With its exquisite craftsmanship and clever software features, it stands as a compelling choice for wrist-worn technology."
Pros:
Phenomenal accuracy for health tools
Stress management tools
Newest Wear OS
Cons:
One size only
Limited brightness
Weak battery life
Best Android Smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Expand Your Sleep Tracking Features With Samsung
Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Operating system: Wear OS | Optional apps: Yes | Waterproof rating: Water resistant to 50 meters | Case size: 40mm, 44mm
Best for: Android fans who want to get the most out of their smartwatch/phone pairing.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 seamlessly complements top Android smartphones, offering the flexibility of Bluetooth or LTE connectivity for making calls, sending texts, and enjoying music playback. Its expansive display ensures excellent visibility, while the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass build ensures durability. With up to 16 gigabytes of memory, users have ample storage for essential data.
Powered by Wear OS, the Galaxy Watch 6 integrates a comprehensive fitness tracker capable of monitoring distance, duration, and calories burned across over 90 different activity types. Advanced health tracking features include heart rate monitoring, an advanced BIA sensor, and personalized heart rate zones. Users can also monitor body fat, skeletal muscle, and Body Mass Index (BMI) at their convenience. Notably, Samsung prioritizes advanced sleep coaching with the Watch 6, which can detect snoring and monitor sleep stages to provide insights into sleep health.
Forbes Senior Contributor Janhoi McGregor, who personally tested the Galaxy Watch 6, lauded its extensive activity and health tracking capabilities in his review. He remarked, "Samsung’s activity and health tracking is as in-depth as it is accurate, and the complimentary features—like the sleep score and camera control—make this one of the most complete wearables around." McGregor emphasized the value of the enhanced sleep tracking features, making the Galaxy Watch 6 a compelling investment for those seeking to upgrade their smartwatch or improve their sleep quality.
Pros:
Digital bezel
Expanded sleep health tracking
Built-in camera control
Cons:
Shorter battery
Some Samsung-only features
How We Ranked These Products
Our team relied on firsthand experience to meticulously curate our list of top smartwatches. In addition to our own insights, we thoroughly analyzed user and expert feedback to gain a comprehensive understanding of each product's performance over time. Our evaluation process is guided by specific criteria, including features, durability, battery life, and affordability.
Throughout our search, we ensured inclusivity by considering models catering to various budgets and user preferences. To maintain quality standards, we only included products with a minimum 4-star customer rating. For the best smartwatches, we conducted hands-on assessments, including those of the latest offerings such as the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
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