Are you ready to dive into the world of the best smartwatches? Hold onto your hats (or, should we say, your wrists) because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the latest and greatest wrist wearables.
Choosing the perfect smartwatch can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack...while blindfolded...in a hurricane. But fear not! We've braved the storm of options, from the best-in-class Apple Watch to the health-wizard Samsung Galaxy Watch, to bring you the crème de la crème of wrist tech.
Our team of smartwatch experts has put these gadgets through the wringer, wearing them to bed, taking them on runs, and even attempting to decipher their cryptic notification codes.
So strap in, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the best smartwatches on the market. And hey, if you're into wearables, visit other T3 guides on the subject, including the best Apple Watches, best fitness trackers, and best smart rings.
The best smartwatches to buy right now
The Apple Watch Series 9 features a brighter display, a faster S9 chip, gesture controls, and improved sustainability. While the battery life remains 18 hours, the watch excels with new health and fitness features, offline Siri, and robust HomePod integration, making it a significant upgrade for older models.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 impresses with AI-enhanced health features, a sleek design, and a bright display. It boasts improved battery life and seamless performance, making it a top contender for those seeking a stylish, functional smartwatch.
The Apple Watch SE 2 offers excellent value with features similar to the Series 8, including the same processor, lightweight design, and a variety of case sizes and colours. However, it lacks an always-on display, ECG, and blood oxygen sensors. Ideal for iPhone users seeking an affordable smartwatch.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers a sleek, lightweight design with a new multi-path heart rate sensor and improved safety features. It includes comprehensive Google apps but faces slow GPS and delayed automatic workout detection. Still, it's a recommended option for Pixel phone users seeking a capable, health-focused smartwatch.
The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro features a rugged design, functional watch crown, and sapphire glass lens. The ULP display is hard to read in daylight, and the heart rate sensor accuracy could be improved, but the super-fast Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset makes up for it by offering smooth performance and improved battery life.
The Garmin Venu 3 excels as a health and wellness smartwatch with a vibrant AMOLED display, comprehensive fitness tracking, and impressive battery life. It lacks advanced navigational tools and some smartwatch features compared to rivals, but its design is discreet and lightweight, making it a worthwhile investment.
The Huawei Watch GT 4 boasts a stylish design, improved health tracking, and excellent battery life. The Huawei Health app could be more user-friendly, but the wearable's new 'Sunflower' GPS technology, which provides better accuracy, makes us forget the niggles.
The Fitbit Sense 2 offers excellent health tracking with a user-friendly interface and improved stress monitoring. It lacks WiFi, music storage, and third-party app support, making updates slower. Despite these drawbacks, its sleek design and functionality make it a strong health-focused smartwatch.
The Casio G-Shock DW-H5600 blends a retro design with modern health and fitness tracking, using Polar algorithms. It features a compact, eco-friendly resin body and MIP display but lacks GPS and has a clunky interface. Perfect for G-Shock enthusiasts.
Best overall
The Apple Watch Series 9 might look the same as the Series 8 or even the Series 7, but it provides a different user experience than previous iterations of the wearable. It has a brighter display, a faster microchip, exclusive features, and a somewhat more sustainable construction – what else can we ask for? Maybe longer battery life, but that hasn't changed in the last 10 years.
We think the Apple Watch Series 9 provides the best smartwatch experience on the market today. There might be wearables, even on this list, with longer battery life or even more features, but we're yet to see any brand surpassing Apple's platform, which the brand has been building and refining for a long time.
If you have an iPhone, it's obvious you need the Apple Watch Series 9 wrapped around your wrist. If you're an Android smartphone user, you're better off picking an alternative watch from the list below – or a hybrid smartwatch if you like keeping it classy.
Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.
Also consider: Thanks to some seriously cheap offers knocking about these days, the Apple Watch Series 8 might be a better option for the price-conscious iPhone user. You miss out on the faster processor and gesture control, but you still get to experience that quintessential Apple user experience.
Best premium
We found the latest Galaxy Watch to be a remarkable advancement in the smartwatch industry. The watch features a sophisticated design with a premium feel, making it both stylish and durable. Its bright and responsive display enhances user interaction, providing a clear and vibrant interface.
One of the standout features is the integration of AI, which significantly boosts its functionality. The AI-driven health and fitness tracking capabilities are impressive, offering advanced sleep tracking, accurate heart rate monitoring, and detailed fitness tracking. These features are not just accurate but also intuitive, providing personalised and actionable insights and suggestions.
The software experience on the Galaxy Watch 7 is smooth and user-friendly. The watch runs on the latest version of Wear OS, enhanced with Samsung's unique touches. The interface is easy to navigate, and the performance is snappy, with no noticeable lag or slowdowns.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 excels in design, functionality, and performance. Its integration of AI, improved battery life, and user-friendly interface make it a top choice in the smartwatch market.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 review.
Also consider: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 impressed with its sleek design, upgraded chip, and smooth performance. It excels in health tracking with features like body composition, ECG, sleep, and blood pressure monitoring. Want to know how the two compare? Check out Britta's excellent article on the subject: Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs Galaxy Watch 6.
Be sure to check our Samsung discount codes to get a great deal.
Recent updates
30 August 2024 – Google has given Wear OS smartwatches a clever weather upgrade, letting you see the next four hours of forecasts at a glance. No more frantically swiping to dodge unexpected rain; now, your wrist has all the answers, like a mini meteorologist on duty. Read more here.
Best affordable
The Apple Watch SE 2 manages to strike a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a compelling option for users looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch. While it may not boast groundbreaking changes compared to its predecessor, it does come with some notable upgrades, both in terms of hardware and software.
One of the most appealing aspects of the SE 2 is its lower price point compared to other Apple Watch models, making it accessible to a wider audience. Despite being more affordable, it still offers a range of features that cater to the needs of everyday users, from fitness tracking to notifications and more.
Moreover, Apple's track record of providing software updates for its wearables ensures that users can enjoy continued support and enhancements long after the initial purchase. This adds value to the SE 2, giving users peace of mind knowing that their device will remain up-to-date and functional for years to come.
However, it's important to note that the SE 2 does have some limitations compared to higher-end Apple Watch models. It may not have all the advanced sensors and features found in the flagship models, but for most users, it provides more than enough functionality for daily use.
Overall, if you're an iPhone user looking for a reliable and affordable smartwatch option, the Apple Watch SE 2 is definitely worth considering.
Read our full Apple Watch SE 2 review.
Best mid-range
The Pixel Watch 2 is on the right track to catch up with the Apple Watch... eventually. The new wearable is arguably better than its predecessor, but it needs to be further refined. The form factor is on point, and thankfully, Wear OS isn't a pain to use anymore, thanks to the fast processors and machine learning-optimised processes. Fitbit's tracking is on point, and the apps are improving, too.
The user interface is good on the watch, although the mixed tiles/scroll menu combination is a bit confusing. The tiles push Wear OS functions and hide others; ideally, we'd like to see all my main stats using the tiles, not just a few. Overall, the experience is far from terrible, and it's a pleasure to view the interactions unfold on the beautiful AMOLED display of the Pixel Watch 2.
Read our full Google Pixel Watch 2 review.
Also consider: The first lovechild of Google and Fitbit, the Google Pixel Watch, is very similar to its successor and offers dynamite features for Android smartphone users, particularly Pixel owners. Battery life would be longer, but it's a superb Apple Watch alternative.
Recent updates
15 August 2024 – Fitbit and Google Pixel Watch users now have access to Peloton fitness classes through a new partnership. Fitbit Premium members will get a wide range of workout options across various modalities, while all users can access select classes for free. Read more here.
Best rugged
The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro maintains a similar design to its predecessor, featuring a 1.43" OLED display with 466 x 466 resolution and an ultra-low-power display. Built to US-MIL-STD 810H standards, it offers 5 ATM water resistance and improved ruggedness with new bezel carvings. A major upgrade is the sapphire crystal glass, providing scratch resistance and durability.
The watch runs on the fast Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset and WearOS, offering a suite of Google and TicWatch apps. New features include snoring detection and advanced sleep insights. The watch crown is now functional, enhancing usability. The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro supports over 100 professional workouts and offers accurate heart rate monitoring, though it's less suited for high-intensity interval training.
Despite its bulkiness, the watch provides excellent performance, with smooth navigation and a responsive interface. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to four days with the same 628 mAh battery as its predecessor. Fast Charge technology allows for quick recharging. However, the frequent switch to ULP display mode during workouts can be inconvenient.
Overall, a solid upgrade for those who missed out on the TicWatch Pro 5, offering durability, enhanced features, and robust performance.
Read our full Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review.
Also consider: T3's best outdoor watch guide is full of durable wearables from Garmin, Coros and Amazfit. Most of them have excellent mapping features and work well with both Apple and Android smartphones.
Best for fitness tracking
The Garmin Venu 3 presents a refreshing option for those familiar with the brand's line of performance wearables. Providing straightforward yet impactful health and wellness guidance, it taps into a wealth of data and metrics it quietly gathers throughout the day and night.
For those seeking a deeper dive into fitness data, Garmin's Connect app offers an abundance of information. However, for those preferring a more casual approach, the watch can serve as a reliable companion, effortlessly guiding you through a healthy lifestyle.
While the design may not be groundbreaking, its discreet appearance allows it to seamlessly transition from casual outings to more formal occasions, making it suitable for both the gym and social gatherings.
What truly sets it apart is its user-friendly interface, which boasts intuitive menus that effortlessly present the desired information with minimal effort. For those in search of a versatile watch equipped with Garmin's renowned suite of health and wellness features, the Venu 3 stands out as one of the top choices available.
Read our full Garmin Venu 3 review.
Also consider: In our Garmin Venu 2 review, we called the predecessor of the Venu 3 a 'stunning fitness watch with amazing battery life and a beautiful AMOLED screen'. Even though the new model is out, the Garmin Venu 2 is still a solid choice for those smartwatch users who need a reliable training partner.
Best battery life
The Huawei Watch GT 4 is a really good smartwatch. The battery life is nothing short of amazing, and the user experience has also been refined (although it's still not perfect). The Huawei Health app could use a bit of tender loving care, but it's not impossible to navigate and generally does what it's supposed to do.
With the new design language, Huawei can finally start work on refining the finer details, improving user experience, and generally breaking away from following trends. Some of the trend following is still present (e.g. the 'all-new' activity rings look suspiciously similar to Apple's rings), but we are generally on the right path here.
The price is on point, which might help entice more people to use Huawei watches. From what we've been told, the company will focus its attention more on wearables going forward, so we're expecting to see even more innovation coming to Huawei watches.
Read our full Huawei Watch GT 4 review.
Also consider: The Watch GT 3 is a brilliant update over the Watch GT 2, and it was an excellent value-for-money wearable even at full price, let alone these days. Like similar Huawei watches, we'd recommend it to people who aren't keen on getting a diehard running watch but would like to have the option to track their physical activities accurately.
Best for sleep tracking
The Fitbit Sense 2 is an excellent health smartwatch, even better than its predecessor. It has a better stress tracking system, a more user-friendly interface, a physical button, and the same handsome design we all admire. Better still, the watch didn’t change the features that worked well, including passive activity tracking, sleep tracking, etc.
Sadly, some of the changes aren’t as welcome as others. The exclusion of WiFi support is a big no-no, not just because it makes music listening on the watch impossible, but because it also takes longer to update the watch. The fact that the WiFi integration is in the watch but cannot be turned on is nothing short of infuriating.
That said, it’s hard not to recommend the Fitbit Sense 2 as it’s just so pretty and user-friendly. Sure, it might be slower than the most cutting-edge wearables nowadays, and it certainly won’t replace the Garmin Forerunner 255 as anyone’s go-to training partner, but as a health-forward smartwatch, it’d be hard to find a better and more handsome option as the Fitbit Sense 2.
Read our full Fitbit Sense 2 review.
Recent updates
20 August 2024 – Google has confirmed that it will no longer produce Fitbit smartwatches, such as the Versa and Sense models, with the Pixel Watch line taking over. Fitbit will continue to release fitness trackers, but its smartwatch production has ended, marking a significant shift for the brand. Read more here.
Best retro
Unless you're a G-Shock fan, you'll find better smartwatches for the same or less money than the Casio G-Shock DW-H5600. It's more like a digital watch with some smart features, like heart rate and basic exercise tracking, as well as notifications and breathing exercises. It's not much, but it's something.
If you are a G-Shock fan, the DW-H5600 is an exciting proposition, as it incorporates some health and fitness tracking and provides that same old-school G-Shock watch experience. If you like the look of the watch and wouldn't mind gaining access to some of your health data, by all means, get the watch. We'll be waiting patiently for an updated version that irons out the hardware and software issues. Hopefully, we won't have to wait for too long.
Read our full Casio G-Shock DW-H5600 review.
How to choose the best smartwatch for you
If you're struggling to choose a smartwatch, here are a few things to consider. In terms of compatibility, Apple Watches only work with iPhones, but smartwatches running Wear OS, Garmin and Fitbit are compatible with both Android and iPhone.
Smartwatch prices can range from very affordable to pretty expensive. Paying more will get you enhanced health and fitness tracking and build quality. Anything more expensive than an Apple Watch, and you're paying for prestige branding and exclusivity.
Battery life also varies from model to model, with the Apple Watch lagging behind the competition. If a maximum of 36 hours of battery life isn't good enough for you, then opt for Huawei, Fitbit or Garmin, which offer battery customisation options and often month-long battery life.
All smartwatches will do some level of fitness tracking these days, but if you're training for a marathon or triathlon then you'll want a more serious running watch from Garmin or Polar. Most smartwatches have at least a heart rate sensor, and some of them can measure ECG, blood oxygen, EDA (stress), monitor sleep etc. The Huawei Watch D can measure blood pressure on the wrist.
All smartwatches have Bluetooth and a few even boast built-in WiFi – that's how they connect to your smartphone. Some have a 4G/Cellular connection as well, which means you can stream music, and receive messages and calls, even if you've left your phone at home. It costs extra and probably isn't worth it for most.
If you're looking to buy a smartwatch for your child, then check out T3's guide to the best smartwatch for kids, because while an Apple Watch or Samsung might be okay for teenagers, they certainly aren't ideal for younger children.
And finally, while most of these smartwatches will count your steps, track your workouts, and measure your heart rate if you're really serious about exercise (like training for a marathon serious), then we suggest you take a look at the best running watches, best fitness trackers or best outdoor watches.
How we test the best smartwatches
We spend a lot of time reviewing the latest smartwatches, so when it comes to recommending what smartwatch to buy, you can be safe in the knowledge that we'll recommend the best options for you.
We'll usually spend a week or longer testing the latest smartwatches. We try out the very latest features to see if they work and if they're useful. This might be a new health monitoring tool, a new fitness tracking mode, or how comfortable a new strap is. We test everything in-depth, so if it's a new fitness feature, for example, we'll get our fitness editor to review it thoroughly.
All of these new features also get tested alongside everything a smartwatch should be classically good at, such as how bright and clear the display is, how reliable the smartphone connection is, how long the battery lasts, and how comfortable it is to wear every day.
Once the initial review period is complete, we'll publish a full review, give the smartwatch a star rating, and add an abridged review to this guide. If the smartwatch is then substantially updated after our initial review, we might choose to revisit that model to see if we need to change our verdict.
FAQ
Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch?
Yes, in many cases, you can leave your phone at home and still use your smartwatch for various functions.
Smartwatches with standalone connectivity options, such as built-in cellular or Wi-Fi capabilities, like the Apple Watch Series 9, allow you to make calls, send messages, stream music, and even use certain apps directly from your smartwatch without needing your phone nearby.
However, the specific features and functionalities available without a phone will depend on the make and model of your smartwatch and the compatibility of your smartwatch with your mobile network provider.
It's essential to check the specifications and capabilities of your smartwatch to determine its standalone functionality.
What are the top 3 smartwatch brands in the world?
The top three smartwatch brands are Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. Apple leads with its Apple Watch series, known for design and integration. Samsung's Galaxy Watch series offers advanced health and fitness tracking. Garmin excels with rugged, high-performance watches favored by fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers for precise GPS and activity tracking.
Are cheap smartwatches worth it?
Cheap smartwatches can be worth it depending on your needs. They often provide basic features like notifications, fitness tracking, and timekeeping. However, they may lack the advanced health monitoring, build quality, and app ecosystem of premium models. For casual users or those on a budget, they can be a good value.
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