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Today's smartwatches are wearable computers capable of cellular and satellite connectivity and full application support without a tethered smartphone. With advanced features such as voice assistants, crash detection, call and text support, and long battery lives, modern smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the Google Pixel Watch 4 are far more than just an accessory. Thanks to powerful sensors, they've become one of the most popular health and fitness trackers, too.
Your smartphone may limit your smartwatch choice, but there are affordable smartwatches from Garmin, Withings, and others from Amazfit that offer more limited application support priced in the $250 to $500 range.
Also: The best Garmin watches of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
Best smartwatch deals of the week
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What is the best smartwatch right now?
Based on our extensive hands-on testing and insights from experts, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is my pick for the best smartwatch overall due to its powerful processor, satellite and 5G connectivity, long battery life, third-party application support, storage capacity, high-quality titanium materials, sleep-tracking capabilities, women's wellness features, and advanced workout metric feature suite. If you're not an Apple user, read on to see how watches from Samsung (including the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2), Google (including the Pixel Watch 4), Garmin, Withings, and Amazfit compare to find the best smartwatch for your needs and your wrist.
Also: The best sports watches you can buy
The best smartwatches of 2026
The Apple Watch maintained the same form factor and basic design for eight years, but all of that changed in 2022 when Apple released the radical new Apple Watch Ultra, built and optimized for the outdoor adventurer. The Ultra 3 builds on the Ultra and Ultra 2 with the new S10 processor, a larger display, improved battery life, and enhanced connectivity options with support for 5G and satellite networks.
Also: I compared the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to Garmin's inReach satellite connectivity - here's the winner
Why we like it: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the most rugged and capable Apple Watch to date, and offers a bright, flat 49mm display made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass and 3000 nits maximum brightness with wide-angle support. The new Hypertension Detection feature provides more health information to users with the potential to save lives and increase awareness of high blood pressure diagnoses.
Support for satellite connectivity from your wrist is a key feature in watches launched in late 2025, and in our testing, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the best thanks to no subscription fees (at least for two years), an ability to send text messages and your location directly from the watch to friends and family with no fees, and easy connectivity to emergency services via satellite when necessary. Others require a subscription, require a special application for the recipient, or limit connectivity.
Who it's for: Beyond the build quality and advanced training functions, no other smartwatch supports as many applications and utilities as an Apple Watch Ultra 3, clearly making it the best smartwatch available today. Its capability to serve as a primary means of communication also makes it tough to beat.
Who should look elsewhere: If you are not an iPhone user, then don't even consider an Apple Watch Ultra 3 since it doesn't connect to an iPad or MacOS computer. There are great options from Google and Samsung if you own an Android smartphone.
If you are looking for an AI-based coach, Apple has yet to provide any system to help analyze your data and guide you through daily improvements in your health and wellness. There are third-party applications designed to help with this, but when Google, Samsung, and others are making this a priority, it is a missed opportunity to see Apple ignore this element of a smartwatch.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 tech specs: Display: 49mm, 422 x 514 pixels OLED LTPO3 sapphire glass | Battery life: 42 hours | Dimensions: 49 x 44 x 14.4mm | Weight: 61.8 g | Water/Dust resistance: 100m with IP6X | 5G cellular option: Yes, and satellite
Why we like it: The Apple Watch Series 11 looks similar to the Series 10, but improves with battery life, enhanced durability, and faster cellular 5G connectivity. Battery life has been increased from 18 hours to 24 hours with more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass on the display.
Who it's for: Apple Watch users who want a slim, sleek watch without the bulk of an Apple Watch Ultra should seriously consider the Apple Watch Series 11. Extending the battery life from 18 hours to 24 hours is a huge improvement, with fast charging supporting providing up to 8 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charge.
Sleep apnea detection was a new feature in the Series 10, and with the Series 11, we see Apple launch ts new Hypertension Detection feature that will provide qualified users with a notification that their heart rate data indicates they may be experiencing hypertension. The notification appears after 30 days, and it will not provide actual blood pressure readings, but a system for logging blood pressure readings with a cuff.
Also: I tested the Apple Watch Series 11 for a week - here's my buying advice now
The lack of precision start for GPS tracking is a limitation preventing me from selecting the Series 11 as my primary smartwatch in lieu of the larger Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Who should look elsewhere: If you are not an iPhone user, then don't even consider an Apple Watch Series 11 since it doesn't connect to an iPad or MacOS computer. There are great options from Google and Samsung if you own an Android smartphone. If you want a more rugged Apple Watch, consider the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Apple Watch Series 11 tech specs: Display: 416 x 496 pixels (46mm) and 374 x 446 pixels (42mm) OLED | Battery life: 24 hours | Dimensions: 46 x 39 x 9.7mm (46mm) and 42 x 36 x9.7mm (42mm) | Weight: 37.8 grams (AL 46mm) and 30.3 g (AL 42mm) | Water/Dust resistance: 50m with IP6X | 5G cellular option: Yes
Why we like it: Google continues to improve its Pixel Watch, and the Pixel Watch 4 may be the best smartwatch on the market when it comes to safety features. The Pixel Watch 4 also continues to integrate Fitbit features, including improved heart rate sensors and GPS tracking, making it the best watch available for both Fitbit and Google Pixel fans.
The emergency satellite SOS functionality works well and is valuable to have with you, with no subscription required. In addition, emergency sharing, safety check, and automatic emergency detection features make this a watch that keeps an eye on you when you are not able and also provides a communications platform when you need help without a phone by your side.
Also: Which smartwatch has the best safety features? I tested them all, and here's how Google fares
Who it's for: The Google Pixel Watch 4 is a stunning smartwatch with lovely, stylish color options and a form factor that is attractive and functional. Google also made the watch fairly easy to repair if there is ever an issue through the use of screws instead of adhesives.
Google incorporated a running workout builder that gathers your health data over a two-week period, and then creates a program that adapts to your data regularly. Real-time guidance is provided as you run, advanced metrics are tracked, and then Google shows you how to improve the metrics. A Daily Readiness Score is provided even if you are not a Fitbit Premium subscriber, and Cardio/Target load features are available. The Cardio and Target load features may even trump some of the best sports watches. Bottom line: If you're a Fitbit fan and are looking for the latest and greatest Fitbit in a watch form factor, then the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the wearable for you. If you also enjoy Google's take on wearables and want years of updates, then this is the watch to consider.
Review: I tried the Google Pixel Watch 4 - and these key features made it feel indispensable
Who should look elsewhere: If you use an iPhone, don't even think about the Pixel Watch 4. Google WearOS watches used to work with iOS, but that is no longer the case, so you need an Android phone to use this watch. It's also not the best option for those looking for a rugged watch due to its proud display and minimalist form factor.
Google Pixel Watch 4 tech specs: Display: 1.2-inch (41mm) and 1.45-inch (45mm) AMOLED | Battery life: 30 hours (41mm) and 40 hours (45mm) with AOD | Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm and 45 x 45 x 12.3mm | Weight: 31 g (without band) and 37 g | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM/IP68 | LTE cellular option: Yes
Why we like it: Samsung launched its first big watch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, a couple of years ago, and just took the wraps off its successor with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 has a familiar design with a round watch face and a square body, but it is 12% thinner, with brightness increased from 3,000 nits to 5,000 nits.
A new Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite processor powers the watch for faster AI calculations and smooth navigation. A much larger capacity battery, 800 mAh vs 590 mAh, should result in longer battery life. Our reviewer's testing found that the watch lasted around two days before it hit 15% battery.
Also: I wore the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for a week - it's a true Apple Watch Ultra 3 rival
Who it's for: The Watch Ultra 2 runs the Samsung-powered Google Wear OS 7.0 with One UI Watch 9.0, meaning it still looks like a Samsung smartwatch, but also supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and more Google apps.
It has an operating system optimized for the round watch design with a virtual rotating bezel. Fall detection, messaging, phone calls, and more are available on the watch, with advanced fitness data such as VO2 Max and advanced running dynamics data also supported.
At $699, it is the most expensive Samsung Galaxy watch, but it is still $100 less than Apple's competing Apple Watch Ultra 3. There are some fantastic deals available and solid trade-in options, so if you are considering this watch, make sure to check out the latest prices on Samsung's website.
Who should look elsewhere: If you use an iPhone, don't even think about the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Google WearOS watches used to work with iOS, but that is no longer the case, so you need an Android phone to use this watch. The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is also a very large watch, so if you have smaller wrists, then consider the Galaxy Watch 9.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 tech specs: Display: 1.5 inch, 498 x 498 pixels Super AMOLED | Battery life: Two to three days | Dimensions: 47.4 x 47.1 x 10.7mm | Weight: 61.5 grams | Water resistance: 10 ATM+IP69 | LTE cellular option: Yes
Why we like it: Samsung's latest smartwatch for the masses, the Galaxy Watch 9, was unveiled along with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 at the July Unpacked event in London. In addition to expanded functionality of Galaxy AI, Samsung improved the personal health coach functionality that performs similar to Google's Health Coach, so your watch can help guide you to improving your health and fitness through the Samsung Health smartphone application.
Also: First look with the Galaxy Watch 9: I took it on a run in London - here's what I learned
Who it's for: The Galaxy Watch 9 is a lovely watch with advanced features for runners, including a free Running Coach after you complete your running test. A dynamic running program guides you as you run, so you can maintain your heart rate or pace to achieve your goals.
If you want to closely manage your health, the Watch 9 provides an antioxidant test, ECG, sleep apnea detection, body composition, and more, so you always know your key health and wellness metrics.
Who should look elsewhere: If you use an iPhone, don't even think about the Galaxy Watch 9. Google WearOS watches used to work with iOS, but that is no longer the case -- you need an Android phone to use this watch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 tech specs: Display: 1.3-inch 438x438 Super AMOLED (42mm) and 1.5-inch 480x480 pixels Super AMOLED (44mm) | Battery life: Up to 30 hours (42mm) and 40 hours (44mm) | Dimensions: 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6 mm (42mm) and 46.0 x 43.7 x 8.6mm (44mm)| Weight: 31.5g (42mm) and 34g (44mm) | Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM | LTE cellular option: Yes
Why we like it: The Venu X1 is the first Venu series watch to feature a LED flashlight, but more than that it has a massive 2-inch AMOLED square display in a sleek 7.9 mm thick body. It offers much of what we see in the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED, but for those of us who are not professional athletes and are looking for a Garmin-branded watch that looks a bit like an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Who it's for: The integrated speaker and microphone also supports calls from the wrist, voice commands, and access to voice assistants via a connected smartphone. In addition to its smartwatch functions, the Venu X1 supports all of the amazing Garmin functions and vast ecosystem. This includes subscription music support, Garmin Pay, Connect IQ app support, and the superb Garmin Connect smartphone application.
Review: Garmin Venu X1
Who should look elsewhere: There is no support for multi-band GPS and ECG measurements, but positioning with multiple satellite systems has still proven to be very accurate. If you want the most accurate positioning then you should consider a Forerunner or Fenix model.
I've taken ECG measurements for testing on various watches, but my results are always normal so it has no actual utility for me so the lack of ECG is not important to me. However, millions can benefit from early detection so if you need the ECG capability then look to another Garmin model capable of this feature.
Garmin Venu X1 features: Display: 390 x 390 pixels AMOLED Battery life (GPS): 16 hours | Dimensions: 41 x 46 x 7.9 mm | Weight: 34 grams (40 grams with ComfortFit band) | Water resistance: 5 ATM | LTE Cellular option: No
Why we like it: One company that continues to push the limits of what you can buy for just around $350 is Amazfit. The Amazfit Balance 3 offers an elegantly designed smartwatch with Amazon Alexa support and the ability to answer calls via a Bluetooth connection to your watch, just like all other non-cellular smartwatches. It runs the latest Zepp OS 6 operating system, built for a lean and mean experience.
Also: I wore the two best Amazfit smartwatches for a month - Is the flagship worth $230 more?
Who it's for: The Amazfit Balance 3 has long battery life (21 days), a high level of durability with 10 AMT water resistance and MIL-STD-810G certification, and the latest-generation BioTracker 6.0 biometric sensor. The long battery life is due to the large 658 mAh battery and efficient processor.
Amazfit provides the Zepp smartphone application, which offers an exhaustive experience to track every detail of the data captured by the various sensors. The one flaw is that the application may be overwhelming for some users, and thankfully, Amazfit continues to refine and simplify the app to make it more useful for Amazfit Balance 3 owners.
The speakers and microphone support phone calls, your preferred voice assistant, and the Zepp Flow AI assistant powered by OpenAI's GPT technology. The Zepp Coach function also uses AI to help plan workouts and provide fitness insights in both the free and premium options.
Who should look elsewhere: While the Amazfit Balance 3 is a powerful health and fitness watch, it has limited support for third-party apps, so if you are looking for a phone replacement, then this is not the model for you.
The Balance 3 is also larger and heavier than the Balance 2, so it is a big watch that requires large wrist sizes to be comfortable.
Amazfit Balance 3 tech specs: Display: 1.5-inch, 480 x 480 pixels AMOLED | Battery life: 21 days | Dimensions: 51.4 x 51.4 x 14.6 mm | Weight:62 grams (w/o strap) | Water resistance: 10 ATM | LTE Cellular option: No
Why we like it: Withings is focused on providing advanced health and wellness products with the ScanWatch series available to capture data from your wrist. The Withings ScanWatch Nova continues to provide 30 day battery life in a hybrid watch with support for Android and iOS smartphones. It looks like a luxury watch with the included metal band, yet can be used for tracking activities with a quick switch to the included silicone band.
To navigate the watch, it's as easy as rotating the crown button through the various displays and pressing in to make selections. There is no back button, so you will need to scroll through the available screens in each widget to get to the back option on the display to return to the original main display carousel.
Review: One of my favorite smartwatches has a timeless analog look - and the features I need
Who it's for: With a hybrid design, the Withings ScanWatch Nova has standard analog watch hands on its face with a small OLED display that you can scroll through with the rotating crown button. The ScanWatch Nova can also perform an ECG assessment, measure blood oxygen levels, track your heart rate throughout your day, measure sleep, obtain skin temperature throughout the day and night, and track your general physical activity.
The ScanWatch Nova merges elegance and fitness tracking in one attractive device. I like being able to capture key health and wellness data while also satisfying my desire for a gorgeous analog device. At $600, it's a rather expensive piece, so I'd recommend this watch to consumers who are really committed to the look.
Who should look elsewhere: The minimal watch provides very limited data on the small display so if you are looking for a big colorful display on your watch then consider one of the other watches in this list. There is also no integrated GPS so if you need to track the route of your workout, then consider a watch with GPS tracking.
Withings ScanWatch Nova tech specs: Display: 0.63-inch OLED| Battery life: 30 days | Dimensions: 42 x 42 x 11 mm | Weight: 63 grams | Water resistance: 10 ATM | LTE Cellular option: No
What is the best smartwatch?
My pick for the best smartwatch is the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It may be debatable if an iPhone is the best smartphone or not, but it is clear that the Apple Watch is the wearable to beat -- especially for Apple users. The Ultra 3 is lauded by athletes and product reviewers as the best Apple Watch ever made.
If you're an Android user, you may prefer a Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 3 -- the newest of the company's smartwatch lineup. I was sent the LTE model that provides cellular connectivity independently from my phone, but when paired with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it's a perfect combination of elegance and power. The Google Pixel Watch 4 may also catch your eye with its minimalist elegance and two size options to fit all wrist sizes.
| Smartwatch | Price | Battery life | Display size |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | $799 | 42 hours | 49mm |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | $399 | 24 hours | 46mm and 42mm |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | $350 | 30 hours and 40 hours | 41mm and 45mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | $700 | 40 hours | 47mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 | $380-$460 | 40 hours | 42mm and 46mm |
| Garmin Venu X1 | $800 | 16 hours | 47mm |
| Amazfit Balance 3 | $370 | 33 hours | 47mm |
| Withings ScanWatch Nova | $600 | 30 days | 42mm |
Which is the right smartwatch for you?
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, we highly recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or Apple Watch Series 11 due to the easy connectivity and convenience of features like Apple Pay and Apple Music.
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is the prime option for Pixel owners and for those Android smartphone users who want the best available from Google. It doesn't have the battery life of a Samsung Galaxy Watch, but there are other compelling features that stand out.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9 are great smartwatches built to last with stellar sensors and the ability to work with Android devices.
However, finding the best smartwatch for you can be more complicated, especially if you're looking for one that fits a specific use case. Check out my expert recommendations below.
| Choose this smartwatch... | If you need... |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | The best, longest-lasting smartwatch with buttons to quickly launch your favorite apps or perform critical functions. The satellite connectivity ensures you can get help when needed even without a cellular connection. It's a durable, rugged watch that can be your iPhone companion in all situations. |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | A well-rounded smartwatch for fitness and communication. There's also Crash Detection, which can detect when you're involved in a car crash and connect you to emergency services. |
| Google Pixel Watch 4 | A compelling smartwatch for Pixel and Android smartphones with the most safety features of any smartwatch available today. The Pixel Watch 4 also serves as the best Fitbit available and is offered in stylish colors with an elegant fit and finish. |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 | An Apple Watch Ultra 3 competitor from Samsung with similar design elements. It's a Google Wear OS-powered device for Android owners and removes the influence of the Apple Watch Ultra in convincing people to move away from an Android phone. |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 | A smaller Samsung watch with Bluetooth and LTE connection options. It supports Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, Google Play Store, and more Google apps. |
| Garmin Venu X1 | A smartwatch with a big vivid display, but are not interested in an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra then the Venu X1 is the one for you. It is one of the slimmest watches available and you can make and receive calls, use your voice assistant, have 3rd party apps, and more. |
| Amazfit Balance 3 | An affordable smartwatch that punches above its price. It's rugged and has long battery life. The powerful Zepp smartphone application provides access to a wealth of health/fitness data while supporting calls and Amazon Alexa. |
| Withings ScanWatch Nova | A hybrid watch that looks like a luxury watch with analog hands, metal band, and high-quality fit and finish. Hidden inside this elegant exterior is the power of the Withings health and wellness ecosystem. |
Factors to consider when buying a smartwatch
Smartwatches serve as companions to our smartphones, and there are several things to consider as you explore the many options available to you. Several factors will help you quickly narrow down available candidates, so let's take a closer look and help you select the best smartwatch for you.
Primary smartphone: Start by looking at the phone in your hand. If you own an iPhone, then you can consider an Apple Watch, or a watch running an operating system that is not powered by Google's Wear OS. If you own an Android smartphone, forget about buying an Apple Watch, as they do not even work with an iPad or Apple computer, let alone your Android. Android users can consider Google Wear OS watches, as well as those running a real-time operating system like Amazfit offers.
Price: Most smartwatches are priced in the $250 to $400 range, so there is not a lot of variance in price, especially if you use your smartwatch daily and want a reliable watch. Apple offers the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3, while there are some specialized Google Wear OS and Garmin watches that can cost more than $1,000.
Battery life: Expect your smartwatch to last a full day and night, so you can track your sleep and then charge it while you get ready for work. A few new smartwatches are now easily lasting 48 hours between charging, with some pushing that another day or two so we are seeing improvements in battery life.
Cellular connectivity: While smartwatches serve as companions to our smartphones, some models support cellular connectivity. If you buy one of these then you will need a watch line with your carrier, but these are typically $10 per month. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes 5G support while the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 includes LTE support by default, but you are not required to enable cellular service. Cellular capability is great for those who want to leave their phones behind and still remain connected for communications, application usage, and safety.
How we test smartwatches
All of the smartwatches included in this list were chosen based on how they performed when tested in the real world by the ZDNET team. When we test smartwatches, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.
- Daily wear: We wear the smartwatch as our primary watch with communications, applications, and other elements being tested as if it was our only smartwatch.
- Application selection and performance: One aspect that makes smartwatches different than standard watches is the support for applications. We load up the watch with apps and then test the performance and functionality of those applications. Apple excels in the area of third party application support with Google's Play Store improving each year. Garmin, Amazfit, and others also are expanding the number and selection of apps available on watches.
- Workouts: Smartwatch makers have embraced health and fitness so we take our smartwatch out for running with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and walking with the family. GPS and heart rate data is tracked and then we evaluate the accuracy against proven GPS sports watches.
- Sleep and activity tracking: Sleep tracking has improved with smartwatches over time and we evaluate them as compared to smart rings and other watches. Nighttime is also a good time to charge your smartwatch, so you may choose not to use your watch to track sleep so your watch can serve faithfully all day and into the night.
For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive smartwatch testing methodology.
Latest news on smartwatches
Samsung just announced its newest smartwatches, with Google likely to announce its next generation in August, and Apple with the latest Apple Watch models in September. Garmin may also announce new products before the end of 2026, but Amazfit should be about done with an aggressive launch schedule this year.
FAQs on smartwatches
Are there any smartwatches I should avoid?
There are many reasons why a person might want a smartwatch, so depending on your needs, it's hard to recommend watches that will satisfy everyone. However, based on my testing, there are a couple of smartwatches that you may want to leave off your list of considerations as you conduct your research.
Fossil has been offering smartwatches for a long time, and I still have a working Fossil Wrist PDA that is powered by Palm OS and has a tiny stylus. For the past few years, Fossil has been making Google Wear OS-powered smartwatches and offering a fairly compelling option with some unique styles. However, in January 2024 Fossil Group announced that it would no longer be releasing smartwatches, with the last Gen 6 model released in 2021. You can still find some Fossil watches available, and Fossil Group stated that they will continue to update the watches for the next few years, but be careful when you are considering one of these watches.
There was a great promise with a luxury Wear OS watch in 2022 when Montblanc released the Summit 3 smartwatch. While we provided a preliminary review as we looked for a future update that was supposed to add some core functionality, that update never came, and the watch sits idly by running the same older version of Wear OS on a processor that is now a couple of generations old. It's a lovely luxury watch so if you want a basic smartwatch with those good looks, maybe you can find one on sale.
How do I set up my smartwatch?
Watches in our list, other than Google Wear OS or Apple Watch models, are typically set up by downloading and installing the associated companion smartphone application and then pairing the watch with that application. Some Google Wear OS watches also use this method since those models have additional applications beyond what Google provides on Pixel Watch.
If you own a Google Wear OS smartwatch, primarily from Google or Samsung, then the Google Watch or Samsung Wearable application must first be installed on your Android smartphone. Google Pixel Watch models also now have Fitbit integrated into the watch, but to take advantage of this vast health/fitness ecosystem the Fitbit smartphone application is also required. Samsung also has its Samsung Health application so pairing and setting up a Google Wear OS watch is a bit of a process that generally requires two or more smartphone applications.
Apple Watch users turn on the watch and then follow the prompts to pair it to an iPhone, often with the iPhone camera scanning an image that appears on the Apple Watch face. Apple has the Watch smartphone application preloaded on the iPhone so set up is quick and easy. If you had a previous Apple Watch then you can also have all of that data synced over to a new model, which makes upgrading Apple Watch models one of the experiences that keep people upgrading on a regular basis.
Can you use a Samsung or Google watch with an iPhone?
Google Wear OS watches used to work with both Android and iPhone devices, but the latest versions of Wear OS from Samsung and Google only support Android smartphones. iPhone users should stick with the Apple Watch, while Android phone users should seriously consider a Google Pixel Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch model.
Garmin, Amazfit, and Withings watches work flawlessly with both Android and iPhone devices.
Can I text from a smartwatch?
You absolutely can! However, most of their screens are too small to type on, so you'll compose messages with speech-to-text or other dictation functions or choose from several generic, auto-generated responses.
Garmin watches support quick-response text messaging via a connected Android smartphone. Apple restricts third-party text messaging on the iPhone.
Can you use a cellular Apple Watch as a standalone device?
While you can leave your iPhone at home while you run, go to the store, or stroll on the beach, you must have an iPhone turned on and connected to the internet at this other location. This is one reason why connecting to an iPhone and switching to an Android makes the Apple Watch useless with an Android phone.
After initial setup, a cellular-enabled Samsung Galaxy Watch or Google Pixel Watch can act as a stand-alone mobile device. With the latest Galaxy Watch 9, Watch Ultra 2, or Pixel Watch 4 running Wear OS, many more apps can be used on the go, so you can leave the phone behind in most cases.
What are the hot new features in the latest smartwatches?
Health and fitness tracking have been the areas with the most innovations and improvements in the last few years. While these watches are not medical devices, they have sensors, algorithms, and applications that help you track trends in your heart rate, stress levels, and blood oxygen levels, even allowing you to detect when ovulation occurs. You can use it as a basic ECG to check if further investigation is needed. The latest Galaxy Watch can also measure your body composition; testing indicates it matches other methods reasonably well.
Apple's latest WatchOS update, WatchOS 26, provides a new Hypertension Detection feature that will send you a notification if the algorithms from the heart rate sensor detect possible high blood pressure after 30 days of measurements. There are rumors that high blood pressure detection will be coming to other smartwatches too, so stay tuned for this in 2026.
2025 has also been the year of satellite network support, with Apple, Google, and Garmin offering smartwatches with connectivity to space. This support allows location sharing, check-in messages, and SOS emergency response.
What's the future of wearable technology?
We will likely continue to see expansion of the health and wellness features in smartwatches, but what's next on the horizon for these wrist-based computing devices? With increased connectivity and widespread adoption, smartwatches will likely become more integral to our daily lives. This may include connectivity to other devices in our lives. For example, as you approach your electronic door lock, your paired smartwatch could unlock your door so you can keep both hands on your groceries or luggage when you return home.
People also regularly have video calls with family and friends, not just coworkers, so future smartwatches may integrate tiny cameras so that users can communicate in this same manner while out and about.
In addition, as AI continues to integrate into our lives, having this technology available in our watches should help provide data faster and more accurately than simple web search queries that we may carry out with Siri or Google Assistant. Samsung integrates AI in its Energy Score metric, Amazfit integrates an AI coach in its Zepp companion smartphone application, and Google uses AI to screen calls, translate voice recordings, and customize your run coaching based on your performance.
What's the best smartwatch for health monitoring?
All smartwatches today integrate advanced heart rate sensors, temperature sensors, blood oxygen sensors, and more, as our health data is tracked 24/7. Samsung led the way with its smartwatch health monitoring, which includes body composition, advanced sleep tracking, ECG, blood oxygen, running power, and even blood pressure measurements.
Google acquired Fitbit, and now the Fitbit ecosystem is deeply incorporated into the Pixel Watch experience. This includes helpful insights, personalized running workouts based on your sleep, activity, and lifestyle, and more practical and helpful feedback to optimize your health and wellness.
Apple has advanced its health monitoring technology, and WatchOS 11 brings even more capability with detailed data measurements in its Vitals application. Training Load is also now available, challenging the likes of Garmin, Coros, and Polar with this advanced fitness metric.
Can smartwatches monitor blood sugar?
The FDA released a safety communication to the public that advises consumers not to use smartwatches or smart rings that claim to measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin. That said, there are indeed FDA-authorized blood glucose level devices that attach to your body and then send that data to smartwatch applications so that you can use your smartwatch to view the readings from an approved device.
Devices, like those from Dexcom, send real-time glucose data directly to a compatible watch. For Dexcom monitors, this includes most versions of the Apple Watch. Make sure to check both your glucose monitor and your smartwatch compatibility before deciding whether or not to use your smartwatch to connect to your monitor and smartphone.
Can smartwatches track blood pressure?
There are a few models out there that can measure health stats like blood pressure, which are great for giving you a general idea of how your health journey is going so you can keep your doctors up-to-date with your healthcare plans. However, they're not as accurate as a blood pressure monitor, so you shouldn't rely solely on your smartwatch to monitor your heart or general health.
Samsung's support for FDA-cleared, not approved, blood pressure monitoring is now available in the US, so you can calibrate with a blood pressure cuff and use your watch to track your blood pressure readings. Amazfit also supports this if you select a country other than the US when you set up the watch.
Should I choose a smartwatch based on compatibility?
Eric Potter, USA weightlifting Level 1 Coach and Performance Coach at Future Fitness, encourages people to choose a smartwatch based on compatibility, recommending an Apple Watch for iPhone users and a Samsung Galaxy Watch for Android fans. He notes that both smartwatches can track steps, heart rate, and exercise, but there are also crucial differences.
"The Apple Watch has a larger interface allowing for easier viewing," he said. "On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is cheaper than the Apple Watch, and the battery life tends to last longer."
Latest updates
- July 2026: We made several changes on this update, including the following: Replaced the Galaxy Watch Ultra with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for the best Samsung smartwatch for outdoor adventurers, replaced the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with the Galaxy Watch 9 for the best Samsung smartwatch for most people, and replaced the Amazfit Balance 2 with the Amazfit Balance 3 for the best budget smartwatch. We also removed the Kospet Tank T3 Ultra 2 as the best value smartwatch.
- October 2025: In this update, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 replaced the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for best smartwatch overall; the Apple Watch Series 11 replaced the Apple Watch Series 10 for best smartwatch for iPhone users, and the Pixel Watch 4 replaced the Pixel Watch 3 for best Google smartwatch. We also updated our sections on blood pressure tracking and other features with information about these new watches.
- July 2025: We added coverage of the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, which we tested after attending the Samsung Unpacked event in NYC this month. We replaced our former pick for the best Samsung watch for most people, from the Galaxy Watch 7 to the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. We also added news of Google's upcoming product launch event.
- June 2025: We added the new Amazfit Balance 2 and Venu X1 to the list, replacing the Balance 1 and Venu 3S. We also added information on smartwatch news in 2025, and added additional details to each top product.