Best Smartwatches

The Apple Watch SE 3 represents the most improved iteration since the last generation, offering a compelling balance of affordability and functionality. It features an Always-On Retina display, S10 chip, and enhanced speaker capabilities while maintaining the older design aesthetic. While it lacks some advanced health metrics found in higher-tier models, it provides solid performance and is recommended as the go-to option for most users seeking an Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers subtle but meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, including a notable battery life improvement, 5G support, and the addition of FDA-cleared hypertension alerts. While it maintains the familiar design and retains the same S10 chip, it introduces more reliable connectivity and enhanced durability features. The watch remains a well-rounded option, though its advantages are increasingly shared with competitors and older models.

The OnePlus Watch 3 delivers exceptional battery life, lasting up to five days with all features enabled, making it a standout among Wear OS smartwatches. It features a polished design available in two sizes, robust health tracking capabilities, and a dual-chipset power management system. However, it falls short in software update support and lacks certain health features like ECG and menstrual cycle tracking, particularly in the US market. This smartwatch is ideal for users prioritizing battery longevity and fitness metrics over software longevity and comprehensive health monitoring.

The OnePlus Watch 2R offers a sporty design with a comfortable silicone band and solid fitness tracking capabilities. Reviewers noted its integration with smartphone data for steps, heart rate, and O2 levels, along with built-in apps for stress measurement and sleep monitoring. However, it lacks cellular connectivity and has a screen timer that frequently turns off the display, which may impact usability.

The Garmin Venu 4 represents Garmin's strongest attempt to bridge the gap between traditional smartwatches and dedicated sports watches. It offers a polished circular design with advanced fitness and recovery metrics that help users understand how their training metrics impact performance. While it provides comprehensive health tracking including Body Battery and Training Readiness, reviewers noted that the software can feel sluggish and the UI lacks intuitiveness compared to competitors. The watch supports multi-band GPS for accurate tracking and offers week-long battery life in smartwatch mode, making it suitable for serious fitness enthusiasts who want detailed training insights.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 features a refined curved display with improved brightness and smaller bezels, delivering over two days of battery life. It includes built-in Gemini AI assistant and maintains accurate fitness tracking capabilities. While it offers a sleek design and solid performance, it lacks new sensors and restricts some features behind a paywall. This smartwatch appeals to users prioritizing style and battery longevity over advanced health monitoring.

The Xiaomi Watch 5 stands out as one of the best Wear OS smartwatches available, thanks to its integration of Wear OS 6 and a significant battery upgrade with silicon-carbon technology that delivers up to four days of usage. Reviewers praised its 1.54-inch AMOLED display and smart features like YouTube Music and remote camera control. However, some noted the lack of wireless charging and that the build quality, while solid, doesn't quite match premium offerings. This makes it ideal for users seeking long battery life and Android smartwatch functionality, though those prioritizing premium feel may want to consider alternatives.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 offers a significant upgrade in battery life and processing power, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a rugged, feature-rich smartwatch. Its 800 mAh battery delivers up to 50 hours of use with always-on display, while the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor enhances AI interactions like hands-free Gemini. However, its premium price point and some missing features like dive mode and trail map search at launch may deter some buyers. The watch is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who value durability and long battery life over everyday convenience.

The Amazfit Balance 2 delivers solid performance in fitness tracking, particularly excelling in heart rate monitoring and GPS accuracy. Reviewers noted its strong sleep tracking capabilities and value proposition for budget-conscious users. However, some reviewers found the smart features lacking compared to higher-end models, and the device's screen quality and user interface received mixed feedback. This tracker is best suited for users prioritizing fitness metrics over smartwatch functionality.