A smartwatch can be a great (and less distracting) phone companion that can keep you up to date with your notifications, jump-start your fitness journey and keep tabs on your vitals.
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But with so many options, from feature-packed flagships to more affordable alternatives, choosing the right match for your needs is more complex than ever.
Generally, premium models deliver seamless integration and advanced tools, while budget-friendly picks get you the essentials with a few trade-offs. The common denominator: Every watch on this list has been rigorously tested, so you can be confident you’re getting great value no matter which one you choose. Here are our top recommendations for the best smartwatches in 2025.
What is the best smartwatch?
The Apple Watch Series 11 is our favorite overall smartwatch. It combines polished software with a wide variety of health tools and smartphone companion features. Ten years after the original Apple Watch set the stage for the modern smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 11 adds even more health-tracking features, including notifications about hypertension (high blood pressure) and practical smartwatch tools like better scratch resistance and 5G connectivity. If you’re an iPhone owner, the Series 11 provides the right balance of features for the price.
The Apple Watch Series 11 isn’t perfect. Battery life has improved, but still only lasts about 24 to 29 hours of normal use. Fast charging goes some way to address battery life, but it still means the watch is off your wrist more than you might like. Considering the health and safety tools, from fall detection during the day to sleep apnea notifications at night, you're likely to want to wear the watch as much as possible. The Apple Watch Series 11 has the right balance of health tracking and everyday usability to make it the best choice.
Best smartwatches for 2025
Best all-around
Apple Watch Series 11
Pros
- FDA-cleared hypertension alerts
- 24+ hour battery life and fast charging
- More reliable cellular connectivity and 5G
- 2x more scratch-resistant screen
- More cohesive UI and seamless compatibility with iOS
Cons
- Same processor as older models
- Minimal design changes
- No dual-band GPS
- Gesture control is still limited to pre-selected options
The Apple Watch Series 11 faces steep competition from within its own family, but it's a step forward because of its versatility with a wider range of pricing options, sizes and features. It takes an already great Apple Watch (the Series 10) and adds subtle but meaningful improvements, like six hours more battery life, 5G connectivity, and potentially life-saving hypertension notifications.
Battery life is officially rated for 24 hours, but in my testing, I regularly stretched it closer to 30 hours depending on use. And with ultra-fast charging, just 15 minutes on the puck gives you enough power for a full night of sleep tracking. That consistency makes a real difference, since health features like sleep apnea alerts, ovulation predictions, and overnight vitals tracking all depend on wearing the watch to bed.
Why we like it
The Series 11 is still the Goldilocks of the lineup: sleek, comfortable, and versatile enough to transition from workouts to workdays to nights out. It balances price, features, and design better than any other Apple Watch.
Who it's best for
Apple fans craving deep integration with the ecosystem and more ways to customize their watch will find the Series 11 a strong fit. It’s ideal for anyone upgrading from an older model who wants a sleeker design, better battery life and every health feature possible, without the bulk or cost of the Ultra 3.
Pros
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Dual-band GPS
- Hands-free Gemini voice assistant
- Ultra-fast charging (50% in <15 min)
Cons
- Health coach not yet available
- Battery lasts just over 24 hours
- Watch bands are hard to maneuver
The Pixel Watch 4 hits a sweet spot between universally appealing design, seamless Android integration, potentially life-saving safety features and robust health tracking through Fitbit.
Google’s fourth-generation Pixel Watch builds on its already excellent predecessor with longer battery life, a brighter, larger display and two powerful new assistants: Gemini for everyday tasks and queries, and the upcoming Fitbit AI health coach, which promises to turn your health data into actionable guidance.
While that health coach is still on the way, nearly everything else delivers on Google’s promises, cementing the Pixel Watch 4 as one of the best Android smartwatches available.
Why we like it
At $350, the Pixel Watch 4 includes luxuries once reserved for pricier sport watches, like dual-band GPS for precise location tracking, satellite connectivity for off-grid emergencies, and an easy-to-repair build. The real standout, though, is Gemini, a hands-free AI assistant that's genuinely helpful and won't leave you screaming at your wrist.
Battery life now lasts up to 30 hours (41mm) or 40 hours (45mm), with ultrafast charging that takes you from 0 to 50% in just 15 minutes, and a full charge in under an hour.
Who it’s for
The Pixel Watch 4 is perfect for Android users who want a sleek, capable smartwatch that balances cutting-edge features with robust health and fitness tracking -- and it won't leave them guessing about what all that data means.
Anyone with a Pixel Watch 3 or another recent Fitbit or Wear OS model can safely hold off on this update cycle, since both Gemini and the Fitbit AI health coach (coming later this year) will arrive on older devices alongside the redesigned Fitbit app.
The Watch 3 is far too big for my wrist.
Pros
- 5-day battery life
- Sleek comfortable design
- Customizable shortcut buttons
- Advanced metrics for select sports modes
Cons
- One size does not fit all
- Three years of software and security updates
- Lacks menstrual cycle tracking
- ECG is not available in the US or Canada
- Lacks LTE version or iOS compatibility
The $350 OnePlus Watch 3 is a standout smartwatch that outshines other Wear OS contenders with its five-day battery life, sleek design and solid health features. It covers all the essential smartwatch functions while improving on health and fitness tracking by adding more metrics, boosting accuracy, and offering deeper workout analysis. Its one-stop wellness check feature measures blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, cardiovascular health and stress levels.
The OnePlus Watch 3 is a great choice if your main priority is battery life and durability, but it’s not without a few drawbacks. While its bulky stainless steel design makes it look premium and polished, the 1.5-inch AMOLED screen can easily overpower smaller wrists, and there’s no smaller size available. It also lacks an LTE option, and the ECG feature is currently disabled in the US and Canada. Read our OnePlus Watch 3 review.
Why we like it
While the five-day battery life may have been what wowed us most, its stainless steel and aluminum exterior, combined with solid fitness features, sealed the deal making it a well-rounded option for Android users.
Who it’s best for
Android users looking for a premium smartwatch beyond Samsung and Pixel options, or anyone tired of having to charge their Wear OS watch every day. With its oversized frame and 46mm screen (and no smaller size option yet), it’s best suited for people with larger wrists (likely male) as it also lacks period tracking.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic on my 6-inch wrist.
Pros
- Rotating bezel for easier navigation
- Sleek, stainless steel design
- Gemini AI for smarter voice control
- Advanced health sensors
- Customizable crown (action button)
Cons
- Starts at $150 more than base model
- Battery life still less than a day and a half
- Only available in one size (47mm)
- No power sharing with Galaxy phones (cable only)
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is one of the most elegant-looking smartwatches you can buy, with its polished stainless steel frame, rotating bezel and analog-inspired watch faces that blend timeless style with modern smarts. But it’s more than just good looks. It ships with Gemini AI on board, capable of handling complex tasks and making Bixby (Samsung's proprietary virtual assistant) feel like a distant memory. Under the hood, it’s packed with new biosensors for advanced health tracking, including a first-of-its-kind skin analysis tool that measures antioxidant levels, an AI-powered running coach and a new heart health metric called Vascular Load. You’ll also get dual-band GPS, a customizable action button and a battery that doesn’t completely disappoint (it outlasts both the smaller Galaxy Watch 8 and the Pixel Watch 3 by a couple of hours).
Why we like it
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic combines refined hardware with powerful software. That rotating bezel isn’t just a visual statement; it’s one of the most satisfying ways to navigate a smartwatch. The Classic is also one of the few Android watches that nails the balance of premium design and holistic fitness features.
Who it’s best for
Anyone who wants a smartwatch that turns heads and holds its own. Whether you're a Samsung fan or just an Android user willing to spend a bit more for polish, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic delivers on elegance, health and fitness features and enough smarts to keep up with your day.
The 40mm Starlight Apple Watch SE 3 on my 6.5" wrist.
Pros
- Always-on display
- Ultrafast charging: 8 hours of use in just 15 minutes
- Same S10 processor as pricier Series 11 and Ultra 3
- Almost half the price of the flagship Apple Watch
- 5G connectivity on the cellular model
Cons
- No blood oxygen tracking or hypertension notifications
- No ECG (electrocardiogram) feature
- Smaller, dimmer display
- Battery life still limited to one full day (and night) of use
The Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s most affordable new smartwatch, proving that a lower price doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or core features. The always-on display, faster charging and expanded health features put it on par with its higher-end siblings, making it easy to forget this is the entry-level model.
While it skips a few advanced health metrics like ECG and hypertension alerts, most people won’t miss them in day-to-day use. It also has a shorter battery life than the rest, but it holds up to a full day of real-world use, including a 40-minute outdoor workout (GPS-enabled) and sleep tracking.
Why we like it
You’re getting the same processor and nearly all the features found in the higher-end Series 11 (almost twice the price) and the Ultra 3 (three times the price), making it a solid value. The Apple Watch SE 3 has Apple’s latest updates like 5G connectivity, ultrafast charging and new wellness tools such as Sleep Score and Workout Buddy, along with features from older models like temperature tracking and sleep apnea notifications.
Who it’s best for
The SE 3 is the Apple Watch we’d recommend for most people. It’s the most affordable way to access Apple’s newest features without feeling like you’re missing out. It’s ideal for first-time Apple Watch owners or those upgrading from older models (Series 7 or earlier). It’s also a great first smartwatch for kids, allowing parents to stay connected without introducing a smartphone.
If you’re at higher health risk and want ECG or blood pressure monitoring, the Series 11 might be worth the extra cost. Those prioritizing longer battery life or a larger display should look at the Ultra 3.
Amazfit Bip 6
Pros
- $80 price is much less than most watches
- Works with Android and iOS
- Great battery life (a week with heavy use)
- Accurately tracks a variety of fitness activities
- Temperature and advanced sleep monitoring
Cons
- Single sizing option (44mm)
- UI and app are unintuitive
- Some health metrics are hard to interpret
- Voice assistant is unreliable
- Bluetooth range is short (especially on iPhone)
The $80 Amazfit Bip 6 is the most affordable option on this list, and a rare standout in the budget smartwatch category because it delivers on all the basics (and more) without many compromises. The design and interface aren’t as refined as pricier models, but that feels like a fair trade-off considering how much the Bip 6 gets right. It offers accurate fitness tracking with customizable training tools like heart rate zones, plus advanced health features including SpO2 (blood oxygen), temperature and sleep tracking, and high and low heart-rate alerts.
Why we like it
While its low price might be its main draw, the Amazfit Bip 6 is one of the few sub-$100 smartwatches that’s actually worth your time. Beyond all the features mentioned above, we also like it for its week-long (or longer) battery life and compatibility with both iPhones and Android phones.
Who it’s best for
The Amazfit Bip 6 is ideal for anyone looking to try out a smartwatch without making a major investment. It’s a great fit for those willing to do a bit of customization on the back end to make the watch work for their specific needs.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 with the Waypoint watch face.
Pros
- Two-day battery life
- Ultra fast charging (12% in 15 minutes)
- Satellite connectivity for off-the-grid emergencies
- Bright screen for clear visibility in harsh sunlight
Cons
- Only one (49mm) sizing option
- $800 price tag is double that of the Series 11
- Rugged design is less versatile than other models
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 builds on its predecessors with the addition of 5G and satellite connectivity, which gives you an extra layer of protection when you’re off the grid. It also comes with a faster processor, longer battery life, potentially life-saving hypertension notifications, and (to my surprise) a design that isn’t nearly as bulky as I feared, even for sleep.
In today’s smartwatch landscape, the Ultra 3 sits between two extremes: feature-first rivals like Samsung and Google, and endurance-first brands like Garmin, with their week-long battery life and robust satellite tools. The Ultra 3 bridges the gap, offering rugged reliability alongside the seamless iPhone integration that only an Apple Watch can deliver.
Why we like it
The Ultra 3 is like a Land Rover for your wrist: ready for adventure, but still convenient and sleek enough to transition back into everyday life. Its two-day battery life stretches further than any Apple Watch, making it more practical for longer workouts, outdoor adventures and round-the-clock health tracking. Satellite connectivity adds a new safety net that strengthens Apple’s already impressive portfolio of emergency features, extending its reach even when you’re entirely off the grid.
Who it’s best for
The Ultra 3 is ideal for athletes and sports enthusiasts who aren’t ready to commit to a dedicated sports watch but need a watch they can push harder in terms of durability and battery life without sacrificing the seamless integration of Apple’s ecosystem. If you upgrade from the original Ultra, the longer battery life, faster charging, and improved processor will also feel like a welcome upgrade.
The Garmin Venu 3 has many "smart" features, but the experience isn't as polished as what you'd get on the Apple Watch.
Pros
- Comprehensive health and sleep metrics
- Helpful reports and insights like Body Battery and Morning Report
- Large screen
- No subscription for health metrics and reports
Cons
- Design doesn't feel as premium as similarly priced watches
- Small app ecosystem
- Slow app downloads
- Need separate apps for managing health insights and watch faces
- No home button
The Garmin Venu 3’s stellar battery life, wide selection of health tracking features and workout types and comprehensive wellness metrics make it a top choice. The battery life alone is enough to make the Garmin Venu 3 stand out, with it lasting for about a week on a single charge according to CNET’s review.
Of course, it isn’t perfect. It doesn’t feel as premium as some other watches of the same price, it doesn’t have as many apps as the Apple Watch, and the software may not feel as intuitive as alternative watches from Google, Samsung or Apple. But the Garmin Venu 3 makes up for that with useful wellness tools like the Body Battery, which tells you how “recharged” you are based on activity, sleep and other factors. And best of all, Garmin doesn’t require a subscription to access such features. Read our Garmin Venu 3 review.
Why we like it
The Venu 3 is one of our favorite Garmin watches thanks to its broad appeal and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. It delivers on all the features we like about Garmin’s sport watches; durable design, physical action buttons, and advanced fitness metrics, minus the added bulk and higher price tag of other models like the Fenix or Tactix. Best of all, it’ll outlast most other smartwatches with a battery that can go up to a week on a charge.
Who it’s best for
Serious athletes or anyone seeking a fitness-first smartwatch that offers deeper insights and actionable coaching features, like Body Battery and Morning Report that can help you optimize your workouts. Its sleeker design and smaller 41mm option also make it a strong fit for women athletes.
Recent updates
In October 2025, we added the Pixel Watch 4 to our list to replace the previous generations of Google's smartwatch.
Factors to consider when buying a smartwatch
Consider last year's model: Many new smartwatches offer incremental hardware updates over previous models, so you might want to look at the last generation's smartwatch to save some cash -- especially because software updates often bring new features to older models. For example, you could look at something like the Apple Watch Series 9 which is compatible with the latest WatchOS 11 update to get many of the same software features as the newer Series 9. Avoid buying smartwatches that are several years old, as they may start to feel sluggish.
Buy at the right time of year: Smartwatches usually go on sale during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so it’s a good idea to look out for discounts around those holidays. Knowing when new devices typically launch can also be helpful. After all, you don’t want to purchase a brand new smartwatch only for it to feel out of date two months later. Samsung, Apple and Google usually release new smartwatches in the late summer and early fall time frame, but you can find more information on typical launch periods here.
Look at added costs: Some smartwatches are moving toward a subscription model that unlocks certain features of your watch. Google's Pixel Watch, for example, offers a monthly $10 subscription called Fitbit Premium that offers more in-depth sleep tracking metrics, workout programs and guidance on recovery.
How we test smartwatches and wearables
We test smartwatches in the real world, focusing on key features from fitness tracking to connectivity that you'll use every day. Starting with the watch itself, we check overall performance and responsiveness. Is there any lag when navigating menus? Is the touchscreen responsive? Do apps launch quickly?
Then we check if it has all the functionality you'd expect for the price. That could be everything from music playback controls to cellular connectivity so you can use the watch away from your phone or an always-on display. All smartwatches need to connect to a phone, so we also assess how easy the companion software is to navigate.
Durability and design
Smartwatches are something you wear on your body, so we assess how comfortable they are to wear. We also know that everyone has a different-sized wrist, so we try to see how it fits and feels on a variety of people.
Then we look at how it stands up to wear and tear with daily life. Some smartwatches offer increased durability like dust resistance, or water resistance that's suited for activities like scuba diving and where possible we'll test this out for ourselves.
Battery life
Battery life will vary depending on how you use a smartwatch, so we test battery life with a few standard tests. We see how long it generally lasts on a single charge with features that represent typical use, like the always-on display, sleep tracking and doing an outdoor workout with GPS.
That small circle is the temperature sensor on the back of the Galaxy Watch 5.
Fitness and health sensor accuracy
We test the accuracy of smartwatch sensors in a couple of different ways. For example, the heart rate sensor is compared against the readings taken from a chest strap, considered the gold standard in consumer heart rate tracking. We compare readings from the watch against the strap for resting heart rate, and heart rate during a variety of cardio-based activities like running or cycling. We check to see how long it takes to connect to a GPS signal when doing an outdoor workout.
Other health sensors, like a blood oxygen sensor, are compared against a pulse oximeter for spot readings where possible.
Other smartwatches we tested
While no longer sold directly by Apple, the Apple Watch Series 9 is still a strong option if you can find it. Third party retailers often have it in stock with discounts as low as $300. You’ll miss out on the larger, redesigned screen and ultra fast charging of the newer Series 10, but it still has key health features not available on the cheaper SE, like the ECG app, temperature sensing and sleep apnea notifications.
What to look forward to going into 2026
Smartwatches are only getting smarter about health, and I hope that continues; whether it’s better sensors, new metrics, or more personalized coaching, especially as more brands start leaning on AI to make sense of your data. One trend I’d love to see stick around in this year’s launches is better battery life. Smarter software and hardware upgrades like the dual CPU architecture on the OnePlus Watch 3 are finally making multiday wear feel realistic. Meanwhile, the definition of a wearable is expanding fast, with more smart rings making their debuts as well as upgraded earbud options with built-in health sensors that are already nudging into smartwatch territory. They probably won’t replace watches entirely, but they’re definitely raising the bar, and will continue giving the smartwatch category a healthy push forward.
