Best smartwatch 2023: Wearables for iPhone and Android (Ladies Samsung Smartwatch UK and Gentlemens Apples Smartwatch UK)
The ease of a smartwatch that delivers notifications to your wrist may appeal to you if you’re tired of digging your smartphone out of your pocket every time it buzzes.
Choosing a Watch Compatible with Your Phone
Naturally, compatibility should be your top priority while choosing a smartwatch.
WatchOS, Apple’s smartwatch operating system, is used by all iterations of the Apple Watch and is only compatible with iOS devices. The Series 8, Ultra, and Watch SE (2023), the newest wearables from Apple Watch, require an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or later.
One UI Watch 4.5, a variation of Google’s Wear OS 3.5, is the operating system used by Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 smartwatches. They need phones with more than 1.5GB of RAM and at least Android 8.0.
Although you may pair the Watch 5 with Android devices other than Samsung ones, several capabilities, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) measures, are only compatible with Samsung phones.
We’re currently reviewing Google’s new Pixel Watch, which runs Wear OS 3.5 and syncs with Android 8.0-powered smartphones (or later). It’s not only for Pixel phones; it should work flawlessly with phones from any other Android phone manufacturer, including Samsung.
The majority of the other smartwatches on this list work with both Android and iOS mobile devices. However, be sure that any smartwatch you consider purchasing is compatible with your smartphone. These specifics are covered in each product review that we write.
Here are the best smartwatches you can buy in 2023
The fitness capabilities offered by the top smartwatches are frequently what convinces consumers to purchase their first wrist wearable, despite the fact that they come with a variety of preinstalled apps for displaying calendar entries and other helpful information.
The distinction between the two types of devices has become increasingly hazy; most of the devices below will accurately track your run or bike ride without it being tethered to your phone.
If you’re seriously into sports, you might be better off looking at our list of the best fitness features tracker, but now that many smartwatches offer built-in GPS, along with features like step counting and heart-rate monitoring, the lines between the two types of device have become increasingly blurred.
The best smartwatches you can buy
Apple Watch Series 8
Still the best smartwatch for iPhone users
SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating system: watchOS 9;
- Screen size and type: Always-on 430 x 352 (41mm), 484 x 396 (45mm), Retina LTPO OLED display;
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours (regular mode); up to 36 hours (low power mode);
- Replaceable strap: Yes;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes;
- NFC: Yes
Apple has once again produced a superior smartwatch with the introduction of the Series 8, which is ideal for anyone who has already committed to using its ecosystem.
The device receives incremental updates, just like earlier models. The new and improved S8 chip, an accelerometer for auto crash detection, a second temperature sensor for even better health tracking, a lower power mode, and watchOS 9, which of course brings with it a slew of minor quality-of-life improvements, are all shiny new tricks that Apple has managed to add to the Series 8.
The Apple Watch is still the greatest smartwatch on the market, and the Series 8 is another superb version, despite the fact that die-hard fans may feel a little let down by the lack of battery life improvements and the relatively modest amount of new functions.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The best Samsung smartwatch The best (Ladies Samsung smartwatch UK)
SPECIFICATIONS (46mm Watch 4 Classic)
- Operating system: Wear OS;
- Screen size and type: 1.4in 450 x 450 AMOLED;
- Battery life: Approx 40 hours;
- Replaceable strap: Yes;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes;
- NFC: Yes
Some significant modifications are made with Samsung’s newest flagship smartwatch. The Galaxy Watch 4 replaces the company’s own Tizen operating system with a variation of Google’s Wear OS that is “powered by Samsung,” in addition to having a faster CPU chip and twice as much storage. Users may access a variety of Google and third-party apps through this, including Google Maps and the Play Store, but regrettably not Google Assistant.
Along with some updated health and fitness capabilities, the Watch 4 now has a “BioActive” sensor that can detect your BMI, basal metabolic rate, skeletal muscle mass, and other metrics. It also has continuous blood oxygen monitoring during the night.
There are certain drawbacks, though. The first Samsung smartwatch that is incompatible with an iPhone is this one. Because of this, you’ll have to settle for the Watch 3 if you don’t own a Samsung or Android phone (still a great wearable and now at a reduced price). Additionally, the Watch 4’s battery life could be improved despite the upgraded CPU chip.
The Galaxy Watch 4, which has a digital bezel and is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and the Watch 4 Classic (which we tested), which has a physical rotating bezel and is somewhat larger at 42mm and 46mm, are the two available models of the smartwatch.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The best Garmin smartwatch for everyday use
SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating system: Proprietary OS;
- Screen size and type: 1.3in 416 x 416 AMOLED;
- Battery life: Up to nine days (in smartwatch mode);
- Replaceable strap: Yes;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes;
- NFC: No
A significant wearable for Garmin is the Venu 2 Plus. It is the first of the company’s smartwatches to include a speaker and a microphone, enabling you to communicate with your phone’s voice assistant and make and receive calls (as long as your phone is within Bluetooth range; there is no cellular option). Because of this, it can compete favorably with rivals like Apple and Samsung.
Of course, the Venu 2’s big talking point is this. In other areas, however, you get the same fantastic fitness tracking capabilities we’ve come to expect from Garmin’s wearables, like precise GPS in addition to sleep, heart rate, and blood-oxygen level monitoring.
The battery life is commendable as well, outlasting both the Apple Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch 4 by more than a week in smartwatch mode. Our main criticism of the product is its price, which is slightly around $400 (albeit it is less expensive than the Fenix 7).
In summary, the Venu 2 Plus is easily one of the best Garmin smartwatches you can purchase if you have the money and being able to make and receive calls on your wrist is important to you.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Best Apple Watch Alternativ for Android Users
SPECIFICATIONS
- Battery life: Up to 40 hours
- Operating System: WearOS
- Size: 40mm and 44mm
- Heart rate sensor: Yes
- Waterproof: IP68 (up to 50m for 30 minutes and fully dustproof)
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 should be at the top of your wearable wish list for 2023 since it is unquestionably the greatest smartwatch for anyone using an Android phone (at least, for now).
I’ll get this out of the way: there isn’t much of an improvement over last year’s model; if you’re looking for something new, check out the Watch 5 Pro below. Since it uses the exact same software to run, has the same UI, contactless payment capabilities, and health and fitness tracking, it really does seem almost identical.
There are two primary differences: a new temperature sensor for better sleep tracking and improved durability to shield your watch from dirt and knocks. But since this is one of the greatest models available when used in conjunction with a Samsung phone, there’s no need in trying to improve something that isn’t broken.
Apple Watch SE
The best affordable Apple Watch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating system: watchOS;
- Screen size and type: 1.57in 394 x 324 Retina LTPO OLED;
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours;
- Replaceable strap: Yes;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes;
- NFC: Yes
The Apple Watch SE offers the majority of what the Series 6 can provide for $100 less, as we’ve already noted, making it an extremely alluring option for people on a smaller budget. In fact, it shares the same OS, physical design, fitness-tracking sensors, and wide range of apps with its more expensive stablemate, in addition to having the same OS.
As you might anticipate, it misses a few important functions, such as an always-on display, blood-oxygen readings, and the ECG app. However, if you can overlook these tiny flaws, it’s a really good wristwatch. In fact, we would contend that there isn’t a better smartwatch available for less than $200.
Garmin Fenix 7
The best multi-sports wearable
SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating system: Proprietary OS;
- Screen size and type: 1.3in 250 x 260 MIP touchscreen;
- Battery life: Up to 14 days (solar model);
- Replaceable strap: Yes;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes
Although the Garmin Fenix 7 is not the most affordable smartwatch available, it has a great combination of functions for athletes. Simply put, it has outperformed the comparable priced rivals.
The Fenix 7 has a touchscreen, a more streamlined appearance than its predecessor, and a longer battery life in addition to using the most recent optical sensor from the firm for more precise tracking of your heart rate and blood oxygen level. Additionally, there are three sizes and a variety of colors to choose from, and the GPS has been upgraded.
The most significant thing is that there is monitoring for almost every sport we could think of, along with a ton of features and suggestions to help you get the most out of your workout. You may directly download songs from Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music to the Fenix 7 so that you can keep entertained.
The Fenix 7 is a great option if you’re serious about sports and your budget permits it.
TicWatch Pro 3 GPS
he best Android Wear smartwatch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating system: Wear OS;
- Screen size and type: Dual layer 1.39in 454 x 454 AMOLED and segmented FSTN display;
- Battery life: Up to three days (smart mode), 45 days (essential mode);
- Replaceable strap: Yes, 22mm;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes;
- NFC: Yes
Smartwatches using Wear OS frequently come with a ton of functions and the option to use third-party apps to expand their functionality. Few devices, meanwhile, provide battery life that lasts more than two days.
The TicWatch Pro 3 GPS is quite unique. The battery life isn’t any greater than the normal Wear OS device’s, but because to its dual-layer screen, it can continue to do essential tasks like heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, and reporting the time for an additional three days even when its capacity is low.
The watch has every functionality you’d anticipate from a contemporary smartwatch elsewhere: Heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo positioning support, NFC for Google Pay contactless payments, and IP68 dust and water resistance make it suitable for swim tracking in addition to all other common dry-land sports. Additionally, you can use the built-in microphone to read and reply to messages and ask Google Assistant for assistance.
You get one of the greatest Wear OS smartwatches available when you combine it with stylish appearance and the most recent Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which makes the watch incredibly responsive to use. Although pricey, it’s a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a premium smartwatch to match with their Android smartphone that has a respectable battery life.
TicWatch E2
The great value smartwatch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating system: Wear OS;
- Screen size and type: 1.39in 400 x 400 AMOLED;
- Battery life: Up to two days;
- Replaceable strap: Yes;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes;
- NFC: No
When it comes to value, the TicWatch E2 is unrivaled. It is a small, lightweight Wear OS watch with 4GB of storage, a heart-rate sensor, GPS, swim tracking, and a microphone for using Google Assistant.
Although it is made of plastic, it has a more appealing look than its predecessor and only really lacks NFC and a built-in speaker when compared to the more expensive watches on this list. This watch is a great option if you have a limited budget and want a reliable smartwatch that can do it all. And the TicWatch C2 is another great choice with NFC if you’re not concerned about swim tracking.
Garmin Epix (gen 2)
The best high-end sports watch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating system: Proprietary OS;
- Screen size and type: 1.3in 416 x 416 AMOLED;
- Battery life: Six days (screen always on), 16 days (when you lift your wrist);
- Replaceable strap: Yes;
- GPS: Yes;
- Heart rate: Yes;
- Waterproof: Yes;
- NFC: Yes
The second-generation Garmin Epix is even more pricey than the Garmin Fenix 7 above, but it offers every feature a sports watch could possible need, and its 1.3-inch AMOLED display is incredibly sharp and easy to use.
The most notable additions are topographic maps from around the world, incredible GPS accuracy, a RealTime Stamina tool that calculates your remaining energy, Wi-Fi connectivity, the ability to store music from the top streaming services (Spotify, Deezer, and Apple Music), and dedicated modes for pretty much every type of exercise, both on dry land and in the water. There isn’t enough room to discuss them all here, but these are the ones that stand out.
While battery life drops to six days if the display is always on, it is a reasonable 16 days if you set the screen to only turn on when you elevate your wrist. The Garmin Epix is without a doubt the best sports watch money can buy, but its astronomical price will always be a deterrent.
Fitbit Sense
An excellent Android smartwatch with mental health tools
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: Fitbit OS
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 300 x 300 LCD
- Processor: N/A
- Onboard storage: N/A
- Battery duration: Up to 6 days
- Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin
- IP rating: Water resistance to 50m
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
The Versa, which is ranked higher on this list, and the Fitbit Sense have very similar designs and user interfaces. This Android smartwatch model does, however, include non-physical health features.
The Fitbit Sense has the capability—er, sense—to monitor certain facets of mental health as well, keeping track of your stress levels and mood as well as offering mindfulness and meditation training.
The main problem with it is that many of its supplemental features require Fitbit Premium, which is expensive. Not many other watches on this list require you to continue paying after you have purchased them.
We found it to be impressive during testing in terms of performance. We put the Sense through a fairly rigorous spin session, and we saw no unexpected drops in heart rate that would suggest a problem with fitness tracking. For training purposes, it also vibrates to let you know when you change heart-rate zones.
How to buy the best smartwatch for you
The most crucial factors to take into account while deciding which smartwatch is best for you are described below. You should be satisfied with the majority of the smartwatches we’ve chosen because, of course, we take all these factors into account when writing our assessments.
Compatibility (operating system)
What kind of smartphone it is compatible with should be the first factor to take into account when purchasing a smartwatch. You shouldn’t have any issues in most circumstances, but if you’re interested in the new Apple Watch Series 5, for instance, you’ll need an iPhone to pair it with. Sorry, Android people.
Most other products from companies like Huawei, Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin ought to work with both iOS and Android phones.
Apps
The majority of smartwatches provide a selection of straightforward apps for showing calendar entries, viewing weather reports, and tracking your daily steps. However, for the time being, an Apple Watch (which runs Apple’s watchOS) or a device that runs Wear OS are your best bets if you’re searching for the best assortment of third-party apps (formerly known as Android Wear).
Both the Fitbit OS and Samsung smartwatches that run Tizen lag far behind in this area. Garmin watches also tend to focus on the essentials. Their respective voice assistant, Siri and Google Assistant, which let you to send messages and issue other simple orders without touching the screen, are another benefit for watchOS and Wear OS devices.
Sensors
Hardware is the next vital factor to take into account. Is there a heart-rate sensor on it? Is there a stair counter that counts the number of flights of steps you’ve climbed? Is there a compass available to check your bearings?
Depending on how you plan to use your brand-new wristwatch, you’ll need to ask it questions like these.
For precise tracking of runs and bike rides, built-in GPS is a must, and NFC is necessary for contactless payments (you’ll also need to verify if your bank is supported). Although most watches have the sensors needed to track sleep and swimming, not all watches have these features.
Battery life
The battery life of a new watch is the single most crucial feature to consider because it differs greatly across the current generation of wrist-mounted gadgets.
For instance, the new Fitbit Versa 2 gives closer to five days between charges whereas the Fossil Sport barely lasts a day. You should choose for a watch with a long battery life if you require one that is genuinely reliable.
Music playback
The last thing to look into is whether it supports streaming music services and, if so, which ones. This won’t matter if you always have your phone with you (in which case, you should still make sure it has a music remote app), but it’s a great feature to have if you want to leave your phone at home and play music while working out.
What qualities should a smartwatch have?
The first thing to look for is compatibility with your phone; for example, a Google Pixel Watch cannot be used with an iPhone or an Android phone. In addition, think about the battery life and the features; how frequently will you be happy charging it, and what features does your watch actually need to have? An easier watch design might be preferable.
Which is the best smartwatch?
Best smartwatch: At a glance
Best for iPhone users: Apple Watch Series 8
Best affordable Apple Watch: Apple Watch SE
Best-value smartwatch: TicWatch E2
Best Samsung smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Best Garmin smartwatch for everyday use: Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The top smartwatch changes frequently, but typically an Apple Watch or a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch takes the top spot because of their propensity to be loaded with high-end features and polish.