The best wrist smart watch: top wearables you should buy today
Here are the best smartwatches available for iPhone and Android users
You can rely on the best smartwatch to track your activities and keep an eye on your health. These wearables can meet your needs whether you lead an active lifestyle, have health issues that need monitoring, or simply want to increase your step count and improve your health.
A smartwatch, which functions as both a wristwatch and a smartphone companion, can be a great motivator if you’re having trouble forming new, healthier habits or even just persevering through a particularly taxing run or workout.
Of course, they also have a ton of non-workout features, like the ability to answer calls, play music, and even make purchases.
You must therefore find the best smartwatch for your requirements. Similar to smartphones, there are a variety of tablets available, each with unique features, sizes, shapes, and smartphone compatibility.
However, if you don’t require anything with a ton of features, the best fitness trackers are also something to take into account (or, if you’re unsure, you can learn more about the distinction between fitness trackers and smartwatches first).
Most smartwatches on the market, including household names like Apple Watches and Samsung smartwatches, have been tested and reviewed by us. Additionally, we have examined Fitbit’s options and Wear OS timepieces from companies like Fossil and Mobvoi.
So, who better to guide you toward making the best decision, whether you’re making your first purchase or simply need to replace an outdated wearable.
Each entry includes a complete list of specifications, an overview from our review, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we’ve provided our price comparison tool so you can find the best deal on the desired smartwatch.
The best wrist smart watches 2023
Apple Watch Series 8
The best smartwatch overall
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: watchOS 9
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.69 / 1.9″ OLED
- Processor: Apple S8
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery: 18 hours
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
REASONS TO BUY
+Useful temperature sensor+Car crash detection
REASONS TO AVOID
–Average battery life–Almost the same as the Apple Watch 7
The Apple Watch is the best brand of smartwatches, and the Apple Watch 8 tops the lineup. You get all the most recent Watch OS features from Apple without having to spend extra money on unnecessary adventure gear. There is a reason why Apple’s recognizable squircle design and enormous display are so well-liked, even though its battery life is still average and it looks the same as before.
We discovered that the new processor slightly increases speed, while a new tool for detecting car accidents has the potential to save your life (though hopefully you’ll never need it). Additionally, WatchOS 9 offers all its advantages, including better interval training features and improved fitness tracking. The Apple Watch 8 is a fantastic all-arounder if you want the Apple Watch experience.
Apple Watch Ultra
The ultimate Apple Watch
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: watchOS 9
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.9″ OLED
- Processor: Apple S8
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery: 36 hours
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: Water-resistant to 100m
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
REASONS TO BUY
+Large display+Action button is very useful
REASONS TO AVOID
–Battery life could be better–Lack of navigation features
The Apple Watch Ultra is the top-tier model, and it costs top dollar. It has grown in size and added a customizable action button with features that are actually helpful. The Apple Watch Ultra competes with many Garmin watches in terms of its ability to withstand various terrains.
Although it has a longer battery life than the standard Apple Watch, a strong and accurate GPS is great for exploring, and there is a diving sensor for those who love to go diving. Additionally, you get all the advantages that come with other Apple Watches, ensuring that you can always see how your health is doing.
It is pricey but effective. And during testing, we unquestionably discovered that this is the brand’s most functional wearable yet.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The best Samsung smartwatch
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro BUY NOW
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: Wear OS
- Compatibility: Android
- Display: 1.2″ 396 x 396 / 1.4″ 450 x 450 Super AMOLED
- Processor: Dual-core 1.18GHz
- Onboard storage: 16GB
- Battery duration: 3 days on 44mm / less on 40mm
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: IP68
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE (for extra)
REASONS TO BUY
+Excellent performance+Interesting new software
REASONS TO AVOID
–Limited compatibility–Lacks rotating bezel
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This big, bold, and brazen review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is written with the intention of assisting outdoor enthusiasts. Its AMOLED display is twice as durable as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 before it and is extremely smooth to use. With the Pro, you can plan your route carefully with turn-by-turn navigation and take advantage of all the upgraded health and fitness features.
With the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, you get the best of both worlds because it combines the functionality of a Garmin watch with the style of a Wear OS device. With an 80-hour battery life, it outperforms the majority of other Wear OS watches and other smartwatches in general.
Apple Watch SE
The best affordable Apple Watch
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: watchOS 8
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.78″ OLED
- Processor: Apple S5
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery: 18 hours
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
REASONS TO BUY
+Premium design+Great price for Apple Watch
REASONS TO AVOID
–Lacks always on display–Battery could be better
One of the best smartwatches now available is the Apple Watch SE, but you should only buy it if you already have an iPhone. It has all the helpful features of the Apple Watch 6, but it is significantly less expensive, making it one of the best smartwatches available, as we stated in our review.
The Watch SE has high-end specifications, a premium design, and a wide range of capabilities that are currently unavailable on other smartwatches.
According to our tests, the battery life isn’t the best on the market, and there isn’t an always-on display, but the Apple Watch SE is a fantastic value for the money if you’re looking for your next wristband.
Google Pixel Watch
The best Wear OS watch for style
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: Wear OS 3.5
- Compatibility: Android 8.0 or higher
- Display: 1.2″ OLED
- Processor: Exynos 9110 (10nm)
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery: 24 hours
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: Water-resistant to 5 ATM
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
REASONS TO BUY
+Elegant, classic watch-like looks+Brilliant screen+Fitbit integration
REASONS TO AVOID
–One (small) size fits all–Band switch system takes practice–No blood oxygen sensing – yet
The Google Pixel Watch is a remarkable piece of wearable technology. With a shiny face that curves to meet a similarly curvy body, it has a natural-looking appearance as opposed to one that was made. The building process is nearly smooth.
Because of that curve, there is more glass on the front of the device than on the Apple Watch 8, which enhances its attractiveness and, in our opinion, conceals a somewhat wider black bezel around the screen.
The screen size of this AMOLED display is substantially less than that of the Apple Watch 8’s rectangular face, yet Google still manages to do a lot. We never felt the need to want more.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The best Android smartwatch overall
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 BUY NOW
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: Wear OS
- Compatibility: Android
- Display: 1.4-inch 450 x 450 Super AMOLED
- Processor: Dual-core 1.18GHz Cortex-A55
- Onboard storage: 16GB
- Battery duration: One day
- Charging method: Qi wireless charging
- IP rating: IP68
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
REASONS TO BUY
+Powerful fitness features+Durable and lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
–One-day battery life–Optimized for Samsung phones
In every way, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 looks like a smartwatch. It has strong characteristics and looks wonderful on your wrist. A Super AMOLED display can handle extremely bright outdoor scenes and is clean and sharp.
Although you’ll benefit the best when coupled with a Samsung smartphone, it performs quickly. The iPhone is also not supported here.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5’s ability to track your body composition is the standout feature here, in addition to SmartThings connection. It’s on the verge of being the best fitness tool available, and the detailed sleep tracking feature will help you make the most of every day. Shame about the battery life of just one day, though.
TicWatch E2
The best cheap Android smartwatch powered by Wear OS
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: Wear OS
- Display: 1.39″ 400 x 400 OLED
- Processor: Snapdragon Wear 2100
- Onboard storage: 4GB
- Battery duration: Around 48h
- Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin
- IP rating: IP67
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
REASONS TO BUY
+A cheaper alternative+Easily two-day battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
–No NFC for payments–Bland design
It’s time for one of these list’s most affordable gadgets, made by the Mobvoi company in China. The TicWatch E2 doesn’t significantly improve upon the original watch, but for the price, it has some amazing features.
We adore the two-day battery life and the fact that you can get a watch with all of Wear OS’s features for such a reasonable cost. It is quite an accomplishment, which is why it is in our list of the best Android watches.
Given the price and the fact that GPS and a heart rate monitor are included, we are willing to overlook the lack of NFC (and hence Google Pay). Concerned about the design? Why not consider the TicWatch S2? It has a noticeably similar watch, but a somewhat different appearance.
Fitbit Versa 3
The best Fitbit
SPECIFICATIONS
- OS: Fitbit OS
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.58″ AMOLED
- Processor: N/A
- Onboard storage: N/A
- Battery duration: Up to 6 days
- Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin
- IP rating: Water resistant
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
REASONS TO BUY
+Built-in GPS+Lightweight and comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
–Poor side button–No offline Spotify
One of the top wristband companions for people who prefer to concentrate on fitness aspects is the Fitbit Versa 3. The Google Pixel Watch can’t compare to the best Fitbit wearable for automated fitness tracking even though Fitbit is owned by Google.
It has a built-in GPS, is comfortable to wear, and has a clear, easy-to-read display. This is primarily a fitness-focused smartwatch, similar to earlier Fitbit models, so it won’t appeal to everyone.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a fantastic wearable, but it serves more as a fitness tracker than a smartwatch and has relatively few productivity apps available, as we noted in our review.
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a good option for wearable enthusiasts in general, and it’s also more reasonably priced than some of the other options on this list.
TicWatch Pro 3
The best Wear OS 2.0 Android smartwatch
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.4″ 454 x 454 OLED paired with LCD screen
- Processor: Snapdragon Wear 4100
- Onboard storage: 8GB
- Battery duration: Up to 72h, 45 extra days in Essential mode
- Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin
- IP rating: IP68
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
REASONS TO BUY
+Big battery lasts 3 days+Fast chipset
REASONS TO AVOID
–Sometimes poor interface–Sleep tracking isn’t the best
The TicWatch Pro 3 is a capable all-arounder that may not stand out in any particular category. But since it is also less expensive than top-tier competitors, it is unnecessary.
It has several positive attributes. One of the reasons performance is good in our tests is that it was the first smartwatch to feature the top-tier Snapdragon 4100 CPU. Additionally, it has a battery life of two to three days or, if you convert to Essential mode, up to 45 days.
In addition to having a 1.4-inch, 454 x 454 screen that is clear, bright, and snappy, the TicWatch Pro 3 also contains all the standard health and fitness functions you’d expect from a smartwatch. Simply avoid purchasing this for sleep tracking, as we discovered that it wasn’t very reliable.
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
REASONS TO BUY
+Detailed stress logging+On-board GPS
REASONS TO AVOID
–Many tools require Fitbit Premium–Step counting slightly inaccurate
The Versa, which is ranked higher on our list, and the Fitbit Sense have very similar designs and user interfaces. This Android smartwatch model does, however, have non-physical health aspects.
The Fitbit Sense has the capability—er, sense—to monitor some facets of mental health as well, keeping track of your stress levels and mood as well as offering mindfulness and meditation training. The primary problem with it is that many of its supplemental functions require Fitbit Premium, which is expensive. Not many other timepieces on this list need you to continue paying after you have purchased them.
During testing, we discovered it to be impressive in terms of performance. We put the Sense through a fairly rigorous spin workout, and we didn’t see any unexpected heart rate drops that suggest a problem with fitness trackers. Additionally, it vibrates to let you know when you change heart-rate zones, which is particularly helpful for training.
How to choose the best smartwatch
Unfortunately, since not all wearables are compatible with competing smartphones, your choice of smartwatch frequently hinges on your choice of phone. Only Apple iPhones are compatible with Apple Watch. Only Android devices can utilize Samsung and Google watches and other Wear OS gadgets, however you can use a Samsung watch with a Google phone and vice versa .
Fitbit’s fitness tracking wearables synchronize with the Fitbit app and work with any device, however they tend to concentrate more on fitness features and lack some of the robust apps and services found on other smartwatches.
If you’re switching from a Garmin watch that lasts weeks, the average battery life of wearables is approximately a day, which is discouraging. On this list, you may find a few watches that survive longer.
How we test smartwatches
The Smartwatchwebreview expert team has thoroughly and in-depth evaluated every smartwatch on this list, so we are aware of every aspect of how they operate.
To ensure that every smartwatch is thoroughly tested in the real world, we use the devices as though they were our own personal wearables during the evaluation process. To offer us a firm understanding of how battery life performs, a thorough review of features is conducted, and usage is varied over several days.
We then ranked them based on this information, taking into account their price, performance, value, and basic specifications.
Finally, smartwatches can be pricey and, to be honest, don’t provide much value for the money. Ask yourself if you truly want to go SCUBA diving this year before spending money on an Apple Watch Ultra, or if you just want to check your texts discreetly during dinner.
What should I look for when buying a smartwatch?
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 could be preferable.
Which is the best smartwatch?
The top smartwatch varies frequently, but typically an Apple Watch or a Samsung Galaxy wristwatch takes the top spot because of their propensity to be loaded with high-end features and polish.