Which is the most advanced smartwatch
Best smartwatch 2024: wrist wearables for the discerning consumer
Are you ready to dive into the world of the best smartwatches? Hold onto your hats (or, should we say, your wrists) because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the latest and greatest wrist wearables.
Choosing the perfect smartwatch can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack...while blindfolded...in a hurricane. But fear not! We've braved the storm of options, from the best-in-class Apple Watch to the health-wizard Samsung Galaxy Watch, to bring you the crme de la crme of wrist tech.
Our team of smartwatch experts has put these gadgets through the wringer, wearing them to bed, taking them on runs, and even attempting to decipher their cryptic notification codes.
Whether you're ballin' on a budget or ready to splurge on a high-end timepiece, we've got you covered.
So strap in, grab your popcorn, and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the best smartwatches on the market. And hey, if you're into wearables, visit other T3 guides on the subject, including the best Apple Watches, best fitness trackers, and best smart rings.
The best smartwatches to buy right now
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best overall
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best smartwatch overall
Specifications
Works with: iPhone only
Size: 41mm / 45mm
Battery life: up to 36 hours in Low Power mode
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: watchOS 10
Reasons to buy
+Faster processor than Series 8
+Bright AMOLED screen
+Gesture control
+Carbon Neutral certification (with specific bands)
Reasons to avoid
-Battery life hasn't improved
The Apple Watch Series 9 might look the same as the Series 8 or even the Series 7, but it provides a different user experience than previous iterations of the wearable. It has a brighter display, a faster microchip, exclusive features, and a somewhat more sustainable construction what else can we ask for? Maybe longer battery life, but that hasn't changed in the last 10 years.
We think the Apple Watch Series 9 provides the best smartwatch experience on the market today. There might be wearables, even on this list, with longer battery life or even more features, but we're yet to see any brand surpassing Apple's platform, which the brand has been building and refining for a long time.
If you have an iPhone, it's obvious you need the Apple Watch Series 9 wrapped around your wrist. If you're an Android smartphone user, you're better off picking an alternative watch from the list below or a hybrid smartwatch if you like keeping it classy.
Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.
Also consider: Thanks to some seriously cheap offers knocking about these days, the Apple Watch Series 8 might be a better option for the price-conscious iPhone user. You miss out on the faster processor and gesture control, but you still get to experience that quintessential Apple user experience.
Best premium
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best premium smartwatch
Specifications
Works with: iPhone and Android
Size: 40mm / 44mm
Battery life: up to 40 hours
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: Wear OS 4
Reasons to buy
+Beautiful design
+All the health features you need and more
+RAM upgrade means the watch operates more smoothly
Reasons to avoid
-GPS accuracy is so-so
-You need to install multiple apps to access all the features (unless you have a Galaxy smartphone)
-Only modest upgrades since the last generation
There is a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. The new chip and the increased RAM help the watch operate buttery smooth and Wear OS 4 to perform at its best. The smartwatch looks stunning and radiates quality, not to mention the IP68 rating that ensures longevity and some durability.
The feature updates are only moderately exciting compared to the direct predecessor of the wearable, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, but no one can fault the Galaxy Watch 6 for not having enough features, especially if your main goal is to track health. For fitness tracking, we'd still recommend the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or one of the Garmin smartwatches listed in this guide.
It's hard not to like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, and it should be the first (only?) smartwatch you consider if you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Other Android users might want to look around, although it won't be easy to find another smartwatch with this many health features that look this good at this price point.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 review.
Also consider: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 looks almost identical to the Galaxy Watch 6 and has a similar feature set, yet it can be yours for much less these days. If you're not too bothered with staying at the bleeding edge of the latest tech, you're better off getting the older model, which will be supported by Samsung for years to come.
Be sure to check our Samsung discount codes to get a great deal.
Best affordable
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best affordable smartwatch
Specifications
Works with: iPhone only
Size: 40mm / 44mm
Battery life: 18 hours
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: watchOS
Reasons to buy
+Multiple case size and colour options
+Same processor as the Apple Watch Series 8
+By-yearly release cycle means it retains its value for longer
+Almost all features as mainline Apple Watches
Reasons to avoid
-No always-on-screen option
-No ECG or blood oxygen
The Apple Watch SE 2 manages to strike a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a compelling option for users looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch. While it may not boast groundbreaking changes compared to its predecessor, it does come with some notable upgrades, both in terms of hardware and software.
One of the most appealing aspects of the SE 2 is its lower price point compared to other Apple Watch models, making it accessible to a wider audience. Despite being more affordable, it still offers a range of features that cater to the needs of everyday users, from fitness tracking to notifications and more.
Moreover, Apple's track record of providing software updates for its wearables ensures that users can enjoy continued support and enhancements long after the initial purchase. This adds value to the SE 2, giving users peace of mind knowing that their device will remain up-to-date and functional for years to come.
However, it's important to note that the SE 2 does have some limitations compared to higher-end Apple Watch models. It may not have all the advanced sensors and features found in the flagship models, but for most users, it provides more than enough functionality for daily use.
Overall, if you're an iPhone user looking for a reliable and affordable smartwatch option, the Apple Watch SE 2 is definitely worth considering.
Read our full Apple Watch SE 2 review.
Best mid-range
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best mid-range smartwatch
Specifications
Works with: Android
Size: 41mm
Battery life: up to 24 hours
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: Wear OS 4
Reasons to buy
+Lightweight, 100% recycled aluminium case
+Multi-path heart rate sensor
+Oodles of safety features
+Can track stress and ECG
Reasons to avoid
-Automatic workout detection kicks in late
-Dual Google/Fitbit operating system is clunky
-GPS is slow to pick up signal
The Pixel Watch 2 is on the right track to catch up with the Apple Watch... eventually. The new wearable is arguably better than its predecessor, but it needs to be further refined. The form factor is on point, and thankfully, Wear OS isn't a pain to use anymore, thanks to the fast processors and machine learning-optimised processes. Fitbit's tracking is on point, and the apps are improving, too.
The user interface is good on the watch, although the mixed tiles/scroll menu combination is a bit confusing. The tiles push Wear OS functions and hide others; ideally, we'd like to see all my main stats using the tiles, not just a few. Overall, the experience is far from terrible, and it's a pleasure to view the interactions unfold on the beautiful AMOLED display of the Pixel Watch 2.
Read our full Google Pixel Watch 2 review.
Also consider: The first lovechild of Google and Fitbit, the Google Pixel Watch, is very similar to its successor and offers dynamite features for Android smartphone users, particularly Pixel owners. Battery life would be longer, but it's a superb Apple Watch alternative.
Best for men
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best smartwatch for men
Specifications
Works with: iPhone and Android
Case size: 48 mm
Battery life: up to 80 hours in Smart Mode, up to 45 days in Essential Mode
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: Wear OS 3.0
Reasons to buy
+Buttery smooth interactions+
+Bright, responsive touchscreen display
+All Google apps (e.g. Maps, Wallet) under the sun
+Impressive battery life considering performance and display size
Reasons to avoid
-No personality
-Watch doesn't have a premium feel despite the quality components
Wear OS has been struggling for years, mainly due to processors not being powerful enough to handle the operating system. Mobvoi has been on the case to make it work, maybe even more so than Google itself, and offered a viable solution in the form of the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3.
The new Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 Wearable Platform finally makes Wear OS work as it should. It offers effortless operation and fast loading times. Plus, the TicWatch Pro 5 has the most important Google apps on board, unlike Google's ownFitbit watches.
Unlike those, though, the TicWatch to 5 is anything but instantly recognisable. It hasn't got the sleek attitude of the Apple Watch nor the quirky charm of Fitbits. It's not hardcore enough to attract the diehard Garmin crowd, nor is it sexy enough to pose a threat to the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Maybe this unremarkableness is what makes the TicWatch Pro 5 work. It's almost all substance and no style. And there is a market for those kind of watches. Not everyone likes flashy wearables, and those people will like Mobvoi's latest watch.
Read our full Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 review.
Best for fitness
(Image credit: Leon Poultney)
Best smartwatch for fitness
Specifications
Works with: iOS and Android
Display size: 35.4 mm (1.4)
Battery life: up to 14 days in smartwatch mode
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: Garmin OS
Reasons to buy
+Its not too big or bulky
+Provides access to Garmins in-depth fitness and health tools
+Smartphone notifications
+Beautiful AMOLED screen
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks navigational tools
-Watch faces feel cheap compared to rivals
-Basic looks
The Garmin Venu 3 presents a refreshing option for those familiar with the brand's line of performance wearables. Providing straightforward yet impactful health and wellness guidance, it taps into a wealth of data and metrics it quietly gathers throughout the day and night.
For those seeking a deeper dive into fitness data, Garmin's Connect app offers an abundance of information. However, for those preferring a more casual approach, the watch can serve as a reliable companion, effortlessly guiding you through a healthy lifestyle.
While the design may not be groundbreaking, its discreet appearance allows it to seamlessly transition from casual outings to more formal occasions, making it suitable for both the gym and social gatherings.
What truly sets it apart is its user-friendly interface, which boasts intuitive menus that effortlessly present the desired information with minimal effort. For those in search of a versatile watch equipped with Garmin's renowned suite of health and wellness features, the Venu 3 stands out as one of the top choices available.
Read our full Garmin Venu 3 review.
Also consider: In our Garmin Venu 2 review, we called the predecessor of the Venu 3 a 'stunning fitness watch with amazing battery life and a beautiful AMOLED screen'. Even though the new model is out, the Garmin Venu 2 is still a solid choice for those smartwatch users who need a reliable training partner.
Best for battery life
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best smartwatch for battery life
Specifications
Works with: iPhone and Android
Size: 41 mm/ 46 mm
Battery life: 7 days/ 14 days
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: HarmonyOS 4.0
Reasons to buy
+Premium design (and more recognisable than before)
+Impressive battery life
+Updated heart rate sensor
+Innovative 'Sunflower' GNS system
Reasons to avoid
-Huawei's app gallery isn't quite on par with Apple and Google
-Navigating the Huawei App can be confusing at times
The Huawei Watch GT 4 is a really good smartwatch. The battery life is nothing short of amazing, and the user experience has also been refined (although it's still not perfect). The Huawei Health app could use a bit of tender loving care, but it's not impossible to navigate and generally does what it's supposed to do.
With the new design language, Huawei can finally start work on refining the finer details, improving user experience, and generally breaking away from following trends. Some of the trend following is still present (e.g. the 'all-new' activity rings look suspiciously similar to Apple's rings), but we are generally on the right path here.
The price is on point, which might help entice more people to use Huawei watches. From what we've been told, the company will focus its attention more on wearables going forward, so we're expecting to see even more innovation coming to Huawei watches.
Read our full Huawei Watch GT 4 review.
Also consider: The Watch GT 3 is a brilliant update over the Watch GT 2, and it was an excellent value-for-money wearable even at full price, let alone these days. Like similar Huawei watches, we'd recommend it to people who aren't keen on getting a diehard running watch but would like to have the option to track their physical activities accurately.
Best for sleep tracking
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best smartwatch for sleep tracking
Specifications
Works with: iPhone and Android
Size: 38 mm
Battery life: 6+ days
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: FitbitOS
Reasons to buy
+Beautiful, dainty design
+Premium build quality and materials used
+Excellent sleep and stress-tracking performance
+Updated user interface is easy to navigate
Reasons to avoid
-No WiFi connectivity
-No music storage or even control options
-No third-party app support
The Fitbit Sense 2 is an excellent health smartwatch, even better than its predecessor. It has a better stress tracking system, a more user-friendly interface, a physical button, and the same handsome design we all admire. Better still, the watch didnt change the features that worked well, including passive activity tracking, sleep tracking, etc.
Sadly, some of the changes arent as welcome as others. The exclusion of WiFi support is a big no-no, not just because it makes music listening on the watch impossible, but because it also takes longer to update the watch. The fact that the WiFi integration is in the watch but cannot be turned on is nothing short of infuriating.
That said, its hard not to recommend the Fitbit Sense 2 as its just so pretty and user-friendly. Sure, it might be slower than the most cutting-edge wearables nowadays, and it certainly wont replace theGarmin Forerunner 255as anyones go-to training partner, but as a health-forward smartwatch, itd be hard to find a better and more handsome option as the Fitbit Sense 2.
Read our full Fitbit Sense 2 review.
Best luxury
(Image credit: TAG Heuer)
Best luxury smartwatch
Specifications
Works with: iPhone and Android
Size: 45mm and 42mm
Battery life: Full day
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: Wear OS by Google
Reasons to buy
+Premium construction
+Sleek design
+Some fitness and wellness functionality
Reasons to avoid
-Not the best value for money watch
TAG's latest attempt at a smartwatch, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4, is handsome looking wearable, mimicking a traditional mechanical watch, with its fully circular display and sporty-looking case. The new model improved on previous generations by offering two sizes, 45mm and 42mm, longer battery life, brighter screen, and more sports tracking options.
The Connected is undeniably a class above its Android Wear siblings and aesthetically preferable to the most expensive Apple Watch variants, which are the only rivals in the 'luxe smartwatch' market. Out of all of the smartwatches we've tested, it feels the most 'watch-like'. Basically, if you're looking for a luxury Android smartwatch this is the one for you.
Read our full TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 review.
Best retro
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Best luxury smartwatch
Specifications
Works with: iPhone and Android
Size: Not stated
Battery life: Not stated
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Operating System: Powered by Polar
Reasons to buy
+Throwback aesthetic is on point
+Powered by Polar algorithm for more accurate health and fitness data
+Case, bezel, and band are made with bio-based resins
+Connects to Apple Health
Reasons to avoid
-User interface on watch is clunky at best
-Tracking your health stats in the Casio app isn't optimal
-Unless you're a G-SHOCK fan, it's hard to justify the asking price
Unless you're a G-Shock fan, you'll find better smartwatches for the same or less money than the Casio G-Shock DW-H5600. It's more like a digital watch with some smart features, like heart rate and basic exercise tracking, as well as notifications and breathing exercises. It's not much, but it's something.
If you are a G-Shock fan, the DW-H5600 is an exciting proposition, as it incorporates some health and fitness tracking and provides that same old-school G-Shock watch experience. If you like the look of the watch and wouldn't mind gaining access to some of your health data, by all means, get the watch. We'll be waiting patiently for an updated version that irons out the hardware and software issues. Hopefully, we won't have to wait for too long.
Read our full Casio G-Shock DW-H5600 review.
How we test the best smartwatches
We spend a lot of time reviewing the latest smartwatches, so when it comes to recommending what smartwatch to buy, you can be safe in the knowledge that we'll recommend the best options for you.
We'll usually spend a week or longer testing the latest smartwatches. We try out the very latest features to see if they work and if they're useful. This might be a new health monitoring tool, a new fitness tracking mode, or how comfortable a new strap is. We test everything in-depth, so if it's a new fitness feature, for example, we'll get our fitness editor to review it thoroughly.
All of these new features also get tested alongside everything a smartwatch should be classically good at, such as how bright and clear the display is, how reliable the smartphone connection is, how long the battery lasts, and how comfortable it is to wear every day.
Once the initial review period is complete, we'll publish a full review, give the smartwatch a star rating, and add an abridged review to this guide. If the smartwatch is then substantially updated after our initial review, we might choose to revisit that model to see if we need to change our verdict.
How to choose the best smartwatch for you
If you're struggling to choose a smartwatch, here are a few things to consider. In terms of compatibility, Apple Watches only work with iPhones, but smartwatches running Wear OS, Garmin and Fitbit are compatible with both Android and iPhone.
Smartwatch prices can range from very affordable to pretty expensive. Paying more will get you enhanced health and fitness tracking and build quality. Anything more expensive than an Apple Watch, and you're paying for prestige branding and exclusivity.
Battery life also varies from model to model, with the Apple Watch lagging behind the competition. If a maximum of 36 hours of battery life isn't good enough for you, then opt for Huawei, Fitbit or Garmin, which offer battery customisation options and often month-long battery life.
All smartwatches will do some level of fitness tracking these days, but if you're training for a marathon or triathlon then you'll want a more serious running watch from Garmin or Polar. Most smartwatches have at least a heart rate sensor, and some of them can measure ECG, blood oxygen, EDA (stress), monitor sleep etc. The Huawei Watch D can measure blood pressure on the wrist.
All smartwatches have Bluetooth and a few even boast built-in WiFi that's how they connect to your smartphone. Some have a 4G/Cellular connection as well, which means you can stream music, and receive messages and calls, even if you've left your phone at home. It costs extra and probably isn't worth it for most.
If you're looking to buy a smartwatch for your child, then check out T3's guide to the best smartwatch for kids, because while an Apple Watch or Samsung might be okay for teenagers, they certainly aren't ideal for younger children.
And finally, while most of these smartwatches will count your steps, track your workouts, and measure your heart rate if you're really serious about exercise (like training for a marathon serious), then we suggest you take a look at the best running watches, best fitness trackers or best outdoor watches.
FAQ
Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch?
Yes, in many cases, you can leave your phone at home and still use your smartwatch for various functions.
Smartwatches with standalone connectivity options, such as built-in cellular or Wi-Fi capabilities, like the Apple Watch Series 9, allow you to make calls, send messages, stream music, and even use certain apps directly from your smartwatch without needing your phone nearby.
However, the specific features and functionalities available without a phone will depend on the make and model of your smartwatch and the compatibility of your smartwatch with your mobile network provider.
It's essential to check the specifications and capabilities of your smartwatch to determine its standalone functionality.
