We've rounded up a list of the best smartwatches of 2022, including the Apple Watch Series 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, and more.
Choosing the smartwatch really comes down to answering four questions:
Once you know what features matter the most to you, picking the right smartwatch is easy. If you want to dig deeper into what to consider when shopping, we can help. If you feel confident about what you are looking for, skip right to our top picks. We’ve reviewed the most popular wearables on the market to narrow down users’ choices. Keep reading to see our finds for the best smartwatch you can buy in 2022.
See also: The best fitness trackers you can buy right now
Apple Watch Series 7
Bigger Retina display • Durable, premium design • Accurate GPS tracking • Great software and app support
The new Retina display is the Apple Watch Series 7's biggest strength.
The Apple Watch Series 7 boasts a larger edge-to-edge display, tougher durability, faster charging, and more color options than before. If you want the best of what Apple has to offer, the Series 7 is it.
$399.00 at Amazon
$399.00 at Best Buy
$399.00 at Verizon
$399.00 at AT&T
Apple Watch Series 7
Battery
Battery capacity: mAh
Other battery info:
Wireless charging rate: W
Wired charging rate: W
Battery life: mins
Battery installation:
Battery tech:
Display
Display brightness: nits
Display height physical measure: mm
Display width physical measure: mm
Other display information (camera notch or pin hole, etc.):
Touch sample rate: Hz
Display size: in
Display aspect ratio:
Display resolution:
Maximum refresh rate: Hz
Build materials
IP rating:
Connectivity
Other connectivity information:
Maximum cellular data support:
Bluetooth version:
Computing
SoC Model:
SoC manufacturer series:
Data storage
Internal storage capacity: GB
Apple offers the best smartwatch experience full stop. Unfortunately, you have to be an iOS user to enjoy it. If you fit into that camp, the Apple Watch Series 7 lands neatly into Apple’s pattern of launching very successful devices, and we found a lot to like about it. From its user-friendly software experience to its nearly limitless app library, the Apple Watch is a tough device to match.
To start, we wouldn’t change anything about the Series 7’s design, even though early rumors suggested a very different look. The upgraded display is bigger, brighter, rounder, and more durable. According to Apple, the top crystal is 50% thicker than that of the Series 6 for more crack resistance (though we didn’t push the device to prove it during testing). We found no issues taking ours everywhere from long hikes to dips in the pool. After months of usage, we still haven’t made a scratch. In short, it can stand up to whatever your day holds and when connectivity is the goal for a smartwatch, isn’t that the point?
Further reading: The complete Apple Watch buyer’s guide
As always, the touchscreen is highly responsive so swiping through the device’s extra display space is hassle-free. Apple didn’t just beef up the build size for posterity. Added room for text and other elements makes for a much airier UI and an overall better software experience. We love the brand new Qwerty keyboard as it’s easier than ever to send texts and complete tasks from your wrist. We have also tested a number of Apple watch faces and the data-filled modular face looks fantastic on the roomier display. Likewise, the extra real estate improves usability for apps like Maps.
Apps are where Apple leaves other wearables in the dust. Within the App Store, you’ll find everything from popular fitness tools like Stava to meditation apps, music services, and much more. Plus, where Apple falls short in native software, a quick search in the App store brings the device right back up to speed. We found this to be the case for Apple’s markedly-basic sleep tracking. At the time of testing, Apple’s sleep tracking was limited to bare-bones data. No sleep stages, no real insights. Luckily, the company has already announced upgrades to the line’s sleep tracking coming this fall with watchOS 9.
Third-party app support for iOS users is unparalleled and the user experience leaves little to be desired.
Not that we’re complaining about watchOS 8. From apps to notifications, integration with the iPhone is seamless. Navigation is the most intuitive we’ve found on a smartwatch and the list of useful smartwatch features is quite long. In addition to on-wrist phone calls and Siri, we constantly tapped into offline music playback and audiobooks and relied on iPhone controls for times when pulling out a phone was too much effort. Apple Pay is also a great perk for checking out with just your wearable during a workout.
On the topic of fitness, the Apple Watch Series 7 tracks all of the basics: steps, calories, distance, floors climbed, resting and active heart rate, sleep, VO2 max, blood oxygen saturation, sinus rhythm, and menstrual cycles. All of these Apple does well and the Health and Fitness companion apps are both thorough and easy to use. We’re suckers for the at-a-glance feedback of Apple’s famous rings. The Series 7 also brought autodetection to outdoor cycling workouts which we found it to do successfully on multiple rides. GPS was also reliable on bike rides as well as outdoor runs throughout our review period.
Out of the box, we did run into some issues with the Series 7 active heart rate accuracy. After a number of sweaty workouts (and fiddling with settings), we eventually resorted to a full factory data reset. We’re hopeful future software updates will address the issue but if heart rate accuracy matters to you, the Series 7 might be a gamble.
Another pain point worth noting is this device’s battery life. It will last just about up to its 18-hour claims, but certainly no further. By the end of the day, we typically had to throw it on the charger for a bit to juice up for overnight tracking. Luckily, fast charging on the Apple Watch Series 7 is well, fast. This generation charges about 33% faster than its predecessor, thanks to a new (included) cable and internal charging architecture. In less than an hour it can charge from 0 to 80%.
A quick charge is convenient because there is so much to get out of this device, you’ll rarely want it off your wrist. It’s the most well-rounded, user-friendly smartwatch you can buy, period. There are cheaper alternatives, and there are cheaper Apple Watches, but the Series 7 is currently the best of the best. All that being said, the Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t for everyone. First, quite literally, it’s only for iPhone users. If you’re packing an Android phone but want a similar experience we recommend the Galaxy Watch 4. Secondly, while Apple’s a very capable fitness tracker, it’s not the top of the line. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus will provide deeper analysis and more advanced training tools, plus a much better battery life. If none of that applies to you, this is the best pick.
If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 7 is absolutely what we recommend. It’s well supported with updates and new apps, it looks good, it runs good, and it has industry-leading features. Of course, many of us use Android phones, or maybe you just prefer a different look. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of great smartwatches out there besides Apple’s flagship watch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Classy, durable designs • Multiple size options • Wear OS 3 is all-around good
Even if you aren't a huge Samsung fan, you'll find a lot to like.
Samsung and Google combined forces to improve the software situation with smartwatches on Android. The result is the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, running the new, co-developed Wear OS. The standard Galaxy Watch 4 is for the sportier crowd, while the Watch 4 Classic is for those who'd like a watch they can wear to the office.
$149.99 at Amazon
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$100.00
$279.99 at Amazon
$279.99 at Samsung
$279.99 at Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
Battery
Battery capacity: 361 mAh
Wireless charging rate: W
Other battery info:
Battery life: mins
Wired charging rate: W
Wireless charging: Yes
Battery tech: Lithium Ion
Battery installation: Built-in
Buttons
Volume rocker: No
Standalone power button: No
Build materials
Front panel material: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
IP rating: IP68
Casing material: Aluminum
Band material: Silicone / TPU
Ports
Has headphone jack: No
SIM slot: eSIM
Display
Display width physical measure: mm
Display height physical measure: mm
Touch sample rate: Hz
Display brightness: nits
Other display information (camera notch or pin hole, etc.):
Display size: 1.36 in
Display type: AMOLED
Display aspect ratio:
Display resolution:
Maximum refresh rate: Hz
Sensors
Equipped sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic sensor, Ambient light sensor, Samsung BioActive sensor: optical heart rate (PPG), electrocardiogram (ECG), bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA)
If the Apple Watch isn’t in the cards for you, you’re probably looking for something from the Wear OS family. Enter the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series. This two-pronged product line features the best of Wear OS, as it’s comprised of the only two devices to currently run the latest Wear OS 3 aside from the upcoming Mont Blanc Summit 3). Co-developed by Google and Samsung, the new platform brings a lot to the table, and we found the Galaxy Watch 4 showcases it beautifully.
For starters, both the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic offer a durable build with elegant design notes. Each features a bright AMOLED display and comes in multiple sizes so there is a well-fitting model for every wrist. We found both variants perfectly comfortable for all-day wear and suited for everything from the gym to the office. Since sleep tracking is a noteworthy feature on the device, it’s also worth mentioning that we found them comfortable for bed as well.
However, these watches do a lot more than just monitor your Z’s, they are powerful health and fitness trackers as well. Regarding sports modes, the Galaxy Was 4 series covers all of the basics (running, hiking, cycling, yoga, etc.) plus a lot more with over 90 activities to explore. During our review period, we were particularly impressed with the in-depth training tools for runners.
Read more: The Samsung Galaxy Watch buyer’s guide
We were, however, slightly disappointed by the device’s GPS performance as it struggled to keep up with comparable devices in the market. It even logged our reviewer running in a river at one point, which needless to say, he didn’t actually do. Fortunately, the improved heart rate sensor softens any GPS shortcomings and keeps the watch ranking as an overall solid fitness tracker and health tracking tool. You can even tap into body composition metrics with the device’s bioelectrical impedance sensor. Unfortunately, only Samsung phone users will have access to certain stats, including the ECG, which requires the Samsung Health Monitor app, and blood pressure measurements.
For everyone else, the series tracks all of the basic health stats you’d expect from steps to blood oxygen levels (on-demand and during sleep) to resting and active heart rate and stress. These stats are tracked through Samsung Health, which we are definitely fans of in terms of user experience.
As far as on-device software experience, the Wear OS 3 platform is a huge improvement for the Galaxy Watch line. It’s marked by Samsung customizations for a familiar feel and, compared to previous versions of Wear OS, we found it much easier to navigate. With the presence of the Google Play Store, users now have access to more Google apps than ever including a new-and-improved Google Maps, Google Pay, and even Google Assistant.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this watch to any Android user, and highly recommend it to those with Samsung phones. It’s an extremely well-rounded and capable device with a few quirks that are easy to forgive. If you’re an Apple user though, this won’t be an option for you. The Galaxy Watch 4 series is not compatible with iPhones.
Fitbit Versa 3
Decent battery life • Pretty accurate health tracking • Built-in GPS
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a watered-down version of the Fitbit Sense.
If you're looking for the best all-around smartwatch at a pretty good price, you're likely looking for the Fitbit Versa 3. Fitbit's cheaper flagship smartwatch sports standalone GPS, an accurate heart rate sensor, and plenty of nice smartwatch features.
$155.06 at Amazon
Save
$74.89
$228.95 at Amazon
Fitbit Versa 3
Battery
Battery capacity: mAh
Other battery info:
Wired charging rate: W
Wireless charging rate: W
Wireless charging: No
Battery life: 8640 mins
Battery tech: Lithium Polymer
Battery installation: Built-in
Buttons
Volume rocker: No
Standalone power button: No
Build materials
Front panel material: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Rear panel material: Aluminum
IP rating: 5ATM
Band material: Silicone / TPU
Ports
Charging port type: USB
Has microphone: Yes
Display
Display width physical measure: mm
Display height physical measure: mm
Touch sample rate: Hz
Display brightness: nits
Other display information (camera notch or pin hole, etc.):
Display size: 1.58 in
Display type: AMOLED
Display aspect ratio:
Display resolution:
Maximum refresh rate: Hz
Sensors
Equipped sensors: Accelerometer, Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation sensor, Altimeter, Ambient light, Active Zone Minutes tracking
We’d be hard-pressed to leave Fitbit out of most any wearables conversation, and a list of best smartwatches is no exception. In this arena, the company has two devices worth consideration; the Versa 3 and the Fitbit Sense. While the Sense is the technically more advanced device, we assert that the Versa 3 is actually the better value buy. It offers all the basics you’d hope to find on a smartwatch, at a much better price.
Versa 3 highlights include accurate health tracking, built-in GPS, and voice assistant support. You can actually choose which assistant you prefer between Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. When tested with basic commands, we found the replies quick and accurate. The built-in microphone and speaker are even more useful as you can also send text messages with just your voice as well as take phone calls right on your wrist over Bluetooth.
These features make this device more than just a traditional tracker from a household name. With notifications, onboard music storage, and the tools listed above, the Versa 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch. But, that’s not to say it sacrifices tracking stats either. Both fitness and health tracking on the Versa 3 performed well in testing. The useful addition of built-in GPS makes a big difference for runners and cyclists who don’t want to pocket a phone on the road. It took a few moments to lock on our first few runs but after that, it was quick and easy, and fairly accurate. The device also boasts a new heart rate sensor for improved reading over the Versa 2.
Where tracking really shines though, is overnight. As with other Fitbits, the Versa 3 will track your light, deep, and REM sleep, and provide a sleep score from 1-100 based on your heart rate, sleep stages, and time awake. We found these scores compared well to our perceived quality of sleep and subsequent wakefulness/tiredness each day. The Versa 3 will also track your SpO2 readings overnight and Fitbit added snore and noise detection to the device in a post-launch 2021 update.
See also: The complete Fitbit buyer’s guide
Fitbit’s updated software fixed many of the hiccups we originally faced when testing the Sense that would have otherwise carried over the Versa 3. Namely, we appreciate how it makes the capacitive button less necessary as that was our least favorite part of the device’s design. Compared to other ecosystems, Fitbit’s app library is, however, quite limited. We found all the basics, an alarm app, maps app, and a few more, but that’s it. That being said, the company’s native Fitbit app is a stellar companion app. It’s an organized platform for anyone new to tracking and a user-friendly experience for anyone who wants things kept simple.
The major features missing on the Versa 3 compared to the Fitbit Sense are electrodermal activity (EDA) monitoring (essentially your stress levels), electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, and skin temperature tracking. Beyond those advanced health tools, the two devices are essentially the same. Our guess is that those metrics aren’t worth $70 extra bucks to the average user. Instead, we pose that the Versa 3 provides everything you need, and saves you some cash.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Excellent design and build quality • Features rapid charging technology • Accurate fitness and health tracking • Excellent phone call support
Garmin is trudging into true smartwatch territory with the Venu 2 Plus.
The Garmin Venu 2 was nearly crowned our favorite wearable of 2021. Its accurate fitness- and health-tracking features, as well as the company’s revamped software, made for an overall compelling package. But Garmin watches tend to fall far behind the competition when it comes to “smart” features. You can install third-party apps and watch faces, but there’s traditionally been no support for voice assistants, phone calls, or other smartwatch staples.
$449.99 at Amazon
$449.99 at Garmin
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
Battery
Battery capacity: mAh
Wired charging rate: W
Other battery info:
Wireless charging rate: W
Wireless charging: No
Battery life: 12960 mins
Battery tech: Lithium Ion
Battery installation: Built-in
Buttons
Standalone power button: No
Volume rocker: No
Build materials
Front panel material: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Rear panel material: stainless-steel rear cover
IP rating: 5ATM
Band material: Silicone / TPU
Ports
Has headphone jack: No
Has microSD slot: No
Has microphone: No
Display
Display width physical measure: mm
Display height physical measure: mm
Touch sample rate: Hz
Display brightness: nits
Other display information (camera notch or pin hole, etc.):
Display size: 1.3 in
Display type: AMOLED, Color AMOLED touchscreen
Display aspect ratio:
Display resolution:
Maximum refresh rate: Hz
Sensors
Equipped sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, GPS, Thermometer, Ambient light sensor, GLONASS, Galileo, Garmin Elevate heart rate sensor, Barometric altimeter, Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor
Garmin’s Venu 2 was already a meritorious effort from the company in the smartwatch field. We nearly named it the best device of 2021. With a bit more refinement and some added features, the Venu 2 Plus blows its predecessor away. Beyond sibling comparisons, our reviewer dubbed it “one of the most well-rounded wearables we’ve ever used.”
So what’s different? Well first, if you’re familiar with the Venu 2 and 2S you may be surprised to find the Venu 2 Plus only comes in one size variant. Instead of a 45mm and a 40mm option, the Venu 2 Plus slides in the middle with just a singular 43mm case. It keeps the same 1.3-inch display but the bezels are slightly more diminutive. We found this sizing hits the sweet spot of looking good on wrists of all sizes. Additionally, the Venu 2 Plus adds a stainless steel backplate to its design for a higher-end feel.
Beneath the hood, the Venu 2 Plus also made some strides. Thanks to a built-in speaker and microphone, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus can make and receive phone calls directly on the watch when connected to your paired phone by Bluetooth. We put this to the test and found the feature highly usable with voice quality unaffected by the hardware. Through the same microphone and speaker, users can also access their connected phone’s voice assistant. That means your choice of Google Assistant, Samsung Bixby, or Apple’s Siri. We experienced a slight delay when prompting our assistant but overall the optional access is a big plus.
Don’t miss: The best Garmin watches you can buy
Beyond those big changes, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus carries over much of what impressed us on the Venu 2. These include Garmin’s reputably accurate activity-tracking metrics, Body Battery, sleep tracking, and Health Snapshot. We especially appreciate Health Snapshot as it’s an incredibly useful feature in the Garmin toolbox. Essentially, the device records your heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels, respiration rate, and stress for two minutes, then provides a snapshot of all the data, for you to share via PDF with your doctor.
The device doesn’t offer an ECG, so you’ll want to look elsewhere if that’s on your must-have list. We also hope that Garmin will continue to tweak its heart rate algorithms over time as the sensor didn’t quite keep up with the competition during testing. Compared to the Apple Watch Series 6 for example, the Venu 2 Plus struggled to lock on and occasionally “freaked out” with completely haywire data points. If accurate heart rate tracking is a priority we suggest the Apple Watch Series 7, above.
On the other hand, throughout our review period, GPS data was even better than expected, outperforming Apple on a number of runs. In some instances, it even kept up with the Coros Vertix 2, a particularly strong GPS wearable. Other smartwatch features that round out this device for runners include support for Garmin Pay and storage for roughly 650 songs. These tools completely negate any need to bring a phone with you during workouts as you can pay for snacks or blast pump-up jams right from your wrist.
Mobvoi TicWatch E3
Well-built hardware • Good display • Decent battery life
The Mobvoi TicWatch E3 is a better Wear OS smartwatch than it is a fitness companion.
The Mobvoi TicWatch E3 is perhaps a better smartwatch than it is a fitness companion thanks to less-than-perfect tracking abilities. The Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform and solid battery life together, however, make the E3 a decent wearable that covers the essentials with ease.
$159.99 at Amazon
Save
$40.00
Mobvoi TicWatch E3
Battery
Battery capacity: 380 mAh
Battery tech: Lithium Ion
Wireless charging: No
Build materials
Band material: Silicone / TPU
IP rating: IP68
Wearables
Wearable form factor: Wrist band
Shape: Circle
Sensors
Equipped sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart rate monitor, Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation sensor
Buttons
Volume rocker: No
Standalone power button: No
Ports
Has microphone: Yes
Has microSD slot: No
Has headphone jack: No
Mobvoi’s TicWatch E3 is the budget watch for buyers who want a smart device without breaking the bank. A well-tailored combination of design and features keeps this watch in the same conversation as much more expensive wearables. Plus, with eligibility for a Wear OS 3 update sometime this year, it’s an affordable device with a promising future.
Within the Mobvoi stable, the $200 E3 replaced the E2 with a more modern look. The device’s display is smaller with fewer pixels than the outgoing model, however, the screen is still plenty easy to view and interact with, even on a sunny day. The E3 also added a second button to the line giving users more control. We found the buttons a good size for ease of use without bulking up the design. Each also emits a clear click so you’re never left wondering if you pressed it all the way.
As of now, users will find themselves navigating Wear OS 2 on this device which we found it utilizes pretty well. The platform offers plenty of onboard Google and Mobvoi-made apps, including smartwatch basics such as contacts, reminders, Find My Phone, Google Play Store, and much more. All of the smart features on this watch work perfectly. We synced everything from email to Slack messages and ran into no problems with any of the tools or their notifications.
Dig deeper: The best watches cheap smartwatches
As mentioned, the TicWatch E3 is eligible to upgrade to Wear OS 3 when Samsung’s exclusive usage times out later this year. That means this budget pick will be running the same Wear OS as its much more expensive sibling, the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra. That’s especially noteworthy when some costly devices from companies like Samsung and Fossil won’t be eligible. In the meantime, you’ll already find many of Google’s top features on board including Google Assistant and NFC support for Google Pay.
On the fitness tracking front, Mobvoi offers a little bit of everything. The TicWatch E3 will track 21 different activities, including the obvious as well as the oddballs, such as mountaineering. It will also automatically detect running, walking, and cycling exercises, though our experience wasn’t always spot on. A few times the watch took ten minutes or so to detect our walk. You can also tap into one of the company’s “Tic” apps to measure your heart rate, track your sleep, monitor your blood oxygen level, manage your stress or breathing, and more. We didn’t find sleep tracking particularly accurate so we would recommend the Versa 3 instead if you’re keen on counting Z’s.
Mobvoi then collects all your health and fitness stats in its companion app. You can view your data as a single day, week, or month. We liked that this setup allows you to easily identify trends or red flags. We just would have liked to see data from the device be more easily shareable. Fortunately, Runkeeper, Strava, and Google Fit are three third-party apps with integration available.
If you are looking for a solid smartwatch and only need basic fitness and health tracking, this is a good device at a great price. Wearables are always going to cost a certain amount but the TicWatch E3 keeps its price approachable without sacrificing standards.
Fitbit Versa 3
Decent battery life • Pretty accurate health tracking • Built-in GPS
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a watered-down version of the Fitbit Sense.
If you're looking for the best all-around smartwatch at a pretty good price, you're likely looking for the Fitbit Versa 3. Fitbit's cheaper flagship smartwatch sports standalone GPS, an accurate heart rate sensor, and plenty of nice smartwatch features.
$155.06 at Amazon
Save
$74.89
$228.95 at Amazon
Fitbit Versa 3
Battery
Battery capacity: mAh
Other battery info:
Wired charging rate: W
Wireless charging rate: W
Wireless charging: No
Battery life: 8640 mins
Battery tech: Lithium Polymer
Battery installation: Built-in
Buttons
Volume rocker: No
Standalone power button: No
Build materials
Front panel material: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Rear panel material: Aluminum
IP rating: 5ATM
Band material: Silicone / TPU
Ports
Charging port type: USB
Has microphone: Yes
Display
Display width physical measure: mm
Display height physical measure: mm
Touch sample rate: Hz
Display brightness: nits
Other display information (camera notch or pin hole, etc.):
Display size: 1.58 in
Display type: AMOLED
Display aspect ratio:
Display resolution:
Maximum refresh rate: Hz
Sensors
Equipped sensors: Accelerometer, Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation sensor, Altimeter, Ambient light, Active Zone Minutes tracking
For smartwatch smarts buts an analog form factor, a hybrid wearable is the ticket. The Withings ScanWatch is our specialty pick, with a classy design and seriously advanced health tracking. In fact, our reviewer called it “one of the most sensible wearables you can buy to keep track of your health.”
Much more than your average hybrid smartwatch, the Withings ScanWatch offers a medical-grade ECG monitor, pulse oximeter, and 24/7 heart rate monitoring. The ScanWatch will also notify you if your heart rate regularly seems too high or too low, both warning signs of bradycardia or tachycardia. You can also take ECG readings on demand. Our favorite part is that you can easily share a PDF of your overall health report or your readings with your doctor. It took about two seconds to generate a report which was pretty convenient.
See also: The best hybrid smartwatches you can buy
The ScanWatch can also automatically track your blood oxygen levels while you sleep in what Withings calls a Respiratory Scan. This scan can detect warning signs of sleep apnea. To do so, it measures your heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation levels to give you an overview of how many breathing disturbances you experienced overnight. We (luckily) didn’t experience any disturbances during testing but this clinically approved monitoring can be invaluable to anyone at risk.
On top of sleep apnea detection, the ScanWatch also records sleep duration, depth, regularity, and interruptions. It then uses those metrics to provide a sleep score on a scale of 1 to 100. Withings’ sleep scores matched up perfectly with the Fitbit Charge 4 during testing, a device we consider a very accurate sleep tracker. In short, this is a very valuable and very reliable health tracking tool.
Sure, we’ve seen hybrids with better displays. The Vivomove Sport equips a clever “hidden” option we adore while Fossil features e-ink on its Hybrid HR. But in most instances, the small display is adequate and will get the job done. There aren’t as many smartwatch features (i.e. contactless payment and on-board music) on this device as on others in this list but that comes with the hybrid territory. We also wish it offered more fitness features. Though again, if you are shopping for a device in this style, you’re probably not looking for a hardcore gym companion anyway.
This is the choice for anyone looking to keep close tabs on their heart health or overnight breathing. And if a long-lasting battery and an elegant design are just the gravy on top, so be it.
If you’re shopping for your first smartwatch, it’s not easy to know where to start. Software experience and compatibility are crucial, but they don’t always narrow down the field enough. You’ll also want to determine what your priorities are in terms of features and specs. Do you just want an extension of your phone or are you interested in tracking intense workouts or advanced health stats? Does daily charging sound cumbersome? The topics below are all points worth considering before committing to any of the devices on the market.
Obviously there is a lot to unpack here. Want more specific advice on the areas above? Check out our guide on how to pick the right watch for your needs.
Android Authority has a long history with wearable devices, spanning back at least as far as the Pebble in 2013. Since then, we’ve reviewed hundreds of wearables and learned a lot along the way. Our team of dedicated health and fitness experts tests dozens of new wearables and fitness trackers every year, but only the very best make it onto recommendation lists like the one you are reading. How do we determine what’s worthy? When testing we have two main focuses in mind: user experience and accuracy. To that end, we start by utilizing the device as a daily driver:
As you can see, we don’t mess around! There is a ton of variety in smartwatches and trackers, and reviewing each product is quite nuanced. A Garmin Fenix 7 review looks a lot different from a Xiaomi Mi Band review, for example. So, we also determine the wearable’s place in the market in terms of form factor, target audience, and budget. Then, we check to see if the device is missing anything important that users might expect to see and verify that it lives up to its brand’s (measurable) claims.
You can trust that our experts put every device through its paces. Typically, our review period lasts about a week, but we can sometimes extend it to weeks or months for especially feature-packed devices. We also revisit watches and trackers regularly to ensure they still hold up through the test of time.
Unfortunately, no. Compatibility is device-specific and not all smartwatches are inclusive. On this list, the Apple Watch Series 7 only works with iPhones. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 4 is only compatible with Android phones.
Even little wrists have room for some version of a smartwatch. Most kid-friendly devices offer basic activity tracking and task management tools. To learn about what’s available check out our dedicated guide.
As devices grow more advanced, the line between fitness trackers and smartwatches has definitely blurred. Most smartwatches have fitness tracking tools, and many fitness trackers have a range of smartwatch features. Generally speaking, we refer to wearables with big displays, large app libraries, and notification support as smartwatches. If a device has more of a fitness band form factor, we refer to it as a fitness tracker.