Smartwatches have become the de-facto way to measure activity from your wrist and can encourage you to get moving. It's increasingly common for them to offer health features like a blood oxygen sensor. Some may even have an ECG (also known as an electrocardiogram) which can check for signs of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation.
Smartwatches reflect your personal style and come in a variety of finishes, from aluminum to titanium, with a seemingly endless variety of watch bands to choose from. There's also a watch size and design to suit every wrist, so you'll want to ask yourself if you prefer a round screen for that classic wristwatch look or a square display like the Apple Watch. It's best to try in-store before you buy.
Most smartwatches only work with one platform. The Apple Watch will only work with an iPhone, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch only pair with Android phones, for example. Garmin and Fitbit are the two major brands that currently offer smartwatches that work with both Android and iPhone.
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Smartwatches have graduated from being nice-to-have phone companions to standalone health tools on our wrist. They can help you track your vitals, monitor sleep, coach you through workouts, and give you a much-needed break from your phone by delivering the essential notifications without the temptation of a full-screen experience. Whether you’re team iPhone or team Android, we've tested and vetted the best smartwatches for you based on prices, features and design.
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 10 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 10 adds even more health-tracking features including sleep apnea notifications and practical smartwatch tools like voice isolation for clearer calls. If you’re an iPhone owner, the Series 10 provides the right balance of features for the price.
The Apple Watch Series 10 isn’t perfect. Battery life still only lasts about one to two days with light 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 are likely to want to wear the watch as much as possible. The Apple Watch Series 10 has the right balance of health tracking and everyday usability to make it the best choice.
Best smartwatches for 2025
James Martin/CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 James Martin/CNET Best smartwatch Apple Watch Series 10 Pros Incredibly light on the wrist
1Hz refresh rate = ticking second hand
Voice isolation on calls is excellent
Bigger screen makes readability better on the smaller size case
Sleep apnea notifications at launch Cons No improvements to battery life
No significant changes to Double Tap
Smallest 42-mm size might still be too big for some wrists The Apple Watch Series 10 takes a winning formula and updates it for the Apple Watch's tenth birthday. It is slimmer and lighter than earlier Apple Watches, with two new case sizes: 42-millimeter or 46-millimeter. The wide-angle OLED screens make the watch brighter when looking at it off-axis. The LTPO3 technology also brings a ticking second hand to the always-on display. The Apple Watch Series 10 also comes with sleep apnea notifications, which can detect signs of this potentially dangerous condition over 30 days. Battery life is still rated for 18 hours, though you can push it to a day and a half with lighter use. The Apple Watch Series 10 now has even faster charging though, which makes up for the battery life somewhat, able to charge to 80% in 30 minutes. Overall, it's an incredibly polished smartwatch and the best choice for most iPhone owners. Why we like it The Series 10 is a refined version of its predecessors both on the surface and under the hood. It’s lighter and slimmer than the Series 9, but has a larger, brighter screen that’s easier to read from every angle. It has the most powerful processor of the entire Apple Watch lineup and, as a result,longer shelf life when it comes to software updates. Plus it comes with additional perks, like the ability to play music through the speaker and background noise reduction during calls. Who it’s best for The Series 10 is ideal for most iPhone users upgrading from an existing Apple Watch, or anyone deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who wants a premium smartwatch experience out of the box (including the latest health sensors). It brings enough upgrades to feel like a true step up, while retaining all the features that make the Apple Watch great. ... Show more Get it now $349 at Amazon $349 at Walmart $399 at Apple Specs & Configurations Compatibility iOS Screen size and shape 42 or 46 millimeters, square Health features Sleep apnea notifications, sleep tracking, ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, workout tracking, heart rate, cycle tracking, medications. Add to compare
CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 CNET Best Android watch for most people Google Pixel Watch 3 Pros Attractive design
Larger screen means you can see more
Faster charging
Readiness score no longer requires Fitbit Premium
Plenty of tools for runners Cons No Gemini AI support
Only 3 years of software updates
Workout builder is just for outdoor running
Faster charging only for smaller model Google's Pixel Watch 4 is available for preorders and promises to be even better than its predecessor, but until we get to test it out ourselves in October, we'll continue to recommend the Pixel Watch 3. It offers one of the most elegant round-screen designs you'll see on a smartwatch and comes in two sizes to suit more wrists. It also comes with a range of new tools, including AI-generated running workouts, the Morning Brief digest, and a potentially life-saving loss of pulse alert that's unique to the Pixel Watch. With a recent update, the Pixel Watch 3 is also getting Gemini support; Google's AI voice assistant that raises the bar on what you can do hands-free on the wrist. Why we like it The Pixel Watch 3 stands out with its minimalist design, and seamless Wear OS experience. While it may lack some of the advanced health features found in other flagship smartwatches, like sleep apnea detection, it makes up for it with more intuitive and actionable fitness tracking via the Fitbit app and its loss of pulse detection feature. Who it’s best for Google and Fitbit fans who want a polished Wear OS watch with smart features and sleek design. It’s ideal for anyone looking for solid fitness tracking without the guesswork, plus the option to understand their metrics further with coaching via the Fitbit app (with a Premium subscription). Anyone heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, will also appreciate the seamless integration with devices like Nest Cam or Google TV. ... Show more Get it now $250 at Amazon $250 at Best Buy Specs & Configurations Compatibility Android only Screen size and shape 41 or 45 millimeters, round Health features Sleep tracking, ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, workout tracking, heart rate, cycle tracking, daily readiness score, loss of pulse, cardio load Add to compare
Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 The Watch 3 is far too big for my wrist. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Battery life all-star OnePlus Watch 3 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. ... Show more Get it now $350 at OnePlus Specs & Configurations Compatibility Android only Screen size and shape 38 millimeters, round Health features Heart rate monitoring, cardiovascular health tracking, SPO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, wrist temperature tracking, general well-being insights (emotional and stress levels), ECG, sleep tracking, fall detection Add to compare
Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Photo Gallery 1/4 The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic on my 6-inch wrist. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Best smartwatch for Samsung fans Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 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. ... Show more Get it now $500 at Samsung $500 at Best Buy Specs & Configurations Compatibility Android only Screen size and shape 47mm, circular display Health features Antioxidant Index, sleep tracking, sleep apnea detection, ECG, heart health notifications, workout tracking, heart rate, menstrual cycle tracking, AI running coach, Vascular Load Add to compare
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Best budget smartwatch Apple Watch SE (2022) Pros Lower price
Same performance as the Series 8
Car-crash detection for additional safety Cons No always-on display
No QWERTY keyboard
Most new features can be found on older watches too The Apple Watch SE retails for $250 but you can regularly find it discounted to $200 or less, which makes it an excellent choice for the budget-conscious buyer. Expect most of the same features found on more expensive Apple Watch models like the Series 9, including activity tracking, third-party apps and safety features like Emergency SOS. It does miss out on an always-on display and heart-health features like the ECG. Why we like it The second generation SE offers all the essential features you’d want from an Apple Watch for at least $150 less than what you’d pay for the cheapest model of the Series 10. It covers everything you need, including advanced health and fitness tracking, crash and fall detection, and seamless integration with your iPhone. Who it’s best for This is a great option for first-time Apple Watch buyers or anyone upgrading from a much older model (Series 0–4), as it’ll still feel like an upgrade without making you feel like you’re missing out on newer features like the always-on display or advanced health sensors like ECG or temperature tracking which you never had in the first place. It’s also the best option for children (LTE model) as a way to stay connected with parents or caregivers without having to go all in on a smartphone. ... Show more Get it now $169 at Amazon $169 at Best Buy $169 at Walmart Specs & Configurations Compatibility iOS only Screen size and shape 40 or 44 millimeters, square Health features High and low heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications, sleep tracking, Vitals app for tracking core health metrics, cycle tracking, fall detection, crash detection, wheelchair workouts Add to compare
Vanessa Hand Orellana / CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 Amazfit Bip 6 Vanessa Hand Orellana / CNET Best budget watch for Android 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. ... Show more Get it now $70 at Amazon $70 at Walmart Specs & Configurations Compatibility Android and iOS Screen size and shape 44 millimeters, rectangular Health features Heart rate monitoring, SPO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, wrist temperature tracking, breathing rate, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, stress level Add to compare
Tharon Green/CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 Tharon Green/CNET Best do-it-all watch for iPhone Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pros Incredibly bright screen
More accurate dictation and on-device Siri
64GB storage means more space for music and apps
Double Tap is very useful Cons Battery life is the same as first Ultra
Limited recovery metrics The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple's best smartwatch, with a tough titanium construction and an Action button to quickly start workouts or launch apps. It has the brightest screen of any Apple Watch at a maximum of 3,000 nits which makes it incredibly easy to see when adventuring in the great outdoors. For adventurers and athletes, it also has a built-in siren for safety and a dual-band GPS for accurately tracking your route. LTE is also onboard so you can venture out without a phone and still stay connected. Though it's designed to be an outdoor watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still a fantastic all-around smartwatch. Inside is the same S9 chip as found on the Apple Watch Series 9 which supports gestures like Double Tap and allows the watch to process Siri commands on-device. This means you can use Siri without being online and later in the year you'll be able to ask the voice assistant for health data. Like earlier Apple Watches, the Ultra 2 also comes with a blood oxygen sensor, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) app, fall detection and emergency SOS. The battery also lasts at least twice as long as all other Apple Watch models. It's only compatible with the iPhone, so if you have an Android phone, you'll want to look at another option on this list. Why we like it The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an all-terrain smartwatch that’s built to go the distance with nearly twice the battery life of other Apple Watches (three days on a charge), and a durable, titanium exterior. It has a larger screen than other models and an action button that can be programmed for easy access no matter what the conditions. Extras like dual-band GPS, a built-in siren, and LTE connectivity add another layer of safety when you're off the grid. Who it’s best for Outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes looking for a middle ground between a traditional Apple Watch and a full-fledged sport watch like a Garmin. The Ultra 2 is also a smart pick for current Apple Watch users who are frustrated with daily charging and willing to invest more for an extra day and a half of battery life. ... Show more Get it now $719 at Amazon $799 at Best Buy Specs & Configurations Compatibility iOS Screen size and shape 49 millimeters, Square Health features Heart rate tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, ECG, cycle tracking, medications app, mindfulness app, noise app, sleep tracking Add to compare
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Photo Gallery 1/3 The Garmin Venu 3 has many "smart" features, but the experience isn't as polished as what you'd get on the Apple Watch. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Best Android smartwatch for fitness tracking Garmin Venu 3 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. ... Show more Get it now $400 at Garmin $400 at Amazon $400 at Best Buy Specs & Configurations Compatibility iPhone and Android Screen size and shape 45 millimeters; round Health features Sleep tracking and sleep score, blood oxygen, ECG, wheelchair mode, abnormal heart rate alerts, fitness age, Body Battery score, skin temperature, women’s health Add to compare
Best smartwatches compared See how all the smartwatches measure up when it comes to the specs. Apple Watch Series 10 Google Pixel Watch 3 One Plus Watch 3 Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Amazfit Bip 6 Apple Watch Ultra 2 Garmin Venu 3 Shape Square Round Round Squircle (round Screen, square frame) Rectangular Square Square Round Watch size 42mm, 46mm 41mm, 45mm 47mm 46mm 40mm, 44mm 50mm 49mm 41mm, 45mm Materials, finishes Aluminum, titanium Aluminium Titanium bezel, stainless steel case, sapphire crystal glass Stainless Steel Aluminum, Midnight, Starlight, Silver Aluminium, fiber polymers Titanium Stainless steel Display size, resolution 42mm: 1.65-inch OLED 446 x 374 pixels; 46mm: 1.81-inch 496 x 416 pixels 41mm: 1.61-inch 320 ppi, AMOLED; 45mm: 1.77-inch 320ppi AMOLED 47mm: 1.50-inch LTPO AMOLED, 466 x 466 pixels 1.34-inch Super AMOLED 438 x 438 40mm: 324 x 394, 44mm: 368 x 448 1.97 in (50mm) AMOLED; 390x450 pixels 1.91-inch, 502 x 410-pixel OLED 1.4-inch, 454 x 454-pixel AMOLED Dimensions 42mm: 42 x 36 x 9.7mm; 46mm: 46 x 39 x 9.7mm 41mm: 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm; 45mm: 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm 46.6mm(excluding lugs)*47.6mm*11.75mm(excluding sensor area) 46.0 x 46.4 x 10.6mm 40mm: 40 x 34 x 10.7 mm, 44mm: 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm 46.3 x 40.2 x 10.45mm 44mm x 49mm x 14.4mm 45mm: 45 x 45 x 12 mm Weight 42mm (Wi-Fi): 30 g; 42mm (cellular): 29.3 g; 42mm (titanium): 34.4 g; 46mm (Wi-Fi): 36.4 g; 46mm (cellular): 35.3 g; 46mm (titanium): 41.7 g 41mm: 31g; 45mm: 37g ~80g with strap 63.5g 40mm GPS: 26.4g, 40mm Cellular: 27.8g, 44mm GPS: 32.9g, 44mm Cellular: 33g 27.9g 61.4g 30g Colors Jet black, rose gold, silver; titanium: slate, gold, natural Matte Black, Polished Silver, Matte Hazel Obsidian Titanium, Emerald Titanium White, Black Midnight, Starlight, Silver Black, charcoal, stone, red blush Natural titanium Whitestone/silver, black/slate Always On Yes Yes Yes (LTPO enables low-power AOD) Yes No Yes Yes Yes Interchangeable bands Yes Yes Yes (22mm standard) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes GPS Yes Yes Yes (Dual-band L1 + L5) Yes (Dual-band) Yes Yes Yes (L1 and L5) Yes Automatic workout detection Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Compass Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Altimeter Yes Yes Yes Yes Always-on altimeter No Yes (operating range: -500m to 9,000m) Yes Water/Dust resistance Water resistant up to 50m (5ATM), IP6X (dust) Water resistant up to 50m (5ATM), IP6X (dust) Water resistant up to 50m (5ATM), IP6X (dust) Water resistant up to 50m (5ATM) Water resistant up to 50m (5ATM) Water-resistance of up to 50 meters, 5 ATM 10ATM (100 meters) and recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters 5ATM Calls Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (Cellular only) Yes Yes Yes Microphone Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (3-mic array) Yes Speaker Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Voice assistant Yes (Siri) Yes (Gemini, or Google Assistant) Yes (Google Assistant) Yes (Gemini) Siri Zepp Flow Yes (Siri, on-device) Yes Mobile Payments Yes (Apple Pay) Yes (Google Wallet) Yes (Google Wallet) Yes (Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet) Ys (Apple Pay) Zepp Pay Yes (Apple Pay) Yes (Garmin Pay) Sleep tracking Yes Yes Yes (with advanced metrics and breathing rate) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Period tracking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Sensors Accelerometer, altimeter, gyro sensor, temperature sensor, compass, third-gen optical heart sensor, electrical heart sensor, ambient light sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor SpO2, ECG, accelerometer, gyro, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, barometer, magnetometer Optical heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, compass, ECG, BIA Accelerometer, barometer, bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor, electrical heart sensor, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, infrared temperature sensor, light sensor, optical heart rate sensor Second-gen optical heart sensor, accelerometer, High dynamic range gyroscope, Compass, Always-on altimeter, Ambient light sensor Acceleration, gyroscope, ambient light, geomagnetic, biometric sensor (5PD + 2LED), 5 satellite positioning systems SPo2 (blood oxygen), ECG, optical heart, ambient light, high dynamic range gyroscope, high-g accelerometer, water temperature, depth gauge + app Emergency features Fall detection, crash detection, Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, noise monitoring, Backtrack Loss of pulse detection, Fall and crash detection, Safety Signal, Safety Check Fall detection, emergency SOS Fall detection, emergency SOS, siren Emergency SOS, International emergency calling, Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Noise monitoring, Backtrack SOS calling, fall detedtion, high or low heart rate notifications, low blood oxygen notifications, high stress notifications, International emergency calling, Emergency SOS, crash detection Incident detection, live track Compatibility iOS 18 and newer Android 10 and newer Android only Android 11 and newer iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 and newer iOS and Android iOS 17 iOS and Android Software WatchOS 11 WearOS 5 Wear OS 5 WearOS 6 WatchOS 11 Zepp OS WatchOS 10 Not disclosed Processor S10 SiP with 64‑bit dual core processor, 4‑core Neural Engine Qualcomm SW5100 Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 + BES2800BP (dual chip architecture) Exynos W1000 S8 SiP, 64-bit dual-core, 2-core Neural Engine NA Apple S9 Not disclosed Connectivity Bluetooth 5.3, 2nd gen Ultra Wideband chip Bluetooth 5.0, ultrawideband Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4+ 5 GHz, NFC Bluetooth 5.3, LTE/UMTS (Cellular model) Bluetooth 5.2, BLE, LTE and UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi Memory and storage 64GB 2GB memory + 32GB storage 2GB memory / 32GB storage 2GB memory / 64GP storage 32GB 64MB of RAM, 512MB of storage 64GB 8GB Charging USB-C fast charging cable USB-C fast charging cable USB-C Fast wired (up to 7.5W) USB-C fast charging cable Magnetic charging cable, 80% in ~1.5 hours Up to 14 days (regualr use) USB-C magnetic fast charging Garmin proprietary plug charger Battery life Up to 18 hours normal use; up to 36 hours in low power mode 24 hours with always-on display 3+ days (always on and heavy use), Up to 5 days (raise to wake/smart mode), 16 days (power saver mode) 30 hours (always on and heavy use) Up to 18 hours Up to 36 hours; up to 72 hours (low power mode) Up to 14 days Battery capacity Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) 41mm: 306 mAh; 45mm: 420 mAh 631 mAh 445mAh Not specified 340 mAh N/A N/A US price 42mm: $399 (Wi-Fi); 42mm: $499 (cellular); 42mm: $699 (titanium); 46mm: $429 (Wi-Fi); 46mm: $529 (cellular); 46mm: $749 (titanium) $350 (Wi-Fi, 41mm), $400 (Wi-Fi, 45mm), $450 (Wi-Fi + LTE, 41mm), $500 (Wi-Fi + LTE, 45mm) $350 $500 (46mm) 40mm GPS: $249, 44mm GPS: $279 40mm GPS + Cellular: $299, 44mm GPS + Cellular: $329 $80 $799 $450
Recent updates In August 2025, we added the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to our list. The Classic earned its spot thanks to its elegant design, advanced health features and dual band GPS.
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. Lexy Savvides/CNET 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. James Martin/CNET 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. Lexy Savvides/CNET 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 in the second half of 2025 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.