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
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