Top 6 Best Smartwatches 2024

The greatest smartwatches make fantastic fitness devices. They are designed to monitor your exercise, log your activity, and provide you with health and recuperation information. But they go above and beyond. The best smartwatches available today link to your smartphone to send alerts to your wrist and provide instant access to a variety of apps, including timers, weather reports, meditation apps, and much more.

A smartwatch is a terrific piece of gear to invest in, regardless of whether you need a partner for your workout or just want a fashionable watch with a few extra capabilities. The good news is that there are many options available these days, including a number of affordable options for those on a tight budget.

We’ve examined and reviewed a wide range of smartwatches, including some of the most well-liked and expensive versions, such as the most recent Samsung and Apple Watch models, the Series 9 and Ultra 2. We test each watch’s GPS accuracy, wear it to the point of depletion, compare its workout stats to those of the industry leaders, and provide a report on its overall functionality. We’ve also tested Wear OS watches from companies like OnePlus, Ticwatch, and Mobvoi, as well as Fitbit’s products, so there’s something in our list of the top smartwatches below for everyone.

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Last update on 2024-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 6 Best Smartwatches 2024

1.Apple Watch Ultra 2

Last update on 2024-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

With one of the greatest screens we’ve ever seen on a wearable—the Apple Watch Ultra 2—its luxurious Retina Display OLED commands up to 3,000 nits of brightness, making it the ideal wristwatch. With a speedier S9 processor than the basic Apple Watch, it’s larger and thicker and allows for the fantastic Double Tap gesture found on the Series 9 below. It is identical to the original Apple Watch Ultra, its predecessor, in every other way.

Even while it outperforms the standard Apple Watch in terms of battery life, the robust and accurate GPS is fantastic for exploration—especially with watchOS 10’s enhanced hiking waypoints feature—and it functions as a dive computer with the Oceanic Plus app.

This is without a doubt the most capable wearable the company has ever produced, according to our testing. Regrettably, its exorbitant cost and dependence on Apple phones are its limitations. On the other hand, when considering the smartwatches on this list in isolation, it is the greatest one in terms of technology. It can dive the deepest underwater, has the largest and brightest screen, and is made of ultra-hard titanium, as you can see from the specs table below.

The most drastic watch overhaul Apple has ever tried was with the original Apple Watch Ultra. It was the greatest Apple Watch we had ever seen, completely unique, a huge breakthrough, and something to be applauded. Since the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is essentially the same watch, it is likewise excellent.

Although the screen is brighter—Apple’s brightest screen ever, in fact—the majority of the improvements are being brought about by the watchOS 10 operating system and Apple’s new S9 SiP chip. Similar to the Apple Watch Series 9, the S9 chip enables a number of additional functions, including the remarkable hands-free Double Tap functionality. With this creative new gesture, you may accept calls, begin exercises, set timers, andadditional, hands-free.

Other features like Siri are no longer required to establish a cloud connection, and the Depth app has undergone a few tweaks to round out the updates. Utilizing recycled materials both inside and outside the watch, it has also strengthened its environmental credentials. This philosophy is also embraced by young bands, who place more of an emphasis on sustainability and innovative design.

But not much has changed in terms of the main objective of the Apple Watch Ultra 2—to be an Apple Watch you can carry with you underwater and into the wild. Thanks to watchOS 10, there hasn’t been any advancements in navigation, additional workout features, or extended battery life compared to the original Ultra. It’s still a fantastic Apple Watch—possibly the greatest in terms of specs, and a strong candidate for our guide to the best smartwatches—but it gets the same minor yearly updates as the other Apple Watch models.

Similar to the Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 appears to be nearly identical to its predecessor at first glance. Both have the same sturdy titanium body, the now-iconic orange Action button, and the protruding shell that houses the side button and digital crown. Speaker and microphone locations are also precisely the same as the original.

The two main distinctions to note are the bands and the screen. To begin with, the screen is even more stunning than it was on the original model and can produce an astounding 3,000 nits of brightness when used at maximum intensity. The screen is the brightest Apple has ever made, the refresh rate is as fast as water off a duck’s back, and this is unquestionably Apple at its best. I’ve probably never seen a better smartwatch screen.

2.Apple Watch SE 2

Last update on 2024-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Since it is far less expensive than the Apple Watch Series 9, it still contains many of the essential capabilities included in earlier versions, including the same chipset as the Series 8, making the Apple Watch SE 2 possibly the best option for most users.

The Apple Watch SE 2 still has a lot of health and fitness features, plus potentially life-saving additions like Car Crash Detection. The main things it lacks are an always-on display, an ECG, and blood oxygen tracking from the 8 (although the current Apple Watch Series 9 is now being sold without blood oxygen tracking) as well as the Double Tap feature from the 9.

In addition, it is incredibly light, powerful, and has an amazing battery life for a genuine smartwatch and comfortable to wear. So it strikes a superb balance between price and performance, and is a great relatively affordable pick.

The Apple Watch SE 2 appears to be based on the principle that the first Apple Watch SE wasn’t broken and didn’t require repair. Rather than that, Apple has just refined it, adding new colors, a new processor to ensure it remains relevant in the future, a lighter body, and a slight price reduction.

The answer to your question about whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade from the original Apple Watch SE is no, according to this evaluation of the Apple Watch SE 2. There aren’t many major new features offered here; the most prominent one is auto crash detection, which is certainly useful but I doubt many will shell out $250 or £250 for that alone.

Should you be debating whether to purchase the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Apple Watch Series 8, depending on what features you might be interested in and how much you’re willing to pay for them. The Series 8 includes an ECG, pulse oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, and always-on screen—a feature that feels like a good upgrade—all of which are intended to assist women in managing their reproductive health. In the event that you don’t think any of those health sensors are important to you, the Series 8 costs significantly more for essentially the same experience.

Because the Apple Watch SE 2 excels at providing a seamless overall experience—it’s a full-featured Apple Watch with no confusing differences between it and the higher-end model. The preceding list includes the omissions. You do not receive an outdated processor with which you must be concerned about speed, nor do you encounter software limitations. With a slightly larger bezel and a somewhat smaller screen than the Watch Series 8, these differences are not very noticeable, especially considering Apple’s emphasis on black backgrounds for watchOS.

I’ve used the newest flagship Apple Watch for the past four years and have used it every day. With the exception of the lack of an always-on screen, which I can live without, I have not seen any decrease in functionality since switching from my Apple Watch Series 7 to the new Apple Watch SE.

This is the best Apple Watch for those on a budget, and it’s among the best smartwatches of all kinds in terms of balancing features. However, I wish Apple could include the always-on screen here at this price, or would help to democratize home health monitoring by including the ECG and/or pulse oxygen sensor on this cheaper model.

3.Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Last update on 2024-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

In every way, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a stylish timepiece. It has strong characteristics and fits perfectly on your wrist. A bigger Super AMOLED display can withstand extremely bright outdoor scenarios and is clean and sharp.

Performance-wise, it’s quick, but using it in conjunction with a Samsung smartphone will maximize its advantages. Additionally, iPhone support is lacking here.

Highlights include the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6’s upgraded Exynos W930 chipset and its ability to track your body’s muscle and fat composition, in addition to SmartThings connection. With its extensive sleep tracking feature, it’s almost the perfect fitness tool to help you maximize your potential every day. That one-day battery life is a shame, though.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 will feel extremely similar to anyone who have used a Galaxy Watch 4 in the past. Those who are upgrading from the Galaxy Watch 3 or older will appreciate the differences between the 4 and the 5, with the 5 truly feeling like a shiny new toy due to their similarities. Users of the Watch 4 won’t feel the jump as much.

The powerful wristwatch, the Galaxy Watch 5, utilizes Google’s Wear OS and was released alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4, and the new Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. This translates to a large number of pre-installed apps and strong smartphone connection, yet nothing to rival the Apple Watch.

Similar to the Watch 4, there are two sizes available for the Watch 5 a host of colors. We tested the smaller, 40mm option. You can also pick up the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which promises better battery life and a more durable build.

The Wear OS and the watch itself were reasonably straightforward to use. Although our clumsy fingers might find the 40mm choice too small, we had no trouble using it once we get accustomed to the buttons and touch instructions.

Despite significant overlap between the two services, one complaint we have with the Watch 5 is the absence of data synchronization between Samsung’s fitness functions and Google Fit. If the two could have readily shared exercise logs with step counts, that would have been excellent. Nevertheless, there are lots of options available once you choose the monitoring service you want to use. You can download the MapMyRun and Strava applications from the Google Play Store in addition to other programs like MyFitnessPal and Lifesum.

However, the Watch 5 has a lot to offer, including the most accurate sleep tracking we’ve used on a smartwatch, outperforming the Withings ScanWatch Horizon. The Galaxy Watch 5 also offers accurate heart rate monitoring, in comparison to data acquired via a chest strap, and a generally impressive GPS on runs. So this is definitely a powerful wearable, despite its compact size.

A short battery life is what prevents Samsung’s newest wearable from being flawless, at least in its 40mm edition. The Galaxy Watch 5 might be the right choice for you if you can manage a daily charge and want a discreet, tiny digital watch that works with smart apps. However, the new Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the better choice for those who desire all of the Watch 5’s features along with an extended battery life.

4.Google Pixel Watch 2

Last update on 2024-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Similar to its predecessor, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is an incredibly gorgeous smartwatch. Its glossy face curves to meet an equally curvy body, giving it a natural rather than artificial appearance. The structure is almost perfectly smooth.

More glass faces you than on the Apple Watch Series 9, thanks to that curve, which simultaneously ups the elegance and deceptively conceals a somewhat wider black bezel around the screen. Fast charging and somewhat longer battery life than the original are both benefits, while workout tracking is enhanced by a new multi-path HR sensor.

Despite being significantly smaller than the rectangular face of the Apple Watch Series 9, its AMOLED display is vibrant, vivid, and responsive, and Google makes excellent use of the less screen area. We We never felt like asking for more—well, maybe more battery life. While it’s better than the original Pixel and other Apple products, the 24-hour battery life is still a source of constant frustration—it’s less than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which is a problem with many of the watches on this list when compared to, say, a Garmin.

For the most part, that’s a good thing; the Google Pixel Watch 2 generally follows the same path as its well-received predecessor.

The new smartwatch appears to have the same design. To improve usability, Google did modify the digital crown a little. The screen and measurements remain identical to those of the original Google Pixel Watch. But appearances can be a little misleading. Google maintains that the cover glass is still as robust despite being thinner, and the body is now composed of lightweight, recycled aluminum. When combined, they reduce the weight by a significant amount, according to Google.

More significantly—perhaps even more so—this watch features a significant platform update along with new parts. It features Wear and a new quad-core processor OS 4.0, making it probably the best Wear OS watch around right now, if not one of the best smartwatches period.

The Google Pixel Watch 2, like its predecessor, was designed to be as fashionable as possible. The original Pixel Watch was among the best-looking smartwatches available.

The body made of recycled aluminum and the newly thinner glass cover still have the appearance of being poured together. It feels wonderful overall and its gumdrop shape looks nice. Google left the 41mm watch’s proportions unchanged, but it did reduce its total weight by roughly 10%.

One modification does gradually enhance the visual appeal: Google updated the digital crown, primarily by altering the stem that leads to it, to make it more aesthetically pleasing and, more crucially, easier to use.

The occasionally difficult band attachment system is still in place thanks to Google, however there are six fitness bands are among the new bands. Although I wasn’t able to wear them, I can say that the material felt pleasant.

I’m a little worried about dropping the watch because it doesn’t have a strong bezel, even if the rear of the watch is made of aluminum. The Pixel Watch may initially seem a little “toy-ish” if you’re used to something more substantial, like a Garmin or a Samsung that is mostly made of metal. This is because the watch is quite light. Nonetheless, the AMOLED screen on the 41mm screen is brilliant and smooth, with a snappy refresh rate, and its wraparound black bezel, reminiscent of a pebble, making it incredibly pleasant to use.

5.OnePlus Watch 2

Last update on 2024-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The OnePlus Watch 2, a superb Pixel Watch substitute, dethrones the TicWatch Pro 5 as the best all-around wristwatch on the market.

It has many advantages. Its powerful Snapdragon W5+ Gen1 processor ensures high performance, and in order to save needless battery drain, it runs a second operating system that it switches to when necessary. With astute use of its dual chipset, it achieves an astounding 100-hour battery life.

We tested it against the Garmin Epix Pro during woodland treks in Finland, and it also provides highly precise fitness tracking numbers. With leather strap options, an analog chronograph-inspired design, and a few interesting features, it also looks fantastic on the wrist.

OnePlus is back with its second attempt at a wristwatch, and this time it’s a whole different animal from its underwhelming 2021 debut with the original OnePlus Watch. The most recent wearable from OnePlus leverages Google’s Wear OS platform in place of its own proprietary software to offer an extensive feature set that will satisfy even the pickiest user.

Poor battery life is Wear OS’s primary obstacle, as everyone familiar with the platform will attest, but OnePlus overcomes it with a clever workaround. Two processors and two operating systems are combined in this watch; one manages all the fundamental tasks, such as counting steps and displaying the time, while the other takes care of the trickier stuff. Based on how much you use, you really can achieve 100 hours on a single charge.

The OnePlus Watch 2 exudes quality right away; it is thick, substantial, and glossy, just how a high-end watch should be. But the design’s drawbacks are also instantly apparent: it comes in just one case size (46mm), and it’s a large, thick watch. This implies that not everyone will find it appealing. It felt a little bulky and heavy on my large wrists, and I can definitely see it appearing absurd on someone with smaller wrists. I’m a big person.

Although the OnePlus Watch 2 is primarily round, the right side of the device has a flat edge. Because the buttons are angled, you can never inadvertently press them with your rear hand when you lean on them A table. It’s a considerate addition.

Although OnePlus claims that the design was influenced by vintage stopwatches, I find that it also has a lot in common with the camera surround on the OnePlus 12. If you chance to possess both, this is a great example of design synergy. Overall, though, I believe it lacks personality. Nothing about the design is flawed; it just doesn’t make a strong statement.

Like a watch crown, the topmost button is circular and protrudes from the body of the device. It can be rotated, however that merely makes it a regular button with no function. This disappointed me a little bit because the majority of Watch 2’s rivals have functional crowns; the Huawei Watch Fit 3, which is priced lower, even has one.

6.CMF Watch Pro by Nothing

Last update on 2024-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Nothing’s CMF Watch Pro is an incredibly affordable, stylish smartwatch that provides a lot of value for the money. It has an integrated GPS, a battery life of up to 13 days, and as we noted in our review, both the hardware and software designs are excellent. This is the smartwatch to get if you want something basic with a few health metrics.

The drawbacks? Naturally, there are some features that are lacking because of the low price. It will never be as feature-rich or as adaptable as a Samsung or Apple watch, and you will have to go through the hassle of manually adding contacts before using the watch to make calls. Just like one might anticipate from Nothing, the OS is really simple.

The CMF Watch Pro is unexpectedly affordable, but it still feels and looks fantastic. Upon switching from my rather expensive Amazfit Balance watch to this one, I was concerned about potential setbacks and limitations, but I’ve actually enjoyed using it.

The design is extremely lovely even though it is evident that Apple served as inspiration. Its components are of the highest caliber, its design language is unified throughout a wide range of functional and aesthetically pleasing watch faces, and it looks great on the wrist. The watch is hefty, yet it’s nice to wear because of how light it is.

When you realize how much work it takes to maintain the watch’s connection to your phone, frustration sets in. It just seems to disconnect itself all the time, so unless you open the smartphone app and reconnect your phone, many functionalities won’t work and you won’t receive any alerts.

Though, to be fair, there have been several upgrades sent out in the couple weeks that I’ve been wearing it, hopefully this will be improved as the software improves. Although there is certainly room for improvement, this is still an incredibly attractive smartwatch at an extremely low cost.

The CMF Watch Pro is a large watch, and although I think it looks fantastic on my wrist, it’s important to keep in mind that I’m a man and stand over six feet tall; on smaller wrists, it probably appears more out of place.

This watch is rather hefty, but it wears well. It’s only a few millimeters smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra. It’s also incredibly light—with the silicon wrist strap weighing less than 50 grams—so you won’t even notice it on your wrist.

I believe the Dark Grey version, which I received for testing, is the more attractive of the two finishes. The Metallic Grey option’s frame has a glossy, nearly mirror-like sheen that resembles the Google Pixel Watch 2, and while it does look nice I know I would be concerned about scratches and blemishes. The Dark Grey option is anodized with a more rugged-looking matte finish, and comes paired with either an ash gray or dark gray sports strap, the flashier orange strap is only supplied with the metallic version.

How to choose the best smartwatch for you

Unfortunately, since not all wearables are compatible with rival smartphones, your choice of smartwatch frequently hinges on your choice of phone. Only Apple iPhones are compatible with Apple Watch. You can use a Samsung watch with a Google phone and vice versa, but Wear OS products such as watches from Samsung and Google only function with Android devices.

Fitbit’s fitness tracking wearables are compatible with all devices and synchronize with the Fitbit app. However, its features are mostly focused on fitness and they don’t have as many functions as other smartwatches.

If you’re switching from a Garmin watch that lasts weeks, you might be disappointed by the average wearable’s one-day battery life. It is possible to locate a few watches that last longer on this list.

Can you use Apple Watch with an Android phone?

First, find out if the smartwatch you wish to buy is compatible with your phone. Since iOS is necessary for all watchOS features to function, you cannot use an Android phone and an Apple Watch together.

While you can use a Fitbit or Google Pixel Watch with an iPhone, the experience will be significantly worse if you don’t have an Android or Google account. For optimal performance, Samsung and Huawei also need harmony between their watches and handsets.

But many gadgets, such as the CMF Watch Pro by Nothing and Garmin watches, just need their own apps to function, so you can use them with either phone just fine.

Which is the best smartwatch?

Although the top smartwatches are always changing, an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy watch usually tops the list since they are often loaded with premium features and design.

How we test smartwatches

The knowledgeable staff at TechRadar has thoroughly examined each smartwatch on our list, so we are aware of all the features that work.

Every smartwatch is thoroughly tested in the real world as part of our evaluation process, which involves using the devices as if they were our own personal wearables. For a week, we do a thorough feature sweep and vary usage to provide us with a clear picture of battery life performance.

When doing internal testing, we typically compare each smartwatch’s GPS accuracy to a benchmark device, like the Garmin Epix Pro. The same is true with exercise measurements. We also rate the watch’s operating system usability, compatibility with third-party apps, and location.