Best Smartwatch On 2024

The smartwatches we have tested are more advanced than ever before. They now offer a wide range of functions, serving as a comprehensive health and fitness tracker, digital wallet, and an extension of your smartphone, even when your smartphone is not nearby.

In addition to these capabilities, modern smartwatches can also measure your heart rate, detect changes in elevation, and automatically connect you to emergency services in the event of a fall. Certain models even offer additional features such as Electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood oxygen (SpO2) readings.

However, the best smartwatches surpass expectations by offering a multitude of features and applications that cater to your daily needs. Moreover, they also provide options for customization, allowing you to personalize the straps and faces to match your unique style and personality.

Kindly proceed to scroll down to explore our selection of the finest smartwatches available for purchase. Following that, you will come across our concise manual on selecting the perfect smartwatch to suit your needs.

Best Smartwatch Reviews

1. Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch 9 represents the pinnacle of Apple Watch technology. While it may not offer groundbreaking new features compared to the Apple Watch Series 8, it does bring some valuable enhancements. The highlight is the S9 processor, delivering a 25% increase in efficiency, supporting a vibrant 2,000 nit display, and introducing a convenient double-tap gesture. This gesture allows for one-handed navigation on the watch, and the addition of a next-gen ultra-wideband chip simplifies locating a misplaced iPhone.

Furthermore, the Apple Watch Series 9 represents one of Apple’s initial carbon-neutral certified products. With an increased utilization of recycled components, reduced packaging, and inclusion of an 82% recycled yarn Sport Loop, the Series 9 signifies a significant advancement towards eco-consciousness.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is greatly enhanced by Apple’s exceptional watchOS software. While Google’s Wear OS 4 platform is becoming more competitive, Apple has dedicated significant time and effort to develop the watchOS ecosystem, resulting in a seamless user experience.

The watch faces are vibrant and diverse, offering a range of options including branded designs featuring beloved Disney characters and even Snoopy himself. The new Smart Stack feature efficiently displays important information, and the availability of third-party apps allows the Apple Watch Series 9 to seamlessly integrate with your iPhone.

While the upgrades from the Apple Watch 8 to the Watch 9 may not be groundbreaking, there are still noteworthy improvements. The screen now boasts an incredibly bright display, matching the peak brightness of 1000 nits found in the original Apple Watch Ultra. This not only enhances the functionality of the torch feature but also ensures easy readability even in direct sunlight.

Additionally, the new Double Tap feature proves to be quite useful. By simply tapping your thumb and forefinger together, you can interact with the watch without needing to use both hands. While not revolutionary, this feature comes in handy when you need to stop timers or answer calls while your hands are occupied, such as when you’re carrying shopping bags.

2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 5

Samsung opted for a cautious approach with the Galaxy Watch 5 this year. Despite promises of extended battery life and enhanced health monitoring, the premier Android smartwatch falls short of setting new standards. While it remains an exceptional smartwatch overall, it opens up a window for other competitors to step in where they couldn’t before.

The display of the Galaxy Watch 5 is exceptional in numerous aspects, however, the touch bezels it features are not to my liking. As a Galaxy Watch 4 Classic user, I appreciated the tactile response when rotating the bezel, a feature absent in the Galaxy Watch 5. Moreover, the touch bezel on the Galaxy Watch 5 lacks the precision and accuracy of a physical bezel, making it less effective for me. In my experience, out of approximately 30 attempts, I only achieved accuracy in 5 of them.

Before delving into the other concerns I had with the Galaxy Watch 5, there is an important matter that I must address. It is exceedingly exasperating that Samsung extensively discusses the multitude of health and fitness-tracking capabilities during its presentations, only to restrict their functionality. To clarify, it is impossible to monitor your ECG or blood pressure on the Galaxy Watch 5 if you happen to be utilizing any of the top-tier Android phones that are not manufactured by Samsung.

Samsung has adopted the same strategy for its wearables as it did for its smartphones, equipping them with a comprehensive range of technology and features that are essential for a smartwatch.

With its MIL-STD-810H and IP68 ratings, this smartwatch possesses a natural durability that enables it to withstand the bumps and unintended impacts that occur during daily use. Additionally, the presence of Sapphire crystal glass and an aluminum frame enhances its resistance to scratches. Remarkably, even after almost two weeks of usage, I have not encountered a single scratch on this review unit.

The battery life of the Galaxy Watch 5 is truly remarkable for those transitioning from an Apple Watch. Individuals accustomed to charging their smartwatch daily with an Apple Watch will find the Galaxy Watch 5’s battery life to be a pleasant surprise. In my personal encounters with Wear OS watches, I have often encountered similar battery life experiences, making the exceptional battery life of the Galaxy Watch 5 all the more impressive.

I am quite fond of the Galaxy Watch 5 for various reasons. Wear OS has transformed into a refined wearable platform that can provide all the features one desires in a smartwatch. The battery life in the 44mm variant is exceptional due to the 397mAh battery, although the smaller 40mm version with a 276mAh battery may experience a noticeable decrease in battery performance. There is a wide selection of impressive watch faces to choose from, and it also allows for the use of third-party apps in case Samsung Health does not meet your needs.

3. Garmin fenix 7

The Garmin Fenix 7 may not be the most affordable smartwatch available, but it certainly stands out among its similarly priced competitors. With its sleek design, touchscreen interface, and extended battery life, it surpasses its predecessor in terms of functionality. Additionally, the Fenix 7 incorporates Garmin’s latest optical sensor, ensuring more accurate monitoring of blood oxygen levels and heart rate. The GPS capabilities have also been enhanced, and the watch is available in three different sizes and a wide range of colors.

What sets the Fenix 7 apart, however, is its comprehensive tracking features for virtually every sport imaginable. It provides valuable advice and a variety of features to optimize your workout experience. Moreover, the watch allows you to download tracks from popular music streaming platforms like Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music directly onto the device, ensuring entertainment during your workouts. If you are a dedicated athlete and have the means to invest, the Fenix 7 is an exceptional choice.

The Garmin Fenix 7 line continues to uphold its reputation as a versatile GPS watch designed for various outdoor activities. With enhanced features such as improved solar charging, a touchscreen, and a built-in flashlight, this watch is ideal for adventurers seeking a reliable companion. If discretion during meetings is a priority, however, this may not be the watch for you.

The Garmin Fenix 7 surpasses its competitors in terms of battery life, thanks to its impressive solar capabilities. Solar charging was initially introduced in the Garmin Fenix 6 series and has now been incorporated into the Garmin Instinct and Enduro series as well. These watches feature solar charging elements such as a slim rim surrounding the display’s inner edge and a layer beneath the glass.

The Fenix 7 provides a superior experience. It is more user-friendly, with features such as the ability to customize the entire watch from a phone, and aesthetically pleasing, with additional visual elements like the race predictor. While I cannot speak on the flashlight’s functionality, it is undoubtedly a smart addition that I hope will be available on other Garmin watches. I also noticed that the GPS connection was quicker, and the solar panels reduced the time I spent charging the watch.

4. Fitbit Versa 4

Based on our extensive testing, the Fitbit Versa 4 has proven to be the top-notch smartwatch for step tracking. However, when it comes to overall fitness tracking, it falls short in providing accurate heart rate readings. Nevertheless, if your primary focus is on staying active and achieving your daily step goals, this smartwatch is an excellent option.

Moreover, the Versa 4 boasts an attractive design with its slim profile and sleek metallic finishes. Although it bears resemblance to the Fitbit Sense 2, it stands out as the more cost-effective choice for those on a tighter budget or less interested in stress-tracking. Rest assured, the Versa 4 still offers reliable sleep-tracking and various additional benefits accessible through Fitbit Premium.

Fitbit once again embraces a “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” mentality when it comes to design, and this decision proves to be a wise one. Despite its large bezel, the Fitbit Versa series stands out as one of the most attractive smartwatches on the market, thanks to its softly curved edges and charming, sturdy frame.

The Fitbit Versa 4 functions smoothly in daily use, despite the discomfort caused by the bundled strap. Its long-lasting battery can go nearly a week without needing a charge. The AMOLED screen displays notifications, reminders, and celebrations for achieving step or active minute goals.

Additionally, the device can accurately detect extended periods of movement and suggest tracking a walk. With 40 tracked exercises available, double the previous amount, the device offers a wide range of options for exercise monitoring, although the usefulness of all these exercises may vary.

The Versa 4 stands out among the various Fitbit watches as a practical choice in the mid-range category. While it may have fewer health features compared to the Fitbit Charge 5, it compensates with its sleek intelligence. Additionally, the absence of ECG and EDA readings, which are found in the Sense 2, might not be a significant drawback if your primary focus is on fitness tracking.

5. Ticwatch Pro 3

Wear OS-based smartwatches typically offer a wide range of features and the ability to enhance their capabilities through third-party apps. However, most of them fall short when it comes to battery life, lasting no longer than two days. The TicWatch Pro 3 GPS sets itself apart in this regard. While its battery life is not significantly longer than other Wear OS devices, its dual-layer screen allows it to continue providing essential functions such as heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, and timekeeping for an additional three days using its secondary monochrome LCD display when the battery is running low.

In addition, this smartwatch boasts all the expected features of a modern device. It features a vibrant and sharp 1.4-inch 454 x 454 AMOLED touchscreen, along with heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, GPS support including GLONASS and Galileo positioning, NFC for contactless payments via Google Pay, and IP68 dust and water resistance, making it suitable for swim tracking and various dry-land activities.

Furthermore, you can conveniently read and respond to messages and seek assistance from Google Assistant using the built-in microphone. Combine these features with its sleek design and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which ensures excellent responsiveness, and you have one of the finest Wear OS smartwatches available. Although it may be pricey, it is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a high-quality smartwatch with respectable battery life to pair with their Android smartphone.

The TicWatch Pro 3 offers a high-quality smartwatch experience, boasting a battery life that lasts up to three days, impressive speed, and a stylish design. While it may not stand out in any particular area, it effectively meets your fundamental requirements for workouts and message previews. Equipped with standard Wear OS software and a selection of TicWatch-branded workout and health applications, this smartwatch comes at a more affordable price point compared to premium options. If you are willing to sacrifice certain features in exchange for saving money, the TicWatch Pro 3 is a solid choice.

Final Word

Every new smartwatch undergoes rigorous testing to assess its design and comfort. If it fails to meet the criteria of being both stylish and comfortable enough to seamlessly transition from a morning workout to the office and even a night out, it is unlikely to be worn on a daily basis. Additionally, since most smartwatches also function as fitness trackers, we thoroughly evaluate all of its sensors, ranging from step counts to heart rate monitoring and GPS capabilities (if applicable).

To determine the smartwatch’s overall functionality, we install various apps and assess the robustness of its app store. If the watch includes built-in LTE, we conduct tests to evaluate cellular connectivity and call quality, ensuring that the device can function independently without relying on a nearby smartphone.

Furthermore, we meticulously measure the battery life of the smartwatch by simulating everyday scenarios, such as workouts, app usage, and receiving notifications. This ensures that the device can last an entire day without requiring frequent recharging.