Best Smart Watches
By Mick
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Smart watches have surged in popularity, offering much more than just the time. These versatile wearables can track fitness metrics, display notifications, and even make calls or send messages directly from your wrist. Many models now include advanced health monitoring features like heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, and even ECG readings. Some focus on fitness, while others prioritize a classic watch design with added smart functions. When choosing a smart watch, consider battery life, smartphone compatibility, and the activities you want to track, along with screen size and quality. After testing dozens of models, we’ve found the best smart watches for various needs and budgets.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
We think the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a great choice for most people looking for a smartwatch that balances features and affordability.
We think the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a great choice for most people looking for a smartwatch that balances features and affordability.
We’ve been using the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for a while now, and it’s impressed us with its capabilities. This watch does a great job of keeping us connected and active throughout the day. We love how easy it is to check our notifications, answer calls, and send quick replies right from our wrist.
The fitness tracking features are top-notch. We’ve found the workout app to be really helpful for tracking our runs and gym sessions. It gives us a good amount of data to work with, and we like how it motivates us to close our activity rings each day.
One thing to note is the battery life. We usually need to charge it every night, which isn’t a big deal for us but might be for some people. The lack of an always-on display isn’t a dealbreaker, but we do miss it sometimes when we’re trying to quickly glance at the time.
Safety features like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS give us peace of mind. We haven’t had to use them, but it’s nice to know they’re there. The water resistance is also great – we’ve worn it while swimming without any issues.
For kids or family members without iPhones, the Family Setup feature is a nice touch. It lets us keep in touch and make sure everyone’s safe and active.
All in all, we think the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) hits a sweet spot for features and price. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a capable smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Ganopterygon Smart Watch
We think this smartwatch offers great value for its price, packing in useful features for fitness tracking and everyday use.
We think this smartwatch offers great value for its price, packing in useful features for fitness tracking and everyday use.
We tested the Ganopterygon Smart Watch and found it to be a solid choice for those wanting a budget-friendly fitness tracker with smartwatch features. The big 1.85″ screen is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. We liked being able to customize the watch face from over 200 options or use our own photos.
The fitness tracking features work well. We tracked our steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns with no issues. The watch has over 120 sport modes, so it covered all the activities we tried. The blood oxygen and stress monitoring were nice extras, though we can’t vouch for their accuracy compared to medical devices.
We got about 6 days of battery life with normal use, which matches the 7-day claim pretty closely. The ability to make calls and read messages right on the watch was handy, but it does need to stay connected to your phone. While it’s not as polished as pricier options, we think this watch offers good value for basic smartwatch and fitness tracking needs.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
We think the Galaxy Watch 6 is a top-notch smartwatch for Android users, offering a great mix of fitness tracking and smart features.
We think the Galaxy Watch 6 is a top-notch smartwatch for Android users, offering a great mix of fitness tracking and smart features.
We’ve been testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, and it’s clear this smartwatch packs a punch. The 44mm screen is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight. We love how smooth the interface feels when swiping through apps and menus.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the watch’s tracking abilities. It counts steps, monitors heart rate, and even measures body composition. We found the sleep tracking feature particularly useful, providing insights into our sleep patterns and offering tips for better rest.
The watch syncs effortlessly with Samsung phones, allowing us to reply to texts, make calls, and control our smart home devices right from our wrist. While it works with other Android phones, some features are limited to Samsung devices. iPhone users should look elsewhere, as this watch isn’t compatible with iOS.
Laoziniu Smart Watch
We think this smartwatch is a solid choice for men seeking a feature-packed device at a budget-friendly price point.
We think this smartwatch is a solid choice for men seeking a feature-packed device at a budget-friendly price point.
We’ve been testing the Laoziniu Smart Watch for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its range of features. The 2.01-inch display is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight. We found the touch screen responsive, making it simple to swipe through menus and apps.
One standout feature is the watch’s ability to make and answer calls. We tested this out and found the call quality to be decent, though not as clear as a smartphone. It’s handy for quick chats when your phone isn’t easily accessible.
The fitness tracking features are comprehensive. We tried out several of the 100+ sports modes and found them to be accurate in tracking our workouts. The heart rate monitor seemed to align well with our other devices. We also appreciated the sleep tracking feature, which gave us insights into our sleep patterns.
Battery life is a big plus. We only needed to charge the watch once a week with regular use. The magnetic charger is easy to use and charges the watch quickly.
While we like this watch overall, it’s not perfect. The large size might be too bulky for some wrists. We also found the companion app a bit clunky to navigate at times. And if you’re looking for a wide range of third-party apps, you might be disappointed.
In our view, the Laoziniu Smart Watch offers good value for its price. It’s a solid choice if you want a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Apple Watch Series 9
We think the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for most iPhone users due to its blend of health features, fitness tracking, and smart functions.
We think the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for most iPhone users due to its blend of health features, fitness tracking, and smart functions.
The Series 9 impressed us with its bright, easy-to-read screen. We found it simple to check the time or see notifications at a glance, even in sunny conditions. The watch felt comfortable on our wrist, and we liked how we could swap out bands to match our outfit or mood.
We really enjoyed using the health features. The ECG app gave us peace of mind about our heart health, and the sleep tracking helped us understand our rest patterns better. The workout app motivated us to move more, and we appreciated the wide range of exercise types it could track.
The watch worked smoothly with our iPhone. We could answer calls, reply to texts, and control music playback without taking our phone out of our pocket. The always-on display was handy for quick time checks. While the battery didn’t last as long as some other smartwatches we’ve tried, it usually made it through a full day of normal use.
Fitbit Versa 4
We think the Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed smartwatch at a reasonable price.
We think the Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed smartwatch at a reasonable price.
The Fitbit Versa 4 packs a lot of fitness features into a sleek package. We found its battery life impressive, lasting up to 6 days on a single charge. This means less time tethered to a charger and more time on the move.
GPS tracking is a standout feature. We tested it on runs and bike rides, and it accurately mapped our routes without needing to bring a phone along. The watch also tracks over 40 different exercises, from swimming to yoga. It even automatically detects when we start working out.
Sleep tracking on the Versa 4 is thorough. It breaks down sleep stages and gives a nightly score. We liked the smart wake feature, which gently buzzes to wake us up during a light sleep phase. The stress management tools were helpful too, reminding us to take breather breaks throughout the day.
CARBINOX Vortex Rugged Smartwatch
We think the CARBINOX Vortex is a solid choice for those seeking a durable smartwatch with long battery life at an affordable price.
We think the CARBINOX Vortex is a solid choice for those seeking a durable smartwatch with long battery life at an affordable price.
The CARBINOX Vortex caught our eye with its tough-as-nails build. We put it through its paces, and this watch held up to bumps and scrapes that would leave other smartwatches worse for wear. The chunky design isn’t for everyone, but it felt right at home on our wrists during outdoor activities.
Battery life impressed us. We went almost two weeks between charges with regular use. This long-lasting power is a big plus for those who hate the daily charging routine of other smartwatches.
While the Vortex packs in lots of features, we found the basics worked best. Step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking all performed well. More advanced functions felt a bit clunky compared to pricier options. The companion app gets the job done but lacks polish.
For the price, we think the CARBINOX Vortex offers good value. It’s not the fanciest smartwatch out there, but its rugged build and long battery life make it a worthy contender for active users on a budget.
GRV Smart Watch
We think the GRV Smart Watch is a good budget-friendly option for basic smartwatch features and fitness tracking.
We think the GRV Smart Watch is a good budget-friendly option for basic smartwatch features and fitness tracking.
When we tried the GRV Smart Watch, we were pleased with its large 1.83-inch touchscreen display. The screen is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight. We found the watch comfortable to wear all day, thanks to its lightweight design and silicone band.
We liked that we could answer calls and read messages right on the watch. It worked well with both our iPhones and Android test devices. The fitness tracking features are pretty good for the price. We tested several of the 100+ sport modes and found the step counting and heart rate monitoring to be fairly accurate.
One thing we missed was built-in GPS. For outdoor activities, we had to bring our phones along to track routes. The battery lasted about 4-5 days with normal use, which is okay but not great. We wish it could go a full week between charges. Despite these small issues, we think the GRV Smart Watch is a solid choice for anyone wanting basic smartwatch features without breaking the bank.
TOZO S5 Smartwatch
We recommend the TOZO S5 for its great features and affordable price, making it a solid choice for most users.
We recommend the TOZO S5 for its great features and affordable price, making it a solid choice for most users.
The TOZO S5 packs a lot into a budget-friendly package. We were impressed by its large 1.43-inch AMOLED display, which is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight. The touch screen feels smooth and quick, making it simple to swipe through menus and apps.
We found the calling feature really handy. The built-in mic and speaker let us take calls right from our wrist without pulling out our phone. Text notifications from apps like WhatsApp and Facebook also show up clearly on the watch face.
Battery life is a strong point. We got about a week of use between charges with normal use. The watch tracks basics like steps, heart rate, and sleep. While not as advanced as pricier models, it works well for casual fitness tracking. The 100+ sport modes cover most common activities.
Gydom Women’s Smartwatch
We think this smartwatch is a solid choice for women seeking a feature-packed device at a budget-friendly price.
We think this smartwatch is a solid choice for women seeking a feature-packed device at a budget-friendly price.
We’ve been testing the Gydom Women’s Smartwatch for a few weeks now, and it’s packed with features for its price point. The 1.8-inch touchscreen is easy to use, and we like how we can customize the watch face to match our style. It’s nice to have Alexa built-in – we’ve used it to set alarms and check the weather without pulling out our phones.
The health tracking features work well. We found the heart rate monitor to be pretty accurate when compared to our chest strap. The sleep tracking gave us useful info about our sleep patterns. The blood oxygen readings seemed in line with our fingertip pulse oximeter too.
We really like the long battery life – we only had to charge it twice a week with heavy use. The ability to make calls from the watch is handy when our hands are full. While it can’t send texts, getting notifications on our wrist is useful. The 100+ sport modes cover just about any activity we could think of. We took it swimming without issues thanks to the IP68 rating.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a smartwatch, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs.
Display
Look for a clear, bright screen that’s easy to read in different lighting conditions. OLED displays often provide better contrast and battery life compared to LCD.
Battery Life
Battery performance varies widely between models. Think about how often you’re willing to charge your watch. Some last only a day, while others can go a week or more.
Compatibility
Make sure the watch works with your smartphone’s operating system. Not all watches play nice with both iOS and Android.
Fitness Features
If you want to track workouts, check for built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring. Water resistance is important for swimmers.
Apps and Customization
Consider what apps and watch faces are available. More options let you personalize your experience.
Price
Smartwatches range from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. Set a budget that matches your needs and expectations.
Feature | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Display | Readability |
Battery | Convenience |
Compatibility | Functionality |
Fitness | Health tracking |
Apps | Personalization |
Price | Value |
We recommend trying on watches in person if possible. Comfort is key for a device you’ll wear daily.