Although shopping for a smartwatch may seem straightforward, it can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re an iPhone user. While the Apple Watch is likely the first choice that comes to mind, it’s now 2023 and there are four models to choose from: Series 8, SC, Ultra, and Hermes.
Perhaps the Fitbit Sense or Versa, which blend advanced health features with communication convenience, catches your eye. If you’re an Android user, the Samsung Galaxy Watch with the redesigned Wear OS is worth considering. However, we’ve done the hard work by constantly testing smartwatches day by day, week by week, and month by month this year.
As each new model hits the market, we wear it on our wrist and thoroughly assess it. Of course, this means that our best smart watches to buy guide is continuously evolving, as evidenced by a new winner after extensive testing. Without further ado, here are the best smartwatches available.
#7 Google Pixel Watch
According to our testing, the Google Pixel Watch is the best smartwatch option for Pixel phone users, as well as non-Pixel users. Despite being a first-generation device, its sleek design and comprehensive collection of Google apps, coupled with fitness tracking powered by Fitbit’s platform, make it a compelling choice.
In many ways, the Pixel Watch is the best of both worlds, combining a top-notch Wear OS experience with Fitbit’s holistic health tracking, which is further enhanced by Fitbit Premium membership.
While there are plenty of tools available for staying connected and getting active, there is room for improvement in terms of design, as some users may be deterred by the thick bezels and singular size option.
Additionally, we found the battery life to be disappointing compared to other Fitbit smartwatches. Nevertheless, the Pixel Watch stands out from other Android smartwatches, making it a successful first attempt in our opinion. Check out the latest price of the Google Pixel Watch here.
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#6 Fitbit Sense 2
Compared to the original Fitbit Sense, the Sense 2 boasts an upgraded design, interface, and an Ada sensor, making it Fitbit’s most comprehensive smartwatch yet. Thanks to advanced health analysis and deep integration with Fitbit Premium, the Sense 2, priced at $299, maintains an advantage in fitness tracking over many of the other best smartwatches on this list.
The device’s success can be attributed, in part, to the update of the stress-detecting Eda (Electrodermal Activity) sensor, which now features continuous monitoring and tracks heightened responses throughout the day. This prompts the user to take action on mood monitoring with body response notifications.
While the added support for Google Wallet and Google Maps is a useful upgrade, it won’t be available at the launch of the Fitbit Sense 2. Furthermore, there is no third-party app support, which is an odd omission. Nevertheless, the Sense 2 succeeds as a smartwatch that helps you get in touch with how you feel. Check out the latest price here.
#5 Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a favorite of runners, and for a good reason. It has the perfect combination of features, design, and performance, including a face that is easy to view even in direct sunlight.
This smartwatch features a 1.3-inch always-on, high-resolution, glare-free color touchscreen, a variety of health and fitness GPS tracking modes and sensors, training and performance stats analytics, a waterproof rugged exterior, 32GB of storage, a huge battery, and solar charging that is comparable with both iPhone and Android phones.
While it may be overkill for your morning jog, those involved in triathlons or ultra-marathons will appreciate the Forerunner 955’s top-line functionality. However, it doesn’t come cheap, as the watch costs $600 for the solar model and $100 less for the non-solar model.
The Garmin Forerunner 955 prioritizes function over fashion, with a utilitarian plastic body featuring a solar ring around the screen and a shatter-proof Gorilla Glass DX glass cover. Navigation is possible through either the touch screen or the 5 physical buttons.
Garmin’s expertise in GPS tracking is evident in the Forerunner 955, which includes multiple GPS tracking modes unique to the Garmin brand. Battery life is a critical feature, with the solar model lasting up to 20 days in simple Smart Watch mode when connected to your phone, and 42 to 49 hours in GPS mode.
The solar enhancement to the battery life is based on 3 hours per day outdoors in 50,000 Lux sunlight, or 7 hours in GPS mode with continuous exposure to 50,000 Lux. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor runners who need a watch that can last for extended periods without charging. Check out the latest price here.
#4 Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 And Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are two of the best smartwatches on the market today. These wearables are powered by the latest version of Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which offers a smooth and intuitive user experience. Both watches feature a 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 450×450 pixels, providing clear and vibrant visuals that are easy to read even in direct sunlight.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 classic is their health tracking capabilities. These smartwatches can monitor a wide range of metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, sleep, and stress levels. They also come with advanced fitness tracking features, such as GPS, automatic workout detection, and coaching.
In terms of design, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 classics are sleek and stylish. The standard watch has a modern and sporty look, while the classic version features a more refined and traditional aesthetic. Both watches are made with premium materials, including stainless steel and Gorilla Glass DX, giving them a solid and durable feel.
Battery life is also impressive on the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 classic. They can last up to two days on a single charge, depending on usage. The watches also support fast charging, which means you can get a day’s worth of battery life in just 30 minutes of charging.
In addition to health and fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 classics offer a range of smartwatch features. You can receive notifications, control your music, make calls, send texts, and even use voice commands with Google Assistant. These watches are also compatible with a wide range of third-party apps, so you can customize your experience to suit your needs.
Overall, If you already own the Galaxy Watch 4 or the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, upgrading to the Galaxy Watch 5 may not be worth it. However, the Galaxy Watch 5 is a great option for those who are upgrading from an older smartwatch or purchasing their first one for use with their Android phone.
It is priced at $280, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the Pro models. For those who are looking for a cheaper option and are not concerned with having the latest technology, the Galaxy Watch 4 is also a good choice. Check out the latest price of the Galaxy Watch 4 here, or here for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.
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#3 Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 And Watch 5 Pro
Samsung’s latest smartwatch offerings, the Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, build upon the already excellent Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. While they may not be a big departure from their predecessors, they offer enough upgrades to justify the refresh.
The Galaxy Watch 5 is the more budget-friendly option, with a smaller display and battery than the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, it still provides all the essential features that most users will need.
The pricier Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers a larger display and battery, along with premium build materials, which will be a big deal for some users. Overall, both models are excellent choices for users looking to upgrade from an older smartwatch or buying their first one.
The Galaxy Watch 5 stands out in the smartwatch market as one of the few wearables running on Wear OS 3 software, with the only other options being Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 series or the expensive Montblanc Summit 3.
The Galaxy Watch 5 offers a more affordable alternative to the latter, while still providing an abundance of helpful health-tracking features that make it a top contender for fitness enthusiasts. Along with basic health stats such as heart rate, the watch can also track blood oxygen levels and other vital signs.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 stands out from other smartwatches due to several reasons. Firstly, it runs on Wear OS 3 software, which is a rarity in the market. In fact, the only other wearable devices running on Wear OS 3 are Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 series and the Montblanc Summit 3, which is significantly more expensive. Therefore, if you are looking for an affordable smartwatch with Wear OS 3, the Galaxy Watch 5 is your best bet.
Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 5 boasts a plethora of health-tracking features, making it an excellent fitness smartwatch. It supports all basic health stats, including heart rates, blood oxygen levels, and more. While features like ECG are exclusive to Samsung smartphone users, this does not detract from the watch’s capabilities. Other notable features include a bigger battery with faster charging speeds, GPS support, and a super A-Mold display.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is one of the best smartwatches available on the market. It has our seal of approval and is likely to remain a top choice in the future. Check out the latest price of the Galaxy Watch 5 here, and the latest price of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro here.>
#2 Apple Watch series 8
While some may be disappointed by the lack of major changes in design and functionality from the previous model, Apple Watch Series 8 continues to refine the company’s winning formula for a smartwatch. With the same case sizes of 41mm and 45mm, users can continue to use their old bands, regardless of which model they have.
The edge-to-edge screens with rounded corners also remain, providing a seamless and modern look. In terms of durability, the Series 8 features a crack-resistant screen, dust resistance rated at IP6X, and WR50 water resistance, allowing it to withstand depths of up to 50 meters.
While the Series 8’s design and features may seem like more of the same, there are still plenty of upgrades under the hood. For example, the new S7 chip makes the device faster and more responsive, while a new charging technology lets users top up their battery faster than ever before. Additionally, the Series 8 features new sensors that can measure blood glucose and body temperature, among other things, making it an even more comprehensive health and fitness companion.
For those who already own a Series 7, upgrading to the Series 8 may not be necessary, but for those coming from older models or looking for their first smartwatch, the Series 8 is a solid option that continues to improve upon the Apple Watch’s winning formula. While it may not be a major leap forward, the Series 8’s refinements and new features make it a compelling choice in the smartwatch market. Check out the latest price of the Apple Watch Series 8 here.>
#1 Of Our Best Smart Watches To Buy, Is Apple Watch Ultra
Consider the Apple Watch Ultra if you want a larger, premium smartwatch with a bigger and more beautiful display. While it’s suitable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, it’s not exclusively designed for them.
The watch has a significant size of 49mm x 44mm x 14mm and weighs 61 grams, offering ample space for interacting with the watch. The Ultra has the same functionalities as the classic Apple Watch but with a bigger screen and a new orange action button.
By default, the button triggers the workout mode, but you can customize it to perform various other functions. Additionally, it can also be used as an emergency siren that produces a loud, attention-grabbing sound. So, if you’re willing to spend the money, the Apple Watch Ultra offers a larger and more stunning display with added features.
If you’re in the market for a premium smartwatch with a larger, impressive screen, the Apple Watch Ultra is definitely worth considering. While it’s an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts, it’s not limited to that audience.
With a size of 49mm x 44mm x 14mm and a weight of 61 grams, it provides a generous space for interacting with the watch. The Ultra offers the same features as the classic Apple Watch, but with a bigger display and a new orange action button.
The button is set up to activate the workout mode by default, but it’s fully customizable to perform a wide range of functions. Moreover, it doubles as an emergency siren that emits a loud and startling noise to attract attention. Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a larger, more luxurious display and extra features, the Apple Watch Ultra is an excellent choice. Check out the latest price of the Apple Watch Ultra here.>
In conclusion, there are several smartwatches available in the market, each with its own set of features and design. The best smartwatch to buy ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and specific needs. However, our review provides a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal smartwatch for you.
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