Top smartwatches picks to suit every budget

Smartwatches are more than just letting you know when you get a text or phone call. It can be used as a fitness tracker, digital wallet, and even act as a phone in certain cases.

These smartwatches can save your life with health features. The best smartwatches that we tested have the ability to detect high heart rates and connect you to emergency services in case of a fall. Some models also offer electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood oxygen (SpO2) readings. The former can detect signs of atrial fibrillation while the latter can be a good indicator for respiratory health.

The best smartwatches can do these things better than other models. There are many apps that you can download and batteries that can last for days. Others can charge up in less than a week. There’s also style: Smartwatches that are best for you can be personalized, from the straps to the faces, to make them more personal.

Which smartwatch is best?

We tested dozens of smartwatches and our top choice is the Apple Watch Series 7 ($399). It builds on years worth of communication upgrades and adds a brighter screen, thinner borders, and faster charging.

There’s a strong chance that the Apple Watch 8 and possibly two additional models, as well as watchOS 9, will be revealed at the Apple Event on September 7. So now is a good time for you to wait to see what else.

While the Apple Watch 3 ($199), remains a great value, the Apple Watch SE ($279) offers a better choice. Although the SE is a hybrid model without high-end health features or an always-on display it still offers fall detection, GPS, and a compass. The best Apple Watch deals often make them affordable.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 ($279), the most desirable Apple Watch competitor, is actually the best Android smartwatch and the most compelling WearOS 3 smartwatch. This accessory is the best for Samsung phones and can monitor health and overall wellbeing better than any Galaxy Watch.

The Fitbit Sense ($329) is our favorite smartwatch. It gives you a holistic view of your body and not just asking you to take readings or tests. Fitbit has just announced the Fitbit Sense 2, its successor. It will be available this fall.

The Google Pixel Watch will also be available in the fall. The Google Pixel Watch will have a round face with Fitbit-like fitness tracking features.

Check out our guide to smartwatch buying for more information on how to find the perfect wearable. If you are looking for something less expensive, check out our roundup on the top cheap smartwatches.

1. Apple Watch Series 7
The top smartwatch overall

The Apple Watch 7 is the most advanced Apple Watch to date. Although it isn’t a significant upgrade to the Apple Watch 6, it has more features than the Apple Watch 6. However, it also comes with a larger display in the new Apple Watch 7 sizes. The Apple Watch is now available in two sizes: a 41mm and a 45mm version. This complements the large screen. The 7th-generation Apple also gets exclusive watch faces and a full QWERTY keyboard.

We would prefer the Apple Watch to have a longer battery life of 18 hours, but the Series 7 is more efficient at charging. It can be fully charged in just one hour. This allows it to spend less time connected to the USB-C to magnetic cord and more time on the move. This smartwatch is perfect for exercising, answering phone calls, and using Apple Watch apps. You will need an iPhone to use this smartwatch.

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The best Android smartwatch

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 features a new skin temperature reader, a more scratch-resistant display, and a longer-lasting battery. This is the best Samsung watch ever, as there aren’t many differences between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch 4. However, the improvements make this a fantastic device. It’s a great value at just $279.

Although the Galaxy Watch 5’s skin temperature sensor won’t be working at launch, there are many things to love about it. It lasted almost half a day in our testing and charged up to 50% in just 30 minutes from 0%. Wear OS 3 with Samsung’s skin offers more perks, such as Google Assistant and greater interoperability between your other Samsung devices. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers more GPS features and a longer-lasting battery.

3. Fitbit Sense
The best Fitbit smartwatch

The Fitbit Sense smartwatch is the top-of-the-line and comes with more advanced wellness and health features than the Versa. The FDA-approved ECG sensor, blood oxygen reading and electrodermal activity can be read by the Sense.

The Sense is one of the most popular Fitbits. It works with both iOS & Android and has on-board GPS, a native apps store, Alexa, and other features. Fitbit is no longer just a brand that tracks our steps. Fitbit devices such as the Fitbit Sense are able to show us what it means for our health.

4. Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch, mid-range

The Apple Watch SE is a combination of the Apple Watch Series 5 (which was discontinued in the meantime) and the Apple Watch Series 3 Although the Series 6 features are missing from this smartwatch, it still has many of the same features as the Series 6. The $279 Apple Watch SE is a hybrid of the Apple Watch Series 5 (which was discontinued) and Series 3. The smartwatch also has an LTE option which makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to try Family Setup.

The Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE will determine if you are willing to spend $120 more for a larger display, an ECG monitor, and an always-on option. The SE is an excellent option for iPhone users if these tools are not important to you.

5. Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The best smartwatch for fitness tracking

Garmin Venu 2 is already a great fitness tracker smartwatch. It’s a stylish and functional lifestyle gadget that is both a great workout companion and stylish Garmin watch. The Garmin Venu2 Plus, priced at $449, offers voice assistants and on-wrist calling. The Venu 2 Plus retains Garmin’s reputation of accurate GPS and thorough fitness tracking, but is now more appealing to those who want their smartwatch as an extension to their smartphone.

Garmin is still missing a large third party app store and has remained hesitant to support LTE, but embracing more communication tools will be a significant step towards mastering smartwatches. The cherry on the cake is 10 days of battery-life.

6. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
This smartwatch is the best with a traditional look

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is still the best smartwatch available for people who prefer a more traditional design, despite the Galaxy Watch 5 being released. The ‘Classic” version of the watch has luxurious features, including the rotating bezel that can be rotated (from $349.99).

The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a 3-in-1 health sensor that measures heart rate, ECGs, and determines body composition. It’s a great accessory for Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Wear OS, and it pays homage to Tizen. You should note that some features are only available to Samsung users. This means that not everyone will be able to benefit from the Galaxy Watch 4.

7 . Fitbit Versa 3
The best smartwatch to track your sleep under $250

Fitbit Versa 3 is the smartwatch that’s best for advanced sleep tracking. On-board GPS is the most notable feature of the Versa 3. The Versa 3 can now track your location outdoors even if you have left your phone at home. You will also appreciate a larger, curvier display.

The Versa 3 now has Active Zone Minutes, a motivational feature that helps you get motivated to work out. Active Zone Minutes was introduced with the Fitbit Charge 4 as a standard Fitbit device. It monitors your exercise time in the cardio, fat burning, and peak heart-rate zones. You should aim to achieve the AHA’s 150 Active Zone minutes per week. You can also use your Fitbit Versa 3, to make phone calls or speak with voice assistants to answer questions. However, you can only activate one voice assistant at a time.

8. Amazfit GTR 3 Pro
The smartwatch that is best for large wrists

Amazfit Watches are a popular choice, particularly the larger Amazfit GTR 3 Pro. This smartwatch is the best yet by Amazfit. While we would prefer it to have more features for the price (no NFC), there are plenty of health and fitness features. The GTR 3 Pro is a great tool to measure your heart rate, blood oxygen and stress levels in one reading. It has a higher accuracy than the Amazfit GTR 2.

The watch’s built in apps, hands-free voice controls, and menu layouts allow you to tailor the watch to your specific needs. This smartwatch is not from the most expensive connected wearables, but it has up to 12 days battery life.