Technology Elevation
Watches have finally become, well, smart. The famous calculator watch has been around since the 1970s. The newest smartwatches can do a lot more than tell time. They can connect to apps, mirror smartphone notifications, and even track your heart rate. Which one should you buy, though?
The very Best Smartwatches are great for keeping fit. They are designed to track your activity, record your workouts, and inform you about your health and recovery. Yes, but they do a lot more. Today’s best smartwatches connect to your phone and send notifications and even phone calls to your wrist. They also make it easy to access many apps, such as timers, meditation apps, weather information, and much more.
As long as you want to keep up your healthy habits, wearing a smartwatch can help. Smartwatches motivate many people to work out and move around because they give them essential information like their pace, the time they’ve been working out, and how many calories they’ve burned. Some even remind you to stand up and take some steps.
Here are some of our favorites to help you make up your mind. Also, you should know what to look for, so read our buying guide at the end.
Top 8 Best Smartwatches 2024
1. Apple Watch Series 9
Best Smartwatch for iPhone Owners Overall
Many lifestyle, fitness, health, and safety tools are built into the Apple Watch Series 9. It also has the best selection of third-party apps for any smartwatch. The brighter display in the latest model (2,000 nits vs. 1,000 nits in the previous generation) makes it easier to see outside without draining the battery.
Its new S9 SiC chip adds even more features, such as Siri processing on the device, accurate device finding with the iPhone 15 family, and the ability to use with one hand by double-tapping. With these improvements, the Series 9 is still the best smartwatch for most people who work with iPhones.
Apple Watch Series 9 has many features that will help you stay connected, keep an eye on your health, and track your fitness. The Series 9 is our Editors’ Choice winner. It’s worth the extra money over the Watch SE because it has a bigger screen, an option for an always-on display, and better health-tracking features.
You can get the Apple Watch Series 9 in a 41mm (small) or 45mm (large) aluminum or stainless steel case. It comes with Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi; you can also add cellular connectivity. Models made of stainless steel and cells cost more. All aluminum Series 9 models are carbon neutral with a new Sport Loop band, shown by a green leaf logo on the box.
Specifications
- Brand: Apple
- Model Name: Apple Watch Series 9
- Color: Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band
- Unique Feature: Cycle Tracking, Activity Tracker, GPS, Voice Control, Heart Rate Monitor
- Compatible Devices: iPhone
REASONS TO BUY
- A strong processor
- Double-tap to use without using your hands
- On the device, Siri
- Option for a carbon-neutral build
REASONS TO AVOID
- Design that is familiar to older generations
Related: Best Smartwatch For Teenager | A Comprehensive Guide
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Best Android Compatible Smartwatch Overall
In every way, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 looks like a smartwatch. It fits nicely on your wrist and has useful features. The bigger Super AMOLED screen is sharp and clear, and it can handle scenes outside that are very bright.
Regarding performance, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is fast, but it works best when paired with a Samsung smartphone. Also, this doesn’t work with iPhones.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6‘s updated chipset, the Exynos W930, and the ability to track your body’s muscle and fat composition are the best things about this. With detailed sleep tracking, it’s almost the perfect fitness tool that will help you get the most out of every day. That battery life of only one day is a shame, though.
Specifications
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: Galaxy Watch 6
- OS: Wear OS (One UI Watch 5)
- Processor: Exynos W930
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE
- Color: Graphite, Gold, Hybrid Cream, Mint, Black, Hybrid Blue, Silver, Etoupe, etc
REASONS TO BUY
- The screen is more extensive and brighter than the last model.
- Active sensor for skin temperature
- Automatic workout detection that you can trust
- Two case sizes and LTE connectivity is an option
REASONS TO AVOID
- Battery life of one day
- Some minor problems with work-out heart rate accuracy
3. Google Pixel Watch 2
Best Smartwatch for Pixel Users and Fitness Tracking
People who have a Pixel phone should get the Google Pixel Watch 2. A smartwatch that works with all Google apps and tracks your fitness using Fitbit’s platform is very appealing. In many ways, the Pixel Watch is the best of both worlds. It combines the best Wear OS experience with Fitbit’s all-around health tracking, even better if you pay for Fitbit Premium. You can stay in touch and get active with the many tools that come with it.
But the Google Pixel Watch 2 could be better: the thick bezels and only one size option will still turn off some users because of their appearance. Luckily, the Google Pixel Watch 2 has a longer battery life than the first one, which makes up for it. Also, we love the new Safety Check feature, which lets emergency contacts know where you are when you might need their help the most.
Specifications
- Brand: Google
- Model Name: Google Pixel Watch 2
- OS: Wear OS
- Color: Matte Black, Champagne Gold, Polished Silver
- Unique Feature: Body Temperature Monitor, ECG, Always On Display, Fall Detection
- Shape: Round
REASONS TO BUY
- Sensor that detects stress
- Safety Check button
- longer battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
- Large bezel
- Can’t charge wirelessly
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Pro 5
Best High-end Samsung Smartwatch
To help people who like being outside, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review is big, bold, and brash. Its AMOLED screen is twice as durable as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4’s and is twice as smooth. The Pro has all the new health features, plus a route workout GPS feature that lets you carefully plan your route with turn-by-turn directions.
You can get the best of both worlds with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. It has the power of a Garmin watch and the style of a Wear OS device. It has a battery life of 80 hours, longer than most smartwatches and many other Wear OS watches.
Specifications
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Color: Black, Gray
- Screen Size: 45 Millimeters
- Unique Feature: Activity Tracker, Blood Pressure Monitor, Daily Workout Memory, Elevation Tracker, Multisport Tracker
- Shape: Round
REASONS TO BUY
- Excellent performance
- Interesting new software
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not very compatible
- Not a rotating bezel
5. Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen
Best Affordable Apple Smartwatch
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen is the cheapest and smallest smartwatch in the company. The new model isn’t a vast improvement over the first one, but Apple has lowered the price by $30, improved the processor, added a motion sensor for Crash Detection, and changed the back cover to be better for the environment.
It doesn’t have an always-on screen or health sensors like ECG, SpO2, or temperature. But for $150 less, it has almost all of the other safety, fitness, and connectivity features of the Series 9.
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen is a good choice for people buying their first smartwatch, kids, teens, and older adults. It even works with Apple’s Family Setup, which lets you control the watch for a family member who doesn’t have an iPhone.
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen is an excellent choice for people on a budget, but the Series 9 is still our Editors’ Choice because it has better health-tracking features and an option for an always-on display.
Specifications
- Brand: Apple
- Model Name: Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)
- Color: Silver Aluminum, Midnight Aluminum
- Screen Size: 40 Millimeters, 44 Millimeters
- Unique Feature: Cycle Tracking, Activity Tracker, GPS, Voice Control, Heart Rate Monitor
- Shape: Rectangular
REASONS TO BUY
- Processor upgrade from the last model
- A new motion sensor that can detect crashes has been added.
- Longer battery life in real-life
- Easy to carry
- Great selection of apps and safety features
- Not as expensive as the first-generation model
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not an always-on screen
- It does not have sensors for ECG, SpO2, or body temperature
- There is no rating for dust resistance
6. Ticwatch E3
Best Affordable Android Smartwatch with Wear OS
Though the TicWatch E3 is a cheap smartwatch, it has many features for its cheapness. The phone has a big screen, fast performance, and many health and fitness features, like tracking exercise, stress, sleep, and more. The battery life is two days.
While the TicWatch E3’s screen is LCD instead of OLED, and it looks and feels a bit cheap, that’s just because it is cheap. It also felt light and durable in our tests.
If you want a smartwatch that looks good, this isn’t it. But if you want one that does all the basic things you’d expect, has longer battery life than some more expensive options, and doesn’t cost too much, the TicWatch E3 is a good choice.
Specifications
- Brand: Ticwatch
- Model Name: Ticwatch E3
- Unique Feature: Health Monitor, GPS
- Shape: Round
- Compatible Devices: Smartphone
- Display Type: HD
REASONS TO BUY
- Large display
- Fast performance
REASONS TO AVOID
- Looks simple
- Casing feels cheap
Related: 10 Best Smartwatches in Budget
7. Fitbit Versa 3
That being said, the Fitbit Versa 3 is one of the best fitness trackers you can wear on your wrist. Even though Google owns Fitbit, the Google Pixel Watch isn’t as good as the best Fitbit wearable for automatically tracking your fitness.
It’s comfortable to wear, has GPS built in, and the screen is easy to see with a clear picture. Like other Fitbit smartwatches, the Fitbit Versa 3 is mainly for fitness fans and might not work for everyone. But the Fitbit Versa 3 is a good choice for people who like wearable tech. It’s also cheaper than some of the other options on this list.
Specifications
- Brand: Fitbit
- Model Name: Fitbit Versa
- Color: Black/Black Aluminum, Midnight Blue Aluminum, Pink Aluminum, Gold Aluminum
- Unique Feature: Time Display, Text Messaging, GPS, Notifications, Heart Rate Monitor
REASONS TO BUY
- Built-in GP
- Lightweight and comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Poor side button
- No offline Spotify
8. Garmin Venu Sq 2
Best Battery Life Smartwatch
Garmin Venu Sq 2 stands out because it is so helpful in a market total of fitness smartwatches. It has a big AMOLED color touch screen that is shaped to make it easier to read text than round screens. The Venu Sq 2’s battery life is also perfect. In tests, it ran for up to nine days with light use between charges.
The second-generation Sq model, like the more expensive Venu 2 series, is a fitness-first wearable with a complete set of tools for tracking workouts and health. It also has useful features for everyday life, like weather and calendar apps, vibrating alarms, smartphone notifications, and support for Garmin Pay mobile payments.
Choose the Garmin Venu Sq 2 as the best fitness-focused smartwatch you can buy reasonably. It works with phones that have at least iOS 15 or Android 7.0 because it pairs with them through the Garmin Connect app. Garmin also sells a base model and a Music Edition for an extra $50. The Music Edition has storage for up to 500 songs on board.
Specifications
- Brand: Garmin
- Model Name: Venu Sq 2
- Color: Cream Gold and White, Slate and Shadow Gray, Cool Mint, Slate and Black, Peach Gold and Ivory, and Cream Gold and French Gray
- Unique Feature: Multisport Tracker, Activity Tracker, Alarm Clock, GPS, Notifications
REASONS TO BUY
- Big AMOLED screen
- Battery life for a week
- Light design
- A lot of health checks
- No-touch payments
- Built-in GPS
REASONS TO AVOID
- Doesn’t keep track of floors climbed
- Preloaded workouts don’t move.
- There are a few features of living
Types of Best Smartwatches 2024
Fitness-Oriented Smartwatches:
These smartwatches are designed with health and fitness tracking in mind. They offer heart rate monitoring, step counting, and GPS tracking. Popular options include the Apple Watch Series 7 and Garmin Forerunner series.
Lifestyle and Fashion Smartwatches:
These smartwatches focus on aesthetics and design. They often include customizable watch faces and bands to match your style. The Fossil Gen 6 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 are great examples.
Hybrid Smartwatches:
Hybrid smartwatches blend the traditional analog watch design with smart features. They typically offer basic notifications and fitness tracking. Skagen Jorn and Withings Steel HR are popular choices.
Rugged and Outdoor Smartwatches:
Built to withstand harsh conditions, these smartwatches are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. They are water-resistant, dustproof, and can endure extreme temperatures. The Garmin Instinct series and Casio Pro Trek are well-regarded options.
Luxury Smartwatches:
Luxury smartwatches combine high-end materials and craftsmanship with smart capabilities. Brands like TAG Heuer, Rolex, and Louis Vuitton offer exquisite options for those who appreciate style and technology.
Kids Smartwatches:
Designed for younger users, kids’ smartwatches provide essential features like location tracking and parental controls. Examples include the VTech KidiZoom and the Garmin Vivofit Jr. series.
Budget-Friendly Smartwatches:
These are cost-effective options that offer essential smart features without breaking the bank. Amazfit Bip and Wyze Watch are good choices for budget-conscious consumers.
Finding the best smartwatch in 2024 means aligning your choice with your lifestyle and preferences.
What To Look For While Buying Best Smartwatch
When hunting for the best smartwatch in 2024, it’s essential to consider a range of critical factors that will guide your decision. Here’s what to keep in mind as you embark on this search for the perfect wrist companion:
Compatibility with Your Device:
Ensure the smartwatch you’re eyeing is fully compatible with your smartphone’s operating system. This compatibility ensures seamless communication and synchronization, allowing your smartwatch to work harmoniously with your phone.
Design and Build Quality:
The aesthetics of a smartwatch matter. Explore the various designs and materials available for cases and bands. The choice ranges from stainless steel and aluminum to titanium silicone and leather to metal bands. Opt for the one that best matches your style.
Display Features:
Delve into the world of display technology. Different smartwatches come with AMOLED, LCD, or e-ink displays. Consider the size and resolution of the screen, as a vibrant, high-resolution display ensures that you can see and interact with your device, even in outdoor conditions.
Battery Life:
Battery life is a critical factor. Longer battery life means less frequent charging. Look for a smartwatch that can last the duration you require. Some models can keep running for several days, while others might need daily recharging.
Fitness and Health Tracking:
For fitness enthusiasts, scrutinize the smartwatch’s fitness tracking capabilities. Check the accuracy of sensors for heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, sleep analysis, and activity tracking. Ensure it supports the specific sports and activities you engage in.
Health Features:
Explore the health-related features offered by the smartwatch, such as ECG monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, or fall detection. These features can play a crucial role in your overall well-being.
App Ecosystem:
The availability and quality of third-party apps can significantly enhance the functionality of your smartwatch. Look for a device with a robust app ecosystem to cater to your unique needs.
Water Resistance:
If you intend to use your smartwatch in aquatic environments or wet conditions, consider a model with a good water-resistance (ATM) rating.
Connectivity Options:
Ensure that the smartwatch features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. These are essential for syncing your watch with your smartphone and other devices. Cellular connectivity is valuable if you need your smartwatch to function independently.
Budget:
Establish a budget and then explore the available options within your price range. While high-end luxury smartwatches come with a premium price tag, there are also budget-friendly alternatives that offer excellent features and performance.
Brand Reputation:
Trust well-established brands renowned for their reputation, reliability, and quality. Companies like Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit have solid footholds in the smartwatch market.
User Reviews:
Dive into user reviews and seek expert opinions to gain insights into real-world performance and user satisfaction. Reading about the experiences of others can be incredibly informative.
Warranty and Support:
Check the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support options. A reliable support system is invaluable if you encounter any issues with your smartwatch.
FAQs – Best Smartwatch
Q: What are the key features to consider when choosing the best smartwatch for my needs in 2024?
A: When selecting a smartwatch in 2024, consider factors such as the operating system (e.g., Wear OS, watchOS), compatibility with your smartphone, battery life, fitness tracking capabilities, design, and the availability of third-party apps. Also, consider the specific features you require, whether GPS, heart rate monitoring, or voice assistance.
Q: Are the best smartwatches 2024 water-resistant, and what activities can I safely use them for?
A: Many of the top smartwatches in 2024 are water-resistant, but the level of water resistance varies. Most are suitable for everyday activities, including swimming, showering, and rain exposure. However, not all are designed for deep-sea diving, so check the water resistance rating and manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure your chosen watch can handle your intended activities.
Q: Can I sync these smartwatches with widespread health and fitness apps to monitor my wellness and workouts efficiently?
A: Many of the best smartwatches in 2024 can sync with widespread health and fitness apps. They often provide seamless integration with apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit, and more, allowing you to track your workouts, monitor your heart rate, record sleep patterns, and manage your overall wellness effectively.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the world of smartwatches in 2024 is more exciting and diverse than ever. With a wide range of options, you can find the perfect companion to suit your lifestyle, whether for fitness tracking, seamless smartphone integration, or a blend of both. Our top 8 picks represent the best in class, catering to various needs and preferences.
When considering your ideal smartwatch, remember to assess the key factors, from compatibility and operating systems to battery life and fitness tracking features. This will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your requirements.
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