The best smartwatches in 2024 [Buyers guide]
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Smartwatches have really stepped up their game in the last few years. They started out pretty basic, but now, they're not just handy—they're practically a wrist essential for almost everyone. Today's smartwatches come loaded with all sorts of cool features.
Take the Apple Watch, for instance—it's like a pro at seamlessly connecting with the whole iOS world and has so many neat things going on. It's pretty much the go-to when you want a smartwatch that's not just stylish but super functional too.
Now, let's talk Samsung. The company have been on a serious journey to catch up lately. The switch from Tizen to the Google Wear OS train speaks for itself, and there's some copycat behavior lately that surely did raise some eyebrows. But here's the thing—the smartwatch market is buzzing like a beehive right now.
There are tons of choices, each catering to different tastes and needs, and it can feel a bit like navigating a maze. From the sleek Apple Watch to the Android-friendly Wear OS gadgets and the buzz around the new Pixel Watch, it's like being at a buffet with endless options.
So, let's cut to the chase and check out the best smartwatches you can snag in early 2024. Time to find your perfect match!
Best smartwatches in 2024, summarized list:
- Apple Watch Series 9 - the de facto best choice for iPhone users
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra - the rugged Ultra smartwatch for Android fans
- Apple Watch SE 2 - a more affordable version of the Apple Watch
- OnePlus Watch 2 - two brains on a watch?
- Apple Watch Ultrа 2 - second iteration of the rugged Apple Watch for professionals, divers, explorers, with a price tag to match
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 - Samsung's last-gen light and sporty smartwatch
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic - the return of the rotating bezel
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro - the Galaxy Watch goes Pro
- Google Pixel Watch 2 - Google's second attempt at the perfect Android smartwatch
- Garmin Forerunner 265/965 - the best smartwatch for runners
- Garmin Vivoactive 5 - Garmin's attempt at the mainstream smartwatch
- Fitbit Versa 4 - a solid budget smartwatch
- Huawei Watch Fit 3 - best bang for your buck
Apple Watch Series 9
The newly-unveiled Apple Watch Series 9 is easily the best smartwatch you can put on your wrist — with a rich app ecosystem as well as fleshed out health features. From heart-rate metering to ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, to sleep tracking and hand-washing reminders. It also tracks a good amount of workouts and is pretty much among the most accurate fitness trackers as well. Not to mention, it can go completely autonomous with an eSIM providing its own LTE connection. Supports Apple Pay.
The Apple Watch Series 9 features a brand-new S9 chipset, which is 30% faster than the one found in the previous generation. This has allowed Apple to move all Siri processing on the device itself, making it even more autonomous. Another cool new features is the "double tap" gesture. It allows you to pick up and end calls, stop a timer, play/pause music, snooze an alarm, all this by simply double tapping your thumb and index finger.
Last but not least, the screen brightness has been upgraded to a whopping 2,000 nits. This means you won't have any problems reading the display even under direct sunlight.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung unveiled its next Galaxy Watch series on July 10, and alongside the new foldable smartphones we got a brand new smartwatch model, the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Now, some people say that it's strongly inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra, but it doesn't really matter. What matters is that now Android users have a rugged watch to take on their adventures.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is the top of the line Samsung smartwatch sporting a titanium squircle design, a very bright 3,000-nit display, a hefty 590mAh battery, and a brand new Exynos 3nm SiP. There's a lot to like about this watch, starting from the battery life, which is extremely important when you need a reliable gadget on you adventures off the grid. The display is gorgeous and the new processor works like a charm. The watch boasts Wear OS 5, packed full of nice features and coming with the support of Google's app store.
The only drawback we see is the price, as the Galaxy Watch Ultra starts at $649, but if you just want all the features without the ruggedized treatment, there's always the regular Galaxy Watch 7.
Read More:Galaxy Watch Ultra review
Apple Watch SE 2
The Apple Watch SE 2 is the next iteration of the affordable Apple Watch. Don't let the word "affordable" fool you. It comes with the powerful S8 SiP, and still supports all of the apps and workouts available and it has the facelift design, such as thin bezels, unlike the Apple Watch Series 3, which looks pretty dated by now. The SE 2 also supports eSIM for autonomous use, and of course, Apple Pay.
You also get crash detection (a pretty useful feature), and the lowest starting price on an Apple Watch device, just $249! Overall, the Apple Watch SE 2 is the best smartwatch for Apple users who don't really need all the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterpart.
OnePlus Watch 2
![This smartwatch has two operating systems! (image by PhoneArena) - The best smartwatches in 2024 [Buyers guide]](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/413592-image/OnePlus-Watch-2-review-Battery-champ-with-two-brains-and-some-issues.jpg)
This smartwatch has two operating systems! (image by PhoneArena)
The second attempt of OnePlus at the smartwatch for the masses has an interesting twist. It comes with two separate operating systems. One is the full-fledged WearOS, with every feature you may need onboard, while the other serves as a low-power alternative for the times when you just want the watch to passively take your vitals and measure things in the background.
You also get all the sensors you'll ever need, including a heart-rate sensor that can measure SpO2 levels, dual GPS, barometer and geomagnetic sensor and more. There are tons of activities the watch can track, and these include your sleep, alongside stress levels, and various exercises (100+ activities).
Finally, the battery life is great thanks to the dual-OS setup and also the big physical battery inside (500mAh), and if you don't mind the bulky size, this $299 smartwatch might be the right one for you.
- Check out our full OnePlus Watch 2 review
Apple Watch Ultrа 2
This is the newest, most expensive Apple Watch, and for good reason. It's the second iteration of the "Ultra" concept and perfects and polishes the rugged Apple Watch experience. It delivers the same long battery life, and superb ruggedness, as its predecessor, while borrowing some new hardware and features from the Apple Watch Series 9. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 now features the latest S9 SiP, allowing for Siri on device, and a better Find My function.
The new double-tap gesture is also present on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, allowing for one-hand operation by tapping your thumb and index fingers twice. The screen brightness has also been upgraded and now it's 3,000 nits, the highest in any smartwatch to date!
Just like the previous model, this Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not meant for the average person, but for divers, explorers, and professionals, who need something reliable and rugged, that can withstand both submersion under water, extreme heat, or extreme cold.
Check out our Apple Watch Ultra 2 preview to learn more about this unique variant.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Samsung's Galaxy Watch line is pretty respectable as an Android-friendly alternative to the Apple Watch. The new Galaxy Watch 7 is an evolution of the previous model, but this is not a bad thing. The Galaxy Watch 6 did so many things right that the tweaks on the Galaxy Watch 7 make it an even better proposition for smartwatch fans.
The new model comes with most of the bells and whistles of the Ultra version, barring the rugged design. The Galaxy Watch 7 features the same Exynos W1000 3nm processor, the same Galaxy AI-powered fitness and wellness suggestions, the new and more accurate BioActive sensor and the same 3000-nit display as the Ultra model.
The only big difference, apart from the rugged design, is the smaller battery, but it's a small price to pay, after all, the Galaxy Watch 7 is almost half the price of the Ultra. It's currently one of the best Android smartwatches on the market.
- Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 review here
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Much like the Galaxy Watch 6, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic uses Wear OS, and is currently only compatible with Android phones. This year Samsung decided to bring back the physical rotating bezel, so if you like that particular design, this model is for you. Samsung also ditched the "Pro" model from last year and reverted the naming scheme to its "Classic" ways.
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a timeless watch design and IP68 water and dust resistance. It can monitor your steps, calories burned, your stress levels, and body composition, plus it can automatically detect when you start training. In fact, it's very much designed for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts!
- Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic review here
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
The previous year's Galaxy Unpacked event made quite an impact, introducing a fresh addition in the form of the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. The Galaxy Watch went "Pro." This change signified a departure from the ordinary, and a focus on high-quality materials like titanium and sapphire.
This smartwatch is available in a single size, a 45mm diameter, and despite its hefty appearance, its titanium construction keeps it surprisingly lightweight at just 46.5 grams. Samsung opted for a more cautious and evolutionary approach rather than a revolutionary one. While there are certainly improvements, they are mostly subtle in nature.
Beneath the protective sapphire glass, you'll find a stunning 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display boasting a high pixel density of 450x450. The titanium frame houses two physical buttons on the right side. The watch is equipped to monitor various health metrics thanks to its BioActive sensor, and it operates with remarkable speed, thanks to the dual-core Exynos W920 processor and 1.5GB of RAM.
This smartwatch is available in a single size, a 45mm diameter, and despite its hefty appearance, its titanium construction keeps it surprisingly lightweight at just 46.5 grams. Samsung opted for a more cautious and evolutionary approach rather than a revolutionary one. While there are certainly improvements, they are mostly subtle in nature.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Google's newly-released second iteration of the Pixel Watch comes with some needed improvements. The battery now lasts longer, the chipset inside is faster and grants that fluid response in the UI, and there are new and improved sensors onboard.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 retains the stylish and minimalistic design from its predecessor and irons out some of the annoying bugs that the first-gen device displayed back when it was launched.
Some might say it's still not on par with the Apple Watch but Google is making huge efforts to offer something unique to Android users, and it's good for the smartwatch market and the users. The Pixel Watch 2 gets many things right: the heart-rate sensor is better, there's a temperature sensor and an impedance one, the watch is fast, sleek and can go the extra mile when it comes to stamina. Its Fitbit integration is an added bonus for all the sporty types out there, too. Good job, Google.
- Read our full Google Pixel Watch 2 review here
Garmin Forerunner 265/965
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The latest addition to the Forerunner range perfects the smartwatch for runners. There are two models, the budget 265 and the flagship 965. The top model comes with extras such as titanium bezel, multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology which will grant you a GPS lock even in tricky conditions and environments, days of battery life, stunning AMOLED display, and of course, some of the best running tools in the business.
The Garmin Forerunner 265 trims down some of the panage to lower the asking price and give everyone an affordable alternative without sacrificing the core running features. This watch comes with smaller battery and can last up to 15 days (compared to the 28 of the 965 model), and there are no fancy materials onboard. However, the same sensors and training software is present, as well as a great AMOLED screen. All this, at considerably lower price.
Garmin Vivoactive 5
People know Garmin mainly for the great runner's watches, but the Vivoactive line has been producing some decent all-around smartwatches through the years. The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is the latest iteration of that idea.
This watch offers a gorgeous OLED display and four days of battery life, making your Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch models ashamed. Granted, all this comes with some compromises in the features department; the Garmin OS is still a bit behind on some functionality, but on the other hand, the sports tracking is great.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is sleek and lightweight; it has a built-in GPS; and you can upload your music to the watch. There's also the option to use the watch for mobile payments; you can, of course, track your sleep, get notifications, etc. All this at a very reasonable price.
This watch offers a gorgeous OLED display and four days of battery life, making your Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch models ashamed. Granted, all this comes with some compromises in the features department; the Garmin OS is still a bit behind on some functionality, but on the other hand, the sports tracking is great.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is sleek and lightweight; it has a built-in GPS; and you can upload your music to the watch. There's also the option to use the watch for mobile payments; you can, of course, track your sleep, get notifications, etc. All this at a very reasonable price.
- Read our full Garmin Vivoactive 5 review here
Fitbit Versa 4
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The Fitbit Versa 4 introduced several notable improvements while maintaining the super affordable price the model is known for. It effectively addressed two major concerns: the ease of switching watch faces and significantly improved health measurements compared to its predecessor.
The Fitbit Versa 4 excels in various aspects: boasting a sleek and lightweight design, it offers automatic exercise tracking, comprehensive sleep monitoring, heart-rate tracking, SpO2 readings, GPS functionality, NFC support, and more. Furthermore, it is capable of withstanding water up to 50 meters (5ATM) and boasts an impressive one-week battery life.
However, in order to maintain its competitive price, certain compromises were made. The watch lacks LTE connectivity and wireless charging, and the app's selection is somewhat limited. The bezels surrounding the display remain relatively large, and the quick-release band mechanism may be somewhat inconvenient. Nonetheless, these drawbacks are minor when we take the price tag into account. If you want a solid smartwatch at a decent price, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a great option.
The Fitbit Versa 4 excels in various aspects: boasting a sleek and lightweight design, it offers automatic exercise tracking, comprehensive sleep monitoring, heart-rate tracking, SpO2 readings, GPS functionality, NFC support, and more. Furthermore, it is capable of withstanding water up to 50 meters (5ATM) and boasts an impressive one-week battery life.
Huawei Watch Fit 3
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Good looking and not expensive, what else can you possibly want?
The Huawei Watch Fit 3 is a strange bird. Some might say that it's suspiciously similar to an Apple Watch SE, but we would argue otherwise. Despite some design similarities, these two are different and serve different purposes. The Watch Fit 3 has amazing battery life and Huawei's great health and fitness tracking. In some sense it's the same platform used in much more expensive watches such as the Huawei Watch Ultimate, or the GT series.
The display is great and very, very bright, the controls are simple, and the materials used - premium. This watch has days of battery life and costs just 159 euros (around $170). This package had to land on our list. It's up there with other much more expensive watches.
- Read our full Huawei Watch Fit 3 review
Which one's going on your wrist?
There we have them, the best fitness smartwatches, health tracking smartwatches or simply elegant ones you can get right now in early 2024. Ultimately (and unsurprisingly) the Apple Watch Series 8 is the best smartwatch for those who are into Apple's ecosystem, while Samsung's Galaxy Watch series are the best smartwatches for fans of the Korean giant and Android users in general, even if those work well enough with iOS also.
Also see: Best Android smartwatch to get right now
If you're still unsure whether you even need a smartwatch, we have the following helpful article for you - Do you really need a smartwatch? In it, we take a look into how a smartwatch works, whether smartwatches are worth it and how they can help you in your daily life.
Things to look out for when buying a smartwatch
- Operating System: Choose a smartwatch with an operating system that aligns with your smartphone. The main options are watchOS (for Apple Watches) and Wear OS (for Android-based watches). There are other proprietary smartwatch operating systems out there, so be sure to check the compatibility with your smartphone before you buy.
- Design and Comfort: Consider the design, size, and weight of the smartwatch. Opt for a style that complements your fashion sense and ensure it feels comfortable on your wrist for daily wear.
- Battery Life: Look for a smartwatch with good battery life to avoid frequent charging. Consider your usage patterns and how long the battery lasts under various conditions. You could also opt for a hybrid smartwatch if battery life is one of your primary concerns.
- Fitness and Health Features: Check the range of fitness and health tracking features, such as step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress tracking. Some watches also offer ECG and blood oxygen level measurements. Samsung, for example, offers body composition measurements, and some watches can even take your blood pressure.
- GPS and NFC: If you're a fitness enthusiast or need contactless payments, ensure the smartwatch has built-in GPS for accurate tracking and NFC for mobile payments like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Verify the smartwatch's IP rating for water and dust resistance. This is essential if you plan to use it during workouts or in wet environments.
- Price: Set a budget and compare different models within that range. Consider the features offered in relation to the price to get the best value for your money.
- Updates and Support: Check if the manufacturer regularly provides software updates and customer support to ensure the smartwatch remains relevant and functional over time.
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