The best smartwatch is more than just a way to get smartphone notifications on your wrist. The device has to be everything in one. A fitness tracker, a wallet, and in some cases, even a phone.
The best smartwatch can even save your life, by alerting you to an elevated heart rate, and even connect you automatically to emergency services if you fall.
Among all of the smartwatches, the Apple Watch has the most developed ecosystem when it comes to apps, which means you can do far more with it can other smartwatches.
Apple Watch has the most developed platform. It’s also the most attractive, and, arguably, more technologically advanced than its competitors.
we’re recommending the Apple Watch Series 5 as the best smartwatch available to buy right now. But, there are of course alternatives because if you have an Android device, the Apple Watch won’t cut it. we’ve also got a selection of brilliant alternatives for those who don’t have an iPhone.
The best smartwatches you can buy today
1. Apple Watch Series 5
Apple Watch Series 5 is powered by the Apple S5 processor. The tablet comes with a 1.78 inches LTPO OLED capacitive touchscreen and 448 x 368 pixels resolution. The screen of the device is protected by Sapphire crystal glass.
The phone’s sensors include Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, and compass along with Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode).
The Apple Watch Series 5‘s always-on display makes a meaningful difference in user experience, especially when working out. Now when you glance at your wrist, you’ll always be able to tell the time, with the Apple Watch automatically adjusting to the conditions around you with the help of an ambient light sensor.
That always-on display doesn’t drain the watch’s battery, either, though you’ll still want to charge your Apple Watch nightly, as it lacks the multiday battery life that other smartwatches offer.
Apple’s latest watch also includes a built-in compass, which comes in handy while hiking or star-gazing, and also makes Maps more useful by showing you which direction you’re facing at all times.
Series 5 looks identical to Series 4, but the newer model comes in fresh finishes — titanium and ceramic — and offers the same advanced health features we loved in the Series 4. This is the best smartwatch you can buy.
2. SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH ACTIVE2
If you prefer Android phones to the iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is a very worthy competitor. This is the best smartwatch if you’re an Android user, with a sleek design and powerful hardware.
Let’s start with the circular screen, which is certainly on par with the Apple Watch, so too is the gorgeous, streamlined design. It comes packing some neat abilities as well, such as Blood Pressure monitoring, the ability to take ECG readings, and water resistance.
A collection of new, information-filled watch faces gives it a modern edge, and while it lacks quality third party apps we think you’ll find the built-in apps sufficient. Overall, it’s a very compelling package.
3. FOSSIL SPORT
The way we look at it, the best technology is always going to combine performance and value. You don’t want to pay too much, but you also don’t want something that barely works.
That’s why when we’re presented with a smartwatch that’s right down the middle, like the Fossil Sport, we pay attention.
This mid-range smartwatch is focused primarily on fitness and is built for the task. It’s light, attractive, and durable. It even comes with a sporty silicone strap.
The hardware is also suitably up to date, but it’s not exactly bursting with high-end features. The question, then, is going to be how well this all translates to real-world performance.
So, is the Fossil Sport the best smartwatch for you? For avid runners, it just might be the best smartwatch. However, those looking for a premium accessory might want to look elsewhere, especially if you’re using iOS.
4. TAG HEUER CONNECTED MODULAR 45
The Modular 45 is undeniably a class above its Android Wear siblings, and aesthetically preferable to the most expensive Apple Watch variants, which are the only rivals in the ‘luxury smartwatch’ market. It feels more ‘watch-like’ than any other rival too.
The Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 is the premium watch brand’s latest attempt to create a fashionable wristwatch that can also provide the same functionality you’d get on other Android Wear products.
This is an expensive but the best smartwatch, offering Android Wear 2.0 functionality in an arguably more attractive package.
Smartwatches aren’t always designed with a fashion focus, but the Tag Heuer has exactly that. But is the premium design and fashion brand enough to pull you in and get you to spend quite a bit more than you would on the other Android Wear products on the market.
Don’t expect the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 45 to be cheap; this is one of the most expensive smartwatches on the market.
5. HUAWEI WATCH GT 2
The Huawei Watch GT 2 is different from every other best smartwatch on this list – it’s a mix between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker.
It looks like a smartwatch, and it has a great, high-resolution screen. It can even run basic system apps (like a calendar) and notify you about calls and messages. It can’t run third-party apps, however, and you can’t personalize the watch faces (although there are a selection to choose from).
Its main focus is on fitness tracking, with the Watch GT 2 keeping tabs on your lifestyle and exercises. It has a heart-rate sensor and GPS. Of course, without the integration of Strava or other fitness apps, this is more likely to appeal to fitness novices rather than road warriors.
What’s most impressive is that the battery life lasts around two weeks, meaning, theoretically, you’ll only have to charge it 27 times a year.
The Huawei Watch GT 2 is a weird sell, but if basic fitness tracking, notifications, and long battery life are key, then this could be the best smartwatch for you.