Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
The market for Android smartwatches has witnessed a remarkable expansion recently, presenting consumers with an unprecedented array of excellent choices. Following a period of limited innovation, the past few years have ushered in a surge of impressive devices. Today, navigating the landscape of Wear OS and other platforms reveals more compelling options than ever before.
The current smartwatch market, however, is characterized by fragmentation. Wear OS 5 is now available on leading models like Samsung’s Galaxy Watches, Google’s Pixel Watch 3, and will soon power the OnePlus Watch 3 upon its release later this month. Despite these advancements, the broader ecosystem is still evolving. Certain functionalities, such as Google Assistant, remain unavailable on some smartwatches running Wear OS 3, and widespread adoption of Wear OS 4 is still pending. Nonetheless, the Android wearable technology sphere continues to advance at a rapid pace.
$230
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic represents a modest yet appreciated enhancement, featuring a rotating bezel, improved battery performance, and a larger screen compared to its predecessors.
$350
The Pixel Watch 3 incorporates numerous new fitness capabilities, more luminous displays, and seamless Google integrations.
$140
Mobvoi’s TicWatch Pro 5 delivers exceptional battery longevity, outstanding fitness monitoring, and a rapid Snapdragon W5 Plus processor.
$100
The impressive Amazfit Active 2 offers remarkable value for its price point, featuring a comprehensive suite of health tracking functionalities, integrated GPS, and helpful AI chatbot assistance.
What We Evaluate in Smartwatches
Smartwatches are designed to aid users in monitoring notifications, health metrics, and physical activity levels. Our testing process encompasses a combination of standardized benchmark assessments and experiential, real-world usage evaluations. This involves wearing the devices during sleep, utilizing GPS features for outdoor activities such as runs and hikes, assessing performance during various workout routines, and comparing their accuracy against established control devices for metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and GPS precision. We also evaluate ease of pairing, notification management, and feature availability across different smartphone brands for Android watches (e.g., compatibility of Galaxy Watch features with Pixel phones). Our rankings are based on factors such as device resilience, operational performance, metric accuracy versus consistency, and, importantly, battery duration.
Historically, Android smartwatches have been hindered by outdated processors. A critical evaluation point is whether the internal chipset possesses sufficient power to smoothly operate Wear OS or the manufacturer’s proprietary operating system.
We assess if a smartwatch functions optimally within a specific company’s product ecosystem compared to others. A key question is whether a smartwatch purchase necessitates remaining within a single brand’s ecosystem or if it can seamlessly transition between different phone brands without feature limitations.
Currently, the majority of wearables offer robust fitness tracking capabilities. However, their proficiency in areas like smart home control, contactless payment solutions, and interaction with virtual assistants varies significantly across models and platforms.
Longevity and update frequency are crucial considerations. We assess the anticipated lifespan of a device and the likelihood of premature upgrades. Manufacturer communication regarding future software updates and feature enhancements is also evaluated to gauge ongoing support.
A fundamental aspect of smartwatch usability is battery performance. We determine if a device can operate for a full day on a single charge. If daily charging is necessary, we assess the availability and speed of fast-charging capabilities.
For users who prefer to wait for the Wear OS ecosystem to mature further, alternative platform-agnostic smartwatches and fitness-focused watches are readily available. Otherwise, it is important to consider the processor and Wear OS version powering a prospective smartwatch. Mobvoi, for example, has generally trailed behind Google and Samsung in deploying the latest Wear OS iterations. Furthermore, discerning between watches equipped with the advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus and the standard W5 chip is advisable. While the W5 Plus offers enhanced processing capabilities, the base W5 chip also provides commendable performance. The Pixel Watch 3 and OnePlus Watch 2, both utilizing the W5, have demonstrated significant improvements in both performance and battery efficiency.
Considering the aforementioned factors, Android users now have a broader selection of smartwatch options than ever before. I have curated a list of top recommendations, but if none of these meet your specific needs, our comprehensive fitness tracker guide is also available for consultation.
Top Smartwatch for Samsung Smartphone Users
$230
The Positives
- Enhanced battery performance
- Bezels reduced by 30 percent
- Wear OS 4 pre-installed
- Overall refinement compared to the previous generation
The Drawbacks
- Limited fundamental changes
- Optimal experience remains within the Samsung ecosystem
- Slightly increased price point
Sizes: 43mm, 47mm / Weight: 77g, 85g / Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with Always-On Display (AOD), 40 hours without AOD / Display Type: Always-on OLED / GPS: Integrated GPS / Connectivity: LTE (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters, IP68 / Music Storage: 16GB
Samsung smartphone owners will derive the most benefit from a Samsung smartwatch. Among Samsung’s current quartet of smartwatch offerings, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is particularly recommended. Despite the August launch of the Galaxy Watch 7, a Classic variant was not introduced at that time. This absence indicates potential upcoming discounts on the Classic model. Recommending a previous-generation device is not typical, but the enduring appeal of the physical rotating bezel warrants exception.
For users seeking the latest innovations, the Galaxy Watch 7 incorporates an upgraded 3nm Exynos W1000 chip and a novel 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor. While representing an incremental improvement over the 2023 models, the advancements may not be essential for all users. It also features Wear OS 5 and One UI 6 Watch, although Samsung is deploying the newer OS to older models, including the Galaxy Watch 6. The Watch 7 is primarily recommended for those who prefer a smaller form factor, do not prioritize a rotating bezel, and desire slightly enhanced future-proofing.
The Classic’s rotating bezel is 15 percent thinner than that of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The refined design is more streamlined than its predecessor, and the enlarged display, available in 43mm and 47mm sizes, enhances readability without significant bulk. Despite having smaller wrists, the 47mm model proved comfortable for daily wear. It launches with Wear OS 4, introducing extended battery life and, notably, cloud backup functionality. One UI 5 Watch also incorporates minor enhancements to health and sleep tracking, features that are expected to be extended to earlier models. While the Classic is personally favored, the standard Watch 6 model presents a compelling alternative for users seeking a smaller, lighter, more elegant, and more affordable smartwatch.
For individuals with a preference for outdoor activities, the $649.99 Galaxy Watch Ultra may be a more suitable option. Among Samsung’s smartwatch portfolio, it offers the most extended battery life, lasting approximately three days in our evaluations, although the advertised 100-hour battery duration was not consistently achieved. It incorporates dual-frequency GPS, a new multisport mode, an emergency siren, increased durability, 10ATM water resistance, and a customizable Quick Button. Effectively, it serves as an Android-compatible equivalent to the Apple Watch Ultra.
For budget-conscious consumers, the recently released $199.99 Galaxy Watch FE, which is essentially a rebranded Galaxy Watch 4, is another consideration.
$379
The Positives
- Extended battery runtime compared to standard Galaxy Watch models
- “Double pinch” gesture enhances usability
- Integration of dual-frequency GPS and sleep apnea detection
- More competitively priced than the Apple Watch Ultra
The Drawbacks
- Limited Samsung-specific enhancements
- “Squircle” design may be less suitable for smaller wrists
- Sleep apnea detection restricted to Galaxy smartphones
- “AGEs” health metric lacks clear practical value
The Samsung Health application offers a robust fitness tracking experience, notably including turn-by-turn navigation for hiking and cycling. While SpO2 readings were less impressive in our testing, Samsung’s sleep monitoring features continue to improve. Additional functionalities include built-in GPS, body composition analysis, irregular heart rate alerts, fall detection, emergency SOS, and EKG readings. Recent additions encompass a new Energy score, AI-driven wellness insights, FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, and the somewhat ambiguous AGEs Index metric for metabolic health. Though the Energy score demonstrates general accuracy, the AI-generated features were found to be inconsistent, and the AGEs Index appeared more as a gimmick than a practical tool. The AGEs Index functionality is also exclusive to the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra models.
It is generally not advisable to recommend Galaxy Watches for users outside the Samsung ecosystem. EKG and sleep apnea detection features necessitate the Samsung Health Monitor app, which is restricted to Samsung smartphones. While workarounds exist, Samsung smartwatches are optimized for use with Samsung devices.
Full Review: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Series
Best Android Smartwatch for Non-Samsung Smartphone Users
$350
The Positives
- Introduction of a larger size option
- Modest improvements in battery performance
- Extensive and useful Google integrations
- Enhanced running-focused updates
- “Readiness” and “Cardio Load” metrics accessible without subscription
The Drawbacks
- Optimized for use with Pixel smartphones
Sizes: 41mm, 45mm / Weight: 31g for 41mm, 37g for 45mm / Battery Life: Approximately 24 hours with AOD enabled / Display Type: Always-on OLED / GPS: Integrated GPS / Connectivity: LTE (optional), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Safety Signal with Fitbit Premium / Water Resistance: 5ATM / Music Storage: 32GB
The $349.99 Google Pixel Watch 3 has advanced beyond initial limitations. While Samsung smartwatches are generally recommended for Samsung smartphone users, the Pixel Watch 3 is highly recommended for all other Android users.
The Pixel Watch 3 incorporates several notable enhancements, primarily focusing on refinement and feature expansion. A significant update is the introduction of two size variants: 41mm and 45mm. The larger 45mm model offers increased screen area, while the 41mm version features reduced bezels. The displays have also been upgraded to brighter panels, ranging from 1 nit minimum to 2,000 nits maximum luminance.
Health and fitness tracking capabilities have also been significantly improved, particularly for runners. A new “Cardio Load” metric assesses cardiovascular exertion over time, similar to Garmin’s “Training Load.” A personalized Cardio Load target is provided based on fitness objectives, readiness, and current activity levels. Runners benefit from a dedicated dashboard displaying form analysis metrics and custom workout programming. AI-generated workout suggestions are also available. In regions such as Europe and the US, the Pixel Watch 3 now features pulse detection and automated emergency services calling in case of cessation of pulse.
The Pixel Watch 3 also integrates seamlessly with Google services. Users with Google-powered smart homes can directly access and interact with Nest Doorbell and camera feeds from their wrist. The watch can also function as a remote for Google TV, and new Google Home Tiles/complications streamline smart home control. Offline Google Maps and the ability to unlock Pixel phones are newly added features, alongside a “Call Assist” function that informs callers if the user needs additional time to answer.
While initially conceived as a universal Android smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3’s latest updates optimize the experience for Pixel smartphone users. However, compared to Samsung, platform lock-in is less pronounced. Health features, for instance, are broadly accessible via a Fitbit account. Google has also removed certain metrics, such as the Daily Readiness Score, from the Fitbit Premium subscription model. Pixel-exclusive features primarily include the Recorder application and phone unlocking via the smartwatch.
Durability remains a consideration. The domed display, while aesthetically pleasing, has shown vulnerability to damage in previous models, with screen cracks and scratches observed on the original Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 respectively. (The Pixel Watch 3 has thus far remained undamaged.) Google does not currently offer official repair services, but the Preferred Care extended warranty, available in the US and Canada, provides some protection against potential issues. While geographically limited, this warranty option is a step towards addressing durability concerns.
Full Review: Google Pixel Watch 3
Top Alternative to Google and Samsung Smartwatches
$210
The Positives
- Functional smartwatch performance
- Prolonged battery life
- Integration of Google Assistant at launch
- Competitive pricing
The Drawbacks
- No LTE variant available
- Android platform exclusivity
- Absence of EKG and fall detection features
- Single size option
Sizes: 47mm with 22mm straps / Weight: 49g case, 80g with strap / Battery Life: Up to 100 hours in smart mode, 48 hours with AOD on, and 12 days in power-saving mode / Display Type: OLED touchscreen / GPS: Dual-frequency GPS, Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS / Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water Resistance: 5ATM / Music Storage: 32GB
The $299.99 OnePlus Watch 2 signifies a significant improvement over its predecessor. While the original OnePlus Watch was considered deficient, the Watch 2 effectively addresses the gap left by Fossil’s departure from the Android smartwatch market, presenting a viable alternative to Google and Samsung.
The 47mm case may be substantial for users with smaller wrists and is, unfortunately, offered in a single size. However, it is constructed from durable stainless steel and sapphire crystal and integrates a 500mAh battery. This battery capacity, combined with a dual-chip architecture and an innovative dual OS system, contributes to exceptional battery life. Real-world battery performance will vary based on individual usage patterns, but approximately four days of typical use were observed during testing, which is remarkable for a flagship-level smartwatch.
It also features Wear OS 4, making it the sole third-party Wear OS smartwatch running the latest software iteration. (Watch 2 users can also anticipate receiving OS 5 updates in Q3.) Google Assistant is integrated from the outset, a notable achievement as this functionality has been problematic for other third-party Android watches. Access to the Google Play Store provides a broad app ecosystem. Fitness features include dual-frequency GPS, beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts navigating challenging GPS environments such as dense forests or urban areas.
The primary trade-offs involve the absence of LTE connectivity and certain health-related features like EKGs, atrial fibrillation detection, native period tracking, and fall detection. The lack of cellular capability is a limitation, potentially requiring users to keep their smartphones nearby when mobile. However, the $300 price point remains competitive and may be justified given the exceptional battery performance.
OnePlus has also recently announced the OnePlus Watch 3, which will feature Wear OS 5, a rotating crown with scrolling functionality, improved battery life, an enhanced GPS antenna, and expanded health features. Testing is ongoing, and a review will be published shortly. (Hands-on impressions are currently available.) It is worth noting that the Watch 3 is priced $30 higher. Conversely, the release of the Watch 3 is likely to drive down prices for existing OnePlus Watch 2 inventory in the near future.
Full Review: OnePlus Watch 2
Best Fitness-Focused Smartwatch for Android
$140
The Positives
- Extended multi-day battery performance
- Snapdragon W5 Plus chipset contributes to future-proofing
- Meaningful health tracking enhancements
- Ingenious ULP display for heart rate zone visualization
- Physical rotating crown for navigation
The Drawbacks
- App ecosystem complexity
- Marginal performance gains from W5 Plus compared to base W5
- No integrated digital assistant support
Sizes: 50mm with 24mm straps / Weight: 44.3g / Battery Life: Up to 80 hours / Display Type: OLED touchscreen and secondary ultra-low power display / GPS: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, Beidou / Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water Resistance: 5ATM / Music Storage: 32GB
Mobvoi’s TicWatch series has garnered a loyal following due to its exceptional battery life. The $249.99 TicWatch Pro 5 continues this tradition, boasting an estimated 80 hours of battery life under typical usage conditions, a secondary ultra-low power display, and a substantial 628mAh battery. While the full 80-hour claim was not consistently observed in testing, a robust 48-60 hours with extensive GPS use was achieved. This performance surpasses most competitors in its class (excluding the OnePlus Watch 2) and is particularly advantageous for backpackers and endurance athletes. While not comparable to specialized Garmin devices in extreme endurance scenarios, it provides smartwatch capabilities at a more accessible price point.
Beyond battery longevity, the Pro 5 is a strong contender for fitness-oriented individuals who seek smartwatch functionality without completely sacrificing smart features for a dedicated fitness-focused brand like Garmin or Polar. Durability is also enhanced. Mobvoi has incorporated a digital crown for easier menu navigation with gloved or sweaty hands. The flattened side button also minimizes accidental presses.
The Pro 5 also employs an innovative heart rate zone display. When the wrist is raised, the display backlight color shifts based on the current heart rate zone, enabling instant intensity assessment during workouts. New training metrics, including VO2 Max and recovery time estimations, are also included.
Fitness and health tracking competencies of the TicWatch Pro 5 encompass stress monitoring, continuous blood oxygen tracking, fatigue level assessment, and detection of atrial fibrillation and irregular heartbeats. For outdoor activities, it supports multiple GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) constellations and includes a barometer and compass application, as well as a one-tap measurement feature for quickly accessing five key health metrics (heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, stress level, respiratory rate, and overall heart health).
Productivity features are also comprehensive, including contactless payment capability, Play Store access, notification management, and call handling. It stands out as the only Android smartwatch currently available in the US with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus chip, providing enhanced future-proofing. Potential drawbacks include the 50mm case size, which may be oversized for smaller wrists, and the absence of a digital assistant integration.
Mobvoi has announced the rollout of Wear OS 4 in September, ensuring that all Pro 5 devices should now operate on the newer operating system version.
Full Review: Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
$219
The Positives
- Extended battery duration
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Comfortable wearability
- Attractive price point
- Introduction of period tracking
The Drawbacks
- Fewer sensors compared to ScanWatch 2
- Limitedly sized OLED display
Sizes: 37mm with 18mm straps / Weight: 45g / Battery Life: Up to 39 days / Display Type: OLED display / GPS: Tethered GPS / Connectivity: Bluetooth / Water Resistance: 5ATM / Music Storage: N/A
Hybrid smartwatches offer an elegant approach for users seeking simplicity and subtlety. The $249.95 Withings ScanWatch Light delivers fundamental smartwatch functionalities, including push notifications, timers, and alarms. Health tracking features encompass step counting, sleep monitoring, menstrual cycle tracking, and GPS-derived workout data (GPS functionality is reliant on tethering to a smartphone). The design evokes classic Swatch aesthetics, particularly in more vibrant color options like mint green or pale blue. The ScanWatch Light supersedes the previous recommendation, the Garmin Vivomove Sport, primarily due to its significantly extended battery life. Withings estimates up to 30 days on a single charge, a figure closely corroborated in testing with 25 days of usage. Despite the Vivomove Sport’s more appealing $180 price, its battery life is limited to approximately five days.
For users seeking more advanced hybrid features, the ScanWatch 2 is a viable alternative. At an additional $100, it incorporates EKG and atrial fibrillation detection, temperature sensors, SpO2 readings, and an altimeter for elevation measurement. Its design is also arguably more refined, partly due to a secondary dial indicating daily step progress.
If neither ScanWatch model aligns with individual aesthetic preferences, the Vivomove Sport remains a solid option and integrates with Garmin’s comprehensive platform. The Vivomove Trend, a slightly premium variant, adds Qi wireless charging support.
Full Review: Withings ScanWatch Light
Best Platform-Agnostic Fitness Smartwatch
$398
The Positives
- Solid battery performance
- Improved sleep tracking and nap detection
- EKG and AFib monitoring capabilities
- Call handling and smartphone voice assistant integration
- Effective audio meditation sessions
The Drawbacks
- Higher price compared to lifestyle-focused smartwatches
- Limited third-party application ecosystem
- No LTE connectivity option
Sizes: 41mm with 18mm straps; 45mm with 22mm straps / Weight: 40g for the 3S; 47g for the 3 / Battery Life: Up to 10 days for 3S; 14 days for 3 / Display Type: OLED touchscreen / GPS: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO / Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ant Plus, Wi-Fi / Water Resistance: 5ATM / Music Storage: 8GB
Garmin is renowned for robust GPS watches with extensive fitness features but comparatively limited smart functionalities. However, the $449.99 Venu 3 targets users who prioritize both advanced fitness tracking and practical smartwatch features.
It features a vibrant always-on OLED display and is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Similar to its predecessor, the Venu 2 Plus, it incorporates a microphone and speaker for direct call handling from the wrist. A resourceful workaround for digital assistant access utilizes Bluetooth to interface with the smartphone’s default assistant. While effective in testing, digital assistant command recognition remains somewhat variable. This approach to digital assistant integration, though logical, is not widely adopted by other fitness tracker manufacturers.
The Venu 3’s third-party app ecosystem is less extensive, but it includes Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music for offline playback. Android users can also send quick text replies, and the watch is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, enhancing versatility. Features such as fall detection, live tracking, and contactless payments are also included.
Health monitoring features include Garmin’s latest heart rate sensor, enabling an FDA-cleared EKG app for atrial fibrillation detection. Standard features include built-in GPS, continuous heart rate monitoring, comprehensive coaching features within the Garmin Connect app, and detailed health data analysis. The Venu 3 enhances sleep tracking with nap detection and introduces audio-guided meditation sessions. A dedicated wheelchair mode is also a new addition.
While not Garmin’s most rugged outdoor watch model, it is definitively its most versatile and smart-feature rich. The price, while higher than many smartwatches, is within the mid-range for Garmin products.
Full Review: Garmin Venu 3S
Best Budget-Friendly Android Smartwatch
$100
The Positives
- Extensive feature set relative to price
- Stylish design aesthetic
- Effective battery performance
The Drawbacks
- Touchscreen and voice command sensitivity issues
- Limited workout customization
- AI chatbot functionalities less impactful
Size: 43mm w/ 20mm straps / Weight: 29.5g for standard, 31.7g for premium / Battery Life: Up to 10 days / Display Type: OLED touchscreen / GPS: Five GNSS systems / Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi / Water Resistance: 5ATM / Music Storage: N/A
Amazfit has established itself as a manufacturer of affordable wearables that offer exceptional value. The $99.99 Amazfit Active 2 exemplifies this reputation.
The Active 2 presents a surprisingly refined design considering its price point. The standard version features a stainless steel case and tempered glass, while a premium variant, priced $30 higher, includes sapphire crystal and an additional leather strap. Typically, budget smartwatches do not elicit compliments; however, the Active 2 received multiple positive comments during wear.
While not operating on Wear OS, its proprietary Zepp OS provides a platform-agnostic smartwatch experience. Functionally, it offers a comprehensive set of features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation measurement, heart rate variability tracking, stress assessment, alerts for abnormal heart rate fluctuations, and skin temperature monitoring. Offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation, 160 sport activity profiles, and a new strength training mode with automatic repetition counting are included. While lacking dual-frequency GPS, the Active 2 provides access to five major GNSS satellite systems. Health tracking prioritizes trending metrics like readiness scores and incorporates a refined sleep monitoring algorithm. Battery life is rated at approximately 10 days, and testing yielded 8-9 days under heavy usage conditions.
A distinct feature of the Active 2 within its price bracket is the inclusion of an on-wrist AI assistant and AI chatbots accessible within the Zepp application. The Zepp Flow assistant (on-wrist) can be somewhat inconsistent but enables control of device settings and basic queries such as weather updates. The Zepp Aura AI bot, available at an additional $77 annual subscription, offers insights into readiness and sleep scores; its efficacy was found to be variable, but its integration within the application is seamless, responsive, and optional. The Zepp Coach, facilitating the generation of customized training schedules, is a more practically useful AI feature.
Overall, the Amazfit Active 2 presents few significant drawbacks relative to its affordable cost, offering exceptional value for money. Touchscreen responsiveness may be reduced with damp or sweaty fingers; ensuring dry fingertip contact is recommended for optimal operation.
Full Review: Amazfit Active 2
Update, April 6th: Pricing and availability adjustments incorporated, related links added, and text updated to reflect US availability of Google’s Loss of Pulse Detection feature, aligning with its European availability.