The best smartwatches to buy in 2026
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a great package | Image by PhoneArena
The best smartwatch is an elusive beast. What's important to one person might be irrelevant to another. Some value battery life over everything else, while others prefer the robust set of features and don't mind charging their smartwatch every day.
But one thing is certain. Smartwatches have come a long way. These little gadgets started out pretty basic, but now they're not just handy—they're practically a wrist essential for almost everyone. And the good news is that there are models for every taste and preference.
The Apple Watch is essential for everyone rocking an iPhone and enjoying the ecosystem, for example. Samsung has its own lineup of Galaxy Watches with models and variants, and if you're focused on training, let's say running a marathon, Garmin has a special lineup dedicated to helping you achieve that.
So, what's the best smartwatch in 2026? We've arranged all viable options in different categories, depending on the platform and brand, and will quickly list all the pros and cons to help you make an informed buying decision.
These are the top-rated smartwatches in 2026.
So, what's the best smartwatch in 2026? We've arranged all viable options in different categories, depending on the platform and brand, and will quickly list all the pros and cons to help you make an informed buying decision.
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Best overall smartwatch
Apple Watch Ultrа 3
The ultra-rugged Apple Watch in all of its glory | Image by PhoneArena
Why I Picked it?
This is the newest, most expensive Apple Watch, and for good reason. It's the third iteration of the "Ultra" concept and perfects and polishes the rugged Apple Watch experience. I enjoyed the longer battery life at up to 42 hours, and superb ruggedness. Meanwhile I find it duper fast, due to some new hardware and features borrowed from the Apple Watch Series 11.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 now features the latest S10 SiP, a larger display with better viewing angles, 5G RedCap support, Satellite connectivity w/ emergency SOS for two years included with purchase, and slightly faster charging as well. I found the LTPO3 screen with support for 1Hz refresh rate in always-on mode simply amazing, and there's an AI-powered Workout buddy with generative guidance as well.
Who it's For
Just like the previous model, this Apple Watch Ultra 3 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.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 Key Specs:
- Processor: S10 chip with 4-core Neural Engine for faster AI
- Battery: Up to 42 hours (normal use) or 72 hours (Low Power Mode)
- Charging: 80% charge in 45 minutes; 15 mins for 12 hours of use
- Satellite: Supports two-way messaging and SOS without cellular/Wi-Fi
- Design: 49mm titanium case in Natural and Black finishes
- Display: 3,000-nit peak brightness with wide-angle OLED
- Connectivity: New 5G RedCap support for faster cellular speeds
- Durability: WR100 (100m water resistance) and dive-certified to 40m
- Health: Adds Hypertension (high blood pressure) alerts and AI Workout Buddy
- Storage: 64GB standard
- Read the full Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review to learn more about this unique smartpwatch.
Best smartwatch for iPhone users
Apple Watch Series 11
Sometimes it's all about incremental upgrades | Image by PhoneArena
Why I Picked it?
The answer is simple - for all iPhone users who don't need the ruggedness and extra features of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (along with the extra money it costs), the regular Apple Watch 11 is just great.
There are no huge changes from the previous generation but there are some, and they are quite important. I found the extended battery life a real saver, the Apple Watch 11 can now last 24 hours on a single charge (up from 18 on the previous model), and it also charges a tad faster. This might not look as much, but I think it's a great quality of life improvement that's also long overdue.
There's also a new 5G modem inside, so the cellular version has better connection speed and stability. Everything else is pretty much the same as what we had on the previous generation.
Who it's For
Overall, these sound like minor improvements, but considering that the price of the watch remains unchanged (the base model starts at $399), it's better to have them and not need them than vice versa. This watch is for people who want the best Apple Watch to pair with their iPhone but don't need a big, heavy, rugged one such as the Ultra 3.
Apple Watch 11 Series Key Specs:
- Processor: S10 chip with faster performance and AI capabilities
- Battery: Up to 24 hours of normal use (up from 18)
- Charging: 80% charge in 30 minutes; 15 mins for 8 hours of use
- Design: Slim 9.7mm depth; available in 42mm and 46mm sizes
- Display: Bright 2,000-nit Always-On Retina screen
- Connectivity: New 5G support for cellular models
- Durability: Improved scratch-resistant glass; swimproof (50m)
- Health: Adds Hypertension (high blood pressure) alerts
- Storage: 64GB standard
- Read the full Apple Watch Series 11 Review
Best smartwatch for Android users
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung made its own ultra-rugged watch, and it can do a lot of things out in the wilderness | Image by PhoneArena
Why I Picked it?
Samsung unveiled its latest Galaxy Watch series on July 10, 2024, 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 Samsung fans have a rugged watch to take on their adventures.
Even though this smartwatch is now more than a year old, I picked it because it gives Android users an option that they didn't had up until now. 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.
During my time with the watch I liked almost everything about it, starting from the battery life, which is super important when you need a reliable gadget on your adventures off the grid. I found the display just gorgeous, and the new processor also worked 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 thing I can see as a drawback 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.
Who it's For
I think it will suit a pretty wide audience, not only Samsung afficionados. The long battery life make this watch pretty desirable, and now Android fans have a real alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra. Of course, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is tailored to active people, who like to hike and do all kinds of sports. But it will serve anyone quite well.
Galaxy Watch Ultra Key Specs:
- Processor: 3nm Exynos W1000 (5-core) for high efficiency
- Battery: Up to 100 hours in Power Saving; ~2–3 days normal use
- Storage/RAM: 64GB storage and 2GB RAM
- Display: 3,000-nit Super AMOLED with Sapphire Crystal
- Design: 47mm Titanium "squircle" case with customizable Quick Button
- Durability: 10ATM (100m) water resistance and MIL-STD-810H ruggedness
- GPS: Dual-frequency (L1+L5) for precision tracking
- Health: ECG, Blood Pressure, Sleep Apnea detection, and AI Energy Score
- Safety: Built-in 85dB emergency siren
- Read our detailed Galaxy Watch Ultra review
Best smartwatch for fitness & sports tracking
Garmin Forerunner 165/965
If you like running, you can't go wrong with Garmin | Image by PhoneArena
Why I Picked it?
The latest addition to the Forerunner range perfects the smartwatch for runners. There are two models, the budget 165 and the flagship Garmin Forerunner 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 165 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.
Who it's For
Obviously, this pair of watches is tailored toward runners. Not that you can't use it as a normal smartwatch in day-to-day activities, but both models shine on the running track, so to speak. Garmin did a great job offering a core set of running features at both ends of the price range, so if you're tight on your budget, the 165 is great for you. If you want the most features and some premium materials, the 965 is your model.
Key Garmin Forerunner 165 Specs:
- Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen
- Battery: Up to 11 days (Smartwatch); 19 hours (GPS)
- GPS: Standard GNSS (no dual-band)
- Health: Wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox, and Sleep Coach
- Training: Training Effect and Morning Report (no Training Readiness)
- Music: Available only on "Music" edition (4GB)
- Pay: Garmin Pay included
Key Garmin Forerunner 965 Specs:
- Display: 1.4-inch AMOLED with Titanium bezel
- Battery: Up to 23 days (Smartwatch); 31 hours (GPS)
- GPS: Dual-band (L1+L5) with SatIQ for max accuracy
- Maps: Full-color built-in topographical mapping
- Storage: 32GB (Music and Maps included)
- Training: Advanced metrics (Training Readiness, Real-Time Stamina)
Best Design
Google Pixel Watch 4
The Pixel Watch 4 finally brought Google into contention | Image by PhoneArena
Why I Picked it?
While there are a lot of beautiful smartwatches out there, Google got it right with the Pixel Watch 4. It's both modern and stylish, while others just replicate the good old hand watch. I think this smartwatch is a step forward in the design department.
The previous version already ticked a lot of boxes but through constant refinement, the model is now a decent competitor on the smartwatch scene. The Pixel Watch 4 further refines the design of its predecessors, it has a powerful chipset inside, all the health and fitness tracking you would need with some great Fitbit integration.
There's an LTE version with satellite connectivity, and the battery life is great - we can say it's a solid two-day smartwatch. I really liked the super-bright 3,000-nit display, and the best part is the price remains unchanged starting at $349 for the smaller 41mm version of the watch.
Who it's For
The Pixel Watch 4 is best suited to Pixel phone owners, of course, as there are tons of features that are exclusive to this Pixel synergy. Android users will also be happy with the watch, provided they don't need something rugged and durable.
Pixel Watch 4 Key Specs:
- Processor: Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 (25% faster)
- Battery: 30 hours (41mm) to 40 hours (45mm) with Always-on Display
- Charging: 25% faster than previous models
- Display: 3,000-nit Actua AMOLED; 1–60Hz refresh rate
- Sizes: 41mm and new 45mm aluminum cases
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 6.0 and Satellite SOS (LTE models)
- Durability: IP68 and 5ATM (50m) water resistance
- Health: ECG, cEDA (stress), and advanced skin temperature sensing
- Read our full Google Pixel Watch 4 review here
Best Battery Life
Huawei Watch GT6 Pro
The Huawei Watch GT6 Pro can last days on a single charge | Image by PhoneArena
Why I Picked it?
The Huawei Watch GT6 Pro is the first globally available smartwatch to feature silicon-carbon battery technology. This fact alone is enough to earn it a place on this list. But the GT6 Pro is much more than just a fancy battery.
This smartwatch is on par with other flagship watches from Samsung and Apple. It has a 1.47-inch AMOLED screen with a whopping 3000 nits peak brightness (which I can attest is very bright even under direct sunlight).
In terms of durability, Huawei used TC4 titanium alloy case with an ultra-hard metallic coating, so the watch is almost unscratchable. Plus there's sapphire glass to protect the screen. I tested the new sunflower GPS system and it worked quite well. And in general, I find Huawei watches to have a pretty comprehensive health and fitness tracking.
Who it's For
The Huawei Watch GT6 Pro works equally well on Android as well as on iOS. Granted, it doesn't have as many smartphone features as an Apple Watch or a Galaxy Watch, but it's quite close. If you value battery life and longevity, this model will give you days away from the charger.
Huawei Watch GT6 Pro Key Specs:
- Battery: High-silicon 867mAh battery; up to 21 days (max) or 12 days (typical)
- Display: 1.47-inch AMOLED with 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Build: Aerospace-grade Titanium case with Sapphire glass
- GPS: "Sunflower" dual-band positioning (20% more accurate)
- Health: TruSense system with ECG, SpO2, and emotional state tracking
- Sports: Integrated Cycling Virtual Power (no external sensors needed)
- Durability: IP69 (high-pressure/heat resistant) and 5ATM (50m) water resistance
- Charging: Full charge in ~85 minutes via magnetic cradle
- Check out our full Huawei Watch GT6 Pro review
Best Affordable smartwatch
OnePlus Watch 2
This smartwatch has two operating systems! (image by PhoneArena)
Why I Picked it?
The second attempt of OnePlus at the smartwatch for the masses has an interesting twist. The OnePlus Watch 2 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.
Who it's For
The OnePlus Watch 2 is for people who value minimalist design, battery life and want a good smartwatch without breaking the bank. This model covers all the bases and also looks quite cool while doing so. Important thing worth mentioning is that the OnePlus Watch 2 doesn't work with iPhone devices or iOS in general.
OnePlus Watch 2 Key Spec:
Processor: Snapdragon W5 (performance) + BES2700 (efficiency) chips
Battery: Up to 100 hours in Smart Mode; 12 days in Power Saver
Software: Dual OS (Wear OS 4 + RTOS) for better power management
Charging: 100% in 60 minutes; 10-minute charge for 24 hours of use
Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED with Sapphire Crystal glass
Build: Stainless steel case; 5ATM durability
GPS: Dual-frequency (L1+L5) for high accuracy
Storage: 32GB storage and 2GB RAM
Compatibility: Android only (no iOS support)
Battery: Up to 100 hours in Smart Mode; 12 days in Power Saver
Software: Dual OS (Wear OS 4 + RTOS) for better power management
Charging: 100% in 60 minutes; 10-minute charge for 24 hours of use
Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED with Sapphire Crystal glass
Build: Stainless steel case; 5ATM durability
GPS: Dual-frequency (L1+L5) for high accuracy
Storage: 32GB storage and 2GB RAM
Compatibility: Android only (no iOS support)
- Check out our full OnePlus Watch 2 review
Best Affordable Apple Watch
Apple Watch SE 3
The budget Apple Watch doesn't look budget at all. It's stylish, potent, and comfortable | Image by PhoneArena
Why I Picked it?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the latest iteration of the affordable Apple Watch. Don't let the word "affordable" fool you. It comes with the powerful S10 SiP (the same found in the Apple Watch 11 and the Ultra 3), and still supports all of the apps and workouts available and it has thin bezels, unlike the Apple Watch Series 3, which looks pretty dated by now. The SE 3 also supports eSIM for autonomous use with 5G connectivity, and of course, Apple Pay.
You also get crash detection (a pretty useful feature), and an LTPO display with Always-on for the first time in an SE watch! All this comes at one of the lowest starting price on an Apple Watch device, just $249! The Apple Watch SE 3 is the perfect watch for iPhone users who want the core Apple Watch functionality without the hefty price tag.
It will get you all the important features and also give you an idea of what owning an Apple Watch really feels like. You can always upgrade to one of the upper-tier models later.
Who it's For
If you want to dip your toes in the Apple ecosystem, the Watch SE is a great choice. You need to have an iPhone, of course. But If you wonder if a smartwatch is your thing and you don't want to spend a fortune on a regular model, this one will do the job nicely.
Apple Watch SE 3 Key Specs:
- Processor: S9 SiP (the same chip found in Series 9)
- Design: New molded plastic back and frame (lowers cost and weight)
- Display: Retina LTPO OLED with up to 1,000 nits brightness
- Battery: Up to 18 hours (normal use); up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode
- Health: Optical heart rate (2nd gen), high/low heart rate alerts, and sleep tracking
- Durability: 50m water resistance (swimproof)
- Storage: 32GB internal capacity
- Read our full Apple Watch SE 3 Review
Is it worth buying a smartwatch?
The answer to this question is very subjective and depends on the person. For most people, owning a smartwatch can be a beneficial experience in many areas. No matter if you're a sporty person, a busy work bee, or just a multimedia riding modern freestyler (or all of these combined), there are smartwatch brands and models that will make your life easier and more fun.
We can't think of any reason to deprive yourself of this modern-day technological wonder other than the price side of things, but even the most budged and basic smartwatches can give you all the core functionalities and make your time and money worthwhile.
We can't think of any reason to deprive yourself of this modern-day technological wonder other than the price side of things, but even the most budged and basic smartwatches can give you all the core functionalities and make your time and money worthwhile.
What to consider when picking a smartwatch
There are many factors and key areas to watch out for when you pick your smartwatch of choice, and they all depend on your specific needs. If you're a sporty person, then workout tracking and health data are the most important things, paired with a standalone GPS and good battery life.
If you want to showcase a stylish and flashy device to go with your suit on that formal dinner, then obviously the design is one of the most important things for you. The same goes for the adventurous type out there; for all you brave explorers, things like IP rating, protection from the elements, SOS functionality, etc. are very, very important.
Most smartwatches feature an NFC chip and allow you to make contactless payments without the need to take out your phone, which is very convenient. If this is important to you, watch out for this specific feature. For the music lovers, or all the runners who like a good soundtrack for their marathons, onboard storage is also important.
Unsurprisingly, if you don't feel like charging your smartwatch every day, battery life is one of the most important areas you should be aware of. Thankfully, there are smartwatches nowadays that can do days on a single charge, and sometimes even weeks.
Last but not least, you should check out platform compatibility, as some brands and models don't work cross-platform. The best examples are Apple Watch devices. They're supported only on iOS devices, and even though there are workarounds, you don't want to go through all the trouble.
If you want to showcase a stylish and flashy device to go with your suit on that formal dinner, then obviously the design is one of the most important things for you. The same goes for the adventurous type out there; for all you brave explorers, things like IP rating, protection from the elements, SOS functionality, etc. are very, very important.
Most smartwatches feature an NFC chip and allow you to make contactless payments without the need to take out your phone, which is very convenient. If this is important to you, watch out for this specific feature. For the music lovers, or all the runners who like a good soundtrack for their marathons, onboard storage is also important.
Unsurprisingly, if you don't feel like charging your smartwatch every day, battery life is one of the most important areas you should be aware of. Thankfully, there are smartwatches nowadays that can do days on a single charge, and sometimes even weeks.
Last but not least, you should check out platform compatibility, as some brands and models don't work cross-platform. The best examples are Apple Watch devices. They're supported only on iOS devices, and even though there are workarounds, you don't want to go through all the trouble.
Use PhoneArena's tool for smartwatch specs comparison.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker?
The borders between a fitness tracked and a full-blown smartwatch can sometimes be smeared and a bit vague. As a general rule, smartwatches look like regular watches most of the time, and have more features and capabilities.
The other big difference is most often the price. Smartwatches are significantly more expensive than trackers, and while there are exception and the most affordable smartwatches are close to the most expensive trackers price-wise, in general the rule applies.
Which Smartwatches Have Cellular and Are They Worth the Money?
Having cellular connectivity on your smartwatch can be a lifesaver. Apple Watch models offer variants with this connectivity, as well as some Galaxy Watch models. There are others as well, but especially for the US, you can't go wrong with either of those two. Other smartwatch brands could potentially have issues with the supported networks and carriers, so stick to Samsung and Apple on this one.
As for whether it's worth it or not, it depends. If you spend a lot of time away from your phone, it's worth it to have a smartwatch with an autonomous cellular connection. But in most cases, you'd be fine with just Bluetooth, as people tend to keep their phones close.
As for whether it's worth it or not, it depends. If you spend a lot of time away from your phone, it's worth it to have a smartwatch with an autonomous cellular connection. But in most cases, you'd be fine with just Bluetooth, as people tend to keep their phones close.
How Long Do Smartwatches Last?
Again, the answer to this question depends on the brand and what a smartwatch can and can't do. Typically, there's an inverse connection between the features of a smartwatch and its battery life. The more a smartwatch can do, the less the battery life. Apple and Samsung watches normally last a day on a single charge, with the Ultra models, stretching that to two days.
There are other brands, such as Huawei and Xiaomi, that focus on longevity. Their smartwatches can last days. And finally, the dedicated sports watches, such as some Garmins, for example, can last weeks, but they sacrifice AMOLED screens and smartwatch features to achieve this battery life.
There are other brands, such as Huawei and Xiaomi, that focus on longevity. Their smartwatches can last days. And finally, the dedicated sports watches, such as some Garmins, for example, can last weeks, but they sacrifice AMOLED screens and smartwatch features to achieve this battery life.
What is the most medically accurate smartwatch?
That would be the Apple Watch. Many independent testers and reviewers have shown that the Apple Watch models have the most accurate heart-rate sensor, and they also do a good job at tracking your sleep.
Samsung Galaxy Watch models, on the other hand, have interesting health features, such as the body impedance measurements that tell you your body composition, and the antioxidant index, which measures specific carotenoids on your skin to give you suggestions for your diet.
Conclusion
There we have them—the top smartwatches for health tracking, fitness, productivity, or simply elegant and stylish smartwatches you can get right now in early 2026. Ultimately (and unsurprisingly), the Apple Watch Series 11 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.
You can get a taste of the Pixel Watch, and if you also own a Pixel phone, there are some neat exclusive features waiting for you. And finally, there are also other brands to consider, namely Garmin if you like running, or OnePlus if you like the minimalistic approach.
You can get a taste of the Pixel Watch, and if you also own a Pixel phone, there are some neat exclusive features waiting for you. And finally, there are also other brands to consider, namely Garmin if you like running, or OnePlus if you like the minimalistic approach.
Also see: Best Android smartwatch to get right now
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