It’s easy to get excited about the best smartwatches out there only to be overwhelmed by all the choice. Whether it’s the latest and greatest from Apple to rivals attempting to steal their thunder like the gorgeous Samsung Galaxy Watch line, there are just so many different options out there. There are even premium-tier smartwatches, like the
that just scream style (while burning a hole in your pocket).Finding the best smartwatch is more than just getting the most popular or the priciest, though we have included both the always cutting edge Apple smartwatches and the elegant Tag Heuer that fit those descriptions perfectly. It’s about finding the one that fits your needs. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy watches should be a very attractive alternative to the Apple line, and the Casio and Garmin smartwatches included here are perfect for outdoorsmen who need something a little different.
But there can only be one 'best smartwatch', and the best smartwatch in the world right now is the
. Of all the wearables available, the Apple Watch has the most developed platform. It's also the most attractive, and, arguably, more technologically advanced than its competitors.iPhone users might also want to check out the
for those who want an Apple Watch without breaking the bank, and the which splits the difference between the two other options. It’s no wonder that so many of their watches are on this list since they have the most developed platform and are always pushing the limits of what a smartwatch can do.If you're after a rundown of the best smartwatches for iPhone users, then we'd suggest you read T3's guide to the best Apple Watch, because while Samsung and Wear OS smartwatches do work with iPhones, the Apple Watch is much better integrated with iOS.
However, you can’t go wrong with any of the alternatives on this list, especially if you need something that works with an Android phone or the best cheap smartwatches.
If you're looking to buy a smartwatch for your child, then check out T3's guide to the best smartwatch for kids, because while an Apple Watch or Samsung might be okay for teenagers, they certainly aren't ideal for younger children.
We have an amazing collection of smartwatches to help you find the best option for you so take a look and find the smartwatch that speaks to you.
The best smartwatches you can buy today:
There's no doubt Apple is king when it comes to smartwatches, but how has it achieved such meteoric success? Let's take a look…
First off, it's the only smartwatch which generates a tonne of interest, and not just from tech addicts, but from the general public. That interest hasn't exactly helped Apple's competitors, but it has helped Apple's smartwatch survive six generations.
Next is the big focus on health and fitness. The Apple Watch can monitor your heart rhythm and suggest you see a doctor if it detects something irregular, it can call the emergency services you've fallen over, and it will keep you healthy by tracking your run. These potentially life-saving features are a major reason people are ditching their traditional watches for an Apple Watch.
Finally, the design is almost perfect. The two size options are fit a majority of wrists, and they're also incredibly comfortable. it's the only device which has straddled the line between tech and fashion. It's simply the best-looking smartwatch available.
Every generation has seen minor improvements that have gone a long way to perfect the Watch. The Series 2 added waterproofing and adding GPS, and the Series 3 improved on that by adding Cellular, so it can use data without your iPhone present, but again, remaining loyal to the original design.
The Series 4 improved the design, with a stunning new screen which stretches to the edges of the device. The Series 5 has kept the excellent design of the Series 4, and added more customisation options (including a desirable titanium option) and an always-on display.
The Apple Watch Series 6 (the smartwatch we're recommending here) adds a pulse oxygen sensor to its range of health systems, makes its always-on display 2.5 times brighter when its in its dimmed mode, tweaks some other aspects (such as adding an always-running altimeter), steps up to the new S6 processor, and throws in all the new features of watchOS 7.
Put simply, the Apple Watch Series 6 impresses us greatly. The design is well-considered and sleeker, the screen, in terms of PPI and colour depth, is perfect, and the number of third-party apps and accessories is unrivalled.
That last point is important, because if you're buying a personal device such as a watch, you actually want it to be unique.
It does have a few negative points, the UI is fiddly (although greatly improved with watchOS 6 and 7), especially compared to more simple rivals such as Android Wear. Of course, it's iOS only, so if you have an Android phone, you're going to want to continue reading this guide…
The Apple Watch Series 6 sits at the top end when it comes to cost, with prices ranging from $399 to $1,399. That makes it slightly more exclusive.
Check out the best prices here:
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, stream-lined design. It comes equipped with 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 give it a modern edge, and, while it lacks quality third party apps, we think you'll find the built-in apps adequate. Overall, it's a very compelling package, and one we would definitely recommend.
If you're not interested in the sleek, compact design of the Galaxy Watch Active 2, then the more traditional looking Galaxy Watch 3 is probably more up your alley. It’s available in two sizes, so that will definitely help it appeal to more people. It also helps that it has a very good battery life (we're talking multiple days here).
It's more attractive than previous incarnations and comes packed with some nice, new fitness-tracking abilities. It's the innovative rotating bezel that is the star here, though, as it is, without a doubt, the best way to control a smartwatch.
The Galaxy Watch 3 works with most Android smartphones, and even iPhones, but it's not perfect, however, as the Galaxy Watch 3 isn't as comfortable to wear as the Apple Watch, and its app and accessory ecosystem pales in comparison.
The pros far outweigh the cons though, and you won't be let down by the Samsung Galaxy Watch.
If you've got an iPhone and don't want to spend lots of money on the Apple Watch Series 6, then the Apple Watch SE is a great alternative. Despite being 'the affordable' smart watch from Apple, the SE is a truly excellent smartwatch.
You won't notice where Apple as made cutbacks in general use, making it feel like a full Apple Watch experience, with all the advantages that brings in convenience, fitness tracking, and health and safety features.
For those who can spend the extra over the cost of the Apple Watch Series 3, you'll be very glad you did – it's better in every way. From screen to design to sensors to being more future-proofed thanks to its faster processor. It's also important to note that these translate into better health features, including more accurate heart sensing (important for detecting irregularities) and fall detection.
Fossil is now on its fourth generation of smartwatches, with the company learning from and improving on each new iteration. As a result, the Fossil Sport is probably the best Wear OS smartwatch available to buy today.
It's a premium smartwatch which features GPS, a lightweight design, and the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chip inside, which offers a greatly improved experience over older smartwatches.
Since it runs Google's Wear OS, there are a plethora of apps and watch faces to choose from, so it's better than the Samsung smartwatches in that respect.
You can expect around two days of battery life, and, while the Sport doesn't feature any unique features, it is still a very capable, wearable, smartwatch.
TAG's latest attempt at a smartwatch, the TAG Heuer Connected, is a gorgeous looking wearable, mimicking a traditional mechanical watch, with its fully circular display and sporty-looking case. The new model improves on previous generations with enhanced sports tracking, thanks to its GPS and built-in heart-rate sensor.
The Connected 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 'luxe smartwatch' market. It feels more 'watch-like' than any other smartwatch we've tested, too.
Basically, if you're looking for a luxury Android smartwatch – this is the one for you.
If you're looking for the most premium smartwatch look no further than the Tag Connected. If you really like watches and you really like tech, it's the only game in town outside of the Apple Watch.
If you're looking for something a little smaller, then try the Skagen Falster 2 smartwatch. It's probably one of the best all-around WearOS smartwatches you can buy. Not many Android smartwatches can be described as elegant, but Skagen is a Danish brand known for creating simple, timeless timepieces.
The Falster 3, just like a few other smartwatches on this list, is powered by Google's WearOS, which includes Google Assistant, smartphone notifications, activity tracking, world time, weather and more.
A battery-efficient dial design provides up to 24 hours of use on a single charge, and interchangeable straps allow you to customize your look.
We love the simple watch face designs which come preinstalled, and each watch comes with an inductive magnetic charger.
The Moto 360 was, at one time, one of the hottest smartwatches around, long before Apple announced the Apple Watch. Those taken in by the nostalgia of the name and shape will feel right at home – the iconic design has been updated with more accurate sensors, and improved software, courtesy of Google.
The design, while bold, isn’t big and bulky, with the slick, stainless steel and choice of colors letting the user look and feel like they’re wearing a mechanical timepiece.
This is the first generation of the Samsung Galaxy Watch and, while it's not the latest and greatest from Samsung, it's still an excellent smartwatch for the money. You get a similar, slim design, and excellent software, but you don't have the ability to take ECG readings (not exactly a deal-breaker). Most importantly of all, it's much more affordable than the Galaxy Watch Active2, so this is an excellent bargain.
Money can't quite stretch to the Apple Watch Series 4? The Apple Watch Series 3 is still a good option, and now it's more affordable than ever.
The Apple Watch Series 3 introduced a cellular connecting, meaning you can continue to receive phone calls and notifications away from your iPhone.
It also runs the latest software with all the latest features, it just misses the more futuristic design of the newer Series 4.
The Garmin Fenix 6x Pro Solar is not cheap. Not by a long shot. But it more than justifies its price by offering a whole lot of functionality. Packed in the smartwatch are a ton of features like a Vo2 max and Pulse Ox sensors, and altimeter and barometer for elevation and weather respectively, to list just a few.
It’s not the easiest smartwatch to use - it’s not a touchscreen for instance. And it’s more than double the price of a flagship Apple watch. But with all its features, as well as amazing battery life - It sports a tiny solar array to give you up to 24 days of battery life - this is a great option for anyone who needs a smartwatch for a long trek into the mountains.
The Casio Pro Trek Smart WSD-F21HR is a rugged 'action' smartwatch, and we really like it. The durable casing can take a bashing, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor keeps things ticking inside. It runs Android Wear, but also comes with some useful pre-installed apps which track your hikes and other outdoor activities. It's water-resistant to 5ATM (roughly 50m), and best of all, it comes in some bright colourways.
If you're interested in wearing a smartwatch but don't want to spend £200+ on a top of the range device, then the TicWatch C2 from Mobvoi could be for you. It does everything you'd expect of a WearOS smartwatch, including heart-rate tracking, GPS, and Google Pay, but costs significantly less.
It also has a pretty inoffensive design, but it won't win any prizes for build quality.
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The Link LonkJanuary 07, 2021 at 09:56PM
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Best smartwatch 2021: top wearables reviewed and rated - T3
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