Best Android smartwatch | Android Central

The finest Android smartwatch should strike a stability, providing quick apps on a high-res show, environment friendly battery life, and all of the intangibles you get from health watches, like constant well being and sleep information. You’ll additionally need a cheap price ticket and a glossy design you might be pleased with!

The Android Central workforce has worn, field-tested, and reviewed nearly each wearable available on the market. All of our picks beneath are watches we have examined for ourselves; I personally have worn seven of our high 9 picks, and have a hands-on perspective on their perks and disadvantages.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 predictably high our record, as the 2 finest smartwatch choices for many Android customers due to their Wear OS assist. But I’ve included different picks that do higher than these in key areas like battery, health coaching, value, or fashion, in case what’s “finest” for us is not what’s finest for you.

At a look

Best total

The Galaxy Watch 7 appears mighty just like the final three Samsung watch generations, although a lot has modified underneath the hood. While I spent extra time testing the Galaxy Watch Ultra than the Watch 7, most of the Ultra’s finest qualities are shared by the much-cheaper Watch 7, and it is a powerful machine.

Our Galaxy Watch 7 reviewer had an identical impression: it “appears like a re-run” at first, however new software program tips like accessible gestures and a each day Energy Score make the expertise more energizing. It’s the “zippiest smartwatch I’ve ever used” due to the brand new Exynos W1000 CPU, but it surely’s “not magnitudes quicker” than the already-fast Watch 6.

Specific to athletes, the Galaxy Watch 7 obtained triple the sensor LEDs, designed to seize extra correct coronary heart price information throughout exercises. Plus, it makes use of dual-band Location Services to keep away from sign errors and supply essentially the most correct outdoors exercise information. The Watch Ultra and seven share these upgrades, and for the reason that Ultra carried out exceptionally nicely for HR and Location Services accuracy, that reliability applies to the Watch 7 as nicely.

Other Android watches are solely now beginning to catch as much as the Galaxy Watch sequence in areas like its massive, thin-bordered show, MIL-STD-810H and IP68 sturdiness, and quick charging speeds. And they nonetheless fall behind in a single key space: Samsung gives 4 years of software program and safety updates, so you possibly can anticipate your Watch 7 to final till 2028, when different watches can be lengthy deserted.

Unlike the Watch 6, the Watch 7 has no “Classic” possibility, which means you are caught with the digital bezel with no bodily bezel possibility. Still, as finicky as that may be, it is higher than relying solely on buttons. It lasts about two days per cost in our checks, which is strong however is eclipsed considerably by the pricier Galaxy Watch Ultra and different watches on this record.

Best for Wear OS

Choosing whether or not to incorporate the Pixel Watch 3 on this record was difficult. Not as a result of it is a unhealthy watch: the Android Central workforce obtained hands-on time with the Watch 3, and I personally wore and briefly examined it on the Made by Google occasion in Mountain View. Based on our collective expertise, it isn’t a drastic change from the superb Watch 2, however ought to maintain Wear OS followers glad. That mentioned, we can’t be capable of formally overview it till subsequent month and may’t assure something but.

Still, I selected to suggest the Pixel Watch 3 to new patrons, relatively than maintain the Watch 2 in its second-place spot and level them to older tech. When you evaluate the Pixel Watch 3 vs. 2, you may discover the identical CPU, reminiscence, storage, well being sensors, battery life, and common look as its predecessor.

What makes the Pixel Watch 3 thrilling is the brand new show. Not solely does it now are available in two sizes, the show is now twice as vivid, refreshes twice as rapidly, and would not have the identical huge border losing area alongside the sting. 

The Android Central workers’s common criticism in regards to the Pixel Watch 2 was its small measurement. Ironically, primarily based on our hands-on interval, a few of us nonetheless want the 41mm measurement, having gotten used to its petite look and light-weight really feel. Personally, I instantly most well-liked the 1.4-inch possibility, which routinely reformats apps and watch faces to suit extra data, whereas nonetheless trying nice.

Whichever measurement you get, the Pixel Watch 3 is essentially the most placing Wear OS look ahead to sheer appears, and Google’s promised software program options like Fitbit coaching load, Google TV controls, and Nest reside feeds in your wrist have us excited.

Best price range possibility

Amazfit has a few dozen smartwatches that it sells at any given time, most of which fall into the price range class for anybody who cannot spend a lot on an Android watch. Among the most effective Amazfit watches, the Amazfit GTR 4 is amongst our favorites due to its Alexa voice instructions, music storage, and Bluetooth calling. Traditional smartwatch instruments, plus the classic-style design, make it a more sensible choice than most.

Our earlier alternative for this spot, the Amazfit GTS 3 Pro, had many of the identical perks however has now fallen behind a technology. With the Amazfit GTS 4, you additionally get the power to constantly monitor coronary heart price, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep high quality, with an additional two days of battery life (14 days in whole). Unlike many of the finest Android smartwatches, this would possibly not make you cost it each day. 

You will not get the identical Android telephone integration for actionable notifications or any third-party apps, since this makes use of Amazfit’s personal OS as an alternative of Wear OS. But by way of health, it is smarter than the competitors: It can auto-detect a number of sports activities or weight-lifting actions, monitor your location extra precisely with dual-band Location Services, and let you know how lengthy to relaxation after a exercise primarily based in your VO2 Max health degree.

Bottom line: With the Amazfit GTR 4, you are getting a big AMOLED display and a beautiful design, a lag-free interface with a number of customizability, and not less than every week of battery life with all options lively. Yes, it isn’t as “sensible” for telephone connectivity, but it surely excels on the fundamentals and does higher than most at health smarts.

Best premium decide

After a Galaxy Watch Pro in 2022 and Classic in 2023, Samsung pivoted to the Galaxy Watch Ultra in 2024, with an Apple Watch Ultra 2-inspired design. It’s not essentially that totally different from the Galaxy Watch 7 in uncooked specs; it is primarily designed as an ultra-durable, long-lasting watch for many who prioritize fashion and battery life over consolation. 

In my Galaxy Watch Ultra overview, I highlighted some glorious perks like the superb health accuracy, its higher show brightness, and its “undoubtedly quicker” efficiency in comparison with earlier generations. I appreciated the additional Quick Button for shortcuts, although I needed that (A) it doubled as a crown to make up for the lacking Classic bezel and (B) it allow you to add a number of shortcuts outdoors of exercises.

Like the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, the Watch Ultra has a 590mAh battery, bigger than the 425mAh capability discovered within the Watch 7 with a comparable 1.5-inch show. After some early battery drain points, Samsung patched the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and now it persistently lasts 60+ hours with the always-on show function lively. It’s not fairly as lengthy lived as our subsequent decide, but it surely’s noticeably higher than the Watch 7.

Are these perks sufficient to make you spend twice as a lot as you’d on the Watch 7? We do respect its sturdy titanium case with further water resistance, however that comes with a heavier design. The Watch 7 has the identical CPU, software program, and years of assist; even when it isn’t as engaging and lacks the helpful Quick Button, I’d nonetheless level extra folks to the Watch 7 except you get an excellent trade-in deal and really need these premium perks.

Best battery life

OnePlus developed the Wear OS Hybrid interface in tandem with Google; it basically lets third-party watch makers use a quick, battery-guzzling CPU for demanding duties however a low-power coprocessor on a unique OS for background duties, stretching out battery life so long as potential.

Most Wear OS watches use this methodology — even Google, regardless of the Pixel Watches’ brief battery life — however OnePlus has mastered it, stretching out its Wear OS watches to persistently final three to 4 days. 

Both the OnePlus Watch 2, reviewed by my colleague Harish Jonnalagadda, and my very own OnePlus Watch 2R, share the identical longevity. I ended up selecting my very own look ahead to this slot for a number of causes: It prices much less, so it isn’t on the identical value tier as Samsung and Google’s watches. OnePlus fastened the Watch 2’s points with notifications and well being monitoring accuracy in time for the Watch 2R’s launch. And I believe many will want the 2R’s aluminum design — even when it appears much less engaging than the Watch 2’s metal — as a result of it weighs 21g much less.

The OnePlus Watch 2R is not excellent. It offers you the fundamentals for well being monitoring and health software program, however you aren’t getting fairly the full-fledged expertise that, say, Google gives, and I relied on third-party apps like Strava whilst I appreciated its sturdy health {hardware}. It would not have the military-grade sturdiness of the Watch 2, nor the crown controls of a Pixel Watch. That mentioned, I believe loads of folks will respect the low value and settle for the compromises.

Bottom line: The OnePlus Watch 2R offers you robust efficiency and implausible battery life, together with the entire Wear OS apps and instruments you could keep linked together with your telephone. You can improve to the OnePlus Watch 2 for slightly further fashion, however both watch goes to overlook a few of the software program and well being perks of a Samsung or Google watch.

Best last-gen possibility

Even although the Galaxy Watch 7 supplanted the Watch 6 for finest Android watch, the 2023 watch nonetheless claimed that spot for a yr, for good motive. My Galaxy Watch 6 overview ran by way of its snug design, quick efficiency, respectable battery life, and streamlined software program.

I additionally had loads of reward for the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and its bodily rotating bezel. Samsung deserted this design with the Watch 7 sequence, prioritizing the dearer Ultra as an alternative. While I really like my Ultra for all the explanations outlined straight above, the Classic has extra handy controls, weighs about the identical, and now prices considerably much less.

Samsung will level price range watch customers to a budget Galaxy Watch FE, however the Galaxy Watch 6 can now be discovered at a reduced price, bringing it on par with the Fan Edition watch. And once I in contrast the Galaxy Watch 6 vs. FE, I discovered loads of methods the place the mainline watch is a a lot higher buy, like the higher Exynos efficiency, brighter show, and additional pores and skin temp sensor.

Why skip the Galaxy Watch 6 and purchase the Watch 7? I had some complaints with the last-gen mannequin’s well being sensors and Location Services accuracy, and Samsung prioritized these fixes within the 2024 mannequin, enhancing coronary heart price accuracy and including dual-band Location Services monitoring that works in addition to a Garmin watch. And the Watch 6’s Exynos CPU has three fewer Cortex cores than the Watch 7, so it is much less more likely to deal with demanding Wear OS duties as rapidly transferring ahead.

Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 stays a implausible smartwatch regardless of getting supplanted by the Watch 7. Despite its last-gen downgrades, it is nonetheless higher than most of the non-Samsung watches on this record whereas costing considerably much less. And Samsung’s software program assist ensures it’s going to final so long as different new Wear OS watches launched at present.

Best for health

You cannot talk about the most effective Android watches and never point out Garmin. Frankly, any of the most effective Garmin watches may very well be within the dialog to hitch this record, however I selected the Venu 3 — not simply because it is #1 on that record — however as a result of it is the closest Garmin has to a mainstream smartwatch.

As outlined in my Garmin Venu 3 overview, it has instruments unavailable on most different Garmin watches: a mic and speaker for Bluetooth calls and voice instructions, an ECG sensor, pores and skin temperature information, a Sleep Coach, a keyboard for texting, and a brand new UI that makes apps extra accessible. That makes it much less of an adjustment if you happen to’re used to “common” watches.

As for why Garmin watches belong on this record, it is all in regards to the health instruments. It tells you ways match you’re and the way a lot your Body Battery has recharged primarily based on HRV and sleep information. It allows you to comply with a Garmin Coach coaching calendar or see each day auto-suggested exercises primarily based in your VO2 Max. After a run, you may see what sort of coaching impact it had and the way lengthy earlier than your physique recovers. The above watches have some of those tips, however to not the identical extent as Garmin.

The Venu 3 itself lasts a ridiculous 2 weeks per cost, or 26 hours of Location Services monitoring, whereas your typical Android watch will die way more rapidly. It has a thinner, steel-edged design in comparison with most plastic-heavy Garmins, with a vivid AMOLED show. It’s not the “smartest” watch, in that it has no third-party apps and would not talk with Health Sync, but it surely’s nonetheless an incredible possibility for athletes.

Best well being monitoring

The Fitbit Sense 2 tracks your coronary heart price, coronary heart price variance (HRV), potential atrial fibrillation (AFib), blood oxygen, sleep high quality, electrodermal physique response (cEDA), stress ranges (HRV), and pores and skin temperature. When it first launched in 2022, these have been all cutting-edge options; since then, Google coopted Fitbit tech for the superior Pixel Watch 2 and three, and the Sense 2 turned much less particular.

As somebody who owned the unique Sense, I appreciated how the Fitbit Sense 2 took benefit of the Fitbit-Google acquisition so as to add Google Maps and Wallet, in addition to use a Wear OS-lite UI that was extra intuitive than Fitbit’s authentic OS and the brand new bodily aspect button as an alternative of the finicky capacitive button that I hated.

At the identical time, I agreed with our Fitbit Sense 2 reviewer’s pissed off response to the newer watch: Google minimize out a number of sensible options, disabling the wifi antenna, eradicating music storage and playback, reducing out restricted third-party apps, and eradicating Google Assistant assist. It was as if Google determined any smarts that weren’t Google-branded weren’t value together with.

So why embrace the Sense 2 on this record? Simply put, the truth that it has a vivid, skinny AMOLED design and a six-day battery life, and that it is ceaselessly discovered on sale lately for a lot lower than the Pixel Watch sequence. If you need the well being instruments and Fitbit exercises of the Pixel Watch however a greater battery life, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a really cheap different. You’ll have to simply accept the shortage of smarts and telephone integration, however that will not hassle everybody.

Best hybrid

Rounding out our Android watch record, I’m together with yet another fitness-focused possibility that prioritizes battery life and a rugged, nostalgic design that’ll attraction to followers of “dumb” watches from Casio or G-Shock. It’ll offer you even higher coaching instruments than the Venu 3 gives, in a extra conventional bundle.

The Garmin Instinct Crossover is ultra-rugged, constructed from sturdy fiber-reinforced polymer and chrome steel, whereas the 10ATM water-resistance score ensures you could take this watch nearly wherever. It lasts 28 days in regular circumstances, however if you happen to purchase the solar-panel model you possibly can stretch that to over two months.

Two of my favourite Garmins, the Instinct 2X Solar and a couple of Solar, even have epic battery lives, however they’re additionally much less fashionable and accessible. The Instinct Crossover has many of the identical software program perks, however with an analog face and bodily fingers that slide out of the best way while you get a notification. It appears implausible wherever, whereas the opposite Instincts are solely fitted to the path.

As for what the Garmin Instinct Crossover brings to the desk, it tracks your long-term coaching load, coaching readiness earlier than a exercise, and different helpful metrics that the extra informal Venu 3 skips. The Crossover additionally has essentially the most correct dual-band Location Services monitoring, whereas the Venu 3 is caught with the mid-tier all-systems GNSS mode.

Other watches we examined and suggest

Our picks for the most effective Android watches focus as a lot on stability as potential, as a result of we will not know what your priorities are. You may select the Galaxy Watch Ultra or OnePlus Watch 2R for battery life, however in any other case they convey very various things to the desk. And now we have different watches in thoughts that final even longer than each, however do different issues worse.

That’s why we’re together with this part on picks that did not fairly make the minimize, however nonetheless qualify as nice Android watches in their very own proper. They’re all gadgets that I or my colleagues have examined and appreciated, however might fall brief to the above picks in key methods. Still, do not sleep on these watches!

How to decide on

What is the most effective smartwatch for an Android person?

First and foremost, Android customers ought to take a look at the most effective Wear OS watches, since they’ve the most effective integration together with your smartphone. But not all Wear OS watches are created equal.

Fossil, a mainstay on this record for years, have left Wear OS behind after years struggling to regulate to the brand new Wear OS 3 ecosystem. Mobvoi itself took a yr longer than anticipated to replace its Wear OS 2 watches to three, and its newest flagship TicWatch Pro 5 and Pro 5 Enduro are nonetheless working the Wear OS 4 beta, with no Google Assistant and the upcoming Wear OS 5 unconfirmed.

OnePlus is an intriguing new possibility, with the Watch 2 and Watch 2R focusing on the highest manufacturers for battery life and affordability. Buyers in Europe and Asia may additionally take into account Xiaomi, now that it is adopted Wear OS, however we have but to overview these watches.

One key motive why we beneficial the Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 above the remainder: Google will launch new Wear OS updates yearly between summer season and fall, however solely Google and its shut accomplice Samsung are assured to get the brand new options. Google and Samsung promise three and 4 years of updates for brand spanking new merchandise, respectively.

You do not have to decide on a Wear OS watch, after all. Brands like Garmin and Fitbit are higher fitted to health followers, but additionally for people who don’t love utilizing smartwatches past fundamental features. Some folks do not want watch apps if they will fortunately use their smartphone for a similar features.

How do I select smartwatch measurement?

Brands like Samsung and Garmin promote their watches in two sizes, so you possibly can both prioritize consolation or show measurement. A Pixel Watch, alternatively, solely is available in one measurement, and it is on the smaller aspect.

A big show may be very tempting to get the most effective view of apps and customized watch face information, but it surely may additionally make the watch heavier than your wrist can deal with. If you prioritize consolation, it’s possible you’ll not like having to convey the show nearer to your eyes to learn your notifications.

We cannot neglect about aesthetics, both. After all, you are still purchasing for a watch, and it needs to be suitable together with your fashion. You can at all times go for one of many trendy choices. If you are searching for the most effective smartwatch for ladies, you may want one thing extra delicate just like the Fossil Gen 6. We’d level you to the Pixel Watch 3, with its implausible edge-to-edge look that others cannot match.

What options ought to I search for in a smartwatch?

These are some key smartwatch options that you just will not see by default, and will should exit of your technique to discover:

• More than sooner or later of battery life
• NFC
• Third-party app assist
• Fitness coaching apps or plans
• LTE assist
• Passive AFib detection
• Fall detection
• Multiple monitoring satellites
• MIL-STD-810G safety
• Specific controls (e.g., crown, rotating bezel, a number of buttons)
• Specific sensors (e.g., temperature, gyroscope, altimeter)

Of these, now we have particular guides on the most effective smartwatches with LTE so you can also make calls or test in with out your telephone readily available, or the most effective smartwatches for Location Services monitoring that provide greater than the usual watch antenna that may solely comply with one satellite tv for pc at a time.

You’ll wish to test in case your watch helps tap-to-pay, or will register if you happen to’ve fallen whereas figuring out or strolling round your house. Folks with coronary heart points can even wish to be sure you can test for irregular coronary heart rhythm, both actively with an ECG or passively with a regular optical HRM.

Also, test the smartwatches’ specs web page earlier than shopping for to be sure you know what you are getting. For instance, if you happen to do not see an altimeter, which means your watch cannot inform what number of flights of stairs you have climbed or correctly decide how arduous you are figuring out.

Which smartwatch OS is finest?

Wear OS is your only option as a result of it syncs so fully with Android telephones. Still, not all Wear OS variations are created equal. If a watch nonetheless makes use of Wear OS 3 or 3.5 at present, that most likely means the model is struggling to implement sure options like Google Assistant, limiting the chance it’s going to ever catch as much as the Galaxy or Pixel Watches.

Other smartwatch firms akin to Garmin and Fitbit use their very own working programs. These are usually rudimentary in what they provide. Garmin gives a couple of downloadable apps like Spotify or partnerships with Strava and Komoot, however not wherever close to the extent {that a} Wear OS gives. That’s the trade-off you must settle for for the superior battery life.

How a lot battery life do I would like in a smartwatch?

Some customers cannot stand having to take their watch off each 24 hours to cost it. Luckily, there are a lot of multi-day battery life picks on this record.

The Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 fall into the class of each day costs. The Pixel Watch 3 ought to solely final barely longer than 24 hours, whereas the Galaxy Watch 7 can final two days in perfect circumstances however often requires a mid-day cost on day two.

For a greater possibility, take a look at the Galaxy Watch 5 Ultra, Ticwatch Pro 5, or OnePlus Watch 2 and 2R. These ought to all final you two or three days relying in your settings.

If that is not ok for you, both, then you do not need a conventional smartwatch. You need an environment friendly health watch from Garmin, Fitbit, COROS, Polar, Suunto, or different health watch manufacturers. These can final wherever from every week (the Fitbit Sense 2) to 2 weeks (Garmin Venu 3), or generally even months with one thing just like the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar.

What are the most effective Android smartwatches?

If you are presently out there for the most effective Android smartwatch, you must take into account our greatest total decide, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. This wearable is loaded with many options that customers are searching for, and can retain its software program assist and trade-in worth for years to come back.

What makes the Galaxy wearables so nice is the brand new Wear OS 5 platform combined with highly effective {hardware} and a whole sensor suite designed to trace your whole well being information, day and night time. Samsung Health has additionally improved immensely over the past couple of years and incorporates a well-rounded collection of exercise monitoring choices, in addition to a built-in dual-band Location Services for monitoring out of doors runs or bike rides. 

If you are not excited about a Samsung smartwatch or just want how Google does issues, we suggest the Google Pixel Watch 3 for apparent causes. It offers you many of the identical perks, however with a Pixel-like aptitude that different Android customers will love.

How we check

Android Central has been reviewing smartwatches for the reason that authentic Samsung Gear sequence a decade in the past. Since then, we have taken watches as critically as telephones; we all know that smartwatches are each an extension of the Android expertise and an vital standalone machine. 

That’s why we take weeks with any wearable earlier than providing a “remaining” overview and suggestion, and test again in months later with our long-term impressions of main smartwatch gadgets. With every smartwatch, we check its efficiency velocity, battery life for each informal and lively use, and its newest software program. 

Since I took over as Wearables Editor, I’ve executed my finest to emulate the testing-heavy method of common health websites and YouTubers. I by no means belief the well being and health information by default: I take advantage of chest or arm straps to check coronary heart price, a pedometer for step rely, and a number of dual-band Location Services watches to match accuracy.

I actually imply it once I say that I will not suggest a tool with out first ensuring that it is reliable, and I’ll by no means maintain again on a tool’s faults simply because it is a common model.