What is all the hype about smart watches
If there’s one category of tech that’s completely transformed the way we track health and stay connected, it’s smartwatches and fitness devices. From monitoring heart rate and sleep to tracking workouts and receiving calls on the go, these gadgets have become essential companions for both casual users and serious athletes alike. With 2025 bringing faster processors, longer battery life, and more advanced health sensors, choosing the right device can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research for you.
All of the products in this guide have been selected based on a combination of 500+ ratings, 4.5 stars or higher, expert insights, and user feedback across forums, blogs, and editorial sources. We’ve included options for every type of user—from hardcore runners to casual fitness enthusiasts, and even those who just want better sleep tracking. You’ll also find a mix of smartwatches, wearable bands, and rings, giving you a comprehensive look at what’s worth your attention this year.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of which devices excel at performance, versatility, and usability, so you can make an informed purchase without the guesswork. Let’s dive in and find your perfect fit.
And now, the list...
Key features
The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to set the standard for all-around smartwatch performance. It boasts a large, always-on Retina display with edge-to-edge clarity, making notifications, apps, and metrics easy to read. Advanced health sensors monitor heart rate, blood oxygen, and ECG with medical-grade accuracy. The watch includes GPS, sleep tracking, and new AI-powered activity insights, helping users optimize workouts and recovery. Its sleek aluminum or stainless steel options make it stylish enough for everyday wear. Apple’s watchOS ecosystem allows seamless integration with iPhones, fitness apps, and smart home devices. Users consistently praise its smooth interface, reliable performance, and wide range of available bands and accessories. With water resistance up to 50 meters, it’s suitable for swimming or sweat-intensive workouts. Battery life has improved over previous generations, supporting full-day use with occasional workouts.
Pros
- Advanced health monitoring (ECG, SpO2, heart rate)
- GPS + accurate activity tracking
- Sleek, customizable design
- Seamless iPhone integration
- Durable and water-resistant
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options
- Works best within Apple ecosystem
- Battery life can be short during heavy use
Who should this interest
iPhone users seeking the most feature-rich smartwatch with top-tier health tracking, app support, and daily usability.
Key features
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen offers a more affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem without sacrificing essential features. It includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, fall detection, and a vibrant Retina display. While it lacks the advanced sensors of the Series 10, it still provides GPS, activity tracking, and workout modes that cover running, cycling, swimming, and more. The watch runs on watchOS 10, giving access to Apple’s app library and customizable watch faces. Users appreciate the balance of affordability and functionality, noting that it delivers a premium experience without the Series 10 price tag. Battery life supports all-day usage with moderate activity, and the watch maintains Apple’s signature design quality.
Pros
- Affordable Apple Watch option
- GPS + activity and sleep tracking
- Fall detection and safety features
- Vibrant Retina display
- Access to watchOS app ecosystem
Cons
- Lacks ECG and SpO2 sensors
- Limited battery improvements over first-gen SE
- Best features still require iPhone integration
Who should this interest
Budget-conscious Apple users who want a reliable smartwatch with essential fitness and health tracking features.
Key features
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is one of the top choices for Android users, blending smartwatch functionality with robust fitness tracking. It features an AMOLED display that’s bright and easy to read outdoors, along with customizable watch faces. Advanced sensors monitor heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep quality. GPS and multiple sport modes help track workouts with precision, and it supports integration with Samsung Health and third-party apps. The battery lasts up to 2 days under typical use, and it’s water-resistant for swimming or rainy-day workouts. Users consistently praise its smooth Tizen OS interface, versatility, and sleek design.
Pros
- Excellent Android integration
- Heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking
- Multiple sport and GPS modes
- Sleek AMOLED display
- Water-resistant and durable
Cons
- Best features optimized for Samsung phones
- Limited third-party app availability compared to Apple
- Battery life shorter during heavy use
Who should this interest
Android users looking for a stylish smartwatch with comprehensive fitness tracking and day-to-day usability.
Key features
The Google Pixel Watch offers a sleek, minimalist design paired with robust health tracking features. It integrates Google’s Wear OS, giving access to a wide variety of apps, Google Assistant, and Google Wallet for contactless payments. The watch tracks heart rate, sleep, steps, and active minutes, and it also provides on-demand ECG readings. GPS tracking and multiple workout modes make it suitable for running, cycling, and swimming. Users appreciate the seamless Fitbit integration for detailed fitness insights and the watch’s clean interface. The Pixel Watch 2 is compatible with both Android and iOS, though some features are limited on iOS. Battery life typically supports a full day with active usage.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Google Assistant + Wear OS ecosystem
- Heart rate, sleep, and fitness tracking
- Fitbit integration for detailed health insights
- GPS and multiple workout modes
Cons
- Full functionality limited for iOS users
- Battery life is moderate for heavy users
- Fewer third-party apps compared to Apple
Who should this interest
Android users seeking a stylish smartwatch with deep integration into Google services and Fitbit health tracking.
Key features
The Garmin Forerunner 265 is tailored for serious runners and triathletes, offering advanced performance metrics such as VO2 max, cadence, and recovery time. It features GPS tracking, multi-sport modes, and customizable training plans. The high-resolution AMOLED display is readable in sunlight, and the watch is lightweight and comfortable for long-distance wear. Battery life lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. The Forerunner 265 also supports notifications, music storage, and Garmin Connect integration. Users praise its accuracy, durability, and focus on performance data for serious training.
Pros
- Advanced running and fitness metrics
- Long battery life in GPS and smartwatch mode
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Multi-sport tracking capabilities
- Integration with Garmin Connect app
Cons
- More expensive than basic fitness watches
- Not as stylish for casual wear
- Learning curve for advanced metrics
Who should this interest
Runners and endurance athletes who want precise training data and performance tracking in a reliable, lightweight watch.
Key features
The Garmin Fenix 8 is a rugged, adventure-ready smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and multisport athletes. It includes topographical mapping, advanced GPS tracking, heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking. The watch supports multiple sports, including trail running, swimming, cycling, skiing, and climbing. Its solar charging feature extends battery life for extended expeditions, and it’s built to withstand harsh conditions. Users praise the Fenix 8 for its accuracy, durability, and comprehensive outdoor navigation features. The watch also integrates notifications, music, and safety features for peace of mind during adventures.
Pros
- Rugged and durable design for outdoor use
- Solar charging for extended battery life
- Advanced health, fitness, and navigation metrics
- Multi-sport tracking for athletes and adventurers
- Water-resistant and shock-resistant
Cons
- High price point
- Bulky for casual everyday wear
- Complex interface for beginners
Who should this interest
Adventurers and athletes seeking a durable, feature-packed smartwatch for outdoor activities and extreme sports.
Key features
The Fitbit Sense 2 focuses on holistic wellness, combining stress management, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and skin temperature sensors. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable for 24/7 wear. The device provides guided breathing exercises, mindfulness prompts, and notifications to help users stay on top of their health. With GPS tracking and activity modes, it supports running, cycling, and strength training. Fitbit’s companion app provides detailed insights, trends, and personalized recommendations. Users praise its wellness-focused features and ease of use, making it ideal for those prioritizing stress and sleep alongside fitness.
Pros
- Stress management and mindfulness features
- Comprehensive sleep and health tracking
- Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear
- GPS and multi-sport activity tracking
- Fitbit app integration for insights and trends
Cons
- Battery lasts ~6 days, shorter with heavy GPS use
- Limited smartwatch app ecosystem
- Some advanced features require subscription
Who should this interest
Users looking for a wellness-focused smartwatch with strong sleep, stress, and activity tracking.
Key features
The Amazfit Balance is an affordable, full-featured smartwatch that delivers solid performance for casual fitness enthusiasts. It tracks heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress levels, and offers multiple sport modes including running, cycling, and swimming. The watch’s AMOLED display is bright and easy to read outdoors, and it supports notifications from apps, calls, and messages. With a battery life of up to 14 days, users can go longer between charges compared to many premium devices. The watch also integrates with the Zepp app for tracking trends, workouts, and health insights. Users appreciate its affordability, simplicity, and all-around functionality without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Affordable with solid feature set
- Heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking
- Multiple sport modes for everyday fitness
- AMOLED display readable outdoors
- Long battery life (~14 days)
Cons
- Limited third-party app support
- Lacks advanced sensors found in premium watches
- Design is functional but less stylish
Who should this interest
Casual fitness enthusiasts seeking a reliable, affordable smartwatch for daily activity and health tracking.
Key features
The Whoop 4.0 Band focuses entirely on health, recovery, and performance metrics rather than notifications or apps. It tracks heart rate variability, sleep cycles, strain, and recovery scores, helping athletes optimize training and prevent overtraining. The band is lightweight, comfortable, and worn 24/7, with a unique subscription model providing access to data and insights via the Whoop app. Users praise its detailed analytics, real-time feedback, and guidance on sleep and activity balance. Battery life lasts approximately 5 days, and the modular design allows for on-the-go charging without removing the band.
Pros
- Detailed health, recovery, and strain metrics
- Lightweight and comfortable 24/7 wear
- Real-time guidance for training and sleep
- Accurate heart rate and HRV tracking
- Modular on-the-go charging
Cons
- Requires subscription for full features
- No traditional smartwatch apps or notifications
- Battery life shorter than some competitors
Who should this interest
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want detailed recovery and performance insights rather than traditional smartwatch functionality.
10. Oura Ring Gen 3
Key features
The Oura Ring Gen 3 is a sleek, non-watch wearable designed for comprehensive sleep and activity tracking. Its sensors monitor heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and movement to provide personalized health insights. The companion app offers detailed sleep analysis, readiness scores, and activity tracking. Users praise the discreet, ring-style design that doesn’t interfere with daily wear or workouts. With a battery life of 4–7 days depending on usage, it offers reliable long-term tracking. The ring’s comfort, accuracy, and focus on health metrics make it a standout for users who prioritize sleep and recovery over traditional smartwatch features.
Pros
- Discreet ring design, comfortable 24/7 wear
- Comprehensive sleep, heart rate, and temperature tracking
- Personalized insights and readiness scores
- Long battery life (4–7 days)
- Compatible with both Android and iOS
Cons
- No traditional smartwatch apps or notifications
- Higher price point
- Requires careful sizing for comfort
Who should this interest
Users who want in-depth health and sleep tracking in a discreet, non-watch form factor.
Final Recommendations
Here is the final thoughts and recommendations
- Best All-Around Smartwatch – Apple Watch Series 10
The clear winner for iPhone users, offering top-tier health sensors, smooth performance, and seamless integration with apps and smart home devices. Ideal for those who want a feature-rich smartwatch for everyday use. - Best Android Smartwatch – Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
The top pick for Android users, combining style, AMOLED display, and comprehensive fitness tracking. Works best with Samsung phones but is compatible with most Android devices. - Best for Serious Athletes – Garmin Forerunner 265
Precision tracking for runners and endurance athletes makes this a standout. Long battery life, advanced metrics, and multi-sport support make it perfect for performance-focused users. - Best Non-Watch Fitness Tech – Oura Ring Gen 3
A discreet, highly accurate wearable for health and sleep tracking. Excellent for users who prioritize sleep and recovery insights over traditional smartwatch features. - Best Wellness-Focused Device – Fitbit Sense 2
Offers guided mindfulness, stress management, and sleep tracking alongside fitness monitoring, ideal for users balancing activity with overall wellness.
Bonus Tips & Practical Advice
- Battery Optimization: For most devices, reducing always-on displays or disabling unnecessary notifications can significantly extend battery life.
- Strap Swaps: Consider silicone, leather, or metal straps depending on activity type—fitness versus everyday wear.
- App Integration: Use companion apps (Fitbit, Garmin Connect, Zepp, Whoop) to track trends and get personalized insights.
- Sleep Tracking Accuracy: Wear snugly but comfortably; pairing devices with consistent sleep schedules improves data reliability.
- Workout Planning: Devices like Garmin Forerunner or Whoop can guide recovery and optimize training cycles—leverage the data for smarter workouts.