Top 10 Best Smartwatches you can buy in 2024
It is simple to doubt the practicality of smartwatches. Is all that activity tracking really necessary? And will you ever communicate with your wrist in the same way as Buzz Lightyear? We have, however, been won over. The most amazing part about the greatest smartwatches is that you have complete control over customization.
You can therefore configure the timepiece to function for you, choosing to use all of the features or just the ones that will enhance your life.
Apple Watch Series 9
PROS
+ Excellent hands-free capabilities
+ New double-tap gestures
CONS
+ Not many changes from previous models
We advise choosing the most recent model, the Apple Watch Series 9, if you're buying a wristwatch to go along with your iPhone. You'll spend less time taking your iPhone out of your pocket or purse if you use it to filter your alerts and ensure that the most crucial ones arrive right at your wrist.
Using Apple Pay to tap to pay for your morning coffee is a guaranteed way to feel like you're living in the future. We find it easy to control music and podcast playback on our commute. Regarding health, we have tracked walks, gym workouts, and pool swims using the Apple Watch in addition to keeping an eye on our objectives. It's also important to note the enormous selection of Apple Watch straps available; if personalization is something you're after, the possibilities for customizing this and the Apple Watch SE seem practically limitless.
Siri, Apple's voice assistant, is simple to use for dictating message responses and setting timers and reminders. With the Series 9, the hands-free features have seen significant improvements. Siri is now much faster and more sensitive, and a double-tap gesture that allows you to manage the watch by pinching your thumb and forefinger has been added. If you don't want to converse with it, you can easily type in your response on the keyboard or choose a fast response thanks to its enormous edge-to-edge screen, which is 20% larger than the SE's.
If you choose the cellular version, you can use it without having your phone on you, though several features do require it to be close by. You will need to set it up and have a compatible EE, O2, or Vodafone mobile contract, though. We also appreciate that it has a number of smart health features, such as the ability to take an ECG (electrocardiogram) and assess blood oxygen levels. Additionally, it can determine whether you've fallen and will notify an emergency contact.
The Series 9 improves on the features of the Series 8, which included a temperature sensor and auto collision detection (which we hope you'll never need to use). Other features include double-tap, a faster processor, improved Siri performance, and a new ultra-wideband chip that makes it simpler to locate your misplaced iPhone. Although it is priced higher than the average Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed for adventurers, hikers, climbers, and dives.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
Casing material: Aluminium, stainless steel
Included strap material: Fluoroelastomer
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Operating system: watchOS (only works with iPhones)
Contactless payments: Yes, Apple Pay
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Google Pixel Watch 2
PROS
+ Very comfy fit
+ Improved battery life
CONS
+ Some fitness modes are paywalled
The Google Pixel Watch 2 maintains its elegant circular appearance and has an improved CPU that offers smoother performance and a battery life that truly lasts for a full day between charges. It is everything we wish the first Pixel Watch had been when it was initially released. Although the wearable isn't as powerful as the Samsung Galaxy 5 Pro or the Apple Watch Series 9, it's still a great option for anyone looking for a tiny, user-friendly smartwatch.
Although the screen's boundaries are larger than those of its competitors, Google does a great job of masking them by utilizing black backgrounds that blend in with the sides. The 1.2-inch OLED panel feels responsive. Although it's one of the most attractive watches available, it's unfortunate that those with larger wrists cannot choose a larger size.
The ideal way to utilize this peddle-shaped device is as an extension of your Android phone (we use ours with a Pixel 8 Pro). It's great for tracking your daily step count, workouts, and real-time notifications when used in conjunction with the Fitbit app. You can also get metrics related to sleep, weight, nutrition, exercise, and fitness with this. Fitbit will give you a free six-month trial of its Premium tier; however, after the trial period ends, you'll have to pay £7.99 a month for better stress and sleep monitoring, as well as mindfulness classes.
We believe the Pixel Watch 2 is the best option for anyone looking for a wearable that strikes a balance between the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Fitbit Sense after several weeks of testing. You get all the typical Fitbit benefits in addition to plenty of features for casual smartwatch users.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 41mm
Casing material: Aluminum
Included strap material: Fluoroelastomer
Battery life: Up to 24 hours
Operating system: WearOS
Contactless payments: Yes, Google Pay
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
PROS
+ The most affordable Apple smartwatch
+ Top health and fitness tracking
CONS
+ No always-on display or ECG
We’d suggest going for the latest Apple Watch SE if you’d like to have almost all the functions you get on the more expensive model above but in a more affordable package.
Even while it doesn't have the fully edge-to-edge screen and some of the more sophisticated health features, this Apple Watch is still incredibly convenient for iPhone users. Surprisingly, the SE and Series 8 share more features despite their different prices. Heart rate monitoring, a vivid display, a "swampproof" body, and an 18-hour battery life (which may be extended to much longer when the "low power" mode is activated) are all still included.
It does not include the larger "always-on" display, blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, or ECG features found on the Apple Watch Series 8, but it does have the same auto accident detection feature.
The most recent update has a speedier CPU and new, vibrant colors. We believe that the SE—which starts at £219—should be the preferred choice for the majority of iPhone customers, particularly those who are on a tight budget and don't anticipate needing the extra capabilities of the most recent Series 9 or the Series 8.
All things considered, it's a great smartwatch for monitoring your health and getting notifications, contactless payments, and Siri all from your wrist (and, like the Series 8, it comes in a cellular version too).
Key specifications:
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm
Casing material: Aluminium
Included strap material: Fluoroelastomer
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Operating system: watchOS (only works with iPhones)
Contactless payments: Yes, via Apple Pay
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
PROS
+ Comfortable and lightweight design
+ Very smooth performance
CONS
+ No built-in Fitbit support like the Pixel
We can vouch for the comfort of Samsung's latest smartwatch. On test, the new Watch 6’s lightweight aluminum case and buckled rubber strap combine to make this one of the most pleasant wearable experiences we’ve had, with no irritation when worn all day through work and a commute, then overnight to take advantage of the built-in sleep tracking.
With thinner bezels than the Pixel Watch and a more upscale build than any Fitbit, the design of the Watch 4 hasn't altered all that much, but it still looks fantastic. Compared to previous Samsung watches, this one has a better chip and more memory, and it boots up apps and navigates menus quickly. The 44mm model is the recommended choice for people with larger wrists, even though the 40mm model we tested was small and fashionable.
Unlike the Pixel Watch and other Apple models, the battery lasts for around two days between charges, so we welcome not having to charge it every night.
Although it doesn't have built-in Fitbit connection, the Wear OS software seems rather comparable to Google's wearable. However, without the need to download extra apps, the Watch 6 allows you to measure your blood pressure, heart rate, workout performance, and sleep habits. The Watch 6 has 30 minutes of water resistance and fall detection and emergency calling capabilities. It can also withstand being submerged up to 1.5 meters.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 40mm, 44mm
Casing material: Aluminium
Included strap material: Rubber
Battery life: Up to 40 hours
Operating system: Wear OS
Contactless payments: Yes, via Samsung Pay
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Amazfit GTS 4
PROS
+ Great value for money
+ Very smooth performance
CONS
+ Lacks features of some higher-end rivals
The GTS4 is an affordable wearable that takes design inspiration from the Apple Watch, with a squared-off case and a twistable scroll wheel on the right side.
Although it lacks the software and build quality of the iOS-powered models, we are confident that, after using it for a few weeks, it is ideal for novices or anyone who needs a stylish watch for everyday use. The body of the device is lightweight and compact, the strap is comfortable to wear all day, and the battery life is among the best we've tested, easily lasting a week at a time.
The display is vivid, colorful, and large enough to quickly view the time and any app notifications. Its navigation is intuitive and includes all the features you would expect from a basic watch, such as step counting, heart rate tracking, sleep reports, and blood-oxygen measurements. Tapping the scroll wheel opens the main menu, and sliding down on the main screen displays app shortcuts.
Though considering the price, it's not unexpected that the top models from Apple and Samsung lack features like temperature sensors, ECG readings, or automated crash detection. We enjoy the range of exercise modes, and when we tested at the gym, the readings accurately represented our efforts.
We paired it with a Google Pixel 7 Pro and the alerts received to the phone quickly appeared on the watch. The app used to pair them is called Zepp Health. There is a nice selection of free watch faces on the store (although they are slightly hidden behind paid options unless you tap an icon on the top-right) and they’re speedy to sync. The app layout is cluttered, but we appreciate the amount of data it shows. The black version of the watch that we tested isn’t the most exciting to look at and doesn’t feel high-end to wear like the Pixel Watch or other flagships. If you need a no-fuss non-iOS smartwatch for under £200 this is our pick, but anyone with an iPhone and an extra £50 should get the Apple Watch SE instead.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 44mm
Casing material: Plastic, aluminium alloy
Included strap material: Fluoroelastomer/silicone
Battery life: Up to 8 days
Operating system: Zepp OS
Contactless payments: No
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Doro Watch
PROS
+ Easy to use and navigate
+ Large display
CONS
+ Build quality not as premium as many rivals
The Doro Watch simplifies every aspect of the smartwatch experience, increasing the size of the display, buttons and icons while keeping the menus uncluttered and easy to read.
Those who are older and prefer simplicity should utilize this. We enjoy how simple the watch and the Doro companion app are to use; even for people who are not accustomed to touching and scrolling, the band is comfortable to wear all day. The battery is also excellent; it can run for a week on a single charge and recharge in less than two hours.
The main menu may be accessed by clicking the top right button. From there, you can swipe down through the modes—exercise, activity, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen, find phone, and settings—using your finger. Every icon features vivid colors, and the typeface is readable at a glance.
You can select from a selection of black and white, easily readable clock faces by pressing and holding the home screen. The Doro app receives data feeds and displays health and fitness records in a clean and readable format with large icons and letters.
After pairing the watch with a Google Pixel 7 Pro, we saw that SMS and email notifications showed up on the screen right away. But the Doro 8100 smartphone is the ideal pairing for this wearable.
Doing so lets you make use of the second button to launch a special Response mode. As long as you are within 10 metres of the phone, tapping the button triggers alerts to chosen family and friends to get help. When the person accepts the alert, the wearer is then automatically placed on a loudspeaker voice call.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 45mm
Casing material: Metal/plastic
Included strap material: Silicone
Battery life: Up to 8 days
Operating system: Doro RTOS
Contactless payments: No
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
PROS
+ Excellent build quality
+ Sturdy D-buckle strap
CONS
+ Quite chunky if you have small wrists
While the Apple Watch is a natural fit for iPhone users, anyone with an Android phone in their pocket should check out Samsung’s Watch series instead. On test, the Watch 5 Pro pairs seamlessly with our Pixel via the Galaxy Wear app, providing us with instant notifications, exercise reminders and lots of customisation over watch faces and settings, including a Find My Watch button that makes your watch vibrate and play a chirpy sound so you can locate it.
By moving your finger around the edge of the circular display, you can navigate through the menus. We appreciate that the watch provides pleasant tactile sensation as you scroll. You may quickly access modes such as a daily activity report, sleep tracking, weather, step counter, and body composition analysis by just swiping right to activate the "Tiles" menu. That's only a handful of the various settings that the wristwatch offers; you can easily rearrange the Tiles' order using the app.
The construction quality is likewise excellent, with a strong titanium frame on a rubberized strap with a special D-buckle that fastens with a magnet to provide the ideal snug fit.
Without a doubt, however, this is not a watch for little wrists, and those with shorter arms might be better off considering the basic Watch 6. In comparison to some of the other watches in our collection, the 5 Pro is thick and heavy, but it has a lot of power, and we believe the simple black design looks great whether you're out for a gourmet lunch or battling through a workout at the gym. It's unfortunate that it isn't iOS compatible, but Android users those with larger wrists will adore it.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 45mm
Casing material: Titanium
Included strap material: Fluoroelastomer
Battery life: Up to 80 hours
Operating system: WearOS (only works with Android phones)
Contactless payments: Yes, Samsung Pay
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Huawei GT 3 Pro
PROS
+ Long-lasting battery life
+ Stylish circular display
CONS
+ Software not as good as some rivals
Huawei’s latest premium watch, the GT 3 Pro has an incredible battery life of up to two weeks so you don’t have to worry about taking it off your wrist at the end of every day – unlike some models on this list that require more frequent recharges (like the Apple and Google models). But it’s not just the internals that shine. On test, we enjoyed the slimline circular display set on top of an angular titanium body, and we found the leather strap to be suitable for all occasions, and comfortable to wear. We admit it’s a simple look, but we think it’s – dare we say it – pretty timeless.
Along with a ton of options for customizing the watch faces, you get all the health and fitness features you would expect from a smartwatch, such as heart rate monitoring, GPS, step counts, and workout tracking.
The app experience is subpar in comparison to competitors, particularly the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, which is the drawback. Huawei's Health app has a ton of features when it functions. Nevertheless, during our time with the wearable, we experienced a few connection drops, unexpected upgrades, and an update that was only accessible through Huawei's App Gallery and not the Play Store. Similar to the GT2 above, the absence of Google and payment apps is another nuisance, but if you don't want those intelligent features, this will work just fine.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 46.6mm
Casing material: Titanium
Included strap material: Leather
Battery life: Up to two weeks
Operating system: HarmonyOS (works with iPhones and Android phones)
Contactless payments: No
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Fitbit Versa 4
PROS
+ Built-in GPS
+ Nearly a week of battery life
CONS
+ Fitbit OS lacks some apps
If you’re prioritising fitness features, going with Fitbit is well worth it, especially as these models are more affordable than a lot of the other smartwatches on the market and deliver more battery life.
In the case of the Versa 4, you’re getting up to six days of life from one charge, and a water-resistant and swimproof watch that can log a wide variety of different exercises. It automatically detects many of them without you needing to tap the screen. It tracks your heart rate, blood oxygen and stress levels and we like how it works whether you’ve got an iPhone or an Android handset, so you’re not tied to one brand.
With Alexa built into the Versa 4, you can ask the voice assistant to start workouts for you, check the weather, set timers, and operate smart home appliances.
You cannot answer calls using the watch; instead, it notifies you of incoming and outgoing calls, texts, and emails on your smartphone. Fitbit Pay allows contactless payments, although there are just nine UK banks that are compatible—far less than with Google Pay and Apple Pay. Fitbit OS is devoid of smart apps, and even though Google owns Fitbit, Google Pay, Assistant, and Maps are not available here. But with an integrated GPS and a stylish, light design, this is one among our favorite wearables for exercise in 2024.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 36mm
Casing material: Aluminium
Included strap material: Polyester
Battery life: Up to 6 days
Operating system: Fitbit OS (works with iPhones and Android phones)
Contactless payments: Yes, via Fitbit Pay
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Fitbit Sense 2
PROS
+ Android and iOS compatibility
+ Fantastic health tracking
CONS
+ Not as powerful as 'full' smartwatches
Fitbit’s top-of-the-range wearable builds on its Versa models with some great additional health features. As well as being able to track the same 20 exercises (including seven automatically) and monitor how much light, deep and REM sleep you get each night, it can also monitor your blood oxygen level, take an ECG, and flag if your heart rate is too high or low.
In addition to the watch, you get a six-month membership to Fitbit Premium, which offers some quite powerful health features.
More details on all the important metrics will be provided, along with access to guided regimens that include exercise and meditation. Not only can music be downloaded to the gadget and listened to via Bluetooth headphones, but Amazon's Alexa voice assistant is also integrated. After giving it a try, we discovered that Alexa was effective at initiating workouts, displaying the weather, and setting timers. In addition, you may use the watch to answer calls on your smartphone right from your wrist and receive SMS and email alerts.
Key specifications:
Sizes: 40.5mm
Casing material: Aluminium
Included strap material: Polyester
Battery life: Up to 6 days
Operating system: Fitbit OS (works with iPhones and Android phones)
Contactless payments: Yes, via Fitbit Pay
Heart rate sensor: Yes
Is purchasing a smartwatch worthwhile?
We believe that. Naturally, using it differs greatly from wearing a conventional wristwatch, and you must get used to charging the device frequently. However, you'll quickly discover that a lot of smartwatch users find it to be really useful.
Receiving alerts regarding calls, messages, emails, or app notifications—like motion detection alerts from your wifi security camera—directly to your wrist is convenient and ensures that you never miss anything. You'll also spend less time staring at your phone.
The calorie burn during exercise is simply an estimate because it depends on more variables than what a smartwatch can measure. The step counter and distance monitor, however, may be correct. We advise using it as a reference rather than a precise record.
The challenge of accomplishing a specific distance, step count, or calorie burn goal each day may inspire you if you're a target-driven person. Additionally, if you enjoy a little friendly rivalry, a lot of smartwatches let you play challenges against friends or complete strangers who are also using the same brand of gadget.
How to purchase the top wristwatch
Selecting a smartwatch can be challenging, as there are a number of criteria to take into account. We've outlined the most important ones below:
Operating system
You should consider the operating system of your smartwatch because it works in tandem with your phone. Although Apple Watches and iPhones are designed to work best together, it should be noted that Android phones cannot be used with Apple wearables.
Google's Wear OS will also provide you with the greatest experience possible on an Android device. The apps from third parties that you can install on your watch are also determined by the operating system. Certain watches (such as Fitbit's "Fitbit OS" and Garmin's "Garmin OS") employ their own operating systems; however, these don't come with as many additional apps.
Display
We all have different-sized wrists, which is one reason why the display size is so important. If you think a slightly smaller screen will fit better around your wrist, you might prefer it.
Ultimately, the watch ought to be cozy to wear. You'll notice that some displays are squared off and some are round; you can have a preference for one over the other.
To display the time in a variety of ways, all smartwatches come with a large assortment of watch faces in their companion apps. This makes it perfect if you want to switch between an easy-to-read digital approach, a conventional dial, or both.
Fitness tracking
The extent of fitness tracking varies between smartwatches. Most allow you to record exercise sessions such as walking and running (both indoors and outdoors), while some can log up to 100 different types of exercise and track several different health metrics. All the smartwatches on this list have a built-in heart rate monitor too, so you can also track beats per minute (bpm).
Waterproofing and swim tracking
Sweat-proofing and waterproofing are standard on most smartwatches, so they can be worn in the bath, in the shower and while swimming. Some can monitor your swim session, both in the pool and in open water.
GPS
Some smartwatches come with built-in GPS, rather than relying on your smartphone. With this, you can leave your phone behind when running or walking and still track the route you’ve covered. It also helps with getting directions from your watch.
Sleep tracking
Most smartwatches have this feature built-in as standard. However, the depth of information can be varied. Some just provide a total for the number of hours you sleep, while others break this down into heavy, light and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Battery life
How long your watch lasts between charges is crucial, especially if you need to find some time to recharge it and it’s designed for overnight wear to track your sleep.
Some offer “all-day” battery life, which will mean they need a refuel each morning or overnight (which stops you from using sleep tracking and vibrating alarms), while others will last for several days and up to more than a week without needing juice, depending on how you use it.
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