Finding the ideal smartwatch can feel overwhelming with so many options flooding the market. Price, functionality, design, and compatibility with your smartphone’s operating system are crucial factors to consider. A great smartwatch should seamlessly track your activity levels, deliver notifications efficiently, provide reliable navigation, monitor your sleep patterns, and keep tabs on your heart rate, among many other features.
For users of iPhones or Android devices, the selection process can be somewhat streamlined due to ecosystem preferences. If you are an iPhone user, an Apple Watch is almost certainly going to offer the most integrated experience. Similarly, Samsung Galaxy Watches are often optimized for use with Samsung smartphones. However, brands like Nothing and Garmin offer excellent alternatives that work well across different platforms, providing more flexibility for consumers.
While the year hasn’t seen a wave of brand-new smartwatch releases just yet, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains a dominant force and our top recommendation as the best smartwatch available today. Nevertheless, for those on a tighter budget or who prefer Android, there are numerous compelling alternatives to explore.
Here’s a detailed look at the top smartwatch models you can purchase right now, helping you make an informed decision in 2025.
Curated by
Curated by Matt Evans, TechRadar’s Fitness and Wearables Editor, an expert with extensive experience covering workouts, smartwatches, and all aspects of fitness technology. Matt has a rich background in health and fitness journalism, previously contributing to Men’s Health magazine and writing for various publications including Runner’s World, Women’s Health, Men’s Fitness, LiveScience, and Fit&Well.
The Quick List: Top Smartwatches at a Glance
| Rank | Smartwatch | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Overall Best Smartwatch |
| 2 | Apple Watch SE 2 | Best Value Apple Watch |
| 3 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Best Samsung Smartwatch |
| 4 | Google Pixel Watch 3 | Best Google Smartwatch |
| 5 | OnePlus Watch 2 | Best Wear OS Smartwatch Alternative |
| 6 | CMF Watch Pro by Nothing | Best Budget-Friendly Smartwatch |
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Smartwatch Specifications Compared
| Component | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch SE 2 (40mm) | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra | Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) | OnePlus Watch 2 | CMF Watch Pro by Nothing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 | $249 / £259 / AU$399 | $649 / £599 / AU$1,299 | $399 / £349 / AU$579 | $299.99 / £299 / AU$459 | $69 / £69 / AU$131 |
| Dimensions | 49 x 41 x 14 (mm) | 40 x 34 x 10.7 (mm) | 47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1mm | 41 x 41 x 12.3 (mm) | 47 x 46.6 x 12.1 (mm) | 46.9 x 39.87 x 12.89 (mm) |
| Weight | 61g | 27.8 grams (cellular) | 60.5g | 31g | 80g (including strap) | 47g |
| Case/bezel | Titanium | Aluminum / nylon | Titanium | Aluminum | Stainless Steel | Aluminium alloy |
| Display | 502 x 410 px poly-silicon always-on OLED Retina Display | 324 x 394 retina OLED display | 480 x 480 px full-color AMOLED | 384 x 384 px always-on AMOLED 320 ppi | 466 x 466px, AMOLED | 410 x 502 px, AMOLED |
| GPS | Yes (unspecified) | Yes (unspecified) | Dual-frequency GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | GPS, Beidou, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS/Beidou |
| Battery life | 36 hours | 18 hours | 590mAh, up to 100 hours | 36 hours | 100 hours | Up to 13 days |
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, 4G LTE | Bluetooth 5.0, BLE | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water resistant | WR100 (diveproof) | WR50 | 10ATM + IP68 | WR50, IP68 | 5ATM | IP68 |
The Best Smartwatch Overall
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The best smartwatch overall
Our expert review:
Specifications
- OS: watchOS 11
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.9″ OLED
- Processor: Apple S9
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery: 36 hours
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: Water-resistant to 100m
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE, Ultra Wideband
Reasons to Buy
- Large, bright display for excellent visibility in all conditions.
- Action button offers customizable quick access to features.
Reasons to Avoid
- Battery life is improved but still could be longer for extended adventures.
- Ultra Wideband functionality is limited to iPhone 15 and later models.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out as the premier smartwatch, boasting one of the most impressive screens ever seen on a wearable device. Its stunning Retina Display OLED panel achieves up to 3,000 nits of brightness, ensuring exceptional clarity even in direct sunlight. While larger and more robust than the standard Apple Watch, it incorporates a faster S9 processor, enabling innovative features like the convenient Double Tap gesture. Aside from these advancements, it mirrors its predecessor, the original Apple Watch Ultra, in most functionalities.
Although battery life is enhanced compared to regular Apple Watches, it still leaves room for improvement for users expecting multi-day usage without charging. However, the watch excels in outdoor and activity tracking, featuring a powerful and accurate GPS system, especially beneficial with watchOS 11’s enhanced hiking waypoint capabilities. Moreover, it functions as a dive computer when paired with the Oceanic Plus app, making it suitable for serious divers.
Despite the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 10, the Ultra 2 narrowly maintains its top position due to its superior battery performance and rugged build quality. During hands-on testing, it consistently proved to be the most capable wearable Apple has ever produced. Its primary limitations are its exclusive compatibility with iPhones and its premium price point. However, when assessing smartwatches purely on technical merits, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 leads the pack. As highlighted in the specifications table, it features the largest and brightest display, offers the deepest water resistance, and is constructed with ultra-durable titanium.
Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review
The Best Cheap Apple Watch
(Image credit: TechRadar)
Apple Watch SE 2
The best Apple Watch for iPhone users on a budget
Our expert review:
Specifications
- OS: watchOS 11
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.78″ OLED
- Processor: Apple S8
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery: 18 hours
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: Water-resistant to 50m
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
Reasons to Buy
- Light and comfortable for all-day wear.
- Good battery life relative to its affordable price.
- Includes updated features compared to older budget Apple Watches.
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks always-on display and ECG functionality found in more expensive models.
- Features a nylon back instead of premium materials.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is arguably the most sensible choice for most Apple users. It offers significant cost savings compared to the Apple Watch Series 10, yet retains essential features and even shares the same powerful S8 chipset as the Series 8.
Key omissions include the always-on display, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring present in higher-end models (though it’s worth noting that Apple Watch Series 9 and 10 are currently sold without blood oxygen tracking in some regions). It also misses the Double Tap feature introduced in the Series 9. Despite these omissions, the Apple Watch SE 2 still provides a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking functionalities, along with crucial safety features like Car Crash Detection.
Performance remains robust, battery life is commendable for a full-fledged smartwatch in its price range, and it’s remarkably light and comfortable on the wrist. The Apple Watch SE 2 strikes an excellent balance between affordability and essential smartwatch capabilities, making it a highly recommended option for budget-conscious iPhone users.
Read our full Apple Watch SE 2 review
The Best Samsung Watch
(Image credit: Future)
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The best Samsung smartwatch overall
Specifications
- OS: Wear OS (One UI Watch 6)
- Compatibility: Android
- Display: 480 x 480 px full-color AMOLED
- Processor: Exynos W1000
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery duration: Up to 100 hours
- Charging method: Qi wireless charging
- IP rating: IP68 + 10ATM
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
Reasons to Buy
- Comprehensive and powerful fitness tracking features.
- Highly durable and rugged construction.
Reasons to Avoid
- Relatively expensive compared to other Android smartwatches.
- Features and performance are optimized for Samsung phones.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra represents Samsung’s most ambitious and feature-rich smartwatch to date. It surpasses previous models in battery life, processing power, and durability, while also introducing a distinctive design that sets it apart within the Samsung smartwatch lineup. Encased in a prominent titanium frame, it emphasizes outdoor and adventure-focused functionalities.
The expansive Super AMOLED display is crisp, vibrant, and remains easily readable even in bright outdoor environments. Performance is snappy, especially when paired with a Samsung smartphone, enhancing ecosystem integration. iPhone users will need to look elsewhere, as compatibility is strictly within the Android ecosystem, and particularly advantageous for Samsung users, mirroring Apple’s Ultra strategy.
Beyond SmartThings integration, key highlights include the upgraded Exynos W1000 chipset, enhanced durability, precise GPS tracking, and Samsung’s unique bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) feature for monitoring body composition (muscle mass, fat percentage).
It verges on being the ultimate fitness companion, offering extensive sleep tracking to optimize daily recovery and performance. However, its substantial size and weight were noted as less comfortable for overnight wear during testing.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review
The Best Google Watch
(Image credit: Future)
Google Pixel Watch 3
The best Google smartwatch for Pixel users
Our expert review:
Specifications
- OS: Wear OS 5
- Compatibility: Android 10 or higher
- Display: 1.2″ OLED
- Processor: Qualcomm SW5100, Cortex M33
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery: 36 hours
- Charging method: Wireless
- IP rating: IP68
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, LTE
Reasons to Buy
- Elegant, classic watch-like aesthetics.
- Even brighter display than previous models.
- New larger size option available.
Reasons to Avoid
- Band switch system remains unchanged and somewhat cumbersome.
- Lacks blood oxygen sensing (at the time of review).
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is the newest iteration of Google’s signature smartwatch design, continuing its legacy into 2024 with refined features. It retains the sleek, modern, and circular design that defined the first two generations, now offering an additional 45mm size variant to cater to different wrist sizes and preferences. Wear OS optimizations enhance the user experience on the larger display, improving readability and interaction.
Disappointingly, the band attachment mechanism has not been improved from prior models, remaining a point of minor frustration for some users. However, the processor continues to deliver smooth performance, providing the seamless Google wearable experience users expect. It serves as an ideal companion for Pixel smartphones and also functions effectively with other Android devices outside the Samsung ecosystem.
The minimalist design remains a standout feature, offering a timeless appeal that’s sure to draw attention. With battery saver mode enabled, the Pixel Watch 3 now achieves up to 36 hours of battery life, matching the Apple Watch Series 10 in typical usage scenarios.
Read our full Google Pixel Watch 3 review
The Best Android Smartwatch
(Image credit: Luke Baker)
OnePlus Watch 2
The best Wear OS smartwatch not made by Google
Our expert review:
Specifications
- Compatibility: Android, iOS (limited)
- Display: 466 x 466px, AMOLED
- Processor: Snapdragon W5+, BES2700BP
- Onboard storage: 32GB
- Battery duration: Up to 100 hours
- Charging method: Magnetic connecting pin
- IP rating: 5ATM
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 and BLE
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional battery life due to dual operating system setup.
- Accurate fitness tracking metrics.
- Attractive design aesthetics.
Reasons to Avoid
- Offered in a single size only.
- Rotating crown is present but lacks functionality.
The OnePlus Watch 2 emerges as a compelling all-around smartwatch, surpassing the TicWatch Pro 5 in our rankings and presenting a strong alternative to the Google Pixel Watch for Android users.
It boasts several notable advantages, primarily its utilization of the powerful Snapdragon W5+ Gen1 processor, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. A unique feature is its dual operating system architecture, intelligently switching between systems to conserve battery life when demanding features are not in use. This innovative approach enables it to achieve an impressive battery life of up to 100 hours, leveraging its dual-chipset design effectively.
Fitness tracking accuracy is a strong point, validated through comparative testing against the Garmin Epix Pro during outdoor activities. Aesthetically, it is appealing on the wrist, offering leather strap options and a design inspired by classic analogue chronographs, available in attractive color variants like Nordic Blue.
Read the full OnePlus Watch 2 review
Explore our OnePlus discount codes for potential savings on OnePlus products.
The Best Cheap Smartwatch
(Image credit: Luke Baker)
CMF Watch Pro by Nothing
The best cheap system-agnostic smartwatch
Our expert review:
Specifications
- OS: Nothing OS
- Compatibility: iOS 13 and above, Android 8.0 and above
- Display: 1.96-inch 410 x 502 AMOLED
- Processor: (Likely MediaTek, specific model not listed in source, Snapdragon Wear 4100 is incorrect as per other sources)
- Onboard storage: 8GB
- Battery duration: 13 days
- Charging method: Proprietary magnetic charger
- IP rating: IP68
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, GPS
Reasons to Buy
- Large and vibrant display for easy viewing.
- Excellent battery life, lasting up to 13 days.
- Extremely affordable price point.
Reasons to Avoid
- Occasional minor connectivity issues reported.
- Operating system and features are quite basic.
The CMF Watch Pro by Nothing offers a compelling package for its low price, presenting a very attractive and functional smartwatch that doesn’t break the bank. It integrates built-in GPS, boasts up to 13 days of battery life, and features a design that is praised for both its hardware and software aesthetics. For users seeking a straightforward smartwatch focused on core health metrics and notifications, this model is highly recommendable.
Naturally, at such a competitive price, some compromises are made. It lacks the extensive third-party app ecosystem and versatility of premium smartwatches from Apple or Samsung. Setting up advanced features like direct calling requires manual contact additions, and the operating system is intentionally minimalist, reflecting Nothing’s design philosophy.
However, for those prioritizing essential smartwatch functions in an attractive and user-friendly device without a hefty price tag, the CMF Watch Pro is an outstanding option. It’s well-constructed, visually appealing, simple to operate, and poised to gain a dedicated following among budget-conscious consumers.
Read our full CMF Watch Pro by Nothing review
How to Choose the Best Smartwatch for You
Selecting the right smartwatch often hinges on the smartphone you currently use due to compatibility constraints. Apple Watches are exclusively compatible with iPhones. Samsung and Google watches, along with other Wear OS devices, primarily function with Android devices, although some level of cross-compatibility within the Android ecosystem exists (e.g., Samsung watch with a Google phone).
Fitness trackers from Fitbit generally offer broader compatibility across devices, syncing via the Fitbit app. However, they typically emphasize fitness features over the extensive app ecosystems and functionalities found in dedicated smartwatches.
Battery life is a common consideration, with most smartwatches requiring daily charging, which may be a shift for users accustomed to fitness trackers like Garmin watches that can last weeks on a single charge. While some smartwatches listed here offer extended battery life, daily charging is generally the norm.
Finally, the cost of smartwatches can be significant, and it’s worth evaluating whether the features justify the investment. Before committing to a high-end model like the Apple Watch Ultra, consider if you will genuinely utilize its advanced capabilities, or if your needs are primarily for basic notifications and activity tracking.
The Best Smartwatch for Women vs Men: Is There a Difference?
The distinction between smartwatches designed specifically for women or men is largely a matter of personal preference rather than inherent functional differences. The primary consideration is often watch size and fit on the wrist. Many modern smartwatches can appear bulky on smaller wrists, so checking watch dimensions and available size options before purchasing is advisable.
Some smartwatches offer women’s health features, such as menstrual cycle tracking, leveraging heart rate and skin temperature data. These features are optional and do not dictate who can wear the device; they can be enabled, disabled, or simply ignored based on individual preference.
If utilizing health-related features, especially those tracking personal health data, reviewing the smartwatch’s privacy policy is always recommended to understand how your health information is stored and accessed.
Can You Use Apple Watch with an Android Phone?
Compatibility is a critical initial check when choosing a smartwatch. Apple Watches are not compatible with Android phones. The watchOS ecosystem requires seamless integration with iOS for core functionalities to operate correctly.
While Fitbits and Google Pixel Watches can technically pair with iPhones, the experience will be significantly limited without Android or Google accounts to fully enable their features. Similarly, Samsung and Huawei watches are designed to work optimally within their respective device ecosystems.
However, certain brands like Garmin and CMF by Nothing prioritize broader compatibility. Their smartwatches often rely on dedicated apps rather than deep OS integration, allowing them to function effectively with both Android and iOS smartphones.
Which Is the Best Smartwatch?
Currently, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is considered the best overall smartwatch in 2024, contingent on using an iPhone. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra stands out as the top alternative, offering a premium experience within the Android ecosystem.
How We Test Smartwatches
Every smartwatch featured in this comparison has undergone rigorous and comprehensive testing by the expert reviewers at TechRadar. This ensures a thorough understanding of each device’s capabilities and performance in real-world conditions.
Our review process involves extended daily use of each smartwatch as personal wearables. A full spectrum of features is evaluated, and battery life is assessed over a week-long period to provide realistic usage data.
GPS accuracy is tested against industry-leading devices like the Garmin Epix Pro. Workout metrics are similarly benchmarked for precision. Usability of the operating system, third-party app support, and market positioning are also critically assessed. Value for money is a key factor; for example, a budget-friendly watch with fewer features might receive a higher rating if it over-delivers for its price point compared to an expensive, feature-rich watch that doesn’t justify its cost.
Based on these detailed evaluations, smartwatches are ranked, considering factors like value, design, features, and overall performance to arrive at a final star rating and recommendation.
