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Whether you need a smartwatch for monitoring your heart health, tracking your activity while exploring nature, or keeping a library of handy apps a tap away, there are so many genuinely impressive options available in 2023 that it may be difficult to select the best model for your needs.
Prospective buyers should take note of a smartwatch’s operating system (OS) to ensure that it will effortlessly work with the devices you already own. Other important factors to consider are its price, available apps, and durability when comparing brands and models. This will help you narrow down the field of best smartwatches, but don’t forget to match your new high-tech timepiece to your unique style!
How to choose the best smartwatch for you
Whether you aren’t sure what sort of smartwatch you may need, or are having a difficult time choosing between a handful of attractive options, here are the most important points to consider to pick the best smartwatch for you:
Features
Whether you need to track your fitness activity to the last calorie burned, a collection of high-tech productivity tools that are always within arm’s reach, or an advanced health monitoring device, it’s vital to compare each smartwatch’s list of key features to ensure that it will best suit your daily life.
Durability
If you’re considering a smartwatch to wear for trips to and from the office, the average wearable will likely be more than durable to survive your commute. However, adventurers, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes will need a much more durable smartwatch designed to shrug off impacts, moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures.
Apps
There are countless fitness, productivity, entertainment, and other handy apps designed for the on-wrist convenience of a smartwatch. If you absolutely need to listen to Spotify, track your location via GPS mapping, or call a Lyft ride from your wearable device, it’s worth the research to find smartwatches that utilize your favorite apps.
Compatibility
Simply put, some smartwatches work with both Android and iOS smartphones, but others are compatible with only one or the other. Always be certain that the smartwatch you have your eye on is designed to connect with your smartphone before you buy.
Style
Since it’s going to sit on your wrist all day, every day, do yourself a huge favor and choose a smartwatch that fits your unique sense of style. Some smartwatches are offered in multiple face colors and feature swappable bands, so you can wear a sweatproof athletic band at the gym and a stylish metal band when you hit the town afterward.
We utilized comprehensive research and hands-on testing to determine the 13 best smartwatches you can buy in 2023:
Our top picks for the best smartwatches of 2023
Best smartwatch for iPhone: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple continues to innovate and impress with each iteration of the Apple Watch, and the Series 9 is no exception. The Series 9’s brilliantly bright display is easy to read in direct sunlight, and its premium ECG sensor, blood oxygen monitoring, and heart rate monitoring features are worth the baseline $399 investment for those of us who need precise records of their health stats. Sporting a water resistance of 50 meters and crack-resistant display, as well as eight tasteful case finishes and endless band combinations (including some carbon neutral options,) Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatches are as rugged as they are fashionable, making these adaptable, environmentally friendly, and stylish wearables a must-have for dedicated Apple fans.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power mode
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: iPhone
- Charging method: Magnetic charging cable
- Display: 45mm or 41mm
- Storage: 64GB
- Price: Starting at $399
What we like:
- Blood oxygen app and ECG apps for advanced heart monitoring
- Huge variety of customizability options
- Fastest processing performance of any Apple Watch to date
What we don’t like:
- Starting at $399, it’s expensive
- Short 18-hour battery life
Apple Watch Series 9
Best smartwatches for Android phones: Google Pixel Watch
Although many of 2023’s best smartwatches are built around Google’s Wear OS, the Pixel Watch is the very first smartwatch designed and released directly from Google itself. The Google Pixel Watch perfectly integrates with the Pixel ecosystem of Android-based devices, utilizes acclaimed Fitbit health tracking technology, and gives wearers the ability to control their smart home’s collection of devices. The Pixel’s design is similar to the Apple Watch, but unlike its competitors, the Pixel only comes in one size.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 24 hours
- Water resistance: Water resistant, not swimproof
- Connectivity: Android 8.0 and newer
- Charging method: Magnetic charging cable
- Display: 41mm
- Storage: 32GB
- Price: $350
What we like:
- Good value at $350
- Compatible with all your Android devices
- Competitive performance
What we don’t like:
- Only one size, which may not be right for those who prefer large watches
- May not be durable enough for extreme sports
- Wear OS 3 is good but not great
Google Pixel Watch - Android Smartwatch with Activity Tracking - Heart Rate Tracking Watch - Polished Silver Stainless Steel case with Charcoal Active band - WI-FI
Best smartwatch for battery life: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf Edition
Although Garmin’s Instinct 2 Solar Surf Edition should be on the radar of anyone who spends a considerable amount of time in the great outdoors, due to its exceptionally rugged design and precise GPS tracking across land and sea, the ability to get unlimited battery life via solar charging is a game-changer. Whether you’re shopping for a smartwatch to monitor your health while surfing, hiking, climbing, or windsurfing, you’ll never have to worry about recharging this innovative device as long as you spend a lot of time outside. Sure, this smartwatch and its unlimited battery is priced at $399.99, but accessing up-to-the-second surf data, a huge collection of workout trackers, and heart rate monitoring on your wrist is worth the investment for dedicated fitness enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Battery life: Unlimited in the sun, 28 days without solar energy
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: iOS, Android
- Charging method: Solar power, plug charger
- Display: 40mm, 45mm or 50mm
- Storage: 32MB
- Price: $399.99
What we liked:
- Unlimited battery life in the sun
- Massive collection of fitness and health tracking apps
- Ultra-rugged construction
What we don’t like:
- Only available in one color
Instinct® 2 Solar - Surf Edition, North America, Australia and New Zealand, Bells Beach
Best smartwatch for health tracking: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Not only does Samsung make some of the best wireless earbuds and smartphones out there, their Galaxy Watch6 Classic is impressively adept at keeping close tabs on your health as you go about your day. Some of its best health-focused features include a skin temperature sensor that’s surprisingly helpful at noticing when something is “off” with your body, as well as a comprehensive ECG, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level measuring health app. With the ability to track over 90 unique exercises while keeping tabs on your overall sleep quality, the Galaxy6 Classic is no slouch when it comes to tracking your fitness levels, too.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 40 hours
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: Android
- Charging method: Wireless charger
- Display: 43mm or 47mm
- Storage: 16GB
- Price: $399.99
What we like:
- Excellent battery life
- Broad range of user-friendly health features
- Huge, bright display
What we don’t like:
- Incompatible with iOS
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Best hybrid smartwatch: Withings Scanwatch
Withings released their Scanwatch in 2022, and while its wealth of slick customization options and timeless style are appealing, its advanced health-tracking functionality sets it apart from the pack. Few smartwatches include an FDA-approved ECG sensor to watch for atrial fibrillation and record blood oxygen levels. Very few do so at the meager price point of $279, making the Scanwatch a top pick for anyone actively managing a health condition. The Scanwatch also excels at automatic activity tracking for a variety of sports and exercises, it features an impressive 30-day battery life and a stainless steel case with scratch-resistant sapphire glass. It’s a design that’s built to last.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 30 days
- Water resistance: Water resistant, not swimproof
- Connectivity: iOS, Android
- Charging method: USB cable
- Display: 38mm or 42mm
- Storage: N/A
- Price: $299.95
What we like:
- Premium heart health monitoring
- Eye-catching design
- Automatic activity tracking
- Hybrid smartwatch
What we don’t like:
- The extra-large watch face isn’t for everyone
Withings - ScanWatch - Hybrid SmartWatch with ECG, heart rate and oximeter - 38mm - White
Best premium Apple Watch: Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra is hands-down the must-own Apple Watch for Apple fans who won’t settle for anything less than the best of the best. Although Apple’s best smartwatch starts at $799, buyers can rest easy knowing that their Ultra’s incredibly rugged titanium shell will easily endure the worst bumps and drops your daily life will put it through. In addition to its unmatched durability, the Ultra sports the biggest and brightest display to date, a maximum battery life of 60 hours, and a unique Action button that’s easily customized to perform a huge array of actions with a single press. With its pixel-perfect compass, extreme temperature resistance, and range of specialized bands for diving, hiking, and mountain climbing, the Ultra is without a doubt the best Apple Watch for exploring nature.
Specifications
- Battery life: 36-60 hours
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof and dives up to 40 meters down
- Connectivity: iPhone
- Charging method: Magnetic charging cable
- Display: 49mm
- Storage: 32GB
- Price: $799
What we like:
- Extremely durable design
- Best battery life of any Apple Watch to date
- Precise dual-frequency GPS
What we don’t like:
- Very expensive
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Best smartwatch for fitness: Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2’s innovative cEDA sensor for monitoring a wearer’s stress levels is turning heads. Stress levels, sleep, heart health, and fitness activity are the four core areas the Sense 2 tracks with pinpoint precision. Featuring easy to read graphs, the Sense 2 is an essential tool for steadily improving your day-to-day health. The $299.95 Sense 2’s advanced sensors, library of Google apps, and stress managing features will be a game changer in the months and years ahead.
Specifications:
- Battery life: Over 6 days
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: Android
- Charging method: USB cable
- Display: 1.58 inches
- Storage: N/A
- Price: $299.95
What we like:
- Next generation fitness tracking
- Affordable price point
What we don’t like:
- Not a lot of user feedback (so far)
Fitbit - Sense 2 Advanced Health Smartwatch - Graphite
Most stylish smartwatch: Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch
If you’re searching for a stylish smartwatch to match every outfit in your wardrobe, Fossil’s Gen 6 Smartwatches should be on your radar. It is no surprise that Fossil would develop a range of tastefully designed smartwatches, but the advanced tech specs–the ability to charge up to 80% of its battery in half an hour, swimproof durability, and a blazing-fast processor–prove that these devices are far more than a pretty face. This classy Google-powered smartwatch is a chic option for Android fans who need high-end heart, health, and sleep tracking wrapped up in a slick package.
Specifications:
- Battery life: Over 24 hours
- Water resistance: Water resistant, not swimproof
- Connectivity: Android, iOS
- Charging method: USB cable
- Display: 1.28 inches
- Storage: 8GB
- Price: $199.00
What we like:
- Universal style
- Speedy performance
- Constant heart rate tracking
- Fast-charging
What we didn’t like:
- Short battery life of around 24 hours
Gen 6 Smartwatch Smoke Stainless Steel
Best budget smartwatch: Garmin Venu Sq Music Edition
Those who feel nostalgia for the days where everyone had an MP3 player in their pocket will fall in love with the Garmin Venu Sq Music Edition smartwatch. Not only does this $249.99 smartwatch sport a variety of precise health, fitness, and wellness tracking features, as well as a host of useful apps, the Music Edition lets users download their favorite tracks from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer for seamless offline listening. The Garmin Venu Sq pairs well with premium earbuds for workouts and long walks, but it’s hard to take your eyes off of its bright, crisp, and colorful AMOLED display.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 6 days
- Water resistance: Water resistant, not swimproof
- Connectivity: Android, iOS
- Charging method: Plug charger
- Display: 1.3 inches
- Storage: 3.4GB
- Price: $249.99
What we like:
- Excellent value
- Store and play music
- Range of health and fitness features
- Large collection of apps
What we don’t like:
- The almost identical Venu Sq is $50 cheaper, but it lacks the ability to store up to 500 tracks like the Music Edition
Garmin Venu Sq Music, GPS Smartwatch with Up to 6 Days Battery Life, Black and Rose Gold
Best smartwatch for seniors: Apple Watch SE
Although the Apple Watch SE is an attractive pick for those of us seeking an affordable way to instantly connect with the most important seniors in our lives, the SE has a lot to offer seniors beyond its budget-friendly price of $249. The SE sports an extremely bright display that the vision-impaired will appreciate, a rugged and swimproof design, and is able to take and receive crystal-clear calls and texts. The Apple Watch SE is also the best option for watching over a senior’s day-to-day wellness, as this smartwatch features active heart rate monitoring, an emergency SOS feature that activates after a sharp, sudden fall, as well as continuous activity and fitness tracking.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 18 hours
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: iPhone
- Charging method: Magnetic charging cable
- Display: 44mm or 40mm
- Storage: 32GB
- Price: $249
What we like:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to set up and use
- Continuously monitors heart rate
- Many customization options and wellness features
What we don’t like:
- The 40mm edition may be too small for some seniors to easily read
Apple Watch SE
Best outdoor smartwatch: Garmin fēnix 7S
With 11 days of battery life, a bright display, and reliable GPS tracking, Garmin’s fēnix 7S is the most stylish outdoor smartwatch of 2023. Active wearers will enjoy this model’s collection of specialized fitness tracking modes, which range from daily workouts and bodybuilding, to surfing and skiing. Between its collection of 42,000 golf course maps, pulse oxygen sensor, variety of music apps, and extreme durability, the Garmin fēnix 7S feels like it was made to handle anything you throw at it.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 11 days
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: iOS, Android
- Charging method: Plug charger
- Display: 42mm, 47mm, or 51mm
- Storage: 16GB
- Price: $649.99
What we like:
- Optimized for exercise and outdoor activity
- Rugged design
- Premium health and fitness tracking
- Utilizes three satellite navigation systems
What we don’t like:
- Notably expensive, with a list price of $649.99
fēnix® 7S – Standard Edition, Silver with Graphite Band
Most stylish health tracking smartwatch: ASUS VivoWatch 5
What the ASUS VivoWatch 5 lacks in before-you-buy customization options, it makes up for with its impressive health-tracking features, sturdy stainless steel case, and convenient smart assistant functionality. The VivoWatch 5 includes a wealth of health and fitness tech, such as blood oxygen tracking, skin temperature monitoring, GPS, and an aerobic heart-rate indicator, all wrapped up in a ruggedly designed $349 smartwatch. The VivoWatch 5 also sports a customizable watch face, compatibility with NFC-enabled tech, and a water-resistant design, making this versatile smartwatch difficult to overlook.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 14 days
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: iOS, Android
- Charging method: USB charging cable
- Display: 1.34 inches
- Storage: 2GB
- Price: $349
What we like:
- Quality health tracking
- Durable
- Advanced sleep monitoring
- Seven fitness tracking modes
What we don’t like:
- Only available in black
ASUS VivoWatch 5
Best smartwatch for kids: Fitbit Ace 3
The Fitbit Ace 3 is hands-down the best smartwatch for kids, and anyone who needs to motivate a youngster to get out and move in 2023. The adorable Minions Yellow design and engaging animated watch faces will hold the attention of any kid over six years old, but parents will appreciate the Ace 3’s wealth of activity tracking stats, eight days of battery life, and the relatively affordable price range of $69-80 as of this writing. Between its durable and swim proof design, variety of cool swappable bands, and child-motivating family challenges mode, it’s easy to see why Fitbit’s Ace 3 is a hit with kids.
Specifications:
- Battery life: 8 days
- Water resistance: Yes, swimproof
- Connectivity: Android, iOS
- Charging method: USB cable
- Display: 1.47 inches
- Storage: N/A
- Price: $69-80
What we like:
- Inexpensive
- Easy and fun for kids to use
- Long battery life
- Vibrant colors
- Cozy fit
What we don’t like:
- Black and white display
Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker for Kids - Black/Red
How we chose the best smartwatches of 2023
Our exhaustive research of smartwatch manufacturers and each one’s range of models, extensive daily testing, and previous experience with wearable tech helped us to pick the best models on the market. Some of the most important factors we considered to identify the best smartwatches available include:
- Feature list (smart apps, health and fitness tracking, etc.)
- Comfort
- Usability
- Battery life
- Price
- Style options
Why do you need a smartwatch?
There are many reasons to invest in a smartwatch, such as monitoring your core health stats, keeping tabs on your training regimen, and instantly accessing many of your favorite mobile apps without pulling out your smartphone.
With that said, the best smartwatches of 2023 outperform their competitors by offering advanced features that make them worthwhile on their own merits. ECG sensors will keep close tabs on your heart activity and other health metrics, you get access to advanced maps and tracking, and NFC (near-field communication) technology makes contactless payments frictionless. On top of it all, the best smartwatches of 2023 are incredibly durable and beautiful personal accessories.
Someone monitoring a heart condition will appreciate a quality smartwatch with a suite of health features, but anyone interested in their personal fitness will appreciate following their day to day progress to see what’s working for their exercise or training routine and what isn’t.
Note that most smartwatches are designed to pair with a companion smartphone, and while the functionality of both devices may overlap, an iPhone or Android phone simply will never be able to deliver the beneficial health stats or near-instant smart assistant convenience that the best smartwatches on the market provide.
How do I find a good smartwatch?
While most smartwatches may seem to have similar base features, such as sleep tracking, phone notifications, and some of your favorite apps, it’s worth taking the time to find the best smartwatch for you and your needs.
The best place to begin comparing smartwatches is by looking at your smartwatch. Some devices are designed to pair exclusively with an iPhone or Android phone, and others will effortlessly connect to either platform. This is a quick and easy method for whittling down your list of potential purchases.
What does your average day look like? Your current (or aspirational) lifestyle is another important factor to consider when shopping for a smartwatch, as some prefer a lightweight wearable for answering calls in the office, while others need a bulkier smartwatch to easily survive their adventures in the great outdoors.
Some universal concerns to keep in mind include battery life, comfort, and customizability. No one wants a smartwatch that runs out of battery before the end of your work day, or one that doesn’t let you swap out the included band for a more stylish option. Remember, it isn’t necessarily about finding the best smartwatch of them all, but the best smartwatch to suit your daily life.
What about hybrid watches?
A hybrid smartwatch fuses traditional timepiece style with the advanced sensors and technology found in a smartwatch. Some people prefer a hybrid watch because they appreciate the classic appearance of mechanical hands moving across the watch face, an analog dial, and the added perk of not needing to charge it as often as the average smartwatch.
The best hybrid watches available are the Withings Scanwatch, for its comprehensive heart monitoring features and slick combination of mechanical and digital faces, and the Fossil Neutra Gen 6 Hybrid Smartwatch, for its long battery life and quality wellness tracking app.
What is the best smartwatch for iPhone users?
Apple fans have two top choices to choose from: The Apple Watch Series 9 is loaded with impressive heart, activity, and fitness monitoring technology, and is Apple’s most durable, versatile, and visually impressive smartwatch to date.
However, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a far more affordable option, which despite being an older smartwatch, is just as useful for keeping a capable smart assistant, reliable sleep and heart health tracking, and your favorite apps on your wrist.
What is the best smartwatch for Android users?
There are plenty of attractive smartwatches available for anyone who prefers an Android device in 2023, such as the inexpensive Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and stylish Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch.
Dedicated Android fans should keep an eye out for the Fitbit Sense 2 and Google Pixel Watch, as these are the most advanced and feature-rich Google-based smartwatches to date.
What is the best smartwatch for outdoor activities?
When it comes to smartwatches that were specifically designed for camping, boating, snowboarding, and hiking, Garmin’s extremely rugged Instinct 2S Solar and versatile fēnix 7S smartwatches are easily 2023’s best picks.
The Instinct 2S Solar is especially attractive to cyclists, climbers, golfers, and anyone else who regularly enjoys outdoor activities, as this incredibly durable smartwatch has up to 51 days of battery life, thanks to the way it constantly replenishes its energy via an innovative solar charging lens.
What is the best smartwatch for health monitoring?
There are many standout smartwatches available for gathering and closely maintaining your heart, sleep, and overall health. Some of the best include the Apple Watch Series 9, Withings Scanwatch, and ASUS VivoWatch 5.
Both the Series 9 and Scanwatch include an ECG sensor that takes an electrocardiogram to check your heart’s rhythm, rate, and electrical activity, followed by a series of easy-to-read stats detailing the wearer’s current heart health. This incredible feature is well worth the investment for someone managing high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease.
What is the best smartwatch for exercise and training?
If you need a smartwatch that accurately monitors your activity as you swim, lift weights, or get your daily steps in, the comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities of the Garmin fēnix 7S, Garmin Instinct 2S Solar, and upcoming Fitbit Sense 2 makes them the top smartwatches for exercise in 2023.
What is the best smartwatch for kids?
Between its user-friendly design, constant activity tracking, adorable colors, and how its collected health data is wirelessly sent to its linked parent account for effortless device monitoring, the Fitbit Ace 3 is easily 2023’s best smartwatch for kids.
What is the best smartwatch for budget-conscious buyers?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 sports quality sleep and activity tracking, a suite of Google apps, and plenty of attractive designs for just $114 for the base model, but the $199.99 AppleWatch Series 3 and $99 Fitbit Ace 3 are also excellent, yet affordable smartwatches.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which brand of smartwatch is best?
Although there is no definitive “best” smartwatch brand, Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and Google are the most innovative, popular, and highest rated smartwatch developers on the market. Although these five tech giants are known for their premium smartwatches, there are still excellent models offered by lesser-known brands as well.
Can you text on a smartwatch?
Yes, but only certain smartwatches have a texting feature. Some of 2023’s best smartwatches that allow their wearers to send and receive texts include the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic, Apple Watch Series 9, and Google Pixel Watch.
Can a smartwatch measure blood pressure?
Yes, but this feature is limited to specific smartphones. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic can be used to monitor your blood pressure levels, however this can only be done if you pair it with a Samsung smartphone and the official Samsung Health Monitor App.
Can you use a Samsung Watch with an iPhone?
Maybe–only specific models are able to connect to an iPhone via Bluetooth, and even then, you may not have access to the Samsung Watch’s entire list of features.
Some of the Samsung Galaxy watches that are compatible with iPhones include the Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Fit, and Gear Sport, however most modern Galaxy watches, such as the Galaxy6 Classic and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, are incompatible with devices running iOS.
What are the hot new features found in the latest smartwatches?
Tech companies continue to incorporate eye-catching innovations with each new generation of smartwatches, and 2023’s lineup is no different. Some of the standouts include:
Crash detection
Apple Watch Series 9, SE, and Ultra wearers can allow their smartwatch to automatically contact emergency services if the device detects what it believes to be a severe car crash.
Extra large display
Sometimes bigger is better, and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6 Classic smartwatch sports a huge display that makes it easier to see at a glance, while making navigating its apps a snap without needing to pull out your glasses.
Temperature sensors
Brands such as Fitbit and Apple are starting to incorporate skin temperature sensors into their latest smartwatches to help wearers monitor their overall health. For example, a temperature sensor may help you identify symptoms of an illness far earlier than you normally would have.
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