TOP 10 Best Smartwatches 2025

Smartwatch buying guide

There are many smartwatches on the market, and deciding which one is best for you may be difficult if you don't know where to start. In this guide, you'll learn all you need to know about purchasing a smartwatch.

Do you need a smartwatch? 

Smartwatches are useful gadgets that may assist you in various ways, including saving time and keeping a better eye on your health. The vast majority of fitness watches include features such as heart rate monitoring and GPS location. There are those that work as extended phone accessories and there are those that are designed as health-focused devices. Once you have one, you may wonder how you lived without it. 

Smartwatch and phone compatibility 

Smartwatches are most often intended to accompany your smartphone, so device compatibility is essential. For example, Apple Watches only work with iPhones. Apple's iPhone and Android phones will also function with Google's Wear OS platform, as well as Samsung's Tizen watches, although with limited functionality compared to using them with Android phones.

Smartwatches vary in their connectivity options, but most use some combination of WiFi, Bluetooth, as well as NFC (near field communication). 

The smartwatch display

Color LCD and AMOLED displays are found on most smartwatches, so you can see photographs, apps, and other information in deep, rich colors. Although manufacturers of smartwatches concede that they have shorter battery lives, they strive to improve their gadgets' efficiency. The screens on more expensive smartwatches are OLEDs rather than LCDs, so they can support smaller designs. 

Screen

Touchscreen and touchless screen smartwatches are both available. Touchscreens utilize a conductive layer on the exterior to detect touches, and they are more sensitive to touch and do not need pressure. These take getting used to as the screens are so small. 

Smartwatches without touchscreens will have wheels or other navigation mechanisms that allow you to access the functions of the watch. 

Important Features of Smartwatches

In addition, there are a few key characteristics to keep in mind when looking for a smartwatch, as detailed below.

Battery Life

Depending on the complexity of the watch's technology, a decent watch should last at least a day with frequent use. Some of them may last for weeks, even though the technology in these smartwatches is inherently simpler. In general, the more the smartwatch can do, the less battery life it will have. 

App selections 

Before buying a smartwatch, you should find out how many applications it contains and how many of them are likely to be utilized. The Apple Watch, for example, offers a plethora of applications, including Uber and even Rosetta Stone. You can do just about anything with this wristwatch, including adjusting lighting, placing food orders, and paying for services via ApplePay.

Heart rate monitor 

The heart rate monitor on many smartwatches is a helpful function. You may wish to monitor your heart rate regularly for many reasons, including enhancing sports performance, managing stress, and monitoring your heart health. It's critical to choose a smartwatch that can track your heart rate and has useful functions.

GPS

Through a technique known as triangulation, your fitness watch utilizes GPS to identify your precise position. Many of the finest Android smartwatches and trackers lack GPS, while others enable you to link your watch to your phone and monitor your whereabouts. This feature, of course, also allows you to use maps and other applications that rely on location. 

Fitness trackers 

Most smartwatching include a pedometer. The way pedometers operate is that they convert your movement into data. These gadgets contain components that measurably respond to movement, enabling your watch to monitor your steps, distance traveled, and even assist you to figure out how many calories you burned. Other features may include sleep trackers as well as the ability to set your own fitness goals. 

Calling Option

Smartwatches can now monitor your activity and even make phone calls. Invest in a smartwatch with a calling function if you wish to enjoy this convenience as well. The Apple Watch Series 6 is an example of a wristwatch with calling capabilities.

If you don’t want to use the watch to make calls, many will give you notifications that you have incoming calls, emails, chats, etc. This is a nice feature to remind you to take an action that can be completed on your phone. 

Mobile payments with a smartwatch

Another nice feature to look for in a smartwatch is whether or not it allows you to make payments. For example, if you're searching for a high-end wristwatch that can let you travel without a credit card, smartwatches with payment alternatives should be considered.

Water resistance

If you're someone who is active and loves to swim, cycle or run, it's important to consider the water resistance of your smartwatch. Most smartwatches are now water-resistant, but the level of water resistance can vary.

Voice Assistant Integration

Many smartwatches now come with built-in voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, which can be used to make calls, send messages, or control smart home devices.

Design and style 

The final factor to consider is the look of the watch itself. Smartwatches come in a variety of designs, styles, and sizes. Some are sporty and rugged, while others are more sophisticated and elegant. Make sure to choose a watch that fits your personal style and is comfortable to wear. In general, smartwatches with more features like the Apple Watch offer more design choices than basic fitness monitors. 

In conclusion, when looking for a smartwatch, it's important to consider the features that are most important to you and how you plan to use the watch. Whether you're looking for a fitness tracker, a smart home controller, or a device to keep you connected on the go, there is a smartwatch out there that will meet your needs.