Best Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers: Apple, Google and Samsung Picks

Choosing the best smartwatch depends on your phone, health features, battery-life expectations and budget. These are the smartwatch deals and models worth considering, including options from Google, Apple and Samsung.

Best Smartwatch Deals and Recommendations

Google Pixel Watch 4 for $330

The Google Pixel Watch 4 is the company’s first repairable smartwatch, which alone makes it easy to recommend. When the Pixel Watch 5 was released, I only bought last year’s model when it was released.

Apple Watch SE 3 for $249

Apple didn’t update the Apple Watch SE this year, but the Apple Watch SE 3 is still a strong upgrade if you have an older model. It’s also a good option for older parents and children.

The Apple Watch SE 3 uses the same S10 chip as the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, but Apple has limited some features to keep the price down. It doesn’t include high blood pressure notifications, the EKG app or the blood oxygen level app. Its display reaches up to 1,000 nits, and battery life is limited to 18 hours.

The Apple Watch SE 3 isn’t particularly exciting, but watchOS 27 gives it many new software features.

Apple Watch Series 11 for $399

Thanks to watchOS 27, the Apple Watch Series 11 has many of the same features as the new Series 12, including Siri AI and menopause support. It also offers the same 24-hour battery life.

The Series 11 does not include high-frequency background heart-rate tracking, new Readiness scores or audio intelligence. Because the Apple Watch Series 12 has no price increase, avoid paying close to the Series 11’s manufacturer suggested retail price.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $799

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is still worth considering, but don’t pay anywhere near its manufacturer suggested retail price. Otherwise, you can purchase a new model.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 for $300 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic for $500

Last year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch8 lineup includes three watches: a 40-mm model, a 44-mm model and the 46-mm Galaxy Watch8 Classic. The Classic features Samsung’s mechanical rotating bezel, which you can physically turn to scroll through the interface.

Former WIRED editor Adrian So tested the smallest Galaxy Watch8 and found its battery life disappointing. Senior editor Julian Cioccatu said the Galaxy Watch8 Classic lasted nearly two full days. If you can find one on sale, consider the 44-mm model or the Classic instead.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 for $650

The 47-mm Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the company’s answer to the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin’s high-end watches. This is technically a 2025 model and is the same as the 2024 version, but it adds 64 GB of storage and a new blue color.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is large, with a powerful battery that lasts just over two days on a single charge. It has a titanium case, a sapphire glass face, 10 ATM water resistance and an IP68 rating, meaning it can be submerged to a depth of 100 meters.

Its heart-rate tracking is an excellent match for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and dual-band GPS provides accurate mapping. The software isn’t very intuitive and lacks some features found on other high-end smartwatches, but it is a good starting point if you’re in the Android ecosystem.

If you don’t need the blue color or extra storage, you may be able to save money by buying the 2024 model.

—Julian Chokkatu

Smartwatches vs. Fitness Trackers

How are smartwatches and fitness trackers different?

Smartwatch: A smartwatch typically replicates many features found on a smartphone. You can use one to control smart-home features, respond to Slack messages and summon AI assistants such as Siri and Gemini. Smartwatches also include standard health and fitness tracking features. Battery life typically lasts a day or two, or sometimes longer.

Fitness tracker: A fitness tracker may offer fewer smart features. You might be able to control music playback or read text, but these devices are usually more limited than smartwatches. They typically don’t offer cellular coverage, though their health and fitness tracking features can be as good as or better than those of smartwatches.

Fitness trackers usually offer longer battery life, making them useful for multi-day trips, endurance sports and sleep tracking. Unlike smartwatches, they don’t have to be worn on the wrist. Fitness trackers can also take the form of smart rings, chest straps or contactless devices. See our hand-picked guide to the best fitness trackers.

Smartwatch Band Compatibility and Materials

Are all smartwatch bands compatible?

You don’t have to use the band that comes in the box. Smartwatch bands can be replaced, but Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch models use unique band systems. Other watches can work with standard analog watch bands, giving you many replacement options.

Before buying a replacement band, check the size of your smartwatch and whether it uses a proprietary connection. The easiest way to confirm compatibility is to check the product manual or the website where you bought the watch.

How do I know if a smartwatch band is PFAS-free?

A study published in December 2024 found that many smartwatch and fitness-tracker bands made with fluoroelastomer, a type of synthetic rubber, contained high concentrations of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHx4), a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS).

Perfluorohexanoic acid is considered a “forever chemical” that can cause immune, thyroid, kidney and reproductive health problems. Research indicates that knowledge about how these chemicals are absorbed through the skin is limited.

Researchers tested bands from brands including Apple, Casetify, Fitbit, Google and Samsung. If you’re concerned, avoid fluoroelastomer bands. The material is often listed in product descriptions, though not always.

Instead, consider bands made from materials such as silicone, metal or leather. Examples include the Apple Sport Band and Google Active Band.