These are the best Android smartwatches you can buy
Right now, the best smartwatch for Android users is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's optimized for Samsung phones but runs well on all the best Android phones, and it has all the smartwatch and fitness features you'd expect. It's compact and lightweight but still offers good battery life. But if you're not too fond of that one, there are so many other amazing options from Fossil to Garmin to Fitbit and more.
What are the best Android smartwatches?
If you're currently in the market for the best Android smartwatch, your choices should include our two best overall picks, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the Skagen Falster 3. These watches may come from two different companies, but they're both loaded with many of the features that users are looking for these days while still maintaining attractive designs. If you don't mind spending a bit more money on a premium watch, you should consider the Galaxy Watch 3. These are some of the most impressive Android wearables to date.
What makes the Galaxy wearables so great is the fluid Tizen OS mixed with beautiful hardware. Unlike the original Galaxy Watch, which had a physically rotating bezel, the Watch Active line uses a "virtual" bezel that lets you move around the software by rotating around the edge of the vivid AMOLED display.
Samsung Health has also improved immensely over the last couple of years and features a well-rounded selection of workout tracking options as well as a built-in GPS for monitoring outdoor runs or bike rides. Battery life on both watches is measured in days, not hours and the included sports bands are comfortable enough that you'll forget you're wearing anything on your wrist at all — until a notification comes in, which is easy to activate or dismiss.
Additionally, Galaxy wearables are optimized for Samsung phones but can also be worn with Android or iOS devices (yes, they work great with iPhones, too). Finally, Samsung has done a fantastic job keeping older models updated with new features years after release.
If you're not interested in a Samsung smartwatch or simply prefer how Google does things, we recommend the Skagen Falster 3, which sits near the top of our best Wear OS watch roundup. Its exposed metal lugs are very Skagen, but the included side-mounted digital crown lets you navigate around the software without covering up what's on the screen. It runs the Qualcomm 3100 chip paired with 1GB of RAM for fluid performance.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
The best Android smartwatch for most people
Bottom line: The Galaxy Watch Active 2 has all Samsung's best wearable ideas rolled up into one smartwatch. It's stylish, comfortable, has great battery life, and has plenty of health tracking features to make you happy and keep you motivated.
Pros:
- Compact and well-designed
- Easy to use
- Capacitive bezel
- Excellent performance and battery
Cons:
- Third-party app support could be better
- Health tracking not as accurate as Garmin
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| Category | Samsung Galaxy Active 2 |
|---|---|
| Specs | Exynos 9110 768MB RAM (Wi-Fi) / 1.5GB RAM (LTE) 4GB storage |
| Display size | 40mm / 44mm |
| Band size | 20mm |
| Weight | 37g (40mm) / 42g (44mm) |
| Battery life | 2-3 days |
| OS | Tizen |
| Colors | Silver, Black, Gold, Pink Gold |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | Yes, Optional |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | ✔️ |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | ✔️ (Qi) |
You don't have to use a Samsung phone to enjoy the benefits of owning a Samsung smartwatch, and the Galaxy Watch Active 2 provides the most well-rounded wearables experience for Android users right now. It's compact and lightweight but features an extremely sharp and vivid touch display that's easy to navigate and fun to use, thanks to the new capacitive bezel. The Tizen OS is smooth and battery-friendly, unlike Google's own Wear OS, and while the app selection isn't massive, the core tenets are there, like Spotify, Strava, and more.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 contains its primary purpose in its name: exercise tracking. The watch comes with GPS built-in and features automatic workout-tracking, along with sleep tracking, water, food, and caffeine consumption tracking, and more. The Running Coach feature is improved, which now gives you real-time pace metrics and a rundown of what to expect from your workout before you start. You'll receive audio cues that you can hear through the watch speaker or Bluetooth headphones.
If you mainly wear a smartwatch for notifications, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 delivers there, too, with excellent support for Android's notification system, letting you reply using your voice, the built-in keyboard, or with one of the many quick answers. These are just a few reasons that the Galaxy Watch Active is the best Android smartwatch you can buy right now.
Finally, we have to consider battery life. While not quite as good as some of the other larger watches on the list, it is still pretty impressive, and the watch can be topped up with select Qi wireless pads or with the Galaxy's Wireless PowerShare feature.
Read the full Galaxy Watch Active 2 review.
Best smartwatch overall
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Smartwatch
From $180 at Amazon $230 at Best Buy From $230 at Walmart
The Active 2 offers a pretty display, onboard GPS, ample activity tracking, and a unique capacitive bezel for easy navigation.
2. Fossil Gen 5E
Our top pick for a Wear OS watch
Bottom line: As one of the latest releases to hit the market, the Fossil Gen 5E is one of the best Wear OS watches out there. It isn't the most affordable option on the market, but you simply can't beat the combination of these luxurious designs and Wear OS features. You also get heart-rate monitoring, basic activity tracking with Google Fit and Google Pay.
Pros:
- Sleek, stylish design
- Voice-activated Google Assistant
- 3 ATM water resistance
- Heart-rate tracking
- Google Pay
Cons:
- Only 4GB of storage
- Lacks onboard GPS
| Category | Fossil Men's Gen 5E |
|---|---|
| Specs | Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100, 1GB RAM, 4GB storage |
| Display size | 44mm / 1.19-inch, 390x390 AMOLED |
| Band size | 22mm |
| Battery life | 1 day |
| OS | Wear OS |
| Colors | Black/Stainless Steel, Brown/Leather, Black/Silicone |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (3ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | 🚫 |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | 🚫 |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
It's worth noting that the Fossil Gen 5E is available in different models that come in an array of masculine and feminine designs. They're packed with all the same great features, with the design being the only difference. The men's version comes in a slightly larger 44mm case compatible with 22mm interchangeable bands. The women's version comes in a 42mm case and is compatible with 18mm interchangeable bands.
It might look like nothing more than a lifestyle watch, but there's a lot under the hood. This Wear OS smartwatch is running the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor. Combining that with 1GB of RAM, you can expect ultra-smooth performance for a seamless experience.
There are many features to love here. The Fossil Gen 5E offers music storage and controls, Google Fit, voice-activated Google Assistant, Google Pay, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, VO2 max estimates, and more. It has both a microphone and speaker, enabling you to take Bluetooth calls from your wrist. While the battery will last for a day, it comes with rapid charging that can juice up to 80% battery in under an hour.
It might be a lite version of the original Fossil Gen 5, but you don't have to worry about it looking cheap, thanks to the high-quality design. The price tag makes sense given the superior performance, new features, and premium design.
Read our full Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch review.
Best Wear OS watch
Fossil Gen 5E Smartwatch
From $179 at Amazon From $179 at Best Buy $220 at Walmart
Pretty and smart
Smartwatches can be fashionable, too. The Fossil Gen 5E is looks and smarts, from taking calls to fitness tracking to payments.
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
For those who want more features
Bottom line: If you're looking for the latest tech, the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a worthwhile pick. It's a premium lifestyle wearable packed with new health and fitness features that allow users to enjoy the best of all worlds.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS
- Optional LTE connectivity
- Activity/sleep tracking
- 5 ATM water resistance
- MIL-STD-810G durability
- Music Storage & Samsung Pay
Cons:
- Expensive starting point
- Battery life isn't great
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 |
|---|---|
| Specs | Exynos 9110 1GB RAM, 8GB storage |
| Display size | 41mm / 45mm 360x360 resolution |
| Band size | 20mm / 22mm |
| Weight | 43g (41mm) / 49.2g (40mm) |
| Battery life | 2-3 days ( |
| OS | Tizen |
| Colors | Silver, Mystic Black, Mystic Silver, Mystic Bronze |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | Yes, Optional |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | ✔️ |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | ✔️ (Qi) |
One of Samsung's latest releases, the Galaxy Watch 3, is more than just a lifestyle wearable. The predecessor wasn't the best pick for fitness fans since it was a fashionable smartwatch with some bonus features. Now, the Galaxy Watch 3 is back and better than ever. It's an excellent upgrade pick for those who want a premium smartwatch with advanced health and fitness tracking. It comes in two sizes and offers optional LTE connectivity, built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, 5 ATM water resistance, and military-grade durability.
Two of the new health features include SpO2 and VO2 max readings. A SpO2 reading measures your blood oxygen saturation levels, while the VO2 max tells you how much oxygen your body consumes during a workout. These two new features are also accompanied by an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and blood pressure monitoring, soon available in the U.S. Other new features include built-in run coaching and recovery tools, along with access to over 120 home workout videos on the Samsung Health app.
If you're new to the scene, you might experience some sticker shock when you notice the price tag on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. Sure, it's got some impressive features, but this price point may be out of the question for some people. If you're an experienced wearable user with confidence in Samsung wearables, this upgrade might be worth considering. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for the best smartwatch with LTE.
Read our full Galaxy Watch 3 review.
Best upgrade pick
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Smartwatch
$330 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy $350 at Walmart
Worth the upgrade
The new Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a worthy upgrade with a stunning design, optional LTE, and improved health/fitness features.
4. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
A great watch for the fitness-focused individuals
Bottom line: If running is the name of your game, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is easily the best choice. It has a transflective display that is easy to read in direct sunlight. It comes with a comfortable band, stellar battery life, and unmatched workout tracking.
Pros:
- Advanced workout tracking and guidance
- Incredible battery life
- Sunlight-friendly transflective display
- Music streaming
- Extremely comfortable strap
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features
- Basic design may not be for everyone
| Category | Garmin Forerunner 245 Music |
|---|---|
| Display size | 42mm / 1.2-inch, 240x240 transflective |
| Band size | 20mm |
| Weight | 38.5g |
| Battery life | 7 days |
| OS | Garmin |
| Colors | Black, White, Aqua |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | 🚫 |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | 🚫 |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
There's a wearable for every Android user type, and the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is an outstanding running watch for anyone who runs, bikes, or swims. It's not the best smartwatch, but it does receive notifications from your phone. If you don't need much more than that — and who does these days? — the Forerunner 245 makes up for it with incredible 7+ day battery life, or six hours with GPS enabled, which is more than enough for a marathon (or two if you're really good).
Better yet, the transflective screen means that the Forerunner 245 is easily visible in direct sunlight, making it perfect for extended outdoor excursions. There's also music storage and the option to stream from Spotify or Deezer, which is seriously great if you're trying to hit those personal bests. Add in 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, advanced workout capture, and advanced features like VO2 max estimation, a recovery advisor, and more, which becomes a wonderful option.
Be sure to check out the full Garmin Forerunner 245 Music review and some of our other top fitness smartwatches right now.
Best for runners
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Smartwatch
From $330 at Amazon $350 at Best Buy $300 at Walmart
A solid, slim GPS smartwatch.
Garmin's GPS tech is paired with a reliable heart-rate tracker in a slim watch that syncs to its own app and other popular apps.
5. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3
Best for premium performance
Bottom line: As we've come to expect from Mobvoi, the TicWatch Pro 3 is large and in charge. This device offers smoother performance, longer battery life, and some new health features. The company's signature two-in-one display lets you see it in direct sunlight.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS
- Improved performance
- Lightweight design
- Dual-layer display
- Better battery life
- Google Pay
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only one color option
- Bulky on small wrists
| Category | TicWatch Pro 3 |
|---|---|
| Specs | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage |
| Display size | 47mm /1.4-inch 454x454 Retina AMOLED + FSTN |
| Band size | 22mm |
| Weight | 42g |
| Battery life | 2-3 days |
| OS | Wear OS |
| Colors | Shadow Black |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (IP68) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | ✔️ |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
If you prefer big things in big packages, you'll appreciate what the TicWatch Pro 3 is bringing to the table. This smartwatch comes with a dual-layer display, which you may recall from previous models. This time, the Dual Display 2.0 has received some helpful style improvements, including a live seconds counter and a handy backlight. The battery is expected to last for 3 days in Smart Mode, depending on your usage. You'll also enjoy built-in GPS, activity tracking, heart-rate monitoring, new blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor, and Google Pay.
While there's no denying that 47mm is a pretty big smartwatch, Mobvoi notes that it has redesigned the TicWatch Pro to be around 30% lighter. As you can imagine, this makes it much more comfortable to wear despite its huge case size. While the improved performance is the star of the show (here's to you, Snapdragon Wear 4100), other upgrades deserve attention. The TicWatch Pros 3 has refreshed its existing apps, including TicExercise and TicPulse. Now, you'll also have TicOxygen for SpO2 tracking, TicHearing for noise detection and alert, TicZen to monitor stress levels using heart-rate data, and TicBreathe for breath training.
The TicWatch Pro 3 is an excellent upgrade with tons of improvements if you don't mind just how gigantic this wearable is. Some people may feel that the 47mm case size is overkill. However, if you want snappy performance thanks to the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor, it just might be worth it. As of now, the TicWatch Pro 3 is still working on the old version of Wear OS. Hopefully, the performance will only continue to improve when the operating system is updated later this year.
Read our full TicWatch Pro 3 review.
Best for premium performance
TicWatch Pro 3 GPS Smartwatch
$300 at Amazon $270 at Walmart $300 at B&H
Faster than ever
Want ultra-smooth performance, GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/health tracking, and more? You'll have met your match with the TicWatch Pro3.
6. Fitbit Versa 3
Best smartwatch for casual athletes
Bottom line: As one of the most popular names in the wearable world, Fitbit is always a good option. The Versa 3 is centered around health and fitness tracking, so it's ideal for workout enthusiasts. You have built-in GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and Fitbit Pay.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS
- Sleek, attractive design
- Excellent battery life
- Solid smartwatch features
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons:
- Limited app selection
- Old bands won't work with Versa 3
| Category | Fitbit Versa 3 |
|---|---|
| Display size | 40mm / 1.58-inch, 336x336 AMOLED |
| Band size | Custom, OSFA |
| Weight | 40g |
| Battery life | 6+ days |
| OS | FitbitOS |
| Colors | Black, Soft Gold |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | ✔️ |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
Everyone knows that Fitbit makes some of the best wearables in the industry. Right now, the all-new Versa 3 is one of the best Fitbit smartwatches you can buy. It cleverly provides the perfect amount of smartwatch features and fitness-tracking perks into one handy device. It's slim and lightweight with an attractive design. You'll get at least 6 days of battery life, which is pretty impressive. That's especially true when you realize that it has a stunning AMOLED display that's crisp and bright. One of the most important upgrades is the addition of onboard GPS.
You'll be happy to know that all of the Fitbit features you've familiarized yourself with over the years are here as well. You have 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, all-day activity/sleep tracking, and automatic workout detection. You'll also receive reminders to move throughout the course of your day. It also offers on-screen workouts that you can follow along with. Previously, the proprietary bands were a hassle to change. The new infinity bands offer an easy-to-use quick-release system. The bad news is that any old Versa bands you purchased won't work on this new watch.
It's not uncommon for some Fitbit products to lack the smartwatch features that users crave. However, the Versa 3 is one of the company's most capable fitness smartwatches yet. You'll have smartphone notifications that are easy to navigate and an app store with popular names such as Spotify and Starbucks, and you can talk directly to the voice assistant and hear responses. If your ears perked about Spotify, the good news is that there is storage for 300+ songs on the Versa 3. Let's not forget that Fitbit Pay is a standard feature as well.
It may not be overflowing with higher-end features, but the Fitbit Versa 3 is easily the best smartwatch for casual trackers who don't want to spend a fortune on a wearable. However, if you have money to spare and want more sensors and health data, you should consider the Fitbit Sense.
Read our full Fitbit Versa 3 review.
Best smartwatch for casual athletes
Fitbit Versa 3 Smartwatch
From $229 at Amazon $230 at Best Buy $229 at Walmart
A fitness smartwatch that's good at everything
The Versa 3 improves everything over the original, including a more attractive design, better battery life, and built-in GPS.
7. Garmin Venu Sq
Best lifestyle smartwatch
Bottom line: For those who simply want a lifestyle smartwatch that can also track your activities, you may want to consider the Garmin Venu Sq. It offers GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, and blood oxygen monitoring. You also get mobile payments with Garmin Pay, smartphone notifications, and music controls.
Pros:
- Lightweight, user-friendly design
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Supports any 20mm watchband
- Outstanding battery life
- Garmin Pay
Cons:
- No advanced smartwatch features
- Lacks AMOLED display
- Lacks music storage
- No altimeter or gyroscope
| Category | Garmin Venu Sq |
|---|---|
| Display size | 40mm / 1.3-inch, 240x240 LCD |
| Band size | 20mm |
| Weight | 37.6g |
| Battery life | 6 days |
| OS | Garmin |
| Colors | Slate, Light Gold, Rose Gold |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | 🚫 |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
If you like the idea of having a basic smartwatch for tracking your activities, sleep, and heart rate, you should think about buying the Garmin Venu Sq. As you might've guessed from the name, this model is a square version of the original Garmin Venu. There are a few differences, but not as many as you might think. The Garmin Venu Sq is available in a standard and a musical version with Wi-Fi, which costs a bit more. These were standard features on the original Venu. This time, you get a 40mm polymer case and a 1.3-inch color LCD instead of luxurious stainless steel and AMOLED.
The only difference worth noting is that the Garmin Venu Sq does not have an altimeter or a gyroscope, so it can't measure elevation or angular velocity. On the other hand, the Garmin Venu Sq has everything the original model offers, including GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, more than 20 preloaded sports apps, Body Battery energy monitoring, and a Pulse Ox sensor measuring blood oxygen saturation levels.
The Garmin Venu Sq is a great lifestyle smartwatch with a fair price tag if you don't mind having a watch that lacks music storage. You can also choose to pay more for the Garmin Venu Sq Music. Remember that it's nowhere near as fancy or premium-looking as the original Venu, but that may not matter if you want a basic lifestyle watch for notifications, activity tracking, and so on.
Read our full Garmin Venu Sq review.
Best lifestyle smartwatch
Garmin Venu Sq Smartchwatch
$195 at Amazon $200 at Best Buy $200 at Walmart
All of the basics
Want a lifestyle smartwatch that is perfect at handling the basics? The Garmin Venu Sq has everything you need.
8. Skagen Falster 3
Best for fashion
Bottom line: The Skagen Falster 3 is one of the best-looking smartwatches on the market, so it's a great pick for fashion-forward individuals. Whether you're looking for something a bit more stylish or you simply want to experience Google's version of a smartwatch OS (which has its pros and cons), the Falster 3 should be near the top of your list.
Pros:
- Attractive, classic design
- Digital crown is fantastic
- Speaker lets you take calls
- Excellent quality display
- Built-in Google Pay support
Cons:
- Expensive
- Uses proprietary 22mm bands
| Category | Skagen Falster 3 |
|---|---|
| Specs | Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 1GB RAM, 4-8GB storage |
| Display size | 42mm / 1.3-inch, 328x328 AMOLED |
| Band size | 22mm |
| Weight | 41g |
| Battery life | 1-2 days |
| OS | Wear OS |
| Colors | Black, Silver |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | 🚫 |
| Sleep tracking | 🚫 |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
Sometimes you just want a smartwatch that actually looks like a watch. You want a simple design, excellent quality strap, and a finish that doesn't scream, "this is a piece of technology!" Well, the Falster 3 from well-known Danish watch brand Skagen is precisely that.
One of the Skagen Falster 3's main benefits is its three-button layout, which includes a rotating crown that helps scroll through Wear OS without having to touch the screen — an enormous benefit once you start using it. You also get a beautiful stainless steel body, well-constructed straps in either leather, metal, or silicone in a variety of colors, and all the essential features you'd expect, like water resistance, GPS, a heart rate monitor, NFC, and more.
The Falster 3 is the 2020 update to Skagen's smartwatch line and is improved in every way — you get more RAM for smoother performance, a speaker for making and taking calls, and much-improved battery life, thanks to Skagen's new Extended Battery modes.
Best for fashion
Skagen Falster 3 Smartwatch
Day and night ready
The Falster 3 is a perfect blend of style and sophistication in a smartwatch. It's one of our favorite versatile Wear OS watches.
9. Galaxy Watch Active
Best value smartwatch
Bottom line: It's barely six months older than the Galaxy Watch Active 2, but it loses only a few of the features and a lot of the price tag. The Watch Active is small and light but has a beautiful AMOLED display and battery that lasts multiple days. It also has all of the incredible features Samsung's wearables are known for.
Pros:
- Compact and well-designed
- Easy to use
- Capacitive bezel
- Excellent performance and battery
Cons:
- Third-party app support could be better
- Health tracking not as accurate as Garmin
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Active |
|---|---|
| Specs | Exynos 9110 768MB RAM, 4GB storage |
| Display size | 40mm (360x360 resolution) |
| Band size | 20mm |
| Weight | 25g |
| Battery life | 2-3 days |
| OS | Tizen |
| Colors | Silver, Black, Rose Gold, Green |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | ✔️ |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | ✔️ (Qi) |
The original Galaxy Watch Active has already been replaced by the Watch Active 2. However, the original came out in early 2019 and is still a great choice for anyone who wants a compact Android smartwatch with amazing capabilities at a reduced price tag.
The main draw here is the beautiful AMOLED display, readable in all lighting conditions, including bright sunshine. The watch is light and comfortable to wear all day — which is good because the battery lasts that and then some. While it lacks the capacitive "rotating" bezel of its more expensive counterpart, the original Watch Active has everything you'd need to stay, well, active: GPS, NFC, storage for music, and wireless Qi charging through Samsung's Wireless PowerShare feature.
Best of all, it can often be found at a heavily discounted price now that there's a sequel. Read our Galaxy Watch Active review for more details.
Best value smartwatch
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active Smartwatch
$230 at Amazon $170 at Best Buy $170 at Walmart
Smaller, cheaper, and nearly as good
If you don't want to spend the extra money on the Galaxy Watch Active 2, the original Watch Active is a great choice.
10. Suunto 7
Best Wear OS for serious athletes
Bottom line: Wear OS users who want a fitness smartwatch designed for serious athletes who will love the Suunto 7. It's also the best pick if you want a giant piece of tech on your wrist. It offers built-in GPS with offline outdoor maps, superior activity tracking, Google Pay, and an array of vibrant color options.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS and offline outdoor maps
- Attractive, sporty design
- Various color options
- Excellent activity tracking
- Water-resistant up to 5ATM
- Google Pay
Cons:
- A bit too huge for some
- Battery life is mediocre
- Extremely pricey
| Category | Suunto 7 |
|---|---|
| Specs | Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage |
| Display size | 50mm / 1.39-inch, 454x454 AMOLED |
| Band size | 24mm |
| Weight | 70g |
| Battery life | 2 day |
| OS | Wear OS |
| Colors | Black Lime, All Black, Graphite Copper, Sandstone Rosegold, White Burgundy |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | ✔️ |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | 🚫 |
| Sleep tracking | 🚫 |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
If you're partial to Wear OS and looking for the perfect Android smartwatch to handle your activity tracking, you can't go wrong with the Suunto 7. This wearable is still fairly new to the market, but it has the potential to be great — especially if you're a serious athlete focused on detailed tracking. In addition to built-in GPS and full-color accurate mapping software, it also boasts over 70 sport modes. Thanks to Suunto's apps, you'll have access to helpful metrics that go above and beyond what's available on Google Fit, including training load, training recovery, and more.
When you combine all that Suunto 7 offers with Wear OS, it should be a match made in heaven, right? That depends on what type of experience you want. If you can live with a mere 2 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and the likelihood of laggy performance due to the work-in-progress nature of Wear OS, then it's a solid choice for serious athletes who need all the tracking perks they can get.
As you might've noticed, this thing is ginormous. This is a bonus for some users, but dainty wrists may shy away from this 50 mm juggernaut. If you're on a budget, this pricey smartwatch might not be the best choice.
Best Wear OS for serious athletes
Suunto 7 Smartwatch
$341 at Amazon $399 at Best Buy $399 at Walmart
A truly sporty smartwatch
Those who want in-depth tracking in the form of an attractive but sporty smartwatch will love everything about the Suunto 7.
11. Fossil Hybrid HR
Best hybrid smartwatch
Bottom line: The Fossil Hybrid HR provides you with a perfect balance of style and features. You get a taste of certain smartwatch perks and the look of a traditional timepiece. It will track your activity and sleep, monitor your heart rate, and give you over two weeks of battery life.
Pros:
- Lovely design
- Customizable display
- Activity/sleep tracking
- Heart-rate monitoring
- 2+ weeks of battery
Cons:
- Lacks GPS options
- Limited features
- Not the best for serious tracking
| Category | Fossil Hybrid HR |
|---|---|
| Display size | 42mm / 1.06-inch E-Ink |
| Band size | 22mm |
| Weight | 40g |
| Battery life | 2+ weeks |
| OS | Hybrid OS |
| Colors | Dark Brown, Tan, Black, Stainless Steel |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (3ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | 🚫 |
| NFC | 🚫 |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | 🚫 |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
Hybrid smartwatches are unique in many ways. Most importantly, you often can't tell it's a smartwatch at all. The Fossil Hybrid HR comes with just enough features to claim the 'smart' title, but it's not identical to some of the other picks on this list. For instance, you won't have a touchscreen, so all your navigating will be done with the three side buttons. It also doesn't have a colorful display, but at least you get a solid two weeks of battery life in return.
You can customize the display to your liking, which will include at-a-glance info of your choosing, such as weather, steps, and notifications. Besides basic activity/sleep tracking and heart-rate monitoring, don't expect a well-rounded smartwatch experience from the Fossil Hybrid HR. It's only a hybrid, after all. You'll miss out on GPS, NFC payments, music storage, and other premium features.
Best hybrid smartwatch
Fossil Hybrid HR Smartwatch
From $195 at Amazon $195 at Walmart
A hybrid lifestyle
Want to enjoy some great smartwatch features without sacrificing battery life or style? The Fossil Hybrid HR is an ideal pick.
12. Amazfit GTS 2 Mini
Best budget smartwatch
Bottom line: The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini looks good on your wrist, and it handles activity/health tracking nicely. However, the main attraction is the low price tag and lightweight design, making it both appealing and affordable for those on a budget who want to enjoy some smartwatch perks.
Pros:
- Lightweight, modern design
- Built-in GPS
- Activity/sleep tracking
- Heart-rate monitoring
- 1-2 weeks of battery
Cons:
- Lacks voice commands
- No music storage
- Can't take Bluetooth calls
| Category | Amazfit GTS 2 Mini |
|---|---|
| Display size | 40mm / 1.55-inch, 354x306 AMOLED |
| Band size | 20mm |
| Weight | 19.5g |
| Battery life | 1-2 weeks |
| OS | Amazfit OS |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Flamingo Pink, Sage Green |
| Water-resistant | ✔️ (5ATM) |
| LTE | 🚫 |
| GPS | ✔️ |
| NFC | 🚫 |
| Heart rate monitor | ✔️ |
| Automatic workout tracking | 🚫 |
| Sleep tracking | ✔️ |
| Wireless charging | 🚫 |
Not everyone is willing to drop a few Benjamins on a smartwatch. There are options out there that make it possible to enjoy smartwatch features without paying top dollar. One example is the growing lineup of Amazfit smartwatches. The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini is an excellent budget smartwatch if you want to get the most bang for your buck.
You might notice that the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini makes for a great Apple Watch alternative for Android users. Not only does it have the modern rectangular design that so many users love, but it's also packed with features that make it a desirable wearable for those who want a smartwatch experience without having to spend a fortune on it.
The battery life on the Amazfit GTS 2 Mini will vary depending on how you use it. For heavy usage, you can expect the battery to last for 7 days. However, it can last for up to 14 days with typical use. At under 20g, this is easily one of the most lightweight smartwatches out there, ideal for fitness enthusiasts. You also get built-in GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, more than 70 sport modes, and blood oxygen monitoring.
It's a lot like the original Amazfit GTS 2, but it's not quite as robust when it comes to features. You won't have a built-in microphone or speaker, so you won't be able to use voice commands to start workouts or take Bluetooth calls on your wrist. The other feature left off the Mini is music storage. The budget-friendly price tag and the attractive design will make up for these missing features for some users.
Read our full Amazfit GTS 2 Mini review.
Best budget smartwatch
Amazfit GTS 2 Mini Smartwatch
$100 at Amazon (Midnight Black) $101 at Amazon (Flamingo Pink) $100 at Amazon (Sage Green)
Mighty mini
The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini gives you nearly everything from its larger sibling in a smaller size and at half the price.
How to pick the best Android smartwatch for you
The good news about wearing a smartwatch in 2021 is that while there are tons of options on the Wear OS side of things, you also have some fantastic options from other leading companies such as Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is an outstanding choice for most people and has received our most coveted best overall recommendation. You can even enjoy it if you don't own a Samsung device. You'll have built-in GPS, activity, sleep, and heart-rate tracking, music storage, smartphone notifications, Samsung Pay, and more. It doesn't get much better than this. It's more affordable these days, too. However, if you like having the latest and greatest device, it might be worth waiting for the upcoming launch of the Galaxy Watch Active 4.
Of course, everyone has their preferences. If you're not a fan of Tizen OS or Samsung Health, your choices certainly don't stop there. You'll have your pick of many other wearables, whether it be from Fitbit, Garmin, Fossil, or any other brand that has captured your attention.
There are plenty of factors to consider when you're shopping for a smartwatch. Whether this is your first wearable or you've been around the block a time or two, you'll want to narrow down some key aspects before making a decision. Here are the main factors you should focus on:
1. Size and design preferences
First and perhaps most importantly, you'll need to determine what size watch you're after. Smaller watches are often a bit cheaper than their larger counterparts, and some watches may be too large or small for your wrist, which will quickly thin out the herd. The not-so-cheap Suunto 7 is a good example.
And, of course, we can't forget about aesthetics. After all, you're still shopping for a watch, and it should be compatible with your style! You can always opt for one of the fashionable options. If you're looking for the best smartwatch for women, the Fossil Gen 5E offers plenty of models that are geared toward both men's and women's fashion.
If you're more worried about having a comfortable fit than a stylish design, other options might catch your eye. Runners will love the simplistic look and feel of the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, for example. If you're intrigued by the idea of a minimalistic design, but prefer something slightly more appealing, the Skagen Falster 3 is subtle and elegant enough for daily wear.
2. Consider your must-have features
You'll also need to weigh the importance of features like GPS, fitness and sleep tracking, cellular connectivity, heart-rate monitoring, and mobile payments. Fortunately, it's not hard to find a watch that has a bit of everything these days. With that said, your list of options will be much shorter if you're set on having a watch with cellular connectivity. You'll only find two models on this list with that feature, so the pickings are rather slim. Not everyone is buying a smartwatch for LTE connectivity, so this won't be a deal-breaker for most users.
Some of the more common features you'll find on most smartwatches these days include GPS, fitness tracking, and heart-rate monitoring. Some models still have yet to jump on the built-in GPS wagon, so you'll have to decide how much this means to you. You'll be pleased to learn there are many smartwatches and fitness trackers with GPS to pick from. Granted, you can still use connected GPS via your smartphone, but it's not nearly as convenient. This is a more common issue on trackers than smartwatches. Some of the best fitness trackers don't offer built-in GPS. Fortunately, most of the Android smartwatches on this list have onboard GPS.
Another feature we see more and more of is NFC for mobile payments. In fact, more than half of the wearables on this list have it. You won't find it on the more niche watches, like the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music or the Fossil Hybrid HR, but that's mostly because those models are geared toward a different user type.
3. Which OS do you prefer?
Choosing an operating system can be tricky for several reasons. If you're new to the smartwatch world, you might be indifferent on the matter, but it can affect your overall experience, so it's worth mulling over. One of the most common concerns is how well your smartphone will work with your smartwatch.
Is it easier and more fluid to have an Android smartwatch paired with an Android smartphone? Absolutely. Should that be the deciding factor? Not quite. You can use an iPhone with an Android smartwatch but be prepared for some hiccups along the way. There can also be certain limitations, like not using the quick reply feature to respond to a text message from your watch.
A recurring complaint from Samsung users is that Tizen OS doesn't always do a great job of displaying notifications on its watches. It's not that they fail to appear but that the options for how they appear are somewhat limited. As a result, you might have an easier time scrolling through notifications on a Wear OS smartwatch.
Other smartwatch companies such as Garmin and Fitbit use their own operating systems. This can involve a bit of a learning curve in some cases, but it just might be worth it. For example, if you're a passionate runner who frequently tracks your workouts and other stats, Garmin is an excellent choice. On the other hand, casual athletes might find the simple nature of FitbitOS to be user-friendly and easy to navigate.
4. How smart is a hybrid smartwatch?
If you're learning about hybrid smartwatches for the first time, you might be wondering just how smart they are. You get a nice blend of a traditional timepiece with some smartwatch perks sprinkled in. However, don't buy one of these wearables expecting premium features.
The Fossil Hybrid HR, for example, offers some standard features that you've probably come to expect, like heart-rate monitoring, basic activity tracking, music controls, and smartphone notifications. You won't have a bright AMOLED display, Google Assistant, mobile payments, or any GPS options. Those who want a taste of the smartwatch world without going all-in might find this to be a good place to start.
5. What about battery life?
Some users can't stand the thought of having to take their watch off every 24 hours to charge it. Luckily, there is a decent amount of multi-day battery life picks on this list. You can also go for a model with advanced technology that helps extend battery life, like the dual-layer display on the TicWatch Pro 3.
Other models offer battery-saving modes that turn off certain features to prolong battery life, but this isn't always ideal. Alternatively, when you choose a watch such as the Skagen Falster 3 that offers rapid charging, it might not be as much of a hassle. Simply set your watch to charge in the morning as you get ready for the day, and it will juice up before you know it.
If you're still determined to find a watch with superior battery life, Garmin and Fitbit offer some of the best options that offer almost a week's worth of battery life. While nothing can beat the 2+ weeks offered by the Fossil Hybrid HR, be prepared to compromise when it comes to key smartwatch features.
Once you've hammered out these important details, you should be able to form a general idea of what type of Android smartwatch you should buy. No matter which option you end up choosing, you can look forward to owning a nifty piece of tech that will help you track your health and fitness while also giving you a fun accessory to pair with your personal style.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Daniel Bader is the Managing Editor of Android Central. As he's writing this, a mountain of old Android phones is about to fall on his head, but his Great Dane will protect him. He drinks way too much coffee and sleeps too little. He wonders if there's a correlation.
Courtney Lynch is a freelance writer at Android Central. She's obsessed with all things health, fitness, and music. At any given time, she can be found checking out the latest and greatest gadgets while simultaneously petting her dog and sipping iced coffee.
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