The 10 Best Smartwatches of 2026, Ranked
Our verdict: The best smartwatch in 2026 is the Apple Watch SE 3. It tops our ranking with 9.1 out of 10.
Our smartwatch picks
Fewer picks than usual: no other model in the top half is better value.
Apple Watch Series 12
The all-round watch for iPhone owners.
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CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro
A low-cost watch with a metal case and built-in GPS.
Check Price on Amazon Read the full reviewAll 10 smartwatches, compared
We compared 19 smartwatches sold in the US and ranked ten on what review sites and owners say with them. They cover iPhone-only and Android-only watches, multi-day Garmin and Amazfit models, rugged and running watches, and small-wrist options, from the cheapest here to the priciest. Every product links to its full review below.
- 1 Apple Watch SE 3Best Choice 9.1 out of 10 Check Price
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2
Apple Watch Series 12Best Premium
9.1 out of 10
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3
Google Pixel Watch 4 45mm
8.4 out of 10
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4
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm
8.4 out of 10
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5
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm
8.2 out of 10
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6
Garmin Venu 4 45mm
8.1 out of 10
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7
Garmin Forerunner 165
8.1 out of 10
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8
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 44mm Bluetooth
8.1 out of 10
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9
CMF by Nothing Watch 3 ProBest Budget
8.0 out of 10
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10
Amazfit Bip 6
8.0 out of 10
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No. 1 and No. 2 are level
The Apple Watch SE 3 and the Apple Watch Series 12 score the same, so either is a safe pick. The Apple Watch SE 3 goes first because it leaves owners a little happier.
The full smartwatch reviews
1.Apple Watch SE 3
The cheapest way into the Apple Watch. It keeps the core features iPhone owners use daily and drops the extra health sensors.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say1st of 10
- How happy owners are2nd of 10
- How new it is1st of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
Named in 3 of the 5 best-of lists we read: CNN Underscored, Reviewed, The Verge.
Why it's here
- Always-on display, heart rate, sleep tracking and fall detection
- Same watchOS apps, Apple Pay and notifications as the pricier models
- Two case sizes, 40mm and 44mm, cover slim to larger wrists
- Owners report it is a good first smartwatch and a solid gift
Keep in mind
- Battery lasts about a day, so it charges most nights
- Works only with an iPhone
- No blood oxygen or ECG sensor
2.Apple Watch Series 12
The all-round watch for iPhone owners. Health sensors, a bright always-on display and a deep app library.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say1st of 10
- How happy owners are3rd of 10
- How new it is1st of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
Named in 2 of the 5 best-of lists we read: CNN Underscored (its top pick), Reviewed (its top pick).
Why it's here
- ECG, blood oxygen, sleep tracking and wrist temperature sensing, with irregular rhythm alerts
- Two sizes and a wide range of bands suit small and large wrists
- Contactless payments, calls, texts and Siri work without the phone nearby on cellular models
- Owners report fast, smooth software and reliable notifications
Keep in mind
- Works only with an iPhone
- Battery lasts about a day, so it needs charging most nights
- Cellular models need a monthly carrier plan
3.Google Pixel Watch 4 45mm
The cleanest Wear OS watch for Android phones, with Fitbit health tracking and Google apps built in. Comes in 41mm and 45mm cases.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say3rd of 10
- How happy owners are7th of 10
- How new it is4th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
Named in 2 of the 5 best-of lists we read: CNN Underscored, The Verge.
Why it's here
- Two case sizes, so there is a fit for small and large wrists
- Fitbit heart rate, sleep and running tracking, plus Google Wallet and Maps
- Optional LTE for calls and messages away from the phone
- Domed glass display is bright outdoors
Keep in mind
- Android only, and not for iPhone users
- Battery lasts about a day and a half at most, far short of Garmin
- Some Fitbit coaching features sit behind a subscription
4.Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm
Samsung's rugged, large-screen Wear OS watch with a titanium case. Built for outdoor use and long days, on Android phones.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say4th of 10
- How happy owners are1st of 10
- How new it is7th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
Named in 1 of the 5 best-of lists we read: The Verge.
Why it's here
- Titanium case with a sapphire crystal display and 100 meters of water resistance
- Dual-frequency GPS and a dedicated quick button for workouts
- ECG, sleep coaching and body composition on the wrist
- Battery lasts about two days, longer than most Wear OS watches
Keep in mind
- Android only, and some health features need a Samsung phone
- The 47mm case is large and heavy on small wrists
- Costs noticeably more than the Galaxy Watch 8
5.Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45mm
A rugged GPS watch with a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen and a very long battery. Built for hiking, training and rough use, on iPhone or Android.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say5th of 10
- How happy owners are5th of 10
- How new it is3rd of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
None of the review sites we read has reviewed this model or named it in a best-of list, so it scores below the ones they have.
Why it's here
- Fiber-reinforced case with a metal-reinforced bezel, rated to MIL-STD-810 and 100 meters of water resistance
- Up to about three weeks of battery in smartwatch mode
- Multi-GNSS GPS, compass and barometric altimeter for trails
- Built-in flashlight, and works with both iPhone and Android
Keep in mind
- Chunky case looks bulky on small wrists
- Few third-party apps compared with Apple or Wear OS
- No cellular option, so calls need the phone
6.Garmin Venu 4 45mm
A premium Garmin smartwatch with an AMOLED display, ECG and a long battery. A good fit for health and fitness together.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say5th of 10
- How happy owners are6th of 10
- How new it is4th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
None of the review sites we read has reviewed this model or named it in a best-of list, so it scores below the ones they have.
Why it's here
- Around 10 days or more of battery in smartwatch mode
- ECG, sleep coaching, Body Battery and heart rate
- Garmin Pay, music storage and a built-in flashlight
- Works with iPhone and Android, with no subscription needed
Keep in mind
- Priced above most rivals, and well above running-focused Garmins
- No cellular option, so calls need the phone
- Apps and voice assistant are limited
7.Garmin Forerunner 165
A light AMOLED running watch for iPhone and Android with multi-day battery. It focuses on training and leaves the app store to others.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say5th of 10
- How happy owners are4th of 10
- How new it is10th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
None of the review sites we read has reviewed this model or named it in a best-of list, so it scores below the ones they have.
Why it's here
- Battery lasts about a week in smartwatch mode
- Training readiness, recovery time and race predictions
- Light 43mm case suits small and medium wrists
- Works with both iPhone and Android, with no subscription
Keep in mind
- Single-band GPS is less precise in dense cities than dual-band models
- No ECG sensor
- Few third-party apps compared with Apple or Wear OS
8.Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 44mm Bluetooth
A well-priced Wear OS watch with a cushion-shaped case and strong health tracking. Best with a Samsung phone.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say5th of 10
- How happy owners are8th of 10
- How new it is7th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
None of the review sites we read has reviewed this model or named it in a best-of list, so it scores below the ones they have.
Why it's here
- ECG, body composition and an antioxidant index on the wrist
- Sleep coaching and bedtime guidance in the Samsung Health app
- Bright AMOLED screen with a comfortable cushion-shaped case
- Works with Google Pay and the Gemini assistant
Keep in mind
- Android only, and some health features need a Samsung phone
- Battery lasts about one to two days
- Wear OS app selection is smaller than on Apple Watch
9.CMF by Nothing Watch 3 Pro
A low-cost watch with a metal case and built-in GPS. Works with iPhone and Android.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say5th of 10
- How happy owners are9th of 10
- How new it is6th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
None of the review sites we read has reviewed this model or named it in a best-of list, so it scores below the ones they have.
Why it's here
- Metal case and a bright AMOLED screen
- Built-in GPS and Bluetooth calling
- Battery lasts about 10 days or more
- Swappable bands in several colors
Keep in mind
- Health readings are wellness estimates, with no ECG
- Few apps compared with major brands
- Some features need the companion app and a Nothing account
10.Amazfit Bip 6
A budget watch with a big AMOLED screen, built-in GPS and about two weeks of battery. Works with iPhone and Android.
What makes up the score
- What review sites say5th of 10
- How happy owners are10th of 10
- How new it is7th of 10
Each bar shows its place in this guide, so a full bar is 1st of 10. What the review sites say counts for most of the score.
What the review sites say
None of the review sites we read has reviewed this model or named it in a best-of list, so it scores below the ones they have.
Why it's here
- Large 1.97-inch AMOLED screen, bright enough outdoors
- Built-in GPS and many sport modes
- Battery lasts well over a week
- Works with both iPhone and Android through the Zepp app
Keep in mind
- Heart rate and sleep data are less consistent than on Apple or Garmin
- Limited apps and basic notification replies
- The large case can feel big on small wrists
Before you buy a smartwatch
Which smartwatch works with my phone, iPhone or Android?
Apple Watch works only with an iPhone. Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch run Wear OS and need an Android phone, and Samsung's best health features need a Samsung phone. Garmin, Amazfit and CMF by Nothing pair with both iPhone and Android through their own apps.
How long should a smartwatch battery last?
Full smartwatches such as Apple Watch, Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch last about one to two days. Garmin, Amazfit and CMF models run from a week to two weeks in smartwatch mode. GPS tracking and always-on displays drain any of them faster.
Do I need a smartwatch with built-in GPS?
Built-in GPS lets you track a run or ride without carrying your phone, and every watch here has it. Dual-band GPS, found on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and higher-end Garmins and Apple models, holds a steadier track among tall buildings and trees. Casual walkers rarely need it.
Is a cellular smartwatch worth it compared with a Bluetooth-only one?
Cellular lets you take calls, send texts and stream music without your phone. It adds a purchase premium and a monthly carrier line fee, usually around $10 per month. Choose it if you run or swim without a phone, and skip it if you always carry one.
How accurate are smartwatch heart rate and sleep tracking?
Wrist heart rate is good at rest and steady exercise, and less reliable in interval training. Sleep stage data is an estimate, though total sleep time is usually close. ECG and irregular rhythm alerts on Apple and Samsung watches are FDA-cleared, while sleep scores, body battery and temperature readings are wellness data and not diagnoses.
Is a cheap smartwatch good enough, or should I pay more for a major brand?
A budget watch from Amazfit or CMF covers notifications, GPS and basic fitness data well. Major brands add more accurate sensors, longer software support, mobile payments and a larger app library. A fitness tracker is cheaper still and lasts longer, but has fewer apps and a smaller screen.
How we ranked these ten smartwatches
Every score here comes from our ranking model; no editor sets the order. Most of each score is what the review sites say: the scores their own reviews give each model, and whether their best-of lists name it. For this guide we read CNN Underscored, Reviewed, T3, TechRadar and The Verge. The rest is how happy owners are, held back where few owners have rated a product, and how new it is. Value for money earns its own badge rather than a higher place. We compared 19 models for this guide before settling on these ten.
Brands can't pay to be included or to move up. We last checked these picks in November 2026.
How we rank, in full