Smartwatches have evolved from gadgets we’d see in spy movies to reliable everyday tech. In fact, there are now an estimated 640 million smartwatch users worldwide.
And that’s because today's smartwatches can do so much. They can track your workouts, monitor sleep, help manage stress levels, all while keeping you connected.
But with so many options to choose from, the question is, which smartwatch is best? We've pulled together some seriously good smartwatches to help you find yours.
Best smartwatch for iPhone users – Apple Watch Series 11
If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the clear choice. It connects to your phone instantly and works with iMessage, Apple Pay and your current apps. Plus it has health tracking which uses AI to learn your patterns so it can give you personalised advice.
The Series 11 tracks your sleep to give you a score, which is calculated from factors like heart rate and breathing. It also senses when you’re exercising and records it automatically, with the data stored in your Health app.
Browse the full range of Apple watches or read our guide to the best Apple Watches to compare models.
Best smartwatch for Android users – Samsung Galaxy Watch8
The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is a great all-rounder for Android users. It’s not just for Samsung phones, so you’ll still be able to connect if you have a Google or Sony phone.
The Watch8 has great health features, but is lighter and slimmer than most sports watches. It helps you stay on top of your fitness goals with personalised exercise tips and body composition insights. Plus, advanced health metrics monitor your antioxidant levels, and even tracks your blood to measure how your body reacts to stress.
Explore the full range of Android smartwatches to see how it stacks up.
Best smartwatch for Google fans – Google Pixel Watch 4 WiFi
If you’ve got a Pixel phone, the Google Pixel Watch 4 is the smart pick. Wear OS gives it that familiar Google feel, and means that Google apps like Maps, Assistant and Wallet run really smoothly.
The Watch 4 is powered by Fitbit to give you reliable workout data, and has over 40 tracked exercises built in. Health tracking covers your sleep, stress, skin temperature and SpO2 to give you a general wellbeing overview. And everything looks amazing with the bright Actua display.
Browse Google Pixel Watches to see the full range.
Best smartwatch for runners and fitness tracking – Garmin Forerunner 265S Sports Watch
If you want a watch that takes exercise seriously, the Garmin Forerunner 265S is for you. The built-in Garmin Coach gives you personalised plans to train for 5Ks, 10Ks and half-marathons. Plus, it adapts your daily suggested workouts after every run to keep up with your progress.
The Forerunner 265S has precise GPS data - especially useful for tracking long runs or bike rides. And the Morning Report tells you how your body’s doing, so you know whether to push for a PB or have a much-needed rest day.
Best value smartwatch – Huawei Watch Fit 5
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 is a solid budget-friendly option that covers the daily essentials. Step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tips and workout tracking are all included. Plus it has a whopping 10 days of battery life and over 100 workout modes.
It’s a strong pick for first-time smartwatch buyers or anyone who wants basic health tracking. While you won’t get the AI workout tips or smooth integration like the more expensive smartwatches, it still punches well above its weight.
How to choose the right smartwatch in 2026
The quickest way to narrow down your options is to work through these questions:
Which phone do you use?
iPhone users almost always get the best experience from Apple Watch. Android users have more choice, but Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Google Pixel Watch 4 are generally the two most natural fits.
Do you want a lifestyle watch or a training watch?
General smartwatches (Apple, Samsung, Google) are great at handling everyday health and smart features. But if tracking your workouts is a priority, a Garmin is your best bet.
How much battery life do you actually need?
If you charge your phone every night anyway, daily charging on a watch probably isn’t an issue. But if you travel a lot or want to wear your watch for longer periods, Garmin and Huawei both have much longer battery lives.
Are you planning to swim with it?
Most modern smartwatches have at least 5ATM water resistance, which covers swimming. But check the exact specs before buying to make sure it’s pool-ready.
What’s your budget?
Flagship watches from Apple, Samsung and Google sit at the premium end. However, the Huawei Watch Fit 5 is packed with impressive features at a more budget-friendly price.
If you’re still weighing up your options, check out our guide on which smartwatch to buy.
FAQs
What’s the best smartwatch for iPhone users?
The Apple Watch Series 11 is the best choice for iPhone users because it fits in perfectly with Apple's ecosystem.
What is the best smartwatch for Android users?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is the best all-round smartwatch for most Android users, as it has a strong combination of smart features and health tools.
Is Apple Watch better than Samsung Galaxy Watch?
It depends on your phone. Apple Watch is generally best for iPhone users, whereas Samsung Galaxy Watch is better overall for Android owners.
Is Google Pixel Watch good for fitness tracking?
The Google Pixel Watch 4 is great for fitness tracking, as it combines Fitbit-backed health insights with support for more than 40 exercise types.
Which smartwatch is best for runners?
The Garmin Forerunner 265S is our top pick for runners because of its advanced training metrics, recovery insights and long battery life.
Which smartwatch has the best battery life?
The Garmin Forerunner 265S has a seriously impressive battery life with up to 15 days in smartwatch mode.
What is the best value smartwatch in 2026?
The Huawei Watch Fit 5 is great value, with over 100 workout modes and up to 10 days of battery life at a budget-friendly price.
