The Best Smartwatches for 2025

Expert Reviews, Comparisons, and Buying Guide to Help You Choose the Perfect Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker

Table of Contents

Why You Need a Smartwatch in 2025

Smartwatches have evolved from simple notification displays to comprehensive health monitoring devices that can track your heart rate, sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, and even detect irregular heart rhythms. In 2025, the latest models offer stunning AMOLED displays, multi-day battery life, advanced fitness tracking with GPS, and seamless integration with your smartphone ecosystem.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast tracking workouts, a busy professional staying connected on the go, or simply looking to monitor your health more closely, choosing the right smartwatch can enhance your daily routine. This comprehensive guide reviews the top-performing smartwatches and fitness trackers on the market, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs, smartphone compatibility, and budget.

What to Look for When Buying a Smartwatch

Display & Design

AMOLED or OLED displays offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, while always-on functionality lets you check the time without raising your wrist. Consider size, weight, and style—you'll be wearing it daily, so comfort and aesthetics matter.

Battery Life

Apple Watch offers 1-2 days, while fitness trackers like Fitbit and Garmin can last 7-14 days. Consider your charging habits—frequent travelers and active users benefit from longer battery life.

Health & Fitness Tracking

Look for heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, sleep analysis, blood oxygen (SpO2) sensors, ECG capabilities, and stress tracking. Advanced models can detect irregular heart rhythms and monitor overall wellness trends.

Smart Features & Apps

Apple Watch and Wear OS watches offer extensive app ecosystems including Spotify, Strava, and mobile payments. Fitness-focused brands like Garmin provide specialized sports features but fewer third-party apps.

Smartphone Compatibility

Apple Watch works exclusively with iPhone, while Samsung Galaxy Watch works best with Samsung phones. Fitbit and Garmin are compatible with both iOS and Android, offering flexibility across platforms.

Build Quality & Water Resistance

Look for 5ATM (50m) water resistance for swimming, durable materials like stainless steel or titanium for longevity, and sapphire crystal displays for scratch resistance. Premium models offer better durability.

OUR TOP TESTED PICKS

MGAOLO Kids Smart Watch 1.85
Best for Kids
MGAOLO Kids Smart Watch 1.85"
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • Very affordable
  • Vivid 1.85" HD touchscreen
  • 100+ sports modes for active kids
  • Heart rate & sleep monitoring
  • 12 brain-boosting puzzle games
  • Safe, lightweight materials
  • Customizable watch faces
  • Available in 4 colors (Blue, Black, Pink, Purple)

CONS:

  • Designed specifically for kids (not for adults)
  • Limited app ecosystem
  • Basic fitness tracking vs adult watches
  • Shorter battery life than adult trackers
Fitbit Charge 6
Most Advanced Fitbit Tracker
Fitbit Charge 6
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • Affordable price point
  • 40 exercise modes (up from 20)
  • Connects to exercise machines
  • Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music apps
  • Helpful side button
  • Excellent mobile app
  • Up to 7 days battery life

CONS:

  • No Spotify controls
  • No app store
  • Some metrics require a Premium subscription
  • Simple interface may be limiting for advanced athletes
Apple Watch Series 11
Best for iPhone Users
Apple Watch Series 11
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • Incredibly accurate heart rate and GPS tracking
  • Sleep apnea and hypertension detection
  • Unmatched third-party app support
  • Refined design with Always-On Retina display
  • Deep integration with iOS ecosystem
  • Comprehensive health monitoring

CONS:

  • Only works with iPhone
  • Battery lasts 36 hours maximum
  • Higher price point
  • Requires frequent charging
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Best for Android Users
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • 50% brighter display than previous model
  • Latest Wear OS 6 with One UI integration
  • Advanced health tracking features
  • Strong app ecosystem
  • Excellent for Samsung phone users
  • Stylish 'squircle' design

CONS:

  • Best features limited to Samsung devices
  • Shorter battery life than fitness trackers
  • Premium pricing
  • Large size may not suit smaller wrists
Fitbit Inspire 3
Best for Beginners
Fitbit Inspire 3
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • Very affordable
  • User-friendly interface
  • Slim, lightweight design
  • Impressive battery life (up to 10 days)
  • Color touchscreen
  • Heart rate, SpO2, and temperature sensors

CONS:

  • Small text can be hard to read
  • Some metrics require Fitbit Premium
  • No on-demand SpO2 measurements
  • Basic features compared to smartwatches
Garmin Lily 2
Best for Women
Garmin Lily 2
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • Ultra-lightweight at just 20.6g
  • Stylish design with changeable bands
  • Body Battery and stress monitoring
  • Accurate activity tracking
  • Free Garmin Connect app
  • Comfortable for all-day wear

CONS:

  • No built-in GPS
  • Grayscale display only
  • Limited text response (Android only)
  • Sleep tracking less accurate than competitors
  • Cannot broadcast heart rate data
Garmin Venu Sq 2
Best Battery Life
Garmin Venu Sq 2
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • Vibrant AMOLED display
  • Up to 11 days battery life
  • Built-in GPS for accurate tracking
  • 25+ workout modes
  • Real-time health metrics
  • Excellent value for features

CONS:

  • Bulkier than some alternatives
  • Basic smartwatch features
  • Limited third-party app support
  • Square design not for everyone
Oura Ring 4
Best Smart Ring
Oura Ring 4
⊕ EXPAND PROS & CONS

PROS:

  • Ultra-discreet and stylish titanium design
  • Exceptional sleep tracking accuracy
  • Holistic health insights (movement, sleep, recovery)
  • Improved blood oxygen monitoring
  • Fits any wardrobe
  • No screen distractions

CONS:

  • Expensive, plus monthly subscription required
  • Not designed for active fitness tracking
  • No GPS or real-time workout feedback
  • No on-demand stats
  • Prone to scratches

Detailed Comparison Table

Model Display Battery Life GPS Health Tracking Compatibility
MGAOLO Kids Smart Watch 1.85" 1.85" HD Touchscreen 5 days No HR, Sleep, 100+ Sports Modes iOS & Android
Fitbit Charge 6 Color OLED 7 days Yes HR, SpO2, Sleep iOS & Android
Apple Watch Series 11 Always-On Retina 36 hours Yes HR, ECG, SpO2, Sleep Apnea iPhone only
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 AMOLED 2 days Yes HR, ECG, SpO2, Sleep Android (best with Samsung)
Fitbit Inspire 3 Color touchscreen 10 days No (connected GPS) HR, SpO2, Temp, Sleep iOS & Android
Garmin Lily 2 Grayscale 5 days No (connected GPS) HR, SpO2, Body Battery iOS & Android
Garmin Venu Sq 2 AMOLED 11 days Yes HR, SpO2, Stress, Sleep iOS & Android
Oura Ring 4 No display 7 days No HR, HRV, SpO2, Sleep, Temp iOS & Android

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?
Fitness trackers (like Fitbit Charge 6 and Inspire 3) focus primarily on health and activity tracking with longer battery life (7-14 days) and lower prices. Smartwatches (like Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch) offer full app ecosystems, mobile payments, music streaming, and more advanced features but require more frequent charging (1-2 days). Choose based on whether you prioritize fitness tracking or smartphone-like functionality.
Do smartwatches work with both iPhone and Android?
No, not all smartwatches are cross-platform. Apple Watch only works with iPhone, and Samsung Galaxy Watch works best with Samsung phones (limited features on other Android devices). However, Fitbit, Garmin, and Oura Ring are fully compatible with both iOS and Android, making them ideal if you switch between platforms or share data with family members on different phones.
How long does a smartwatch battery last?
Battery life varies significantly by device type. Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch typically last 1-2 days with regular use. Fitness trackers like Fitbit can last 7-10 days, while Garmin models with GPS can reach 11+ days. Smart rings like Oura Ring last about 7 days. Always-on displays, GPS tracking, and constant heart rate monitoring reduce battery life, so adjust settings based on your needs.
Do I need a subscription for a smartwatch?
Most smartwatches work fully without subscriptions, but some advanced features require paid plans. Fitbit Premium unlocks detailed health insights and guided workouts. Oura Ring requires a monthly membership for full functionality. Apple Fitness+ and Samsung Health premium features are optional. Garmin offers all features free with no subscription required. Consider subscription costs when budgeting for your smartwatch.
Can smartwatches track sleep?
Yes, nearly all modern smartwatches and fitness trackers offer sleep tracking. Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin all monitor sleep stages (light, deep, REM), sleep duration, and sleep quality. Oura Ring is considered the gold standard for sleep tracking with exceptional accuracy. For best results, choose a lightweight, comfortable device you won't mind wearing overnight, and ensure it has sufficient battery life to last through the night.
Are smartwatches waterproof?
Most smartwatches are water-resistant, not waterproof. Look for 5ATM (50 meters) water resistance, which allows swimming and showering. Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin models typically offer 5ATM ratings. However, avoid hot water, saunas, and high-pressure water activities (like diving or waterskiing) unless specifically rated for those conditions. Always check the manufacturer's water resistance specifications before swimming.
What health metrics can smartwatches track?
Modern smartwatches track a wide range of health metrics including continuous heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), sleep quality, stress levels, skin temperature, and menstrual cycle. Advanced models like Apple Watch Series 11 can perform ECG readings and detect irregular heart rhythms (AFib) and sleep apnea. Fitness features include step counting, calories burned, GPS distance tracking, workout detection, and VO2 max estimation. Some models also monitor breathing rate and offer guided breathing exercises.
Is a smart ring better than a smartwatch?
Smart rings like Oura Ring excel at passive health tracking—especially sleep monitoring, recovery metrics, and long-term health trends. They're ultra-discreet, comfortable 24/7, and require less frequent charging. However, they lack real-time workout feedback, GPS tracking, notifications, and apps that smartwatches provide. Choose a smart ring if you prioritize sleep tracking and recovery insights. Choose a smartwatch if you want active fitness tracking, notifications, and smartphone-like features. Some users wear both for comprehensive tracking.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best smartwatch in 2025 depends on your smartphone ecosystem, fitness goals, and lifestyle. For iPhone users, the Apple Watch Series 11 remains unmatched with its comprehensive health monitoring, seamless iOS integration, and extensive app ecosystem. Android users, especially those with Samsung phones, will love the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 with its bright display and tight One UI integration.

Parents looking for a smartwatch for their children will find the MGAOLO Kids Smart Watch 1.85" an exceptional value, offering 100+ sports modes, heart rate monitoring, educational puzzle games, and a vibrant HD touchscreen that keeps kids active and engaged. It's the perfect introduction to fitness tracking for young adventurers.

If you prioritize battery life and fitness tracking over smartphone features, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 offers incredible 11-day battery life with built-in GPS and AMOLED display. Budget-conscious beginners should consider the Fitbit Inspire 3, delivering excellent value with comprehensive health tracking. Women seeking a stylish, lightweight option will appreciate the Garmin Lily 2 weighing just 20.6 grams.

For those who want the most advanced Fitbit experience, the Fitbit Charge 6 adds 40 exercise modes and Google app integration while maintaining week-long battery life. And if you prefer discreet, passive health monitoring with best-in-class sleep tracking, the Oura Ring 4 offers a unique form factor that fits any lifestyle, though it requires a monthly subscription.

Ready to upgrade your health and fitness tracking? Explore the models above and choose the one that best matches your smartphone, fitness goals, and budget. Your wrist (or finger) will thank you!