10 Best Smart Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and clear, protected by a tough sapphire lens, making it easy to read even in bright light. The watch is built with a durable titanium bezel and pebble gray band, offering a premium, sturdy feel that’s also lightweight at just over 3.5 ounces. Compatibility is good with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and it connects well with smartphones to display notifications and allow calls with its built-in mic and speaker.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours when using GPS, which is ideal for long trips or extended workouts without frequent charging. The watch supports a wide range of fitness and health tracking features, including heart rate, sleep, respiration, and oxygen saturation monitoring, plus advanced metrics like training readiness and stamina tracking. It also supports scuba diving up to 40 meters with water-resistant, leakproof buttons, which is a standout feature for divers.

Navigation is strong with multi-band GPS and sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter, helping users accurately track routes and even receive dynamic route suggestions. The off-grid voice command feature is helpful when you don’t have your phone nearby. Some features such as Pulse Ox and ECG monitoring may not be available in all regions and aren’t substitutes for professional medical devices. The design is customizable and rugged, suited for active lifestyles, but the 51mm size might feel large on smaller wrists. While the Garmin OS isn’t as widespread as other smartwatch platforms, it’s optimized for sports and outdoor use. This watch suits serious fitness enthusiasts and adventurers who want durable gear with long battery life and advanced tracking, though it may be overkill for casual users.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm) is a solid choice if you want a smartwatch that blends fitness tracking with smart features. It runs on the latest Android Wear OS 5, making it compatible with many Android phones, although iPhone users might find some limits. The 44.4 mm round AMOLED display offers sharp visuals and a touchscreen that responds smoothly, which is great for daily use and quick glances. At just 33.8 grams, the watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear all day. Battery life is decent with a 425 mAh capacity, likely lasting a day or two depending on usage, which is pretty standard for smartwatches with bright AMOLED screens and many sensors.

Fitness and health tracking are strong points here—heart rate monitoring is enhanced with AI for accuracy during movement, and the watch provides personalized energy scores and wellness tips to help you stay motivated. Sleep tracking is detailed, including the ability to detect signs of sleep apnea, which is a rare feature in many smartwatches. Built-in GPS is handy for outdoor activities like running or biking without needing your phone. Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth for notifications and syncing, but no LTE means you’ll need your phone nearby for calls or internet access. The watch comes with a stylish green design and includes interchangeable straps, allowing some customization to fit your style.

With 32 GB storage and 2 GB RAM, the watch offers generous capacity for apps and music, though battery life might feel limited if using all features heavily. The Galaxy Watch 7 is well suited for fitness enthusiasts and everyday users looking for smart notifications and wellness insights with a sleek, lightweight design.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a strong choice if you want a smartwatch that combines a stylish, traditional look with modern tech. Its 1.3-inch round AMOLED display is bright and easy to read, enhanced by a rotating bezel that makes navigating apps intuitive. Running on Wear OS powered by Samsung, it works smoothly with many Android devices, though iPhone users might find some features limited. Battery life is solid, designed to last through a busy day and keep you going with typical use.

For fitness and health, it provides advanced tracking including heart rate, sleep coaching, running guidance, and even a unique Energy Score based on your activity and rest. It also measures vascular load to give deeper insight into your heart health. The watch is lightweight at 63.5 grams, comfortable to wear, and features a new lug system for easy band changes, allowing personalization to suit your style. Connectivity is mainly Bluetooth, supporting notifications and a personal AI assistant that helps with hands-free commands, which can be handy for quick tasks.

Storage at 64GB might be more than needed for most users, and the price could be higher compared to simpler smartwatches. The watch’s integration works best with Samsung phones, so some features might not function fully with other brands. If you want a premium smartwatch with robust health tracking, stylish design, and useful smart features, this model is worth considering.