10 Best Smartwatches 2026 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) is a strong choice for those invested in the Apple ecosystem, especially if you own an iPhone XS or later. Its compatibility is seamless, making it easy to stay connected with calls, messages, music, and Siri voice control. The watch features an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display with a 30% larger screen than previous models, offering bright and clear visuals even at angles. It’s slim and lightweight, designed for comfort during all-day wear.

Fitness and health tracking are standout features here. You can monitor a wide range of workouts, including swimming and outdoor activities, thanks to built-in GPS, depth, and water temperature sensors. Health insights include advanced metrics like ECG, blood oxygen levels, sleep tracking with apnea notifications, heart rate alerts, and cycle tracking. Safety features such as Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS add peace of mind.

Battery life covers about 18 hours with normal use, which generally means a full day, and the fast charging is convenient—80% charged in around 30 minutes. However, heavy users might find the battery requires daily charging. The watch is water resistant up to 50 meters and dust resistant with an IP6X rating, suitable for most daily activities and workouts. Connectivity options include GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for Apple Pay. The watch supports a variety of apps, with three months of Apple Fitness+ included, making it a versatile fitness partner. Customizable watch faces and a range of bands let you personalize your look. The Apple Watch Series 10 only works with iPhones, so Android users cannot take advantage of it. Battery life is good but not exceptional compared to some competitors with multi-day endurance. Also, while it has many sensors and features, some health functions are wellness-focused rather than medical-grade. This makes the Apple Watch Series 10 ideal for Apple users who want a stylish, comfortable smartwatch packed with health and safety features plus fitness tracking. It’s best suited for everyday wear and fitness enthusiasts who appreciate detailed health data and tight iPhone integration.

The Garmin fēnix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and multisport athletes who want a rugged, feature-packed GPS smartwatch. Its 1.3-inch round display is clear and protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire lens that also supports solar charging, helping extend battery life significantly—ideal for long adventures without frequent recharging. Weighing 73 grams, it’s sturdy with a titanium bezel but remains comfortable enough for daily wear, thanks to the fiber-reinforced polymer case.

Fitness tracking is a highlight, with a variety of advanced metrics like heart rate variability, Pulse Ox for altitude adjustment, and new scores measuring hill climbing strength and overall endurance. Its 24/7 health monitoring, sleep tracking, and detailed training readiness reports help users understand recovery and performance better. The built-in LED flashlight is a handy addition for nighttime activities.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, supporting seamless syncing and broad app compatibility via Garmin’s ecosystem, though it runs on GarminOS, which is less flexible than mainstream smartwatch platforms. Navigation features are top-notch, with multi-band GPS and preloaded maps for golf, skiing, and hiking, ensuring accurate positioning and route guidance.

Battery life benefits greatly from solar charging, offering weeks in smartwatch mode, which is excellent for extended outdoor use. However, the screen resolution (480 x 272) is not as sharp as some competitors, and the watch’s bulkier size might not appeal to those wanting a sleeker design. Also, some advanced health metrics like Pulse Ox aren’t available everywhere.

This watch suits serious athletes and outdoor lovers who prioritize durability, comprehensive fitness insights, and long battery life with solar support. For multisport tracking and navigation, the fēnix 7 Pro is a strong choice, though users seeking a slimmer profile or a smartwatch mainly for casual everyday use might consider other options.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch designed for users who want both traditional looks and modern tech benefits. It has a 1.3-inch round touchscreen with a bright display and a handy rotating bezel, making it easy to navigate. Powered by Wear OS and Bluetooth connectivity, it works well with a range of devices, although it’s best suited if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem for the smoothest experience.

The watch includes strong fitness and health features like advanced sleep coaching, a running coach, heart and vascular monitoring, and an Energy Score that summarizes your daily wellness. Its built-in GPS and activity tracking are reliable for workouts and outdoor activities. The battery life is designed to last through a busy day, supported by a 445mAh battery, which means you might need to charge it nightly depending on usage.

Comfort-wise, it’s lightweight at just over 63 grams with a new lug system for easy band changes, making it customizable and wearable for long periods. App support is strong thanks to Wear OS, giving you access to many apps and the convenience of a personal AI assistant for hands-free help. The watch’s 64GB memory is quite large for a smartwatch but may be more than needed for casual users, and the battery life, while decent, could be limiting for heavy users or multi-day trips without charging. This watch suits those seeking a classic-looking smartwatch loaded with health tracking, smart features, and good connectivity, especially if you’re invested in Samsung’s ecosystem.