Top 20 Best Smartwatches in 2023

Are you looking for a great timepiece this festive season? Here are some of the best smartwatch brands you definitely want to check out.

Since the advent of smartphones, tablets, and iPhones, convenience in browsing the web hasn’t been super easy. The introduction of smartwatches by the big tech companies has made things even simpler. Besides the glamour and elegance associated with these luxury wearables, smartwatches come with countless other benefits.

For instance, tier-one varieties support most of the functions of your ordinary smartphone. You can make and receive calls, play your favorite music, surf the internet, receive and read text messages, etc.

Smartwatches run different operating systems. Some of the common ones include Apple’s Watch OS and Google’s Wear OS. The former wearable OS is notably compatible with Android and iOS powered devices. On the other hand, the latter is often only compatible with iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad.

That said, if you are keen on buying a new smartwatch, this holiday season is the best time. Because of the huge sales that characterize the festivities, the tech giants are definitely going to up their production to meet the anticipated upsurge in smartwatch demands.

So, you can expect to see more of Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch 5, Samsung Galaxy, Fitbit Versa 2, Mobvoi TicWatch, Garmin Watches, and other top-end brands this season.

Quite a wide range of quality smartwatches to choose from. All these brands differ when it comes to quality and style. Some are built for everyday fashion while others are sporty.

Yet with the rich variety also comes another problem of choice overload. Simply put, the wide variety leaves the end consumers spoilt for choice. That is, they can’t seem to tell which product suits them best in the ocean of abundance. At such a time, you need experts to come to your aid.

In that respect, our team of market analysts and Quality Assurance experts spend countless days testing hundreds of smartwatch brands. The idea is to make this a little easier for you. You won’t have to guess your way to a favorite smartwatch.

In this listicle, you’ll find nothing but the best smartwatch brands. Everything has been nicely classified to help you with an easy comparison between products. Read through each product description, compare and contrast all of these in order to find what suits you best. That being said, let’s get started.

A Quick Overview of Best Smartwatches

Top 20 Best Smartwatch Reviews & Comparison

1

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Samsung Galaxy Watch comes in a luxurious design featuring some cool features for unbeatable performance. The battery life is phenomenal, though not the best out there. It lasts up to 4 days on a single charge, even with extended use. There are many other smartwatch brands with much longer-lasting batteries compared to Samsung Galaxy. Even so, four days isn’t that bad anyway.

For sometimes now, the Samsung Gear series has dominated the smartwatch market. Varieties like Gear S3 and Gear Sport smartwatch have been the bestsellers. However, just recently, the tech giant ended the series. As of now, there aren’t any more of the Gear series in the market. Instead, they have launched the Samsung Galaxy Watch that has picked up steadily.  It still not clear why they opted for that model swap. However, for all intents and purposes, it seems like a smart move that was meant to boost Samsung’s market share.

Samsung Galaxy Watch has very cool features, an improvement of the previous versions aforementioned. It is powered by Tizen OS and features a characteristic rotating bezel. Tizen OS supports a notably narrow range of apps. As such, the smartwatch is best suited for fitness training. Most of the apps supported are fitness or health-related. Even so, the watch is compatible with iOS and Android operating systems.

That implies that you can add a couple of handy apps from the Apple store of Google Play Store for convenience. It comes with an onboard storage of up to 4GB for keeping your favorite music. It supports WiFi, Bluetooth, and LTE connectivity for the pairing and sharing of files between devices.

2

Apple Watch Series 5

The latest smartwatch from Apple. The Apple Watch Series 5 pairs seamlessly with all iPhones for smooth operability. That is attributable to its Watch OS 6 which is compatible with iOS. The smartwatch comes with a massive display of 1.78” LED screen. So you won’t have to strain your eyes while reading the screen.

It is powered by a high capacity battery with a lifespan of 1.5 days on a single charge. No worries about frequent charging. However, compared to the previous brand, battery lifespan is not the best.

The Apple Watch 5 is waterproof for a max of 50m. Quite some depth right there. So you can comfortably swim, shower, and dive with this smartwatch.

Apple Watch Series 5 has included significant upgrades from previous versions. For instance, it has an always-on display for convenient tracking of workout stats.

You won’t have to tap on the screen or press buttons to check your latest progress statistics. That’s is quite unlike the previous Apple Watch Series 4.

If you are a fitness coach or just want to monitor your workout progress, this smartwatch is worth checking out. In fact, it is loaded with ECG monitor, GPS tracking, heart rate monitor, among other high-end fitness features.

Moreover, Apple Watch Series 5 comes with a 32GB onboard memory for storing your favorite audio files. That is the single largest internal storage I know of in the smartwatch world.

3

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

Like most Samsung smartwatches, this one is powered by Tizen OS. The smartwatch readily pairs with iOS and Android smartphones. So, you can readily pair the smartwatch with your smartphone or headphones.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. These functions are handy when it comes to pairing and sharing files with compatible devices. The smartwatch is powered by a durable battery with a 2-day lifespan. That implies that you won’t have to deal with frequent charging even with extensive use.

It comes with a 1.2-inch display for convenient monitoring of your stats. The display is large and always on. You won’t have to strain your eyes to see the details on screen. It is loaded with many fitness features.

These come in handy when monitoring your workout or health progress. Some of these include an ECG sensor, heart rate monitor, stress and sleep trackers, and up to 39 workout modes. Like most top-end smartwatch brands, this smartwatch supports wireless charging.

So you can enjoy the convenience of doing other stuff with the smartwatch on your wrist while it’s juiced up. For instance, you can relax in the Jacuzzi or shower, or swim in close proximity to the charger. What’s more, the watch comes with a 4GB onboard memory. You can download and keep most of your favorite music files in the massive internal storage.

4

The Fossil Sport smartwatch

Yet another high-quality smartwatch that is compatible with Android and iOS. It will readily pair with your smartphone, tablet, or iPad. It comes with a large 1.2 inch 390 x 390 AMOLED display for easy tracking of essential stats. Its massive 4GB onboard memory allows for convenient storage of your favorite apps and files.

The watch runs the Qualcomm Snapdragon wear 2100 processor. Though not the latest, the processor delivers impressive speeds. With a waterproof rating of IP50, you can comfortably scuba dive with your Fossil Sport to a depth of 50m.

Moreover, the waterproof rating also implies that you can swim and shower with the smartwatch.

For uninterrupted service, the watch is powered by a 48-hour high capacity Li-ion battery. So you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of frequent charging.

When it comes to sharing files, Fossil Sport is on top of the game. It supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with compatible devices. GPS tracking is also possible with this high-end smartwatch. That comes in handy when cycling or jogging.

5

TicWatch C2 smartwatch

Powered by Wear OS, TicWatch C2 is one of the finest smartwatch brands in the market today. It is compatible with Android and iOS devices. As such, it readily pairs with your smartphone, iPad or tablet.

With a waterproof rating of IP67, you can comfortably have it on while swimming, in the shower, and even inside the Jacuzzi.

It supports Bluetooth 4.1 and WiFi for pairing and sharing files with compatible devices. If you love downloading and listening to the latest music hits, the smartwatch is all you need.

It comes with a 4GB onboard storage for all your favorite music hits. Apart from that, TicWatch C2 is powered by a high-performance battery with a 2-day lifespan. You won’t have to deal with frequent charging.

Though the TicWatch C2 has not the best design, the price tag is impressive.

The smartwatch sports quite some great apps and features. Fitness trackers, heart rate sensors, integrated GPS tracker, and a sleep tracker, just to mention a few.

If you are looking for an affordable smartwatch with superior battery and incredible processing speed, I strongly recommend TicWatch C2.

6

TicWatch E smartwatch

The Mobvoi brand has once again wowed the tech world with another high-end smartwatch. TicWatch E is powered by a high-capacity battery with a 2-day lifespan. Even with extended use, you won’t have to worry about frequent charging.

Like TicWatch C2, this one also comes with a 4GB onboard memory. That takes care of all your music downloads together with other files.

Like all Mobvoi smartwatches, TicWatch E is powered by Wear OS. The operating system makes the smartwatch compatible with Android and iOS. So you can pair is and share your favorite files across devices.

Another defining feature of this model is the dual-screen design. One of the displays is placed atop the other for enhanced readability.  The unique innovative display improves readability up to threefold.

The watch is also loaded with a number of smart features. For instance, the top LCD screen displays essential stats like heart rate, time, temperature, etc. It comes alive when the battery capacity is significantly low.

The OLED screen is right below the top display. It displays most of the features and functions even in low power mode.

The TicWatch E is feature-rich. It sports a GPS tracker, Bluetooth, WiFi, among other smart features.

7

Fitbit Versa Lite Edition

If you are looking for a slight change from the usual top smartwatch brands, Fitbit Versa Lite Edition is worth giving a try.

It runs the Fitbit OS which is compatible with higher versions of Android and iOS. Meaning you can pair it with your smartphone and enjoy uninterrupted music and real-time alerts.

It features a 300 x 300 AMOLED display that provides an excellent view of your workout stats. The inbuilt memory is 2.5GB, which is fantastic.

You can keep most of your favorite music files and apps. However, note that this is a rather low internal storage capacity compared to most leading smartwatch brands.

The water resistance rating for this smartwatch stands at 50m, which is impressive. That implies you can swim, shower, and even dive with your Fitbit Versa Lite Edition smartwatch. So, the next time you want to go surfing, don’t forget to wear your Fitbit Versa Lite Edition.

That aside, the smartwatch also boasts a 5-day long battery life. That awesome battery performance is one of the best in the market. You can be sure to enjoy uninterrupted service quality even with protracted use.

Fitbit Versa Lite Edition supports Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC functions for convenient connectivity and sharing files with compatible devices. However, the smartwatch doesn’t support a number of features.

For instance, it does not support Offline Spotify, Apple Health, Google fit, and GPS tracking. Even so, the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition is one great smartwatch you may want to give a try.

8

Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 4 comes with a sizable 1.78” OLED display. The always-on display allows for convenient monitoring of your stats in real-time. It is powered by a high-performance battery with a 2-day lifespan. That is impressive because you won’t have to struggle with frequent charging of your smartwatch time and again.

And if you love your smartwatch waterproof, Apple Watch Series 4 knows better. Though it is an old model, this timepiece boasts a water-resistance rating of IP50. That implies you can dive, swim, and shower with the watch on your wrist. Its maximum waterproof depth is 50m.

The watch comes with a 16GB onboard storage memory for keeping most of your favorite files. It is powered by watch OS 5 which is compatible with iOS. It readily pairs with your iPhone or iPad. Apple Watch Series 4 supports wireless charging.

So, you can continue tracking your workout progress at the gym or head to the shower with your smartwatch on your wrist. The watch is loaded with some exciting features, and you can download some more. Some of these include a heart rate tracker, GPS tracker, sleep monitor, pace tracker, etc.

9

Fitbit Versa 2 Watch

Powered by Fitbit OS, this is another great one from Fitbit technologies. The smartwatch is compatible with Android and iOS devices. It pairs readily with your smartphone. Its waterproof rating stands at IP30, which is great. You can swim and even dive with the smartwatch without having to worry about damaging your expensive timepiece.

Like most top-tier smartwatches, Fitbit Versa 2 watch comes with a 2.5GB onboard storage. You can download and play your favorite music hits at your convenience. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor which is known for its superior speeds.

The battery life is great. It lasts up to 3 days on a single charge even with extensive use. And because it is rich in a number of smart features, Fitbit Versa 2 Watch works best as a fitness tracker. So swimmers, athletes, and bodybuilders looking for the best smartwatch should consider this one.

10

Apple Watch Series 3

If you are looking for an ideal fitness tracking wearable, the Apple Watch Series 3 is worth checking out. It is powered by Apple’s Watch OS 5 which is compatible with iOS devices. So you can readily pair it with your iPhone or iPad.

The watch provides real-time alerts and notifications for calls, text messages, and even social media platforms. Besides that, the watch supports Bluetooth, WiFi, and NFC connectivity for convenient pairing and sharing of files with compatible devices.

These connectivity features also allow for smooth and easy control of your smartphone. For instance, you can be read text messages, receive calls, and even respond to social media updates.

It comes with dual onboard storages, 8GB and 16GB. The latter is LTE while the former is non-LTE. The massive storage supports most of your favorite files. The battery is not the best. Lasting only 18 hours, you might have to charge it more frequently.

Some downside right there. The watch is also waterproof. So you won’t have to worry about getting it wet while swimming, jogging in the rain, showering, or even surfing. The smartwatch is GPS-enabled making it ideal for tracking your workout experience while cycling, jogging, or running outdoors.

11

Garmin Forerunner 945

If you are looking for a smartwatch with tons of fitness features, Garmin Forerunner 945 is what to go for. The smartwatch is best suited for athletes who want to track their exercise sessions.

The designer’s choice of hardware and sensors makes it perfect for an active lifestyle, though it also makes a great everyday wearable. Some of its standout features include a gyroscope, pulse oximeter, an optical heart rate monitor, a thermometer, etc.

Because of its rich tracking capabilities, this smartwatch comfortably handles some thirty indoor games. Besides its fitness features, the smartwatch is also useful in monitoring sleep and stress levels.

The inbuilt memory is so large it can carry more than a thousand music tracks. The smartwatch is powered by a high capacity battery capable of lasting up to 14 days between charges.

It supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. So you can easily connect it to your smartphone or headphones.

12

Suunto 9 GPS Sport Watch

If you are a swimmer looking for a smartwatch, Suunto 9 Sports Watch is definitely worth considering. The smartwatch has a 1.2-inch wide display for easy tracking of your stats while training.

It sports a pair of silicone bands that are comfortable even when wet. Besides performing optimally inside the pool, this modern watch also makes an awesome everyday wearable.

It comes in an attractive rugged design perfect for triathletes. Besides swimming, this smartwatch can also be used to track running and cycling.

Suunto 9 GPS Sports Watch has some very cool metrics. For instance, some of the swimming stats available include stroke style, average pace, time, and distance.

Like most smartwatches in this listing, Suunto 9 Sports Watch supports Bluetooth and WiFi functions. These are integral in pairing and sharing files with compatible devices.

13

The Withings Steel HR Hybrid

Want a hybrid smartwatch that combines style and substance? Must be Withings Steel HR Hybrid. It comes in a mix of traditional analog design with a modern outlook.

The hybrid smartwatch supports lots of fitness tracking features for monitoring your workout progress. It supports Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for pairing with your smartphone or headphone.

The bands are made of silicone or leather. You also have the option to choose a third party band or your choice to use with the smartwatch. Withings Steel HR Hybrid watch has a small but sharp LCD screen for tracking vital health metrics.

For instance, you will be able to track your heart rate, steps, calories burnt, and VO2 for monitoring oxygen consumption.

Withings smartwatch is powered by a very powerful battery. It lasts up to 25 days on a single charge. What’s more, this Swiss timepiece is very affordable compared to most smartwatch brands.

14

Amazfit Bip Smartwatch

Affordable, waterproof and simply irresistible, Amazfit Bip Smartwatch is one of the finest smartwatches of the decade. It is powered by Wear OS and is compatible with Android and iOS. Though it lacks some of the latest smartwatch features, the few it comes with provides just as much high-end smartwatch experience.

Its waterproof rating is very impressive. Its IP50 rating means that the watch remains water-tight to a max depth of 50 meters underwater. Its battery lasts up to 2 days on a single charge. That’s impressive considering that some top brands hardly last 24 hours on a single charge.

The smartwatch sports a 1.39-inch circular display with a 400 x 400 resolution for a sharp detailing of vital stats. Amazfit Bip Smartwatch comes with a few fitness features. For instance, a heart rate monitor, calorie tracker, etc.

Besides the fitness feature, the watch is also loaded with some other functions like a GPS tracker and GLONASS satellite support. The smartwatch is also very comfortable on the wrist. You can wear it all day long without the risk of wrist soreness.

15

Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch

An unbeatable smartwatch with a signature e-paper screen that displays superior quality stats. The battery is also exceptional. It is capable of lasting up to 14 days on a single charge.

The smartwatch is powered by Fossil OS and is compatible with Android and iOS. That is to say, you can readily pair it with your smartphone and get real-time notifications.

The Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch comes with select fitness features. These include a heart rate monitor and a step tracker. It also sends periodic weather alerts to your phone. The display is large and sharp. It allows for a clear reading of the stats.

It has a waterproof rating of up to 3 atmospheres. So, you can swim comfortably with the Carlyle Smartwatch. The watch supports Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity for pairing and sharing files with compatible devices.

16

Huawei Watch GT

Huawei Watch GT is well known for its superior battery life. It has a simple but neat design featuring a sizable bold OLED screen.

The always-on display allows for convenient tracking of your workout stats. The battery lasts 2 weeks on a single charge, one of the best in the market. In terms of features, it is certainly not the best. Even so, it sports some cool features like the heart rate monitor, weather updates, and a GPS tracker.

Something else that’s amazing about this smartwatch is the low maintenance. Like most top brands, you can rest assured of no frequent repairs. However, the watch is notably lacking in some vital smartwatch features.

For instance, it doesn’t support watch games, it’s not compatible with Siri and Google Assistant, and it doesn’t support app downloads. That aside, the Watch GT is powered by Lite OS. The operating system is compatible with Android and iOS.

So you can readily pair it with your smartwatch.  It is Bluetooth enabled allowing for easy sharing of files. Lastly, Watch GT is water-resistant. It is rated IP50. Meaning you can swim, shower, and scuba dive with the smartwatch.

17

Skagen Men’s Hagen Watch

Powered by Google’s Wear OS, the Skagen Men’s Hagen Watch is creatively designed for those who value their style. It features a stainless steel body with leather or magnetic mesh straps.

The Skagen Men’s Hagen Watch comes with an impressive OLED display with a concealed bezel. On either side, the watch sports a pair of customizable buttons attached to its rotating crown.

It comes with a range of impressive fitness features. For instance, it supports Google Fit and Apple Health.

Moreover, it has a heart rate monitor and a GPS tracker. All these come in handy when it comes to monitoring your workout progress. Like most brands in our collection, the Skagen Men’s Hagen Watch is waterproof up to 30m.

You can wear it while swimming, showering, or maybe jogging outdoor in a light shower. It runs on Snapdragon Wear 2100 process which is slow. That explains its slow processing speed and minimal support for some smart features.

Its battery lasts a max of 2 days on a single charge, which is not bad. Skagen Men’s Hagen Watch supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for connecting with compatible devices.

18

Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch

Garmin Instinct Watch comes in a sporty and fashionable design. The multi-purpose smartwatch is packed with a number of features for sports tracking and training.

Some of the features include a GPS tracker, a heart rate monitor, and weather updates. The battery lasts up to 14 days; a very impressive lifespan right there. It is powered by Wear OS which is compatible with Android and iOS.

So you can easily pair your Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch with your smartphone or headphones. The watch is waterproof to a max of 30m. Therefore, you can swim, shower, and even dive with the smartwatch.

It supports Bluetooth connectivity for sharing files with compatible devices. The GPS function also allows for tracking your performance cycling or jogging outdoors. Even with the positives, Garmin Instinct outdoor Watch also has some notable downsides.

For instance, it has no onboard storage memory. Simply put, it has no room for your music files. However, you can enjoy some soothing music streams online.

19

Polar Vantage M watch

A fashionable smartwatch with an inviting touchscreen round face. Polar Vantage M is a comfortable smartwatch with week-long superior battery life.

It runs Google’s Wear OS which is compatible with Android and iOS devices. Together with the Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily connect and share files from your smartphone or headphones.

Unlike most ordinary smartwatches out there, this one comes with some sort of analog controls. Polar Vantage M watch is water-resistant to a depth of up to 30m. Meaning you can swim, shower, and go scuba diving with the smartwatch.

The watch is loaded with a number of fitness features. Some of these include a GPS tracker, heart rate monitor, etc. Lastly, the watch features an 8GB onboard storage memory with a capacity of more than 500 songs.

20

Motorola Moto 360 2nd Gen Smartwatch

One of the latest smartwatch releases from Motorola Holdings. Though not the most affordable Wear OS smartwatch out there, Motorola Moto 360 sports some cool specs. For instance, it is water-resistant to a max of 30m. So you can swim, dive, and even shower with smartwatch on.

The smartwatch comes with onboard storage of 8GB for all your music files. It features an impressive 1.2-inch display for convenient and easy monitoring of essential stats. It comes loaded with a number of fitness features.

Some of these include the GPS tracker for monitoring progress while running or cycling. Other features include a heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, and stress monitor.

Motorola Moto 360 is powered by a powerful battery with a 7-day lifespan. You won’t have to struggle with routine charging.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smartwatch

Smartwatches have become an integral part of our everyday experience. Besides their fashionable appeal, these devices allow for convenient control of your smartphone and accessing the web.

Furthermore, smartwatches are loaded with apps and features for tracking various health parameters.

When it comes to buying the best smartwatch, there are a couple of things to consider. Right below are some of the things to look out for the next time you go shopping for the best smartwatch.

Notification capability

Among other functions, your smartwatch should provide you real-time alerts. These include notifications on emails, messages, calls, and even social media alerts.

So you can answer calls, read text messages, and emails all from the comfort of your wrist. No need to keep checking your smartphone time after time. Be sure to check and confirm that your dream smartwatch supports this seemingly basic function.

Compatibility with your smartphone

Smartwatches are powered by different operating systems. The OS determines compatibility with different smartphones and related devices.

For instance. Smartwatches powered by Google’s Wear OS and Fitbit OS are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. However, watches run on Apple’s Watch OS are often only compatible with the iPhone or iPads.

That is one aspect you really want to pay close attention to. Remember it depends on your smartphone; be it Android or iOS powered.

Fitness features

For athletes, triathletes, or anyone else, a smartwatch makes a great companion when you want to monitor progress while jogging, cycling, swimming, or working out at the gym.

Some of the fitness features to watch include a heart rate monitor, GPS tracker, Sleep monitor, stress tracker, step tracker, etc.

Waterproof rating

If you are a swimmer, you definitely want a timepiece that is water-resistant. The waterproof rating determines how watertight the smartwatch is.

For instance, IP50 implies the device’s water resistance is guaranteed to a maximum depth of 50m. The same is true for IP30, etc.

Note that some smartwatches aren’t waterproof. Such varieties are not meant for use in watery surroundings. So, take your time to check the watch’s water-resistance rating before you check out.

Battery lifespan

The lifespan of the battery determines how long your smartwatch can last on a single charge. Of course, the longer the better.

Battery performance varies depending on the smartwatch brand. Samsung, Huawei, and Apple have fantastic battery life. However, that is not true for all smartwatches from these tech giants. Take time to check the battery power rating before making a purchase.

Style and design

Timepieces come in different styles and designs. If you are fashion conscious, you definitely want something that adds to your style. And what better way to look cool and flashy than with an exotic smartwatch.

Different brands sport different designs. I some sense, this has to do with the materials used in the manufacture of the timepiece. For instance, smartwatches sporting leather or magnetic straps, some with always-on displays, etc.

User-friendly interface

You don’t want to end up with a smartwatch that’s very complex to operate. Before committing to a purchase, you may want to confirm the ease of receiving and reading notifications.

Also, check that you can receive incoming calls from your smartwatch. A user-friendly smartwatch also supports downloading and playing of music files from connected smartphones.

Durability

The durability of a smartwatch depends on a range of factors. For instance, you may want to check that your favorite brand is made of high-grade stainless steel, durable plastic, leather, silicone, etc. Luckily, most top-end smartwatches feature one or more of these elements.

Affordability

The affordability of a watch is relative. It depends on your brand preferences. Some smartwatches are notably expensive compared to others. You definitely want to consider this aspect when shopping.

Warranty

Be sure to confirm the warranty coverage of a smartwatch when shopping. This option provides free replacements, repairs, or even refunds in the event of a malfunction.

That is it for this summary of the best smartwatches. Be sure to compare all the brands in the listing in order to find what suits you best. Also, take into account the various factors to consider when shopping for the best smartwatch. Good luck with your shopping!