Choosing the right smartwatch for your Android phone is not easy. With more options than ever, it’s important to separate the winners from the losers – and there’s plenty of both. Some use Wear OS for tighter Google integration, others rely on Samsung’s ecosystem, and there are also platform-agnostic options from brands like Amazfit that focus on value and battery life. Design, size, health features, fitness tools, and software experience all play a role, which can make choosing the right choice difficult.
The Pixel Watch 4 hits a sweet spot between a universally appealing design, seamless Android integration, potentially life-saving security features, and robust health tracking through Fitbit.
Benefits
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Dual band GPS
- Gemini hands-free voice assistant
- Ultra-fast charging (50% in <15 min)
Disadvantages
- Health coach not yet available
- Battery lasts just over 24 hours
- Watch straps are difficult to maneuver
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is one of the most stylish smartwatches you can buy, with its polished stainless steel frame, rotating bezel, and analog-inspired dials that combine timeless style with modern intelligence. But it’s not just about beauty. It comes with Gemini AI on board, capable of handling complex tasks and making Bixby (Samsung’s proprietary virtual assistant) a distant memory. Under the hood, it contains new biosensors for advanced health tracking, including a first-of-its-kind skin analysis tool that measures antioxidant levels, an AI-powered running trainer, and a new measure of heart health called vascular load. You’ll also get dual-band GPS, a customizable action button, and a battery that doesn’t completely disappoint (it outlasts the smaller Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel Watch 3 by a few hours).
Benefits
- Rotating bezel for easier navigation
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Gemini AI for smarter voice control
- Advanced health sensors
- Customizable crown (action button)
Disadvantages
- Starting at $150 more than the base model
- Battery life still less than a day and a half
- Only available in one size (47mm)
- No power sharing with Galaxy phones (cable only)
The Galaxy Watch 8 delivers all the power and intelligence of Samsung’s latest smartwatch lineup in a simpler, lighter package than the Classic. Its new square frame may be polarizing, but the upside is so comfortable it’ll make you forget you’re wearing it – ideal for all day (and night) wear. The screen is also brighter this year, making it easier to see everything from apps to workouts at a glance.
Benefits
- Lightweight, super comfortable to wear 24/7
- Integrate Gemini AI with contextual awareness
- Advanced health measures
- Lower starting price than Classic
Disadvantages
- The new square design isn’t as stylish
- Battery life is still decent
- New watch straps cannot be replaced with previous models
- Starting price is $50 more than last year’s flagship
The $350 OnePlus Watch 3 is a standout smartwatch that outperforms other Wear OS competitors with its five-day battery life, sleek design, and solid health features. It covers all the essential smartwatch functions while improving health and fitness tracking by adding more metrics, improving accuracy, and offering deeper workout analysis. Its unique wellness monitoring feature measures blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, cardiovascular health and stress levels.
Benefits
- Battery life of 5 days
- Elegant and comfortable design
- Customizable shortcut buttons
- Advanced measurements for certain sports modes
Disadvantages
- One size does not fit all
- Three years of software and security updates
- Lack of monitoring of the menstrual cycle
- ECG is not available in the United States or Canada
- Lack of LTE version or iOS compatibility
The Garmin Venu 4 stands out with its long battery life, in-depth health tracking, and workout insights that make it a fitness-focused smartwatch. It’s also the first sports watch I would wear as a non-serious athlete, thanks to its sleek and refined design. In our tests, it tracked steps, distance and heart rate with impressive accuracy and recorded heart rate every second, providing athletes with detailed data to guide their training.
Benefits
- One week battery life in smartwatch mode
- Polished circular design
- Advanced fitness and recovery metrics
Disadvantages
- $100 more than the previous generation
- Software may seem slow
- The user interface is not as intuitive as other smartwatches
SMARTWATCH DEALS OF THE WEEK
Offers are selected by the CNET Group sales team and may be unrelated to this article.
We tested the best Android-compatible smartwatches in everyday life to help you decide which one best fits your lifestyle and budget. From affordable picks to high-end models, every watch on this list works well with Android and deserves its place based on real-world performance, not just specs on a sheet.
What is the best Android connected watch at the moment?
It was a close race between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Google Pixel Watch 4, and OnePlus Watch 3, but in the end, Google’s Watch took the crown as the best smartwatch for most people, thanks to its broad appeal and advanced health and safety features. It sports a sleek design, a robust fitness platform, and seamless integration with Google’s Wear OS ecosystem.
Since Google owns Fitbit, the Pixel Watch 4 benefits from full access to Fitbit’s health and fitness tracking, including its intuitive app interface and detailed metrics, which can be especially useful for runners. It also has additional safety benefits, including new emergency satellite connectivity, fall and accident detection, and an FDA-approved loss of pulse detection feature.
Best Android Smartwatches
Benefits
- Emergency satellite connectivity
- Dual band GPS
- Gemini hands-free voice assistant
- Ultra-fast charging (50% in <15 min)
Disadvantages
- Health coach not yet available
- Battery lasts just over 24 hours
- Watch straps are difficult to maneuver
The Pixel Watch 4 hits a sweet spot between a universally appealing design, seamless Android integration, potentially life-saving security features, and robust health tracking through Fitbit.
Google’s fourth-generation Pixel Watch builds on its already excellent predecessor with longer battery life, a brighter, larger screen, and two powerful new assistants: Gemini for everyday tasks and queries, and the upcoming Fitbit AI health coach, which promises to turn your health data into actionable advice.
While this health coach is still on the way, almost everything else delivers on Google’s promises, cementing the Pixel Watch 4 as one of the best Android smartwatches available.
Why we love it
At $350, the Pixel Watch 4 includes luxuries once reserved for more expensive sports watches, like dual-band GPS for precise location tracking, satellite connectivity for off-grid emergencies, and an easy-to-repair build. The real standout, though, is Gemini, a hands-free AI assistant that’s genuinely helpful and won’t leave you screaming at your wrist.
Battery life is now up to 30 hours (41mm) or 40 hours (45mm), with super-fast charging that takes you from 0-50% in just 15 minutes and a full charge in less than an hour.
Who is it for
The Pixel Watch 4 is perfect for Android users who want a sleek, capable smartwatch that balances cutting-edge features with robust health and fitness tracking – and it won’t leave them guessing what all that data means.
Anyone with a Pixel Watch 3 or other recent Fitbit or Wear OS model can safely wait out this update cycle, as Gemini and the Fitbit AI health coach (coming later this year) will be coming to older devices alongside the redesigned Fitbit app.
Benefits
- Rotating bezel for easier navigation
- Sleek stainless steel design
- Gemini AI for smarter voice control
- Advanced health sensors
- Customizable crown (action button)
Disadvantages
- Starting at $150 more than the base model
- Battery life still less than a day and a half
- Only available in one size (47mm)
- No power sharing with Galaxy phones (cable only)
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is one of the most stylish smartwatches you can buy, with its polished stainless steel frame, rotating bezel, and analog-inspired dials that combine timeless style with modern intelligence. But it’s not just about beauty. It comes with Gemini AI on board, capable of handling complex tasks and making Bixby (Samsung’s proprietary virtual assistant) a distant memory. Under the hood, it contains new biosensors for advanced health tracking, including a first-of-its-kind skin analysis tool that measures antioxidant levels, an AI-powered running trainer, and a new measure of heart health called vascular load. You’ll also get dual-band GPS, a customizable action button, and a battery that doesn’t completely disappoint (it outlasts the smaller Galaxy Watch 8 and Pixel Watch 3 by a few hours).
Why we love it:
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic combines refined hardware ined with powerful software. This rotating bezel isn’t just a visual statement; It’s one of the most satisfying ways to navigate a smartwatch. The Classic is also one of the few Android watches to strike the balance between premium design and holistic fitness features.
Who is it best for:
Anyone who wants a smartwatch that turns heads and holds up. Whether you’re a Samsung fan or just an Android user willing to spend a little extra for some polish, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers style, health and fitness features and enough intelligence to keep up with your day.
Benefits
- Lightweight, super comfortable to wear 24/7
- Integrate Gemini AI with contextual awareness
- Advanced health measures
- Lower starting price than Classic
Disadvantages
- The new square design isn’t as stylish
- Battery life is still decent
- New watch straps cannot be exchanged for older models
- Starting price is $50 more than last year’s flagship
The Galaxy Watch 8 delivers all the power and intelligence of Samsung’s latest smartwatch lineup in a simpler, lighter package than the Classic. Its new square frame may be polarizing, but the upside is so comfortable it’ll make you forget you’re wearing it – ideal for all day (and night) wear. The screen is also brighter this year, making it easier to see everything from apps to workouts at a glance.
Inside, the Galaxy Watch 8 is packed with advanced health features, including a new antioxidant index that analyzes carotenoid levels in your skin, a new vascular load measurement for heart health, and an AI-powered running trainer. Gemini AI is built-in and can now handle more complex contextual queries right from the wrist. Add in improvements to bedtime guidance and smoother animations and gestures from One UI 8, and it’s one of the most comprehensive smartwatches you can get for the price.
Why we love it
Between its lighter build, built-in Gemini AI, and new health sensors, it delivers big performance in a more compact, more comfortable, and more affordable package than its siblings (the Ultra and Classic).
Who is it best for?
It’s ideal for Samsung fans – especially those with smaller wrists – who don’t want (or need) the added bulk and bling of the Classic. It’s also great for anyone concerned about sleep tracking, especially if (like me) you have a low tolerance for big, disruptive watches that get in the way when tossing and turning at night.
Benefits
- Battery life of 5 days
- Elegant and comfortable design
- Customizable shortcut buttons
- Advanced measurements for certain sports modes
Disadvantages
- One size does not fit all
- Three years of software and security updates
- Lack of monitoring of the menstrual cycle
- ECG is not available in the United States or Canada
- Lack of LTE version or iOS compatibility
The $350 OnePlus Watch 3 is a standout smartwatch that outperforms other Wear OS competitors with its five-day battery life, sleek design, and solid health features. It covers all the essential smartwatch functions while improving health and fitness tracking by adding more metrics, improving accuracy, and offering deeper workout analysis. Its unique wellness monitoring feature measures blood oxygen levels, sleep quality, cardiovascular health and stress levels.
The OnePlus Watch 3 is a great choice if your main priority is battery life and durability, but it’s not without some drawbacks. While its bulky stainless steel design gives it a premium, polished look, the 1.5-inch AMOLED display can easily overpower smaller wrists. There is now a smaller 43mm option for the Watch 3, but you’ll have to sacrifice the bezel for the smaller footprint. It also lacks an LTE option and the ECG feature is currently disabled in the US and Canada. Read our OnePlus Watch 3 review.
Why we love it
While the five-day battery life may have been what won us over the most, its stainless steel and aluminum exterior combined with solid fitness features sealed the deal, making it a well-rounded option for Android users.
Who is it best for?
Android users looking for a premium smartwatch beyond the Samsung and Pixel options, or anyone tired of having to charge their Wear OS watch every day and doesn’t need a menstrual tracker on their wrist.
Benefits
- One week battery life in smartwatch mode
- Polished circular design
- Advanced fitness and recovery metrics
Disadvantages
- $100 more than the previous generation
- Software may seem slow
- The user interface is not as intuitive as other smartwatches
The Garmin Venu 4 stands out with its long battery life, in-depth health tracking, and workout insights that make it a fitness-focused smartwatch. It’s also the first sports watch I would wear as a non-serious athlete, thanks to its sleek and refined design. In our tests, it tracked steps, distance and heart rate with impressive accuracy and recorded heart rate every second, providing athletes with detailed data to guide their training.
It’s not as app-rich or polished as the Apple Watch, and the interface may seem less intuitive than alternatives from Apple, Google, or Samsung. But Garmin makes up for that with powerful wellness tools like Body Battery and recovery insights. Read our Garmin Venu 3 review.
Why we love it
The Venu 4 unlocks Garmin’s robust fitness and training ecosystem, but in a slimmer, more lifestyle-friendly design. It combines advanced fitness and recovery metrics with practical aesthetics like physical buttons for reliable control during workouts as well as compatibility with Android and iOS. Its one-week battery life also means you can track your workouts, sleep, and recovery without having to worry about nightly charging.
Who is it best for?
Serious athletes and data-driven fitness enthusiasts who want to get deeper insights into their training without wearing a bulky sports watch. Its fitness-focused approach, long battery life, and actionable tools like Body Battery and recovery tracking help optimize workouts while still looking sharp enough for everyday use.
Benefits
- The $80 price is much lower than most watches
- Works with Android and iOS
- Great battery life (lasts a week with heavy use)
- Accurately tracks a wide variety of fitness activities
- Temperature tracking and advanced sleep monitoring
Disadvantages
- One size option (44mm)
- The user interface and app are not intuitive
- Some health measures are difficult to interpret
- Voice assistant is unreliable
- Bluetooth range is short (especially on iPhone)
The $80 Amazfit Bip 6 is the most affordable option on this list and rarely stands out in the budget smartwatch category because it offers all the basics (and more) without many compromises. The design and interface aren’t as polished as what you’ll find with more expensive models, but that seems like a fair tradeoff considering how successful the Bip 6 is. It offers precise fitness tracking, with customizable workout tools like heart rate zones, as well as advanced health features including SpO2 (blood oxygen), temperature and sleep tracking, and high and low heart rate alerts.
Why we love it
While its low price may be its main appeal, the Amazfit Bip 6 is one of the few smartwatches under $100 that’s actually worth your money. Beyond all the features mentioned above, we also like it for its week-long battery life (or more) and its compatibility with iPhones and Android phones.
Who is it best for?
The Amazfit Bip 6 is ideal for anyone who wants to try a smartwatch without making a major investment. It is also an ideal solution for people who want to customize the back of the watch to suit their specific needs.
Comparison of the best Android smartwatches
Find out how these Android smartwatches compare in terms of specs.
| 0 | Google Pixel Watch 4 | Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 | A Plus 3 watch | Amazfit Bip 6 | Garmin Venue 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round | Squircle (round screen) | Squircle (round screen) | Round | Square | Round |
| Watch size | 41mm, 45mm | 46mm | 40mm, 44mm | 47mm | 50mm | 41mm, 45mm |
| Materials, finishes | Aluminum | Stainless steel | Aluminum | Titanium bezel, stainless steel case, sapphire crystal | Aluminum, polymer fibers | Stainless steel |
| Display size, resolution | 41 mm: 1.61 inches 320 ppi, AMOLED; 45mm: 1.77-inch AMOLED 320 ppi | 1.34-inch Super AMOLED, 438 x 438 | 40mm: 1.34″ Super AMOLED (438 x 438 pixels), 44mm: 1.47″ Super AMOLED (480 x 480 pixels) | 47mm: 1.50-inch LTPO AMOLED, 466 x 466 pixels | 1.97 inches (50mm) AMOLED; 390×450 pixels | 1.4-inch AMOLED, 454 x 454 pixels |
| Dimensions | 41mm: 41x41x12.3mm; 45mm: 45x45x12.3mm | 46.0 x 46.4 x 10.6mm | 40mm: 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm, 44mm: 46 x 43.7 x 8.6mm | 46.6 mm (excluding lugs) * 47.6 mm * 11.75 mm (excluding sensor area) | 46.3 x 40.2 x 10.45mm | 45mm: 45x45x12mm |
| Weight | 41mm: 31g; 45mm: 37g | 63.5g | 40mm: 30.0g, 44m: 34.0g | ~80g with strap | 27.9g | 30g |
| Colors | Matte black, polished silver, matte hazel, champagne gold | White, Black | Silver, graphite | Obsidian titanium, emerald titanium | Black, anthracite, stone, blush red | White stone/silver, black/slate |
| Always on | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (LTPO allows low consumption AOD) | Yes | Yes |
| Interchangeable bands | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (22mm standard) | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes (dual band) | Yes (dual band) | Yes (dual band L1 + L5) | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic training detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Water/Dust Resistance | Water resistant up to 50m (5 ATM), IP6X (dust) | Water resistant up to 50 m (5 ATM) | Water resistant up to 50 m (5 ATM) | Water resistant up to 50m (5 ATM), IP6X (dust) | Waterproof up to 50 meters, 5 ATM | 5ATM |
| Calls | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Zepp Flow) | Yes |
| Mobile payments | Yes (Google Wallet) | Yes (Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet) | Yes (Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet) | Yes (Google Wallet) | Pay Zepp | Yes (Garmin Pay) |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (with advanced measurements and respiratory rate) | Yes | Yes |
| Period tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | SpO2, ECG, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, barometer, magnetometer | Accelerometer, barometer, bioelectric impedance analysis sensor, electric heart sensor, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, infrared temperature sensor, light sensor, optical heart rate sensor | Accelerometer, barometer, bioelectric impedance analysis sensor, electric heart sensor, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, infrared temperature sensor, light sensor, optical heart rate sensor | Optical heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, compass, ECG, BIA | Acceleration, gyroscope, ambient light, geomagnetic, biometric sensor (5PD + 2LED), 5 satellite positioning systems | |
| Emergency functions | Safety sign, security check | Fall detection, emergency SOS, siren | Fall detection, emergency SOS, siren | Fall detection, emergency SOS | SOS calls, fall detection, high or low heart rate notifications, low blood oxygen notifications, high stress notifications, | Incident detection, live monitoring |
| Compatibility | Android 10 and newer | Android 11 and newer | Android 11 and newer | Android only | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Software | PorterOS 6 | PorterOS 6 | PorterOS 6 | Port OS 5 | Zepp operating system | Undisclosed |
| Processor | Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, Cortex-M55 coprocessor | Exynos W1000 | Exynos W1000 | Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 + BES2800BP (dual chip architecture) | N / A | Undisclosed |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, ultra-wideband | LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4+ 5 GHz, NFC | LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4+ 5 GHz, NFC | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS | Bluetooth 5.2, BLE, | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Memory and storage | 2 GB of memory + 32 GB of storage | 2 GB memory / 64GP storage | 2 GB memory / 32GP storage | 2 GB memory / 32 GB storage | 64 MB RAM, 512 MB storage | 8 GB |
| Loading | USB-C fast charging cable | USB-C fast charging cable | USB-C fast charging cable | Wired USB-C Fast (up to 7.5W) | Proprietary charging cable | Garmin Proprietary Plug Charger |
| Battery life | 30 hours with permanent display (41 mm) | 30 hours (always on and intensive use) | 26 hours (always on and intensive use) | 3 days or more (always on and heavy use), up to 5 days (switch to wake/smart mode), 16 days (power saving mode) | Up to 14 days | |
| Battery capacity | 41mm: 306mAh; 45mm: 420mAh | 445mAh | 325, 435 (44mm) | 631mAh | 340mAh | |
| American price | $350 (Wi-Fi, 41mm), $400 (Wi-Fi, 45mm), $450 (Wi-Fi + LTE, 41mm), $500 (Wi-Fi + LTE, 45mm) | $500 (46mm) | $350 (40mm), $380 (44mm) $400 (40mm) LTE, $430 (44mm) LTE | $350 | $80 | $450 |
In October 2025, we added the Pixel Watch 4 to our list, replacing the Pixel Watch 3 as the reigning champion.
The Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 may be last year’s models, but they’re still great options and will get the same software upgrades as this year’s lineup, including Gemini AI on the wrist. Their now reduced price also makes them a bargain compared to its newer siblings, but they lack the upgraded processor and additional health and safety features such as satellite connectivity (Pixel 3) and antioxidant index (Galaxy Watch).
Samsung users on a tighter budget may also want to check out the Galaxy Watch FE. This is a solid entry-level option, with some compromises in style and health features. It only comes in a 40mm size and doesn’t have sleep apnea notifications or skin temperature tracking.
We also considered the $100 Amazfit Active 2 as a budget-friendly Wear OS alternative (running its own Zepp operating system) with slightly fewer apps and premium health feature options.
Here are some key factors to consider to help you filter out the noise and narrow down your search.
Budget: If you’re looking to score a deal, it may be worth waiting for big discount days like Black Friday or Labor Day in the United States, when most retailers, including original manufacturers, offer sales or cash back. You can also save by waiting for the next update cycle and considering the previous generation model, which often goes on sale once a newer version is released. Although newer models typically bring modest improvements in battery life, processing power, and design, updates are often iterative. Previous models still hold up well in terms of performance and features. You should always consider all other factors, especially software and operating system updates, when making your final decision.
Battery: Most of the Android smartwatches on this list offer between 24 and 72 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on how often you use power-hungry features like GPS or always-on display. But a few stand out. If battery life is your top priority, the OnePlus Watch 3 is your best choice; it can last up to five days on a charge with the wake-up feature enabled, or about three days with the always-on display active. For Samsung phone users, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is worth a look, offering at least a full day more than other Galaxy models (although it still doesn’t match the OnePlus). The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 and Enduro models are also solid alternatives if you’re looking for longer battery life at a lower price.
Port OS updates: One of the downsides of Android smartwatches is that most manufacturers don’t control the operating system update cycle. Google manages Wear OS updates and there is no guarantee that every watch will receive them. This is why it is important to research how many updates a watch is supposed to receive. This information is often listed on the manufacturer’s website or in our reviews. Without this research, you could wait a year for an update or discover that your model isn’t eligible. Samsung leads the pack, promising at least four years of updates for its Galaxy Watch models, closely followed by the Pixel Watch 3 and OnePlus Watch 3, with up to three years of support. Others, like Mobvoi, have been notoriously slow to roll out updates, and while these older models may save you money initially, they may not be as future-proof and may end up spending more on a replacement in the long run.
The One Plus Watch 3 is available in two sizes. This is the largest model.
Vanessa Main Orellana/CNETDesign: The great thing about having so many Android watches is the breadth of design options available to you; different screen shapes, cover materials, size options, etc. You can choose a more traditional watch design with a stainless steel finish and bulkier bezel, like the OnePlus Watch, or opt for the sleek, minimalist design of the Pixel Watch 3 with its barely-there bezels. Size is another important factor to consider. If you have smaller wrists and prefer a watch that won’t dominate your arm, you should avoid the Galaxy Watch Ultra and OnePlus Watch 3, as they only come in one size – giant and massive, respectively.
Wi-Fi only or cellular: Your choice of smartwatch may depend on whether it even offers the LTE or Wi-Fi only option, so it’s worth doing some research early on to avoid going too far down the wrong path. The OnePlus Watch 3, for example, only comes in a Wi-Fi model, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra is cellular only. Most users will find the Wi-Fi models sufficient for tracking their workouts and making mobile payments without a phone nearby. However, features like notifications, messaging, and calling still require your phone to be in range, and if you plan to leave your phone behind from time to time and want full smartwatch features on the go, it may be worth splurging on an LTE version, which can add between $50 and $100 to the price and may require a monthly carrier fee.
We test in several key categories, including performance (how fast and smooth it navigates), accuracy of its health/fitness features, design, durability, and battery life.
The basics: In real-world testing, we focus on how the smartwatch handles essential features like notifications, texting, and phone pairing. We also evaluate add-on apps, as most Android watches require two: one for Wear OS and a proprietary app from the manufacturer to access additional stats like health metrics.
Durability and design: Since smartwatches are worn daily, we evaluate their comfort and fit by testing them on different wrist sizes. We also look at how the watch holds up to wear and tear due to e daily use. Some models, like the Galaxy Watch Ultra, offer increased dust and water resistance, making them better suited to extreme sports and outdoor activities. We test these features in a variety of conditions, including submerging them in bodies of water if necessary.
It took me more than five days to see this window appear on my OnePlus Watch 3.
Vanessa Main Orellana/CNETBattery: We approach battery testing from two angles. First, we evaluate how long the watch will last on a single charge during normal use, allowing for some features like an always-on display, sleep tracking, and completing at least one 30-minute outdoor workout that requires GPS. Second, we run a diagnostic test to measure the time it takes to charge the watch from 0% to 100%.
Fitness and health sensor accuracy: For heart rate, we compare the watch’s readings to those of a chest strap, the gold standard for heart rate tracking, during cardio workouts like running or cycling. For SPO2 (blood oxygen), we compare it to a traditional pulse oximeter placed on your fingertip. We also test how quickly the watch acquires a GPS signal during outdoor workouts and evaluate its accuracy by comparing it to other devices like our phone’s GPS on the same route.
Smartwatches are only getting smarter when it comes to health, and I hope that continues, whether it’s better sensors, new metrics, or more personalized coaching, especially as more brands start to rely on AI to make sense of your data. One trend I’d like to see continue in this year’s launches is better battery life; Smarter software and hardware upgrades, like the OnePlus Watch 3’s dual-processor architecture, finally make multi-day wear realistic. Meanwhile, the definition of wearable is rapidly expanding with more smart rings debuting as well as improved earbud options with built-in health sensors already entering smartwatch territory. They probably won’t replace watches entirely, but they definitely raise the bar and will continue to bring healthy momentum to the smartwatch category.
Can you use an Android smartwatch with an iPhone?
Some Wear OS phones can pair with the iPhone (with workarounds and third-party apps), but just because you can doesn’t mean you should. You’ll end up losing a lot of the features that put them on this best list in the future. If you’re looking for an Apple Watch alternative that works with the iPhone, your best bet is to go with hybrid options like Garmin watches that are designed to work well with both Android and iOS devices.
Show more
What are the best Android smartwatch brands?
Brands like Samsung and Garmin (for sports enthusiasts) remain safe and reliable bets with over a decade of experience in the smartwatch space. But newcomers like OnePlus and Google, who launched their flagship watches years later, quickly proved themselves to be strong competitors, learning quickly and iterating on customer pain points to become worthy competitors to these established veterans.
Show more
Which Android smartwatches are waterproof?
Most smartwatches (including all of the ones on this list) offer at least some level of water resistance. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all suitable for freediving in the Great Barrier Reef, as there are varying degrees of water resistance, and you should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to understand what your watch can handle. Water resistance is measured by IP (Ingress Protection) and ATM (Atmospheres) ratings, which indicate how well a device can withstand exposure to water, depth and even different types of water. For example, the Samsu Galaxy Watch Ultra is on the high end with a 10 ATM rating and IP68, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 100 meters, including salt water. However, it should always be rinsed with fresh water to avoid corrosion or damage. It is also important to note that water resistance may decrease over time due to wear and tear and you should always aim to dry your smartwatch thoroughly after exposure to water to keep it in good condition.
Show more
