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The Best Smartwatches

Updated April 2026·Experts: The Verge, Tom's Guide, WIRED

Best Overall

Apple Watch SE 3

$239-$269
$239-$269 at Amazon→

The SE 3 is the smartwatch that actually makes sense to buy. You get 90% of what the Series 11 offers for $150 less, and expert reviewers agree there's barely any reason to spend more unless health monitoring is your obsession.

What holds up

  • Always-on LTPO OLED display with improved brightness
  • Double-tap and wrist-flick gestures for hands-free control
  • Fast charging and 5G connectivity (optional)
  • New wrist-temperature sensor for health tracking
  • 18-hour battery life with reliable performance

What to know

  • Thicker bezels compared to Series 11
  • Battery life could be longer (18 hours vs 24+ on Series 11)
  • Lacks advanced health sensors like blood oxygen on some models
Expert verdict
The third-gen Apple Watch SE is an incredible value. So much so, there's not that much of a difference between this entry-level watch and the more advanced Series 11.
The VergeView source
Expert verdict
Both devices start at $249, and even though the SE 3 has more smart features and the Forerunner 70 has more training tools for runners, when it comes to basic fitness tracking chops, the two are pretty evenly matched.
Tom's GuideView source
Get it for $239-$269
Read the full breakdown →
Best for Health Monitoring

Apple Watch Series 11

$299-$329
$299-$329 at Amazon→

If health monitoring is your priority, the Series 11 is worth the extra $60. The battery life improvement alone, finally lasting a full day, changes how you actually use the watch, and the hypertension feature is clinically validated.

What holds up

  • 24-hour battery life (38 hours in low-power mode), major improvement over previous models
  • FDA-cleared hypertension notifications for early detection
  • Advanced health sensors including blood oxygen and EKG
  • Slimmer profile with larger display than SE 3
  • 5G connectivity and fast charging

What to know

  • Most exciting updates come via watchOS 26 (available on older watches too)
  • Premium pricing at $299 vs $239 for SE 3
  • Hypertension feature requires 14 days of monitoring before notifications
Expert verdict
If health monitoring is your primary focus, the Series 11 has a slight edge. It's got all the advanced sensors that enable afib monitoring, and the bigger battery is a bonus if sleep tracking and sleep apnea features appeal to you.
The VergeView source
Expert verdict
Finally, battery life has improved! New watchOS health updates are useful and clinically validated.
WIREDView source
Get it for $299-$329
Read the full breakdown →
Best for Android Users

Google Pixel Watch 4

$350
$350 at Amazon→

Google has finally cracked the Android smartwatch code. The Pixel Watch 4 is genuinely interesting in ways other Android watches aren't, the design is playful, battery life is legitimately impressive, and you can actually repair it yourself.

What holds up

  • Exceptional battery life: 36-42 hours with always-on display, up to 45 hours on first charge
  • Fast charging: 14% to 97% in 34 minutes
  • Domed Actua 360 display with 3,000 nits brightness (matches Apple Watch Ultra 3)
  • Fully repairable design with user-replaceable battery and display
  • Material 3 Expressive design is playful and distinctive

What to know

  • Third proprietary charger in four years (wasteful)
  • Gemini AI is hit-or-miss with latency on multi-step queries
  • GPS maps improved but still not perfect compared to competitors
Expert verdict
The $349.99 Google Pixel Watch 4 is the most interesting flagship smartwatch launch of the season.
The VergeView source
Expert verdict
It remains the best option for most Android owners, not least because it's finally repairable.
WIREDView source
Get it for $350
Read the full breakdown →
Best for Athletes

Apple Watch Ultra 3

$774-$799
$774-$799 at Amazon→

If you're an athlete or outdoor enthusiast willing to spend $799, the Ultra 3 is the most capable smartwatch on the market. Satellite messaging and 5G connectivity actually work, and the durability is unmatched.

What holds up

  • Satellite connectivity and 5G for off-grid communication
  • Brightest display of any Apple Watch at 3,000 nits
  • Extended battery life (24+ hours, 38 in low-power mode)
  • Rugged titanium construction rated for extreme conditions
  • All advanced health features including blood oxygen and hypertension alerts

What to know

  • Premium price at $799, most people won't need these features
  • Satellite and 5G improvements won't be noticed by casual users
  • Overkill for non-athletes or desk workers
Expert verdict
Even longer battery life, bigger display, thinner bezels, satellite and 5G connectivity.
The VergeView source
Expert verdict
With the brightest display of any Apple Watch, new health tools like hypertension alerts, and all the safety features Apple is known for, it's the ultimate wearable for those who want the very best.
Tom's GuideView source
Get it for $774-$799
Read the full breakdown →
Best Budget Alternative

Amazfit Active Max

$169
$169 at Amazon→

If you want serious fitness tracking without Apple or Google's ecosystem lock-in, the Amazfit Active Max is a steal. It delivers Garmin-level features at a fraction of the price, and the battery life is genuinely impressive.

What holds up

  • Exceptional battery life: weeks on a single charge
  • Large, bright AMOLED touchscreen display
  • Comprehensive workout support for 150+ activity types
  • Accurate sleep and fitness tracking
  • Affordable at $169, best value in the category

What to know

  • Limited smart features compared to Apple/Google watches
  • Smaller app ecosystem than major platforms
  • May lack some advanced health sensors
Expert verdict
The Amazfit Active Max features a large and seriously bright AMOLED touchscreen, weeks of battery life, support for just about any workout type you could think of, a fairly comprehensive set of health metrics, and a price tag that won't break the bank.
Tom's GuideView source
Get it for $169
Read the full breakdown →