Smartwatches in 2025 are more than timekeepers, they’re powerful wearable computers packed with health tracking, productivity tools, and seamless smartphone integration. With new models from Apple, Samsung, Google, and more, this year’s lineup offers something for every budget and need. Drawing from expert reviews and testing, here are the top smartwatches of 2025, highlighting their standout features, performance, and prices.
1. Apple Watch Series 10
Best for iPhone Users
- Price: Starting at $399 (40mm, GPS) / $429 (44mm, GPS)
- Key Features:
- Display: Wide-angle OLED touchscreen, up to 2,000 nits brightness, thinner and lighter design.
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, sleep tracking, temperature sensor, menstrual cycle tracking.
- Performance: S10 chip for faster performance, watchOS 11 with improved hiking waypoints and Double Tap gesture.
- Battery Life: 18 hours, with faster charging than Series 9.
- Other: Siri integration, third-party app support, crash detection, customizable watch faces.
- Review: The Apple Watch Series 10 is the go-to for iPhone users due to its sleek design, unmatched app ecosystem, and accurate fitness tracking. Testers praise its brighter, larger screen and comfortable fit, though battery life remains a drawback compared to competitors. It’s ideal for those prioritizing smart features and seamless iOS integration.
- Best For: iPhone users seeking a premium smartwatch with robust app support and fitness tracking.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Best for Android Enthusiasts
- Price: Starting at $649 (47mm, Wi-Fi/LTE)
- Key Features:
- Display: 1.5-inch AMOLED, up to 3,000 nits brightness, sapphire crystal glass.
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, ECG (Samsung phones only), sleep apnea detection, body composition, dual-frequency GPS.
- Performance: Wear OS 5 with One UI 6, gesture controls, music playback, Google Assistant.
- Battery Life: 2–3 days, though inconsistent at launch.
- Other: 10ATM water resistance, titanium case, advanced sports tracking for triathletes.
- Review: The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a rugged, feature-rich option for Android users, especially Samsung phone owners. Its bright screen and durable build excel for outdoor activities, but the large 47mm size and high price may deter some. Reviewers note its accurate GPS and health metrics but highlight clunky navigation and battery variability.
- Best For: Athletes and outdoor adventurers with Android phones seeking durability and advanced fitness features.
3. Google Pixel Watch 3
Best for Wear OS Fans
- Price: Starting at $349 (41mm, Wi-Fi) / $399 (45mm, Wi-Fi) / $449 (41mm, LTE)
- Key Features:
- Display: AMOLED, up to 2,000 nits, thinner bezels than Pixel Watch 2.
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, sleep tracking, menstrual health, loss of pulse detection (FDA-approved in March 2025).
- Performance: Wear OS 5, Google Maps, Wallet, and Home integration, responsive interface.
- Battery Life: 24 hours (41mm) / 36 hours (45mm).
- Other: Two size options (41mm, 45mm), rotating crown, stylish round design.
- Review: The Pixel Watch 3 shines with its clean design, deep Google ecosystem integration, and improved battery life in the 45mm model. Testers love its bright display and running-focused features, but the smaller model’s battery life lags behind competitors. It’s a top pick for Android users wanting a less bulky alternative to Samsung’s offerings.
- Best For: Android users prioritizing style, Google integration, and balanced smartwatch features.
4. Amazfit Bip 6
Best Budget Option
- Price: Starting at $99
- Key Features:
- Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED, 1,000 nits brightness.
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress, menstrual cycle, wrist temperature.
- Performance: Zepp OS, compatible with iOS and Android, customizable settings.
- Battery Life: Up to 10 days.
- Other: GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, lightweight design.
- Review: The Amazfit Bip 6 is a steal for under $100, offering robust health tracking and long battery life. Reviewers praise its value and compatibility with both iPhone and Android, though it lacks the premium feel and app ecosystem of pricier models. The Zepp app can feel overwhelming but provides detailed data.
- Best For: Budget-conscious users wanting reliable fitness tracking and long battery life.
5. Garmin Venu 3
Best for Fitness Enthusiasts
- Price: Starting at $449
- Key Features:
- Display: 1.4-inch OLED touchscreen, durable design.
- Health Tracking: Heart rate, Body Battery, sleep with nap detection, ECG, advanced fitness metrics.
- Performance: Garmin Connect app, audio-guided meditation, wheelchair mode.
- Battery Life: Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) / 19 hours (GPS mode).
- Other: GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, music storage option, no subscription required.
- Review: The Garmin Venu 3 stands out for its long battery life and comprehensive fitness tracking, appealing to runners and casual users alike. Testers commend its intuitive UI and accurate sensors, though it lacks the third-party app support of Apple or Samsung watches. It’s a top choice for fitness-focused users who value data without a premium price.
- Best For: Fitness buffs wanting in-depth metrics and long-lasting battery life.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Smartwatch
- Compatibility: Apple Watches require an iPhone (XS or later, iOS 18+). Samsung and Google watches work best with Android (11+ for Samsung, 9+ for OnePlus). Check for full feature support, as some features (e.g., Samsung’s ECG) are exclusive to specific phones.
- Battery Life: Budget and fitness-focused watches (Amazfit, Garmin) last up to 10–14 days, while premium models (Apple, Google) typically last 1–3 days.
- Health Features: Most smartwatches offer heart rate, sleep, and step tracking. Advanced features like ECG, blood oxygen, or sleep apnea detection are common in high-end models.
- Price vs. Features: Budget options ($100–$250) cover basics, mid-range ($250–$400) add apps and better build quality, and high-end ($400+) offer rugged designs and LTE.
- Design: Consider size (e.g., 47mm Galaxy Watch Ultra may overwhelm smaller wrists) and style (e.g., Pixel Watch 3’s sleek round design vs. Apple’s rectangular look).
What’s Next for Smartwatches in 2025
Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google are expected to launch new models by late 2025, including the Apple Watch Series 11, Galaxy Watch 8, and Pixel Watch 4. Rumored features include improved battery life and advanced health sensors, like non-invasive glucose monitoring. Budget brands like Amazfit and Huawei will likely release updated models with enhanced AI-driven insights.
Conclusion
The best smartwatch for you in 2025 depends on your smartphone, budget, and priorities. The Apple Watch Series 10 leads for iPhone users with its polished ecosystem, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra excels for rugged Android use. The Google Pixel Watch 3 offers a stylish Wear OS option, the Amazfit Bip 6 delivers unbeatable value, and the Garmin Venu 3 is perfect for fitness fanatics. Evaluate compatibility, battery life, and features to find your ideal wearable, and check for deals on retailer sites like John Lewis or Samsung for potential savings.
