After ten years of testing smartwatches, I've narrowed down the top eight that truly stand the test of time, offering a blend of performance, features, and durability.
For Samsung users, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the obvious top pick. While the new squircle design and proprietary straps aren't my favorite, the latest Wear OS 6 brings slick interface improvements that make checking info a breeze. Plus, you get Google's Gemini assistant onboard. Within the Watch8 lineup, there are three models: 40mm, 44mm, and the Watch8 Classic with its iconic physical rotating bezel for seamless navigation. Battery life was a bit of a letdown on the smaller Watch8, but the Classic held up for nearly two full days on a single charge, making the 44mm or Classic models the ones to go for.
Samsung's health and fitness tracking remains top-notch, with reliable heart rate monitoring, solid sleep tracking, and accurate dual-frequency GPS. The automatic workout detection is also stellar. However, some newer health features, like the AGEs index and Antioxidant Index, feel a bit gimmicky and often inaccurate, as noted by former WIRED editor Adrienne So. The new Vascular Load metric, while interesting, requires significant wear time to set up and provides fairly basic advice.
While the Galaxy Watch8 series boasts many appealing features, it's wise to approach some of the newer health metrics with a healthy dose of skepticism. Keep in mind that certain advanced features, such as the electrocardiogram and sleep apnea tracking, are exclusive to Samsung phones. Despite these caveats, the Galaxy Watch8 series offers a compelling package for Android users.
Beyond Samsung, other standout smartwatches include the Casio Pro Trek PRG-340B, a rugged solar-powered option perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, and the classic Casio CA53W-1CR calculator watch for those seeking a retro, no-frills digital experience. The robust Casio G-Shock Master of G Rangeman GPR-H1000 offers impressive durability and a good set of sensors for its weekly charging routine. For a blend of analog style and discreet health tracking, the Withings ScanWatch 2 is a solid choice, though its subscription model for deeper insights can be a drawback. Apple's Series 10 offers solid features at a potential discount, while the Ultra 2 remains a powerful, albeit pricey, option. The Google Pixel Watch 3, especially with current discounts, is a great choice with its FDA-cleared loss-of-pulse detection and improved running features. Finally, Samsung's own Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 and the more budget-friendly Galaxy Watch7 and FE models provide a range of options for Android users, though battery life can be a concern on some of the newer models.
