10 Best Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is a well-rounded smartwatch that suits those looking for a comprehensive health and fitness companion combined with stylish design and strong connectivity. It works best with iPhones, ensuring smooth integration with apps and notifications. The always-on Retina display is bright and clear, making it easy to check stats or read messages even in bright sunlight. Battery life lasts about 24 hours under normal use, which should cover a full day, and the quick charging option lets you top up fast when needed.

Health tracking is a major strength here — it can monitor blood pressure trends, ECG, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality with a sleep score, possible sleep apnea signs, and even detect falls or car crashes for emergency help. Fitness features include detailed workout metrics and guided sessions with Apple Fitness+, which appeals to active users. It’s also swimproof with 50m water resistance and dust resistant, making it durable for everyday wear and exercise.

Design-wise, it’s slim and lightweight, comfortable for 24/7 wear, and comes with customizable bands and finishes like rose gold. On the downside, battery life is decent but not standout compared to some competitors offering multiple days, and it relies heavily on iPhone connectivity, so Android users won’t get full functionality. Some advanced health features require user setup and understanding to make the most of them. This makes the Series 11 ideal for iPhone users wanting a stylish, feature-rich watch with strong health insights and solid fitness tracking, while those seeking longer battery life or cross-platform use might look elsewhere.

The Garmin fēnix 8 is a high-end multisport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Its 1.4-inch AMOLED screen is bright and clear, protected by a tough sapphire lens, making it easy to read even in bright light. The watch is built with a durable titanium bezel and pebble gray band, offering a premium, sturdy feel that’s also lightweight at just over 3.5 ounces. Compatibility is good with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and it connects well with smartphones to display notifications and allow calls with its built-in mic and speaker.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 84 hours when using GPS, which is ideal for long trips or extended workouts without frequent charging. The watch supports a wide range of fitness and health tracking features, including heart rate, sleep, respiration, and oxygen saturation monitoring, plus advanced metrics like training readiness and stamina tracking. It also supports scuba diving up to 40 meters with water-resistant, leakproof buttons, which is a standout feature for divers.

Navigation is strong with multi-band GPS and sensors like a compass and barometric altimeter, helping users accurately track routes and even receive dynamic route suggestions. The off-grid voice command feature is helpful when you don’t have your phone nearby. Some features such as Pulse Ox and ECG monitoring may not be available in all regions and aren’t substitutes for professional medical devices. The design is customizable and rugged, suited for active lifestyles, but the 51mm size might feel large on smaller wrists. While the Garmin OS isn’t as widespread as other smartwatch platforms, it’s optimized for sports and outdoor use. This watch suits serious fitness enthusiasts and adventurers who want durable gear with long battery life and advanced tracking, though it may be overkill for casual users.

The Garmin Instinct 3 is a tough GPS smartwatch designed especially for outdoor lovers and fitness enthusiasts. Its 0.9-inch round display is small but made durable with a metal-reinforced bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer case, which helps it withstand shocks and harsh conditions. One standout feature is its solar charging lens, which can extend the battery life significantly—potentially unlimited with enough sunlight—making it great for long outdoor adventures without frequent recharging.

It tracks a variety of health metrics like heart rate, sleep quality, and blood oxygen levels, although these are approximate and not medical-grade. For navigation, it includes a 3-axis compass, altimeter, and advanced multi-band GPS that balances accuracy with power saving. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 ATM, so it’s safe for swimming and water sports. It also offers smart notifications, contactless payments via Garmin Pay, and safety features like incident detection that can alert emergency contacts.

While the screen is smaller and less colorful than some competitors, the watch allows customization through downloadable apps and watch faces. It is mainly compatible with Garmin’s ecosystem and smartphones via Bluetooth. This watch suits users seeking a rugged, reliable outdoor companion with strong fitness tracking and excellent battery life, though it may seem somewhat basic for those who prefer a larger, more vibrant touchscreen or a wider selection of apps.