10 Best Smart Watches 2026 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] is a solid choice if you're looking for a smartwatch that does more than just tell time. It works best with iPhones, so if you already have one, it will connect easily and keep you notified of calls, texts, and more. The large 46mm always-on Retina OLED display is bright and sharp, making it easy to see your stats and notifications even outdoors. Battery life has improved to last about 24 hours with normal use and can quickly recharge, which means less waiting between charges.

This watch shines in health and fitness tracking, offering detailed metrics like ECG, blood oxygen, sleep score, and even hypertension alerts, which can give you deeper insights into your wellbeing. It supports a wide range of workouts and includes Apple Fitness+ for guided exercise sessions. The design is sleek and lightweight, comfortable enough to wear all day and night for continuous tracking. Water resistance up to 50 meters and dust resistance means it can handle swimming and everyday use without worry. Safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS add extra peace of mind.

The 24-hour battery life might feel short if you plan to use it heavily throughout the day or for long trips without charging. Also, full features are best experienced when paired with an iPhone, so Android users won’t get the same benefits. While it offers many sensors and advanced health monitoring, some may find these features more than they need. The customization options are good but mostly limited to band styles and watch faces. This smartwatch is well-suited for iPhone users who want a comprehensive fitness and health companion with strong safety and connectivity features, wrapped in a durable and stylish design.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed for serious athletes and outdoor adventurers who want a rugged yet smart companion on their wrist. Its titanium case and sapphire crystal display make it very durable, and with 100m water resistance, it’s great for swimming and diving. The large, bright screen is easy to read even in sunlight and can double as a flashlight, which is helpful outdoors. Battery life is strong, lasting up to 42 hours with normal use and extending to 72 hours in low power mode, supporting long workouts and adventures without frequent charging. For fitness tracking, it provides detailed metrics for running, swimming, cycling, and many other sports, with precise dual-frequency GPS and heart rate monitoring. It also offers advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen, sleep tracking, and notifications for irregular heart rhythms or high blood pressure, helping you stay on top of your wellbeing. Safety is a highlight too, with fall and crash detection and the unique ability to send emergency messages via satellite when out of phone range.

The watch supports cellular connectivity with fast 5G, so you can make calls, stream music, and stay connected even without your phone nearby. Customizable buttons and multiple stylish bands add convenience and personalization. However, this watch only works with newer iPhones, so Android users can't use it. Also, its large 49mm size may feel bulky on smaller wrists. Plus, all these advanced features come with a premium price tag. If you want a tough, feature-packed smartwatch that excels in fitness, health tracking, and outdoor safety—and you have an iPhone—the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is hard to beat. Those who prefer a smaller watch, use Android, or have a tighter budget might want to consider other options.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a strong choice if you want a smartwatch that combines a stylish, traditional look with modern tech. Its 1.3-inch round AMOLED display is bright and easy to read, enhanced by a rotating bezel that makes navigating apps intuitive. Running on Wear OS powered by Samsung, it works smoothly with many Android devices, though iPhone users might find some features limited. Battery life is solid, designed to last through a busy day and keep you going with typical use.

For fitness and health, it provides advanced tracking including heart rate, sleep coaching, running guidance, and even a unique Energy Score based on your activity and rest. It also measures vascular load to give deeper insight into your heart health. The watch is lightweight at 63.5 grams, comfortable to wear, and features a new lug system for easy band changes, allowing personalization to suit your style. Connectivity is mainly Bluetooth, supporting notifications and a personal AI assistant that helps with hands-free commands, which can be handy for quick tasks.

Storage at 64GB might be more than needed for most users, and the price could be higher compared to simpler smartwatches. The watch’s integration works best with Samsung phones, so some features might not function fully with other brands. If you want a premium smartwatch with robust health tracking, stylish design, and useful smart features, this model is worth considering.