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 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.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a well-designed smartwatch that fits nicely within the fitness and lifestyle category. It offers a bright 1.47-inch round touchscreen with a sharp resolution, making it easy to read your notifications and track your workouts. The watch runs on Wear OS powered by Samsung, ensuring good compatibility with many Android devices. Its lightweight and snug fit design makes it comfortable to wear all day, even during exercise.

Battery life is solid enough to get you through a full day with its 425mAh battery, supporting continuous heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and receiving notifications without frequent recharging. It also features advanced health tools like sleep coaching, vascular load monitoring, and a running coach with real-time feedback, which can be very helpful for those who want to improve their fitness or manage stress.

The watch is water-resistant and should handle everyday splashes and sweat, though it may not be suitable for serious swimming sessions. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, allowing seamless syncing with your phone and access to apps. Additionally, the inclusion of a personal AI assistant adds convenience for hands-free help. While it excels in fitness tracking and daily use, it is primarily designed for Samsung and Android users, so iPhone compatibility could be limited. The design is sleek and lightweight with a sporty look that may not suit everyone’s style preferences. The Galaxy Watch 8 is a strong choice if you want a smartwatch with reliable fitness features, a comfortable fit, and smart daily assistance, especially if you have a Samsung or Android phone.