10 Best Smart Watches 2026 in the United States

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 Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) is a solid choice if you want a smartwatch that excels in health and fitness tracking. It works smoothly with iPhones and offers a bright, always-on Retina display that’s easy to read throughout the day. The design is lightweight and comfortable, good for wearing all day and night to track sleep, which it scores to help improve your rest.

In terms of health features, it’s impressive—it can detect signs of high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and sleep apnea, plus it offers ECG and blood oxygen measurements. These are advanced tools that go beyond basic fitness trackers. The watch is also swim-proof and dust resistant, so it’s durable enough for everyday use and workouts. Battery life lasts up to 24 hours with regular use, so you’ll likely need to charge it daily; fast charging helps if you’re short on time.

It supports notifications, calls, music, and voice commands through Siri, keeping you connected without pulling out your phone. One downside is that it’s designed mainly for iPhone users, so it won’t work with Android devices. Also, while the feature set is rich, the price tends to be on the higher side compared to simpler smartwatches. If you want a stylish, health-focused watch with strong fitness tracking and solid daily use features, this model fits well—just be ready to charge it every day and pair it with an iPhone.

The Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker is a versatile device suitable for those who want to keep a close eye on their health and fitness. It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users. One of its standout features is its impressive fitness and health tracking capabilities, including 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. This makes it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts looking to monitor their workouts and health metrics in detail.

The inclusion of a 6-month premium membership also adds value by offering advanced health insights and personalized coaching. The tracker’s battery life is decent, allowing for continuous use but may require more frequent charging compared to some competitors. The display, while adequate in size and functionality, is relatively small at 1.04 inches, which could be a drawback for users who prefer larger screens. The design is sleek and comfortable, and it comes with both small and large bands to ensure a good fit for different wrist sizes. Water resistance adds to its functionality, allowing it to be used in various conditions without worry.

Connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi ensure seamless integration with other devices, and the ability to control YouTube Music and use Google Wallet for contactless payments adds convenience. However, the fitness tracker does not support direct connectivity with the included Pixel Buds Pro 2, which may be a minor inconvenience for some users. The app ecosystem is robust, thanks to Fitbit and Google apps, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for health management. Despite its strengths, the device is relatively lightweight and may feel less substantial compared to more premium smartwatches. The Fitbit Charge 6 is a solid choice for individuals focused on health and fitness tracking, offering great functionality and convenience, though it may fall short for those seeking a more premium, feature-rich smartwatch experience.