10 Best Smartwatch That Works Without Phone 2026 in the United States

The Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch is designed for users seeking a functional smartwatch that operates without the constant need for a smartphone. One of its key strengths is its cellular connectivity, allowing for on-wrist calls and notifications, which makes it convenient for those who prefer to keep their phone out of reach during workouts or daily activities. With a built-in GPS and over 40 exercise modes, it caters well to fitness enthusiasts by providing real-time stats and automatic exercise tracking.

Battery life is impressive, lasting over six days, which is beneficial for users who want a device that can keep up with their busy routines without frequent charging. The health and fitness tracking features are robust, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management tools, making it a great option for individuals focused on wellness.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the smartwatch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, the durability and build quality may not be as premium as some competitors in the market. The display quality, while adequate, may not stand out compared to more advanced smartwatches. Additionally, the app ecosystem is somewhat limited when compared to other brands, which might be a concern for users looking for a wide range of applications. The Fitbit OS supports essential functionalities but could lack some advanced features found in other operating systems. Compatibility with Apple and Android devices is a plus, but some features, like Google Maps for iOS, are still pending release.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid choice for fitness-focused individuals looking for a smartwatch that can operate independently from their phones. It combines essential health tracking, good battery life, and cellular capabilities but may lag in premium build quality and app variety.

The Garmin Vívoactive 5 is a strong choice if you're looking for a smartwatch that works well without being tethered to your phone. Its bright and sharp 1.2-inch AMOLED display is clear and colorful, making it easy to check stats even in bright light. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, which means less frequent charging compared to many other smartwatches. While it doesn’t have built-in cellular connectivity, it uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB for syncing and app support, so you’ll need your phone nearby for calls or messages but can still track workouts, sleep, and health data independently.

The watch excels in health and fitness tracking with features like sleep score, stress monitoring, body energy tracking, and over 30 sport modes including wheelchair-specific activities, making it versatile for a wide range of users. It also offers advanced training tools and music storage, allowing phone-free listening with wireless headphones. The operating system works smoothly with both Android and iOS devices, providing a good variety of apps through Garmin’s platform.

The watch is lightweight with a durable aluminum bezel and silicone band, and though water resistance isn’t explicitly highlighted here, Garmin’s fitness watches typically handle swimming and sweat well. If you want a smartwatch focused on detailed health insights, long battery life, and solid fitness features with bright display quality, the Vívoactive 5 fits the bill. However, if you need full cellular independence for calls and texts without your phone, this model doesn’t provide that capability.

The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) is a strong choice for users seeking a smartwatch that works independently of their phone. Its built-in cellular connectivity allows you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without having your iPhone nearby, which is ideal for staying connected on the go. The watch runs on Apple’s latest operating system, ensuring smooth performance and access to a wide range of apps.

Battery life offers up to 18 hours under regular use, covering a full day, and it charges quickly, reaching 80% in about 30 minutes. However, heavy use of cellular features might drain the battery faster. The display is bright and sharp with an always-on Retina screen, making it easy to see in various lighting conditions. For fitness and health, it offers comprehensive tracking including ECG, sleep stages, heart rate alerts, and sleep apnea notifications, providing detailed health insights. It supports a variety of workouts and includes useful safety features like fall and crash detection.

The watch is durable with water resistance to 50 meters and dust resistance, making it suitable for outdoor activities and swimming. It works best within the Apple ecosystem, requiring an iPhone (Xs or newer) for setup and full functionality, which could be limiting if you don’t already have one. While the battery life may feel short with heavy GPS or cellular use, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a premium, well-rounded smartwatch ideal for iPhone users wanting a device capable of handling calls, fitness, and health monitoring without their phone nearby.