10 Best Smartwatches 2026 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS + Cellular) is designed to be a powerful and versatile smartwatch for anyone interested in health and fitness tracking as well as staying connected on the go. It works seamlessly with iPhones, offering fast 5G connectivity so you can send texts, make calls, and stream music without your phone nearby. The always-on Retina display is bright and sharp, with excellent scratch resistance thanks to its durable glass, making it comfortable and reliable for daily wear. Battery life supports about 24 hours of regular use, which covers a full day but may require daily charging; however, it charges quickly, providing up to 8 hours of use with just 15 minutes of charging.

This watch excels in health monitoring, with features like ECG, blood oxygen, sleep score, and even hypertension alerts, making it a great choice for users focused on wellness. It also tracks a wide range of workouts with detailed metrics, and comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ for guided exercise. Water resistance up to 50 meters means it’s suitable for swimming and is also dust resistant. Safety features like fall and crash detection add extra peace of mind.

On the downside, it’s primarily designed to work best with Apple devices, so Android users won’t get the full experience. The price point is on the higher side, reflecting its premium design and advanced features. For those seeking a smartwatch that combines health insights, fitness tools, strong connectivity, and stylish comfort, and who use an iPhone, the Series 11 proves to be a solid choice.

The Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS 44mm) is a solid choice if you want a smartwatch that works seamlessly with an iPhone. It offers strong compatibility and easy connectivity through GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Its battery lasts about 18 hours on a full charge, which means you’ll likely need to recharge it daily, but it charges quickly—giving you around 8 hours of use with just 15 minutes of charging. The always-on Retina display is bright and clear, so you can glance at the time or notifications without lifting your wrist.

Fitness tracking is comprehensive, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking with a daily sleep score, and even cycle tracking with temperature sensing. It also features safety tools like fall and crash detection, which can alert emergency contacts if needed. The watch is water resistant, so it can handle everyday splashes and swimming. You’ll find plenty of apps supported and customizable watch faces to suit your style, and the lightweight aluminum case with a sport band makes it comfortable to wear all day.

However, the GPS-only model depends on your iPhone for some features, and while the battery life is decent, it does not offer the multi-day usage that some competitors provide. Additionally, advanced health features like ECG aren’t included here, as they appear in pricier Apple models. This watch is well suited for Apple users seeking a reliable, easy-to-use fitness and everyday smartwatch without the higher price tag of premium versions.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a tough, feature-packed smartwatch. Its titanium case and sapphire crystal make it extremely durable, while 100m water resistance supports swimming, diving, and other water sports. The large, bright Retina display is easy to read in various lighting conditions and even doubles as a flashlight. Battery life stands out with up to 42 hours of regular use, and a Low Power Mode extends it further, which is great for long adventures.

Fitness and health tracking are very comprehensive, covering running, cycling, swimming, and many other activities. It offers advanced sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, temperature, and sleep monitoring. Safety features like fall and crash detection, plus emergency satellite texting when out of cell range, provide peace of mind. The built-in GPS is precise and supports multiple global systems, which helps with accurate workout tracking.

Connectivity is strong with 5G cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and Apple Pay support, allowing you to stay connected without needing your iPhone nearby. The watch supports a wide range of apps on watchOS, enhancing its versatility. Design-wise, it’s on the larger side (49mm case), which may feel bulky for some, but it offers multiple band options for comfort and style. The main trade-offs include its premium price point and sizable dimensions, which might not suit everyone’s wrist or budget. It only works with newer iPhone models, limiting compatibility. For those seeking a robust, feature-rich smartwatch excelling in fitness tracking and outdoor use, and who are willing to pay extra for top-end build and technology, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 represents a strong choice.