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After a very busy fall, we finally have the new lineup of smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, and Google. So whether you’re on team Apple or team Android, you have great choices for your wrist. Now that we’ve tested the main new features, we’re ready to name the best smartwatches of 2025. We have some good news: as long as you stick to the flagship smartwatches from these three brands, you really can’t go wrong.
The smartwatch market is getting very crowded, and that’s good news
In the past few months alone, Samsung, Google, and Apple have all launched new flagship smartwatches. On top of that, the Venn diagram of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers is quickly becoming a near-perfect circle. While brands like Garmin and Fitbit are geared more toward athletes than everyday use, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra lines are packed with fitness-focused features. And don’t forget, you can also opt for smart rings and sleep trackers for true 24/7 health tracking.
There is also a wide range of prices. Recently launched smartwatches include the relatively affordable Apple Watch SE 3 ($239.99) to the very expensive Garmin Fenix 8 Pro ($1,199.99 to $1,999.99). However, you don’t need to spend a lot to get an awesome smartwatch. In fact, even if your budget maxes out at $100, you still have some good options. Case in point: the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro connected to ChatGPT, priced at $99 but often available for $79.
Which wearables deserve a place on your wrist? We’re ready to render a verdict, and let’s just say we have some strong feelings and a few choices that might surprise you.
Yes, we have chosen not to include the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 (yet). Yes, we think the $99 Nothing Watch is a smarter buy than the new Galaxy Watch 8 (which we also like). No, we really don’t think we can recommend the $1,999.99 Garmin microLED smartwatch, as cool as it is.
The best smartwatch for most people: Apple Watch SE 3
Credit: Apple
We’re still testing the Apple Watch SE 3, but it’s an Apple Watch – you know what you’re getting. And here’s the truth about the SE Series: You get 98% of what you need from an Apple Watch or fitness tracker, and at a much better price. Unfortunately, battery life is affected. With 18 hours (compared to 24 hours for the Series 11), you can’t really call this an all-day smartwatch. And even if you also lack blood oxygen monitoring, is that really crucial for the average user? We don’t think so.
Add to that the fact that the SE 3 is the first Apple Watch SE to include an always-on display, and you have to wonder why you would buy the Series 11 in the first place. In addition to its gorgeous OLED display, it has the same S10 chip inside the Ultra 3, the same water resistance as the Series 11, and all the necessary features you want in a smartwatch, all for $150 less than the Series 11.
Best Apple Upgrade: Apple Watch Series 11
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
OK, so you really, really want all-day battery life? Then you really need to upgrade to the $399 Apple Watch Series 11. As Mashable’s Stan Schroeder said in his review, it takes everything we loved about the Apple Watch Series 10 and adds a new processor and longer battery life. To be honest, there’s not much to say beyond that. Apple can monitor your blood oxygen again (after a legal dispute removed the feature) and now also offers hypertension notifications.
Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 review.
The best Android watch: Google Pixel Watch 4
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
The Google Pixel Watch 4 looks a lot like the Pixel Watch 3 at first glance, but upon closer inspection you’ll notice a slightly more rounded Actua display. It’s a subtle change, but we think it makes the new smartwatch look absolutely Magnificent. We don’t hate the Galaxy Watch 8’s “circle” design like some, but after comparing it to the Pixel Watch 4, let’s just say Google takes this turn.
We were also impressed by its feature set. Mashable senior reporter Christianna Silva is currently training for the New York City Marathon (and simultaneously testing more than 10 smartwatches in the process), and they called the Pixel Watch 4 a true runner’s watch. That means it’s stylish enough to wear to the office, but comfortable and smart enough to monitor your workouts.
Crushable speed of light
With a modern feel and a brighter screen than the Pixel Watch 3, it’s our current top pick as the best Android smartwatch.
Read our full Pixel Watch 4 review.
The economical choice: Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro
Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable
Mashable readers have gone a little gaga for this smartwatch since its announcement in July. And after testing it ourselves, we understand. We’ll have an in-depth review of this budget smartwatch soon, but our reviewer had this to say: “I’m shocked at how great it is for the price.” If you’re looking for the best smartwatch under $100, nothing else comes close.
British brand Nothing is known for its unique designs, both retro and futuristic. CMF is the budget line of the brand (soon to become its own company), but it doesn’t work like most cheap smartwatches. First of all, it offers direct ChatGPT integration, something even the Apple Watch can’t do. Samsung and Google are eager to get you to use their own AI tools, but if you prefer ChatGPT (and we know you probably do), then you’ll love this watch.
Key specs include extra-long battery life (nothing promises 13 days), blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, precise heart rate monitoring, and location tracking. For a smartwatch that often goes on sale for $79, that’s frankly hard to believe.
The dark horse’s choice: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Wait… the Ultra 2? Yes, the Ultra 2, not the latest flagship, the Ultra 3. Hear us out…
First, as long as you upgrade to the new watchOS 26, you can enjoy almost all of the new features that come with the more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 3 (priced at $799, or $779.99 at Amazon). Plus, you can now buy the latest generation Ultra 2 on sale for just $649, a big difference from the new version.
Look, if you’re the type of person who always wants the latest Apple gadget, spend more on the new model, which has a few upgrades. The display is a bit better, as is the battery life. But honestly? That’s about it. The new Ultra has arrived with the most iterative improvements possible. At the time, our resident Apple reviewer called it a “very minor upgrade.” So for our money, we’re going with the Ultra 2, which has a killer OLED display, 36-72 hours of battery life, and 3,000 nits of brightness.
Read our Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.
Best budget fitness tracker: Fitbit Charge 6
Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable
The Fitbit Charge 6 is… good. We included this popular Fitbit in our guide to the best fitness trackers of 2025 for a reason. For the average casual athlete, it does a great job of tracking your steps, heart rate, and activity.
Once upon a time, Fitbit was synonymous with fitness trackers. But to be honest, the brand is being lax. The newer Fitbits aren’t as comfortable as you might expect, especially for long workouts, and they can’t compete with Apple Watches, Garmin, or Pixel in the features department. For example, it lacks features like an altimeter, but on the plus side, we’re big fans of the Fitbit app. So much so that some of our reviewers buy another smartwatch but still use the Fitbit app to track their workouts.
So our verdict on the Fitbit Charge 6 is simply this: if you must.
The best Samsung smartwatch: Galaxy Watch 8
Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable
Let’s be clear: the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a fantastic and smart wearable, especially if you’re using Gemini. It’s a Mashable Choice product for a reason. It has a comprehensive feature set that offers everything you need in a smartwatch, fitness tracker, and sleep tracker. And we love the iconic circle design more than most people. It also benefits from Samsung’s cutting-edge design and technology.
Even though it was narrowly edged out by the Pixel Watch 4, we think you’ll be happy with this watch, especially if you’re already part of Samsung’s product ecosystem. It has a bright screen, great software, and smart health features including a new Sleep Coach. It also integrates Gemini in a smart way. Our reviewer’s only real gripe was with the battery life, which is fine, but not great.
Read our full Galaxy Watch 8 review.
