10 Best Smart Watches 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is a well-rounded smartwatch that suits those looking for a comprehensive health and fitness companion combined with stylish design and strong connectivity. It works best with iPhones, ensuring smooth integration with apps and notifications. The always-on Retina display is bright and clear, making it easy to check stats or read messages even in bright sunlight. Battery life lasts about 24 hours under normal use, which should cover a full day, and the quick charging option lets you top up fast when needed.

Health tracking is a major strength here — it can monitor blood pressure trends, ECG, blood oxygen levels, sleep quality with a sleep score, possible sleep apnea signs, and even detect falls or car crashes for emergency help. Fitness features include detailed workout metrics and guided sessions with Apple Fitness+, which appeals to active users. It’s also swimproof with 50m water resistance and dust resistant, making it durable for everyday wear and exercise.

Design-wise, it’s slim and lightweight, comfortable for 24/7 wear, and comes with customizable bands and finishes like rose gold. On the downside, battery life is decent but not standout compared to some competitors offering multiple days, and it relies heavily on iPhone connectivity, so Android users won’t get full functionality. Some advanced health features require user setup and understanding to make the most of them. This makes the Series 11 ideal for iPhone users wanting a stylish, feature-rich watch with strong health insights and solid fitness tracking, while those seeking longer battery life or cross-platform use might look elsewhere.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a robust and feature-rich smartwatch designed especially for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It works seamlessly with iPhones from the Xs model onward, making it a great choice if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem. The watch sports a large 49mm bright OLED display that’s easy to read in different lighting conditions, including a handy flashlight mode.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 42 hours with regular use and stretching to 72 hours in low power mode, which is helpful for long adventures. Its titanium case and sapphire crystal screen provide excellent durability, plus it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, suitable for swimming, diving, and water sports.

Fitness and health tracking are comprehensive, covering everything from running and cycling to swimming and even skiing. It offers detailed metrics like heart rate zones, running power, sleep tracking including sleep apnea alerts, blood oxygen levels, and irregular heart rhythm notifications. The built-in GPS is precise with dual-frequency support, ideal for outdoor workouts.

One standout safety feature is satellite communication for emergency texting when you’re out of cellular or Wi-Fi range, alongside fall and crash detection, which adds peace of mind during risky activities. The cellular version lets you make calls, stream music, and stay connected without your phone nearby.

Customization is flexible with four different band styles and a programmable physical action button for quick access to key functions. Given its large size and rugged design, it might feel bulky if you prefer a smaller, lighter watch for daily casual wear. Also, it’s a premium device with a price to match, making it best suited for users who truly need advanced sports and safety features.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 suits active users who want a durable, powerful smartwatch packed with health insights, safety tools, and excellent connectivity, while those looking for a simple everyday smartwatch might find it more than they need.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm) offers a sleek, lightweight design that fits comfortably for all-day wear, making it a good choice if you want a smartwatch that doesn’t feel bulky. Its 1.3-inch round touchscreen has a clear 480 x 480 resolution, providing easy-to-read notifications and updates at a glance. The watch runs on Wear OS powered by Samsung, which means it supports a wide range of apps and works well with many Android phones, though Apple users may find compatibility limited.

Battery life is solid enough to get you through the day with typical use, tracking steps, heart rate, and notifications without frequent charging. It includes advanced fitness and health features like heart rate tracking, sleep coaching, a running coach, and even vascular load monitoring to help manage stress. These tools can really benefit those focused on improving their fitness or health habits.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth and built-in GPS, enabling phone-free workouts and easy syncing. The watch is water-resistant, suitable for everyday wear and light swimming, though it’s best to check exact water resistance ratings before heavy water exposure. Customization options include various watch faces and interchangeable bands, allowing you to personalize the look to suit casual or sporty styles. The personal AI assistant and improved user interface make managing your day and notifications straightforward. Users who frequently use many apps may need to charge daily, and some fitness features may be more suited to runners or fitness enthusiasts than casual users. The Galaxy Watch 8 combines strong health tracking and smart features with a comfortable design, making it a solid pick for Android users seeking a versatile smartwatch.