Which smartwatch should you buy? Start with your phone
A smartwatch has to work with your phone first, so that is the place to begin. After that, the choice comes down to battery life, sensors and how much you train. Health readings on any of these are a guide, not a medical measurement.
Based on listed specifications, not hands-on tests. Links are partner links.
1. Best full-featured iPhone watch
Apple Watch Series 12 GPS
It checks heart rate variability every five minutes, offers fitness metrics such as heart rate zones, and can detect a severe fall or car crash.
2. Simple start for iPhone users
Apple Watch SE 3 GPS
It covers workouts, fall and crash detection and everyday notifications, with up to 18 hours of battery life.
3. Best choice for Android phones
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
It builds a daily Energy Score from sleep and pulse data and offers fitness coaching. It suits Samsung phones especially well.
4. Best for regular athletes
Garmin Venu 4
Garmin Coach gives daily suggestions based on activity, recovery and sleep, and it includes over 80 sports and outdoor apps.
5. Best slim tracker
Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracker
If you mainly want stress, workout and sleep tracking rather than a full smartwatch, a slim band like this is enough.
6. Simple watch for calls and basics
AcclaFit smartwatch
It handles Bluetooth calls, more than 140 sports modes and IP68 protection. Expect the basics rather than the depth of the bigger brands.
Which one to choose
iPhone users should look at Apple first, and Android users at Samsung or Garmin. If you only want to track steps, sleep and workouts, a simple tracker will do the job.