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 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.

The Apple Watch Series 10 in the 42mm GPS version is a strong choice for anyone already in the Apple ecosystem, as it works seamlessly with iPhones running iOS 18 or later. Its always-on Retina display is bright and sharp, offering up to 30% more screen space than before, which makes interacting with apps and notifications easier. The design is noticeably thinner and lighter, ensuring comfortable everyday wear.

Fitness and health tracking are major highlights here. The watch supports a wide range of workouts, from running and swimming to yoga and even wheelchair exercises. It offers advanced health insights like ECG readings, sleep tracking with apnea detection, cycle tracking, and vital sign monitoring such as heart rate and respiratory rate. Safety features like fall and crash detection add peace of mind by connecting you to emergency services if needed. Battery life is rated at about 18 hours for typical use, which might require daily charging, but the fast-charging feature helps regain 80% battery in around 30 minutes—a practical touch. Water resistance up to 50 meters and dust resistance make it durable for swimming and outdoor activities.

Connectivity options include GPS, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, and support for Apple Pay, making it easy to stay connected and make payments on the go. The watch also offers good customization with various bands and watch faces to suit your style. The battery life may feel short if you use many features throughout the day, and it requires an iPhone to unlock its full potential, so it's not ideal for Android users. Additionally, the price point might be higher compared to other smartwatches with similar fitness tracking capabilities. This smartwatch is well suited for iPhone users wanting a stylish, health-focused device with plenty of smart features and strong safety tools, who do not mind charging it nightly.