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After a very busy autumn, we finally have the new line of smartwatches from Apple, Samsung and Google. And so, whether you’re on the Apple team or the Android team, you’ve got some great options for your wrist. Now that we’ve tested the top new releases, we’re ready to name the best smartwatches of 2025. We’ve got good news: as long as you stick to the top smartwatches from these three brands, you really can’t go wrong.
The smartwatch market is getting very crowded, and that’s good news
In just the last few months, Samsung, Google, and Apple have launched new flagship smartwatches. Plus, the Venn diagram of the best smartwatches and best fitness trackers is quickly becoming a near-perfect circle. While brands like Garmin and Fitbit are more tailored to 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 monitoring.
There is also a huge variation in price. Recently released smartwatches include the relatively affordable Apple Watch SE 3 ($239.99) to the ultra-expensive Garmin Fenix 8 Pro ($1,199.99 to $1,999.99). However, you don’t need to spend a lot to get an amazing smartwatch. In fact, even if your budget reaches $100, you still have good options. Case in point: the ChatGPT-connected Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro, priced at $99 but generally 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 strong feelings and some choices that might surprise you.
Yes, we have chosen not to include the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 (for now). Yes, we think the $99 Nothing Watch is a smarter buy than the new Galaxy Watch 8 (which we also love). 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 for a much better price. Unfortunately, you harm your battery life. At 18 hours (versus 24 hours on the Series 11), you can’t really call this an all-day smartwatch. And while you also lose blood oxygen monitoring, is this really crucial for the average user? We don’t think like that.
Add to that the fact that the SE 3 is the first Apple Watch SE to include an always-on display, and you might wonder why you would buy the Series 11 in the first place. In addition to its gorgeous OLED screen, it has the same S10 chip inside the Ultra 3, the same water resistance as the Series 11, and all the necessary features you’re looking for in a smartwatch — all for $150 less than the Series 11.
Apple’s best update: Apple Watch Series 11
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
OK, so you 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-lasting battery. To be honest, there isn’t much to say beyond that. Apple can once again monitor blood oxygen (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 very similar to the Pixel Watch 3 at first glance, but look closer and you’ll notice a slightly more domed Actua display. It’s a subtle change, but we think it makes the new smartwatch look absolutely wonderful. We don’t hate the Galaxy Watch 8’s “squirrel” design like some people, but after comparing it to the Pixel Watch 4, let’s just say Google does it.
We were also impressed with 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 said the Pixel Watch 4 is a true runner’s watch. That means it’s stylish enough to wear to the office, but comfortable and smart enough to track your workouts.
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 Budget Pick: Nada CMF Watch 3 Pro
Credit: Lauren Allain/Mashable
Mashable readers have been a little crazy about this smartwatch since it was announced in July. And after testing it for 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 amazing it is for the price.” If you’re looking for the best smartwatch under $100, nothing comes close.
British brand Nothing is known for its unique designs that somehow feel retro and futuristic at the same time. CMF is the brand’s budget line (soon to be spun off into its own company), but it doesn’t perform like most cheap smartwatches. Firstly, it offers direct integration with ChatGPT, which not even the Apple Watch can do. Samsung and Google are eager for 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 long battery life (nothing promises 13 days), blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, and accurate heart rate monitoring and location tracking. For a smartwatch that usually retails for $79, that’s frankly hard to believe.
The Underdog’s Pick: Apple Watch Ultra 2
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
Wait… the Ultra 2? Yes, the Ultra 2, not the flagship Ultra 3. Hear us out…
First, as long as you update to the new watchOS 26, you’ll be able to 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 get the previous-generation Ultra 2 on sale for just $649, a big difference from the new version.
Look, if you’re the kind of person who always wants Apple’s newest gadget, spend more on the new model, which has some updates. The screen is a little better, as is the battery life. But honestly? And that. The new Ultra arrived with the most iterative improvements possible. At the time, our resident Apple reviewer called it “a very minor update.” So for our money, we’ll go with the Ultra 2, which has a killer OLED screen, 36 to 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… fine. We included this popular Fitbit in our guide to the best fitness trackers of 2025 for a reason. For the average casual athlete, it tracks your steps, heart rate, and activity well.
Once upon a time, Fitbit was synonymous with fitness trackers. But to be honest, the brand is slacking off. The latest Fitbits aren’t as comfortable as you’d expect, especially for long workouts, and they can’t compete with Apple, Garmin, or Pixel watches in the features department. For example, it’s missing features like an altimeter, but on the bright side, we’re big fans of the Fitbit app. So much so that some of our reviewers buy a different smartwatch but still use the Fitbit app to track their workouts.
So our verdict on the Fitbit Charge 6 is simply this: if necessary.
The best Samsung smartwatch: Galaxy Watch 8
Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable
Let’s be clear: the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a fantastic, smart wearable, especially if you use Gemini. It’s a Mashable Choice product for a reason. It has a full feature set that offers everything you need in a smartwatch, fitness tracker, and sleep tracker. And we like the squirrel’s unique design more than most people. It also benefits from Samsung’s precise design and technology.
Although it was narrowly beaten by the Pixel Watch 4, we think you’ll be happy with this watch, especially if you’re already in the Samsung product ecosystem. It has a bright screen, great software, and smart health features, including a new Sleep Coach. It also integrates Gemini in some clever ways. Our reviewer’s only real complaint was the battery life, which is good but not great.
Read our full Galaxy Watch 8 review.
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