Back in the day, I had a SpiderMan analog watch that I probably didn't know how to read. Now, the world has incredible smartwatches from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google that make the clock the least impressive feature.
While smartwatches today are heavily focused on detailed 24/7 health and wellness tracking, many have other advanced features, like a companion Android app, touchscreen display, call and/or text messaging support, installable applications, customizable watch faces, and voice assistants.
Also: Samsung unveils Galaxy Watch 6 series: Price, release date, best features
With so many different Android smartwatches on the market, finding the best one for your wrist can be difficult. researched the best models on the market, including thorough testing of our choice for the best Android smartwatch overall -- theSamsung Galaxy Watch Pro 5 -- to help you make the best buying decision. Through our research and testing, we were sure to consider factors like display, battery life, durability, and health suite. Here's how they stack up against each other and on your wrist.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro specs: Display: 1.4 inch, 450 x 450 pixels AMOLED Battery life: Two days Dimensions: 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5mm Weight: 46.5 g Water resistance: 5 ATM+IP68 LTE cellular option: Yes
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the ultimate health companion when it comes to Android smartwatches. With improved sensors from its predecessor, this smartwatch can better track your sleep, body composition, and tough workouts. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is encased in lightweight titanium for a comfortable but durable smartwatch.
From night to day, this watch has features for analyzing your health around the clock. Advanced Sleep Coaching provides a sleep score based on how long and deep your sleep was, as well as insight into how many calories you burned in your sleep. But where does this watch truly excel? In tracking your workouts and analyzing your body composition via an improved, curved sensor for greater accuracy.
This Pro model is a bit more rugged than the base model, as users can import GPX files for hiking and biking. The titanium casing and tough sapphire glass display suggest this watch is up for any adventure.
As much as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is for tracking workouts, it's also built for a more casual experience. With a 590mAh battery, you will get all-day power for crushing your workout after a long day in the office. Additionally, when you sync your watch with your Galaxy devices you can access your phone notifications from your wrist.
"The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is easily the best wearable for Android smartphone owners and it excels in all of the smartwatch categories," says wearables expert, Matthew Miller.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: The best wearable for Android fans
View now at Samsung View now at Target View now at Crutchfield more buying choicesSamsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic specs: Display: 1.5-inch 480x480 Super AMOLED (47mm) and 1.3-inch 432x432 (43mm) Battery life: Up to 40 hours Dimensions: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm (47mm) 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm (43mm) Weight: 59g (47mm) and 52g (43mm) Water/Dust resistance: 5ATM/IP68/MIL-STD-810H LTE cellular option: Yes
Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, along with the Galaxy Watch 6, at its 2023 Unpacked. Both of the 6 series watches promise the One UI 5 software update, which promotes a deeper focus on sleep tracking, fitness, and safety features. However, the 6 Classic offers the biggest Samsung Watch display (1.5 Super AMOLED) and opts for a unique rotating bezel.
The bright display coupled with the unique form may make for more enjoyable, vibrant interaction, especially when enabling always-on display, but stay tuned for our expert's full review.
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic starts at$399 for the 43mm option and$429 for Galaxy's largest sized wearable to date -- 47mm. You can preorder the watch right now and the unit will be fully available starting August 11th.
Also: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic v. Watch 5 Pro: Which smartwatch is best for you?
View now at SamsungGoogle Pixel Watch specs: Display: 41mm AMOLED Battery life: 24 hours Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm Weight: 36 g Water resistance: 5ATM+IP68 LTE cellular option: Yes
At 41mm, the Google Pixel Watch is one of the smaller smartwatches on the market, but it's just as capable as larger competitors. In fact, the Google Pixel watch combines Fitbit and Google technology, so you get the best of both worlds.
According to our wearables expert Matthew Miller, "the Fitbit integration is a key element in making the watch more compelling, but there is still work cut out for Google to simplify the smartwatch experience."
The ECG app can help measure your heart rhythm while working out, sleeping, or sitting behind your desk at work. The smartwatch can track 40 different types of exercise, along with Active Zone Minutes, calories burnt, and steps.
With a Corning Gorilla Glass screen, you get a beautiful display experience, and WearOS technology provides you access to email, maps, and even Google Assistant. Plus, when you pair this watch with a phone in the Pixel line or an Android 8.0+ phone, the experience goes to a whole new level.
Review: Google Pixel Watch: Not the Apple of Android (yet)
Although this watch retails for slightly more than other smartwatches on this list, its durable build, Fitbit fitness tracking capabilities, and WearOS technology make it a must-have for Google Pixel loyalists.
View now at AmazonMobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 specs: Display: 1.43 inches, 466 x 466 pixels AMOLED Battery life: Up to 4 days Dimensions: 50.1 x 48 x 12.2mm Weight: 44 g (no strap) Water resistance: 5 ATM LTE cellular option: No
You would think that the best smartwatch to support Google's WearOS would be the Pixel Watch, but that award may be more fitting with Mobvoi's latest TicWatch Pro 5. It's the successor to the enthusiast-favorite TicWatch Pro 3 and builds from it with a sportier design, improved battery life, and performant Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus chip.
From the outside, the TicWatch Pro 5 looks like the rugged, outdoorsy timepieces offered by Garmin, Coros, and Amazfit, with its stainless steel framing, rubberized watch band, and subtle grooves throughout. There are two physical buttons to the right of the watch; one for menu functions and another that can be dialed for more precise navigation.
Review: Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
From 's testing, the TicWatch Pro 5 impresses the most with its endurance. Thanks to the ultra-low-power (ULP) display, which is a monochrome screen that shows essential information like time, date, and steps when you're not actively using the watch, and a more efficient processor, the TicWatch can last up to 80 hours per charge.
View now at Amazon View now at Mobvoi more buying choicesFossil Gen 6 smartwatch specs: Display: 1.28 inches, 416 x 416 pixels AMOLED Battery life: 24 hours Dimensions: 44 x 44 x 12mm Weight: 99 g Water resistance: 3 ATM LTE cellular option: No
When you think of Fossil, you probably think about elegant analog watches, leather bags, and wallets. Now, you can get an elegant smartwatch from the luxury brand, and the Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch is the best example. With bands ranging from stainless steel to leather, Fossil is offering here a modern smartwatch with an old-school, fancy look.
With Alexa built-in, you'll have access to the weather, smart home devices, and news all with the sound of your voice. And with Google's WearOS technology, you have full access to messages, maps, and fitness tracking on your wrist.
Although this smartwatch has an impressive design that looks much like a fancy analog watch, the activity tracking features are not as robust as more fitness-centric alternatives. Granted, with a watch that looks as great as the Fossil Gen 6, working out with this smartwatch may be the least of what you use it for.
View now at Amazon View now at Walmart View now at Best Buy more buying choicesFitbit Versa 4 specs: Display: 1.69 inches, 336 x 336 pixels AMOLED Battery Life: Six days Dimensions: 39.9 x 39.9 x 10.9mm Weight: 24 g Water resistance: 50m LTE cellular option: No
Nobody knows your body better than you -- and maybe this Fitbit Versa 4. This smartwatch calculates a Daily Readiness Score, which tells you if a hard workout should be on your schedule for the day, or if you should prioritize rest. If your readiness score is enough to warrant exercise, the Fitbit app will suggest workouts and Active Zone Minutes so you can maximize your body's energy.
A thin and lightweight design with this Fitbit Versa 4 maximizes comfort without minimizing screen visibility on the 1.7-inch display. Along with the minimalist exterior design, the interface navigation is very intuitive. Though this smartwatch doesn't feature WearOS technology, you can still access Google Maps, Google Wallet, as well as your phone calls and messages when your Android phone is nearby.
Also: Best Fitbit fitness trackers: Expert reviewed
The 6-day battery life enhances fitness and sleep tracking technology, because you don't have to take it off for charging every day. And even if your Fitbit Versa 4 loses battery, you can get a full day's charge in just 12 minutes.
View now at AmazonWhen it comes to choosing which Android smartwatch is the best, you'll realize right away that the options are limited. Samsung leads the way in developing smartwatches that rival the Apple Watch, but you sometimes pay a premium for powerful smartwatches.
This table compares the top models based on price, screen size, and battery life, which can all dramatically impact your experience.
Best Android smartwatch | Starting price | Screen size | Battery life | Water resistance | LTE support |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | $380 | 1.2 inches | 2 days | 5 ATM | Yes |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | $399 | 1.7 inches (43mm) and 1.85 inches (47mm) | 40 hours | 5 ATM | Yes |
Google Pixel Watch | $349 | 1.2 inches | 24 hours | 5 ATM | Yes |
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 | $349 | 1.43 inches | 4 days | 5 ATM | No |
Fossil Gen 6 | $239 | 1.28 inches | 24 hours | 3 ATM | No |
Fitbit Versa 4 | $160 | 1.58 inches | 6 days | 50m | No |
Every Android smartwatch in this list features different features, designs, and best-use cases. That being said, there's a smartwatch for everyone. If you want the best overall Android smartwatch, go with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, or opt for Samsung's newest addition -- the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. But if you want a powerful smartwatch on a budget, the Fitbit Versa 4 could make the perfect choice.
Before you purchase the newest accessory for your wrist, consider our recommendations based on priorities.
Choose this Android smartwatch... | If you want... |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | The best overall Android smartwatch, equipped with two days of battery life. It also has improved sensors, as well as sleep and health tracking. |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | Samsung's newest Galaxy watch series with upgraded sleep tracking and health insights, a bigger and brighter display that works seamlessly with a rotating bezel. |
Google Pixel Watch | One of the smaller smartwatches on the market that integrates both Google and Fitbit's comprehensive ecosystems. With a beautiful display encased in a Corning Gorilla Glass screen, the watch is both aesthetic and durable. |
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 | A smartwatch with the latest WearOS features, a rugged design, and battery endurance to match. Thanks to a more efficient display and processor, the TicWatch can last up to four days per charge. |
Fossil Gen 6 | An Android watch with a "luxe," analog feel, Alexa built-in, and Google's WearOS technology. This is perfect to wear from the office to the gym, to tracking time and exercise. |
Fitbit Versa 4 | A budget smartwatch with Android and iOS compatibility that uses a "Daily Readiness Score". This way, you can not only track burned calories, but also your body's overall wellness state. |
In addition to research, nothing is more telling of quality than personal experience. Some of the smartwatches included in this list were chosen based on how they performed when tested by the team. In both our research and testing, we heavily considered the following factors:
You can use a Samsung Galaxy watch with a non-Galaxy Android smartphone. You will need to install a couple of Samsung companion applications on your smartphone, including Galaxy Wearable and Watch plug-in. The Galaxy Wearable app is used to manage the connection, settings, and apps on the watch. Samsung Health also provides you with richer health data.
However, Samsung Galaxy watches are optimized for Samsung phones, including support for Samsung Pay and the Samsung ecosystem.
Samsung and Google do. An additional service plan is required for cellular connectivity directly on the watch. Unlike the Apple Watch, your Android phone is not required to be on for the service to work.
While the watch can act as a standalone mobile device, a phone is required to set up the watch for cellular connectivity. A world where your entire watch lives on your phone is not yet an option, but technology is advancing -- we'll get there someday.
The most innovations in the last couple of years have been in health and fitness tracking. While smartwatches are not medical devices, they have sensors, algorithms, and applications to help you track trends in your heart rate, stress level, blood oxygen levels, and more. You can use it as a basic ECG to check if further investigation is needed.
All of these smartwatches can also serve as capable GPS sports watches to track the details of your outdoor activities. Exercise guidance is provided on the watch with connected health applications on your smartphone so you can keep track of your progress, too.
Each person has a unique reason as to why they want to purchase a smartwatch. Most people are interested in the health-tracking features that a smartwatch can offer. Health tracking, coupled with calling, texting, and all of the capabilities found on a smartphone, typically encourage people to pull the trigger.
We chose the best Android smartwatches for a variety of price points and preferences. That said, these Android smartwatches are also worth considering:
The Samsung Galaxy 4 Watch boasts up to 361mAh battery (large size), fast charging, and up to a 40-hour run time. It also promises advanced sleep tracking via its SPO2 sensors and body composition analysis.
View at AmazonThe Fitbit Luxe looks more like jewelry but still totes comprehensive sleep and fitness tracking for about$130.
View at Amazon